cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An empirical analysis of hurricane evacuation expenditures

Very little is known about evacuation expenditures at the household level even though improved understanding of those expenditures can provide inputs for designing more effective evacuation programs and planning. We conducted a household survey in Harris and Galveston counties in Texas after being hit by hurricane Ike (one of the costliest hurricanes that have impacted the USA) to investigate the determinants of evacuation expenditures. Results suggest that household income, hurricane risks and household size are significant determinants of household evacuation expenditures. Our empirical analyses indicate that an average household would spend approximately $194 if a voluntary evacuation order is received and more than $300 if a mandatory evacuation order is received. These estimates may provide inputs for future hurricane evacuation planning.
Local anesthetic injection deep to the fascia iliaca at the level of the inguinal ligament: the pattern of distribution and effects on the obturator nerve

Abstract Study objective The femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and obturator nerves (ONs) can reportedly be blocked using a single-injection deep to the fascia iliaca (FI) at the level of the inguinal ligament. Two commonly used methods (the FI compartment and 3-in-1 blocks) have produced inconsistent results with respect to local anesthetic distribution and effect on the ON. To date, no study of either method has been performed using advanced imaging techniques to document both needle placement and local anesthetic distribution. We report the outcome of a series of 3-in-1 and FI blocks performed using ultrasound to guide needle position and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define local anesthetic distribution. Design Patients were prospectively studied, and images were interpreted using a randomized and blinded protocol. Setting The study was performed in the perioperative area of an academic orthopedic specialty hospital. Patients Ten patients (ASA 1-2) having anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction received either 3-in-1 or FI compartment blocks for postoperative analgesia using the surface landmarks described for these techniques. Interventions Ultrasound was used to position the injecting needle immediately deep to the FI. Local anesthetic distribution was studied using MRI. Measurements Patients were examined for motor and/or sensory function of the femoral, obturator, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to document the limits of injectate distribution. Main results Magnetic resonance imaging showed distribution of injectate over the surface of the iliacus and psoas muscles to the level of the retroperitoneum. No patient showed medial extension of injectate to the ON. At the level of the inguinal ligament, injectate extended laterally toward the anterior superior iliac spine and medially to the femoral vein. All patients had significant weakness with extension of the knee and sensory loss over the anterior, lateral, and medial thigh. No patient demonstrated decreased hip adductor strength. Conclusions Ultrasound and MRI show consistent superior extension of local anesthetic to the level of the retroperitoneum for both techniques. There was reliable clinical effect on the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. However, none of the injections produced evidence of ON block either at the level of the retroperitoneum or the inguinal ligament.
The Ins and Outs of CD1 Molecules: Bringing Lipids Under Immunological Surveillance

An emerging area of investigation is the role of lipids as immunological antigens. CD1 glycoproteins comprise a family of molecules that are specialized for presenting lipids, glycolipids and lipopeptides to T lymphocytes. Variations in the cytoplasmic tail sequences of CD1 isoforms lead to differential association with adaptor proteins and consequently divergent routes of intracellular trafficking, resulting in surveillance of distinct cellular sites for binding lipid antigens. CD1 molecules efficiently gain access to lipids from intracellular microbial pathogens in endosomal compartments, and the trafficking and lipid-binding specialization of CD1 isoforms may correlate with the endosomal segregation of structurally distinct lipids. Endosomal trafficking is also critical for CD1d molecules to load antigenic self-lipids that are presented to autoreactive CD1d-restricted natural killer (NK)T cells and is required for the positive selection of these unique T cells. Recent studies reveal a key role for accessory proteins that facilitate the uptake of lipid antigens by CD1 molecules. These include lysosomal lipid-transfer proteins, such as the saposins, and apolipoprotein E, the major serum factor that binds and delivers extracellular lipids to antigen-presenting cells. These advances in understanding the CD1 lipid antigen presentation system raise new considerations about the role of the immune response in lipid-related diseases.
Microanalysis of Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Membranes

In reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes, the active layer constitutes the main barrier to the transport of water and contaminants. In addition, membrane–foulant interactions occur at the active layer surface. Accordingly, the characterization of active layer properties, and interactions with water, contaminants, and foulants, greatly benefits membrane development and optimization cycles. In this article, we provide a brief review of eight characterization techniques that have proved to be useful for the aforementioned characterization objectives. The techniques covered are positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electrical/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). For each technique, we first describe basic concepts and then provide an overview of some key applications and findings of the technique in RO/NF membrane characterization. Keywords: reverse osmosis; nanofiltration; membranes; positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, PALS; Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, RBS; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, NMR; electrical/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS; scanning electron microscopy, SEM; transmission electron microscopy, TEM; atomic force microscopy, AFM
State Trade Missions

From 1997-2006, U.S. state governors led more than ve hundred trade missions to foreign countries. Trade missions are potentially a form of public investment in export promotion. I create a theory of public investment by introducing government to a Melitz (2003)-Chaney (2008) trade model. Controlling for state and country characteristics, the model predicts a positive relationship between missions and exports by destination. I create a data set on trade missions and match it with state export data, both with destination information. I estimate this relationship in the data, and reject the hypothesis that missions are to random destinations.
Hyperthreats: Hypercall-based DoS attacks

