cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acrylonitrile and propionitrile complexes of metal chlorides in the first transition series

Abstract Acrylonitrile and propionitrile complexes of metal chlorides in the transition series from titanium to zinc were isolated and characterized. The two nitriles differ in their patterns of reaction with CrCl3 FeCl3 and NiCl2.
The combinatorial encoding of disjoint convex sets in the plane

We introduce a new combinatorial object, the double-permutation sequence, and use it to encode a family of mutually disjoint compact convex sets in the plane in a way that captures many of its combinatorial properties. We use this encoding to give a new proof of the Edelsbrunner-Sharir theorem that a collection of n compact convex sets in the plane cannot be met by straight lines in more than 2n-2 combinatorially distinct ways. The encoding generalizes the authors' encoding of point configurations by "allowable sequences" of permutations. Since it applies as well to a collection of compact connected sets with a specified pseudoline arrangement $$ \mathcal{A} $$ of separators and double tangents, the result extends the Edelsbrunner-Sharir theorem to the case of geometric permutations induced by pseudoline transversals compatible with $$ \mathcal{A} $$ .
Generalization of Monopoli's error augmentation and an application

A frequently used adaptive control signal processing technique often called error augmentation is generalized. A broader class of adaptive control structures is now allowed. As an illustration, a sensitivity- and robustness-specifying structure is given that requires the generalization. >
Hybrid modeling to predict the economic feasibility of mining undiscovered porphyry copper deposits

Few studies attempt to model the economic feasibility of mining undiscovered mineral resources given the sparseness of data; and the coupled, nonlinear, spatial, and temporal relationships among variables. In this study, a type of unsupervised artificial neural network, called a self-organized map (SOM), is trained using data from 203 porphyry copper deposit sites across the world. The sparse data set includes one dependent variable indicating the economic feasibility, and seventy two independent variables from categories describing characteristics of mining method, metallurgy, dimensions, economics, and amount. Analysis of component planes reveals relations and strengths in the underlying SOM multivariate density function which are used to impute missing values. Application of the Davies-Bouldin criteria to k-means clusters of SOM neurons identified 14 regional economic resource units (conceptual models). A best subsets approach applied to median values from these models identified 20 statistically significant combinations of variables. During model fitting by the multiple linear regression technique, only four of the empirical models had variables that were all significant at the 95% confidence level. The best model explained 98% of the variability in economic feasibility and incorporated variables describing distance to natural gas, road, and water; and the total amount of resources. This model was independently validated by comparing predictions of economic feasibility at 68 mine sites not included in the training data. Eighty-four percent of the reported economic feasibility is correctly predicted with 8 false positives and 2 false negative. We demonstrate the application of this model to a permissive copper porphyry tract that crosses a portion of British Columbia and Yukon territories of Canada. The proposed hybrid approach provides an alternative modeling paradigm for translating estimates of contained metal into meaningful societal measures.
On a bifurcation theory-based prognosis methodology for characterizing multiple damage mechanisms

Prognosis integrates physics based models of damage, noninvasive real time interrogation techniques and data/signature analysis to predict future performance. One of the significant capabilities essential for the prognosis methodology to work is to develop analysis methods for multiple and interacting damage and failure mechanisms. In this paper the proposed methodology has been demonstrated with the help of a nonlinear multi-degree-of-freedom system which exhibits multiple phenomenological damage phenomenon. It is shown that the participation factors for the bifurcating damage modes can be used to characterize the damage mechanism.
Characterization of an Autotrophic Sulfide-Oxidizing Marine Arcobacter sp. That Produces Filamentous Sulfur

A coastal marine sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic bacterium produces hydrophilic filamentous sulfur as a novel metabolic end product. Phylogenetic analysis placed the organism in the genus Arcobacter in the epsilon subdivision of the Proteobacteria. This motile vibrioid organism can be considered difficult to grow, preferring to grow under microaerophilic conditions in flowing systems in which a sulfide-oxygen gradient has been established. Purified cell cultures were maintained by using this approach. Essentially all 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride-stained cells in a flowing reactor system hybridized with Arcobacter-specific probes as well as with a probe specific for the sequence obtained from reactor-grown cells. The proposed provisional name for the coastal isolate is “Candidatus Arcobacter sulfidicus.” For cells cultured in a flowing reactor system, the sulfide optimum was higher than and the CO2 fixation activity was as high as or higher than those reported for other sulfur oxidizers, such as Thiomicrospira spp. Cells associated with filamentous sulfur material demonstrated nitrogen fixation capability. No ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase could be detected on the basis of radioisotopic activity or by Western blotting techniques, suggesting an alternative pathway of CO2 fixation. The process of microbial filamentous sulfur formation has been documented in a number of marine environments where both sulfide and oxygen are available. Filamentous sulfur formation by “Candidatus Arcobacter sulfidicus” or similar strains may be an ecologically important process, contributing significantly to primary production in such environments.
Collision judgment when using an augmented-vision head-mounted display device.

