cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of first-order kinetic transients encountered during enzyme assay.

Abstract A method is described for the measurement of the rate parameters which describe first-order kinetic transients often encountered during enzyme assay. This evaluation is accomplished by fitting the data to the general expression describing first-order transients. A method which obviates the need to perform a conventional nonlinear least-squares analysis is described. The partial derivative of the variance of the fit with respect to the transient rate constant has been solved explicity and is shown to be solely a function of the data. The root of this function yields the optimum value for the transient rate constant and can be easily determined by performing a simple, bisectional root finding algorithm. Using this transient rate constant, the remaining rate parameters, i.e., the initial and steady state rate of reaction, are subsequently determined via a straightforward multiple linear regression of the data to the general first-order rate expression. The derivation of this expression as well as the formulas to be used in performing these calculations are presented. Advantages and limitations of evaluating assays in this manner are discussed in relation to existing procedures. Assay in which the steady state cannot be fully achieved before the assay must be terminated are especially appropriate to this procedure. This method saves time and is not as subjective as conventional graphical methods. The calculations described are ideally suited to, though not restricted to, situations where a computer is on line with the measurement device during assay. Limitations on the usefulness of this method occur when the first-order model is an inappropriate description of the transient in question.
The conrotatory ring opening of -bicyclo[4.2.0] Oct-7-ene. I. Trapping , -1,3-cyclooctadiene with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate.

The ring opening of cis-bicyclo[4.2.0] act-7-ene, t, to c&, cis-1,3cyclooctadiene, 2 has been thoroughly studied in the last few years. 1,2 The reaction proceeds at a reasonable rate only at temperatures near 250°. The high activation energy of the reaction is consistent with the theory of Woodward and Hoffmann which predicts that disrotatory ring opening of a cyclobutene should be an unfavorable process. The corresponding WoodwardHoffmann allowed process, conrotatory ring opening to *, trans-1,3-cyclooctadiene, _3, has not been observed although the reverse reaction occurs readily at 80°.4-6 Thus, it seemed likely to us that conrotatory ring opening (1+3) does occur at temperatures much lower than those necessary for the dis"_ rotatory opening, but that the reaction had not been observed because the equilibrium between the cyclobutene and the diene lies far to the left. We wish to present evidence supporting this viewpoint.
The role of the solvent in equilibrium and kinetic aspects of metal chelate extractions

Abstract Equilibria and kinetics for the extraction of nickel(II) and copper(II) by 2-hydroxy-5-nonylbenzophenone oxime (LIX 65N) in seven organic solvent systems were studied in order to test the validity of several hypotheses related to the role of the solvent in equilibrium and kinetic aspects of metal chelate extraction. For the nickel—LIX 65N system, the extraction constant is essentially independent of the solvent system, whereas for the copper—LIX 65N system, the extraction constant is not independent of solvent; this indicates that while the stoichiometry of the nickel chelate remains the same in all solvents, that of copper does not. The observed rate constant for the nickel—LIX 65N extraction was found to vary inversely with the LIX 65N distribution constant as predicted from a mechanism involving slow formation of the 1:1 complex. The observed reaction rate constant for the copper—LIX 65N varied inversely with the square of the distribution constant, also in accordance with the previously postulated mechanism of the slow formation of the 2:1 copper complex. This study, therefore, unequivocally eliminates the interfacial mechanism in favor of the homogeneous chemical reaction mechanism for the extraction of metal ions by LIX 65N, as well as by other similar high-molecular-weight extractants.
Congenital Imperforate Submandibular Duct in a Newborn

Varried conditions such as ranula, epidermal/dermal inclusion cyst, lymphatic cyst, thyroglossal cyst, sialolithiasis, branchial cleft cyst are known to produce swelling in the floor of mouth. Rarely imperforate or duplication anomaly of submandiblar duct may produce cystic lesion in the floor of mouth. We present a case of congenital imperforate submandibular duct with cyst formation in a newborn. We also review the literature regarding management.
Substance-Involved Women Inmates: Challenges to Providing Effective Treatment

This article describes the substance involvement and treatment needs of women in state prisons. Women are a rapidly growing portion of the inmate population, largely due to drug law violations and substance abuse problems. However, few receive comprehensive substance abuse treatment while incarcerated. When treatment is available, it is often not adequate to meet the manifold needs of this population: Poor health, risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV, psychological problems, histories of victimization, family responsibilities, and a lack of marketable employment skills greatly complicate their recovery process. Treatment programs for women inmates should be greatly expanded and need to be intensive, comprehensive, and gender specific. Such intensive treatment, especially when combined with aftercare, can reduce recidivism and assist women in becoming contributing members of their families and communities.
Cellular immunity to human insulin in individuals at high risk for the development of type I diabetes mellitus.

