cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface sediment carbonate mineralogy and water column chemistry: Nicaragua Rise versus the Bahamas

Abstract Periplatform surface sediments were studied for carbonate mineralogy in conjunction with analyses of the water column for carbonate chemistry on the eastern Northern Nicaragua Rise (NNR) in the Caribbean Sea. The results show a strong correspondence between variations and disappearance, with increasing water depth, of metastable carbonate minerals (fine aragonite and magnesian calcite) and their respective saturation levels in the overlying waters. Similar correspondence between variations in sediment proportions of fine aragonite and magnesian calcite and their respective saturation levels has previously been established in the Bahamas. There are, however, significant differences between the two areas. The sharp decrease in aragonite content and the measured aragonite saturation level occur at 4000 m in the Bahamas, compared to 1800 m on the eastern NNR. In both areas, magnesian calcite minima correspond to the in situ PCO 2 maxima in the water column. The magnesian calcite minimum, however, is at 950 m in the Bahamas and 750 m on the eastern NNR. Magnesian calcite disappears in the Bahamas at 3800 m and at 2000 m on the eastern NNR. These results demonstrate the importance of the influence of overlying water chemistry on the preservation of metastable carbonate minerals in off-bank periplatform sediments, and they clearly demonstrate the difference in terms of carbonate preservation between the poorly ventilated waters of the Caribbean Sea and the well-oxygenated waters of the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. They also open the possibility of obtaining paleoceanographic information on the depth of the CO 2 maximum (O 2 minimum) and its separation from the aragonite saturation depth in at least some areas.
Malaria var gene expression: keeping up with the neighbors.

Plasmodium falciparum PfEMP1 is a malaria virulence protein whose expression is epigenetically regulated. The parasite's ability to express exclusively only one of the sixty var genes that encode PfEMP1 is essential for disease pathogenesis. Two recent papers identify key molecular players in determining whether a var gene is active or silenced (Volz et al., 2012; Zhang et al., 2011).
A Diabatic Lagrangian Technique for the Analysis of Convective Storms. Part I: Description and Validation via an Observing System Simulation Experiment

AbstractA diabatic Lagrangian analysis (DLA) technique for deriving potential temperature, water vapor and cloud water mixing ratios, and virtual buoyancy from three-dimensional time-dependent Doppler radar wind and reflectivity fields in storms is presented. The DLA method proceeds from heat and water substance conservation along discrete air trajectories via microphysical diabatic heating/cooling and simple damping and surface flux parameterizations in a parcel-following ground-relative reference frame to thermodynamic fields on a regular grid of trajectory endpoints at a common analysis time. Rain and graupel precipitation size distributions are parameterized from observed reflectivity at discrete Lagrangian points to simplify the cloud model–based microphysically driven heating and cooling rate calculations. The DLA approximates the precipitation size distributions from reflectivity assuming conventional inverse exponential size distributions and prescribed input intercept parameter values based on th...
Shape Engineering for Controlled Switching With Nanomagnet Logic

We demonstrate that in circuits and systems that comprised of nanoscale magnets, magnet-shape-dependent switching properties can be used to perform Boolean logic. More specifically, by making magnets with slanted edges, we can shift the energy barrier of the device (i.e., so that it is not at a maximum when a device is magnetized along its geometrically hard axis). In clocked systems, we can leverage this barrier shift to make and or or gates that are not majority based. Advantages include reduced gate footprint and interconnect overhead as we eliminate one gate input. In this paper, we report and discuss micromagnetic simulations that illustrate how magnet shape can facilitate nonmajority-gate-based, reduced footprint logic; preliminary fabrication and testing results that illustrate that shape engineering can induce energy barrier shifts; and additional micromagnetic simulations that show other ways in which we might leverage shape in circuits made from nanoscale magnets.
Low-resistance p-type polycrystalline GaSb grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract We report the growth and electrical properties of low resistance carbon-doped polycrystalline GaSb (poly-GaSb) by molecular beam epitaxy using CBr 4 . The resistivity of poly-GaSb is found to have strong dependence on film thickness and grain size of the polycrystalline film, particularly when the film thickness is comparable with the grain size. It is observed that grain size is mainly determined by growth temperature, while hole concentration is significantly affected by antimony to gallium beam flux ratio. With same doping level, grain size, and similar film thickness, the resistivity of carbon-doped poly-GaSb is more than one order of magnitude lower than that of carbon-doped poly-GaAs. This result is attributed to GaSb's favorable surface Fermi-level pinning in the valence band and higher hole mobility. It is proposed that carbon-doped poly-GaSb be used as extrinsic base material in InP heterojunction bipolar transistor to improve the device's high-frequency performance.
Brain electrical correlates of psychological measures: Strategies and problems

