cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An epidemic of denial: stalled responses to HIV / AIDS.

Chinas HIV/AIDS outbreak among blood donors is arguably the worst medically-caused HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world. The outbreak started among the rural poor who sold their blood in an unregulated industry in the 1990s. Today at least four provinces are known to be involved including Henan Hubei Anhui and Shaanxi. Tragically the HIV/AIDS crisis in China is iatrogenic caused by medical intervention itself. Furthermore official denials suppression of scientific evidence and government harassment of those attempting to respond have caused this public health and human disaster to be only partially understood. While the full scale of this tragedy is unclear what is known has implications for China that go well beyond the already serious HIV/AIDS problem. Chinas stalled responses to the outbreak and its treatment of those few courageous citizens who have exposed it reflect the state of civil society rule of law rights of citizens and emerging center-periphery dynamics of the new China. The rural blood donor epidemic cannot be understood without taking into account such diverse forces as corruption complex interactions of for-profit enterprises run by rural officials and the hopes of Chinas huge cash- poor rural majority. (excerpt)
Effects of Electrode Montage on Infant Auditory Brainstem Response

The present study compares ipsilateral, contralateral, horizontal and non-cephalic auditory-evoked brainstem responses (ABR) obtained from normal infants (39-42 weeks' post-conceptional age) to assess their utility in auditory neurodiagnosis. Wave latencies, wave amplitudes and waveform morphology were evaluated at slow and fast repetition rates. Ipsilateral and horizontal recordings obtained with a fast stimulation rate provide best waveform characteristics for neurodiagnostic interpretation. Further enhancement of wave V amplitude and separation of IV-V wave complex may be achieved by using the non-cephalic recording montage. Compromised or low amplitude components on contralateral measurements may confound neurological interpretation.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in American free-ranging or captive pumas (Felis concolor) and bobcats (Lynx rufus).

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a major zoonotic agent infecting a wide range of mammals, including wild felids. Like domestic cats, wild felids are involved in the complete infective cycle of T. gondii, as they can host in their gastrointestinal tract sexually mature parasites and shed infective oocysts in their feces. In order to evaluate the importance of this wildlife reservoir, 438 serum samples collected between 1984 and 1999 from 438 pumas (Felis concolor) and from 58 bobcats (Lynx rufus) from North America, Central America and South America were screened for antibodies to T. gondii. The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 22.4% in pumas and 51.7% in bobcats, with regional variations. Adults were more likely to be seropositive than juveniles and kittens (prevalence ratio (PR)=2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.15, 4.04). In the US, pumas from the southwestern states (Arizona, California and New Mexico) were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (PR=2.61; 95% CI=1.32–5.18) than pumas from the northwestern and mountain states (Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming). Male pumas from the US were more likely to be seropositive than females (PR=2.08; 95% CI=1.11–3.92), whereas female pumas from Mexico, Central America and South America were more likely to be seropositive than female pumas from Canada and the US (PR=2.49; 95% CI=1.09–5.69). Captive pumas were also more likely to be seropositive (21.7%, 29/92) for T. gondii than free-ranging animals (19.9%, 69/346) (PR=1.85; 95% CI=1.06, 3.17).
Characterization of the Ability of CO2 To Act as an Antisolvent for Ionic Liquid/Organic Mixtures†

This paper discusses the ability of CO2 to induce liquid/liquid-phase separation in mixtures of ionic liquids and organics. New data for the solubility of CO2 in the ionic liquid/organic mixtures and the volume expansion of the mixtures with added CO2 are used to analyze the results. Acetonitrile, 2-butanone, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol are chosen to distinguish dipolar and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Likewise, 1-n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-n-hexyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate, and ethyl-dimethyl-propylammonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide were studied to vary hydrogen-bond-donating and -accepting abilities of the ionic liquids. Primarily, the ability of CO2 to act as an antisolvent depends on the solubility of the CO2 in the ionic liquid/organic mixture. Strong hydrogen bonding between the ionic liquid and the organic makes it more difficult for CO2 to induce a liquid/liquid-phase separation.
Characterization of phosphorylation sites on histone H1 isoforms by tandem mass spectrometry.

Histone H1 isoforms isolated from asynchronously grown HeLa cells were subjected to enzymatic digestion and analyzed by nano-flow reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) on both quadrupole ion trap and linear quadrupole ion trap-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers. We have observed all five major isoforms of histone H1 (H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H1.4, and H1.5) as well as a lesser studied H1, isoform H1.X. MS/MS experiments confirmed N-terminal acetylation on all isoforms plus a single internal acetylation site. Immobilized metal affinity chromatography in combination with tandem mass spectrometry was utilized to identify 19 phosphorylation sites on the five major H1 isoforms plus H1.X. Fourteen of these phosphorylation sites were located on peptides containing the cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) consensus motif (S/T)−P−X−Z (where X is any amino acid and Z is a basic amino acid). Five phosphorylation sites were identified in regions t...
Identification of de novo copy number variants associated with human disorders of sexual development.

