cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics of Dietary Acid Load and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective Blood biomarkers of dietary intake are more objective than self-reported dietary intake. Metabolites associated with dietary acid load were previously identified in 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations. We aimed to extend these findings to a general population, replicating their association with dietary acid load, and investigating whether the individual biomarkers were prospectively associated with incident CKD. Methods Among 15,792 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort followed up from 1987 to 1989 (baseline) to 2019, we evaluated 3,844 black and white men and women with dietary and metabolomic data in cross-sectional and prospective analyses. We hypothesized that a higher dietary acid load (using equations for potential renal acid load and net endogenous acid production) was associated with lower serum levels of 12 previously identified metabolites: indolepropionylglycine, indolepropionate, N-methylproline, N-δ-acetylornithine, threonate, oxalate, chiro-inositol, methyl glucopyranoside, stachydrine, catechol sulfate, hippurate, and tartronate. In addition, we hypothesized that lower serum levels of these 12 metabolites were associated with higher risk of incident CKD. Results Eleven out of 12 metabolites were significantly inversely associated with dietary acid load, after adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, health status, and estimated glomerular filtration rate: indolepropionylglycine, indolepropionate, N-methylproline, threonate, oxalate, chiro-inositol, catechol sulfate, hippurate, methyl glucopyranoside (α + β), stachydrine, and tartronate. N-methylproline was inversely associated with incident CKD (hazard ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91, 0.99, P = .01). The metabolomic biomarkers of dietary acid load significantly improved prediction of elevated dietary acid load estimated using dietary data, beyond covariates (difference in C statistics: 0.021-0.077, P ≤ 1.08 × 10−3). Conclusion Inverse associations between candidate biomarkers of dietary acid load were replicated in a general population. N-methylproline, representative of citrus fruit consumption, is a promising marker of dietary acid load and could represent an important pathway between dietary acid load and CKD.
Obesity-Induced Senescent Macrophages Activate a Fibrotic Transcriptional Program Through Osteopontin Secretion

Adipose tissue fibrosis is regulated by the chronic and progressive metabolic imbalance caused by differences in caloric intake and energy expenditure. By exploring the cellular heterogeneity within fibrotic adipose tissue, we demonstrate that early adipocyte progenitor cells expressing both platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) α and β are the major contributors to extracellular matrix deposition. We show that the fibrotic program is promoted by senescent macrophages. These macrophages are highly enriched in the fibrotic stroma and exhibit a distinct expression profile . Furthermore, we demonstrate that these cells display a blunted phagocytotic capacity and acquire a senescence associated secretory phenotype. Finally, we determined that senescent macrophage-derived osteopontin in the fibrotic environment promoted progenitor cell proliferation, fibrotic gene expression, and inhibited adipogenesis. Our work reveals that obesity promotes macrophage senescence and provides a conceptual framework for the discovery of rational therapeutic targets for metabolic and inflammatory disease associated with obesity.
Solving Criminological Puzzles

The editors of this volume have identified their goal as describing “… how research is really done, not just focusing on the end result—new methods or data sets” that is, to provide “… case studies, not of the innovations themselves, but of the thought processes that led to these research ideas” (Maltz, 2013). The specific charge to me was “In particular, aside from producing a bumper crop of researchers, you’ve played with crime and related data in ways that broke new ground. Too many people have a tendency to grab some data sets, toss them into one of the [four standard general purpose statistical analysis software packages], look for a nice low p-value, and write a paper (and perhaps a career) using it—which is something not found in your work (and that of your former students). What we’d like you to do is explain how you approach problems, how you know whether your findings are significant, when you feel that a new statistical approach is needed” (Maltz, 2013).
Location and Time Optimizations for Traveling Clients

Given a set of users with unique locations, and a closed region defined as a set of points, the optimal location algorithm determines the best location to meet between the users and their current trajectories. The algorithm is designed to find the location between the users that can be reached by a certain time taking into account traffic conditions, while making travel times and distances between users as fair as possible. The user's locations are periodically updated to ensure that their current path and velocity are consistent to what is expected while they are on route. Thus, the algorithm can adjust meeting locations based on developing traffic conditions.
Removal of Quantifiers by Elimination of Boundary Points

We consider the problem of elimination of existential quantifiers from a Boolean CNF formula. Our approach is based on the following observation. One can get rid of dependency on a set of variables of a quantified CNF formula F by adding resolvent clauses of F eliminating boundary points. This approach is similar to the method of quantifier elimination described in [9]. The difference of the method described in the present paper is twofold: {\bullet} branching is performed only on quantified variables, {\bullet} an explicit search for boundary points is performed by calls to a SAT-solver Although we published the paper [9] before this one, chrono- logically the method of the present report was developed first. Preliminary presentations of this method were made in [10], [11]. We postponed a publication of this method due to preparation of a patent application [8].
Lazy semiring neighbours and some applications

We extend an earlier algebraic approach to Neighbourhood Logic (NL) from domain semirings to lazy semi-rings yielding lazy semiring neighbours. Furthermore we show three important applications for these. The first one extends NL to intervals with infinite length. The second one applies lazy semiring neighbours in an algebraic semantics of the branching time temporal logic CTL*. The third one sets up a connection between hybrid systems and lazy semiring neighbours.
A study of influence in computer-mediated group decision making