Abstract In order to investigate the role of insulin as a potential target autoantigen of cellular immunity in the prediabetic period, proliferative responses of T lymphocytes to human insulin were studied in nine islet-cell antibody (ICA)+ first-degree relatives of patients with Type I diabetes (individuals at high risk for the development of Type I diabetes, or the ‘prediabetic’ group, which was never treated with insulin) and in 12 control individuals. Insulin autoantibodies were present in 6 9 (67%) of the prediabetic subjects and none of the controls. peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected on Ficoll and incubated with human insulin, control antigens, or media alone for 5–6-day and 9–10-day incubation periods. Cells were pulsed with 3H-thymidine, harvested, and analysed in a scintillation counter. Results are expressed as stimulation index (SI = cpm with antigen/cpm without antigen), with a SI ≥ 1.5 considered a positive response. Eight of nine (89%) prediabetic individuals responded positively to insulin after a 9–10-day incubation period, in contrast to four of 12 (33%) control subjects, P
Behavioral Science---Management Science: A Behavioral View

A data-based, nonpolemic approach to the integration of the study of human behavior and management science ought to be feasible. Yet, the proponents and propagators of such behavioral terms as Theory Y, open-systems, encounter groups, Motivator-Hygiene variables, the Management Grid, and others have often exhibited more management than science. In this column, we will try to put away the buzz-words and take a “Behavioral Science” perspective. By “Behavioral” we refer to any data collected from observations of human behavior, much of which is to be found in the fields of psychology, sociology, political science, and, upon occasion, that part of the field of economics which concerns itself with the real world. “Science” refers to serious attempts at objective inquiry, although controversy may exist as to satisfaction of the objectivity.
FEYNMAN RULES FOR THE YANG--MILLS FIELD: A CANONICAL-QUANTIZATION APPROACH. II.

An attempt has been made to derive covariant Feynman rules for the massless Yang-Mills field, starting with canonical methods of quantization. In this paper we will summarize the techniques involved in such a program, along with a few preliminary results. Working in the radiation gauge (${\ensuremath{\partial}}_{i}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{b}}}_{i}=0$), we find that there is an infinity of noncovariant vertices. We obtain a noncovariant set of rules to describe them to any order. Working with the suggested set of rules, we first prove that all tree diagrams can be described by a covariant set of Feynman rules. Secondly, to order ${g}^{2}$, we find that the one-loop diagram can also be made covariant. However, apart from the usual three-vector and four-vector vertices, the covariant loop contains an extra vertex of vector-scalar-scalar type and the scalar loop occurs with a weight factor of -2 with respect to the vector loop.
Long-term average control of a continuous, monotone process

We analyze optimal control problems for systems subject to random deterioration and failure. The system is replaced at failure and our objective is to optimize the utilization of the system between failures. The problems are new in that the payoff depends on the running maximum of a diffusion. This provides an intuitively appealing model for naturally monotone phenomena such as wear. The long-term average control problem is reduced to a family of simpler, single-cycle problems, a formula for the invariant measure for the (controlled) process is determined and a computational scheme based on the decomposition and formula is given.
Photoabsorption of Ba and Na in an electric field: Manifestation of strong-field-mixing resonances

We have observed large oscillations in the photoabsorption cross sections of Ba and Na in the presence of an electric field. The two-step laser excitation technique allowed the use of various polarization combinations for studying the oscillations in the vicinity of the zero-field ionization limits. Thus, we could for the first time determine the relative contributions from two entirely different theoretical models: The quasibound $m=0$ states (strong-field-mixing resonances) on the one hand, and symmetry-induced oscillator-strength cancellations on the other. We found that the model of strong-field-mixing resonances alone is able to account for all our experimentally observed cross-section oscillations.
Performance analysis of object-space matching for building extraction using several images

In previous work we presented a system, MULTIVIEW, used to generate 3D building hypotheses starting from sparse features, hypothesized building corners, extracted from multiple views of the scene. This technique results on knowledge about the imaging geometry and acquisition parameters to provide rigorous geometric constraints for the matching process. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated using complex aerial imagery taken with highly oblique views containing buildings with flat or peaked roofs. The MULTIVIEW system uses multiple views based on the successive incorporation of new image data into an existing partial solution. This approach allows the generation of data not seen in the initial images and increases the 3D positioning accuracy of derived object models by simultaneous solution of the collinearity equations. In this paper we provide a detailed performance analysis on the 3D buildings constructed by MULTIVIEW. We evaluate these results with respect to several issues including: (1) Metric accuracy of building recovery. (2) The ability to improve detection and delineation as the number of views are increased. (3) The effect of image processing order on building detection and delineation. The implications of incremental construction of detailed 3D structures are examined with respect to manually derived ground truth data.
N-Halamine-Based Antimicrobial Additives for Polymers: Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity.

