cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An MIS incident-reporting program for industry

Smal l i n d u s t r i a l e n t e r p r i s e s have a need f o r a c c u r a t e and t i m e l y i n f o r m a t i o n p e r t a i n i n g t o the v a r i o u s unp lanned e v e n t s t h a t occur d u r i n g t he normal course o f o p e r a t i o n w i t h r e s p e c t t o a c c i d e n t s i n v o l v i n g p e r s o n n e l , production ou tages , and property damage. In l a r g e r e n t e r p r i s e s , the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r m o n i t o r i n g t hese i n c i d e n t s i s ass igned t o s p e c i a l groups w i t h i n the o r g a n i z a t i o n , such as the s a f e t y , l o s s c o n t r o l , and q u a l i t y c o n t r o l depa r tmen ts . The sma l l i n d u s t r i a l e n t e r p r i s e n o r m a l l y does no t have the s t a f f o r r esou rces t o commit t o t hese s u p p o r t f u n c t i o n s . As a r e s u l t , t hese t asks a re pe r fo rmed by c l e r i c a l o r l i n e pe rsonne l t h a t have o t h e r p r i m a r y r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s . The consequence o f t h i s s i t u a t i o n i s t h a t i n c i d e n t r e p o r t i n g i s no t g i v e n a h i gh p r i o r i t y . The r e s u l t i s t h a t management r e l i e s p r i m a r i l y on p r o d u c t i v i t y improvement w i t h i t s a s s o c i a t e d c a p i t a l c o s t as the p r i n c i p l e means o f i m p r o v i n g o p e r a t i o n s . The i n a b i l i t y t o t ap the knowledge o f the o p e r a t i n g pe rsonne l r e s u l t s in l o s t o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o improve t he o p e r a t i o n , and f a i l u r e t o reduce c o s t s a t t r i b u t a b l e t o a c c i d e n t s i n v o l v i n g p e r s o n n e l , and p r o p e r t y damage. The a v a i l a b i l i t y o f m ic rocompu te rs w i t h modera te s t o r a g e c a p a c i t i e s f o r d a t a i s p r o v i d i n g an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r the sma l l e n t e r p r i s e t h a t was u n a v a i l a b l e a decade ago. The m ic rocompu te r has made i t p o s s i b l e t o r e c o r d v a s t amounts o f d a t a in c l o s e p r o x i m i t y t o the o p e r a t i n g s i t e s w i t h o u t c r e a t i n g a d d i t i o n a l paperwork o r c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t he paper shuffle that can distract l ine personnel f rom thei r primary responsibi l i ty of directing operations. Moreover, the microcomputer provides a t o o l t o a n a l y z e t he c o l l e c t e d da ta and t o i ssue r e p o r t s c o n t a i n i n g i n f o r m a t i o n abou t each i n c i d e n t . The purpose o f t h i s paper i s t o demons t ra te how a database-management system can be des igned t o hand le v a r i o u s t ypes o f i n f o r m a t i o n and produce r e p o r t s t o a s s i s t management w i t h d e c i s i o n making in the a reas no ted above. As an example , the needs o f an underground coa l mine w i l l be a n a l y z e d and addressed , but i t shou ld be emphasized t h a t the approach taken i s no t un ique t o t h i s p a r t i c u l a r segment o f i n d u s t r y .
A Nonlinear Least Squares Method of Determining Line Intensities and Half-Widths:

A nonlinear least squares method of retrieving line intensities and half-widths from spectra degraded by a finite instrumental resolving power is discussed. Examples of the applications of this technique to obtain the parameters of a single isolated line and of an overlapping pair of lines are presented.
Gas kinematics and ionization along the extended sight line to HD 116852

We present Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph intermediate observations of the interstellar medium toward HD 116852, a low halo star at a distance of 4.8 kpc (z = -1.3 kpc) in the direction l = 304. deg 9, b = 16.deg 1. The small science aperture observations have signal-to-noise ratios ranging from 30 to 90 and resolutions of 11 to 18 km/s (FWHM). We confirm the optical MK classification of this star through an analysis of its ultraviolet photosperic and stellar wind profiles. We detect interstellar lines of Al III, Si IV, C IV, and N V together with lines of C I, C I*, C I**, Si II, Ge II, P II, and Ni II. We convert the Mg II, P II, S II, Al III, Si IV, C IV, and N V profiles into measure of apparent column density as a function of LSR velocity. Gas scale height, velocity dispersion, and differential Galactic rotation effects govern the profile shapes. A simple computer model of the expected sight line column density profiles for the low and high ion species indicates that the gas velocity dispersions and scale heights increase as the ionization level of the gas increases. We find scale heigts H greater than or = 1 kpc for the high ions, which are comparable to the z-distance of the star, whereas we find H approximatley = 0.6 to 0.7 kpc for A1 III and H approximatley 0.1 kpc for P II and Ge II. An enhancement in the Al II profile near -15 km/s accounts for approximately 25% of the A1 III column along the sight line and probably arises within gas located approximately 500 pc below the Sagittarius-Carina spiral arm link. Portions of the broad underlying A1 III distribution are associated with the higher ionization lines, perhaps in conductive interfaces. The presence of N V and the column density ratios of Si IV, C IV, and N V favor the interpretation that much of the high ion absorption is produced by collisional ionization in gas with T = 1-3 x 10(exp 5) K. An enhancement near -35 km/s in both the Si IV and C IV profiles may be due to an outflow from the Norma spiral arm at a z-distance of about -1 kpc. The smooth decrease of the N(C IV)/N(Si IV) ratio at negative velocities may be due to an ISM ionization structure for hot gas that changes distance from the Galactic plane or to a two phase gas distribution in which the relative contribution from each phase changes with distance from the Galactic plane.
COMPARATIVE PHARMACOLOGY OF THE KETAMINE ISOMERS Studies in Volunteers

The clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of the individual ketamine isomers were compared with the racemic mixture in five volunteers who received each drug on a separate occasion. Racemic ketamine 275 ± 25 mg, s(+) ketamine 140 ± 21 mg or R(−) ketamine 429 ± 37 mg produced an anaesthetic state lasting 6 ± 2 min (mean ± SD). However, the EEG evaluation of the R(−) isomer revealed less overall slowing, and an absence of the large slow wave complexes produced by the s(+) isomer and the racemic mixture. The pharmacokinetic profiles for the individual isomers of ketamine did not differ significantly from the racemic mixture. Even though the apparent anaesthetic state produced in these healthy volunteers did not differ qualitatively between the three drug groups, recovery times (assessed using a standardized battery of psychometric tests) were consistently shorter following the individual isomers compared with the racemic mixture. The serum ketamine concentrations associated with regaining consciousness and orientation were consistent with an s(+):R(−) isomer potency ratio of 4:1. In terms of their ability to impair psychomotor function, the s(+):R(−) potency ratio varied from 3:1 to 5:1. After comparable degrees of CNS depression, we conclude that the more potent s(+) isomer of ketamine was associated with a more rapid recovery of psychomotor skills than the currently used racemic mixture.
Intervehicle communication protocol using geographical routing

In this paper we present an inter-vehicle communication protocol based on geographical routing. Our proposed protocol enables point-to-point communications between cars in highway. The protocol is designed for highway travelers but can be used in any mobile ad-hoc network. The highway is divided in virtual cells, which moves as the vehicles moves. The cell members choose a center that will behave for a certain time interval as a Base Station. Every node has its geographical position given by Global Positioning System (GPS). When a source node has a message for a destination node, forwards it to its Cell Center. Then the message is forwarded through the other Cell Centers. The Cell Centers first verifies if the destination node belongs to their cell. Finally the destination Cell Center will send the message to the destination node. Our simulation results show that our proposed protocol improves the network utilization compared to existing inter-vehicles protocols. The protocol can be used to implement differentiated mobile services and message prioritization.
Diagnostic value of HepPar1, pCEA, CD10, and CD34 expression in separating hepatocellular carcinoma from metastatic carcinoma in fine-needle aspiration cytology

Differentiating primary and metastatic hepatic malignancies can be diagnostically challenging in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). We compared four immunohistochemical (IHC) markers, pCEA, CD10, HepPar1, and CD34, in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from metastatic carcinoma (MC) in FNAC specimens. Sixty cases of liver FNAC with their corresponding cell blocks were retrieved from the hospital computer system, including 30 HCC and 30 MC (15 colon, 10 breast, and 5 pancreas). The diagnoses were confirmed by clinical follow-up and surgical resection or core needle biopsy. The direct cytologic smears were air-dried and Diff-Quik-stained, and alcohol-fixed and Papanicolaou-stained. Cell block sections from the aspirates were immunostained for pCEA, CD10, HepPar1, and CD34. IHC on cytologic smears for HCC was performed on 10 cases and compared with the cell block results. In HCC, CD10, and pCEA demonstrated the characteristic canalicular staining in 23/30 (77%) and 24/30 (80%) of the cases, respectively; however, none of the MC showed a canalicular staining pattern. HepPar1 was positive in 26/30 (87%) of the HCC cases and one MC. CD34 stained sinusoidal endothelial cells in 27/30 (90%) cases of HCC and six MC. Our results demonstrate that the canalicular staining pattern for CD10 and sinusoidal staining pattern of CD34 are very specific, in addition to the high specificity and sensitivity of HepPar1 for HCC. Cell blocks were more informative in demonstrating the characteristic architecture and immunostaining pattern of the malignancy than the cytologic smears. An IHC panel consisting of pCEA, CD10, HepPar1, and CD34 is useful for confirming HCC in FNAC of the liver. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:1–6. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PATTERNS OF MICROFIBRILLAR ORDER IN A DORMANT FERN APEX