An emerging body of research in group decision support systems (GDSS) provides evidence that computer technology can and does impact the quality of decision making in groups. Most GDSS research is oriented toward examining the effects of a computer system on group outcomes, typically decision quality or group consensus, with the process itself often treated as a "black box." The research reported in this article addresses the need for a closer, micro-level examination of group process. An important group variable, namely influence behavior, was isolated and examined at various levels and by multiple methods. A model of specific GDSS effects on influence behavior was developed, based on an information exchange view of decision making and on the impact of a GDSS as a communication channel. Based on the research questions of interest in the study, several propositions and hypotheses were advanced and empirically tested on a specific implementation of a GDSS. Results were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The major empirical findings of the study showed no significant difference between the overall amount of influence behavior attempted in computer-supported versus unsupported groups, although significant differences were found in the pattern of influence behaviors, i.e., the different types of behaviors used. In addition, the distribution of influence behavior was more even in GDSS groups than in unsupported groups in one of two measures used. Empirical findings partially supported th research model, with indications that decision-making groups need more active guidance in understanding how to adapt computer support technology to their view of decision-making processes.
Handbook of Polymer Crystallization , Edited by Ewa Piorkowska and Gregory C. Rutledge

The two editors of this bound volume are of the opinion that crystallization of polymers has gradually grown to become a subject of several intensive ongoing investigations. They feel that even to ...
A Place for the Nature of Biology in Biology Education

Although the nature of biology and the nature of the physical sciences share many common aspects, the focus of biology – life – creates unique philosophical, methodological, and ethical premises on which biology should be understood. Unfortunately, school science often ignores the unique questions, obstacles, and claims raised by the study of life. This paper synthesizes the existing literature on the nature of biology with the new dimensions of the Framework for K-12 Science Education to argue that the nature of biology can play an important role in the biology classroom. Obstacles to this approach are identified and possible research questions are raised for the science education community.
BINDING INTERACTION BETWEEN TET(M) AND THE RIBOSOME : REQUIREMENTS FOR BINDING

Tet(M) protein interacts with the protein biosynthesis machinery to render this process resistant to tetracycline by a mechanism which involves release of the antibiotic from the ribosome in a reaction dependent on GTP hydrolysis. To clarify this resistance mechanism further, the interaction of Tet(M) with the ribosome has been examined by using a gel filtration assay with radioactively labelled Tet(M) protein. The presence of GTP and 5′-guanylyl imido diphosphate, but not GDP, promoted Tet(M)-ribosome complex formation. Furthermore, thiostrepton, which inhibits the activities of elongation factor G (EF-G) and EF-Tu by binding to the ribosome, blocks stable Tet(M)-ribosome complex formation. Direct competition experiments show that Tet(M) and EF-G bind to overlapping sites on the ribosome.
Human Genetic Variation and Disease

Variation in the prevalence of genetic diseases results from the action of the evolutionary processes of mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Genetic markers can be studied in populations to help determine the ways in which these processes interact to influence disease prevalence. This enhances our understanding of the origins and evolution of genetic diseases. This article will review the ways in which genetic markers are used to study disease variation in populations, using specific genetic diseases as examples. Keywords: Fitness; Genetic Drift; Haplotype; Heterozygote Advantage; Natural Selection; Polymorphism
Economics, Experimental Methods in

Experimental economics uses laboratory methodology to examine motivated human behavior and its interpretation in small group interactive games, and in bidding, auctioning, and market institutions. Subjects earn cash payments depending upon their joint interactive decisions, and the rules governing their interactions. Keywords: experimental economics; personal exchange; reciprocity extensive form game behavior
IL-18 and IL-12 Signal Through the NF-κB Pathway to Induce NK-1R Expression on T Cells

Substance P engages the T cell neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R) to enhance IFN-gamma production. NK-1R on T cells is inducible. We studied mechanisms regulating T cell NK-1R expression. Murine splenocytes were cultured for 4 h with or without rIL-12 or rIL-18. Both IL-12 and IL-18 induced splenic T cells to express NK-1R transcripts. Induction was blocked by actinomycin D, but not cycloheximide, suggesting that protein synthesis was not required for initiation of NK-1R gene transcription. Inhibition of T cell NF-kappa B activation or NF-kappa B nuclear translocation also blocked NK-1R transcription. IL-12 and IL-18 strongly induce NK-1R mRNA expression in splenocytes from Stat4(-/-) mice, suggesting that the Stat4 pathway was not required for the induction of NK-1R transcription. Splenic T cells exposed to IL-12 or IL-18 in the presence of IL-10 expressed no NK-1R mRNA. However, TGF beta did not prevent NK-1R mRNA expression. Thus, IL-12 and IL-18 induce T cells to express NK-1R through NF-kappa B activation. IL-10, a regulator of the Th1 response, blocks this activation. These data further suggest that SP and NK-1R, which promote IFN-gamma synthesis, are part of the Th1 pathway of immunity.
Nutritionally Improved Transgenic Sorghum

Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor L.)is the sixth most planted crop in the world, grown on over 100 million acres /year worldwide and currently produces ~60 million metric tons of grain per year. Sorghum is the dietary staple food to over half a billion people in developing countries. However, sorghum grain is low in protein quality due to its low content of essential amino acids, such as lysine. The reliance on sorghum as an important food in regions of Africa and Asia can result in problems associated with malnutrition, especially of children.
Pulse switching and stability in FM mode-locked fiber lasers

We investigate the dynamics of the pulse switching mechanism in FM mode-locked fiber lasers for what we believe to be the first time. Two completely different pulse switching mechanisms are identified.
Polymer MEMS-based microgripper for single cell manipulation

We present the development of a polymer MEMS-based microgripper that can operate in physiological ionic solutions. The electrothermally activated polymer gripper consists of two 'hot and cold arm' actuators placed antisymmetrically next to each other. The polymer microgripper is fabricated in a standard two-mask surface micromachining process. The high thermal expansion coefficient of the polymer (SU-8) allows the activation of the microgripper with small temperature elevations (20-40/spl deg/C) at low voltages (1-2 Volts). The developed polymer microgripper can be used for the manipulation of single cells and other biological species in solution with minimal undesired interactions.
The Interpretability Hypothesis Again: A Partial Replication of Tsimpli and Dimitrakopoulou (2007)

Tsimpli and Dimitrakopoulou (2007) propose the Interpretability Hypothesis (IH), according to which uninterpretable features present an insurmountable difficulty in adult second language acquisition. The experimental study supporting the IH examines Greek native speakers’ knowledge of gaps versus resumptive pronouns in English wh-movement. A crucial assumption is that Greek allows resumptives optionally. Alexopoulou and Keller’s (2002, 2007) findings confirm that assumption. In our replication of Tsimpli and Dimitrakopoulou’s study, we divide Spanish native speakers into those who accept resumptives and those who do not; then we look at their acceptance of gaps and resumptives in English. The results indicate that both groups of advanced learners, those that do and those that don’t have resumptives in their individual grammars, have acquired the ungrammaticality of resumptives in English, although there may be lingering native language effects. The effects of d-linking, animacy, syntactic function of the resumptive/gap (subject vs. object), and presence of the complementizer "that" are also examined.
The impact of federal funds target changes on interest rate volatility

Abstract This paper empirically investigates the 1-day response of interest rate volatility to a federal funds target rate change over the period 1989–2003. Federal funds futures data are used to distinguish between anticipated and unanticipated changes in the funds rate target. Interest rate volatility is modeled as an EGARCH process. The volatility response to an unanticipated Fed policy action is relatively large in size and highly significant for short-term interest rates. However, interest rates at long maturities are found to be responsive to target rate changes, even if they are anticipated, when estimations take into account of structural change in association with the Fed's policy disclosure beginning in 1994, as well as asymmetrical effects between monetary easing and tightening.
Extending a theorem of A. M. Liapunov to Hilbert space

The purpose of this paper is to extend a well known theorem of A.M. Liapunov concerning Hurwitzian matrices (n x n matrices with eigenvalues in the half plane Re z < 0) to strongly continuous semi-groups of operators on a complex Hilbert space. Liapunov’s result may be phrased as follows: Let A be a complex n x n matrix and A* its adjoint. Then A has all its characteristic roots lying in the half plane Re z < 0 if and only if the solution in B of the matrix equation A*B + BA = -I (the identity matrix) is a unique positive definite Hermitian matrix (see e.g. ([I] p. 245)). A partial extension of Liapunov’s theorem has been given in [2]. This paper is a sequel to that paper in the sense that much sharper results than those in [2] are obtained if we restrict ourselves to Hilbert spaces instead of general Banach spaces.
Framework to Support Scenario Development for Human-Centered Alerting System Evaluation

The purpose of the framework introduced here is to support the development of evaluation scenarios that are capable of assessing system level performance while considering the system, the humans that interact with it, and the environment. The following five step framework is presented and applied to a pilot self separation task: 1) identify entities critical to system design, development, and operation and define their goals and properties as they relate to the system being studied; 2) define a subset of functionality for evaluation (define an execution sequence); 3) map entity properties to the execution sequence to identify independent variables; 4) translate entity goals into a set of system goals that can be used to identify dependent measures; and 5) iterate through each step to ensure the models produced are internally consistent.
Galanin-like immunoreactivity in autonomic regions of the rat lumbosacral spinal cord is sexually dimorphic and varies with the estrous cycle

These investigations show that there is a heterogeneous distribution of galanin-like immunoreactivity (GAL-LI) within laminae VII and X of the rat thoraco-sacral spinal cord. In either sex, GAL-LI fibers sparsely outline the position of male and female preganglionic sympathetic neurons in thoracic spinal segments; whereas in lumbosacral segments, far greater numbers of GAL-LI fibers surround autonomic preganglionic neurons. An unusual feature of the GAL-LI fibers in lumbosacral autonomic regions is their sexually dimorphic distribution with males containing greater numbers of GAL-LI fibers than all females examined. In this regard, although the number of GAL-LI fibers observed in males was consistent from animal to animal, the amount of GAL-LI in females fell into two qualitative categories: an 'average' and a 'heavy' amount. These data indicate that the difference in the amount of GAL-LI in the female rat lumbosacral spinal cord is related to the estrous cycle, such that heavy amounts of GAL-LI are observed during proestrus and estrus, while average amounts of GAL-LI are associated with metestrus and diestrus.
Surface Emitted Harmonic Generation for Sensor and Display Applications