Disorders of sexual development (DSD), ranging in severity from genital abnormalities to complete sex reversal, are among the most common human birth defects with incidence rates reaching almost 3%. Although causative alterations in key genes controlling gonad development have been identified, the majority of DSD cases remain unexplained. To improve the diagnosis, we screened 116 children born with idiopathic DSD using a clinically validated array-based comparative genomic hybridization platform. 8951 controls without urogenital defects were used to compare with our cohort of affected patients. Clinically relevant imbalances were found in 21.5% of the analyzed patients. Most anomalies (74.2%) evaded detection by the routinely ordered karyotype and were scattered across the genome in gene-enriched subtelomeric loci. Among these defects, confirmed de novo duplication and deletion events were noted on 1p36.33, 9p24.3 and 19q12-q13.11 for ambiguous genitalia, 10p14 and Xq28 for cryptorchidism and 12p13 and 16p11.2 for hypospadias. These variants were significantly associated with genitourinary defects (P = 6.08×10−12). The causality of defects observed in 5p15.3, 9p24.3, 22q12.1 and Xq28 was supported by the presence of overlapping chromosomal rearrangements in several unrelated patients. In addition to known gonad determining genes including SRY and DMRT1, novel candidate genes such as FGFR2, KANK1, ADCY2 and ZEB2 were encompassed. The identification of risk germline rearrangements for urogenital birth defects may impact diagnosis and genetic counseling and contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of human sexual development.
“Times When Greater Disciplines Are Born”: The Zora Neale Hurston Revival and the Neoliberal Transformation of the Caribbean

This essay reframes the recovery and canonization of Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) in the late 1970s and early 1980s in relation to the US economic restructuring and military invasion of the Caribbean in that same period. Focusing on Paule Marshall's novel Praisesong for the Widow (1983) and Audre Lorde's biomythography Zami (1982), the essay demonstrates how US black feminist literature used Hurston's work as a stimulant and script for representing the Caribbean as a free zone of individual autonomy and desire outside of hegemonic and cultural nationalist gender and sexual binds. By juxtaposing the spatiotemporalities and affects of these fantasies alongside those of Ronald Reagan's speeches and CIA literature produced in the wake of the Grenada invasion, the essay shows how these Hurstonian fantasies of the Caribbean worked to both mask and enable the US government's destruction of Caribbean revolutionary and anticolonial societies in the name of the freedoms and intimacy neoliberal capitalism purported to offer.
First Multi-gram Preparation SCP-123, A Novel Water Soluble Analgesic

A short multi-gram process for the preparation of the analgesic compound SCP-123 (4) and its sodium salt has been developed.
Usefulness and cost effectiveness of bronchial washing in diagnosing endobronchial malignancies

Objective : To evaluate the usefulness and cost effectiveness of bronchial washing in addition to endobronchial biopsies and/or bronchial brushing for the diagnosis of endoscopically visible lung cancer. Material and method : We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all fi­beropticbronchoscopies at Himalayan institute of medical sciences from January 2002 to August 2005. All patients with endoscopically visible tumours in whom a definite cytological or histological diagnosis of pulmonary malignancy was made were included in the study. We analyzed usefulness and cost effectiveness of three potential specimen collection stragetgies. These stratgies were (1) Bronchoscopy with biopsy, brushing, and washing (2) Bronchoscopy with biopsy and washing; and (3) Bronchoscopy with biopsy and brushing. Results : 107 cases of endoscopically visible abnormality underwent forceps biopsy, brushing and washing. Ninety-nine of these 107 patients had atleast one of the three endoscopic procedures (bronchial washing, endobronchial biopsies and bronchial brushing) positive for lung cancer (92.52%). The sensitivity of endobronchial biop­sy, brushing and bronchial washing for diagnosing lung cancer was 83.17%, 69.15% and 47.66% respectively. Bronchial washing was the only diagnostic procedure in two patients (1.86%). Cost effectiveness analysis revealed that bronchial washing as an additional diagnostic tool to endobronchial biopsies/or bronchial washing for diagnosis of endoscopically visible lung cancer may not be cost effective. Conclusion : The best yields for diagnosis of lung cancer is obtained with endobronchial biopsy and brushing. The addition of bronchial washing to either endobronchial biopsy or bronchial brushing is beneficial, but it may not be cost effective.
The Use of a Structured Sequence of Recorded Materials for Language Stress‐Rhythm and Intonation Study

Stress-rhythm and intonation, the prosodic features of language, often elude the language learner's perception and grasp as well as the language teacher's subtlest methodology. Working with recorded materials developed for guided or self-instruction, students at the University of Minnesota who have undergone the standard pronunciation lessons that begin an introductory language course, have made substantial progress in the perception and production of the stress-rhythm and intonation features of Spanish. Central to the methods and goals of this language study program is the notion that learning to pronounce a foreign language is largely an auto-instructional endeavor. Once the study materials have been carefully chosen and assembled, and procedures systematically developed to insure a stable progression of learning events while allowing reasonable descretion in terms of self-pacing and self-evaluation, the student's resources and motivation assume control.
History of an Indian Library and Challenges for Today.