A B S T R A C T An excised fern apex and young leaf primordium when seen in polarized light show distinct multicellular domains of parallel cellulose alignment which reflect the successive segmentations of the apical cell. The superficial walls of the most recent apical cell derivatives show the effects of highly ordered cellulose deposition in which the microfibrils lie parallel to the newly formed cell plate. THE SURFACE of the shoot apex from a horizontal stem of the sensitive fern, Onoclea sensibilis is dominated by a large tetrahedral apical cell which cuts off cells on three sides. If the entire apical surface is excised by a single transverse cut just below the tip, cleared, and observed from above with polarizing optics, one can establish that the surface of the apex is made up of walls which fall into three distinct orientation classes (Fig. ld), and which correspond with the segmentation planes of the apical cell.
Ocean shelf coupling and exchange

Processes at the edges of continental shelves are important in the dynamical coupling and exchange of water and its properties between the shelf and ocean. These processes affect circulation on the shelves, availability of nutrients, distribution of sediments, and transport of natural and anthropogenic products into the deep sea. A workshop sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the U.K. Natural Environment Research Council was held May 10–11, 1993, at the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory to improve physical understanding and modeling capability of shelfedge processes, their relationship to the ocean, and the exchange of water and its properties between the shelf edge and ocean. Emphasis was on understanding the processes.
Field sampling in estuaries: The relationship of scale to variability

The spatial/temporal scaling problem (i.e., fitting a given research question to the dimensions of variability of the study area) is particularly pronounced in highly variable systems such as estuaries. Long-term, multidisciplinary studies in the Apalachicola Bay system were used to evaluate variation of different physical, chemical, and biological factors. Specific limitations of weekly, monthly, and quarterly sampling intervals were directly related to the efficiency of the sampling gear, the range of variation in the study parameters, and specific biological features (motility, recruitment, natural history) of infaunal macroinvertebrates and epibenthic organisms. There are families of spatial and temporal scaling phenomena that should be considered when establishing a given field sampling program. The dimensions of variation change along spatial/temporal gradients of salinity, habitat complexity, and productivity and among different levels of biological organization. The limits of variation define the needed sampling effort for a given level of estimation. Without an adequate evaluation of such variation, representative samples cannot be taken; the resulting inadequate sampling effort often precludes reliable comparisons and robust generalization. There is a continuum of scaling dimensions (and sampling problems) that ranges from small-scale experimental approaches to system-wide analyses. Misapplication of such scaling estimates has led to overgeneralization of experimental results. Currently, there is widespread misapplication of combinations of unrelated, limited sampling efforts to broad-scale resource problems. The loss of valuable estuarine resources is favored by the lack of adequate scientific databases that are consistent with the dimensions of the individual study areas. Unless experimental studies and field sampling programs are scaled to the dimensions of the research problem and the study area in question there will be a continued proliferation of trivial studies at one end of the continuum and the progressive deterioration of estuarine resources at the other.
Abstract 4029: Inhibitor of differentiation 4 (Id4) Induces of senescence, apoptosis and cell cycle regression in prostate cancer

Id4 is a member of helix loop helix (HLH) transcriptional regulator family. Unlike its other family members (Id1, 2 and 3) that promote metastasis, proliferation and invasion (tumor promoter). Id4 essentially acts as a tumor suppressor e.g. Id4 expression is lost in prostate cancer through promoter hypermethylation. However the underlying mechanism by which Id4 acts as a tumor suppressor remains to be determined. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism by which Id4 acts as a tumor suppressor, we used DU145 cell in which Id4 is epigenetically silenced. Ectopic expression of Id4 in DU145 cells resulted in the induction of several cellular processes that are reminiscent of its role as a tumor suppressor. Our results suggested that Id4 is directly linked to cell cycle control, apoptosis, senescence and induction of epithelial like morphology. There is also an upregulation in androgen receptor expression, localization to the nucleus and an atypical response to androgens in DU145 prostate cancer cells. FACS analysis using a combination of PI and Annexin V staining demonstrated the ability of Id4 to induce an S-phase arrest, and initiate apoptosis. Interestingly, Id4 promoted senescence as observed by beta-galactosidase staining. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to study the gene expression of apoptosis and cell cycle control genes such as: E-cadherin, p21, p27, p53, MDM2, E2F1 and, Androgen receptor. The S-phase arrest in Du145+Id4 cells was E2F-1 dependent. The increased expression of E-cadherin, p27, p21 and MDM2 in DU145+Id4 cells strengthen the hypothesis that Id4 acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating key cell cycle control and apoptosis associated genes. Re-expression of functional androgen receptor marked a dramatic change in the androgen independent prostate cancer cell type. Thus, Id4 appears to induce a total cellular reprogramming and reversal of the cancer phenotype, by influencing key regulatory pathways. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4029. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4029
The dropout and the terminator: a methodological note on definitions.

