cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking variable cost performance in an industrial power plant

ABSTRACT One of the most perplexing problems for industrial power plants committed to improving competitiveness is measuring variable cost performance over time. Because variable costs like fuel and electricity represent the overwhelming majority of power plant expenses, it is imperative to develop and deploy a tool that can help plants benchmark operating performance. This article introduces a benchmarking methodology designed to meet this need. The “energy conversion index” (ECI) ratios the “value” of utilities exported from the power plant to the actual cost of the fuel and electricity required to produce them, generating a single number or “index.” Variable cost performance is benchmarked by comparing the index from one period of time to the index of another comparable period of time. Savings (or costs) attributable to excellent (or poor) performance can easily be calculated by using the former period's index to project the current period's cost.
Economic Evaluation Enhances Public Health Decision Making

Contemporary public health professionals must address the health needs of a diverse population with constrained budgets and shrinking funds. Economic evaluation contributes to evidence-based decision making by helping the public health community identify, measure, and compare activities with the necessary impact, scalability, and sustainability to optimize population health. Asking “how do investments in public health strategies influence or offset the need for downstream spending on medical care and /or social services?” is important when making decisions about resource allocation and scaling of interventions.
Actualism and Higher-Order Worlds

It has been argued that actualism – the view that there are no non-actual objects – cannot deal adequately with statementsinvolving iterated modality, because such claims require reference, either explicit or surreptitious, to non-actualobjects. If so, actualists would have to reject the standard semantics for quantified modal logic (QML). In this paper I develop an account of modality which allows the actualist tomake sense of iterated modal claims that are ostensibly aboutnon-actual objects. Every occurrence of a modal operatorinvolves the stipulation of a possible world, and nestedmodal operators require stipulation of nested possible worlds.I provide an actualistically acceptable (AA) semantics for QMLwherein the nesting relation is irreflexive and intransitive and forms a tree. Despite these restrictions, AA models can beshown to be sound and complete for a wide variety of modal logics.
Expression of TERT in early premalignant lesions and a subset of cells in normal tissues

Activation of telomerase, the enzyme that synthesizes the telomere ends of linear chromosomes, has been implicated in human cell immortalization and cancer cell pathogenesis. Enzyme activity is undetectable in most normal cells and tissues, but present in immortal cells and cancer tissues. While expression of TERC, the RNA component of telomerase, is widespread, the restricted expression pattern of TERT, the telomerase catalytic subunit gene, is correlated with telomerase activity, and its ectopic expression in telomerase-negative cells is sufficient to reconstitute telomerase activity and extend cellular lifespan. We have used in situ hybridization to study TERT expression at the single-cell level in normal tissues and in various stages of tumour progression. In normal tissues, including some that are known to be telomerase-negative, TERT mRNA was present in specific subsets of cells thought to have long-term proliferative capacity. This included mitotically inactive breast lobular epithelium in addition to some actively regenerating cells such as the stratum basale of the skin. TERT expression appeared early during tumorigenesis in vivo, beginning with early pre-invasive changes in human breast and colon tissues and increasing gradually during progression, both in the amount of TERT mRNA present within individual cells and in the number of expressing cells within a neoplastic lesion. The physiological expression of TERT within normal epithelial cells that retain proliferative potential and its presence at the earliest stages of tumorigenesis have implications for the regulation of telomerase expression and for the identification of cells that may be targets for malignant transformation.
Social Network Analysis of Presidents in Neurology Professional Organizations Since 1948 (P1.298)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the professional ties and groupings of presidents of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Neurological Association (ANA) since 1948. BACKGROUND: There has been little empirical research on leadership in neurology. This study provides a 60-year analysis of neurology leadership networks using social network analysis. The aim is to 1) map the professional ties of presidents in the AAN and ANA, 2) identify core groups of presidents, training programs (residency and fellowship), and institutions of employment at time of presidency, and 3) analyze how these ties and core groups differ in the AAN and ANA subsets. DESIGN/METHODS: We collected archived data of the ANA and AAN presidents through historical volumes about the organizations, obituaries, online professional biographies, and curriculum vitae. We constructed separate and combined AAN and ANA network matrices of the presidents, institutions of employment, and training programs. We analyzed the data using a two-mode network approach with measures of node, dyad, and network characteristics. RESULTS: There were a group of 10 presidents who bridged both organizations, and therefore had the highest centrality in the combined network. Presidents trained in a core group of similar residency and fellowship programs that included Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and Mayo Clinic for AAN presidents and Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and University College London for ANA presidents. In contrast, presidents were employed in a diffuse set of institutions without a core group in either the AAN or ANA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that training programs are leadership hubs, and should be targeted by those interested in leadership development to influence future trends in neurology political power. Disclosure: Dr. Harp has nothing to disclose. Dr. Borgatti has nothing to disclose.
Repeating earthquake finite source models: Strong asperities revealed on the San Andreas Fault