Tommaney Library at Haskell Indian Nations University has existed for more than 100 years as reflection of the struggle to assimilate Indians in America. Its history is one that mirrors that of the struggle of our indigenous people to this day. This article is about that history and how today the library manifests the dichotomy between Indians and the dominant culture in America even today and how vital it is that this is recognized in Library and Information Science for the future.
RELEASES OF UNSEXED GAMMA-IRRADIATED CODLING MOTHS FOR POPULATION SUPPRESSION.

Release of unsexed sterile Laspeyresia pomonella (L). and 1 prerelease spray of parathion, reduced fruit injury in a small orchard from about 50% in 1965 to 1.57% in 1966. The adult moths were sterilized (at 4°C by 40 krad from Co60), marked, and released 6 days per week from May 16 to Sept. 14. Approximately 60,000 moths were released in the orchard, a semi-isolated block of 24 apple and 5 pear trees at Yakima, Washington. This procedure resulted in an average ratio of 23 sterile: I native male as measured by sex and light traps.
Nitrogen regulation of lignin peroxidase and manganese-dependent peroxidase production is independent of carbon and manganese regulation in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

In this study, a N-deregulated mutant (der8-5) of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was used as a tool to investigate the interrelationships between N, C, and Mn(II) regulation of LIP and MNP production in this organism. The results showed that LIP and MNP production by der8-5 was blocked in excess C medium but not in excess N medium. Furthermore, LIP and MNP production in this organism was subject to Mn(II) regulation regardless of the fact whether it is grown in low N medium or in high N medium. These and other results indicate that N regulation of LIP and MNP production in P. chrysosporium is independent of C and Mn(II) regulation.
Time-series effects and degradation of control chart performance resulting from overadjustment

The Nelson funnel experiment illustrates the principle that increased process variation results from overadjustment of in-control processes. This paper examines this principle from a time-series perspective. Additionally, this study demonstrates that overadjustment has a detrimental effect on ability of standard control charts to detect special-cause variation.
An engineering data access system for a finite element program

This paper describes a prototype implementation of an engineering data access system for a finite element analysis (FEA) program. The system incorporates a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) database as the backend to store selected analysis results; and the Internet is utilized as the communication channel to access the analysis results. The objective of using an engineering database is to provide the users the needed engineering information from readily accessible sources in a ready-to-use format for further manipulation. Three key issues regarding the engineering data access system are discussed, including data modeling, data representation, and data retrieval. The engineering data access system gives great flexibility and extendibility to the data management in finite element programs and can provide additional features to enhance the applicability of FEA software.
Evaluation of Critical Surface Cleanliness by Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy

Surfaces of a wide variety of IC materials, from raw silicon wafers to package piece parts, must be ultra-clean prior to key manufacturing steps to assure reliable performance of the finished devices. Knowledge of surface cleanliness is essential for optimum process design. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) is utilized to define levels of impurities on critical surfaces at various stages of device manufacture.
Proliferating cells of human basal cell carcinoma are located on the periphery of tumor nodules.

Study of the growth characteristics of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a relatively well-organized, slow-growing skin cancer, has been limited because of the lack of methods for propagation of the tumor off the human host. We have used newly developed techniques for transplantation and propagation of BCC on athymic mice to study [3H]thymidine incorporation by nodular BCC. In human BCCs labeled in vitro immediately after removal from the mice and in vivo on the mice, [3H]thymidine during a 4-h pulse was incorporated primarily by cells on the periphery of tumor nodules (labeling indices 6–24%) rather than by the cells more central in tumor nodules (labeling indices 0–2%). Similar results were also seen when samples of tumor freshly removed from patients were labeled in vitro. We conclude that the dividing cells within nodular BCC are primarily the cells at the edges of tumor nodules and that this characteristic is related to the slow, progressive, invasive growth of BCC.
Evolution of Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characterization of Aluminum AA-6061 Butt-Welded Joints