We review briefly some of the basic principles involved in quasi-phase matched multilayer semiconductor films for second-harmonic generation in waveguided, reflection and intra-cavity geometries. New applications in optical ranging for length, temperature, deformation sensors, real time optical reflectometry and vertical cavity second-harmonic generation for displays are presented. The enhancement of quasi-phase matched second-harmonic generation in vertical cavity Fabry-Perot structures is also investigated. When the optimal quasi-phase matching conditions are satisfied in the Fabry-Perot core, the second-harmonic conversion efficiency of a 4 μm thick cavity is enhanced by 1.75 × 106 relative to a homogeneous GaAs slab. This geometry is most suitable for intracavity harmonic generation in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers.
Electrophysiologic properties of the atrioventricular node in pediatric patients.

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to characterize anterograde and retrograde properties of the atrioventricular (AV) node in children and to determine the presence of ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction and dual AV node pathways. Background. Although AV node reentry is common in adults, it accounts for 13% of pediatric supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The age-related changes in the AV node with development are poorly understood. The incidence of dual AV node pathways and VA conduction in the pediatric population is unknown. Methods. Electrophysiologic studies were performed in 79 patients with normal hearts and no evidence of AV node arrhythmias. Patients were classified into two groups by age: group I = 49 patients (0.39 to 12.8 years old, mean [±SD] age 8.5 ± 3.6); group II = 30 patients (13.4 to 20.0 years old, mean age 15.6 ± 1.8). Results. There was a significant difference (p Conclusions. These findings suggest that AV node electrophysiology undergoes maturational changes. The increase in AV node reentrant tachycardia in adults may relate to changes in the relative refractoriness and conduction of the AV node or to differences in autonomic input into the AV node that allow dual pathway physiology to progress to SVT. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:403–7)
No apparent differences in intestinal histology of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fed heat-treated and non-heat-treated raw soybean meal

The histopathologic effects of feeding heat-treated soybean meal to fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were studied. Fish were fed one of six diets: a diet containing 450 g kg(-1) commercial soybean meal (CSBM), or diets with the CSBM replaced by non-heat-treated raw soybean meal (RSBM0), or RSBM heated at 130 degrees C for 5 min (RSBM5), 10 min (RSBM10), 20 min (RSBM20) or 40 min (RSBM40). After 10 weeks, tissue samples were taken from the stomach, proximal intestine, distal intestine, liver, pancreas and spleen from fish in each group for histologic examination. Mild necrotic lesions were found in the gastric glands, pancreas and liver of fish in all the groups (treatment and control groups). Hepatic glycogen deposition was also observed in all the groups, and the spleen samples exhibited considerable brownish-black pigment deposition around the splenic corpuscles and diffuse mild-to-moderate congestion in all of the groups. Generally, these histologic effects appeared to be equivocal between all of the groups, and no abnormalities were noted in the proximal or distal intestine. These findings suggest that feeding channel catfish a diet containing 450 g kg(-1) non-heat-treated RSBM did not cause severe histologic changes associated with soybean meal anti-nutritional factors as have been reported in salmonids.
Identities and Contours: An Approach To Educational History1:

I City of Words, a study of recent American fiction, Tony Tanner writes: I shall try to show that there is an abiding dream in American literature that an unpatterned, unconditioned life is possible, in which your movements and stillnesses, choices, and repudiations are all your own; and that there is also an abiding American dread that someone else is patterning your life, that there are all sorts of invisible plots afoot to rob you of your autonomy of thought and action, that conditioning is ubiquitous. '
Rapid water reduction to H2 catalyzed by a cobalt bis(iminopyridine) complex.

A cobalt bis(iminopyridine) complex is a highly active electrocatalyst for water reduction, with an estimated apparent second order rate constant kapp ≤ 107 M–1s–1 over a range of buffer/salt concentrations. Scan rate dependence data are consistent with freely diffusing electroactive species over pH 4–9 at room temperature for each of two catalytic reduction events, one of which is believed to be ligand based. Faradaic H2 yields up to 87 ± 10% measured in constant potential electrolyses (−1.4 V vs SCE) confirm high reactivity and high fidelity in a catalyst supported by the noninnocent bis(iminopyridine) ligand. A mechanism involving initial reduction of Co2+ and subsequent protonation is proposed.
Modeling fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid: the potential impact on exceeding the tolerable upper intake level for folic acid, NHANES 2001–2008