[1] We investigate the rupture process of a sequence of repeating Mw 2.1 earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault in Parkfield spanning the occurrence of the September 28, 2004 mainshock by inverting seismic moment rate functions obtained from empirical Green's function deconvolution. The results show that these events have extremely concentrated slip patches with radii on the order of 10–20 m, with peak slip between 8.4 and 11.4 cm. The rupture speed and rise time are consistent with values of larger earthquakes. The spatial distribution of stress drop for the events shows low average values 2.5–5.6 MPa and very large peak values of 66.7–93.9 MPa. The results show that strong asperities can exist at small scales on an otherwise weak fault, and helps reconcile differences between traditional spectra-based and tectonic loading methods for determining the stress drop of small repeating earthquakes.
Properties of a High-Redshift Galaxy at z = 4.4

We discuss the absorption properties of a high-redshift galaxy at z = 4.3829 identified as a damped Ly? system in the Keck spectrum of the quasar BRI 1202-0725 (zem = 4.7). This is at present the highest redshift damped Ly? system known, observed when the age of the universe was only 1 Gyr (q0 = 0.5, H0 = 50). Both the high redshift and low metallicity ([Fe/H] = -2.2) of the system indicate that it is an extremely young galaxy in an early stage of evolution. The relative elemental abundance patterns are consistent with extreme Population II metallicities, providing evidence for enrichment by Type II supernovae only. Kinematic evidence suggests that the absorbing galaxy may be a massive spiral. We discuss the implications of this result on theories of galaxy formation. The Si IV and C IV absorption in the system appears unusually weak. Several plausible explanations are provided. We estimate T < 19.6 K for the cosmic microwave background radiation at z = 4.3829, which is consistent with the predicted temperature of 14.7 K from the big bang cosmology.
Modeling and analysis of software aging and rejuvenation

Software systems are known to suffer from outages due to transient errors. Recently, the phenomenon of "software aging", one in which the state of the software system degrades with time, has been reported. To counteract this phenomenon, a proactive approach of fault management, called "software rejuvenation", has been proposed. This essentially involves gracefully terminating an application or a system and restarting it in a clean internal state. We discuss stochastic models to evaluate the effectiveness of proactive fault management in operational software systems and determine optimal times to perform rejuvenation, for different scenarios. The latter part of the paper deals with measurement-based methodologies to detect software aging and estimate its effect on various system resources. Models are constructed using workload and resource usage data collected from the UNIX operating system over a period of time. The measurement-based models are intended to help development of strategies for software rejuvenation triggered by actual measurements.
Electron-beam transport studies for radiographic applications

We have measured electron-beam-produced gas ionization in a paraxial-diode gas cell, using three different interferometric arrangements. We have also measured the beam net current at the channel wall. In the range of tens of kA/cm/sup 2/ and 0.3-5 Torr, the electron density is in the 10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/ range, scaling strongly with beam current density and sublinearly with pressure. The fractional net current ranges from 20-40%. We are developing a rate-equation ionization model whose results are consistent with these measurements.
Bacteriocin-Like Substances Produced by Rhizobium japonicum and Other Slow-Growing Rhizobia

Abstract Bacteriocin-like substances were commonly produced by slow-growing Rhizobium japonicum and cowpea rhizobia on an L-arabinose medium. Antagonism between strains of R. japonicum was not detected in vitro; however, such strains were often sensitive to some bacteriocins produced by cowpea rhizobia. Inhibitory zones (2 to 8 mm from colony margins), produced by 58 of 66 R. japonicum test strains, were reproducibly detected with Corynebacterium nebraskense as an indicator. Quantitative production was not related to symbiotic properties of effective strains, since nine noninfective strains and one ineffective strain produced bacteriocin. Eight R. japonicum strains that did not produce bacteriocin nevertheless formed effective nodules on soybeans. R. japonicum strains that produced bacteriocin in vitro had no antagonistic effect on nonproducer strains during soybean nodulation. Under controlled conditions, a nonproducer (3I1b135) predominated over a bacteriocin producer (3I1b6) when inoculated at 1:1 and 1:9 ratios. Depending on the particular ratio, up to 38% of the total nodules formed were infected with mixed combinations. The bacteriocin(s) had a restricted host range and antibiotic-like properties which included the ability to be dialyzed and resistance to heat (75 to 80°C, 30 min), Pronase, proteinase K, trypsin, ribonuclease, and deoxyribonuclease. R. japonicum strains representing genetic, serological, cultural, and geographic diversity were differentiated into three groups on the basis of bacteriocin production.
Quantitative characterization of 2D traveling-wave patterns

Abstract Two-dimensional traveling-wave convection patterns in ethanol-water mixtures with negative separation ratio are discussed. A review is given for several numerical techniques that have been developed to characterize traveling-wave patterns. The basic properties of the patterns are determined using the spatiotemporal Fourier transform. Temporal demodulation of each pixel is used to calculate the complex order parameter of the pattern. The kinematics of the large domains of waves are derived from the complex order parameter using the assumption that the pattern consists of a single deformed wave component. The interactions of waves at the domain boundaries is measured by performing a rigorous spatiotemporal demodulation of the pattern. Finally, the topological structure of the complex order parameter is investigated, and spatiotemporal disorder in the pattern is described in terms of the statistics and dynamics of phase defects.
Differences in in vivo and in vitro sequence-specific sites of cisplatin-DNA adduct formation and detection of a dose-response relationship.