We explore relationships between brain electrical activity and cognitive performance where qEEG data are correlated with psychological variables gathered at a different time. For a population of 202 healthy adults using univariate and multivariate correlation techniques in a split half replication design, we confirm prior findings that subjects with better psychological scores show shorter evoked potential (EP) latency, suggesting that speed of processing is an important factor in cognitive performance. By canonical correlation we demonstrate a consistent, replicable relationship between electrophysiological and behavioral data. We suggest that reliance upon univariate correlation may have fueled early controversies about relationships between electrophysiology and IQ. In addition we correlate psychological factors with the entire qEEG data set (both EP and spectral analyzed EEG) and demonstrate the use a multidimensional image graphics techniques to assist in visual assessment of the resulting correlation matrices.
Global noise characteristics of a laser Doppler vibrometer—I. Theory

Abstract The use of a laser Doppler vibrometer to obtain velocity information from vibrating structures has gained wide acceptance in recent years. Although use of such an instrument can yield a spatially dense matrix of velocity information, several users have noted ‘noise’ at certain points in the spatial field. The technique by which the SLDV system operates results in occasional velocity ‘drop-outs’ which are unidirectional, always estimating the velocity response closer to zero than reality. These ‘drop-out’ areas occur more predominately at points of maximum velocity response with small rotational components. Alternatively, points exhibiting minimum velocity response with large rotational components are less susceptible to the ‘noise’. In this paper, an experiment to visualize the speckle pattern motions received by the photodetectors during these vibration conditions is presented. Theories regarding the source(s) of the ‘noise’ are developed.
Commentary: flawed science delays smelter cleanup and worsens health.

For 6,000 years, humans have known about smelter hazards. Yet these metals threats continue. Why? This commentary provides one preliminary answer. It (1) summarizes the history of smelter pollution and (2) suggests that at least 3 problems—especially flawed smelter-polluter science—allow continuing health threats. It (3) illustrates this flawed science by using one of the most dangerous of U.S. former smelters, in DePue, Illinois. There polluters are avoiding violating the law yet trying to minimize smelter-caused health threats, thus clean-up costs, by using two questionable scientific claims. The causality-denial claim denies that smelter metals cause neurodegenerative diseases. The biomagnification-denial claim denies that food-chain biomagnification of smelter metals can put citizens at risk. The commentary shows both claims err, and (4) suggests ways to address flawed smelter science and resulting health harms.
Convergence in orbital localization procedures

Abstract The nature of the extrema reached in orbital localization procedures based on a maximum self-repulsion energy criterion is discussed. A method of proceding from saddle-point convergence towards a true maximum is described, and the technique is applied to convergence problems encountered in orbital localizations of carboranes.
Biomechanics of fall arrest using the upper extremity: age differences

Abstract Objective . This study tried to isolate critical biomechanical factors in fall arrests using the upper extremity during simulated forward falls. This study also attempted to find the differences in those factors between young and old age groups. Background . The role of the upper extremity is not well defined despite its primary usage as a local shock absorber during fall impact. Design . Comparative study in which two age groups underwent motion analysis. Methods . Ten healthy older males (mean age, 66.4 years) and 10 young males (mean age, 24.1 years) volunteered to perform self-initiated and cable-released falls at selected falling distances, while the joint motion and impact forces at the hand were recorded. Results . Significant age differences were demonstrated in joint kinematics and impact force parameters at close distances. Excessive reflexive responses of the upper extremity in cable-released falls for the older adults resulted in 10–15 times higher peak impact forces and 2–3 times shorter body braking time than in self-initiated falls. Conclusions . Pre-impact activities of the upper extremity predispose the post-impact response during fall arrests. Suppressing excessive pre-impact reflexive activation of the arms could efficiently decrease the risk of fall-related injuries, which calls for securing sufficient arm movement time. Any fall prevention strategy that can increase arm movement time would be effective against injuries of the upper extremity during falling in the older adults. Relevance The findings will help to understand underlying mechanisms of fall arrest using the upper extremity for prevention of fall-related fractures.
Natural flavor conservation and the absence of radiatively induced cabibbo angles

Abstract Non-trivial flavor conservation of neutral Higgs couplings, enforced by discrete symmetries, is known to lead to the vanishing of generalized mixing angles. We prove that this result, valid in the tree approximation, is not altered by radiative corrections.
THE EFFECTS OF ETHICAL CLIMATE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF ALTERNATIVES ON THE USE OF DECEPTION DURING NEGOTIATION

This study examines the use of deception in a dyadic negotiation context. Two independent variables—the salience of ethical standards regarding deception and the availability of alternatives to agreement— were predicted to influence negotiators' willingness to deceive. It was hypothesized the presence of ethical standards would reduce deception, even when organizational reward contingencies and other external pressures favored its use. Competing hypotheses regarding the effects of alternatives were also proposed A role‐play exercise describing a negotiation between an automotive manufacturer and a supplier of component parts was used to test the study hypotheses. Eighty MBA students participated in the exercise. Results showed that the salience of ethical standards decreased the use of deception by negotiators and led to more equal agreements. However, contrary to expectations, the availability of an alternative had no effect on deception. Implications for theory and practice are discussed and future research directions are offered.
Intraventricular 2-deoxy-d-glucose induces Fos expression by hypothalamic vasopressin, but not oxytocin neurons