Background : The Institute of Medicine set a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for usual daily total folic acid intake (1,000 µg). Less than 3% of US adults currently exceed the UL. Objective : The objective of this study was to determine if folic acid fortification of corn masa flour would increase the percentage of the US population who exceed the UL. Design : We used dietary intake data from NHANES 2001–2008 to estimate the percentage of adults and children who would exceed the UL if corn masa flour were fortified at 140 µg of folic acid/100 g. Results : In 2001–2008, 2.5% of the US adult population (aged≥19 years) exceeded the UL, which could increase to 2.6% if fortification of corn masa flour occurred. With corn masa flour fortification, percentage point increases were small and not statistically significant for US adults exceeding the UL regardless of supplement use, sex, race/ethnicity, or age. Children aged 1–8 years, specifically supplement users, were the most likely to exceed their age-specific UL. With fortification of corn masa flour, there were no statistically significant increases in the percentage of US children who were exceeding their age-specific UL, and the percentage point increases were small. Conclusions : Our results suggest that fortification of corn masa flour would not significantly increase the percentage of individuals who would exceed the UL. Supplement use was the main factor related to exceeding the UL with or without fortification of corn masa flour and within all strata of sex, race/ethnicity, and age group. Keywords : Folic acid; fortification; corn masa flour; tolerable upper intake level (Published: 9 January 2013) Citation: Food & Nutrition Research 2013. 57 : 19146 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v57i0.19146
Interferon induces sleep and other CNS responses in mice recovering from hexobarbital anesthesia

Abstract Immediately after recovery from hexobarbital anesthesia, mice were injected intraperitoneally with one of the following interferons: natural mouse α/β, recombinent mouse (rmouse γIFN-A) or human αA, αD, αAD interferon (rHu αIFN-A, rHu αIFN-D, rHu αIFN-AD). All of these interferons, except rHu αIFN-A induced unconsciousness (“sleep”); all produced stimulatory effects that mimicked those produced by morphine in the mouse. Quantification of the duration of sleep, induced by rmouse γIFN, was investigated and found to be dose-related. Only 3 of the 5 interferons (mouse α/βIFN, rmouse γIFN, rHu αIFN-AD) possesses antiviral activity and depresses the cytochrome P-450 system in the mouse, yet all 5 of the interferons produced CNS effects. This partition of effects, together with the very short latency of the interferon-induced CNS effects, shows that the CNS effects were mechanistically independent of the anti-viral and anti-cytochrome P-450 effects. This disparity of the actions of the interferons suggests the possibility that selected morphine antagonists could be used to counter some of the dose-limiting CNS effects of the large doses of interferons used in clinical situations.
Leadership's effect on overall temporal patterns of global virtual teams

The goal of this paper is to examine the overall temporal response activities of global software learning teams and understand how these temporal activities are affected by the presence (and absence) of a team leader. Results from 24 teams enrolled in global software development courses at Universities in Turkey, Panama, and the US reveal that the presence of a team leader resulted in shorter time intervals between communication activities. Moreover, a teams pacing style (e.g., less time between communication activities) was also correlated with better team performance. Specifically, the affect of the rate of a teams temporal communications on team performance was more positive under conditions of the presence of a leader than under those with weaker team leadership. Leadership also had a positive effect on team performance. These results, we believe, further theoretical and methodological research on temporal issues and leadership.
Hemodynamic effects of chronic intraventricular administration of renin in awake dogs.

A possible role of brain angiotensin II (A-II) and angiotensin receptors within the central nervous system in the development of hypertension was first suggested in 1961 (1) and since then, investigators have identified every component of the renin-angiotensin system to be present within the brain (2). The chronic intraventricular (IVT) administration of A-II to awake dogs for 2 to 4 weeks has been reported to produce sustained hypertensive effects only if the daily intake of sodium is increased (3). This present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of chronic administration of renin, 0.15 Goldblatt units (Gu) IVT twice daily to awake instrumented dogs and to determine if an increase in the daily intake of sodium is necessary for physiological and/or pathological effects to be produced by the endogenous increase of A-II within the cerebrospinal fluid.
Generation of floor response spectra including oscillator‐structure interaction

A method is presented for generating floor response spectra for aseismic design of equipment attached to primary structures. The method accurately accounts for tuning, interaction and non-classical damping, which are inherent characteristics of composite oscillator-structure systems. Modal synthesis and perturbation techniques are used to derive the modal properties of the composite system in terms of the known properties of the structure and the oscillator. Floor spectra are generated directly in terms of these derived properties and the input ground response spectrum using modal combination rules that account for modal correlations and non-classical damping. The computed spectra, in general, are considerably lower than conventional floor response spectra due to the effect of interaction. They provide more realistic and economical criteria for design of equipment. The method is accurate to the order of perturbation and is computationally efficient, as it avoids time-history analysis and does not require numerical eigenvalue evaluation of the composite oscillator-structure system. The results of a parametric study demonstrate the accuracy of the method and illustrate several key features of floor response spectra.
The influence of potassium fertilizer application on tuber yield and mineral element content of potato petioles during the growing season

Potassium was applied at rates equivalent to 0, 135, and 250 pounds per acre (0, 151, 180 kg K/ha) to study the effect of soil applied K on tuber yields and concentration of mineral elements in the petioles of potato plants during growth both measured at 14 day intervals. Petioles were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Al, Mn, and B.
Quantitative tracking of the vegetative integrity and distinctness of forested ecological communities: a case study of plantation impacts