Purpose A device was developed to provide an expanded visual field to patients with tunnel vision by superimposing minified edge images of the wide scene, in which objects appear closer to the heading direction than they really are. Experiments were conducted in a virtual environment to determine whether users would overestimate collision risks. Methods Given simulated scenes of walking or standing with intention to walk toward a given direction (intended walking) in a shopping mall corridor, participants (12 normally sighted and 7 with tunnel vision) reported whether they would collide with obstacles appearing at different offsets from variable walking paths (or intended directions), with and without the device. The collision envelope (CE), a personal space based on perceived collision judgments, and judgment uncertainty (variability of response) were measured. When the device was used, combinations of two image scales (5x minified and 1:1) and two image types (grayscale or edge images) were tested. Results Image type did not significantly alter collision judgment (P > 0.7). Compared to the without-device baseline, minification did not significantly change the CE of normally sighted subjects for simulated walking (P = 0.12), but increased CE by 30% for intended walking (P 0.25). For the patients, neither CE nor uncertainty was affected by minification (P > 0.13) in both walking conditions. Baseline CE and uncertainty were greater for patients than normally sighted subjects in simulated walking (P = 0.03), but the two groups were not significantly different in all other conditions. Conclusions Users did not substantially overestimate collision risk, as the x5 minified images had only limited impact on collision judgments either during walking or before starting to walk.
B-1 cells in the bone marrow are a significant source of natural IgM

Natural IgM antibodies secreted in the absence of antigenic challenge are important contributors to antimicrobial immunity and tissue homeostasis. Early studies identified BM and, to a lesser extent the spleen, as main tissue sources of this spontaneously secreted IgM. However, the responsible B-cell subset has never been identified. Using multicolor flow cytometry, cell sorting and chimeric mice in which B-1 and B-2 cells and their secreted antibodies are distinguished by their Ig-allotype, we unequivocally identify the natural IgM-secreting cells in spleen and, for the first time, in the BM as IgM(+) IgD(lo/-) CD19(hi) CD43(+) CD5(+/-) B-1 cells. The newly identified population of BM B-1 cells shows many of the phenotypic characteristics of splenic B-1 cells but is distinct from B-1 cells in the peritoneal cavity, which generate at best very small amounts of IgM. Antibody-secreting spleen and BM B-1 cells are distinct also from terminally differentiated plasma cells generated from antigen-induced conventional B cells, as they express high levels of surface IgM and CD19 and lack expression of CD138. Overall, these data identify populations of non-terminally differentiated B-1 cells in spleen and BM as the most significant producers of natural IgM.
Adherence to Antiemetic Guidelines in Patients with Malignant Glioma: A Quality Improvement Project to Translate Evidence into Practice

A quality improvement project was implemented to improve adherence to evidence-based antiemetic guidelines for malignant glioma patients treated with moderately emetic chemotherapy (MEC). Poorly controlled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) reduce cancer treatment efficacy and significantly impair cancer patients’ quality of life (QOL). A review of Duke University Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (PRTBTC)’s usual practice demonstrates a high incidence (45 %) of CINV, despite premedication with short-acting 5-HT3-serotonin-receptor antagonists (5-HT3-RAs). National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)’s evidence-based guidelines recommend the combination of the long-acting 5-HT3-RA palonosetron (PAL) and dexamethasone (DEX) for the prevention of acute and delayed CINV with MEC. Low adherence (58 %) to antiemetic guidelines may have explained our high CINV incidence. One-sample binomial test, quasi-experimental design, evaluated a combination intervention that included a provider education session; implementation of risk-assessment tool with computerized, standardized antiemetic guideline order sets; and a monthly audit-feedback strategy. Post-implementation adherence to evidence-based antiemetic order sets and patient outcomes were measured and compared to baseline and historical data. Primary outcome was the guideline order set adherence rate. Secondary outcomes included nausea/vomiting rates and QOL. Adherence to ordering MEC guideline antiemetics increased significantly, from 58 % to a sustained 90 %, with associated improvement in nausea/vomiting. In acute and delayed phases, 75 and 84 % of patients, respectively, did not experience CINV. There was no significant change in QOL. Combination intervention and audit-feedback strategy to translate evidence into oncology practice improved and sustained adherence to antiemetic guidelines. Adherence corresponded with effective nausea/vomiting control and preserved QOL in patients with malignant gliomas.
The Donne variorum textual collation program

