cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen reduction and reaction time in hypoxic and normal drivers

Thirty young, healthy, nonsmoking drivers and 30 older, presumably hypoxic, nonsmoking drivers were exposed to an average of 38.1 ppm of carbon monoxide (CO) during 90 minutes of commuting traffic. These groups showed an average of 0.49 and 1.14 vol% reduction in oxygen (O2) of capillary blood, respectively. A control group of 30 averaged a 0.04 vol% reduction. Correlation of CO exposure with O2 reduction was highly significant. In both groups, 27 of the 30 drivers were slower in reaction time to a visual stimulus after being in traffic. The control group was 3.5% faster in reaction time the second time. Correlation of O2 reduction and time slowing was significant. The hypoxic drivers had significantly less O2 and were significantly slower in reaction time at the beginning than were the normal drivers.
Probable Site of Sex Pheromone Emission in Female Vine and Obscure Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

In laboratory bioassays, male Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) and Planococcus ficus Signoret were attracted to body sections of females that included the metathoracic legs. Extracts of the metathoracic legs of female P. ficus were much more attractive to males than extracts of the other legs, and males exhibited copulatory behavior towards these extracts. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of translucent pores on the coxae of mature but not immature females. Collectively, the data suggest that the female-produced sex pheromones of these species are released from the metathoracic legs, probably from the translucent pores.
A system for the design of an optimum liquid-liquid extractant molecule

Abstract The design of an extractant molecule for use in liquid-liquid extraction, traditionally a combinatorial optimization problem, has been solved using continuous optimization. The UNIFAC model was used as the basis for all calculation. A computer system was developed which employs a three-step procedure. First, the error in the liquid-liquid equilibrium relations resulting from the specification of a target separation criteria is minimized. Second, the molecule produced is used as a starting point to optimize up to seven separation criteria to obtain the theoretical extractant molecule which satisfies the equilibrium relations. Third, this molecule is used to generate alternative extractant molecules which contain integer group values only. Numeric molecular structure constraints were developed which maintain the feasibility of molecules and set limits on boiling point and molecular weight. The system was tested on several separation problems and has suggested extractants as good or better than ones currently in use.
Comparison of some physical properties of resistance—heat and electron-gun evaporated SiO films

Abstract A systematic investigation has been conducted to compare the SiO films evaporated by electron gun and resistance-heat under similar conditions. The physical properties compared are the relative density, ratio of (SiO+Si) to SiO x and dielectric constant. The results show that the electron-gun evaporated films are approximately 1.25±0.05 greater in density and 1.2 times higher in dielectric value than the resistance-heated films, although both films have the same composition of (SiO+Si) per volume. This indicates that the higher dielectric constant of the electron-gun evaporated films is related to the higher density of the electron-gun process.
The relationship between population growth and real assessed market values: note.

Various indices are commonly used to measure growth or decline in communities and regions but this article suggests another measure which is fairly easy to obtain--the change over time in real assessed market values. Computer storage and analysis of real estate assessment and sales data make it possible to determine accurate true assessment ratios which can be used to calculate reasonable estimates of market values. This article shows the relationship between population growth from 1970 to 1980 and the changes in real assessed market values of various property classes for over 400 Pennsylvania townships. This can provide insight into the kind and nature of community change. The most noteworthy aspect of these data not apparent in conventional growth measures is the magnitude of increases of residential property values in all growth categories but particularly in the high growth townships. This kind of data could be calculated by countries or by regions; this might be more informative and useful to planners and researchers in such form. Comparing local data to regional community or state landmark data can help identify strengths and weaknesses or the particular nature of a communitys growth.
Adding triamcinolone to endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus blockade does not reduce pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Background & Aims The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound–guided celiac plexus blockade (EUS-CPB) for painful chronic pancreatitis (CP) is uncertain. Triamcinolone is often mixed with bupivacaine to lengthen the analgesic effect. We investigated whether addition of triamcinolone increases and lengthens pain relief compared with EUS-CPB with only bupivacaine. Methods We performed a single-center, blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 40 adult patients referred for EUS-CPB for treatment of painful CP. Patients were assigned randomly to groups that received EUS-CPB with triamcinolone and bupivacaine or EUS-CPB with only bupivacaine (control). Questionnaires were collected when the study began (baseline) and 1 month later. The primary end point was a decrease in the pain disability index of 10 or more points at 1 month after the procedure. Secondary end points included change in visual analogue scale, narcotic requirements, and quality of life at 1 month. Results There were no significant differences in primary outcomes between groups (14.3% for patients who received triamcinolone vs 15.8% for controls; P = .64). The trial was stopped for futility. There was no significant difference between groups in immediate response rates (85.7% for patients who received triamcinolone vs 68.4% for control; P = .10), or other secondary end points, including change in pain visual analogue scale (0.4 vs 1.0; P = .83), treatment with morphine equivalents at 1 month (−7.8 vs 0.0; P = .35), change in quality of life at 1 month (SF-12 mental component: 1.3 vs −2.1; P = .44; and physical component: −0.2 vs 1.7; P = .54), or adverse events. The duration of response was shorter in the triamcinolone group (mean, 5.3 vs 0.6 mo; P = .01). Conclusions Triamcinolone does not increase pain relief or lengthen the effects of EUS-CPB.
On Being a Legal Expert