A series of 3-alkyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin derivatives were prepared by reacting 5,5-dimethylhydantoin with alkyl bromides with different alkyl chain lengths (C-2 to C-22). Upon chlorination, the hydration derivatives were transformed into 1-chloro-3-alkyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoins (CADMH). The structures of the samples were fully characterized with FT-IR, 1H NMR, UV, and DSC analyses. The antimicrobial functions of CADMH were challenged with 108-9 cfu/mL of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria). All the samples provided a total kill of the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in less than 30 min. CADMH were used as antimicrobial additives for polymeric materials. It was found that the presence of as low as 1% of CADMH could provide the samples with potent antimicrobial functions. The structure−antimicrobial efficacy relationships of the CADMH are further discussed.
Mechanisms of tumor vascular priming by a nanoparticulate doxorubicin formulation.

Purpose Tumor vascular normalization by antiangiogenic agents may increase tumor perfusion but reestablish vascular barrier properties in CNS tumors. Vascular priming via nanoparticulate carriers represents a mechanistically distinct alternative. This study investigated mechanisms by which sterically-stabilized liposomal doxorubicin (SSL-DXR) modulates tumor vascular properties.
Magnetohydrodynamic mechanism for pedestal formation.

Time-dependent two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations are carried out for tokamak plasmas with edge poloidal flow. Differently from conventional equilibrium theory, a density pedestal all around the edge is obtained when the poloidal velocity exceeds the poloidal sound speed. The outboard pedestal is induced by the transonic discontinuity, the inboard one by mass redistribution. The density pedestal follows the formation of a highly sheared flow at the transonic surface. These results may be relevant to the $L\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}H$ transition and pedestal formation in high performance tokamak plasmas.
585 RECURRENT SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN (RSAP) IN CHILDREN WITH LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Eight children ages 9 to 18 years were evaluated during a one year period because of RSAP without any discernable etiology. All eight had suffered significant disruption of their normal activities for periods ranging from three months to two years. 5/8 (63%) were hospitalized, 8/8 (100%) had KUB's and UGI x-rays, 6/8 (75%) had barium enemas, 4/8 (50%) had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 2/8 (25%) had sigmoidoscopy, 4/8 (50%) had Meckel's scan and 2/8 (25%) had small bowel biopsies. Lactose breath tests were positive in all 8. Six (75%) had complete and unequivocal clinical response to a rigid lactose free diet. One (12. 5%) had significant improvement but continued to have some symptoms and one (12.5%) had no response to a lactose free diet. Upon re-study the patient without response was found to have severe duodenitis. Three “responders” had history and findings strongly suggestive of an “allergic diathesis” including one with transient eosinophilia and one with eosinophilic infiltration of her small bowel mucosa. We conclude that: I) patients suffering from lactose intolerance may have RSAP; 2) such patients are at risk to have many unnecessary invasive procedures performed; 3) lactose breath testing is a simple and fruitful test for patients with RSAP; 4) RSAP from lactose intolerance may be a symptom of another primary process; 5) rigid lactose free diets may be necessary to achieve remission of RSAP.
d-band excitations in II-VI semiconductors: A broken-symmetry approach to the core hole.

Local-density approximation (LDA) band-structure calculations place the 3d band of zinc-blende ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe at 5.4, 6.4, 6.8, and 7.5 eV below the valence-band maximum (VBM), while photoemission measurements place them at 7.8, 9.0, 9.4, and 9.8 eV below the VBM, respectively. We show that this \ensuremath{\sim}3-eV LDA error can be accounted for using a ``broken symmetry'' band-structure approach. In this approach, a d core hole is placed in an impuritylike splitoff d subband resulting from the creation of the hole on a particular Zn sublattice. Self-consistent solutions to such a constrained LDA problem reveal that the final hole state is sufficiently localized to trigger a self-interaction correction of 3--4 eV, needed to explain the discrepancy with experiment. This 3--4 eV shift is reduced, by screening effects, from the 9.7-eV value in a free Zn atom. Finally, we calculated the binding energy ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{Mn}}$ for Mn 3d states in ZnTe:Mn and the effective Coulomb interaction parameter ${\mathit{U}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$. Significant improvements over the results of local-spin-density calculations were found. The calculated ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{Mn}}$=${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{VBM}}$-3.93 eV and ${\mathit{U}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$=6.85 eV are in good agreement with experiments.
The effect of healing touch on the pain and mobility of persons with osteoarthritis: a feasibility study