Aluminum alloys because of their high strength to weight ratio have various applications as structural material in railways, ship building, aeronautics, construction, and consumer appliances. This increased use of aluminum alloys calls for more efficient and reliable welding processes which has always represented a great challenge for designers and technologists. AA-6061 Aluminum Alloy (Al-Mg-Si) is widely used in the aircraft industry and has gathered wider acceptance in the fabrication of light weight structures. The preferred welding process for this alloy is Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) process due to their comparatively easier applicability, high yield, and better economy. Major difficulties are associated with this type of welding process, such as, the presence of tenacious oxide layer, high coefficient of thermal expansion, solidification shrinkage, solubility of hydrogen, and other gases in the molten state. Furthermore, problems such as decay of mechanical properties due to phase transformation and softening can occur in the heat-affected-zone (HAZ). Post weld heat treatment can be used to improve the strength of the HAZ for heat-treatable alloys like AA-6061. Hence, the major objectives of this work was to conduct a systematic study and gain an in-depth understanding of the effect of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) of these joints on tensile properties, micro hardness, microstructure, and fracture surface morphology of butt-welded joints. It was found that of all the PWHT processes, Age-hardening (AH) resulted in superior mechanical properties and hardness. The reason for this enhanced strength has also been studied from metallurgical point of view. Microstructure and fracture surface of the tensile tested specimens were studied using light microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Correlation has been drawn between the tensile test results, microhardness and the metallurgical results. It was found that the uniformly dense precipitation of fine Mg2 Si, and the lack of precipitate-free zone could be the reason for the superior results found.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
An electrochemical study of the incorporation of cobalt macrocyclic complexes into nafion films

Abstract Cobalt complexes of the macrocyclic ligand, 2,3,9,10-tetramethyl-1,4, 8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,3,8,10-tetraene (TIM) and its hydroxy derivatives, were incorporated in Nafion films by electrochemical cycling and by ion exchange in aqueous solution. Cyclic voltammetric studies show that the redox potentials of the Co(TIM) complexes undergo a significant anodic shift when incorporated in the films. Electrochemical studies also indicate that, while the Co(TIM) complexes reside in hydrophilic regions of the Nafion film, the metallated porphine complex, cobalt tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphine, is probably immobilized in hydrophobic regions. The incorporation of the complexes was also followed by electronic absorption spectrophotometry.
Expanding Learning Opportunities for High School Students With Distance Learning

The purpose of the Synchronous Interactive Video Conference Distance Learning pilot program was to use emerging technologies to expand learning opportunities for students at an urban public high school. Through grant funding, students were able to enroll in Advanced Placement and foreign language courses through an online learning provider. Using case study methodology, the pilot program was thoroughly examined through the analysis of multiple sources of data such as surveys of multiple stakeholders, interviews of program administrators, and the examination of student course documentation. The attrition rate was high at 61.9%. The combination of insufficient time for planning and preparation, lack of support for students, and poor communication was detrimental to the program.
Dipyrromethene complexes of iron

Abstract Dipyrromethenes (dipyrrins) are attractive ligands for forming supramolecular assemblies due to the stability, crystallinity, and spectroscopic properties of their metal complexes. Herein we report the synthesis, structure, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry of two dipyrrin iron(III) complexes. High-quality structural data of both complexes, Fe(dipyrrin)3 and Fe(dipyrrinCO2CH3)3, have been obtained by X-ray crystallography. The UV–Vis absorption spectrum of both complexes has been examined and cyclic voltammetry experiments have been performed on the complexes to evaluate the iron(III/II) couples. These represent the first structures of iron–dipyrrin complexes, as well as the first electrochemical studies of any meso-substituted dipyrrin transition metal complexes.
Cardiac Troponin T Measured by a Highly Sensitive Assay Predicts Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Failure, and Mortality in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Background—We evaluated whether cardiac troponin T (cTnT) measured with a new highly sensitive assay was associated with incident coronary heart disease (CHD), mortality, and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in a general population of participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Methods and Results—Associations between increasing cTnT levels and CHD, mortality, and HF hospitalization were evaluated with Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for traditional CHD risk factors, kidney function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide in 9698 participants aged 54 to 74 years who at baseline were free from CHD and stroke (and HF in the HF analysis). Measurable cTnT levels (≥0.003 μg/L) were detected in 66.5% of individuals. In fully adjusted models, compared with participants with undetectable levels, those with cTnT levels in the highest category (≥0.014 μg/L; 7.4% of the ARIC population) had significantly increased risk for CHD (haza...
700 Ma rift event in the Blue Ridge province of Virginia: A unique time constraint on pre-Iapetan rifting of Laurentia

Discovery of compositionally distinctive rhyolites produced from a peralkaline volcanic center within the late Neoproterozoic Robertson River batholith and which are intercalated with terrestrial deposits of the previously undated Mechum River Formation indicates that rift-related sedimentation and magmatism were ongoing at 702–705 Ma, about 130 m.y. before the breakup of Laurentia. Recognition of late Neoproterozoic age rhyolites in central Virginia indicates that rift-related magmatism was more widespread along the incipient eastern (present coordinates) margin of Laurentia than previously thought. Neoproterozoic rifting in the Blue Ridge province of Virginia appears to have been part of a broad-scale process that affected most, if not all, of the preserved margins of Laurentia. The association of similar, extension-related terrestrial deposits and compositionally distinctive felsic rocks elsewhere may provide a unique marker for testing proposed predrift configurations of the late Neoproterozoic supercontinent, Rodinia.
Identification of fluorescing phases in Eu3+ doped La1.85Sr0.15CuO4 superconductors