Dr. D, a compassionate pain medicine physician, for 2 years has been taking cares of a patient with complex regional pain syndrome type I of the upper extremity, which developed after a minimum injury at work. One day, he is called by the patient's lawyer as an “expert witness” and is asked to provide evidence of the patient's pain, suffering, and functional disability. Fees are offered for Dr. D's deposition ($400/hour) and court appearance as an expert ($500/hour). The patient, who is counting on Dr. D's empathy to help him get a significant monetary award from the jury, is looking forward to Dr. D's testimony. Can a treating pain medicine physician be a trial expert for the same patient? ### Pros and Cons Is …
Treatment of Agoraphobia in a Pregnant Woman: A Combination of Exposure and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

A combination of exposure therapy techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies were used to treat a 23-year-old pregnant female who was housebound due to symptoms of agoraphobi...
Noninvasive diagnosis by Doppler ultrasonography of fetal anemia resulting from parvovirus infection.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity for the detection of fetal anemia in pregnancies that are complicated by parvovirus B19 infection. Study Design: Doppler measurements of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity were performed weekly in 32 fetuses at risk for anemia because of maternal parvovirus infection documented by the presence of serum immunoglobulin M antibody. The values of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and hemoglobin were expressed as multiples of the median. These values were plotted on reference ranges that had been established previously. A cordocentesis was performed either because of fetal ascites or when the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity values suggested anemia (middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, >1.50 multiples of the median). Results: Gestational age at study entry ranged from 15.1 to 37 weeks. There were 17 fetuses with middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity of >1.50 MoM (group 1). Sixteen cordocenteses were performed in these fetuses. All 16 fetuses were anemic (15 severely and 1 mildly). Thirteen fetuses had signs of hydrops (12 with severe and 1 with mild anemia). Group 2 included 15 fetuses with the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity values 1.50 MoM) for the prediction of anemia because of parvovirus infection was 94.1%; the specificity was 93.3%; the positive and negative predictive values were 94.1% and 93.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Fetal anemia caused by parvovirus infection can be detected noninvasively by Doppler ultrasonography on the basis of an increase in the peak velocity of systolic blood flow in the middle cerebral artery. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1290-3.)
New and emerging treatment options for biliary tract cancer

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a group of relatively rare tumors with a poor prognosis. The current standard of care consists of doublet chemotherapy (platinum plus gemcitabine); however, even with cytotoxic therapy, the median overall survival is less than 1 year. The genetic basis of BTC is now more clearly understood, allowing for the investigation of targeted therapy. Combinations of doublet chemotherapy with antiepidermal growth factor receptor agents have provided modest results in Phase II and Phase III setting, and responses with small molecule inhibitors are limited. Moving forward as we continue to characterize the genetic hallmarks of BTC, a stepwise, strategic, and cooperative approach will allow us to make progress when developing new treatments.
Buckling of composite plates

Abstract The buckling of composite plates is a very complicated subject about which at least 200 references are already available. The present paper examines the characteristics and parameters which may need to be considered, both from mathematical and physical points of view, and provides perspective and organization to the subject. The first part deals with classical bifurcation buckling analysis, discusses the relevant plate equations and their solutions, and considers shapes, edge conditions and loadings which may arise. The second part treats classical complicating effects (those still yielding linear eigenvalue problems with bifurcation) including: elastic foundation, variable thickness, shear deformation, hygrothermal effects and inplane heterogeneity. The third part takes up non-classical considerations—postbuckling, geometric imperfections, parametric excitation, follower forces and inelastic material.
Hyperactivation of PARP Triggers Nonhomologous End-Joining in Repair-Deficient Mouse Fibroblasts

Regulation of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) synthesis and turnover is critical to determining cell fate after genotoxic stress. Hyperactivation of PAR synthesis by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) occurs when cells deficient in DNA repair are exposed to genotoxic agents; however, the function of this hyperactivation has not been adequately explained. Here, we examine PAR synthesis in mouse fibroblasts deficient in the base excision repair enzyme DNA polymerase β (pol β). The extent and duration of PARP-1 activation was measured after exposure to either the DNA alkylating agent, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), or to low energy laser-induced DNA damage. There was strong DNA damage-induced hyperactivation of PARP-1 in pol β nullcells, but not in wild-type cells. In the case of MMS treatment, PAR synthesis did not lead to cell death in the pol β null cells, but instead resulted in increased PARylation of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) protein Ku70 and increased association of Ku70 with PARP-1. Inhibition of the NHEJ factor DNA-PK, under conditions of MMS-induced PARP-1 hyperactivation, enhanced necrotic cell death. These data suggest that PARP-1 hyperactivation is a protective mechanism triggering the classical-NHEJ DNA repair pathway when the primary alkylated base damage repair pathway is compromised.
Legal Environment of Managerial Decision Making