Abstract The glucostatic theory supports the role of central and peripheral substrate “sensors” in monitoring cellular glucose metabolism. Induction of hyperphagia and hyperglycemia by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) delivery of drugs inhibiting glucose uptake or oxidation suggests that glucose “sensors” are accessible from the cerebroventricular system. Although glucopenia elevates neurohypophyseal vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OXY) secretion and induces c- fos expression by hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) neurons, the origin of glucoprivic regulatory signals impinging upon these cell populations is unclear. The following study evaluated immunolabeling of hypothalamic VP and OXY neurons for the nuclear transcription factor, Fos, following systemic vs. i.c.v. delivery of the glucose antimetabolite, 2-deoxy- d -glucose (2DG). Intraperitoneal drug treatment resulted in Fos expression by a high proportion of AVP- and OXY-ir neurons in the PVN and SON, whereas i.c.v. antimetabolite administration resulted in immunostaining of a smaller proportion of AVP neurons and a lack of colabeling of OXY neurons in both sites. These results suggest that decreased glucose metabolism within the periventricular CNS is a stimulus for central mechanisms that activate the Fos stimulus-transcription cascade in a discrete subpopulation of VP neurons in the PVN and SON. Alternatively, the absence of demonstrable Fos expression by OXY neurons in the same structures suggests that the functional status of these cells is regulated by glucoprivic stimuli of peripheral and/or nonperiventricular central origin.
Familial aggregation for conduct disorder symptomatology: the role of genes, marital discord and family adaptability.

Background There is extensive evidence of statistical associations between family discord/ maladaptation and antisocial behaviour in the children, but questions remain on the extent to which the psychopathological risks are genetically or environmentally mediated. Methods Twin pairs (N = 1,350), aged 8 to 16 years, in the general population-based Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development were assessed using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment interview administered separately to both twins and both parents. Structured interviews for parental lifetime psychiatric disorders were also administered to the mothers and fathers. Maternal reports on Olsson's Family Adaptability and Cohesiveness questionnaire and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used as indices of the family environment. A path analytical model based on an extended twin-family design was used to test hypotheses about parent offspring similarity for conduct disorder symptomatology. Results Family discord and maladaptation, which intercorrelated at 0.63, were associated with a roughly two-fold increase in risk for conduct disorder symptomatology. When parental conduct disorder was included in the model the environmental mediation effect for family maladaptation remained, but that for family discord was lost. Conclusion It is concluded that there is true environmental mediation from family maladaptation, operating as a shared effect, which accounts for 3.5 % of the phenotypic variance. The assumptions underlying this genetic research strategy are made explicit, together with its strengths and limitations.
Early tracheostomy improves outcomes in severely injured children and adolescents.

Abstract Background Early tracheostomy has been advocated for adult trauma patients to improve outcomes and resource utilization. We hypothesized that timing of tracheostomy for severely injured children would similarly impact outcomes. Methods Injured children undergoing tracheostomy over a 10-year period (2002–2012) were reviewed. Early tracheostomy was defined as post-injury day ≤7. Data were compared using Student's t test, Pearson chi-squared test and Fisher exact test. Statistical significance was set at p Results During the 10-year study period, 91 patients underwent tracheostomy following injury. Twenty-nine (32%) patients were p =0.003), ICU days ( p =0.003), hospital days ( p =0.046), and tracheal complications ( p =0.03) compared to late tracheostomy. There was no difference in pneumonia ( p =0.48) between early and late tracheostomy. Conclusion Children undergoing early tracheostomy had improved outcomes compared to those who underwent late tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy should be considered for the severely injured child. Summary Early tracheostomy is advocated for adult trauma patients to improve patient comfort and resource utilization. In a review of 91 pediatric trauma patients undergoing tracheostomy, those undergoing tracheostomy on post-injury day ≤7 had fewer ventilator days, ICU days, hospital days, and tracheal complications compared to those undergoing tracheostomy after post-injury day 7.
Consumer willingness to pay price premiums for environmentally certified wood products in the U.S.