The cloud offers a new environment for achieving Denial of Service (DoS) conditions on targeted infrastructure. Once confined to the network, they are now conducted over the hypercall interface. These attacks are initiated by malicious, unprivileged guests with a goal of incapacitating hosting hypervisors. Because they are not packet-based, they cannot be detected or prevented using network security measures. The present study systematically explores this risk and develops a taxonomy of hypercall-based DoS attacks. For purpose of illustration, a denial of service is attempted against a Xen hypervisor. This scenario demonstrates that even a relatively simple attack could have significant implications for system stability. Finally, system for defending hypervisors against hypercall attacks is introduced. This mitigation observes N-grams and calculates the conditional probability of a sequence of hypercalls. The assumption is that exploits will be manifested as previously-unobserved sequences of hypercalls. The early results of testing are provided.
Insulin Stimulates Dephosphorylation of Phosphorylase in Rat Epitrochlearis Muscles

Abstract We have investigated the effects of insulin on the phosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase in skeletal muscle. Rat epitrochlearis muscles were incubated in vitro with 32Pi to label cellular phosphoproteins, before being treated with hormones. Phosphorylase, phosphorylase kinase, and glycogen synthase were immunoprecipitated under conditions that prevented changes in their phosphorylation states. Based on measurements of the activity ratio (-AMP/+AMP) and the 32P content of phosphorylase, 4-8% of the phosphorylase in untreated muscles appeared to be phosphorylated. Epinephrine promoted increases of approximately 4-fold in the 32P content and activity ratio. Neither these effects nor the epinephrine-stimulated increases in phosphorylation of glycogen synthase and phosphorylase kinase were attenuated by insulin. However, insulin at physiological concentrations rapidly decreased the 32P content of phosphorylase in muscles incubated without epinephrine. Results from peptide mapping experiments indicate that phosphorylase was phosphorylated at a single site in both control and insulin on phosphorylase represented a decrease in 32P of approximately 50%. By comparison, the 32P content of glycogen synthase and the beta subunit of phosphorylase kinase were decreased by only 20 and 16%, respectively; the 32P content of the kinase alpha subunit was not affected by insulin. The results provide direct evidence that insulin decreases the amount of phosphate in phosphorylase and phosphorylase kinase. These findings have important implications with respect to both the regulation of glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle and the mechanism of insulin action.
Intelligent control using fixed and adaptive models

The paper deals with the problem of intelligent control using multiple identification models, switching and tuning. This approach was introduced by the authors (1994) to improve the transient performance of adaptive systems in a stable fashion. The method is extended in this paper to the case where both fixed and adaptive identification models are included. The principal contribution of the paper is the demonstration of the stability of such adaptive switching systems for a general class of switching and tuning schemes. Extensive simulation results reveal that substantial improvement in performance can be obtained with the methods proposed, and this has been experimentally verified by others in robot control problems. >
Steady‐State Passive Films Interfacial Kinetic Effects and Diagnostic Criteria

This paper reports that the point defect model for steady-state passive films formed anodically on metal s in aqueous environments has been extended to include irreversible dissolution of the film and the irreversible generation and annihilation of cation and oxygen vacancies at the metal/film and film/solution interfaces. THe model yields a number of diagnostic criteria that can be used to identify the majority (vacancy) charge carrier and to characterize the kinetic nature of the interfacial vacancy generation and annihilation processes. We use these criteria to show that the steady-state passive film that forms on nickel in acidic phosphate buffer solutions is a cation conductor and that cation transport from the metal to the solution involves irreversible ejection of cations from the film. On the other hand, the passive film that forms on tungsten in the same environment under steady-state conditions is found to be an oxygen ion conductor with the passive current being determined by kinetically controlled film dissolution at the film/solution interface. These different behaviors are rationalized in terms of the relative energies for generation of cation and anion vacancies in the passive films.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis folate metabolism and the mechanistic basis for para-aminosalicylic acid susceptibility and resistance

para-Aminosalicylic acid (PAS) entered clinical use in 1946 as the second exclusive drug for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). While PAS was initially a first-line TB drug, the introduction of more potent antitubercular agents relegated PAS to the second-line tier of agents used for the treatment of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. Despite the long history of PAS usage, an understanding of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing the susceptibility and resistance of M. tuberculosis to this drug has lagged behind that of most other TB drugs. Herein, we discuss previous studies that demonstrate PAS-mediated disruption of iron acquisition, as well as recent genetic, biochemical, and metabolomic studies that have revealed that PAS is a prodrug that ultimately corrupts one-carbon metabolism through inhibition of the formation of reduced folate species. We also discuss findings from laboratory and clinical isolates that link alterations in folate metabolism to PAS resistance. These advancements in our understanding of the basis of the susceptibility and resistance of M. tuberculosis to PAS will enable the development of novel strategies to revitalize this and other antimicrobial agents for use in the global effort to eradicate TB.
Rapid Anatomical Plasticity of Horizontal Connections in the Developing Visual Cortex