At its organizational meeting in the fall of 1981, the Advisory Board of The Variorum Edition of the Poetry of John Donne debated the merits of existing editions of Donne's poetry. Aware of approximately eighty-seven manuscript sources and nearly 400 seventeenth-century printings of individual Donne poems unknown to Donne's previous editors, we decided to make a newly edited text a part of the project. Responsibility for developing such a text was accepted by John T. Shawcross (University of Kentucky), Ted-Larry Pebworth (University of Michigan-Dearborn), and ErnestW. Sullivan, II (TexasTech University). Shortly afterward these scholars and the General Editor of the project began to investigate possibilities for computerizing this work, recognizing that such a procedure would not only increase the efficiency and accuracy of our transcription and collation, but also enable us to preserve the accumulated data in machine-readable form. Thus would be obviated (at least partially) the need for future Donne editors or scholars to retrace the path through this immense morass of manuscript and printed material. Our investigations eventually led to the convenient and relatively inexpensive microcomputer and to the integrated method of data entry and textual collation described below. 1 Editing Donne's poetry is an unusually complicated business because only one holograph poem survives and because only a handful of his 190-odd poems saw print in his lifetime. Like John
CDP: a coded datagram transport protocol bridging UDP and TCP

We propose a novel transport protocol that incorporates a light-weight acknowledgment (ACK) into a rateless coding framework, resulting in a protocol that provides more reliability than the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and higher throughput than the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) under lossy and dynamic channel conditions. Unlike traditional ACKs, which acknowledge the reception of individual (possibly encoded) symbols, our ACKs acknowledge the complete decoding of the symbols. This subtle modification permits us to dynamically adjust rateless encoding in order to naturally track decoder progress, regardless of channel conditions. We provide simulation and an analysis of our protocol, including an upper bound on failure probability for a maximum likelihood decoder, which is tighter than bounds known for classical rateless codes. Our protocol can be implemented directly on top of UDP, without requiring changes to the underlying network stack implementations.
Neurogenesis in neonatal rat brain is regulated by peripheral injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)

Many major diseases of human brain involve deficiencies of select neuronal populations. As one approach to repair, we examined regulation of neurogenesis directly in vivo, employing postnatal day 1 (P1) cerebellar cortex, which is composed primarily of granule neurons and dividing precursors. We focused on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which stimulates precursor mitosis in culture and which is highly expressed in cerebellum during neurogenesis. Subcutaneous injection of bFGF increased [3H]thymidine ([3H]dT) incorporation, a marker for DNA synthesis, by 50% in whole cerebellar homogenates, suggesting that peripherally administered factor altered ongoing neural proliferation. Further, assay of isolated granule precursors revealed a 4-fold increase in [3H]dT incorporation following in vivo bFGF treatment, indicating that granule neuroblasts were the major bFGF-responsive population. Morphologic analysis indicated that twice as many granule precursors were in S-phase of the mitotic cycle after peripheral bFGF. To determine whether other neurogenetic populations respond to peripheral bFGF, we examined additional brain regions in vivo. bFGF stimulated DNA synthesis by 68% in hippocampus, and by > 250% in pontine subventricular zone (SVZ). In contrast, incorporation was not altered in basal pons or cerebral cortex, regions in which neurogenesis has already ceased. To define potential direct actions of peripherally administered factor, 125I-bFGF was used to study distribution. Intact 18 kDa 125I-bFGF was recovered from brain following peripheral injection, suggesting that the factor acted directly to stimulate mitosis in dividing neuroblasts. The stimulation of neuronal proliferation by exogenous bFGF suggests that the factor normally regulates neurogenesis, and provides new therapeutic approaches to promote functional recovery from nervous system diseases.
Dissimilation of citric acid by extracts of Penicillium chrysogenum

Abstract Cell-free extracts prepared from mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 oxidized citrate, cis-aconitate, and isocitrate. In addition, citrate was formed from oxalacetic acid and a 2-carbon fragment in the presence of fluoroacetate. When citrate was metabolized aerobically by these extracts, one-half mole of oxygen uptake was observed for every mole of α-ketoglutarate formed. Carbon dioxide evolution was equivalent to the citrate dissimilated and, in crude extracts, far in excess of the keto acids formed. Under anaerobic conditions, citrate could be dissimilated quantitatively to glutamate and carbon dioxide by a TPN-mediated pathway, and the amount of citrate dissimilated was dependent on the ammonium-ion concentration. This pathway explains the “excess” carbon dioxide formed when citrate is dissimilated aerobically. The presence of isocitritase activity in these extracts was confirmed. This enzyme has a pH optimum of 6.0–6.2 and a bivalent metal-ion requirement satisfied by either magnesium or manganese.
Mutation modification with multiplicative fertility selection.