The scope of this undertaking is to categorize that sector of the environment affecting managerial decision making that makes up the “legal environment.” The term legal environment encompasses the federal and state legislative and regulatory powers, plus the common law or court‐developed law that impacts an organization's domain. I have set out to divide the project into three chapters with each chapter emphasizing a major regulatory impact on corporate direction; some predictable, some unpredictable. Moreover, predictability will be dealt with as to controlling the legal environment. Historically, the legal environment crosses over two of the sectors: the government sector, city, state, federal laws and regulations, the court system, and political processes; the sociocultural sector, affirmative action, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, values, beliefs, etc. Certain regulatory powers were anticipated by the frames of the Constitution in order to maintain a system of prosperity and strength. However, many of our regulatory agencies have come into being at the behest of the very industries that are regulated, such as antitrust. Furthermore, many of the regulatory laws came about due to the negligence of the business community in not self‐regulating and thereby permitting intolerable conditions for the sociocultural sector.
Power/energy: No ill winds for New Mexico utility: Under test in one municipality's power system, an experimental machine supplies up to 15 percent of community needs

Discusses a large wind generator which joined the electric utility system in the town of Clayton, NM, and while much remains to be studied, already it is clear: the results are encouraging. Linked to the town's present system of seven diesel generators, the revolving wind blades can supply 200 kW of output power, nearly 15 percent of Clayton's total power load during off-peak periods. This result has become evident despite many early shakedown problems-most since solved-and operation in a system with significant frequency deviations. Technical evaluation is still under way, and operating and maintenance costs have yet to be fully analyzed. The operation is serving as a testbed for the impact of an intermittent power source on an electric-utility system. The machine in use is the US Department of Energy/NASA Mod 0-A and is rated at 200 kW in a 22.4-mi/h wind for a constant rotor speed of 40 r/min. It went into service in Clayton on Jan. 28, 1978.
Depletion of brain serotonin by chronic administration of p-chloroamphetamine orally to rats and dogs

Abstract p-Chloroamphetamine (PCA) given in a single oral dose to rats lowered brain serotonin acutely almost as effectively as after ip injection. Likewise, PCA depleted brain serotonin when mixed with the diet, though the amount of food intake was reduced from that normally consumed due to the anorexic action of PCA. In one study in rats fed diets containing PCA for 125 days, the degree of brain serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid depletion was maximal at about 1–4 weeks and diminished during further drug ingestion by rats. In another study in rats fed diets containing PCA for 90 days, brain serotonin concentration was slightly but significantly reduced 2 weeks after drug administration was stopped. Brain serotonin concentration was decreased in dogs at the end of 90 days of oral drug administration and had not returned to control values 2 weeks after drug was discontinued. These results suggest that long-lasting (presumably neurotoxic) effects on brain serotonin neurons are less likely to occur when PCA is given orally than when it is injected ip.
Ethics and information science

The challenge of ethical problem solving in the context of the information-science professions has fostered debate over whether a code of ethics might not provide a valuable guide to decision making in situations involving ethical conflicts. Sample issues and questions are presented with an aim toward placing them in historical and philosophical frameworks for considering the tension between knowledge and power. While the article concludes that ethical choices are too dynamic and unpredictable to make a fixed code useful, practical guidelines to help information professionals act out of wisdom are offered. © 1987 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Notes on Some Anthropological Aspects of Communication

This paper by Clyde Kluckhohn and the comments by A. L. Kroeber were prepared for the Wenner-Gren Foundation's Burg Wartenstein Symposium (no. 13), "Comparative Aspects of Human Communication," held in Austria from September 4 to 10, 1960. On July 28 Clyde Kluckhohn died in New Mexico and Kroeber presented both papers to the Symposium. Kroeber's comments were the last thing written by him before his death in Paris on October 5, 1960. The papers were made available to the AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST through the good offices of Paul Fejos of the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research.
Basicranial anatomy of Syndyoceras cooki (Artiodactyla, Protoceratidae) and the need for a reappraisal of tylopod relationships

ABSTRACT Observations of the holotype of Syndyoceras cooki and comparative material indicate that protoceratid basicrania share no striking resemblances to those of camelids, a group purported to be closely related to the protoceratids. The protoceratid petrosal has a massive posterodorsal (canalicular) part with a strong dorsal crest separating the cerebral and cerebellar surfaces, like the petrosals of ruminants, and its endocranial surface lacks a fossa mastoidea, a feature of uncertain polarity found in camelid petrosals dating back at least as far as the Oligocene genus Poebrotherium. Furthermore, the subarcuate fossa of the petrosal is reduced in protoceratids (a derived condition found in pecoran ruminants). These results, while they cannot be analyzed completely with currently available data, indicate: 1) a pressing need for the reappraisal of interrelationships of “tylopod” artiodactyl taxa and their relationships with the ruminants, and 2) the potential that protoceratids themselves may be more ...
A twin study of self-reported psychopathic personality traits

