cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A protein related to immunoglobulin light chain detected in mouse myeloma cells

Abstract A protein (denoted L′) which is similar in structure to immunoglobulin light chain has been isolated from the mouse plasma cell tumor, RPC-20. L′ has a molecular weight which is about 6000 daltons less than light chain. The exact nature of the relationship between L′ and light chain has not been established.
How Complete Are Immunization Registries? The Philadelphia Story

Objective To assess accuracy and completeness of Philadelphia, Pa, registry data among children served by providers in areas at risk for underimmunization. Methods Philadelphia's Department of Public Health selected a simple random sample of 45 children age 19–35 months (or all children age 19–35 months if there were Results Of 620 children reviewed, 567 (92%) were in the registry. Significant differences ( P Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccinations between the chart (80% coverage) and registry (62% coverage). Providers submitting electronic medical records or directly transferring electronic data to the registry had significantly more children in the registry and higher registry-reported immunization coverage than those whose data were entered from billing records or log forms. All practice types experienced difficulties in transferring complete data to the registry. Conclusions Although 92% of study children were in the registry, immunization coverage was significantly lower when registry data were compared with chart data. Because electronic medical records and direct electronic data transfer resulted in more complete registry data, these methods should be encouraged in linking providers with immunization registries.
Magnetization measurements of polycrystal ZnMn alloys at very low temperatures

Abstract The magnetization of ZnMn alloys with Mn concentration ranging from 68 to 1 ppm has been measured from 2 K down to 10 mK. The results show large departures from free spin behavior due to impurity-impurity interactions and some concentration independent effects.
Quantitative Phase Microscopy with Multi-Wavelength Unwrapping and Tomographic 3-D Reconstruction

Asynchronous digital holography has been developed for quantitative phase measurements, and will be extended to multi-wavelength phase unwrapping and 3D tomographic reconstruction. Results acquired from standard samples and also live cell samples will be presented.
NITRITE POISONING IN HERRING GULLS (LARUS ARGENTATUS) AND RING-BILLED GULLS (LARUS DELAWARENSIS)

Landfill disposal of a fertilizer manufacturing waste product was associated with a die-off of gulls in New Hanover County, North Carolina. An estimated 250 herring and ring-billed gulls were found dead at the site following the initial disposal of this material. Chemical analyses revealed that the fertilizer waste contained predominately calcium (12.0 to 22.2%) and nitrite (3.0 to 15.2%). Contents of the proventriculi and gizzards of dead gulls also contained calcium (3.0 to 10.9%) and nitrite (1,730 ppm). Fertilizer waste administered orally to 16-day-old domestic turkeys resulted in acute, progressive signs of depression, respiratory distress, pallor, convulsions and death. The mean percentage methemoglobin in blood from convulsing turkeys (90.6) was significantly increased from that of normal control turkeys (3.6). The ante-mortem signs and increased blood methemoglobin concentrations in the experimental turkeys support the conclusion that the toxic principle in the fertilizer waste was nitrite, and t...
Characterization of the molecular chaperone calnexin in the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and its association with MHC class II molecules.

Folding and assembly of MHC molecules in mammals occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but has not been studied in teleosts. Calnexin (CNX) is an ER chaperone that associates with glycoproteins bearing a monoglucosylated N-linked oligosaccharide side chain. Here we report the first identification and characterization of a full-length CNX cDNA clone in a teleost, and the association of the CNX chaperone with MHC class II in a channel catfish T cell line. The 1.8 kb CNX clone encodes a protein of 607 amino acids that is 72% identical to the consensus sequence of mammalian CNXs. The association of CNX with class II is of particular interest because the native MHC class II α chain of Ictalurus punctatus does not bear any N-linked oligosaccharide consensus glycosylation sequences. Thus the assembly of class II molecules in the catfish probably proceeds via different steps than occurs in mammals.
Towards the synthesis of the high energy density material TdN4: excited electronic states

Abstract Vertical electronic excitation energies for singlet states have been computed for the high energy density material TdN4 in order to assess synthetic routes that originate from excited states of N2 molecules. Based on linear response coupled-cluster calculations, the lowest six excited states are 9.35(1 1 T 1 ), 10.01(1 1 T 2 ), 10.04(1 1 A 2 ), 10.07(1 1 E ), 10.12(2 1 T 1 ), and 10.42(2 1 T 2 ) eV above the ground state. Comparison with the energies of excited states of N2+N2 fragments, leads us to propose that the most likely synthetic route for TdN4 involving this mechanism arises from combination of two bound quintet states of N2.
Vascular endothelial growth factor is increased in cerebrospinal fluid after traumatic brain injury in infants and children.