Abstract Since its inception nearly 15 years ago, environmental certification has become an important issue in the wood products industry. One research question that has been examined is the potential willingness for supply chain participants to pay a premium for certified products or raw materials to offset certification costs. This study examines stated willingness to pay for four wood products from the perspective of U.S. consumers. Data was collected in 1995 and 2005 from the population of U.S. residential consumers to detect changes in willingness to pay for certified wood products along time and increase the statistical strength of the model. Results of an ordered probit model suggest that higher probabilities of paying a premium are associated to consumers who seek out certified products and who believe certification can lessen environmental impacts such as tropical deforestation. There is also a strong relationship between respondent income and willingness-to-pay. Despite the current industry structure in the U.S. that has adopted a mass-certification strategy that does not place price premiums on certified products, results suggest that such premiums may exist for imported certified tropical wood products. Analysis of marginal effects suggests consumers' willingness to pay a 10% premium for three of the four certified items studied. Niche markets may potentially be exploited in the U.S. and price premiums captured by wood products manufacturers in tropical regions and/or American importers.
Facile synthesis of 2,3,7,8-tetramethyl-2,2′-dipyrrin trifluoroacetate and its X-ray crystal structure

3,4-Dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid was converted to 2,3,7,8-tetramethyl-2,2′-dipyrrin by the action of trifluoroacetic acid and ethyl orthoformate. A crystal of the dipyrrin was grown from dichloromethane-n-hexane and an X-ray crystallographic structure of its trifluoroacetate salt was determined.
Tuning oxygen reduction reaction activity via controllable dealloying: a model study of ordered Cu3Pt/C intermetallic nanocatalysts.

A promising electrocatalyst prototype of low Pt mole fraction, intermetallic nanoparticles of Cu3Pt, has been prepared using a simple impregnation-reduction method, followed by a post heat-treatment. Two dealloying methods (electrochemical and chemical) were implemented to control the atomic-level morphology and improve performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The morphology and elemental composition of the dealloyed nanoparticles were characterized at angstrom resolution using an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with an electron energy loss spectrometer. We found that the electrochemical dealloying method led to the formation of a thin Pt skin of ca. 1 nm in thickness with an ordered Cu3Pt core structure, while chemical leaching gave rise to a “spongy” structure with no ordered structure being preserved. A three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction indicated that numerous voids were formed in the chemically dealloyed nanoparticles. Both dealloying meth...
Increases of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the aging female mouse brain

Age-related increases of the astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were further resolved by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry in female C57BL/6J mice. The age groups represented the major stages of reproductive aging: young (5 months), middle-age (18 months), and old (23 and 26 months). GFAP mRNA and protein showed generalized increases in old mice. Major white fiber tracts, such as the corpus callosum, fimbria, stria terminalis, and optic tract, showed increased GFAP immunostaining and mRNA. Gray matter showed robust > or = twofold increases in GFAP mRNA with age, especially in the thalamus and hypothalamus, areas that expressed little GFAP in the young. These generalized age-related increases of GFAP in many brain regions imply the existence of a widespread stimulus for increased activity of astrocytes during aging.
Closed-loop control of blood pressure, ventilation, and anesthesia delivery

Closed-loop control systems have been in use for over 4.000 years, yet applications in medicine have developed only recently. When compared with manual control, closed-loop controllers for blood pressure, ventilation, and anesthesia delivery provide more rapid and more precise control of mean pressure, end-tidal CO2, and end-tidal anesthetic concentrations. Closed-loop control systems perform better in almost all situations. It must be remembered however, that the best anesthesiologist may perform better than the controller, particularly in his ability to anticipate clinical events which effect control. Although the convenience, precision of control, and immunity to distractions are reason enough to further pursue their development, their final application to clinical care will depend on the inclusion of appropriate safeguards and supervisory software algorithms to protect the systems from failure.
Oxysterols enhance osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone healing in vivo

Oxysterols, naturally occurring cholesterol oxidation products, can induce osteoblast differentiation. Here, we investigated short-term 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol + 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol (SS) exposure on osteoblastic differentiation of marrow stromal cells. We further explored oxysterol ability to promote bone healing in vivo. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expression, mineralization, and Runx2 DNA binding activity. To explore the effects of osteogenic oxysterols in vivo, we utilized the critical-sized rat calvarial defect model. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds alone or coated with 140 ng (low dose) or 1400 ng (high dose) oxysterol cocktail were implanted into the defects. Rats were sacrificed at 6 weeks and examined by three-dimensional (3D) microcomputed tomography (microCT). Bone volume (BV), total volume (TV), and BV/TV ratio were measured. Culture exposure to SS for 10 min significantly increased ALP activity after 4 days, while 2 h exposure significantly increased mineralization after 14 days. Four-hour SS treatment increased OCN mRNA measured after 8 days and nuclear protein binding to an OSE2 site measured after 4 days. The calvarial defects showed slight bone healing in the control group. However, scaffolds adsorbed with low or high-dose oxysterol cocktail significantly enhanced bone formation. Histologic examination confirmed bone formation in the defect sites grafted with oxysterol-adsorbed scaffolds, compared to mostly fibrous tissue in control sites. Our results suggest that brief exposure to osteogenic oxysterols triggered events leading to osteoblastic cell differentiation and function in vitro and bone formation in vivo. These results identify oxysterols as potential agents in local and systemic enhancement of bone formation.
Comparison of Lysyl Oxidase From Bovine Lung And Aorta