The numerical criteria of either mean or median number of sessions as a methodological procedure for categorizing patients as dropouts were compared with the clinically based definition in a sample of 221 outpatients. Lack of agreement was noted in two primary areas. A large number of clinically defined terminators were classified incorrectly as dropouts, and a large number of clinically defined dropouts were not classified when the mean or median number of sessions was used as a criterion to classify the dropout. The results of the study supported the contention that definitions of dropping out based on number of sessions lead to categorizations that are not comparable to those based on knowledge of the clinical data.
Fabrication approaches for metallo-dielectric nanolasers

Metallo-dielectric lasers fabricated using different bonding techniques are discussed. Lasing at cryogenic and room temperatures is demonstrated.
High-performance image processing on the desktop

The suitability of computers to the task of medical image visualization for the purposes of primary diagnosis and treatment planning depends on three factors: speed, image quality, and price. To be widely accepted the technology must increase the efficiency of the diagnostic and planning processes. This requires processing and displaying medical images of various modalities in real-time, with accuracy and clarity, on an affordable system. Our approach to meeting this challenge began with market research to understand customer image processing needs. These needs were translated into system-level requirements, which in turn were used to determine which image processing functions should be implemented in hardware. The result is a computer architecture for 2D image processing that is both high-speed and cost-effective. The architectural solution is based on the high-performance PA-RISC workstation with an HCRX graphics accelerator. The image processing enhancements are incorporated into the image visualization accelerator (IVX) which attaches to the HCRX graphics subsystem. The IVX includes a custom VLSI chip which has a programmable convolver, a window/level mapper, and an interpolator supporting nearest-neighbor, bi-linear, and bi-cubic modes. This combination of features can be used to enable simultaneous convolution, pan, zoom, rotate, and window/level control into 1 k by 1 k by 16-bit medical images at 40 frames/second.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Expression of AeaHsp26 and AeaHsp83 in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae and Pupae in Response to Heat Shock Stress

Immature mosquito development and survival of adults are highly sensitive to environmental temperature, which can alter gene expression during the mosquito life-cycle. To further understand how heat shock proteins are developmentally expressed in mosquitoes, we subjected first instar larvae, 16-h old pupae and female of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) to heat shock treatment for 0, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min at 23 and 42 degrees C. The heat shock protein genes AeaHsp26, AeaHsp83, and AeaHsc70 were examined by comparing relative transcript expression levels at 42 degrees C compared with 23 degrees C. Upregulated transcripts from heat shock treatment at 42 degrees C and control were further confirmed and quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data revealed that first instar larvae were more sensitive to heat shock treatment than pupae and adults (i.e., relative AeaHsp26 expression levels in larvae were 10-fold greater than in the females. AeaHsp83 expression levels in larvae, pupae and adults were upregulated 2- to 50-fold greater by heat shock treatment at 42 degrees C compared with 23 degrees C. AeaHsc70 expression levels in larvae, pupae and adults, however, were upregulated less than AeaHsp26 and AeaHsp83 at the higher temperature. Statistical analysis indicated that AeaHsp26 and AeaHsp83 genes were significantly upregulated in Ae. aegypti larvae and pupae after 15, 30, 60, and 180 min exposure to high temperature (42 degrees C). The current study has shown that AeaHsp26 and AeaHsp83 are important markers of stress and may function as critical proteins to protect and enhance survival of Ae. aegypti larvae and pupae.
Detection of hyperlipoproteinemia: Family lipid studies in normal school children and with diabetes mellitus

The possible relationship between hypercholesterolemia and the development of cardiovascular disease makes the early detection of lipid abnormalities of major importance. A screening technique [precipitable lipoprotein analysis (PLP)] for the detection of abnormalities of blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations was carried out on 487 normal children in a public junior high school (80% of the school enrollment). Serum cholesterol (G) and lipoprotein electrophoresis (LPE) were obtained on all students with PLP values >40 units and on a comparable number with PLP values 200 mg%) was 8.6%. Abnormalities of LPE occurred in 25%. The parents and sibs of 26 children with hypercholesterolemia and, for comparison, the parents and sibs of 28 children with diabetes mellitus were studied for total lipid (TL), C, PLP, and LPE. The mean ages of the mothers, fathers, and sibs in the 2 groups are comparable. Unexpectedly TL and C concentrations were statistically higher in the families of hypercholesterolemic children than in the diabetic families. Abnormalities of LPE were also more common in the former group. Hypercholesterolemia is common in “normal” school children. Family studies in this population will lead to the detection of many adults with hyperlipoproteinemia and an increased probability of developing vascular disease.
Single Degree of Freedom Model for Thermoelastic Damping