Abstract Two diallelic loci in an infinite panmictic population of diploid individuals are modelled. The A a locus is subject to unidirectional mutation and either multiplicative fertility selection or, equivalently, sex-asymmetric viability selection. The M m locus acts as a selectively neutral modifier of the mutation rate at A a . The loci recombine at rate R . If the M m locus is initially monomorphic, and the A a locus has reached equilibrium, the fate of a new modifier allele is found to depend not just on its relative effect on mutation but also upon the linkage, R . Each initial equilibrium may be characterized by a critical value of the recombination rate, R∗ . If 0 , a sufficiently small “down” modifier of the mutation rate will invade the population when R whereas a sufficiently small “up” modifier will succeed when R > R∗ . If R∗ or R∗ > 0.5 , only mutation reduction may occur. Numerical analysis of 56,000 sample equilibria indicates that mutation rates may be increased, but only when the selection regime is such that the A a locus would remain polymorphic in the absence of mutation.
Optical path difference measurement techniques for SLMs

A simple measurement method to obtain 2-D spatial point-by-point optical path difference (OPD) data for spatial light modulators (SLMs) is described. A simple imaging system is used that allows measurements of all SLM parameters on the same laboratory system. Simple digital processing of the output image for a uniform applied input voltage provides OPD data. Simple methods to confirm amplitude-mostly SLM operation are also provided. Results are presented for Kopin and CRL liquid crystal SLMs.
Penicillin Resistance and Other Predictors of Mortality in Pneumococcal Bacteremia in a Population With High Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroprevalence

Rates of invasive disease caused by penicillin-resistant pneumococci are rising. Previous reports have found no association between resistant pneumococci and increased mortality. To evaluate the impact of penicillin resistance and other variables on mortality, we retrospectively studied all cases of pneumococcal bacteremia identified by our microbiology laboratory from 1 January 1992 through 31 December 1996. There were 462 cases of pneumococcal bacteremia in 432 patients. The mean age was 35 years; 55% of the cases occurred in male patients, 58% were in black patients, and 40% were in Hispanic patients. One-half of the cases occurred in patients with documented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Penicillin resistance was first noted in 1994 and increased yearly, accounting for 17% of 1996 isolates. Of all resistant isolates, 65% were resistant to penicillin at a high level. The overall mortality was 17%. On multivariate analysis, high-level penicillin resistance, older age, severe disease, multilobar infiltrates and/or effusion(s) on chest roentgenogram, and Hispanic ethnicity were independent predictors of mortality in pneumococcal bacteremia. In HIV-infected patients, a CD4 cell count below the median just missed statistical significance. This is the first report demonstrating penicillin resistance as an independent predictor of mortality among patients with pneumococcal bacteremia.
L-Leucine improves the anemia and developmental defects associated with Diamond-Blackfan anemia and del(5q) MDS by activating the mTOR pathway.

Haploinsufficiency of ribosomal proteins (RPs) has been proposed to be the common basis for the anemia observed in Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) and myelodysplastic syndrome with loss of chromosome 5q [del(5q) MDS]. We have modeled DBA and del(5q) MDS in zebrafish using antisense morpholinos to rps19 and rps14, respectively, and have demonstrated that, as in humans, haploinsufficient levels of these proteins lead to a profound anemia. To address the hypothesis that RP loss results in impaired mRNA translation, we treated Rps19 and Rps14-deficient embryos with the amino acid L-leucine, a known activator of mRNA translation. This resulted in a striking improvement of the anemia associated with RP loss. We confirmed our findings in primary human CD34 cells, after shRNA knockdown of RPS19 and RPS14. Furthermore, we showed that loss of Rps19 or Rps14 activates the mTOR pathway, and this is accentuated by L-leucine in both Rps19 and Rps14 morphants. This effect could be abrogated by rapamycin suggesting that mTOR signaling may be responsible for the improvement in anemia associated with L-leucine. Our studies support the rationale for ongoing clinical trials of L-leucine as a therapeutic agent for DBA, and potentially for patients with del(5q) MDS. (Blood. 2012; 120(11):2214-2224)
A learning objective focused methodology for the design and evaluation of game-based tutors

We present the Game2Learn methodology for the design and evaluation of educational games with a focus on well-defined learning objectives and empirical verification. This integrative process adapts ideas from educational design, intelligent tutoring systems, classical test-theory, and interaction and game design, and agile software development. The methodology guides researchers through the steps of the design process, including identification of specific learning objectives, translation of learning activities to game mechanics, and the empirical evaluation of the final product. This methodology is particularly useful for ensuring successful student research experiences or software engineering courses.
Construction and Initial Validation of the Reese EcoWellness Inventory

Over the past several decades international scholars primarily outside of professional counseling have begun shedding light on the restorative and wellness-fostering properties of the natural environment. EcoWellness, defined as respect, appreciation, and awe of nature resulting in feeling connected and experiencing wellness, was developed in counseling to begin the systematic study of nature in the helping professions. The 61-item Reese EcoWellness Inventory (REI) was developed to study this construct. Initial examination supports the reliability and some aspects of construct validity of the REI.
Multilocus recombination frequencies

Multilocus recombination frequencies are expressed in terms of pairwise recombination frequencies for paracentric and pericentric intervals. Applications of this theory to mapping and genetic counselling are discussed.
High-resolution TOF mass spectrometry. II. Experimental confirmation of impulse-field focusing theory

Abstract The conventional time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer is limited in its mass resolution by the initial velocity distribution of the ions to be analyzed. A new method of impulse-field focusing has been devised which employs time-dependent ion-drawout fields, and which is applicable to TOF instruments of any conventional geometry. Experimental confirmation of all the major predictions of the theory of this focusing technique is reported.
Ultrasonic spray deposition of high performance WO3 films using template-assisted sol-gel chemistry

Tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films with nanoscale porosity were prepared by adopting templating sol–gel chemistry to ultrasonic spray deposition (USD). It was found that the electrochromic performance was strongly correlated to the annealing conditions used to remove the triblock copolymer template. Optimized films display state-of-the-art performance with respect to coloration efficiency (> 50 cm2/C), optical modulation (> 75%), and switching times (< 10 s). The films exhibit good durability, displaying disordered, nanocrystalline morphology. USD is compatible with in line manufacturing, and the performance was notably improved over films deposited by spin coating using the same chemistry.
Rash from levamisole vasculopathy in a cocaine abuser.

A 40-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department for evaluation of nose and bilateral ear rash. The rash had begun approximately 1 week before presentation. She denied medical history or allergies and was taking no medications. She initially denied any recent substance abuse, then later admitted to a history of and continued use of marijuana and cocaine. Physical examination revealed an otherwise healthyappearing female with normal vital signs. The patient had a nontender, stellate, purpuric, macular rash with mild surrounding erythema involving the lobules and helices of both ears (Figures 1–4). A milder form of the same lesion appeared on both sidewalls of the nose superior to the ala (Figure 5). Internal ear examinations were normal, and a focal area of anterior cartilaginous bleeding was noted in right nare. An examination of the rest of her body revealed no other skin abnormalities. Her urine drug screen returned positive for tetrahydrocannabinol and cocaine. A urine specimen was sent for levamisole testing at an outside laboratory and returned positive at a later date with a concentration of 1.8mg/mL,with 0.10mg/mL used as the positive reference value. White blood cell and neutrophil counts were within normal ranges. Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) levels returned positive after discharge with titer >1280, cytoplasmic ANCAwas negative.
Ali A. Mazrui, postcolonialism and the study of international relations

First as intellectual ally and then as adversary, Kenyan political scientist Ali A. Mazrui was embraced by the North American discipline of international relations (IR) in the 1960s and 1970s; he was virtually neglected in the 1980s; and a measure of interest in his scholarship revived in the 1990s and beyond. But Mazrui has not found a place in postcolonialism ever since that school emerged in the critical margins of IR. This essay argues that the estrangement between Mazrui and IR was primarily due to the changing nature of the discipline and his unchanging approach to it. Mazrui became the methodological ‘Other’ in the mainstream discipline. The essay also claims that Mazrui’s marginalisation in postcolonialism is ultimately attributable to his image as the cultural and ideological ‘Other’.
Analysis of the technical, microeconomic, and political impact of a carbon tax on carbon dioxide sequestration resulting from liquefied natural gas production

With increasing attention to the environmental impact of discharging greenhouse gases (GHG) in general, and CO2 in particular, many are looking to carbon sequestration as an approach to reduce the carbon impact of stationary point sources of CO2. Although much of the focus has historically been on capturing and sequestering post-combustion CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels, there are many industrial processes that already require separation of CO2 that also contribute to GHG emissions. This CO2 can also be sequestered. One such process is the commercial production of liquefied natural gas, which necessitates the separation of CO2 from the hydrocarbon for liquefaction; resulting in a relatively pure CO2 stream which can be sequestered. The Gorgon project is one such commercial project. In the broader political environment of Australia’s carbon tax system and government grants to offset the capital investment in carbon abatement technologies, the economics of the Gorgon project can be analyzed to determine the technical and economic parameters that make the carbon sequestration more or less feasible for this self-contained project. These findings can then be applied to any such project where a pure CO2 is a necessary by-product and a carbon tax is either in effect or being considered. This analysis is the primary objective of this article. In this context, a computer-based simulator was developed to analyze the impact of technical, market, and public policy factors on project economics. A base case was developed using the current project parameters and a number of alternative scenarios were then developed. Sensitivity analyses were conducted and a “best case” scenario was developed to look at what the appetite for investment could be to improve the sequestration of CO2. The article demonstrates that CCS project competitiveness can be simulated to analyze the impact of key technological, market, and policy changes on the project.
Reliability of verbal-manual interference

Considerable recent research has used unimanual finger tapping with concurrent vocalization to assess hemispheric lateralization for language. This study examined whether an index finger tapping task is a reliable measure in adults and whether the task demonstrates sex differences in hemispheric specialization for language. Thirty right-handed subjects, fifteen male and fifteen female, between the ages of 18 and 25 were tested. The task measured the differences in tapping rate for each hand between tapping with and without a concurrent verbal task. The task was completed once each day for 3 consecutive days to determine reliability. The tapping task was found to be a reliable measure. No significant differences were found between tapping scores of males and females.
The role of the blood in the temperature dependence of oxidative metabolism in decapod crustaceans. II. Interspecific adaptations to latitudinal changes