Abstract The cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of the anticancer drug cis -diammine-dichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) are mediated by bifunctional adducts between purines. Experiments performed in this study employed a new repetitive thermal-cycling technique to detect cisplatin adduct formation following exposure of cells in culture ( in vivo ) or following treatment of purified DNA ( in vitro exposure). The initial goal of this study was to determine if cisplatin-DNA adduct formation could be measured accurately using phosphorimaging over a broad concentration range. If this proved possible, it would then be feasible to determine if adduct formation differed within chromatin compared with purified DNA. There were no significant differences in the cisplatin-DNA adduct pattern induced in closed circular or linear double-stranded plasmids in vitro , suggesting that this type of tertiary structural change does not affect the formation of adduct sites. Sequence-specific DNA adduct formation within a human repetitive DNA target sequence, alphoid DNA, following cisplatin treatment of prostate cancer cells in culture ( in vivo ) and treatment of purified DNA in vitro revealed consistent increases in adduct formation over a broad concentration range, validating the experimental technique. Comparing preferences for cisplatin adduct site formation under these different conditions of exposure demonstrated statistically significant differences. Similar differences were detected for cisplatin repair-deficient Xeroderma pigmentosum cells treated in cell culture, indicating that in vivo / in vitro preferences for adduct site formation are not the result of DNA repair in vivo .
Timing, localization, and control of wheat germ agglutinin synthesis in developing wheat embryos.

Abstract The lectin, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), is synthesized de novo by developing wheat ( Triticum aestivum , L.) embryos but is not synthesized or localized in developing endosperm as shown by radioimmunoassay. Young embryos removed from the grain and cultured on a defined medium germinate precociously and concomitantly cease WGA synthesis. In vitro precocious germination of young embryos is reversibly inhibited by low levels (1–100 μ M ) of the plant growth substance abscisic acid (ABA). Embryos inhibited from germinating by this growth regulator not only continue synthesizing WGA, but do so at an accelerated rate when compared with embryos left associated with the grain.
School fidelity in fishes: The yellow perch pattern

School fidelity concerns the cohesiveness of social aggregations over time, as measured by the regularity or repeatability with which known individuals re-occur as members of a school. School fidelity was measured by divers who observed yellow perch (Perca flavescens) marked with individually recognizable tags in Cazenovia Lake, New York. Yellow perch were facultative schoolers, with individual differences in schooling tendency (measured as percentage of time in schools) accounting for different numbers of observations of schooled versus solitary fish. The greatest co-occurrence was found between fish with strong schooling tendencies, but within this group co-occurrence was random. Home ranges overlapped greatly between individuals, yet co-occurrence was more a function of schooling tendency than of overlapping home ranges. Individuals with overlapping home ranges but with weak schooling tendencies seldom co-occurred. Home range size increased directly with schooling tendency: the distances that individuals moved apparently depended on the movements of the schools they joined, with strongly schooling fish remaining in schools longer. Individuals joined and left schools frequently; this also reflects a lack of fidelity between fish. Fish schools that form primarily for predator avoidance may show higher levels of fidelity than do schools that form for foraging or hydrodynamic efficiency.
Prehospital interventions for penetrating trauma victims: a prospective comparison between Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support

Abstract Background Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers may perform more invasive prehospital procedures, while Basic Life Support (BLS) providers offer stabilisation care and often “scoop and run”. We hypothesised that prehospital interventions by urban ALS providers prolong prehospital time and decrease survival in penetrating trauma victims. Study design We prospectively analysed 236 consecutive ambulance-transported, penetrating trauma patients an our urban Level-1 trauma centre (6/2008–12/2009). Inclusion criteria included ICU admission, length of stay >/=2 days, or in-hospital death. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were compared between ALS and BLS patients. Single and multiple variable logistic regression analysis determined predictors of hospital survival. Results Of 236 patients, 71% were transported by ALS and 29% by BLS. When ALS and BLS patients were compared, no differences in age, penetrating mechanism, scene GCS score, Injury Severity Score, or need for emergency surgery were detected (p > 0.05). Patients transported by ALS units more often underwent prehospital interventions (97% vs. 17%; p Conclusion Prehospital resuscitative interventions by ALS units performed on penetrating trauma patients may lengthen on-scene time but do not significantly increase total prehospital time. Regardless, these interventions did not appear to benefit our rapidly transported, urban penetrating trauma patients.
Interleukin‐1 and tumor necrosis factor stimulate the formation of human osteoclastlike cells in vitro