Ecological land classification (ELC) is central to forestry and environmental management. Few methods exist for the statistical confirmation of the distinctness and continued integrity of the ecolo...
A statistical analysis of EHD-enhanced nucleate boiling along a heated wire

Abstract Saturated nucleate boiling experiments of HCFC-123 along a 0.13 mm diameter platinum wire with an applied uniform electric field were conducted. High-speed video imaging was used to measure the average number density of active nucleation sites, the average bubble departure frequency per nucleation site, and the frequency distribution of bubble departure diameters. At a given heat flux, application of an electric field increases the natural convection contribution to the total heat flux, while the latent heat and forced convection contributions are reduced, due to reductions in the number of active nucleation sites and the average bubble departure diameter.
Distributed control subject to delays satisfying an ℋ 1 norm bound

This paper presents a characterization of distributed controllers subject to delay constraints induced by a strongly connected communication graph that achieve a prescribed closed loop ℋ 1 norm. Inspired by the solution to the ℋ 2 problem subject to delays, we exploit the fact that the communication graph is strongly connected to decompose the controller into a local finite impulse response component and a global but delayed infinite impulse response component. This allows us to reduce the control synthesis problem to a linear matrix inequality feasibility test.
Magnetic/fluid-bearing stage for atomic-scale motion control (the angstrom stage)

Abstract This paper describes a magnetically suspended six-degree-of-freedom precision motion control stage with subnanometer positioning noise inside a 100-μm cube of travel. This stage utilizes multiple electromagnetic actuators and capacitance probes to provide control forces and position feedback, respectively. The suspended platen (3-kg mass) is floated in oil to enhance the performance of the magnetic bearings. The stage has been designed for use as a sample positioning stage for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Images obtained by STM show that the stage has a positioning noise of less than 0.2 nm peak-to-peak over 5 seconds, while the capacitance probes (used for position feedback) indicate a positioning noise less than 0.1 nm peak-to-peak We present several STM images and the step-following response for a 0.1 nm step input in order to demonstrate the utility of this stage as a new concept for precision motion control.
Visual urethrotomy in management of male urethral duplication

Abstract Anatomically, three types of urethral duplication have been described: Type 1 or complete urethral duplication, Type II which includes multiple variations of bifid urethra, and Type III, those urethral duplications with a perineal opening. A new, simplified approach to the management of some Type II urethral duplications is described, using the pediatric cold-knife visual urethrotome. This technique provides a maximally patent urethra, while removing the site of chronic refractory infection, and minimizing both morbidity and patient hospitalization. Alternatives for treatment of Type I and Type III urethral duplications also are discussed.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone and 2-hydroxy-ethylhydrazine.

Die MAO-hemmende Aktivitat von 3-Amino-2-Oxazolidinon und von 2-Hydroxy-Athylhydrazin wird beschrieben.
BST Capacitor Based Tunable Matching Network for SAW Sensors

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are becoming extremely important in environmental health monitoring by wireless technologies. SAW devices need impedance matching networks at the input and output for efficient power transfer. In this paper, we are presenting the results of tunable matching networks for SAW devices with BST capacitors. We used simple L-matching network implemented with chip inductors and tunable BST capacitors. The characteristics of tunable matching network interfaced to SAW device is simulated using Agilent's ADS simulation tool. The return loss from the SAW devices can be increased and tuned significantly by applying a tuning voltage to the BST capacitors. The SAW device which has been studied is SAW filter.
MECHANISTICAL STUDIES ON THE FORMATION AND NATURE OF THE “XCN” (OCN–) SPECIES IN INTERSTELLAR ICES

We conducted laboratory experiments on the interaction of ionizing radiation in the form of energetic electrons with interstellar model ices to investigate the nature and possible routes to form the 'XCN' species as observed at 4.62 {mu}m (2164 cm{sup -1}) in the interstellar medium. Our laboratory experiments provided compelling evidence that the isocyanide ion (OCN{sup -}) presents the carrier of the 'XCN' feature in interstellar ices. Most importantly, the studies exposed-based on kinetic fits of the temporal profiles of important reactants, intermediates, and products-that two formation mechanisms can lead to the production of the isocyanide ion (OCN{sup -}) in low-temperature interstellar ices. In carbon monoxide-ammonia ices, unimolecular decomposition of ammonia leads to reactive NH{sub 2} and NH radical species, which in turn can react with neighboring carbon monoxide to form ultimately the isocyanide ion (OCN{sup -}); this process also involves a fast proton transfer to a base molecule in the surrounding ice. Second, cyanide ions (CN{sup -})-formed via unimolecular decomposition of methylamine (CH{sub 3}NH{sub 2}) via a methanimine (CH{sub 2}NH) intermediate-can react with suprathermal oxygen atoms forming the isocyanide ion (OCN{sup -}). We also discuss that the isocyanide ion (OCN{sup -}) can be used as a molecular tracer to determine,more » for instance, the development stage of young stellar objects and also the chemical history of ices processed by ionizing radiation.« less
Dynamic Response of a Cylindrical Shell in a Potential Fluid