The effects of acclimation temperature on hemocyanin-oxygen (HcO2) transport were examined in two species of decapod crustaceans representing different geographic and thermal ranges. In the coldwater species Cancer borealis and the warmwater species Menippe mercenaria, the performance of the HcO2 transport system is maximized at 15 °C, a summer temperature in the northern habitat and a winter temperature in the southern habitat. In C. borealis little unloading at the tissues occurs at 5 °C, and in M. mercenaria oxygenation at the gill is incomplete at 25 °C. The temperature coefficients describing rates of ventilation, heartbeat, and total oxidative metabolism fall within a narrow range (Q10 = 1.9−3.6), providing no indication of ventilatory or cardiovascular adjustments that would allow the HcO2 transport system to function at the maximum level at different temperatures. Comparison of the HcO2 equilibrium properties suggests that HcO2 affinity has been selected for a particular thermal range, but not cooperativity or pH dependence. The thermal limits of the O2 transport system are set by both the direct effect of temperature on HcO2 equilibrium and the indirect effect via the Bohr shift that accompanies the change in blood pH with temperature.
Content ordering based on commuting patterns

Recommender systems take into account a wide range of information about both an individual user and other user's preferences in order to provide relevant content. However, one source of information that appears to be under-utilized is contextual information about the users' trajectory: where they are currently located, and where they are traveling to. We demonstrate a system that recommends the reading order of Twitter content based on the user's planned travel.
Long term alterations in neuroimmune responses of female rats after neonatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract Male and female rats display significant gender-associated differences in their responses to an immune challenge, and gender-specific alterations in many aspects of physiology are seen after a variety of interventions during the neonatal period. It is well-established that neonatal exposure to an immune challenge can alter centrally mediated inflammatory responses in adult male rats and yet little is known about female responses after a similar challenge. We therefore asked if neonatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) would alter febrile and hypothalamic cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 responses to an adult immune challenge in female rats. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were administered a single injection of the bacterial endotoxin LPS at postnatal day 14 and were examined as adults for febrile, COX-2 and activity changes to LPS, as well as responses to interleukin (IL)-1β. Adult female rat responses were similar to those we have seen previously for the males in that febrile and hypothalamic COX-2 responses to adult LPS were attenuated in neonatally LPS-treated animals. Responses to adult IL-1β were unaffected. Interestingly, females did not display the elevated basal hypothalamic COX-2 that was previously seen in males. Thus we demonstrate that, like in the males, neonatal exposure to LPS has a powerful effect on adult responses to further LPS challenge in the female rats.
What Determines the Activity of Antimicrobial and Cytolytic Peptides in Model Membranes

We previously proposed three hypotheses relating the mechanism of antimicrobial and cytolytic peptides in model membranes to the Gibbs free energies of binding and insertion into the membrane [Alme...
Cavity Development During Creep Deformation in Alumina with a Bimodal Grain Size Distribution

An alumina sample, codoped with equimolar proportions of magnesia and zirconia, exhibited a bimodal grain size distribution after hot-pressing. Flexural creep experiments were performed on this material at temperatures of 1673 and 1773 K in air. Inspection of the deformed specimens revealed extensive creep cavitation, with cavities developing preferentially in the coarse-grained regions. The nucleation, growth, and interlinkage of the cavities led to the formation of cracks. Crack growth occurred in the coarse-grained regions by the linkage of cavities with the crack tip. However, several cracks were observed to terminate after extending up to a fine-grained region of a specimen. A model has been developed to rationalize the observation that preferential cavitation occurs in the coarse-grained regions of a specimen undergoing creep deformation.
Real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance of interventional devices

We have previously developed 2-D array transducers for many real-time volumetric imaging applications. These applications include transducers operating up to 7 MHz for transthoracic imaging, up to 15 MHz for intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), 5 MHz for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracranial imaging, and 7 MHz for laparoscopic ultrasound imaging (LUS). Now we have developed a new generation of miniature ring-array transducers integrated into the catheter deployment kits of interventional devices to enable real-time 3-D ultrasound scanning for improved guidance of minimally invasive procedures. We have constructed 3 new ring transducers. The first consists of 54 elements operating at 5 MHz. Typical measured transducer element bandwidth was 25%, and the 50 Ohm round trip insertion loss was -65 dB. Average nearest neighbor cross talk was -23.8 dB. The second is a prototype 108-element transducer operating at 5 MHz. The third is a prototype 108-element ring array with a transducer center frequency of 8.9 MHz and a -6 dB bandwidth of 25%. All transducers were integrated with an 8.5 French catheter sheath of a Cook Medical, Inc. vena cava filter deployment device.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC SPECIFIC HEAT IN TWO FERROMAGNETIC IRON ALLOYS