Previous twin studies attempting to assess the origins of psychopathic personality traits have mainly focused on an overt behavioral conceptualization of the syndrome as defined by a history of chronic antisocial behaviors. This investigation instead focused on a personality-based approach which emphasizes maladaptive personality traits as central to the syndrome. Psychopathic traits were indexed by the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI), a self-report measure designed to assess the personality domain of the disorder. Biometric parameters obtained from the responses of 353 male twins from the Minnesota Twin Registry revealed significant genetic influences, largely non-additive in nature. Although preliminary due to the modest sample size, the findings encourage a larger scale investigation with greater statistical power to evaluate competing models of genetic influence.
A note on roundedness in 4-connected matroids

Abstract A k-connected matroid M with at least four elements is (k,2)-rounded if it satisfies the following condition. Whenever e and ƒ are elements of a k-connected matroid N having M as a minor, then N has a minor which uses e and ƒ and is isomorphic to M. We show that, for k exceeding three, a (k,2)-rounded matroid must have rank or corank less than k. The corresponding result for k = 3 was proved by Oxley. As a consequence, we show that M is (4,2)-rounded if and only if M is isomorphic to U2,4. This extends results of Coullard, Kahn, and Oxley.
The Nature and Distribution of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormones in Brains and Plasma of Ranid Frogs

Highly specific antisera and reversed-phase HPLC were used to examine the nature and distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the brains and plasma of three species of Rana frog previously reported to vary in the types and brain distributions of GnRH. The three species examined, Rana pipiens, Rana esculenta, and Rana ridibunda, exhibit differences in total concentration and relative concentrations of GnRH in brain areas, but all three contain the mammalian and chicken-II forms of GnRH (mGnRH and cGnRH-II). Both forms were found in the telencephalon and diencephalon, but mGnRH is consistently the most abundant form in the preoptic-hypothalamic area (e.g., ratios of mGnRH:cGnRH-II > 3:1 in hypothalamus-median eminence), whereas, cGnRH-II is the most abundant in the telencephalon and the only form measured in the cerebellum and medulla. The total content of cGnRH-II in the whole brain is about 1.5-2 times higher than that of mGnRH, due to the larger size of the areas outside the preoptic-hypothalamic area. These general patterns were the same for adults and juveniles. We found no evidence of a third form of GnRH corresponding to salmon GnRH in hypothalamus or other brain areas of R. esculenta as previously reported. These analyses also revealed the presence of both forms of GnRH in plasma draining the hypothalamic area, but the concentration of cGnRH-II is relatively higher than that in the corresponding hypothalamic tissue, suggesting differentially greater release or slower degradation of this form. These results do not support the conclusion that the ranid frogs are highly variable in the nature and distribution of GnRH in the brain, although they suggest that both forms of GnRH are potentially involved in the direct regulation of pituitary gonadotropes.
Zero-Delay Joint Source-Channel Coding Using Hybrid Digital-Analog Schemes in the Wyner-Ziv Setting

This paper studies zero-delay joint source-channel coding (JSCC) of Gaussian sources over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels in the Wyner-Ziv scenario, that is, when there is side information about the source available only to the receiver. The proposed encoding scheme is based on hybrid digital-analog (HDA) transmission in a zero-delay fashion. Specifically, to achieve zero-delay, after applying scalar quantization to the source, the properly scaled analog information (quantization error) is superimposed on the scaled digital information (quantized source), and then transmitted. At the receiver side, several reconstruction schemes are analyzed. It is shown that all the schemes, when optimized, are superior to existing uncoded, digital, or hybrid transmission methods. It is also shown that the proposed HDA transmission may result in increased robustness to channel and/or side information mismatch compared to uncoded transmission. Observing that the bandwidth-matched Wyner-Ziv problem is intimately related to the coding scenario without side information but with bandwidth expansion factor 2, the proposed scheme is applied to the latter problem. It is shown that this application results in a better performance than the well-known inverse spiral mapping.
An effective buprenorphine analgesic protocol increases post‐operative adhesions in rats after laparotomy