A numerical solution technique is presented for determining the dynamic response of a thin, elastic, circular, cylindrical shell of constant wall thickness and density, in a potential fluid. The shell may be excited by any radial forcing function with a specified time history and spatial distribution. In addition, a pressure history may be specified over a segment of the fluid outer boundary. Any of the natural shell end conditions may be prescribed. The numerical results are compared to experimental results for a 1/12-scale model of a nuclear-reactor core-support barrel. Natural frequencies and modes are determined for this model in air, water, and oil. The computed frequencies are within 15 percent of experimental results. A sample application compares the numerical technique to an analytical solution for shell beam modes. The comparison resolves an uncertainty concerning the proper effective mass to use in the analytical technique.
The opposite of sex? Adolescents' thoughts about abstinence and sex, and their sexual behavior.

Little research has explored how teenagers think about abstinence and how it functions in their lives. These questions are particularly salient in light of widespread funding of abstinence-only programs in the United States. Data on attitudes and intentions related to abstinence and sex were collected from 365 adolescents aged 12-15 who participated in an HIV risk reduction program in Seattle in 2001-2003. Logistic regression analyses assessed associations between these cognitions as measured six months after the program and teenagers likelihood of having vaginal or anal sex in the subsequent six months. Adolescents who had positive attitudes and intentions about abstinence had a reduced likelihood of subsequently engaging in sex (odds ratio 0.6 for each) whereas those with positive attitudes and intentions about having sex had an elevated likelihood of engaging in sex (2.2 and 3.5 respectively). A regression model including only sex cognitions accounted for substantially more variation in sexual activity than did one including only abstinence cognitions (15-26% vs. 6-8%). Significant interaction effects were also seen: Among teenagers with low levels of sex intention greater abstinence intention had little relationship to the predicted probability of having sex but among teenagers with high levels of sex intention greater abstinence intention was associated with increases in the predicted probability of having sex. Youth do not consider abstinence and sexual activity opposing constructs and solely instilling positive abstinence attitudes and intentions in youth may not have robust effects in preventing sexual activity.
549 SELECTIVE FETAL MALNUTRITION: A NEW CONCEPT IN THE FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS)

Several features of the FAS suggest intrauterine growth retardation. Traditionally, these findings have been ascribed to the direct toxic effects of ethanol (EtOH) or its metabolite, acetaldehyde (AcH). Deprivation of essential fetal nutrients at the placental level (selective fetal malnutrition) has not been considered etiologic. EtOH is known, however, to inhibit membrane transport of amino acids (A-A). We have therefore investigated the effect of EtOH and AcH upon human placental uptake of the actively transported, non-metabolized A-A, α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB). Term human placental villi were incubated with 14C-AIB in the presence or absence of EtOH (300 mg/dl). No inhibition of uptake was seen at 30, 90 or 150 min. of incubation. However, after 90 min. of incubation with varying concentrations of AcH (readily achieved in the blood of drinking humans), there was significant (p<0.01) inhibition of AIB uptake. % inhibition (mean ± SEM): 2 uM = 25 ± 8.7%; 5 uM = 34.7 ± 4.0%; 10 uM = 54.6 ± 2.9%; 20 uM = 61.5 ± 7.5%. When villi were pre-incubated with 10 uM AcH for 60 min. and then incubated with 14C-AIB in the absence of AcH, normal AIB uptake was not totally restored: % inhibition (90 min.) = 25.5 ± 5.6%, p<0.01. CONCLUSION: (1) In vivo metabolism of EtOH to AcH in the chronic alcoholic pregnant human may impair placental transport of essential A-A's, thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of the FAS. (2) The effects of AcH upon placental function may not be totally reversible.
Seawater-peridotite interaction at 300°C and 500 bars: implications for the origin of oceanic serpentinites

Abstract An experiment has been performed reacting seawater with fresh peridotite (80% olivine, Fo 90 and ∼- 15% enstatitic orthopyroxene En 95 and minor clinopyroxene and spinel) at 300°C, 500 bars and water/rock mass ratio of 20. The duration of the experiment was approximately 1500 hr. Seawater chemistry was appreciably modified during the experiment. Mg, Ca, Sr, SO 4 and H 2 O were removed, while H 2 S (aq) , Fe, Mn and Zn were added. H 2 S (aq) resulted from the inorganic reduction of seawater SO 4 . pH was initially acid (2.8), but then rose slowly to a value of 5.2. The aqueous concentrations of Na, K, Cl and boron (B) changed little from that in seawater prior to reaction. However, as the solution was cooled to room temperature at the end of the experiment, the B concentration decreased. This suggests that the B content of oceanic serpentinites may be the result of retrograde reactions between a previously serpentinized body and ‘cold’ seawater. The primary minerals in the peridotite were replaced to varying degrees by serpentine (lizardite), magnetite. Mg-hydroxysulfate, anhydrite and possibly pyrite and sphalerite. Mg-hydroxysulfate and much anhydrite dissolved on quench. The alteration mineral assemblage generated during this experiment is consistent with that predicted from equilibrium phase relations and is similar in chemical composition, mineralogy and paragenesis to that reported for oceanic serpentinites.
TheLpDirichlet Problem for Divergence Form Elliptic Operators with Non-smooth Coefficients