OBJECTIVE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of angiogenesis, the formation of which is triggered by hypoxia, cytokines, and growth factors and is also induced by activation of the adenosine 2B receptor. VEGF is neuroprotective in several models of experimental brain injury and is increased in brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in humans and experimental animals. Adenosine is a neuroprotective purine metabolite that increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after clinical TBI in children. We hypothesized that VEGF levels would 1). be increased in CSF after TBI in infants and children, and 2). be preceded by increases in CSF adenosine. To test this hypothesis, we designed a case-control study to compare the CSF of infants and children after severe TBI with that of uninjured children. METHODS Using an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol, we compared CSF concentrations of VEGF (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and adenosine (by high-performance liquid chromatography) in 73 samples from 14 infants and children with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score <or=8) with those in CSF from 5 noninjured control subjects. Patients received standard neurointensive care. RESULTS Mean VEGF levels were increased after TBI versus control (39.8 +/- 6.2 versus 14.9 +/- 1.5 ng/dl, mean +/- standard error of the mean, P = 0.0002) and peaked at 91.6 +/- 26.4 ng/dl, approximately 6 times control (P = 0.001). Peak VEGF occurred at 22.4 hours after injury. There was a trend toward increased adenosine concentration after TBI versus control (18.3 +/- 3.5 versus 11.5 +/- 2.3 nmol/L), but this did not reach statistical significance. A multivariate regression model showed an independent, significant association between the concentrations of VEGF and adenosine. CONCLUSION VEGF is increased in CSF after pediatric TBI, and this increase is associated with an increase in CSF adenosine. These results may imply that a component of the vascular regenerative response of the brain is initiated rapidly after TBI and continues for several days after injury. Further investigation is warranted to determine 1). whether this association is causative, 2). the role of adenosine in triggering the increase in CSF VEGF concentration, and 3). the exact role VEGF that plays after injury.
Oral Health and Hygiene Content in Nursing Fundamentals Textbooks

The purpose of this paper is to describe the quantity and quality of oral hygiene content in a representative sample of before-licensure nursing fundamentals textbooks. Seven textbooks were examined. Quantity was operationalized as the actual page count and percentage of content devoted to oral health and hygiene. Quality of content was operationalized as congruency with best mouth care practices. Best mouth care practices included evidence-based and consensus-based practices as published primarily by the American Dental Association and supported by both published nursing research and review articles specific to mouth care and published dental research and review articles specific to mouth care. Content devoted to oral health and hygiene averaged 0.6%. Although the quality of the content was highly variable, nearly every textbook contained some erroneous or outdated information. The most common areas for inaccuracy included the use of foam sponges for mouth care in dentate persons instead of soft toothbrushes and improper denture removal.
Detecting wind disturbance severity and canopy heterogeneity in boreal forest by coupling high-spatial resolution satellite imagery and field data

Abstract Wind disturbance events can impact spatially heterogeneous patterns in vegetation structure and disturbance severity in forested landscapes. Characterizing these patterns in forested ecosystems with remote sensing data has been a persistent challenge as variation in severity may be heterogeneous at fine spatial scales. Yet the degree and pattern of disturbance severity are an important influence on successional dynamics. This study explored how spectral and textural characteristics of high-spatial resolution IKONOS imagery reflected patterns of disturbance severity across a windstorm damaged, 121-km2 area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota, USA. In this study, spectral and spatial features of high-spatial resolution (1-m panchromatic and 4-m multispectral) IKONOS satellite imagery from a single post-disturbance date are coupled with field observations of disturbance within 0.045-ha field plots to access the potential for empirically modeling disturbance severity across this heterogeneous landscape within the BWCAW. Combining textural and spectral features led to a multiple regression model that explained 68% of the variance, and predicted disturbance severity equally well for ground data not included in the model development. The results suggest the utility of combining spatial and spectral data for detecting differences in forest structure caused by ecological processes such as disturbance.
A critical investigation of a-Si:H photoconductivity generated by subgap absorption of light

Abstract Dual beam photoconductivity (DBP) method has been used to characterize the sub-bandgap optical absorption of a-Si:H. Results are presented for different a-Si:H films which illustrate the effects of the electron quasi-Fermi level displacement due to changes in bias light intensity and temperature. These results demonstrate that DBP offers a sensitive and reliable method for studying the densities and energy distribution of intrinsic and light induced defects and their effect on recombination kinetics.
Conductance function of electrolyte transport across lipid films.