The use of analgesics in post-operative adhesion (POA) research is problematic due to POA-inhibiting effects of anti-inflammatory agents and bowel motility-inhibiting effects of opioids, which may increase adhesion formation. This study was conducted to assess a buprenorphine (BUP) protocol for analgesic efficacy and its effects on POA formation in a rat cecal abrasion model. The protocol was approved by the University of Florida's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Forty-one female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups (n = 20 or 21 group). Body weight, food and water intake were recorded daily from 2 days before until 7 days after surgery. Treatment rats received 0.05 mg kg–1 BUP SQ at anesthesia induction and 0.3 mg kg–1 BUP orally in flavored gelatin 6 hours after surgery. Control rats received saline placebo injection and plain gelatin. All rats underwent laparotomy and controlled cecal abrasion. At 3, 6 and 24 hours post-operatively rats were individually observed in 10-minutes periods for pain related behavior incidence: ‘twitch’ (contraction of muscles along dorsum and/or head), ‘back arch’ (cat-like position with front legs extended and pushing backward), ‘writhe’ (flank contraction), and ‘stagger/fall’ (momentary loss of balance while grooming or ambulating), using the method of Roughan and Flecknell (Pain 2001,90, 65–74). On post-op day seven rats were euthanized by CO2 inhalation and POA evaluated (0 to 4 scale; ³Grade 2 = clinically significant.) BUP treated rats had lower mean pain scores than control rats at 3 hours (1.6 ± 1.7 versus 20.3 ± 13.5 (mean ± SD); p < 0.001) and 6 hours (2.1 ± 2.7 versus 23.7 ± 12.9; p < 0.001) but not 24 hours (1.5 ± 1.3 versus 4.9 ± 6.6; p = 0.35) post-operatively. Predominant pain behavior was ‘writhe’ (flank contraction) in contrast to ‘twitch,’‘back arch,’ and ‘stagger/fall’ reported as most common pain indicators in other rat strains. BUP rats had greater mean adhesion incidence (2.4 ± 1.7 versus 1.4 ± 1.8; p < 0.03) and severity (90%³Gr.2 versus 65% of controls; p < 0.05). The BUP protocol appeared to provide effective analgesia for at least 24 hours post-operatively. Strain of rat may affect pain related behavior. BUP should be used with caution after abdominal surgical procedures having high risk of POA formation.
Coherent harmonic generation in superconductors for various critical-state models

We show that plots of the in-phase versus out-of-phase harmonic signals have very different signatures for different critical-state models of type-II superconductors. We show that for one sample of Y-Ba-Cu-O the results are consistent with the Bean model.
The data management problem in post-pc devices and a solution

The demand for network-enabled limited-footprint mobile devices is increasing rapidly. A central challenge that must be addressed in order to use these next-generation devices effectively is efficient data management --- persistent data manipulated or required by applications executing on these computationally and communicationally impoverished devices must be consistently managed and made highly available. This data management has traditionally been the responsibility of the OS on which applications execute. In this paper, we extend this conventional OS functionality to include post-pc devices. We propose a novel programmatic solution to the problem of maintaining high data availability while attaining eventual consistency [16] in the presence of mobility and disconnected operations, device and network failures, and limited device capabilities. We achieve this by using a combination of a novel proxy architecture, a split request-reply queue based on soft-state principles, and a two-tier update/commit protocol. We also exploit strong object typing to provide application-specific conflict handling in order to attain faster eventual consistency, as well as greater probability of automatic reconciliation.
The switch helix: A putative combinatorial relay for interprotomer communication in cGMP-dependent protein kinase

For over three decades the isozymes of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) have been studied using an array of biochemical and biophysical techniques. When compared to its closest cousin, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), these studies revealed a set of identical domain types, yet containing distinct, sequence-specific features. The recently solved structure of the PKG regulatory domain showed the presence of the switch helix (SW), a novel motif that promotes the formation of a domain-swapped dimer in the asymmetric unit. This dimer is mediated by the interaction of a knob motif on the C-terminal locus of the SW, with a hydrophobic nest on the opposing protomer. This nest sits adjacent to the cGMP binding pocket of the B-site. Priming of this site by cGMP may influence the geometry of the hydrophobic nest. Moreover, this unique interaction may have wide implications for the architecture of the inactive and active forms of PKG. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Inhibitors of Protein Kinases (2012).
Utilization of glutamine for energy and protein synthesis by cultured rabbit follicular oocytes.

Abstract Follicular oocytes developed in a balanced salt medium containing universally labeled 14C-glutamine and bovine serum albumin, but no carbohydrates or other organic compounds. From the 14CO2 produced and 14C-TCA precipitable material isolated it is suggested that glutamine probably is utilized by oocytes and cumulus cells as a source of energy as well as for protein synthesis. The oocytes produced only about 32% as much 14CO2 as did the associated cumulus cells, but produced 27% more protein.
Complete Genome of Geobacter pickeringii G13T, a Metal-Reducing Isolate from Sedimentary Kaolin Deposits.

ABSTRACT We used PacBio sequencing to assemble the genome of the pristine freshwater isolate Geobacter pickeringii G13T into a single 3,618,700-bp circular chromosome polished to 99.999% accuracy (quality value [QV], 50). This isolate shares several features with other Geobacter spp., including genes for degradation of aromatics and an abundance of multiheme c-type cytochromes.
Thermal charging and discharging of sensible and latent heat storage packed beds

Poreh, M., Tsuei, Y. G., and Cermak, J. E., "Investigation of A Turbulent Radial Wall Jet," Journal of Applied Mechanics, Vol. 34, June 1967, pp. 457-463. Meyers, G. E., Schauer, J. J., and Eustis, R. H., "Plane Turbulent Wall Jet Flow Development and Friction Factor," Journal Basic Engineering, Vol. 48, March 1963, pp. 47-54. Sigalla, A., "Measurement of Skin Friction in a Plane Turbulent Wall Jet," Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Vol. 62, Dec. 1958, p. 873.
Sitting movement in elderly subjects with and without Parkinson’s disease: A biomechanical study