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) alpha and beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and beta are potent stimulators of bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying this increased bone resorption have not been clearly defined. Increased bone resorption can result from increased activity of individual osteoclasts, increased numbers of osteoclasts, or both. Therefore, we have used a long-term human marrow culture system that forms multinucleated cells (MNC) with the characteristics of osteoclasts to examine the effects of IL-1 and TNF on osteoclast formation. Human recombinant IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, and human recombinant TNF-alpha and TNF-beta stimulated MNC formation from 4- to 60-fold. IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and TNF-beta significantly increased MNC formation at very low concentrations: 2.5 x 10(-13) M for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, 10(-11) M for TNF-alpha, and 10(-10) M for TNF-beta In addition, these cytokines enhanced MNC formation in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], a potent osteotropic factor that stimulates MNC formation by stimulating fusion of mononuclear precursor cells. Simultaneous addition of IL-1 and TNF to the cultures resulted in a synergistic stimulation of MNC formation. These results suggest that: (1) IL-1 and TNF stimulate bone resorption in part by increasing osteoclast formation and (2) an extremely low concentration of these factors can synergistically increase osteoclast formation in the absence of other factors, such as 1,25-(OH)2D3. These data suggest that synergistic interactions among cytokines play an important role in maintaining bone cell activity in normal and pathologic states.
Inhibition of Endometrial Cancer Cell Lines by Mifepristone (RU 486)

To determine the role of mifepristone (RU 486) in the growth of endometrial cancer cell lines, and the mechanism associated with this regulation. Three endometrial cancer cell lines (Hec-1A, KLE, and RL95-2) were used in this study. Growth inhibition was demonstrated by sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assay. Mode of inhibition by RU 486 was studied by induction of DNA fragmentation. The effect of RU 486 on steady-state accumulation of the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors (PRs and GRs, respectively) and apoptosis-associated gene products was studied by Western blotting. We demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of growth in all of the three endomentrial cancer cell lines. Following treatment with 5.0 μg/mL of RU 486, there was 39.3%, 66.3%, and 75.5% inhibition of KLE, Hec-1A, and RL95-2 cells, respectively. Decreased expression of GR in RL95-2 (0.1-10 μg/mL) and in KLE cells (10 μg-mL) was observed. A marked decrease of PR was seen with RL95-2 cells at 10 μg/mL, there was no change in the KLE cells, and a dose-dependent decrease was seen with Hec-1A cells. Various levels of apoptosis were demonstrated by DNA fragmentation in all three cell lines. Of the genes associated with apoptosis, dose-dependent reduction of bax expression was demonstrated in KLE cells, while induction of WAF-1 was seen in Hec-1A and RL95-2 cells, and reduction of bcl-2 was demonstrated in RL95-2 cells. Clinically achievable doses of RU 486 inhibit endometrial cancer cell lines. The mechanism of inhibition involves apoptosis, and regulation of bax, bcl-2, and WAF-1 is demonstrated. Therapeutic application of these findings remains to be determined.
Evaluation of a melengestrol acetate and prostaglandin F2α system for the synchronization of estrus in beef heifers

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of feeding melengestrol acetate (MGA) for 14 days and administering prostaglandin F2α (PGF) 17 days after MGA to synchronize or induce estrus in yearling beef heifers. The study involved 56 Angus (n = 19), Hereford (n = 15) and Simmental (n = 22) heifers that were assigned by breed and pubertal status to either MGA+PGF or to control groups. Heifers in the synchronized group were fed 0.5 mg MGA per head per day for 14 days from a grain carrier and were injected with 25 mg, i.m. PGF 17 days after the last daily feeding of MGA. Control heifers were fed from a grain carrier without MGA and were not treated with PGF. Heifers were classified as pubertal when concentrations of progesterono in the serum exceeded 1 ng/ml in 1 of 2 samples collected prior to the initiation of treatments. Blood samples were collected 7 days before and on the day that treatment with MGA or carrier began and 7 days before and on the day that PGF was administered. Progesterone concentrations in the serum were elevated ( > 1 ng/ml) in 61% (1728) of the MGA+PGF-treated heifers and in 61% (1728) of the control heifers prior to feeding MGA. However, concentrations of progesterone in the serum at the time PGF was administered differed (P<0.05) between MGA+PGF and control groups. Concentrations of progesterone in the serum exceeded 1 ng/ml in 100% (2828) of the MGA+PGF-treated heifers and in 71% (2028) of control heifers at the time PGF was administered (P<0.05). All heifers were inseminated 12 hours after the first detected estrus. Twenty-two of 28 (79%) of the MGA+PGF-treated heifers exhibited estrus within 6 days after PGF compared with 9 of 28 (32%) of control heifers (P<0.05). The conception rate at first service did not differ between MGA+PGF and control groups (64% and 67%, respectively). Synchronized pregnancy rates were higher (P<0.05) for MGA+PGF-treated heifers than for control heifers (1428, 50% vs 628, 21%). Increased concentrations of progesterone in serum at the time PGF was administered and higher pregnancy rates during the synchronized period among MGA+PGF-treated heifers demonstrate the efficacy of this treatment for use in estrus synchronization. Moreover, this treatment may have a potential effect on inducing puberty in breeding age heifers.
Convective heating of a yawed concave hemisphere in a free molecule flow.