Experience can dramatically alter the responses of cortical neurons. During a critical period in the development of visual cortex, these changes are extremely rapid, taking place in 2 d or less. Anatomical substrates of these changes have long been sought, primarily in alterations in the principal visual input from the thalamus, but the significant changes that have been found take 1 week. Recent results indicate that the initial physiological changes in the cortical circuit take place outside of the primary input layer. We now find that rapid plasticity of binocular responses in the upper layers of cortex is mirrored by similarly rapid anatomical changes in the horizontal connections between ocular dominance columns in the upper layers, which reorganize within 2 d.
Enhanced Breadth of CD4 T-Cell Immunity by DNA Prime and Adenovirus Boost Immunization to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Env and Gag Immunogens

A variety of gene-based vaccination approaches have been used to enhance the immune response to viral pathogens. Among them, the ability to perform heterologous immunization by priming with DNA and boosting with replication-defective adenoviral (ADV) vectors encoding foreign antigens has proven particularly effective in eliciting enhanced cellular and humoral immunity compared to either agent alone. Because adenoviral vector immunization alone can elicit substantial cellular and humoral immune responses in a shorter period of time, we asked whether the immune response induced by the prime-boost immunization was different from adenoviral vaccines with respect to the potency and breadth of T-cell recognition. While DNA/ADV immunization stimulated the CD8 response, it was directed to the same epitopes in Gag and Env immunogens of human immunodeficiency virus as DNA or ADV alone. In contrast, the CD4 response to these immunogens diversified after DNA/ADV immunization compared to each vector alone. These findings suggest that the diversity of the CD4 immune response is increased by DNA/ADV prime-boost vaccination and that these components work synergistically to enhance T-cell epitope recognition.
Fuzzy Linear Regression I

This chapter is a continuation of Chapter 11 and is based on [1]. We wish to use our Monte Carlo method to get approximate solutions for crisp numbers a i , 0 ≤ i ≤ m, to the fuzzy linear regression model $$ \overline{Y}=a_0+ a_1\overline{X}_1+...+a_m \overline{X}_m, $$ for \(\overline{X}_i\), 1 ≤ i ≤ m, triangular fuzzy numbers and \(\overline{Y}\) a triangular fuzzy number. The fuzzy linear regression model in equation (14.1) has been previously studied in [2]-[6]. In this model the independent variables \(\overline{X}_i\) will be given triangular fuzzy numbers, the dependent variable \(\overline{Y}\) will be a given triangular fuzzy number, so the best way to fit the model to the data is to use real numbers for the a i . If a i is also a triangular fuzzy number, then \(a_i\overline{X}_i\) will be a triangular shaped fuzzy number and the right side of equation (14.1) is a triangular shaped fuzzy number which is used to approximate \(\overline{Y}\) a triangular fuzzy number. If the a i are real numbers the right side of equation (14.1) will be a triangular fuzzy number which is better to use to approximate a triangular fuzzy number \(\overline{Y}\). The data will be \(((\overline{X}_{1l},...,\overline{X}_{ml}),\overline{Y}_l)\), 1 ≤ l ≤ n, for the \(\overline{X}_{il}=(x_{il1}/x_{il2}/x_{il3})\) triangular fuzzy numbers and \(\overline{Y}_l=(y_{l1}/y_{l2}/y_{l3})\) triangular fuzzy numbers. Given the data the objective is to find the “best” a j , 0 ≤ j ≤ m. We propose to employ our Monte Carlo methods to approximate the “best” values for the a j , j = 0,1,...,m.
14-3-3 Binding to Na+/H+ exchanger isoform-1 is associated with serum-dependent activation of Na+/H+ exchange.