The aims of this pilot study were to investigate the effects of Healing Touch (HT) on the pain level, joint function, mobility, and depression in persons with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint(s). A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measures design was used. Cognitively intact persons (institutionalized and community) with a diagnosis of OA of the knee joint(s) received either HT sessions three times per week for 6 weeks (n = 12) or weekly friendly visits (FV) (n = 7). The HT sessions were delivered by a team of two nurses certified as HT practitioners and the FV was conducted by a nurse. All subjects continued to receive their standard care including the methods they had been using to relieve their joint pain. The two groups were similar regarding demographic variables, number of knees affected, co-morbidities, pain medications used and outcome variables at baseline. Two pain outcome measures (intensity and life interference) produced significant interaction effects. Two joint outcome measures (extension and extensor lag) also produced significant interaction effects. Furthermore, the HT group demonstrated significant improvements in 9 of the 12 outcome variables (75%) while no significant improvements occurred in the FV group. The HT group exhibited sustained effects (3 weeks post treatments) in three outcome variables. The reduction in joint pain and improvement in joint function suggest that biofield therapies could be effective non-pharmacological adjuncts to treatment of OA.
Intra-abdominal pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap for treatment of high-output enterocutaneous fistulae: Case reports and review of literature

Despite advances in nutritional supplementation, sepsis management, percutaneous drainage and surgical technique, enterocutaneous fistulae remain a considerable source of morbidity and mortality. Use of adjunctive modalities including negative pressure wound therapy and fibrin glue have been shown to improve the rapidity of fistula closure; however, the overall rate of closure remains poor. The challenge of managing chronic, high-output proximal enterocutaneous fistulae can be successfully achieved with appropriate medical management and intra-abdominal placement of pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flaps. We report two cases of recalcitrant high output enterocutaneous fistulae that were treated successfully with pedicled intra-abdominal rectus muscle flaps. Indications for pedicled intra-abdominal rectus muscle flaps include persistent patency despite a reasonable trial of non-operative intervention, failure of traditional operative interventions (serosal patch, Graham patch), and persistent electrolyte and nutritional abnormalities in the setting of a high-output fistula.
Femtosecond hot carrier energy redistribution in GaAs and AlGaAs

Excited carrier dynamics in GaAs and Al.2Ga.8As are investigated using femtosecond pump and continuum probe techniques. Absorption saturation measurements provide evidence for transient spectral hole burning due to split-off as well as heavy and light hole valence to conduction band transitions. The initial nonthermal carrier distribution thermalizes and assumes a broad energy distribution on a femtosecond time scale.
Iatrogenic Hyperthermia and Hypothermia in the Neonate

This article reviews the physiology of thermoregulation, hypothermia, and hyperthermia. The differential diagnosis of hypothermia and hyperthermia is discussed. The benefits of hypothermia following hypoxic-ischemic injury are discussed; however, both hypothermia and hyperthermia, in the extreme, are potentially harmful to the newborn. Recommendations for the prevention of these problems are discussed, as well as available treatments.
OPTIMAL TRACTOR REPLACEMENT: WHAT MATTERS?

A number of refinements are made to the classic model used in equipment replacement. This revised model is then used to analyze the importance of major variables and assumptions employed in equipment replacement analysis. The results suggest usage and repair costs have much greater influence on replacement than other factors. Most tax policy, in particular, seems to be of minor importance compared to usage and repair costs.
Unexpected decomposition in the reaction of bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oxalate with water

Abstract The kinetics of the hydrolysis of bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oxalate (DNPO) were studied by infrared spectroscopy. The changes in the carbonyl region showed that neither 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrogen oxalate nor oxalic acid could be detected. Simultaneously, the rate of evolution of carbon dioxide was measured in the reaction mixture and found to be equal to the disappearance of DNPO. Analysis of gaseous products confirmed the liberation of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide but their ratio did not match that from known reaction pathways. With diphenyl oxalate and phenyl 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl oxalate, hydrolysis to phenyl hydrogen oxalate was detected. On the basis of these observations a new reaction scheme is suggested that describes both hydrolysis and decomposition of the oxalates.
Comparison of ozone simulations using MM5 and CALMET/MM5 hybrid meteorological fields for the July/August 2000 CCOS episode

Abstract Two sets of meteorological fields were prepared for the July/August 2000 Central California Ozone Study (CCOS) episode. The first set was generated using the MM5 prognostic model. The second set was generated using the CALMET model in which the MM5-generated output was used as the initial guess field and objective analysis was used to improve agreement between simulated fields and observed air temperatures and wind speed components. The resulting CALMET/MM5 hybrid meteorological fields and those generated using MM5 alone were also used as inputs for the CAMx/SAPRC99 air quality model to simulation ozone concentrations for the July/August 2000 episode. Ozone concentrations simulated using the CALMET meteorological inputs resulted in better agreement with observed concentrations than those simulated using the MM5 generated inputs throughout the modeling domain. This analysis suggested that hybrid meteorological fields, developed by merging the results of objective analysis and prognostic models, can improve episodic air quality model performance over using prognostic meteorological fields alone.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and risk of sepsis.