60,000 fps the correction to surface radiative flux would amount to 25%. The true coupling effect of the precursor heating probably lies somewhere between the results produced by the two absorption models. It is concluded that, for velocities less than 60,000 fps, precursor heating effects are relatively unimportant in determining the radiative flux reaching the surface. At velocities greater than 60,000 fps, the amount of energy loss from the shock layer and resultant precursor heating correction is felt to be sufficiently large to justify a more detailed analysis.
Enhanced Performance of Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical‐Systems (MEMS) Microbial Fuel Cells Using Electrospun Microfibrous Anode and Optimizing Operation

In this work, a microfabricated anode based on gold coated poly(ϵ-caprolactone) fiber was developed that outperformed gold microelectrode by a factor of 2.65-fold and even carbon paper by 1.39-fold. This is a result of its ability to three-dimensionally interface with bacterial biofilm, the metabolic “engines” of the microbial fuel cell (MFC). We also examined unavoidable issues as the MFC is significantly reduced in size (e.g. to the microscale); (1) bubble production or movement into the microchamber and (2) high sensitivity to flow rate variations. In fact, intentionally induced bubble generation in the anodic chamber reduced the MFC current density by 33% and the MFC required 4 days to recover its initial performance. Under different flow rates in the anode chamber, the current densities were almost constant, however, the current increased up to 38% with increasing flow rate in the cathode.
A New Kid on the Block

The identification of biologically and functionally relevant oncogenic mutations and translocations has ushered in a new era of precision cancer therapies directed at inhibiting these drivers of disease development and progression. These successes are best exemplified by drugs such as Gleevec for the treatment of BCR-ABL-driven chronic myelogenous leukemia and anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–based therapies used in the management of lung cancers harboring EGFR mutations. Yet, these therapies benefit only a fraction of cancer patients who harbor these specific genomic alterations. Thus, the identification of additional disease drivers could allow for the development of entirely new classes of drugs. With this goal in mind, Vaishnavi and colleagues applied targeted next-generation DNA sequencing to patient-derived lung adenocarcinoma samples, with no identifiable genetic alterations by standard clinical assays. They identified and validated in-frame gene fusions involving the kinase domain of the NTRK1 gene. These gene fusions were tumor-specific and could be detected by using fluorescence in situ hybridization in primary patient-derived tumor samples. Biological studies in both cell culture and tumor xenograft mouse models confirmed that these gene fusions resulted in the production of oncogenic proteins that drove increased cellular proliferation, survival, and in vivo tumorigenicity. Using a series of high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (TRK) inhibitors (ARRY-470 and CEP-701), the authors were able to demonstrate both growth inhibition of tumor cells expressing TRK fusion proteins and modest activity in a single index patient harboring this fusion. This work illustrates the entire spectrum of translational research, from the initial identification of new genetic drivers of cancer development and progression by using next-generation sequencing to the therapeutic modulation of these pathways by using small molecule–based therapies for the treatment of human cancer. A. Vaishnavi et al ., Oncogenic and drug-sensitive NTRK1 rearrangements in lung cancer. Nat Med. 19 , 1469–1472 (2013). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24162815
Technical considerations for coloanal anastomosis and J-pouch

Most patients with midrectal cancer undergo a sphincter-preserving operation using modern bowel stapling techniques. In patients with bulky tumors or unfavorable pelvic anatomy, however, abdominoperineal resection with permanent colostomy may be performed for technical reasons, not based on oncologic clearance needs. In addition, low-lying tumors treated initially with pre-operative chemoradiation are often downstaged, increasing the opportunity for restorative procedures. Treatment by total proctectomy and peranal sutured coloanal reconstruction fulfills the need for adequate oncologic clearance and satisfactory bowel function. Sharp pelvic dissection with removal of the entire rectal mesentery, adequate mobilization of the left colon, and precise anastomotic technique are required for optimal results. Creation of a colon J-pouch increases the capacity of the reconstructed rectum and greatly reduces the time required for functional adaptation in the postoperative period. Although irregular evacuation and other minor problems can persist, permanent colostomy is avoided, and patient satisfaction is high. For cancers of the middle and distal rectum, total proctectomy with coloanal reconstruction is an important treatment option that can improve quality of life without compromising cancer treatment.
Exclusive Interaction of the 15.5 kD Protein with the Terminal Box C/D Motif of a Methylation Guide snoRNP