Abstract Na+/H+ exchanger isoform-1 (NHE1), the ubiquitous form of the Na+/H+ exchanger, has increased activity in hypertensive patients and in animal models of hypertension. Furthermore, NHE1 is activated in cells stimulated with growth factors. We showed previously that activation of the exchanger is dependent on phosphorylation of serine 703 (Ser(P)703) by p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK). Because the NHE1 sequence at Ser(P)703 (RIGSDP) is similar to a consensus sequence (RSXSXP) specific for 14-3-3 ligands, we evaluated whether serum stimulated 14-3-3 binding to NHE1. Five different GST-NHE1 fusion proteins spanning amino acids 515–815 were phosphorylated by RSK and used as ligands in a far Western analysis; only those containing Ser(P)703 exhibited high affinity 14-3-3 binding. In PS127A cells (NHE1-overexpressing Chinese hamster fibroblasts) stimulated with 20% serum, NHE1 co-precipitation with GST-14-3-3 fusion protein increased at 5 min (5.2 ± 0.4-foldversus control; p < 0.01) and persisted at 40 min (3.9 ± 0.3-fold; p < 0.01). We confirmed that binding occurs at the RIGSDP motif using PS120 (NHE1 null) cells transfected with S703A-NHE1 or P705A-NHE1 (based on data indicating that 14-3-3 binding requires phosphoserine and +2 proline). Serum failed to stimulate association of 14-3-3 with these mutants. A GST-NHE1 fusion protein was phosphorylated by RSK and used as a ligand to assess the effect of 14-3-3 on protein phosphatase 1-mediated dephosphorylation of Ser(P)703. GST-14-3-3 limited dephosphorylation (66% of initial state at 60 min) compared with GST alone (27% of initial state; p < 0.01). The protective effect of GST-14-3-3 was lost in the GST-NHE1 P705A mutant. Finally, the base-line rate of pH recovery in acid-loaded cells was equal in unstimulated cells expressing wild-type or P705A-NHE1. However, activation of NHE1 by serum was dramatically inhibited in cells expressing P705A-NHE1 compared with wild-type (0.13 ± 0.02versus 0.48 ± 0.06 mmol of H+/min/liter, p < 0.01). These data suggest that 14-3-3 binding to NHE1 participates in serum-stimulated exchanger activation, a new function for 14-3-3.
Using multivariate quantitative genetics theory to assist in EA customization

Customizing and evolutionary algorithm (EA) for a new or unusual problem can seem relatively simple as long as one can devise an appropriate representation and reproductive operators to modify it. Unfortunately getting a customized EA to produce high quality results in a reasonable amount of time can be quite challenging. There is little guidance available to help practitioners deal with this issue. Most evolutionary computation (EC) theory is only applicable to specific representations, or assumes knowledge of the fitness function, such as the location of optima.We are developing an approach based on theory from the biology community to address this problem. Multivariate quantitative genetics theory characterizes evolving populations as multivariate probability distributions of phenotypic traits. Some advantages it offers are a degree of independence from the underlying representation, and useful concepts such as phenotypic heritability. Re-working the quantitative genetics equations, we expose an additional term that we call "perturbation". We believe that perturbation and heritability provide quantitative measures of the exploration and exploitation, and that practitioners can use these to identify and diagnose imbalances in customized reproductive operators.To illustrate, we use these tools to diagnose problems with a standard recombination operator for a Pittsburgh approach classifier system. With this knowledge we develop a new, more balanced, recombination operator, and show that its use leads to significantly better results.
Alteration of mesostasis in chondrules and aggregates from three C2 carbonaceous chondrites

Abstract Microprobe analyses of mesostasis glass and phyllosilicate (“spinach”) in a variety of chondrules and aggregates from the C2 chondrites Murchison, Essebi, and Renazzo suggest that a two-stage alteration process acted on glass to produce the current range of spinach compositions. The first stage was short, but active, coinciding both with a period of vigorous gardening of the C2 parent regolith and with the pervasive alteration that modified the proportion of matrix phyllosilicates in C2 meteorites. During this stage, mesostasis glass was hydrated and was Mg-enriched by limited reaction with chondrule and aggregate phenocrysts. The second alteration stage involved slow but extensive reactions between mesostasis material and altered matrix, resulting in a field of Fe-enriched spinach compositions that is distinctive for each meteorite.
Iatrogenic esophageal perforation in a premature neonate: A current nonoperative approach to management

Abstract Esophageal perforation in the neonate is uncommon but requires a prompt diagnosis in order to prevent further complications. We describe a case of a premature neonate presenting with bloody oropharynx aspirate after orogastic tube placement. Findings on plain film radiograph were consistent with esophageal perforation. Due to the patient's hemodynamic stability, the patient was treated non-operatively with favorable results. The current management of esophageal perforation in the neonate is a non-operative approach.
Variational Calculations in Geon Theory

Idealized spherical "geons," or gravitational-electromagnetic entities, of the type studied by Wheeler utilizing an electronic calculator, are here studied by using a simple adaptation of the Ritz variational principle. By using the simplest of trial functions, most of the relevant magnitudes are calculated with considerable accuracy.
Room Temperature Negative Differential Resistance in Nanoscale Molecular

Molecular devices utilizing active self-assembled monolayer (SAM) (containing nitroamine (2′-amino-4-ethynylphenyl-4′-ethynylphenyl-5′-nitro-1-benzenethiolate) and nitro (4-ethynylphenyl-4′-ethynylphenyl-2′-nitro-1-benzenethiolate) redox center) as the active component are reported. Current-voltage measurements of the devices exhibited negative differential resistance at room temperature and an on-off peak-to-valley ratio in excess of 1000:1 at low temperature.
Genetic Analysis Workshop 16: introduction to workshop summaries.

Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 GAW16) was held September 17-20, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The focus of GAW16 was on methods and challenges in analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from genome-wide scans. GAW16 attracted 221 participants from 12 countries. The 168 contributions were organized into 17 discussion groups of 6 to 17 papers each. Three data sets were available for analysis. Two of these were data from ongoing studies, generously provided by the investigators. The North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium provided case-control data on rheumatoid arthritis, and the Framingham Heart Study made available information on cardiovascular risk factors for participants in three generations of pedigree data. The third data set included simulated phenotypes for participants in the Framingham Heart Study, using actual pedigree structures and genotypes. This volume includes a paper for each of the 17 discussion groups, summarizing their main findings.
Browser-based applications: popular but flawed?