Background Conventional C-reactive protein assays have been used to detect or guide the treatment of acute sepsis. The objective of this study was to determine the association between elevated baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the risk of future sepsis events. Methods We studied data from 30,239 community dwelling, black and white individuals, age ≥45 years old enrolled in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Baseline hsCRP and participant characteristics were determined at the start of the study. We identified sepsis events through review of hospital records. Elevated hsCRP was defined as values >3.0 mg/L. Using Cox regression, we determined the association between elevated hsCRP and first sepsis event, adjusting for sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race, region, education, income), health behaviors (tobacco and alcohol use), chronic medical conditions (coronary artery disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease) and statin use. Results Over the mean observation time of 5.7 years (IQR 4.5–7.1), 974 individuals experienced a sepsis event, and 11,447 (37.9%) had elevated baseline hsCRP (>3.0 mg/L). Elevated baseline hsCRP was independently associated with subsequent sepsis (adjusted HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.36–1.79), adjusted for sociodemographics, health behaviors, chronic medical conditions and statin use. Conclusion Elevated baseline hsCRP was associated with increased risk of future sepsis events. hsCRP may help to identify individuals at increased risk for sepsis.
Comparison and frequency of ventricular arrhythmias after defibrillator implantation by thoracotomy versus nonthoracotomy approaches

Postoperative exacerbation of ventricular arrhythmias has been reported in some patients treated with thoracotomy implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). This phenomenon, which may be related to epicardial patch electrodes, may be less frequent after nonthoracotomy ICD implantation. In this nonrandomized study, postoperative arrhythmias in thoracotomy approaches (n = 52) were compared with those in nonthoracotomy approaches (n = 59). Preoperatively, all patients were clinically stable receiving an antiarrhythmic regimen chosen by serial drug testing. Nine of 52 patients in the thoracotomy group developed sustained ventricular tachycardia postoperatively while receiving the same antiarrhythmic regimen chosen preoperatively, and 1 patient eventually died. Two additional patients developed frequent and prolonged episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia requiring changes in the antiarrhythmic regimen. In the nonthoracotomy group, only 3 of 59 patients developed sustained ventricular tachycardia and 1 developed frequent nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Thus, only 4 of 59 patients in the nonthoracotomy group developed clinically significant ventricular arrhythmia during the postoperative period compared with 11 of 52 patients in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). Surgical mortality was 6% in the thoracotomy group, and 0% in the nonthoracotomy group. In the remaining clinically stable patients, a marked (sevenfold) increase in asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias was noted in 15 of 39 patients in the thoracotomy group, and in 3 of 55 patients in the nonthoracotomy group (p < 0.05). Thus, postoperative exacerbation of ventricular arrhythmia, sometimes noted with thoracotomy approaches, is very rare with nonthoracotomy approaches.
Both processing speed and semantic memory organization predict verbal fluency in schizophrenia

We systematically examined the relationship of both lexical retrieval and semantic memory organization to categorical verbal fluency performance in 40 outpatient schizophrenic subjects and 16 healthy controls. Mean choice reaction time (RT) on a lexical decision task was used as a measure of lexical retrieval efficiency. The complexity of semantic memory organization was measured using a Pathfinder semantic network analysis (calculated as the number of inter-node links obtained from a similarity rating task). In the schizophrenia group only, RT and semantic network links were each significantly negatively correlated with fluency and, together, accounted for 23% of the variance in fluency. RT and links were not significantly correlated with one another. Findings were unrelated to age, sex, education, or medication dose. Controlling for IQ reduced but did not abolish the relationship between fluency and network links. We conclude that the restricted verbal output of schizophrenic subjects is related both to impaired lexical retrieval and to variation in semantic memory organization, which partly reflects general intelligence. The statistical independence of the retrieval speed and organizational factors suggests that individuals with schizophrenia differ in the underlying processes that contribute to their reduced verbal fluency.
Oxidative stress in songbirds exposed to dietary methylmercury

Long-term, sublethal methylmercury exposure can cause reproductive depression, immune suppression, endocrine disruption and other problems in birds. We used two biomarkers to detect oxidative stress in livers of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) developmentally exposed to sublethal levels of dietary methylmercury (0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 μg/g wet weight in diet). Our findings indicate that young adult finches exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of mercury in ovo and through their diets, exhibited oxidative stress in their livers. We measured the ratio of the antioxidant glutathione in its reduced form (GSH) versus its oxidized form (GSSG) and the activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme suite. Blood total mercury served as a proxy for liver mercury concentration, and was on average 8.4 times the dietary dose (e.g., birds consuming 0.6 μg/g had blood mercury levels of ~5 μg/g on a wet weight basis). Consistent with what is known from large, aquatic bird species, there was a significant, negative relationship between GSH/GSSG ratios and tissue mercury concentrations, which is indicative of oxidative stress. This relationship was driven by a significant increase in the oxidized glutathione in the livers of birds with higher blood mercury levels. SOD activity was also found to have a significant, negative relationship with blood mercury.
MCFQ: Leveraging Memory-level Parallelism and Application's Cache Friendliness for Efficient Management of Quasi-partitioned Last-level Caches