The aim of the present study was to compare kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic variables during the sitting movement between healthy elderly and in those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with moderate involvement. We hypothesized that subjects with PD would show difficulty in selecting the muscles for the task and that this could be related to the co-activation pattern and would be reflected in the behavior of some biomechanical variables. Fifteen subjects participated in this study, seven healthy subjects (NN group) and eight with Parkinson’s disease. Electromyography (EMG) activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (SO), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), biceps femoris (BF), and erector spinae (ES) were recorded, and biomechanical variables were calculated, during four phases of the sitting movement. Compared to healthy subjects, the subjects with PD showed more flexion at the ankle, knee, and hip joints in the initial position and lower joint velocity. However, the EMG activity and hip, knee, and ankle joint torques were not different during all phases of movement. The sitting movement in PD subjects with moderate involvement generates EMG activity and joint torques similar to healthy elderly subjects. Only a reduced movement velocity was found in PD patients during the sitting task.
Effect of thickness on PDLC electro-optics

Liquid crystal/polymer dispersions have widely recognized promise as light modulators in projection displays for high definition video. Achieving switching voltages compatible with active matrix display drivers while maintaining good on-screen contrast remains an area of active material research. As the driving voltage depends linearly on the liquid crystal/polymer dispersion thickness, one simple method to lower driving voltage is to operate with thinner dispersions. This approach has a significant impact on contrast ratio. We report on the results of a study of the dependence of the driving voltage and contrast ratio as a function of thickness. For very thin samples the voltage does not decrease with thickness and the contrast is greatly reduced, indicating a clear limit to this approach.
Effects of surface chemistry and shape on nonlinear absorption, scattering, and refraction of PbSe nanocrystals

Oleic acid capped lead sulfide (PbSe) cubes, spheres, rods and star-shaped nanocrystals with sizes ranging from 5 to 20 nm were synthesized, then subjected to a post-synthesis washing in a 1:1 ethanol/hexane solution. The relationship of third order nonlinear optical properties to nanocrystal surface chemistry as affected by this washing was analyzed using nanosecond 532 nm Z-scan. The results indicated a significant change in optical properties emerged only after the nanocrystals, regardless of shape, were washed in the ethanol/hexane mixture. The "as grown" nanocrystals displayed high emission efficiency with no nonlinear absorption, which converted to a highly-absorbing and strongly scattering media with quenching of optical emission following washing. Transmission electron microscopy showed that neither the size nor shape of the nanocrystals was changed by washing, indicating that all differences were related to changes in surface chemistry. Finally, the Z-scan of washed nanocrystals displayed a strong correlation between nonlinear scattering and nonlinear transmittance which was also not dependent upon shape. It is postulated that the washing allowed formation of deep trap states that permitted nonlinear optical absorption.
A statistical theory of traffic flow on highways—I. Steady-state flow in low-density limit

A SIMPLE BUT REALISTIC MODEL OF TRAFFIC FLOW ON HIGHWAYS IS DEVELOPED FOR ANALYSIS BY AN INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED THEORY. THE MODEL UTILIZES A DISTRIBUTION OF DESIRED SPEEDS BY THE CARS AND CERTAIN DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE PASSING BEHAVIOR OF THE CARS. THIS PAPER TREATS STEADY- STATE FLOW ON UNIFORM ROADWAYS IN THE LIMIT OF DENSITIES SO LOW THAT NO QUEUING NEED BE CONSIDERED. CORRECTIONS TO THE DESIRED LANE BEHAVIOR CAUSED BY PASSING ARE FORMULATED EXPLICITLY, AND EXAMPLES ARE WORKED OUT FOR BOTH CONTINUOUS AND DISCRETE VELOCITY SPACES. /AUTHOR/
Material degradation during isothermal ageing and thermal cycling of hybrid mica seals under solid oxide fuel cell exposure conditions

Hybrid phlogopite mica seals with glass interlayers were evaluated in terms of materials degradation in a combined ageing and thermal cycling test. Three glass interlayers were investigated: a standard Ba–Ca–Al silicate glass (G18), a modified Ba–Ca–Al silicate glass with a nucleation agent added (G18m), and a borosilicate glass (G6). The hybrid phlogopite mica seals were aged at 800 °C for ∼500 to ∼1000 h in moist, dilute hydrogen fuel, and then subjected to short-term thermal cycling between ∼100 and 800 °C. Seals with G18 and G18m glass interlayers showed very poor thermal cycle stability after isothermal ageing. Seals with borosilicate glass interlayers showed very good thermal cycle stability with constant, low leakage (<0.01 sccm cm−1 at 0.2 psi) after ageing for 508 h followed by 56 thermal cycles. Post-mortem analyses showed degradation of the mica due to interaction with the interlayer glasses. Leak paths were identified and correlated to the measured leak rates.
Peripheral Tissue Homing Receptor Control of Naïve, Effector, and Memory CD8 T Cell Localization in Lymphoid and Non-Lymphoid Tissues