Abstract Laser spectroscopy of a Eu3+ probe ion has been used to identify two impurity phases in polycrystalline samples of La1.85Sr0.15CuO4. The impurity phases are residual hexagonal La2O3 starting material and a La-silicate phase which forms during sintering from contamination with boat or furnace material. Laser spectroscopy of the Eu3+ probe has also been successfully used to monitor the solid state reaction rate of the starting materials and to observe heterogeneities in the distribution of the impurity phases in the final samples.
Correlates of physical activity among women with fibromyalgia syndrome

Background: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown origin that lacks standardized treatment. However, participation in physical activity (PA) benefits people with FMS. Despite the psychosocial and health benefits that can be gained through PA, the correlates of PA among people with FMS remain poorly understood.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the effects of cross-sectional and longitudinal correlates of PA among women with FMS.Methods: Participants were 187 female members of a HMO with a confirmed diagnosis of FMS. They were administered a battery of questionnaires assessing potential correlates of PA. These correlates were suggested by social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model, and have been repeatedly associated with PA among the general population.Results: Multivariate analyses indicated that self-efficacy for PA and the behavioral processes of change were the strongest discriminators among PA adopters, maintainers, quitters, and those who were sedentary. Enjoyment of PA, barriers to PA, the impact of FMS, and the environment also significantly discriminated among these groups. Longitudinally, changes in self-efficacy were significantly associated with changes in PA.Conclusions: These findings suggest that self-efficacy may play a critical role in both the present and long-term PA of women with FMS. They also lend additional support to the role of social cognitive and transtheoretical variables in discriminating among levels of PA.
Mapping temperature-sensitive mutants of simian virus 40: rescue of mutants by fragments of viral DNA.

Abstract Five temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of simian virus 40 (SV40), isolated and characterized by Tegtmeyer and Ozer (1971) , have been mapped by marker rescue using endo R fragments of wild-type SV40 DNA. For each mutant a specific fragment corrected the ts defect, from which we infer that the mutation is within the genome segment corresponding to the active fragment. Since the position of each fragment in the SV40 cleavage map is known, the mutational sites could be localized. Of the five ts mutants examined, two were “early” mutants and were in complementation group A of Tegtmeyer; these mapped in contiguous Hin fragments H (tsA30) and I (tsA28), which had been shown previously to be part of the “early” region of the SV40 genome. Three ts mutants were “late” mutants and were in complementation group B of Tegtmeyer; these mapped in contiguous Hin fragments F (tsB8), J (tsB4), and G (tsB11), which had been shown previously to be part of the “late” region of the SV40 genome.
Biochar and manure effects on net nitrogen mineralization and greenhouse gas emissions from calcareous soil under corn

Few multiyear field studies have examined the impacts of a one-time biochar application on net N mineralization and greenhouse gas emissions in an irrigated, calcareous soil; yet such applications are hypothesized as a means of sequestering atmospheric CO2 and improving soil quality. We fall-applied four treatments, stockpiled dairy manure (42 Mg/ha dry wt.); hardwood-derived biochar (22.4 Mg/ha); combined biochar and manure; and no amendments (control). Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in all plots and years based on treatment’s pre-season soil test N and crop requirements, and accounting for estimated N mineralized from added manure. From 2009 to 2011 we measured greenhouse gas fluxes using vented chambers, net N mineralization (NNM) using buried bags, corn yield, and N uptake, and in a succeeding year, root and shoot biomass and biomass C and N concentrations. Both amendments produced soil produced persistent soil effects. Manure increased seasonal and three year cumulative NNM, root biomass, and root:shoot ratio 1.6-fold, CO2-C gas flux 1.2-fold, and reduced soil NH4:NO3 ratio 58% relative to no-manure treatments. Relative to all other treatments on average, biochar-only produced 33% less cumulative NNM, 20% less CO2-C and 50% less N2O-N gas emissions, 35% less root biomass, and increased soil NH4:NO3 ratio 1.8-fold. These long-term effects suggest that biochar slightly impaired nitrification and N immobilization processes, and are likely caused by enduring biochar porosity and surface chemistry characteristics that influence N-transform-ation processes, alter microbial populations, and sequester soil ammonium. While the biochar-only treatment demonstrated a potential to increase corn yields and minimize CO2-C and N2O-N gas emissions in these calcareous soils; biochar also caused decreased corn yields under certain soil nutrient conditions. Combining biochar with manure effectively utilizes these soil amendments as it eliminated potential yield reductions and maximized manure net N mineralization potential.
Attosecond XUV spectroscopy to study dynamics near conical intersections

We present an attosecond, XUV pump - IR probe experiment to resolve the non-adiabatic dynamics of the CO2 in the vicinity of a conical intersection. We observe coherent oscillations due to the vibronic coupling mechanism.
Effect of dynamic loading on the frictional response of bovine articular cartilage