To achieve high efficiency and prevent destructive interference among multiple divergent workloads, the last-level cache of Chip Multiprocessors has to be carefully managed. Previously proposed cache management schemes suffer from inefficient cache capacity utilization, by either focusing on improving the absolute number of cache misses or by allocating cache capacity without taking into consideration the applications' memory sharing characteristics. In this work we propose a quasi-partitioning scheme for last-level caches, MCFQ, that combines the memory-level parallelism, cache friendliness and interference sensitivity of competing applications, to efficiently manage the shared cache capacity. The proposed scheme improves both system throughput and execution fairness -- outperforming previous schemes that are oblivious to applications' memory behavior. Our detailed, full-system simulations showed an average improvement of 10% in throughput and 9% in fairness over the next best scheme for a 4-core CMP system.
1-W average power levels and tunability from a diode-pumped 2.94-microm Er:YAG oscillator.

A tunable Er:YAG laser, side pumped by a quasi-cw InGaAs diode array, generates > 500 mW of power at 2.936 microm. The cavity is a 4-cm plano-concave resonator that uses total internal reflection on the pump face of the Er:YAG crystal to couple the diode emission into the resonating modes of the oscillator. Tuning is accomplished by angle tuning a 300-microm-thick YAG etalon. The tuning range is 2.933-2.939 microm. Thermal lensing limits the duty factor to 4% or 8%, depending on the Er:YAG crystal thickness (2 or 1 mm). A 2.5-cm-long resonator operates at an 11% duty factor and generates 1.3 W of average power.
The oxygenation of hemoglobin as a problem in surface chemistry

Abstract The reaction of oxygen with hemoglobin is cooperative, and the free energy change that causes the cooperative effect is believed to result from the conformational change in the hemoglobin molecule upon oxygenation. If hemoglobin is considered a colloid, the changes on the molecular level due to oxygenation can be estimated in terms of surface free energy. Because of the large surface area of such a system, small changes in surface free energy can result in significant changes in the total free energy of the system and, therefore, in the equilibrium. Specifically, changes in the surface free energy could contribute to the cooperative nature of the interaction and the variation of the equilibrium constant with pH and ionic strength. The approach outlined in this paper suggests a relatively simple way of estimating the variation of the equilibrium constant in a complex system where changes in surface free energy are significant.
Cytosolic factor(s) determines the impaired desensitization of beta-adrenoceptors in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Loss of membrane-bound beta-receptors in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats has been explained on the basis of enhanced agonist-induced desensitization. However, in both cardiac myocytes and cell-free preparations, isoproterenol and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase are less effective in desensitizing beta-receptors from hypertensive compared to normotensive animals. Reconstitution of cardiac membrances from hypertensive rats with cytosol from normotensive controls restores the ability of isoproterenol and protein kinase A to desensitize beta-receptors. Impaired desensitization in spontaneously hypertensive rats is, therefore, not due to intrinsic defects of the beta-receptor but, rather, to absence of regulatory cytosolic factor(s).
Atomic model of the papillomavirus capsid

Papillomaviruses propagate in differentiating skin cells, and certain types are responsible for the onset of cervical cancer. We have combined image reconstructions from electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) of bovine papillomavirus at 9 Å resolution with coordinates from the crystal structure of small virus-like particles of the human papillomavirus type 16 L1 protein to generate an atomic model of the virion. The overall fit of the L1 model into the cryoEM map is excellent, but residues 402–446 in the ‘C-terminal arm’ must be rebuilt. We propose a detailed model for the structure of this arm, based on two constraints: the presence of an intermolecular disulfide bond linking residues 175 and 428, and the clear identification of a feature in the image reconstruction corresponding to an α-helix near the C-terminus of L1. We have confirmed the presence of the disulfide bond by mass spectrometry. Our ‘invading arm’ model shows that papilloma- and polyomaviruses have a conserved capsid architecture. Most of the rebuilt C-terminal arm is exposed on the viral surface; it is likely to have a role in infection and in immunogenicity.
Relationship Between Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Strains and the Efficacy of BCG Vaccine in the Prevention of Tuberculosis

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination for the prevention of tuberculosis has been used in humans since 1921. Furthermore, for > 60 years it has been possible to separate BCG strains (defined here as a BCG vaccine maintained in a particular laboratory and used in a particular trial or set of trials) on the basis of in vitro and in vivo tests. Investigators have concluded that differences in the BCG strains used in efficacy trials on humans may be responsible for the wide range in levels of protection from tuberculosis reported in those trials. We review the development of the separate strains used in the trials included in a recent meta-analysis and examine data for and against the protective efficacy of different BCG strains. The difficulties in correlating results of in vitro and in vivo tests with protective efficacy in humans are discussed. The limited data available from human studies suggest that the BCG strain used for vaccination is not a significant determinant of the overall efficacy in the prevention of tuberculosis.
Effects of protamine on histamine release from human lung.