Browser-based applications (BBAs), applications built on top of web browsers, dominate the world of Internet Applications today but are fundamentally flawed because the web browser is a weak platform for applications. Three characteristics of the browser—page orientation, statelessness, and limited computation—combine to produce a set of practical problems for BBA users. These problems include delays and discontinuities, confusion and errors, clumsy interfacing and limited functionality, printing problems, and filing difficulties. The paper analyzes these usability problems, providing numerous examples and tracing them back to underlying browser characteristics. The paper also examines the factors that make BBAs so popular despite their flaws. The paper concludes by considering directions for understanding the phenomenon better and for improving the current state of Internet Applications.
An inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) release from cultured pituitary cells

Abstract 5, 8, 11, 14 eicosatetraynoic acid (“ETYA”, Roche 3-1428) is a competitive inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism. It effectively inhibits the action of both the lipoxygenases and the fatty acid cyclooxygenases both of which utilize arachidonic acid as a substrate. In the present work, we have shown that ETYA stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) release from cultured pituitary cells (ED 50 = 10 μg/ml). Stimulation is not due to contaminants present in the preparation, since highly purified ETYA (characterized by GC-MS) stimulates release, while contaminants removed by silicic acid chromatography do not. In addition, neither oxidized solutions of ETYA nor arachidonic acid itself stimulate LH release. ETYA stimulated release is dose dependent and is inhibited by ions which antagonize Ca 2+ action. The observation that neither indomethecin (10, 100 μg/ml) nor meclofenamate (1.0, 10 μg/ml) stimulate LH release suggests that the effect of ETYA cannot be explained by an action on cyclooxygenase. The action of ETYA may be mediated either via an effect on lipoxygenase or through some nonspecific action (such as altered membrane fluidity).
Developmental cell death in vivo: Rescue of neurons independently of changes at target tissues

Programmed cell death is a prominent feature of neural development that is regulated by a variety of cell-cell interactions. We used the avian ciliary ganglion to dissect the relative contributions of target tissues vs. ganglionic inputs in regulating cell death. The two populations of the ciliary ganglion innervate different targets: choroid neurons innervate vasculature, whereas ciliary neurons innervate the iris and ciliary body. By counting after labeling all neurons with Islet-1 and choroid neurons with anti-somatostatin, we determined that alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-btx) at 12.5 microg/day rescued only ciliary neurons, whereas 75 microg/day rescued both ciliary and choroid neurons. It is unlikely that alpha-btx acted by blocking nerve transmission at both targets because the choroid vasculature lacked transcripts for alpha-btx binding molecules. In addition, no inherent trophic activity could be ascribed to alpha-btx, and survival could not be attributed to differences in total trophic activity of eyes from saline vs. alpha-btx-treated embryos. In contrast, the alpha7 antagonist alpha-methyllycaconitine (MLA) rescued ciliary neurons at 2.6 microg/day, whereas 26 microg/day rescued choroid neurons. Nerve terminals of ciliary neurons rescued with alpha-btx were significantly larger; however, differences in nerve terminal size or branching of axons were not observed in ciliary neurons rescued with MLA or choroid neurons rescued by either MLA or alpha-btx. Our results suggest that neuronal survival can be promoted independently of changes at the target tissues when orthograde signals acting by means of neuronal alpha7 nicotinic receptors are blocked.
Nonadiabatic electron heating at high-Mach-number perpendicular shocks

Fully kinetic simulations of high-Mach-number (HMN) perpendicular collisionless shocks are described. It is shown that electron acceleration in the cross-shock electron field can produce downstream electron temperature significantly higher than those expected for adiabatic compression. The momentum space for test electrons at Mach 6 is illustrated.
Hydration status of community-dwelling seniors

Background and aims: Dehydration is the most common fluid or electrolyte disorder among older persons. This study was designed to examine the hydration status of community-dwelling seniors. Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected from 67 independently living volunteers (65–93 yrs) who had functional limitations but no condition that contraindicated 10 min of moderate exercise. Forty-six subjects who were not diabetic, had fasted for 12 hours, and had blood glucose levels ≤115 mg/dL were thus included. Urine and serum samples were analyzed for osmolality (mosm/kg), Na+ (mmol/L) and K+ (mmol/L). Whole blood was analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb, g/dL) and hematocrit (Hct, %) and urine for specific gravity (USG). Means and standard deviations for the current data were compared with normal values. Results: All values were within normal ranges except urine osmolality. Conclusions: While changes associated with aging may predispose an individual to dehydration, functionally limited, independently living older individuals demonstrate normal hydration status following a 12-hr fast. This suggests that dehydration is not solely a function of the aging process, but may be more related to concomitant medical conditions or dependent living.
Foraminifera and Rb-Sr glauconite ages of a Paleocene Beaufort Formation outcrop in North Carolina