Finding the thermoelastic damping in a vibrating body, for the most general case, involves the simultaneous solving of the three equations for displacements and one equation for temperature (called the heat equation). Since these are a set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations there is considerable difficulty in solving them, especially for finite geometries. This paper presents a single degree of freedom (SDOF) model that explores the possibility of estimating thermoelastic damping in a body, vibrating in a particular mode, using only its geometry and material properties, without solving the heat equation. In doing so, the model incorporates the notion of "modal temperatures," akin to modal displacements and modal frequencies. The procedure for deriving the equations that determine the thermoelastic damping for an arbitrary system, based on the model, is presented. The procedure is implemented for the specific case of a rectangular cantilever beam vibrating in its first mode and the resulting equations solved to obtain the damping behavior. The damping characteristics obtained for the rectangular cantilever beam, using the model, is compared with results previously published in the literature. The results show good qualitative agreement with Zener's well known approximation. The good qualitative agreement between the predictions of the model and Zener's approximation suggests that the model captures the essence of thermoelastic damping in vibrating bodies. The ability of this model to provide a good qualitative picture of thermoelastic damping suggests that other forms of dissipation might also be amenable for description using such simple models.
Urea Cycle and Cellular Deoxyribonucleic Acid Content

WHILE preparing a manuscript on the metabolism of Amphibia to appear in a forthcoming book1, I was struck by an interesting relationship between the occurrence of the ornithine-urea cycle2 in the liver of vertebrates and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content of their somatic cells.
TRPV1 and TRPA1 Antagonists Prevent the Transition of Acute to Chronic Inflammation and Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

Visceral afferents expressing transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPV1 and TRPA1 are thought to be required for neurogenic inflammation and development of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Using a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis (CP) produced by repeated episodes (twice weekly) of caerulein-induced AP (AP), we studied the involvement of these TRP channels in pancreatic inflammation and pain-related behaviors. Antagonists of the two TRP channels were administered at different times to block the neurogenic component of AP. Six bouts of AP (over 3 wks) increased pancreatic inflammation and pain-related behaviors, produced fibrosis and sprouting of pancreatic nerve fibers, and increased TRPV1 and TRPA1 gene transcripts and a nociceptive marker, pERK, in pancreas afferent somata. Treatment with TRP antagonists, when initiated before week 3, decreased pancreatic inflammation and pain-related behaviors and also blocked the development of histopathological changes in the pancreas and upregulation of TRPV1, TRPA1, and pERK in pancreatic afferents. Continued treatment with TRP antagonists blocked the development of CP and pain behaviors even when mice were challenged with seven more weeks of twice weekly caerulein. When started after week 3, however, treatment with TRP antagonists was ineffective in blocking the transition from AP to CP and the emergence of pain behaviors. These results suggest: (1) an important role for neurogenic inflammation in pancreatitis and pain-related behaviors, (2) that there is a transition from AP to CP, after which TRP channel antagonism is ineffective, and thus (3) that early intervention with TRP channel antagonists may attenuate the transition to and development of CP effectively.
Prognostic Accuracy of Immunologic and Metabolic Markers for Type 1 Diabetes in a High-Risk Population: Receiver operating characteristic analysis

OBJECTIVE To establish and compare the prognostic accuracy of immunologic and metabolic markers in predicting onset of type 1 diabetes in those with high risk in a prospective study. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 339 subjects from the Diabetes Prevention Parenteral Trial–Type 1, who were islet cell antibody (ICA)-positive, with low first-phase insulin response (FPIR) and/or abnormal glucose tolerance at baseline, were followed until clinical diabetes onset or study end (5-year follow-up). The prognostic performance of biomarkers was estimated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and compared with nonparametric testing of ROC curve areas. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between the markers. RESULTS Individually, insulin autoantibody titer, ICA512A titer, peak C-peptide, 2-h glucose, FPIR, and FPIR/homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance provided modest but significant prognostic values for 5-year risk with a similar level of area under ROC curve ranging between 0.61 and 0.67. The combination of 2-h glucose, peak C-peptide, and area under the curve C-peptide significantly improved the prognostic accuracy compared with any solitary index ( P P = 0.46 and P = 0.66, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The combination of metabolic markers derived from the oral glucose tolerance test improved accuracy in predicting progression to type 1 diabetes in a population with ICA positivity and abnormal metabolism. The results indicate that the autoimmune activity may not alter the risk of type 1 diabetes after metabolic function has deteriorated. Future intervention trials may consider eliminating IVGTT measurements as an effective cost-reduction strategy for prognostic purposes.
The A184V missense mutation of the dnaA5 and dnaA46 alleles confers a defect in ATP binding and thermolability in initiation of Escherichia coli DNA replication