Animal mast cell models demonstrate direct histamine release by protamine. Investigators have proposed that protamine also releases histamine in man. We studied the effects of protamine alone and heparinprotamine mixtures on minced lung tissue for evidence of histamine release. We were unable to demonstrate the release of histamine despite positive anti-IgE controls. Nonimmunologic histamine release from human lung appears unlikely as a mechanism for portamine reactions in man.
A note on the alternating offer method

In determining the stationary subgame perfect equilibria in alternating offer bargaining procedures, a strictly monotonic equation is solved based on the concavity of the Pareto frontier. In this paper, the concavity assumption on the Pareto frontier is relaxed by finding the sufficient and necessary condition for the monotonicity of the resulting equations. Two equivalent conditions are presented. One of them can be considered as a special parametrized convexity concept.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF BEESWAX.

Abstract The radioactive carbon atom of sodium acetate - 2-C 14 injected into the body cavity of honey bees actively synthesizing wax was incorporated into the free acids and esters of the wax within a few hours. The specific activity of the wax was 5000 c.p.m.
Creating the Umwelt: From Chance to Choice

Individual semiotic systems interpreting their environment are not well understood from the externalist approach typical of the scientific method. Science constructs probabilities describing large populations of systems, not individuals. The Umwelt, as the individually experienced/created aspects of the habitat aspect of its population’s ecological niche, is given an internalist understanding within the framework of the compositional hierarchy. Vagueness is an important aspect of the internalist condition. It is selectively reduced momentarily by creative choices that can have a Peircean semiotic formulation, and which are often unpredictable externally, thereby appearing to be chance events.
A Capitol experience [IEEE Congressional Fellow, experience]

The author recollects the years he spent as an IEEE Congressional Fellow serving as a legislative assistant to a US senator. The author was assigned to two subject areas-transportation and the environment. The author discusses the things he had to learn to enable him to meet his job requirements and describes various aspects of his work. >
Ceramics for applications in fusion systems

Six critical applications for ceramics in fusion systems are reviewed, and structural and electrical problem areas discussed. Fusion neutron radiation effects in ceramics are considered in relation to fission neutron studies. A number of candidate materials are proposed for further evaluation.
A Numerical Simulation of AFR Switch of SI Engines

A novel mechanical method of achieving a rapid switch between stoichiometric and lean conditions for SI engines is explored. Two and three throttle configurations, a switch strategy which employs a standard intake manifold and an assembly of pipes and throttle(s), are investigated numerically by using a one-dimensional engine simulation program based on the method of characteristics. The results indicate that it is possible to achieve rapid AFR switch without a torque jump, i.e. unperceptible to the driver. © 1998 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Selling to Socially Responsible Consumers: The Private Provision of a Public Good

We model firms as competing for socially responsible consumers by linking the provision of a public good (environmentally friendly or socially responsible activities) to sales of their private goods. In many cases, too little of the public good is provided but under certain conditions, competition leads to excessive provision. Further, there is generally a trade-off between more efficient provision of the private and the public good. Our results indicate that the level of private provision of the public good varies inversely with the competitiveness of the private good market and that the types of public goods provided are biased toward those for which consumers have high participation value.
A Framework for Feature Selection for Background Subtraction

Background subtraction is a widely used paradigm to detect moving objects in video taken from a static camera and is used for various important applications such as video surveillance, human motion analysis, etc. Various statistical approaches have been proposed for modeling a given scene background. However, there is no theoretical framework for choosing which features to use to model different regions of the scene background. In this paper we introduce a novel framework for feature selection for background modeling and subtraction. A boosting algorithm, namely RealBoost, is used to choose the best combination of features at each pixel. Given the probability estimates from a pool of features calculated by Kernel Density Estimate (KDE) over a certain time period, the algorithm selects the most useful ones to discriminate foreground objects from the scene background. The results show that the proposed framework successfully selects appropriate features for different parts of the image.
Conditional Survival After Surgical Treatment of Melanoma: An Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