T cell activation induces homing receptors that bind ligands on peripheral tissue vasculature, programming movement to sites of infection and injury. There are 3 major types of CD8 effector T cells based on homing receptor expression, which arise in distinct lymphoid organs. Recent publications indicate that naive, effector, and memory T cell migration is more complex than once thought; while many effectors enter peripheral tissues, some re-enter lymph nodes and contain central memory precursors. Lymph node re-entry can depend on CD62L or peripheral tissue homing receptors. Memory T cells in lymph nodes tend to express the same homing receptors as their forebears, but often are CD62Lneg. Homing receptors also control CD8 T cell tumor entry. Tumor vasculature has low levels of many peripheral tissue homing receptor ligands, but portions of it resemble high endothelial venules, enabling naive T cell entry, activation and subsequent effector activity. This vasculature is associated with positive prognoses in humans, suggesting it may sustain ongoing anti-tumor responses. These findings reveal new roles for homing receptors expressed by naive, effector and memory CD8 T cells in controlling entry into lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program: Analysis of Variations in State Practices

Abstract Each state administers a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program that utilizes federal grants, along with a state match, to make loans to localities and other eligible entities to finance wastewater and other eligible projects. This paper examines variations in state practices, focusing on provisions that impact 1. the local affordability of a project, and 2. the total amount of funds available to meet statewide needs. The findings indicate that there are significant variations in the level of interest rates charged on CWSRF loans, the use of state leveraged bonds to increase the amount of funds available, and the provision of state grants to complement the CWSRF funds. This article discusses the implications of these variations and the interrelationships among the practices.
The Exchange Rate and U. S. Agriculture

Previous analyses of trade and development problems of U. S. agriculture have neglected the role of exchange rate policy. An attempt is made to understand the role of the exchange rate on these problems in a non-parametric fashion by means of a model of induced technical change. It is argued that the overvaluation of the dollar and the policy measures to combat it aggravated the adjustment problems of U. S. agriculture, especially during the 1950's, and resulted in shifting an important share of the benefits of technical change to the consumer. Moreover the recent devaluation of the dollar constitutes an important structural change for U. S. agriculture.
Expression of the neurofibromatosis I gene product, neurofibromin, in blood vessel endothelial cells and smooth muscle.

Vascular pathology is an underestimated complication of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Manifestations include renovascular stenosis with associated hypertension, cerebrovascular occlusion, visceral ischaemia and aneurysms of smaller arteries. This is illustrated by a woman recently evaluated in our Neurofibromatosis Program who had multiple cerebrovascular and renovascular abnormalities. To determine the contribution of NF1 expression to NF1 vasculopathy, the expression of the NF1 gene product, neurofibromin, was examined in blood vessels. Neurofibromin was detected in the endothelial cell layer of rat cerebral vessels, renal arteries, and aorta by immunohistochemistry. Cultured bovine cerebral endothelial cells were found to express NF1 mRNA by RT-PCR and neurofibromin by Western immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Neurofibromin expression was also detected in the smooth muscle layer of the aorta but not of cerebral or renal vessels. The vascular abnormalities of NF1 are reviewed and possible pathogenesis with respect to neurofibromin expression is discussed.
Amino acid activation with adenosine 5'-phosphorimidazolide.

Amino acids are activated by reaction with adenosine 5′-phosphorimidazolide in aqueous imidazole buffers. If adenosine 5′-(O-methylphosphate), an analogue of the 3′-terminus of t-RNA is present, 2′(3′)-O-aminoacyladenosine 5′-(O-methylphosphate) is formed. Fifteen percent of this compound accumulated at pH 5.8, but less was formed at higher pHs. The highest efficiency of utilization of ImpA attained in our experiments was about 24%. Analogous reactions occured with several other amino acids, including a number that have functional side-chains.
An integral solution to a nonlinear diffusion problem

The generalized Galerkin method (or the method of integral relations) is applied to the type of problem described by quasilinear parabolic equations. As an example the problem of nonlinear transient slab diffusion with a general reservoir boundary condition is worked out. The integral relations are given for an arbitrary number of strips, and solutions using up to seven strips have been obtained in order to investigate the convergence of the method.
Preliminary note on conclusions regarding the constitution of the upper atmosphere indicated by data of radio

The phenomena of the waves of wireless telegraphy have led to very definite information about the ionization in the upper atmosphere. Assuming that the pressures in the upper atmosphere are those of the classical isothermal conductive equilibrium hypothesis of Humphreys, Jeans, etc., with negligible amounts of oxygen, and that the ionization is due to the absorption of the short ultra-violet light of the Sun, the ionization is calculated explicitly and is found to be that required by radio for the day-time. At night, however, due to recombination, calculated in a way apparently correct, the ionization decreases in a manner which seems quite contradictory to the facts of radio. This same conclusion is reached whether the upper atmosphere contains hydrogen or not.
Relative error stochastic kriging