Abstract The objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that (1) the steady-state friction coefficient of articular cartilage is significantly smaller under cyclical compressive loading than the equilibrium friction coefficient under static loading, and decreases as a function of loading frequency; (2) the steady-state cartilage interstitial fluid load support remains significantly greater than zero under cyclical compressive loading and increases as a function of loading frequency. Unconfined compression tests with sliding of bovine shoulder cartilage against glass in saline were carried out on fresh cylindrical plugs (n=12), under three sinusoidal loading frequencies (0.05, 0.5 and 1 Hz) and under static loading; the time-dependent friction coefficient μ eff was measured. The interstitial fluid load support was also predicted theoretically. Under static loading μ eff increased from a minimum value ( μ min = 0.005 ± 0.003 ) to an equilibrium value ( μ eq = 0.153 ± 0.032 ). In cyclical compressive loading tests μ eff similarly rose from a minimum value ( μ min = 0.004 ± 0.002 , 0.003±0.001 and 0.003±0.001 at 0.05, 0.5 and 1 Hz) and reached a steady-state response oscillating between a lower-bound ( μ lb = 0.092 ± 0.016 , 0.083±0.019 and 0.084±0.020) and upper bound ( μ ub = 0.382 ± 0.057 , 0.358±0.059, and 0.298±0.061). For all frequencies it was found that μ ub > μ eq and μ lb μ eq ( p 0.05 ) . Under cyclical compressive loading the interstitial fluid load support was found to oscillate above and below the static loading response, with suction occurring over a portion of the loading cycle at steady-state conditions. All theoretical predictions and most experimental results demonstrated little sensitivity to loading frequency. On the basis of these results, both hypotheses were rejected. Cyclical compressive loading is not found to promote lower frictional coefficients or higher interstitial fluid load support than static loading.
Analysis of muramic acid in holocene microbial environments by gas chromatography, electron impact, and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Abstract Analytical procedures have been modified to determine the abundance of muramic acid in four different Holocene sediment samples. Muramic acid is specific to the peptidoglycan moiety of the cell walls of most eubacterial pro‐karyotic organisms. The following procedure seemed to be the most appropriate for the detection of muramic acid and amino acids, including diaminopimelic acid. Hydrolysis of the samples (in 6 N HCl, 4.5 h, at 100°C) was followed by separation and purification of amino sugars and amino acids using Amberlite XAD‐2 and then Bio‐Rad AG 50W‐X8 resins. The N,O‐heptafluorobutyryl‐n‐butyl ester derivatives were prepared by esterification in acidified (3 N HCl) n‐butanol for 3 h at 100°C, followed by acylation by refluxing with heptafluorobutyric anhydride in acetonitrile (2:1 v/v) for 12 min at 150°C. The derivatives were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Fast atom bombardment (FAB) ionization was used for the muramic acid derivative to dete...
A cholesterol screening and education program: Differences between older and younger adults

Abstract An estimated 24 million older adults are candidates for medical intervention for high blood cholesterol (BC) levels. Currently, little is known about the value of combining BC screening and education approaches for older adults. The current study investigated differences in recall and compliance between older (age 65 and above) and younger (age 18 to 64) individuals who attended a BC SCORE (Screening, Counseling and Referral Event) offered by the Pawtucket Heart Health Program (PHHP). SCORE participants were telephoned four to seven months after their initial SCORE contact to answer a 15-minute survey. With a few exceptions, results showed that older participants did not differ from younger in their recall of dietary, follow-up and referral recommendations. In addition, older participants were as likely as younger to say they changed their diet, contacted their physician and increased exercise as a result of the SCORE; however, more older than younger participants said they returned to PHHP for a follow-up measurement. Overall, there was no age difference in terms of accurate recall of BC level (within 5 mg/dl); however, more younger than older individuals accurately recalled their BC risk category and their exact BC number. Participants who said they visited their physician after the BC SCORE were asked what their physician told them. Physicians were more likely to say that high BC levels were “OK” for older than for younger participants. Implications for future BC screening and education activities that deal with older adults are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF SEX HORMONES ON BLOOD-CALCIUM AND INORGANIC BLOOD-PHOSPHATE LEVELS12

Changes in the level of blood and serum calcium have been associated from time to time with sex and reproduction. In fowl, pigeons and doves the results are very striking during the egg-laying periods but in mammals the reports are very conflicting and of doubtful significance. The importance of the calcium intake in fowl during egg production, with normal shell formation, is well established (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and the hourly fluctuations in the blood-calcium values during laying periods have been beautifully demonstrated in fowl, pigeons and doves (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Fluctuations in the weights of ovaries, testes and thyroids with seasonal variations in blood-calcium in pigeons and doves were also noted by Reinhardt and Riddle (6). Macowan (10) also observed histological changes in the parathyroids of the laying pullet and showed that parathormone injections caused rises of 2 to 6.5 mg. of Ca per 100 cc. of serum in pullets but not in moulting hens or cockerels. In the pregnant mammal we also recognize...
‘‘Are we Facebook official?’’ Implications of dating partners’ Facebook use and profiles for intimate relationship satisfaction.