Box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) direct site-specific methylation of ribose 2'-hydroxyls in ribosomal and spliceosomal RNAs. To identify snoRNA functional groups contributing to assembly of an active box C/D snoRNP in Xenopus oocytes, we developed an in vivo nucleotide analog interference mapping procedure. Deleterious substitutions consistent with requirements for binding the 15.5 kD protein clustered within the terminal box C/D motif only. In vitro analyses confirmed a single interaction site for recombinant 15.5 kD protein and identified the exocyclic amine of A89 in box D as essential for binding. Our results argue that the 15.5 kD protein interacts asymmetrically with the two sets of conserved box C/D elements and that its binding is primarily responsible for the stability of box C/D snoRNAs in vivo.
Kinetics of thermal rearrangements in the Δ2-thujene system : A full quadrisection of a perturbed bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene

Further insight into the behavior of suppositional diradicals in a caldera is sought in the thermal rearrangements among the four "Delta2-thujenes", two 1-isopropyl-4-methylbicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-enes [(-)-cis-1 and (+)-trans-2] and two isomers, exo- and endo-3-isopropyl-6-methylbicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene [(+)-exo-3 and (-)-endo-4]. Optically pure trans-3-isopropyl-5-vinylcyclopentene (5) is the final, strongly thermochemically favored product, the result of an intramolecular homodienyl shift of a methyl hydrogen atom in (-)-endo-4. The set of twelve specific rate constants, four sets of three each, that define the interrelations among the four isomers has been extracted from data acquired starting from each isomer. An attractive mechanistic hypothesis involving an intermediate diradical of iso conformation, common, for example, to both (-)-cis-1 and (+)-exo-3 (as educts), that proceeds to an anticonformer common to both (+)-trans-2 and (-)-endo-4 does not lead to a satisfactory rationalization of the product distribution. Addition of a second mechanistic conceptual scheme, that of a diradical-in-transit behaving as if there were a measure of continuous bonding (for example, (+)-trans-2 proceeding directly to (-)-cis-1), improves agreement with experiment. Over a 30 degrees C range of temperature, there is no credible change in product distribution.
Automatic Error Analysis Using Intervals

A technique for automatic error analysis using interval mathematics is introduced. A comparison to standard error propagation methods shows that in cases involving complicated formulas, the interval approach gives comparable error estimates with much less effort. Several examples are considered, and numerical errors are computed using the INTLAB extension to MATLAB. Two laboratory experiments are examined, and measured data are used to explore the applicability of interval analysis under typical experimental conditions. Because of the simplicity of using interval analysis, and because of its easy implementation in MATLAB, error analysis may be introduced in the earliest electrical engineering lab classes. This provides students with a crucial skill that will be valuable throughout their engineering studies.
Energy distribution and positive excess of mesotrons

Energy measurements of penetrating cosmic rays have been made near sea level with a vertical cloud chamber placed in a magnetic field. The chamber expansions were controlled by a threefold coincidence Geiger-M\"uller counter system. One of the counters was shielded by 10.2 cm of lead and set beneath the chamber. The soft component was eliminated by absorption by the lead. Our energy spectrum in the region from 0.2 Bev (billion electron volts) to 2 Bev differs slightly from that obtained by Blackett without lead filter, although at higher energies they coincide. The correspondence between the experimental results and Euler's theoretical curve for the hard component is discussed. Throughout the measured energy range (0.2 Bev to 10 Bev) we find approximately 29 percent more positive mesotrons than negatives for each energy.
An Economic Analysis of Producers' Decisions Regarding Insect Control in Stored Grain

The quantity of grain in storage has been exceptionally high through much of the early 1980s. As a result, the effect of insect activity on quality of grain that is stored for long periods of time has become a major concern. The purpose of this study was to analyze producer choices regarding treatments for control of insects in stored grain. A second degree stochastic dominance criterion was used to compare three treatments. In more than 80% of the comparisons, a protectant (malathion) was in the efficient set, which means that it could be selected by a risk-averse individual. In over 65% of the comparisons, a minimum treatment was in the efficient set. Treatment by fumigating was selected to remain in the efficient set in only 34% of the comparisons. Data from this study (before the implementation of the May 1988 regulations of the Federal Grain Inspection Service regarding insect infestation and insect-damaged kernels) suggest that elevator discounts were not consistent nor large enough to encourage farmers to incur large costs for controlling insects.
The stopped muon channel at LAMPF

Abstract A stopping muon beam has been constructed at LAMPF. This channel operates in the momentum range of 25–250MeV/c. Peak stopping rates are 1.5 × 10 4 μ − /( μ A s g/cm 2 ) and 7 × 10 4 μ + /( μ A s g/cm 2 ). Contamination levels are exceptionally low: less than 0.5% for electrons and less than 0.1% for pions. A separated “surface” beam has been developed with stopping densities as high as 3 × 10 6 μ + /( μ A s g/cm 2 ). Details are given of design calculations, construction and measurements on the completed beam line.
A Reconsideration of the Theory of Exploitation