A 3.3-m section of the Paleocene Beaufort Formation, which crops out along Mosley Creek at the Lenoir-Craven county line, North Carolina, consists of alternating, unconsolidated, sandy, foraminiferal-glauconitic sediments and thinner, slightly glauconitic, foraminiferal biomicrosparites. A single Beaufort Formation sample collected from unconsolidated sediments about 1.5 m below the Paleocene-Eocene boundary was analyzed for foraminifera and radiometrically dated by glauconites. The occurrence of Globorotalia aequa Cushman and Renz, G. pseudomenardii Bolli, G. pseudobulloides (Plummer), and Globigerina triloculinoides Plummer indicates that the sample is Thanetian in age and is part of the P4 planktonic foraminiferal zone. The zone, identified by the occurrence of Globorotalia pseudomenardii , has a suggested absolute age range of 56 to 58 m.y. Three hand-picked, mammillated to lobate, glauconite concentrations were separated from the same sample and analyzed for Rb, Sr, and Sr-isotopic composition. Model ages of 64.5, 55.7, and 57.8 m.y. (λRb 87 = 1.39 × 10 −11 yr −1 ) using an initial Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratio of 0.7078 were determined. Although the older age (64.5) is anomalous, the average model age of 56.8 m.y. for the two younger determinations is in excellent agreement with recent time-scale estimates for the late Paleocene. The results suggest that hand-picked glauconites with a well-documented diagenetic history can yield Rb-Sr radiometric ages accurate to within 1% to 2%.
On the Use of a Gauss Filter in the Deconvolution of Lorentzian Spectral Lines

It is well known that when the FIRO deconvolution method is used, maximum resolution enhancement results from self-deconvolution, e.g., when a Lorentz filter is used to deconvolute a mostly Lorentzian line shape [Applied Spectroscopy 35, 271 (1981)]. Unfortunately, self-deconvolution can also distort the line shape and introduce side lobes. In this paper it is shown that a Gauss filter can be used to deconvolute a Lorentzian line or lines and produce some resolution enhancement without significantly distorting the line shape or introducing other undesirable features.
c-Myc and AP4: a relay team for metabolic reprogramming of CD8+ T cells

AP4, a transcription factor induced by the functionally related transcription factor c-Myc, maintains the cellular metabolic program for the sustained activation and population expansion of CD8+ T cells after the dynamic loss of c-Myc expression.
Central nervous system infarction related to cocaine abuse.

Cocaine use in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, and increased availability of "crack" since 1983 has noticeably increased the incidence of neurovascular complications. In this report, we examine the relationship between cocaine use and ischemic infarct.This study reports 18 cases of ischemic cerebrovascular events, which occurred among 15 men and three women aged 21-47 years who were evaluated in a 2-year period. Clinical presentations include thirteen cases with hemispheric infarcts, two brain stem strokes, two anterior spinal artery infarcts, and one with both hemispheric and cerebellar infarcts. Nine patients smoked crack, four snorted cocaine, and three injected it intravenously. In two cases, the route of administration could not be determined. Two patients died, but the other survived with various degrees of neurological deficit.Traditional risk factors for strokes were identified in only six patients, suggesting that these factors are not necessary for the occurrence of a cocaine...
Loss analysis for optical MCM based optical link

Sources of loss occurred in optical MCM (multi-chip module) based optical link is investigated by simulations. An optical MCM is composed of an organic substrate, polymer waveguides, optochips, and connectors. In an optical link, two optical MCMs played as data transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) are connected by a multimode fiber (MMF). Polymer waveguides are laminated and optochips are flip chip bonded on the organic substrate. At the entrance and end of each waveguide, there are a pair of turning mirrors. In TX, the light is emitted by a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and then go through the upper cladding layer. After reflected by a turning mirror the light propagates along a 1-cm long straight polymer waveguide. At the waveguide end, light is reflected again and propagate toward a MMF. Coupling between waveguide and MMF is realized by a double lens connector. In RX, light comes from the MMF and propagates as similar way, and is collected by a photo diode (PD). The total link loss includes loss caused by turning mirror roughness is about 5 dB. This helps us to optimize link design for dense aligned high-speed optical MCM link system.
Modeling ethephon-temperature interactions in cotton

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growers are increasingly using growth regulators such as ethephon (2-chloroethyl-phosphonic acid) for crop management. Ethephon is widely used as crop terminator to facilitate early harvest. When applied on cotton, ethephon has been shown to have an effect on defoliation, boll opening, immature fruit abscission, and end-season growth. A process-level simulation model was developed using data collected under controlled-environment conditions over a range of temperatures and water regimes. Equations were developed for the physiological processes involved, i.e., rate of boll opening, immature fruit abscission, and defoliation. Stress parameters were also calculated to alter the growth of cotton after ethephon application. The ethephon model was tested and incorporated into the cotton management system GOSSYM/COMAX. The model simulations were compared with observed data over a range of climatic conditions.
Impact of amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms on clinical care for neonates with seizures.