A prior report had concluded that bovine lung lysyl oxidase displayed an unusual resistance to inhibition by β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) in contrast to the enzyme isolated from other connective tissues. Therefore, lysyl oxidase was purified from fetal bovine lung and from aorta of young calves by parallel procedures, and key chromatographic and catalytic properties of these enzymes were directly compared. The enzymes prepared from both tissues each demonstrated the same multiplicity of enzyme species which resolve on DEAE-cellulose and otherwise demonstrated the same chromatographic behavior on gel exclusion media and on collagen-Sepharose and Cibacron blue-Sepharose columns. The activities of the unresolved but partially purified enzyme species of lung and of aortic lysyl oxidase were each fully inhibitable by approximately the same low (μmolar) concentrations of BAPN. Thus, the enzymes of both tissues were found to be very similar to each other by several criteria.
Criminal history systems: new technology and new directions

Many forces are driving states to improve their current Criminal History and On-Line Criminal Justice Information Systems. The predominate factors compelling this movement are (1) the deterioration and cost of supporting older legacy systems, (2) current generation high performance, low cost hardware and system software, and (3) funding programs, such as the National Criminal History Improvement Program, which are targeted specifically at improving these important systems. In early 1996, SAIC established an Internal Research and Development project devoted to Computerized Criminal History Systems (CCH). This project began with an assessment of current hardware, operating system, and relational database technology. Application software design and development approaches were then reviewed with a focus on object-oriented approaches, three tier client server architectures, and tools that enable the `right sizing' of systems. An operational prototype of a State CCH system was established based on the results of these investigations.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evolution of subsequent yield surfaces and elastic constants with finite plastic deformation. Part III: Yield surface in tension–tension stress space (Al 6061–T 6511 and annealed 1100 Al)

Abstract Subsequent yield surfaces for aluminum alloys are determined for three proportional loading paths (i.e., axial, hoop, and combined hoop and axial stress) using 10 μe deviation from linearity as the definition of yield. This paper is in continuation with Parts I and II of the author’s previous papers on subsequent yield surfaces under tension–torsion ( σ 11–√3 σ 12 ) stress space using similar small offset definition of yield. In the current paper comprehensive experimental results on subsequent yield surfaces under tension–tension ( σ 11 – σ 22 ) stress space are presented. Comparison of subsequent yield surfaces under ( σ 11 –√3 σ 12 ) stress space, investigated in the earlier papers, clearly indicated distinctive hardening behavior under various loading paths. However, subsequent yield surfaces for Al 6061–T 6511 (a low work hardening alloy) showed contraction and negative cross-effect with finite deformation as compared to the annealed 1100 Al (a high work hardening alloy) where expansion and positive cross-effect was observed.
Release of both native and non-native proteins from a cis -only GroEL ternary complex

Protein folding by the double-ring chaperonin GroEL is initiated in cis ternary complexes, in which polypeptide is sequestered in the central channel of a GroEL ring, capped by the co-chaperonin GroES. The cis ternary complex is dissociated (half-life of approximately 15 s) by trans-sided ATP hydrolysis, which triggers release of GroES. For the substrate protein rhodanese, only approximately 15% of cis-localized molecules attain their native form before hydrolysis. A major question concerning the GroEL mechanism is whether both native and non-native forms are released from the cis complex. Here we address this question using a 'cis-only' mixed-ring GroEL complex that binds polypeptide and GroES on only one of its two rings. This complex mediates refolding of rhodanese but, as with wild-type GroEL, renaturation is quenched by addition of mutant GroEL 'traps', which bind but do not release polypeptide substrate. This indicates that non-native forms are released from the cis complex. Quenching of refolding by traps was also observed under physiological conditions, both in undiluted Xenopus oocyte extract and in intact oocytes. We conclude that release of non-native forms from GroEL in vivo allows a kinetic partitioning among various chaperones and proteolytic components, which determines both the conformation and lifetime of a protein.
Structural Origins of Nitroxide EPR Spectra in a β-Barrel Membrane Protein

Site-directed spin labeling is a powerful tool for studying structure and dynamics in proteins, due to its ability to bypass several fundamental limitations suffered by methodologies such as NMR and x-ray crystallography. The utility of this technique, however, hinges on our ability to reliably interpret EPR lineshapes of spin-labeled proteins, so that spectral features may be unambiguously associated with their structural origins. In the present work, X-ray crystallography has been combined with mutagenesis and a quantitative analysis of EPR spectra to examine for the first time the origins of spectra from a β-barrel membrane protein, BtuB. The hydrocarbon-exposed residue T156C was spin-labeled and gave rise to a two-component EPR spectrum, corresponding to two conformers of the spin-labeled side chain. Quantitative lineshape analysis revealed a dominant population of highly (spatially) ordered yet mobile nitroxide, and a second population of weakly ordered yet immobile nitroxide. EPR spectra show that single mutations to nearest-neighbor residues affect the ordering and or equilibrium of label rotamers, however these changes are small in each case. In the 2.6A crystal structure of spin-labeled BtuB, the likely source of weak pairwise interaction with nearest-neighbors is attributed to the extent of barrel curvature, β-strand twist, and direction of strand tilt. It is postulated that residues Q158, L160 (periplasmic loop), V166, and L168 (hydrogen-bonded neighbor) may cooperatively stabilize the nitroxide spin label by forming a hydrophobic pocket. This approach is being applied to an additional hydrocarbon-exposed site on BtuB which exhibits a different degree of strand tilt and twist.
The Larderello geothermal field: a review