From the nuclear noagnetic speclfic heat, measured at 1.6 to 41.2 deg K, He/sup eff/ at the Co nuclei in Co/sub 0.3/Fe/sub 0.7/ is calculated to be 312 kgauss, while He/sub e//sub f//sub f/ at the V nuclei in V/sub 0//sub .//sub 3// sub 3/Fe/sub 0//sub .//sub 6//sub 7/ is 61 kgauss or less. Both of these alloys are body-centered-cubic and ferromagnetic. The large difference in the He/sub e// sub f//sub f/ values may be associated with the fact that in Co/sub 0//sub .//sub 3/Fe0/sup .7, the Co5//sup 9/ nucleus is locnted in an atom with a ppreciably polarized 3d electrons, whfle in V/sub 0//sub .//sub 3//sub 3/Fe/sub 0//sub ./ i/sub 7/ the V nucleus is the only abundant nuclide with a nuclear magnetic moment and the atomic moment of V is very small or zero. In ferromagnetic alloys the polarization of the core s electrons is expented to be much stronger in those atoms that do have polarized d electrons than in adjacent atoms that do not. The resuits therefore suggest that, in the alloys investigated, the domainant contribution to Heit arises through Fermi contact interaction from the polarization of the Co and V core s electrons. (auth)
Are random fractal clusters isotropic

We have studied the shape of large clusters in the lattice-animal, percolation, and growing-percolation models. By calculating the radius of gyration tensor we find that in these models the clusters have an anisotropic shape. The results suggest that the critical droplets in related isotropic equilibrium models, such as the Ising model, may also be anisotropic. We have also determined the leading nonanalytic correction-to-scaling exponent by analyzing the anisotropy data and find that for percolation in two dimensions $\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.47$.
A method of ranking the grip of industrial footwear on water wet, oily and icy surfaces

A recently invented walking traction test method was chosen to measure the coefficient of friction (c.o.f.) of thirteen pairs of discarded working footwear. Floor surfaces were lubricated with a water-based wetting agent and four grades of mineral oil. The footwear were also tested on wet and dry ice. The maximum c.o.f. attained prior to each slip was recorded whilst walking forwards and again whilst walking backwards on the heels. Results for the thirteen footwear samples were ranked in descending order of c.o.f. for each floor and lubricant combination, and rank orders for the seven most slippery surfaces were compared. Kendall's coefficient of concordance W = 0.73 for walking forwards and 0.79 for walking backwards; P < 0.001. Rank orders for each of the seven surfaces were also compared with mean rank orders. Correlation coefficients r, all reached or exceeded 0.92 (P < 0.005) on rough plastic and stainless steel coated in 121.4 or 88.2 cSt oil (at 17.5°C) and on water lubricated glazed white tiles. On dry ice, r = 0.49; P < 0.05. The correlation between mean rank orders of footwear on forward and backward walking was 0.95; P < 0.005. The c.o.f. recorded whilst walking backwards was 37.7% lower than the forward walking c.o.f., supporting the hypothesis that dangerous slips are likely to occur on heel strike. There was also a significant correlation between roughness of soling and c.o.f.; P < 0.01. This method of measuring c.o.f. is now being applied to eliminate the most slippery footwear with the long-term aim of selecting the safest solings for specific environments.
An experimental investigation on column flotation circuit configuration

Abstract The integration of flotation columns into existing flotation circuits of conventional mechanical cells is becoming increasingly common in industry. Nevertheless, the study of column circuit configuration is scarce and problems relating to the selection of the appropriate circuit have not been addressed. Various column circuits for flotation of coal fines have been experimentally examined and theoretically analyzed in the present study to reveal the effect of circuit configuration on the overall circuit performance evaluated using separation efficiency and separation curves. The flotation circuits examined in this study included single–stage (SS), rougher–scavenger (RS), rougher–cleaner (RC), rougher–scavenger–scavenger cleaner (RSSC), rougher–scavenger–cleaner (RSC), and rougher–cleaner–recleaner (RCRC). The flotation tests were carried out with the Pittsburgh No. 8, Illinois No. 6 and Upper Freeport coal samples that were precleaned using conventional flotation. It has been demonstrated that the overall separation efficiency of the column flotation system was rather insensitive to circuit arrangements due to the unique characteristics of the unit flotation column distinguished from the conventional flotation cell. The flotation separation efficiency changed with ash or sulfur rejection and the Pittsburgh No. 8 and Illinois No. 6 coal samples showed a stronger dependence of separation efficiency on ash rejection than the Upper Freeport coal sample. The experimental results were shown to be in good agreement with theoretical circuit analysis conclusions.
Statistical and prognostic analysis of dynamic changes of platelet count in ICU patients

Laboratory tests are a primary resource to diagnose patient's diseases. However, physicians often make decisions based on the available information, which commonly includes the last test results as a static picture and have limited perspective of the role of trends in commonly measured parameters in enhancing the diagnostic process. By providing a dynamic patient profile the diagnosis could be more accurate and, as a consequence, physicians could anticipate changes in recovery trajectory and prescribe interventions more effectively. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients need continuous monitoring, which commonly includes the assessment of several blood components. One of these components is the platelet count which is used in assessing blood clotting. However, platelet counts represent a dynamic equilibrium of many simultaneous processes including altered capillary permeability, inflammatory cascades, as well as the coagulation process. To characterize the value of dynamic changes in platelet counts we applied analytic methods to datasets of critically ill patients in (i) a homogeneous population of ICU cardiac surgery patients, where an observation appears to be predictive of patient's complications and mortality and (ii) a heterogeneous group of ICU patients to confirm the previous observation.
Conservation of momentum, and its consequences, in interband resonant tunneling.