The temperature-sensitive dnaA5 and dnaA46 alleles each contain two missense mutations. These mutations have been separated and the resulting mutant proteins studied with regard to their role in initiation of DNA replication in vitro. Whereas the His-252 to tyrosine substitution (H252Y) unique to the dnaA46 allele did not affect the activities of DnaA protein, the unique substitution of the dnaA5 allele, Gly-426 to serine (G426S), was reduced in its DNA-binding affinity for oriC, the chromosomal origin. This suggests that the C-terminal region of the DnaA protein is involved in DNA binding. The alanine-to-valine substitution at amino acid 184 (A184V) that is common to both of the alleles is responsible for the thermolabile defect and lag in DNA synthesis of these mutants. Mutant proteins bearing the common substitution were defective in ATP binding and were inactive in a replication system reconstituted with purified proteins. DnaK and GrpE protein activated these mutant proteins for replication and ATP binding; the latter was measured indirectly by the ATP-dependent formation of a trypsin-resistant peptide. However, with this assay, the ATP-binding affinity appeared to be reduced relative to wild-type DnaA protein. Activation was by conversion of a self-aggregate to the monomer, and also by a conformational alteration that correlated with ATP binding.
Observing the electrochemical interphase via electrode surface conductance

Summary A method has been developed for studying the electrochemical interphase which is straightforward, easy to use, and can be applied to various electrode processes. Measuring the conductance of a thin film electrode has provided new information about the electrode surface. On the basis of this method the conductance of a thin film can be monitored and the change in surface charge density of the electrode calculated. Conductance changes can be used to separate the faradaic current from the charging current since only the charging current will affect the conductance. Ion adsorption can easily be detected, thus providing a new method for studying reaction processes at the electrode surface. Reflectance measurements, which are independent, have been used together with conductance in detecting electrochemical processes in the double layer region and electrode surface. A good example is the definite change in the adsorption process on the gold electrode around pH 4, where the conductance varies independently of the reflectance, but which is difficult to detect just by observing the electrode current. Thus, conductance measurements provide another independent method to unravel the complex reactions occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface.
A Stimulus Control Intervention in the Gynecological Exam with Sexual Abuse Survivors

The effectiveness of a new examination gown, as a stimulus control intervention designed to reduce distress during the pelvic exam, was investigated in a sample of sexual abuse survivors and women without abuse histories. Sixty-nine participants from a women's health ambulatory center and a private practice in gynecology were randomly assigned to the experimental gown condition or the paper drape control group. One-third of the sample reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. Survivors reported higher anxiety during exams than did women without abuse histories. Women who wore the experimental gown reported more positive emotional and physical experiences of the exam. Further research is required to examine the trend showing that survivors who wore the experimental gown reported less anxiety during the examination than survivors who wore the control drape.
A necessary condition for decoupling multivariable systems

The decoupling of linear, time-invariant, multivariable systems into single-input, multiple-output subsystems is considered and a theorem by Falb and Wolovich completely solving a special case of this problem is extended to provide a strong necessary condition for decoupling. Unlike other results establishing necessary and sufficient conditions for this problem, the test developed herein is easily applied and does not require extensive constructions. Finally it is shown that this result extends easily to the more general case of decoupling a linear system into multi-variable subsystems.
Soft X-ray resonant scattering: an element-specific tool to characterize patterned arrays of nanomagnets

The authors have demonstrated the use of soft X-ray resonant scattering as an element-specific tool for characterizing the structure and magnetic properties of a rectangular array of nanomagnets. The periodicity and the size of individual elements of an array of Co dots were determined by measuring the intensities of a large number of diffraction orders and comparing them to model calculations performed within the framework of Fraunhoffer diffraction theory. Element-specific hysteresis loops along both the easy and hard axis of the array were measured by tuning the incident energy to the Co L/sub 3/ absorption edge.
Susceptibility and resistance to 6-sulfanilamidoindazole-induced arthritis among inbred strains of rats

Inflammation induced by 6- sulfanilamidoindazole (6-SAI) in aged, outbred rats is predictably produced, but the pathogenesis is not understood. We demonstrate the variable resistance of 15 inbred rat strains to 6-SAI arthritis. Susceptibility to 6-SAI arthritis is not directly linked to the major histocompatibility complex, although resistance is related to the major histocompatibility complex in other experimental forms of rat arthritis. The genetic background of these inbred rat strains appears to have a major role in 6-SAI arthritis susceptibility.
GADIA: A Greedy Asynchronous Distributed Interference Avoidance Algorithm

In this paper, the problem of distributed dynamic frequency allocation is considered for a canonical communication network, which spans several networks such as cognitive radio networks and digital subscriber lines (DSLs). A greedy asynchronous distributed interference avoidance (GADIA) algorithm for horizontal spectrum sharing has been proposed that achieves performance close to that of a centralized optimal algorithm. The convergence of the GADIA algorithm to a near-optimal frequency allocation strategy is proved and several asymptotic performance bounds have been established for various spatial configurations of the network nodes. Furthermore, the near-equilibrium dynamics of the GADIA algorithm has been studied using the Glauber dynamics, by identifying the problem with the antiferromagnetic inhomogeneous long-range Potts model. Using the near-equilibrium dynamics and methods from stochastic analysis, the robustness of the algorithm with respect to time variations in the activity of network nodes is studied. These analytic results along with simulation studies reveal that the performance is close to that of an optimum centralized frequency allocation algorithm. Further simulation studies confirm that our proposed algorithm outperforms the iterative water-filling algorithm in the low signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) regime, in terms of achieved sum rate, complexity, convergence rate, and robustness to time-varying node activities.
C-Linker Accounts for Differential Sensitivity of ERG1 and ERG2 K+ Channels to RPR260243-Induced Slow Deactivation.