Introduction: popular misconceptions, 413. — Definitions: exploitation, 414; marginal product, 415; the wage of labor, 418. — Classification of exploitation, 419. — Non-deliberate exploitation: rising labor supply curve, 419; the cost of change, 420; discontinuous product demand curves, 423; stability of price under mature and immature oligopoly, 426. — Deliberate exploitation: monopsonistic discrimination, 434; the "sweated industry" fallacy, 434; conditions necessary for the existence of deliberate exploitation, 437. — The importance of exploitation, 439. — The role of unions, 440.
Novel agents in acute myeloid leukemia

Although complete remissions can be achieved in most patients younger than 60 years of age with untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), only 30–40 % of patients remain long-term survivors. Furthermore, long-term survivors represent only 10–15 % of all AML patients older than 60 years of age and <10 % of all patients with relapsed AML. The development of new treatments for AML is therefore needed. Novel therapies should target specific mechanisms and pathways implicated in the development and maintenance of AML, should strive to have better tolerability than conventional combination chemotherapy, be associated with improved quality of life and minimize utilization of health care resources. In this manuscript, we discuss the role of epigenetic regulators and immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of AML. Also, we review the data on inhibitors of protein homeostasis and its synergistic effect to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, the potential role for inhibitors of heat shock proteins and the mitotic machinery and a novel formulation of conventional chemotherapeutic agents given at a fixed molar concentration. Finally, we briefly share our views on optimal clinical trial design and patient selection for future studies in AML.
Modeling of Moisture Diffusion in FRP Strengthened Concrete Specimens

Modeling the movement and distribution of moisture in the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites strengthened concrete structure is important because the interfacial adhesion between FRP and concrete is susceptible to moisture attack. Using relative humidity as the global variable, the moisture diffusion governing equation was derived for the multilayered system in this study. The moisture diffusivity (diffusion coefficient) and the isotherm curve, which correlates the moisture content to environmental relative humidity, of each constitutive material (concrete, epoxy, and FRP) were experimentally determined. A multilinear diffusivity model was developed for concrete based on desorption test, and a linear diffusivity model was proposed for epoxy adhesive based on absorption test. A simple method was developed to directly measure the FRP/concrete interface region relative humidity (IRRH). Finite-element analysis was performed to study the moisture diffusion in the FRP-adhesive-concrete system. The IRRH v...
HE UTILITY OF A NOVEL OFF-LINE APPROACH TO QUANTIFY DYSSYNCHRONY FROM ROUTINE CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES: COMPARISON WITH ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC SPECKLE TRACKING

Methods: We studied 50 consecutive pts who had both CMR and echo with a wide range of QRS width and ejection fractions (EF). Mid-LV short axis CMR images were analyzed from routine DICOM data sets using a novel software program (Image-Arena VA, TomTec, Corp) and compared with similar short axis echo images for speckle tracking radial strain (TomTec, Corp). Radial dyssynchrony was deined as the time difference between the anteroseptal and posterior wall peak strain.
Metabolic constraints on the recovery of sensitivity after visual pigment bleaching in retinal rods

The shutoff of active intermediates in the phototransduction cascade and the reconstitution of the visual pigment play key roles in the recovery of sensitivity after the exposure to bright light in both rod and cone photoreceptors. Physiological evidence from bleached salamander rods suggests this recovery of sensitivity occurs faster at the outer segment base compared with the tip. Microfluorometric measurements of similarly bleached salamander rods demonstrate that the reduction of all-trans retinal to all-trans retinol also occurs more rapidly at the outer segment base than at the tip. The experiments reported here were designed to test the hypothesis that these two phenomena are linked, e.g., that slowed recovery of sensitivity at the tip of outer segments is rate limited by the reduction of all-trans retinal and results from a shortage of cytosolic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), the reducing agent for all-trans retinal reduction. Extracellular measurements of membrane current and sensitivity were made from isolated salamander rods under dark-adapted and bleached conditions while intracellular NADPH concentration was varied by dialysis from a micropipette attached to the inner segment. Sensitivity at the base and tip of the outer segment was assessed before and after bleaching. After exposure to a light that photoactivates 50% of the visual pigment, rods were completely insensitive for nearly 10 minutes, after which the base recovered sensitivity and responsiveness with a time constant of approximately 200 seconds, but tip sensitivity recovered more slowly with a time constant of approximately 680 seconds. Dialysis of 5 mM NADPH into the rod promoted an earlier recovery and eliminated the previously observed tip/base difference. Dialysis of 1.66 mM NADPH failed to eliminate the tip/base recovery difference, suggesting the steady-state NADPH concentration in rods is approximately 1 mM. These results indicate the inner segment is the primary source of reducing equivalents after pigment bleaching, with the reduction of all-trans retinal to all-trans retinol playing a key step in the recovery of sensitivity.
Molecular differences in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the major salivary glands.