Abstract This paper reviews published geological, geophysical, petrological and geochemical data, together with reservoir engineering parameters, of the Larderello geothermal reservoir of southern Tuscany, Italy. Some theories are proposed on the deep origin, evolution in time, and natural state of this geothermal field prior to its exploitation. The interaction between the vapor-dominated reservoir and surrounding aquifers is discussed. Analysis of hydrogeochemical data suggests that meteoric waters from shallow external aquifers contribute little to the production of steam. The vapor-dominated system and the cold external aquifers are separated by areas of very low permeability where physical conditions change greatly over short distances. The presence and significance of liquid phases in the peripheral areas of the vapor-dominated reservoir are interpreted as being due to steam condensation. The latter is a consequence of: (a) low permeability conditions in the deep buried parts of the carbonate reservoir formations in the north-northwestern sector of the field, and (b) by the mixing of ascending superheated steam from depth with cold CaSO4 meteoric waters circulating in unconfined shallow aquifers within the outcrops of the carbonate reservoir formations in the south-southeastern parts of the field. The presence of steam below these liquid-dominated sectors of the reservoir seems possible. The limited natural recharge of the system, the constant steam production rate for geothermal power generation (3000 t h−1, since 1951), the persistence of natural thermal features, and the fact that reinjection has had little effect on the characteristics of the fluid discharged, seem to indicate a steady state for the Larderello field. The main contribution to production seems to be from superheated steam ascending from depth and the in situ evaporation of water stored in the small pores of the rocks present in Larderello, in a system that is much larger than the one known at present.
Relative Perceptibility of Hypercard Buttons Using Pictorial Symbols and Text Labels

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the comparative perceptibility of hypertext navigation buttons in three configurations: buttons with both pictorial symbols and text labels...
Parents and Campus Safety.

Parents are demanding greater inclusion in issues relating to campus safety and security. This chapter examines the historical evolution of relations between parents, students, and universities, discussing two pieces of key legislation and describing strategies to optimize common interrelationships between parents and institutions.
Project-Based Learning in Education: Integrating Business Needs and Student Learning.

Purpose – The purpose of this case study was to investigate how project-based learning (PBL) is being practiced in Columbus Signature Academy (CSA), a high school located in Columbus, Indiana, USA. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used the case study method to provide qualitative details about CSA ' s use of PBL that is being practiced in a natural education setting. Findings – The authors identified six emergent themes (community partners, dedicated facilitators, student group work, authentic projects, school culture, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-focus) as the essential elements of the high school ' s PBL use. The authors also evaluated CSA ' s use of PBL using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and generated eight challenges that CSA should tackle to make it more sustainable. Research limitations/implications – This study is contextualized in a high school located in Columbus, Indiana, so the authors cannot generalize the results of...
Disenchantment and the Environmental Crisis: Lynn White Jr., Max Weber, and Muhammad Iqbal

“The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis” by Lynn White Jr. poses specific challenges to Islamic metaphysics and theology that have yet to be adequately addressed by Muslim scholars. I argue that the transition from a panentheistic view of God to an increasingly supernaturalist one is indicative of a larger shift in worldview that White had failed to emphasize. Reading White’s essay in light of Weber and Iqbal, I argue that a worldview dominated by rational thought is consistent with supernatural theism. The challenges posed by White’s essay can be met through Iqbal’s postmodern reconstruction of Islamic theology in panentheistic terms.
Synthesis of C-4 and C-7 triazole analogs of zanamivir as multivalent sialic acid containing scaffolds

The relative reactivities of C-4 and C-7 azides derived from zanamivir were compared in cycloaddition reactions with a panel of alkynes. All of the reactions proceeded efficiently with no observable differences between primary and secondary azides. Significant rate differences were observed between several members of the alkyne panel. Most notably, a trialkyne derived from a 1,3,5-triazine core underwent complete reaction within 4 h, whereas an analogous trialkyne with an all carbon aromatic core required 18 h. These results suggest that the triazine core serves as an internal catalyst.
Differences in the relative potency of SR 141716A and AM 251 as antagonists of various in vivo effects of cannabinoid agonists in C57BL/6J mice