Compounds can activate human ether-a-go-go–related gene 1 (hERG1) channels by several different mechanisms, including a slowing of deactivation, an increase in single channel open probability, or a reduction in C-type inactivation. The first hERG1 activator to be discovered, RPR260243 ((3R,4R)-4-[3-(6-methoxyquinolin-4-yl)-3-oxo-propyl]-1-[3-(2,3,5-trifluorophenyl)-prop-2-ynyl]-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid) (RPR) induces a pronounced, voltage-dependent slowing of hERG1 deactivation. The putative binding site for RPR, previously mapped to a hydrophobic pocket located between two adjacent subunits, is fully conserved in the closely related rat ether-a-go-go–related gene 2 (rERG2), yet these channels are relatively insensitive to RPR. Here, we use site-directed mutagenesis and heterologous expression of channels in Xenopus oocytes to characterize the structural basis for the differential sensitivity of hERG1 and rERG2 channels to RPR. Analysis of hERG1-rERG2 chimeric channels indicated that the structural determinant of channel sensitivity to RPR was located within the cytoplasmic C-terminus. Analysis of a panel of mutant hERG1 and rERG2 channels further revealed that seven residues, five in the C-linker and two in the adjacent region of the cyclic nucleotide-binding homology domain, can fully account for the differential sensitivity of hERG1 and rERG2 channels to RPR. These findings provide further evidence that the C-linker is a key structural component of slow deactivation in ether-a-go-go–related gene channels.
Exploring parameter constraints on quintessential dark energy: The pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone-boson model

We analyze the constraining power of future dark energy experiments for pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone-boson (PNGB) quintessence. Following the Dark Energy Task Force (DETF) methodology, we forecast data for three experimental stages: Stage 2 represents in-progress projects relevant to dark energy; Stage 3 refers to medium-sized experiments; Stage 4 comprises larger projects. We determine the posterior probability distribution for the parameters of the PNGB model using Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis. Utilizing data generated on a $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ cosmology, we find that the relative power of the different data stages on PNGB quintessence is roughly comparable to the DETF results for the ${w}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{w}_{a}$ parametrization of dark energy. We also generate data based on a PNGB cosmological model that is consistent with a $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ fiducial model at Stage 2. We find that Stage 4 data based on this PNGB fiducial model will rule out a cosmological constant by at least $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$.
Linear epipolar algorithm for multiframe orientation

The use of multiple images to perform scene reconstruction and camera position and orientation recovery is of practical importance for many computer vision tasks. This paper describes a fast and approximate batch algorithm for the determination of multiple camera positions and orientations from feature point data. The singular value decomposition is used extensively, providing a fast motion recovery method that avoids the iterative optimization procedures common to multiframe motion recovery approaches.
Full- and Part-Time Wage Differentials and Female Labor Supply: Discontinuous Budget Constraint and Endogenous Wages

We introduce a structural model which jointly estimates the full-time wage premium and female labor supply, using the piecewise-linear budget constraint method. Our model incorporates a discontinuous budget line at cut-off hours (35 hours a week), caused by the coexistence of both full- and part-time wage rates, and makes wages fully endogenous to the labor supply choice. We estimate a structural model using the female sample from March 1995 current population survey. The estimate of the full-time premium from our structural model is slightly larger than that of OLS, while Heckman’s two-step method predicts a small full-time wage premium. Our estimates for labor supply elasticities lie within the ranges reported in previous research.
Stability analysis of nonlinear sampled-data systems

Conditions for exponential stability of a nonlinear sampled-data system about an equilibrium are presented. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given in terms of an appropriately defined linearization. The Lyapunov-based analysis involves casting a sampled-data system as a continuous-time system with finite jumps.
The development of a xenon/computed tomography cerebral blood flow quality assurance phantom.

A simple, easy to use, quality assurance and performance test phantom was developed for the xenon/computed tomography (CT) cerebral blood flow method. The phantom combines an inhalation system which allows for the simulation of xenon buildup or washout in the arterial blood as well as a multisection translatable cylinder in which several sections can be scanned during a preselected protocol to simulate the CT enhancement in brain tissue during a study. The phantom and scanning protocol are described and their use is demonstrated. The results compare favorably to the theoretically expected fast, intermediate, and slow ‘‘flow’’ values designed into the phantom.
Evaluation of Walleye Fingerling and Fry Stocking in Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Abstract Fry and fingerling stockings of walleye Stizostedion vitreum at Rathbun Lake were evaluated from 1984 to 1989 to determine the stocking strategy necessary to triple the lake's walleye biomass. Daily loss of fry for the first 25 d ranged from 12% in 1984 to 26% in 1987. In August cove samples, densities of walleyes stocked as fry were estimated at 2–14/acre, whereas October mark-recapture estimates were 2–27/acre. Fingerlings stocked in October were either extensively cultured in Spirit Lake nursery lakes or were intensively cultured at Rathbun Hatchery on a pelleted diet. In terms of overwinter survival, fingerlings stocked as fry were superior to those stocked as fingerlings in October. Of the fingerlings stocked in October, Rathbun walleyes (reared in tanks on pellet diet) had greater survival than did fingerlings from nursery lakes. Survival was 2–11 times greater for intensively cultured walleye fingerlings. Nursery lake walleyes probably had lower survival rates because of poorer body condit...
Functional morphology and modifications on spine growth in the productid brachiopod Heteralosia slocomi