Abstract Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) was recently introduced into neonatal intensive care in the United States. We evaluated whether aEEG has changed clinical care for neonates with seizures. This study included all 202 neonates treated for seizures at our hospital from 2002-2007. Neonates monitored with aEEG (n = 67) were compared with contemporary control neonates who were not monitored, despite the availability of aEEG (n = 57), and a historic control group of neonates treated for seizures before our neonatal intensive care unit initiated aEEG (n = 78). Eighty-two percent of those receiving phenobarbital (137/167) continued treatment after discharge, with no difference among groups. Adjusted for gestational age and length of stay, no difference among groups was evident in number of neuroimaging studies or number of antiepileptic drugs per patient. Fewer patients undergoing aEEG, compared with contemporary (16/67 vs 29/57, respectively, P = 0.001) or historic (n = 38/78, P = 0.002) controls, were diagnosed clinically with seizures without electrographic confirmation. We conclude that aEEG did not increase neuroimaging tests, and did not alter antiepileptic drug use. However, diagnostic precision regarding neonatal seizures improved with aEEG because fewer neonates were treated for seizures based solely on clinical findings, without electrographic confirmation.
A fluorescent enzyme immunoassay for Salmonella detection.

Abstract A double antibody sandwich immunoassay (EIA) was developed for the detection of Salmonella. The assay utilizes a β-galactosidasemurine myeloma monoclonal antibody (M467) conjugate prepared with the heterobifunctional coupling reagent, N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) and uses 4-methyl umbelliferyl β-D-galactoside as a fluorogenic substrate for the enzyme. The EIA is sensitive and rapid, and compared favorably with the conventional cultural technique in the analysis of 60 feed samples naturally contaminated with Salmonella. Proteins or natural contaminants from the sample did not interfere in the assay.
Spectra and structure of some pentavalent trimethyl-triphenylarsenic derivatives

Abstract The infrared spectra of mulls of the trimethylarsenic dihalides, (CH3)3AsX2, are reported and assignments have been made by comparing these spectra with those of the deuterated analogs, (CD3)3AsCl2 and (CD3)3AsBr2. These compounds have a pentacovalent trigonal bipyramidal structure in the solid state when X is F or Cl, but have an ionic structure with tetracovalent arsenic a halide ion when X is Br or I. 1H and 19F nmr spectra are reported for solutions of (CH3)3AsF2 and (CH3)3AsCl2 and are compatible with trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Triphenylarsenic difluoride, on the basis of the IR and 19F nmr spectra, is a pentacovalent trigonal bipyramidal molecule, but the structures of the corresponding chloride and bromide could not be unequivocally determined from their IR spectra. previously reported for these compounds by other workers. The discrepancy arises because even short exposure of triphenylarsenic dichloride or dibromide mulls to the atmosphere leads to the development of absorption peaks in the IR spectra which are characteristic of the triphenylarsenic hydroxyhalides. The IR spectra of pure samples of several trimethyl- and triphenylarsenic hydroxy compounds, R3AsOHY, were determined and compared with the spectrum of the deuterated analog R3AsODY.
A New, Accurate Method for the Measurement of Rise Velocities in Laminar Flames

A novel technique is introduced for the measurement of rise velocities of hot, laminar flames. The new technique is straightforward to implement, rapid to employ, and more accurate than previous methods based on the observation of moving heated particles. In the method, tiny individual droplets of a solution containing alkali or alkaline earth elements are repetitively introduced into the flame to be examined. The small cloud of atomic vapor which is produced upon atomization of a droplet is then monitored photo-metrically as it passes two well-defined points in the flame. Knowledge of the distance between the points and measurement of the time required for the atoms to traverse it thus enables the flame velocity to be calculated. Conveniently, velocity measurements with this technique are localized in the flame, thereby permitting spatial variations in flame velocity to be examined. Moreover, the negligible mass of the moving, measured atom cloud eliminates error otherwise caused by gravitational attraction and its decelerating effect. The utility of this new technique is demonstrated through the measurement of localized velocities in a laminar, air-acetylene flame.
Speed of Word Recognition as a Distinguishing Characteristic of Reading Disabilities

Theories of reading consider efficient world recognition a necessary if not sufficient condition for comprehension of texts; however, most studies of the word reading of reading disable (RD) studients have focused on accuracy, not speed. This paper reviews studies of the word-reading of RD or dyslexic students that include measures of reading speed. The results of the 17 studies are presented according to whether the RD students were matched with groups of the same chronological-age, or both. Overall, the results indicate that, regardless of the comparison group, RD students are slower at naming words and nonwords. The results of lexical decision tasks are les consistent, in part because of variations in methodology. Recommendations for effective measurement of word reading speed are given.
Some effects of certain environmental and inherited influences upon milk and fat production in dairy cattle.