Although the cannabinoid CB(1) antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR 141716A) blocks many of the in vivo effects of cannabinoids, the antagonist activity of SR 141716A is limited under some conditions. The general aims of this study were to: 1) examine whether the limited antagonist activity of SR 141716A generalizes to the cannabinoid CB(1) antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM 251); and 2) examine mechanisms by which cannabinoids produce hypothermia, catalepsy, and hypoactivity in C57BL/6J mice. SR 141716A and AM 251 were administered alone and in combination with the cannabinoid agonists triangle up(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (triangle up(9)-THC) and R-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)-methyl]pyrrolol-[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-naphthalenyl) methanone (WIN 55212-2). triangle up(9)-THC and WIN 55212-2 produced catalepsy, hypothermia, and hypoactivity with similar potency; WIN 55212-2 produced greater hypothermia than triangle up(9)-THC, otherwise differences in maximal effect were not detected in the other assays. When administered alone, the antagonists did not produce catalepsy or alter body temperature and they decreased locomotor activity. SR 1417167A and AM 251 blocked catalepsy and hypothermia, and partially attenuated hypoactivity, produced by triangle up(9)-THC and WIN 55212-2. While the antagonists were equipotent in blocking agonist-induced hypothermia, SR 141716A was 6-fold more potent than AM 251 in blocking agonist-induced catalepsy. The results demonstrate that SR 141716A and AM 251 have strikingly similar behavioral activity, i.e., they block some and not other in vivo effects of cannabinoid agonists, and further demonstrate differences in the maximum effect of cannabinoid agonists that might be related to differences in agonist efficacy. While the results strongly suggest that cannabinoid CB(1) receptors mediate the hypothermic and cataleptic effects of cannabinoids, differences in the relative potency of antagonists suggest that mechanisms responsible for these effects are not identical.
Design Parameters for an Optimized Flame/Furnace Infrared Emission (FIRE) Radiometer

Several design aspects of an optimized flame/furnace infrared emission (FIRE) radiometer are discussed. For a source in thermal equilibrium, the optimum excitation temperature for CO2 is predicted to be 2500 K, based on the stability of the molecule and the population of excited states as functions of temperature. The influence of spectral bandpass on the magnitude of flame background was studied for several wavelengths within the profile of the 4.4-μm emission band of CO2. For the dispersive FIRE radiometer used in this study, the system was found to be detector-noise limited over the range of spectral bandwidths accessible by the instrument (0.01-0.08 μm). When a hydrogen/air flame was used as the excitation source, the maximum signal-to-background ratio was obtained at 4.40 μm with a spectral bandpass of 0.08 μm. For this same experimental arrangement, a mathematical model was used to predict that the maximum signal-to-noise ratio would occur at 4.40 μm with a spectral bandpass of about 0.25 μm. The influence of chopping frequency on detector noise was determined for two different types of wavelength isolation. When a room-temperature bandpass filter was employed, a modulation frequency of 600-1000 Hz was satisfactory for avoiding 1/f noise from the PbSe detector. However, when a monochromator was employed, chopping frequencies beyond 1000 Hz produced some additional reduction in 1/f noise. The specific detectivity for the PbSe detector (6.2 × 108 cm Hz0.5 W−1), calculated from the measured noise at a modulation frequency of 600 Hz, is in good agreement with values reported in the literature for 4.40 μm under the same experimental conditions.
Vascular access problems revisited: The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) experience

Despite the increased availability of vascular access devices, there is limited information regarding their pattern of use in the clinical setting or the criteria used for their utilization. To obtain this information, we sent questionnaires to MASCC members. Forty-five percent of the respondents stated that the decision to use vascular access devices depended on the drugs used at the beginning of therapy. Another 30% replied that the decision to use long-term vascular access devices depended on the status of the patient's veins at the beginning of therapy. Only 12% of those surveyed waited until all the veins were exhausted before considering using vascular access devices. Although more than half of the professionals surveyed used long-term vascular access devices in 50% or more of their patients with hematologic malignancies, only 20% used these devices in patients with solid tumors. Features considered most important when selecting long-term vascular access devices were durability of the device and ease of use for medical personnel. Major limitations of long-term vascular access devices were cost, closely followed by patient acceptance. The most common reasons for removal of vascular access devices were infection and thrombosis. We conclude that there is a lack of uniform criteria for the utilization of long-term vascular access devices. Cost is a major limitation to the wider use of this technology. More research is necessary to determine the optimal use of vascular access devices in patients with cancer.
Reporting on Health to Ethnic Populations: A Content Analysis of Local Health News in Ethnic Versus Mainstream Newspapers