We use stochastic kriging to build predictors with bounded relative error over the design space. We propose design strategies that guide sequential algorithms with and without adaptation to the data to make allocation and stopping decisions such that a prespecified relative precision is realized with some confidence. We also present an empirical evaluation of the proposed design strategies.
Lie Algebra Cohomology and the Generalized Borel-Weil Theorem

The present paper will be referred to as Part I. A subsequent paper entitled, “Lie algebra cohomology and generalized Schubert cells,” will be referred to as Part II.
A new algorithm for finding the peptide chain turns in a globular protein

Abstract An algorithm is presented to identify peptide chain turns from X-ray-elucidated co-ordinate data. Chain turns are those regions in a globular protein where the backbone is folded back upon itself. The concept of a turn is important both because turns constitute recognizable structural units in proteins and because turns are situated at the solvent-accessible surface of the molecule. Current algorithms for turn identification are highly operational in character, often finding false turns and omitting actual ones. The algorithm presented here uses only the C-alpha co-ordinates for every residue in the protein. No other information of any kind is required, and notions about hydrogen bonding at these loci are irrelevant to the geometric nature of the argument. In this sense, the algorithm provides an objective criterion for the recognition of turns as strictly structural components in proteins. The algorithm is used to find the turns in a test set of proteins. Results of this application are in excellent agreement with visual turn identification from physical models.
Effects of fatty acids on endothelial cells: inflammation and monocyte adhesion

Background Diet is known to have an important impact on cardiovascular health. n-3 FAs, found in high quantity in fish oil, have demonstrated beneficial effects in patients with coronary artery disease. The role of n-6 FAs remains more controversial. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of arachidonic acid (AA), an n-6 FA, and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), an n-3 FA, on the interaction between monocytes and endothelial cells.
The joint venture approach to technology utilization

Research focused on the new product joint venture organization is presented. A new product joint venture is defined as a new legal entity or organization formed with the patents, technical skills, a marketing system and managerial experience from two independent contributing corporations for the purpose of developing, producing, and marketing a product innovation.
Low toxicity immunosuppressive protocols in renal transplantation

With the development of increasingly potent new immunosuppressive agents, the outcomes after renal transplantation have continued to improve. However, patients continue to require long term chronic immunosuppression. The toxicities associated with cyclosporine, azathioprine, prednisone, and anti-lymphocyte antibodies are well known; those associated with the newer agents, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and sirolimus, have also been described. In an attempt to minimize these side effects, a number of low toxicity protocols have been developed. They can be categorized into those that withdraw, minimize, or avoid calcineurin inhibitors, those that withdraw or avoid steroids, and those that withdraw adjunctive (third) agents. This presentation will review the various low toxicity protocols that have been utilized in clinical renal transplantation. While there are a number of combinations that have been tried, it is not yet clear which regimen(s) will prove to be the most efficacious and least toxic. In addition, the presentation will also describe preliminary outcomes with a new tolerogenic protocol developed at the University of Pittsburgh. This regimen combines steroid avoidance with low doses and gradual tapering of calcineurin inhibitors, and has shown considerable promise in kidney, pancreas, liver, and intestine recipients.
Correlated wave functions and the absence of long-range order in numerical studies of the Hubbard model

We present a formulation of the constrained path Monte Carlo method for fermions that uses trial wave functions that include many-body effects. This formulation allows us to implement a whole family of generalized mean-field states as constraints. As an example, we calculated superconducting pairing correlation functions for the two-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model using a BCS trial state as the constraint. We compared the results with the case where a free-electron trial wave function is used. We found that the correlation functions are {ital independent} of which state is used as the constraint, which reaffirms the results previously found by Zhang {ital et al.} [Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 78}, 4486 (1997)] regarding the suppression of long-range pairing correlations as the system size increases. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Gas-phase photodecomposition of carbon tetrachloride

Abstract The gas-phase photolysis of CCl 4 was investigated at 213.9, 163.3 and 147.0 nm in the presence of HCl, HBr, and C 2 H 6 . Quantum yields of the products measured in these mixtures at a temperature of 300 K led to the conclusion that at 213.9 nm over 90% of the photodecomposition can be attributed to the photodissociative process: independent of pressure (5 - 60 Torr). At 163.3 nm, CCl 2 is formed via the photodecomposition process: Contrary to earlier suggestions, CCl 2 is unreactive towards CCl 4 . Combination with other radicals and insertion into HCl are the major modes of reaction of CCl 2 . Experiments carried out at 313.0 nm show evidence for the occurrence of photodissociation of CCl 4 . On the assumption that absorption of a photon by CCl 4 invariably leads to the detachment of a chlorine atom, the absorption cross-section at 313.0 nm is /s 3.7 ± 0.4 X 10 −26 cm 2 molecule −1 (300 K). This result indicates that photodecomposition of CCl 4 in the troposphere is of minor importance as compared to other processes including diffusion up to the earth's stratosphere.