Summary The IBM-DHIA records of 2,364 cows of four breeds were analyzed to study the effects of breed, season of calving, gestation, preceding dry period, and body weight upon milk, FCM, and butterfat production in southeastern United States. The total regressions for milk, FCM, and fat were highly significant due to the combined effects of the five variables with R 2 values of 40.5, 31.0, and 24.9%, respectively. Partial regressions of FCM and fat yield on season of calving, gestation, and body weight were significant. The effect of the length of preceding dry period in this study was negligible. Breed differences accounted for 11% of the variation in milk production, 7.4% of the variation in FCM production, but only 3.7% of the variation in fat yield.
Purification of anterogin, a protein factor necessary for the dispersion of carotenoid droplets in permeabilized xanthophores of goldfish.

Abstract We reported previously that the dispersion of carotenoid droplets in permeabilized xanthophores requires cAMP, ATP, and a cytosolic factor present in several secretory tissues as well as in xanthophores. We have now purified this factor from beef liver to apparent/near homogeneity. It appears to be a heterodimer with Mr approximately 125,000. The purified factor has little or no ATPase activity, with or without the presence of actin. Nor does it stimulate the ATPase activity of carotenoid droplets. Its exact function in carotenoid droplet dispersion is thus unclear. Since dispersion of carotenoid droplets is an anterograde translocation, we propose the name anterogin for this protein. We also report that yeast cytosol has anterogin activity.
Lattice equations associated with the Landau-Lifschitz equations

Abstract Equations with an elliptic pencil are studied which can be considered to constitute the (Darboux) Backlund transformations for the Landau-Lifschitz (LL) equation. The compatibility conditions yield a system that gives rise to a discrete version of the LL equations on a two-dimensional lattice. A continuum limit allows one to recover the hierarchy of LL equations from this system.
Direct proton magnetic resonance determination of the pKa of the active center histidine in thiolsubtilisin

The serine proteases constitute a group of endopeptidases whose members owe their catalytic activity to the presence of a catalytic triad of amino acids consisting of a serine, a histidine and an aspartate. The pKa values for this histidine have been determined for several cases in which there is a negative charge installed at the serine to mimic the oxyanionic intermediate and related transition state for the catalytic pathway. Instances from this laboratory include (1) replacement of the serine by a cysteine in subtilisin to create a thiolate; (2) formation of monoisopropylphosphoryl-Ser 195 monoanionic phosphodiesters (in trypsin and chymotrypsin, Ser 221 in subtilisins); and (3) tetrahedral boronates formed with peptide boronic acids. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals pertinent to this histidine, or signals indirectly reflecting the state of ionization of this histidine, have been used effectively to monitor changes in the active center ionization state. In every case studied, there is elevation of the pKa at the histidine when the negative charge is installed at the serine position. Herein is reported the first NMR measurement of the active center His 63 pKa in thiolsubtilisin Carlsberg; it is elevated by 3 units compared with the parent enzyme. Using a numerical solution (finite difference) of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, a protein dielectric constant of 4 provides a good estimate of the experimentally observed pKa elevations. Very significantly, a very low protein dielectric constant (ep = 3–5) is required in all of the comparisons, and for all three enzymes used (chymotrypsin, trypsin, and subtilisin). Finally, we discuss why the electrostatic perturbation sensed at His of the active center is more amplified by a negative charge on the Ser side than the same charge on the Asp side. A plausible explanation is that the positive charge on the imidazolium ring of the His is localized, with the Nδ1 carrying a smaller fraction, the Ne2 carrying the bulk of the positive charge.
Drowned and buried valleys on the southern New England continental shelf

Abstract Bathymetry and seismic reflection profiling have revealed a sequence of seven post-Jurassic drowned or buried drainage systems on the southern New England shelf. The basement and younger stream patterns have a dominant southward trend with preferred drainage avenues from the mainland to the middle shelf indicated by superposed valley ground positions from unconformity to unconformity over time. Fluvial action under stable tectonic conditions is inferred by low valley height/width ratios with higher ratios related to ice modification of inner shelf pre-glacial river valleys. Fluvial processes responding to sea-level withdrawals have greatly influenced the shelf's later development. Periodically during post-Paleocene time, sediment from subaerial erosion has been transported to the shelf edge by streams. Deltaic deposition on a subsiding base has controlled outbuilding on the outer shelf where the frequent presence of overlying drainage networks is the result of numerous sea-level regressions. Since Eocene time, sediment has been channelled to the deep sea via Block Canyon and its progenitor. Locally structures created by erosion and glacial deposition have governed drainage direction. On the inner shelf, late Tertiary - early Pleistocene streams were diverted southeastward and southwestward by the magnitude of Long Island's Coastal Plain escarpment and by secondary cuestas between eastern Long Island and Block Island. The probable eastern reach of Dana's southern Sound River valley can be traced from northeastern Long Island across Block Island Sound. An early Woodfordian end moraine of the Wisconsin stage impounded melt waters in Block Island and Rhode Island Sounds. Where the moraine was breached near Block Island, fans were formed adjacent to the water gaps. In Rhode Island Sound the earlier and later Woodfordian end moraines deflected some mainland drainage toward the southwest.