Ethnic newspapers seek to provide local news not provided by other media, yet few studies have compared local health news in ethnic versus mainstream newspapers. Local health news in ethnic newspapers could decrease health disparities among ethnic communities who are at higher risk for certain chronic illnesses and diseases. Localized story elements could inform ethnic audiences and broaden the discussion about local health issues, shedding light on priorities of ethnic media in providing relevant health information to their communities. This research compares local health news in ethnic (Black/Hispanic) versus mainstream (large/daily) newspapers and examines 3 localized story elements: local sources, localized statistics, and localized information. Results from the content analysis showed no differences in localized health news coverage for ethnic versus mainstream newspapers except the number of local health news stories and health stories with localized health information were higher in Hispanic and lo...
EXPERIMENTS ON THE PRODUCTION OF SPECIFIC ANTISERA FOR INFECTIONS OF UNKNOWN CAUSE : II. THE PRODUCTION OF A SERUM EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE AGENT CAUSING A CHICKEN SARCOMA.

By the method of selective absorption with tissue, protective serum antibodies have been demonstrated in the case of an infection of unknown cause; namely, a chicken sarcoma transmitted by a filterable agent. Geese were repeatedly injected with the finely ground sarcoma and with blood from fowls moribund of it; and their sera acquired the power to prevent the tumor-producing agent from causing growths. That this was not due to antibodies elicited by the chicken tissue as such was shown by exhaustion of the goose sera with chicken red cells, a step which had not the least effect on the tumor-preventing power, and also by experiments with rabbits immunized as were the geese. These animals developed strong chicken antibodies in their sera which failed nevertheless to affect the tumor-producing agent. Serum immunity to the chicken sarcoma is weak at best; and in the case of some other infections of unknown cause, more striking results may be anticipated from the method of selective absorption. It is even conceivable that by its means sera of therapeutic usefulness may become available. But much remains to be settled as regards the dangers of exhausted sera and the limitations of the method. Fortunately there exists an immediate field for the latter in laboratory studies on the nature of immunity to infections of which the cause has not been recognized.
Culture, Merchandise, or Just Light Entertainment? New Architecture at the Millennium

Much of the recent discussion about architectural theory concerns the so-called New Spirit in design, an approach that urges a redefinition of architecture in ways “more appropriate” to our media-driven, commercially dominated millennial culture. Many of these ideas are wrapped around their own newness. Yet if examined closely, the newest new is not without precedent. More troubling is the contention that the quality of empathy in architecture must be redefined. Empathy has been essential to the shaping of the built environment, a characteristic that most literally renders architecture a humanist endeavor. Yet now we are being told that an appropriate empathy for our time does not celebrate our place in the universe; rather, the human condition is one of violation and abuse.This essay questions the New Spirit's claim of newness and its interpretation of empathy. The appropriation of unprecedented newness is contradicted by even the most superficial examination of various avant-garde movements that have pa...
Surface plasmon resonance-based competition assay to assess the sera reactivity of variants of humanized antibodies.

Abstract While clinical trials are the only way to evaluate the immunogenicity, in patients, of murine or genetically engineered humanized variants of a potentially therapeutic or diagnostic monoclonal antibody (MAb), ethical and logistical considerations of clinical trials do not permit the evaluation of variants of a given MAb that are generated to minimize its immunogenicity. The most promising variant could be identified by comparing the reactivities of the parental antibody (Ab) and its variants to the sera of patients containing anti-variable region (anti-VR) Abs to the administered parental Ab. We have developed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor-based assay to monitor the binding of the sera anti-VR Abs to the parental Ab and the inhibition of this binding by the variants. SPR biosensors allow the real-time detection and monitoring of the binding between an immobilized protein and its soluble ligand without the need for prior purification and labeling of the mobile analyte. This new assay requires no radiolabeling, is relatively less time-consuming, and uses only small amounts of serum (5–20 μl of diluted serum) through a new microfluidic sample handling technique. To validate the assay, we have tested the relative reactivities of the CDR-grafted anti-carcinoma Ab, HuCC49, and its two variants, designated V5 and V10, to the sera of patients who were earlier administered radiolabeled murine CC49 in a clinical trial. A comparison of IC 50 s (the concentrations of the competitor Abs required for 50% inhibition of the binding of sera to immobilized HuCC49) showed that V5 and V10 were less reactive than HuCC49 to the three patients' sera tested. We have also demonstrated, for the first time, the specific detection and comparison of relative amounts of anti-VR Abs present in the sera of different patients without prior removal of anti-murine Fc Abs and/or circulating antigen. This may facilitate the rapid screening, for the presence of anti-VR Abs, of the sera of patients undergoing clinical trials.
Decentralized Power Modulation of Multiterminal HVDC Systems

This paper appLies a new method of control design for decentralized power modulation of multiterminal hvdc systems. The feedback structure uses only local output variables which are directly available without observer action. The feedback gains are computed to assign closed loop eigenvalues of the Linearized system for any specified modes. A computer simulation of an integrated ac/dc power system demonstrates resulting control performance; for typical disturbances. Comparisons are made with centralized modulation and several designs with limited communications.