We have observed a drastic change with temperature (300--4 K) in the line shape of the current-voltage characteristics of GaSb-AlSb-InAs-AlSb-GaSb heterostructures, which below \ensuremath{\simeq}50 K develop a kink at low biases that is most pronounced at 4 K. This behavior is a direct consequence of the conservation of parallel momentum of electrons and holes participating in interband resonant tunneling, a conservation law that is apparent only at low temperatures because of the small hole Fermi energy. Confirmation of this interpretation is provided by experiments under a magnetic field perpendicular to the tunnel current that show a large peak in the conductance at 6 T. This is the field at which the hole distribution has gained enough parallel momentum to equal the Fermi momentum of electrons.
Stomach filling may mediate the influence of dietary energy density on the food intake of free-living humans

The energy density of the diet has been demonstrated to be a significant influence on the daily intakes of humans which has led to the hypothesis that intake control is based upon the weight and volume of food and not its energy content. The study explored the roles of the components used in the calculation of energy density and stomach filling in dietary energy density effects upon intake. Dietary energy density relationships with intake and body size were studied in 264 male and 406 female free-living adult humans who provided a detailed record of their eating and drinking in 7-day diaries. High energy density was associated with larger amounts of food energy and larger amounts of solids, but lower total weight of meals, daily intakes, and weekly intakes. The lower total weight occurred due to lower fluid intake in drinks. Multiple regression analysis revealed that overall dietary energy density was more important than the energy density of particular nutrients. Intake of fluids in drinks did not contribute to the relationship of dietary energy density with intake. The estimated weight of the contents of the stomach following the meals was relatively constant regardless of the energy density of the meals, daily, or weekly intakes. Energy density was not significantly related with body size, height, weight, or BMI. The findings support the notion that short-term intake is controlled on the basis of its weight and volume as opposed to its food energy content.
Histone–GFP fusion protein enables sensitive analysis of chromosome dynamics in living mammalian cells

Abstract Background: The amplification of oncogenes in cancer cells is often mediated by paired acentric chromatin bodies called double minute chromosomes (DMs), which can accumulate to a high copy number because of their autonomous replication during the DNA synthesis phase of the cell cycle and their subsequent uneven distribution to daughter cells during mitosis. The mechanisms that control DM segregation have been difficult to investigate, however, as the direct visualization of DMs in living cells has been precluded because they are far smaller than normal chromosomes. We have visualized DMs by developing a highly sensitive method for observing chromosome dynamics in living cells. Results: The human histone H2B gene was fused to the gene encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of Aequorea victoria and transfected into human HeLa cells to generate a stable line constitutively expressing H2B–GFP. The H2B–GFP fusion protein was incorporated into nucleosomes without affecting cell cycle progression. Using confocal microscopy, H2B–GFP allowed high-resolution imaging of both mitotic chromosomes and interphase chromatin, and the latter revealed various chromatin condensation states in live cells. Using H2B–GFP, we could directly observe DMs in living cancer cells; DMs often clustered during anaphase, and could form chromosomal ‘bridges' between segregating daughter chromosomes. Cytokinesis severed DM bridges, resulting in the uneven distribution of DMs to daughter cells. Conclusions: The H2B–GFP system allows the high-resolution imaging of chromosomes, including DMs, without compromising nuclear and chromosomal structures and has revealed the distinctive clustering behavior of DMs in mitotic cells which contributes to their asymmetric distribution to daughter cells.
The effect of neurohumoral drugs on the fixation of spinal reflexes and the incorporation of uridine into the spinal cord.

Placement of a lesion in the anterior cerebellum of a newborn rat produces an asymmetrical flexion of the ipsilateral hind limb. If a midthoracic transection of the spinal cord is made before a median time of 38 min has elpased the postural asymmetry persists. Chamberlain et al. (1963) termed this critical period “fixation time” and postulated that neural activity during fixation may induce metabolic changes in appropriate spinal neurons. In the present experiments, neurohumoral drugs affecting cholinergic transmission (eserine high and low doses), adrenergic transmission (reserpine and amphetamine), and gamma amino butyric acid metabolism (methionine sulfoximine) altered fixation time. Injections of these drugs also altered the uptake of labeled uridine into the spinal cord segments during fixation. These results suggest that synaptic transmission is necessary for the processes that mediate fixation of the persisting postural asymmetry. In addition to their primary actions on synaptic transmission these drugs may alter precursor pools for neural RNA synthesis.