Spines are one of the most characteristic ornamenting features of many fossil brachiopod taxa. Despite several studies of spines in different species, there is still insufficient information about the development, functional morphology, and modifications of brachiopod spines. In particular, ontogenetic data are very rare and the understanding of the relationship between functional morphology and paleoecology is elusive. The present study analyzes the functional morphology and modifications on spines of the Pennsylvanian brachiopod species Heteralosia slocomi throughout ontogeny. Spines are tubular hollow and only displayed on the surface of the ventral valves, where they develop from a specific point at the margins of the growth lamellae and directed towards the antero-lateral margins. Modifications of up to 180° from this original direction of growth are observed in response to ecological pressure and biotic interactions. The function of these spines is primarily for attachment by clasping and cementatio...
Platinum-Doped Ceria Based Biosensor for in Vitro and in Vivo Monitoring of Lactate during Hypoxia

Measurements of lactate concentrations in blood and tissues are an important indication of the adequacy of tissue oxygenation and could be useful for monitoring the state and progress of a variety of diseases. This paper describes the fabrication, analytical characterization, and physiological application of an amperometric microbiosensor based on lactate oxidase and oxygen-rich platinum doped ceria (Pt-ceria) nanoparticles for monitoring lactate levels during hypoxic conditions. The Pt-ceria nanoparticles provided electrocatalytic amplification for the detection of the enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide and acted as an internal oxygen source for the enzyme, enabling lactate monitoring in an oxygen depleted tissue. In vitro evaluation of the biosensor demonstrated high selectivity against physiological levels of ascorbic acid, a storage stability of 3 weeks, a fast response time of 6 s, and good, linear sensitivity over a wide concentration range. In vivo experiments performed by placing the biosens...
Mg intercalation in layered and spinel host crystal structures for Mg batteries.

We investigate electrochemical properties of Mg in layered and spinel intercalation compounds from first-principles using TiS2 as a model system. Our calculations predict that MgxTiS2 in both the layered and spinel crystal structures exhibits sloping voltage profiles with steps at stoichiometric compositions due to Mg-vacancy ordering. Mg ions are predicted to occupy the octahedral sites in both layered and spinel TiS2 with diffusion mediated by hops between octahedral sites that pass through adjacent tetrahedral sites. Predicted migration barriers are substantially higher than typical Li-migration barriers in intercalation compounds. The migration barriers are shown to be very sensitive to lattice parameters of the host crystal structure. We also discuss the possible role of rehybridization between the transition metal and the anion in affecting migration barriers.
Moments in nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering and their applications

Sum rules of the moments of the nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (NRIXS) spectrum provide means of data analysis and information on atomic dynamics. We extend existing work by calculating the third and fourth moment beyond the harmonic approximation and show that NRIXS can provide a direct measurement of the anharmonic terms in lattice potentials. Projected partial phonon density of states (ppDOS) extracted from measured spectra provide vibrational mode-specific information on lattice dynamics. Furthermore, unique contributions to thermodynamic properties can be defined and calculated as the moments and other weighted integrals of ppDOS. A summary of some of these thermodynamic quantities is given. The directional dependence of NRIXS and its effects are emphasized. We derive explicit relationships between the moments of phonon excitation probability function and those of ppDOS. The comparison between the two sets of moments provides a consistency check and insights to the lattice dynamics of the system under study.
Slashing the picture of Dorian Gray.

In this issue of Blood, Flowers and colleagues report on the risk factors for acute and for chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a sizable cohort of 2941 first allogeneic transplantation recipients.1 Many factors were similar; some were not shared. In risk factors associated with chronic GVHD, point estimates and confidence intervals were not significantly changed after adjustment for prior acute GVHD. These results strongly support the concept that chronic GVHD is not simply the end stage of acute GVHD.
Serum proteins in ducks with amyloidosis.

ConclusionsThe data indicate that in the sera from the white Pekin duck with spontaneously occurring amyloidosis there is an elevation in the β-globulins. Electrophoretic data using two buffers are reported. Variation exists in the electrophoretic patterns of plasmas from ducks with and without amyloidosis. Components faster than albumin occur in the sera and plasmas from some ducks—not all, and seem to be in larger concentrations in ducks without amyloidosis.