Abstract Extending previous research on positive and negative correlates of Facebook use for individuals' outcomes, this study examined male and female dating partners' (n=58 couples) Facebook use and portrayals of their intimate relationship on the Facebook profile. Confirming hypotheses from compatibility theories of mate selection, partners demonstrated similar Facebook intensity (e.g., usage, connection to Facebook), and were highly likely to portray their relationship on their Facebook profiles in similar ways (i.e., display partnered status and show their partner in profile picture). These Facebook profile choices played a role in the overall functioning of the relationship, with males' indications of a partnered status linked with higher levels of their own and their partners' (marginal) relationship satisfaction, and females' displays of their partner in their profile picture linked with higher levels of their own and their partners' relationship satisfaction. Finally, male and female reports of h...
This is ICSU: The international union of microbiological societies (IUMS): What is it? what does it do?

Microbiological scientists around the world often have only a vague notion about the nature of the international organization with which their national microbiological societies are affiliated. This article provides answers to questions that are usually raised about IUMS; it is reproduced with permission from Microbiological Sciences.
High Pressure Kinetics Studies of Water Solidification in Dynamic-DAC

The phase diagram of water is both unusual and complex, exhibiting a wide range of polymorphs including proton-ordered or disordered forms. In addition, a variety of stable and metastable forms are observed. The richness of H2O phases attests the versatility of hydrogen bonded network structures that include kinetically stable amorphous ices. In addition, natural gas hydrates are observed upon cooling and/or pressurization. The structures of gas hydrates are quite different from ices, yet guest molecules are enclathrated inside hydrogen bonded water cages. Hence, the presence of small impurity molecules can affect strongly the behaviours of hydrogen bonding and alter the phase diagram and phase boundaries of H2O. In this paper, we report the effect of methane impurity on solidification and melting of H2O under dynamic loading conditions. The presence of impurity mainly affects the growth rate of metastable ice VII, slowing down from 1.4 m/s in pure H2O to 0.26 m/s in impure H2O, neither the occurrence of metastable ice VII nor the melting of ice VI.
Utilizing Acoustic Standoff Measurements to Improve the Accuracy of Density and Neutron Measurements

An improved method of determining and reducing the impact of borehole size and standoff on the measurement of formation density and neutron porosity has been developed. The use of standoff based binning in the density tool provides the first simultaneous measurement of density and compensation at several different standoffs. In addition to providing standoff binning for the density, the three axis caliper provides a robust measure of the borehole size. This borehole size is used to calculate both the borehole size correction and standoff correction for the neutron tool. Techniques for accurately making these corrections while rotating and while sliding will be given. The advantages of this technique are observed in both laboratory and downhole formations. The laboratory work will include the techniques used to make the standoff measurement. They will also include comparisons of measurements made with and without standoff based binning. Once the response in the lab is established, field test logs will be considered. Densities obtained at different standoffs as well as the optimized density will be presented to provide a quantitative measure of the effects of standoff, as well as to demonstrate the accuracy of the optimized density measurement. The comparison of MWD neutron logs with wireline neutron logs provides a measure of the accuracy of corrections while sliding and while rotating. In this manner we will see several independent measures of the improvement in the accuracy of the density and neutron measurements afforded by the use of standoff based binning and the three axis acoustic caliper.
Epidermal growth factor regulation of system L alanine transport in undifferentiated and differentiated intestinal Caco-2 cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) in intestinal lumen regulates many gut epithelial cell functions. Influenced by growth factors at various differentiation stages, enterocytes execute the major task of absorbing nutrient amino acids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EGF on Na+-independent L-alanine transport in intestinal epithelial cells. Na+-independent [3H]-L-alanine transport was measured in the differentiating Caco-2 cells. In both the undifferentiated and differentiated states, L-alanine uptake occurred via a single saturable Na+-independent system L plus simple passive diffusion. System L activity decreased as the cells progressed from the undifferentiated to the differentiated state. Prolonged incubation with EGF (>30 hours) resulted in a 70% increase in system L activity in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. EGF stimulated the system L Vmax without affecting Km. System L activity stimulation was inhibited by chelerythrine chloride, cycloheximide, or actinomycin D. These data suggest that intestinal epithelial cell differentiation is associated with a decrease in system L transport capacity. EGF activates system L transport activity through a signaling mechanism involving protein kinase C, independent of cell differentiation state. Both cell differentiation and EGF regulation of system L activity occur via alteration of functional copies of the system L transporter.
On the relationship between quantum control landscape structure and optimization complexity