Objective/Hypothesis: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), the most common malignancies of the major salivary glands, are clinically and pathologically different. To determine whether MEC and ACC have different molecular characteristics, we examined the expression of erbB-2, erbB-3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor-a (TGF-a), important molecular features in other malignancies. Study Design/Methods: Archival tissue sections of 22 MEC and 6 ACC tumors of the major salivary glands were evaluated immunohistochemically for expression of erbB-2, erbB-3, EGRF, and TGF-a. A differential immunostaining score, reflecting the difference in immunostaining between carcinoma and uninvolved salivary gland tissue, was calculated for cytoplasmic and membranous staining. Results: Positive immunostaining for all biomarkers was observed in the cytoplasm and membrane of both tumors. However, expression was higher in MEC than in ACC tumors and was statistically significant for cytoplasmic EGFR (P = .009), TGF-a (P = .041), and membranous EGFR (P = .004). A significantly higher percentage of MEC cells also demonstrated positive immunostaining for cytoplasmic erbB-3 (P = .022), EGFR (P = .005), membranous erbB-3 (P = .022), and EGFR (P = .013). The differential immunostaining score was significantly higher for MEC compared with uninvolved alveolar tissue and the membranes of uninvolved ductal tissue. There were no statistically positive differential immunostaining scores for ACC. Conclusions: There is a clear difference in the molecular phenotypes of MEC and ACC. The lack of statistically significant expression in ACC, when compared with similar uninvolved salivary gland tissue, suggests minimal involvement for these molecular structures in the pathogenesis of ACC. Conversely, erbB-2, erbB-3, EGFR, and TGF-a may have a role in the development and progression of MEC. These results have therapeutic implications for MEC of the major salivary glands.
Acquisition of state documents

Abstract State documents can be an excellent resource for most libraries, but needs must be carefully defined and selection procedures rigidly adhered to if those materials are to be cost-effective. Practical suggestions are offered which should help libraries select state documents in the most efficient manner.
N—C=O Bending Vibration in Complexes of Dimethylformamide with Metal Halides

SHIFTS to lower frequencies of the C=O stretching vibration on complex formation between metals and ligands containing the carbonyl group have been the subject of several investigations, following the work of Bellamy and Branch1. A similar examination of the C=O bending vibration, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported: so we investigated this vibration in complexes of amides.
Near-saturation (P,ρ,T) and vapor-pressure measurements of NH3, and liquid-phase isothermal (P,ρ,T) and bubble-point-pressure measurements of NH3+H2O mixtures

Abstract Near-saturation pressure, density, and temperature ( P , ρ , T ) and vapor-pressure measurements for NH 3 are reported over a temperature range from 279 to 392 K. Liquid-phase isothermal ( P , ρ , T ) and bubble-point-pressure measurements for two standard mixtures of NH 3 +H 2 O ( x NH 3 =0.8360 and 0.9057 mole fraction) are reported over a temperature range from 280 to 379 K and at pressures to 7.7 MPa. These data are compared to literature data and correlations and agree within ±3% for bubble-point pressures, ±0.005 g/cm 3 for liquid densities, and ±0.0011 g/cm 3 for vapor densities. A consistent data set for equation-of-state optimization at high concentrations of NH 3 is proposed.
Evaluating road surface conditions using dynamic tire pressure sensor

In order to best prioritize road maintenance, the level of deterioration must be known for all roads in a city’s network. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and International Roughness Index (IRI) are two standard methods for obtaining this information. However, IRI is substantially easier to measure. Significant time and money could be saved if a method were developed to estimate PCI from IRI. This research introduces a new method to estimate IRI and correlate IRI with PCI. A vehicle-mounted dynamic tire pressure sensor (DTPS) system is used. The DTPS measures the signals generated from the tire/road interaction while driving. The tire/road interaction excites surface waves that travel through the road. DTPS, which is mounted on the tire’s valve stem, measures tire/road interaction by analyzing the pressure change inside the tire due to the road vibration, road geometry and tire wall vibration. The road conditions are sensible to sensors in a similar way to human beings in a car. When driving on a smooth road, tire pressure stays almost constant and there are minimal changes in the DTPS data. When driving on a rough road, DTPS data changes drastically. IRI is estimated from the reconstructed road profile using DTPS data. In order to correlate IRI with PCI, field tests were conducted on roads with known PCI values in the city of Brockton, MA. Results show a high correlation between the estimated IRI values and the known PCI values, which suggests that DTPS-based IRI can provide accurate predictions of PCI.
Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselors' Attitudes and Resources for Integrating Research and Practice:

The state of Wisconsin recently launched a Research-to-Practice Initiative. One aspect of the Wisconsin initiative was to survey Wisconsin-Certified Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselors (CADCs) to assess their attitudes, reported practices, and resources in regard to the integration of research and practice. The sample for the present study included 366 CADCs. Of the 366 respondents, 62 percent (n = 226) were female and 38 percent (n = 140) were male. The respondents were primarily Caucasian (90 percent) with the remaining respondents identifying as African American (4 percent), Native American (2 percent), Hispanic (1 percent), and Asian American (0.5 percent). The results from the survey indicated that the majority of respondents have access to computers, e-mail, and the Internet at their workplace; report being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their education and training; and tend to approve of the efforts to integrate research and practice. Incentives, barriers and strategies to integrate rese...