Survival curves following surgical treatment of cutaneous melanoma are heavily influenced by early deaths. Therefore, survival estimates may be misleading for long-term cancer survivors. We examined whether conditional survival (CS) is more accurate in predicting long-term melanoma survival. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1992–2005) to identify patients who underwent surgical treatment for melanoma. We included patients with T2–T4 disease and with known nodal status. Patients were stratified into low-risk (T2-3N0M0) and high-risk (T4N0M0 or T2-4N1-3M0) categories. We defined CS as time-specific estimates conditioned on living to a certain point in follow-up, and calculated 10-year cancer-specific survival curves conditioned on annual survival. We adjusted for potential confounders using a Cox proportional hazards regression model (α = 0.05). A total of 8647 patients met inclusion criteria (low-risk, 5987 [69.2%]; high-risk, 2660 [30.8%]). At diagnosis, low-risk patients had a significantly better 10-year survival rate (low-risk, 79.6%; high-risk, 41.2%; P < 0.001). On CS analysis, survival differences remained until 8 years after treatment, after which 10-year cancer-specific survival rates were no longer significantly different (P = 0.51) for low-risk (95.4%) and high-risk (91.7%) groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, gender, location, and ulceration (initial predictors of survival) were no longer predictive after 8 years of survival. For patients who survive 8 years after surgical treatment of melanoma, CS data become discordant with traditionally used estimates. Our findings have important implications for patient counseling, as high-risk melanoma survivors may require no more intensive surveillance than low-risk survivors 8 years after treatment.
Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate phosphatase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP) phosphatase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a Mg 2+ -independent and N-ethylmaleimideinsensitive 34-kDa vacuolar membrane-associated enzyme. It catalyzes the dephosphorylation of DGPP to form phosphatidate (PA) and then removes the phosphate from PA to form diacylglycerol (DAG). The enzyme is a member of the lipid phosphate phosphatase superfamily that contains a three-domain lipid phosphatase motif required for catalytic activity. Expression of the DPP1 gene, which encodes DGPP phosphatase, is induced by zinc depletion, by inositol supplementation, and when cells enter the stationary phase. Induction by zinc depletion is mediated by the transcription factor Zap1p, which binds to a zinc-responsive element in the DPP1 promoter. Repression of DPP1 expression is mediated by the transcription factor Gis1p, which binds to three post-diauxic shift elements in the promoter. Regulation of DPP1 correlates with the expression of DGPP phosphatase activity and the cellular levels of DGPP and PA. D 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Using mobile metallic temperature sensors in continuous microwave assisted sterilization (MATS) systems

The goal of this study was to evaluate suitability of using mobile metallic temperature sensors in continuous microwave assisted sterilization (MATS) systems. A computer simulation model using the finite difference time domain method was developed to study the influence of microwave field on the accuracy of mobile metallic temperature sensors, ELLAB, in a MATS system in which food packages with embedded sensors traveled on a conveyor belt. Simulation results indicated that the metallic temperature sensors did not change the overall heating patterns within food samples. But when a metallic temperature sensor was placed in parallel to the electric field component within microwave cavities the field intensity had intense singularity at the sensor tip and caused localized overheating. The electric field singularity adjacent to the tip of the metallic temperature sensor can be avoided by placing the sensor perpendicular to the electric field component. The simulated heating patterns and temperature profiles were verified with experimental results. It was evident from both simulated and experimental results that the metallic temperature sensor could be used to capture temperature profile in a MATS system when placed in a suitable orientation.
Estrogen and Progesterone Metabolites and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in the Aged Macaque Female

Abstract The study presented characterizes the ovarian and pituitary function of the aged female macaque through a complete annual reproductive cycle to compare hormone dynamics during the human and nonhuman primate menopausal transition. Data collected over an entire year from aged macaque females indicated that urinary FSHβ subunit baseline levels statistically significantly increased in females after age-related abnormal menstrual cycles occurred. These abnormal cycles were followed by anovulation and complete cessation of follicular activity. No statistically significant difference in urinary FSHβ subunit levels was seen between females that exhibited year-round normal ovarian cycles and those that exhibited seasonal ovarian cycles followed by an interval of anovulation during the nonbreeding season. Basal urinary estrogen metabolite levels were not observed to decrease until ovarian cycles became abnormal and FSHβ subunit levels began to rise. Early follicular phase circulating inhibin β levels were ...
Estimating Parameters of Pearson Type Iii Populations from Truncated Samples

Abstract The method of moments is employed with “single” truncated random samples; (1) to estimate the mean, μ, and the standard deviation, σ, of a Pearson Type III population when α3 is known; and (2) to estimate μ, σ, and α3 when only the form of the distribution is known in advance. No information is assumed to be available about the number of variates in the omitted portion of the sample. The results obtained can be readily applied to practical problems with the aid of “Salvosa's Tables of Pearson's Type III Function.” An illustrative example is included in the paper. * Presented before a joint session of the American Statistical Association, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and the Econometric Society, in New York, New York, on December 29, 1949.