It has been widely observed in optimal control simulations and experiments that state preparation is surprisingly easy to achieve, regardless of the dimension N of the system Hilbert space. In contrast, simulations for the generation of targeted unitary transformations indicate that the effort increases exponentially with N. In order to understand such behavior, the concept of quantum control landscapes was recently introduced, where the landscape is defined as the physical objective, as a function of the control variables. The present work explores how the local structure of the control landscape influences the effectiveness and efficiency of quantum optimal control search efforts. Optimizations of state and unitary transformation preparation using kinematic control variables (i.e., the elements of the action matrix) are performed with gradient, genetic, and simplex algorithms. The results indicate that the search effort scales weakly, or possibly independently, with N for state preparation, while the se...
Probing Gas Diffusion Pathways in Cytochrome C Oxidase with Explicit and Implicit Ligand Samplings

Cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) couples reduction of O2 to water with proton pumping across the membrane, thereby generating a driving force for ATP synthesis. The x-ray structures of A-, B- and C-type CCOs suggest that an elongated hydrophobic cavity connecting the membrane core to the protein's active site might serve as an O2 access point to the catalytic active site of the enzyme. The structure of this cavity is, however, varied in different CCOs. While B- and C-type CCOs exhibit two entrances into this cavity, A-type CCOs appear to only have one entrance. To investigate the involvement of the hydrophobic cavity in O2 diffusion and to identify (potential) additional O2 entry pathways, we employed two complementary approaches using molecular dynamics simulations, performed on membrane-bound models of various CCO isoforms. In one approach, using a large ensemble of equilibrated protein conformations collected in the absence of O2, free-energy of O2 insertion over a grid covering the entire protein matrix is calculated using the “implicit ligand sampling” method. In the other approach, we included O2 molecules explicitly in the simulations and monitored their diffusion through the system. We observed favorable O2 binding and rapid O2 diffusion primarily from the membrane core, characterizing the hydrophobic cavity as a major O2 delivery pathway. Moreover, through simulations performed on a mutant enzyme, we identify a site that may contribute to the experimentally observed diffusion-controlled O2 binding kinetics in B-type CCO from Thermus thermophilus.
Context-aware multicast routing scheme for Disruption Tolerant Networks

Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTNs) are designed to enable communications in networks that experience frequent network partitions and large end-to-end delays. In this paper, we propose a Context-aware Adaptive Multicast Routing (CAMR) scheme for DTNs. Simulation results show that our CAMR scheme can achieve higher message delivery ratio with similar delay performance than two existing DTN multicast schemes, namely DTBR and OS-Multicast. We evaluate the delivery performance of CAMR in different scenarios e.g., different number of groups, different maximum node speeds. Our results indicate that CAMR scales well and provides excellent delivery performance in many different scenarios.
Factors affecting corneal endothelial morphology.

Purpose To study the effects of age, race, years of contact lens wear, and degree of myopia on endothelial cell density, the coefficient of variation, and the percentage of hexagonal cells. Methods A total of 149 subjects with a broad variation in age (19 to 71 years), refractive error (39.6% had myopia over -5.00 D), and contact lens history (13.4% had >20 years of wear) were examined. Most subjects were white, but one third were Asian. The Konan specular microscope was used to capture images from 1 eye of each subject and analyzed with the KSS-300 software. Multiple regression analysis was used to build models of endothelial cell density, polymegathism, and pleomorphism. Results Age and race significantly affected endothelial cell density (ECD = 3274 - 12.7 x Age + [164 if Asian]). Years of contact lens wear, age, and their interaction significantly affected coefficient of variation (CoV = 24.3 + 0.72 x CLyears + 0.18 x Age - 0.011 x interaction). Years of contact lens wear, age, and refractive error all independently affected the percentage of hexagonal cells (% Hex = 70 - 0.29 x CLyears - 0.21 x Age + 0.4 x Rx). Conclusions The three key aspects of corneal endothelial morphology are influenced by different factors. Any impact of contact lens wear on endothelial cell density may be caused by the confounding effect of age, and refractive error was associated with the percentage of hexagonal cells. Therefore, in studying the influence of drugs, devices, or disease, it is important to control for several subject-related factors.
Thermoreversible Gelation of an Ionic Liquid by Crystallization of a Dissolved Polymer

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) dissolves in the room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate [EMIM][EtSO(4)] above approximately 60 degrees C, the neat polymer's melting temperature, and if polymer concentration and molecular weight are high enough, the solution transforms into a semitransparent gel when cooled. The modulus, reaching 100 KPa or higher, is strongly affected by PEG concentration, and self-supporting materials are made even from solutions somewhat below coil overlap. Via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, and optical microscopy, thermoreversible solidification is traced to kinetically frustrated polymer crystallization, an established mechanism for many pairings of crystallizable polymer with aqueous or organic solvent. Optical microscopy reveals nucleation and growth of PEG crystals with a largest dimension of tens to hundreds of micrometers. Crystalline chain packing in gels is identical to that of neat PEG, and degrees of crystallization are similar. Simple preparation, nontoxicity, and vanishing volatility suggest unique new gel applications.