Abstract We present conditions on the disagreement between two elliptic operators which ensure the preservation ofLpsolvability for the Dirichlet problem on the unit ball in R n. The conditions depend onpand differ from previous results on this question. Furthermore, the conditions are sharp in the sense that they are equivalent toLpsolvability for a special class of operators which arise in then=2 case.
Simple recessive mutation in ENAM is associated with amelogenesis imperfecta in Italian Greyhounds

We report a familial enamel hypoplasia in Italian Greyhounds resembling non-syndromic autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) of humans. The condition uniformly affects deciduous and permanent teeth and is manifested by enamel roughening/thinning and brownish mottling. Affected teeth are often small and pointed with increased gaps. However, basic tooth structure is usually maintained throughout life, and fractures and dental cavities are not a serious problem as in humans. No tissues or organs other than teeth were affected by this mutation, and there was no relationship between enamel hypoplasia and either autoimmunity or periodontal disease, which also are prevalent in the breed. The enamel hypoplasia was associated with a 5-bp deletion in exon 10 of the enamelin (ENAM) gene. The prevalence of the enamel defect in Italian Greyhounds was 14%, and 30% of dogs with normal teeth were carriers. Genome analyses suggest that the trait is under inadvertent positive selection. Based on the deletion detected in the ENAM gene, a genetic test was developed for identifying mutation carriers, which would enable breeders to manage the trait.
The SO2‐sensitized phosphorescence of biacetyl vapor in photolyses at 2650 and 2875 Å. The intersystem crossing ratio in sulfur dioxide

Quantum yields of the triplet sulfur dioxide (3SO2)-sensitized phosphoresence (Φsens) in biacetyl (Ac2) have been determined in experiments over a wide range of pressures of SO2 and Ac2. Excited singlet sulfur dioxide (1SO2) was generated using 2650-A and 28757hyphen;A light. The values of Φsens were dependent on the [SO2]/[Ac2] ratio, as anticpated theoretically. However, in runs at a fixed [SO2]/[Ac2] ratio, the measured Φsens values were dependent on the total pressure. This theoretically unexpected effect is probably largely the result of biacetyl triplet diffusion with deactivation at the cell wall. Treatment of the quantum yield data in terms of the complete mechanism gave new estimates of the following rate functions: 1SO2 + SO2 (2SO2) (1), 1SO2 + SO2 3SO2 + SO2 (2), k2/(k1 + k2) = 0.082 ± 0.003 (2650 A), 0.095 ± 0.005 (2875 A) 3SO2 + Ac2 SO2 + 3Ac2 (9a), 3SO2 + Ac2 SO2 + Ac2 (9b), k9a + k9b = (8.4 ± 2.1) × 1010 (2650 A), (8.1 ± 3.0) × 1010 l./mole-sec (2875 A) 3SO2 SO2 + hvp (6), k6 = (7.3 ± 1.3) × 101 sec−1.
Human papillomavirus genotyping and p16INK4a expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of adolescents

Adolescents have high rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and persistent high-risk HPV infection can lead to the development of cervical cancer. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p16(INK4a) is overexpressed in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), probably due to a persistent and integrated HPV infection. This study investigated p16(INK4a) expression, grades of CIN, and high-risk HPV infection in adolescent cervical biopsies. Biopsies were immunohistochemically stained for p16(INK4a). The presence of wide-spectrum, low-risk, or high-risk HPV was determined by amplifying DNA extracted from the cervical biopsies. Biopsies were classified as cervicitis, 15 cases; CIN 1, 48 cases; CIN 2, 46 cases, and CIN 3, 52 cases. The distribution of p16(INK4a) staining was graded as patchy, diffuse basal, and diffuse full thickness. Pearson's chi(2) tests analyzed the relationships between p16(INK4a) staining, HPV infection, and CIN. Biopsies of cervicitis were negative for HPV and for p16(INK4a) expression. High-risk HPV 16, 18, and 31 increased from 18% in CIN 1 to 66% in CIN 2/3 (P<0.001). In CIN 1, p16(INK4a) was positive in 44% of biopsies with 35% showing patchy, 7% diffuse basal, and one case (2%) showing diffuse full thickness staining. In CIN 2/3, p16(INK4a) was positive in 97% of biopsies with 23% showing patchy, 21% diffuse basal, and 53% diffuse full thickness staining. The difference in the proportions of biopsies showing patchy p16(INK4a) staining in CIN 1 and diffuse full thickness staining in CIN 2/3 was significant (P<0.001). In CIN 1, 61% of high-risk HPV-positive biopsies were p16(INK4a) negative, while all high-risk HPV-positive CIN 2/3 biopsies were p16(INK4a) positive. Diffuse, full thickness p16(INK4a) expression discriminated low-grade from high-grade CIN and appears to be a marker of persistent high-risk HPV infection.
DIASTOLIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION PRECEDES SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PEDIATRIC HIV INFECTED PATIENTS. † 199

DIASTOLIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION PRECEDES SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PEDIATRIC HIV INFECTED PATIENTS. † 199