Abstract The electrical conductance problem of electrolyte transport across lipid films is investigated. Necessary differential equations for determination of potentials of total force on mobile ion species are presented. The electrostatic part of the fixed ion component contribution to the potential of total force on mobile ions is evaluated approximately. An expression for the dependence on distance of separation from a fixed ion of the mobility of mobile ion is derived.
MULTIPLE-SCATTERING APPROACH TO SURFACE EXAFS: THEORY VERSUS EXPERIMENT

Recent advances in polarized, high-order multiple-scattering calculations of extended X-ray absorption find structure (EXAFS) in surface systems are reviewed. Our method is based on curved-wave multiple-scattering (MS) theory and a scattering matrix formalism, which provides an efficient, unified treatment of XAFS, encompassing both EXAFS and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). Combined with multipath fits in r-space, such calculations have the potential to extend the capability of surface EXAFS experiments, going well beyond the first near-neighbor. The theory is illustrated with theoretical simulations. Our approach also gives a MS interpretation of continuum σ* shape-resonances.
Photoactivatable green fluorescent protein as a single-cell marker in living embryos

Selective marking of a single cell within an embryo is often difficult to perform with existing methods. Here, we report a minimally invasive optical technique that uses 405-nm laser light to photoactivate a variant of green fluorescent protein (PAGFP). Single cells and small groups of cells (n < 10) are successfully marked, from a region of cells injected and electroporated with PAGFP, in both whole chick embryo explants and in ovo. Photoactivated cells display normal cell migratory behaviors and retain a bright GFP signal for at least 24 hr when followed with confocal time-lapse microscopy. We determined that using a low-magnification objective (∼ ×10) and low laser power (∼1–10%) leads to a steady increase in fluorescence signal within a photoactivated cell and minimizes photobleaching. The utility of PAGFP photoactivation was tested to address a specific question in developmental biology. Specifically, we asked whether neighboring migratory cells that emerge from the hindbrain and invade surrounding peripheral tissues maintain neighbor relationships while traveling to the destination sites. We found that some neural crest do not maintain neighbor relationships, such that two neighboring cells near the neural tube cells may populate different branchial arches. The ability to optically photoactivate PAGFP in a single or small group of cells and follow individual cell migratory behaviors within a living embryo offers a powerful, minimally invasive cell marking tool for precise, in vivo cell migration studies. Developmental Dynamics 233:983–992, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SU‐FF‐T‐288: Measurement of MRI Image Degradation in Three‐Dimensional Dosimeter Made of Ion Exchange Resin Beads Labeled with Ferrous Ions

Purpose: To investigate the rate of MRIimage degradation in a three‐dimensional dosimeter made of ion exchange resin beads labeled with ferrous ions and to compare the rate to MRIimage degradation in a three‐dimensional ferrous‐gel dosimeter. Method and Materials: A three‐dimensional dosimeter material was made by labeling cation exchange resin beads with ferrous ions. After hydration, the beads contain a low pH solution. Adding ferrous ions makes each bead a self‐contained Fricke chemical dosimeter. A container packed with these beads forms a tissue equivalent three‐dimensional dosimeter. Dosimeter samples exposed to 6 MV x‐rays and evaluated using MRI show a linear R1 versus dose response of 0.10 to 0.09 sec−1 Gy−1 similar to a ferrous‐gel dosimeter. Diffusion of ferric ions is problematic for ferrous‐gel dosimeters, as diffusion results in rapid blurring of dose distribution information. For comparison, two sample vials were prepared, each consisting of a layer of unlabeled beads interfaced to a layer of either ferrous or ferric ion labeled beads. MRI scans of R2, which is proportional to ferrous and ferric ion concentration, versus distance from the bead layer interface were made of the vials when constructed and six days later. To evaluate chemical diffusion, scan results were fit to the error function complement and changes between initial and final scans were used to calculate the diffusion constants. Results:Diffusion constants for ferrous and ferric ions in the ion exchange resin bead dosimeter were 1.5 × 10−5 and 2.5 × 10−6 cm2/hr, respectively. These are significantly less than the ferric ion diffusion constant in ferrous‐gel dosimeters, which is 1.5 × 10−2 cm2/hr. Conclusion: In comparison to the image blurring of a ferrous‐gel dosimeter, blurring of dose distribution information due to diffusion does not appear to be a problem with the ion exchange resin bead dosimeter material.
Phase behavior of sour natural gas systems using classical and statistical thermodynamic equations of states

Abstract Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) of natural gas systems containing light hydrocarbons, water, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), nitrogen (N 2 ), monoethylene glycol (MEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), benzene (C 6 H 6 ), toluene (C 7 H 8 ), methanol (CH 3 OH) and ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH) are predicted in this work. A performance comparison between Peng–Robinson equation of state (PR EoS) and the perturbed chain form of the statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT EoS) is made based on their predictability power in modeling such systems at different conditions. Data on saturated liquid densities and vapor pressures are used to optimize pure component PC-SAFT parameters for MEG and TEG. Experimental VLE data is used to fit both temperature dependent and independent binary interaction parameters ( k ij ) in the PC-SAFT framework. Peng–Robinson EoS shows better results in predicting phase behavior of dry natural gas systems. However, PC-SAFT EoS exhibits superiority for systems containing water and/or methanol.
GPU-based fast Monte Carlo dose calculation for proton therapy

Accurate radiation dose calculation is essential for successful proton radiotherapy. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is considered to be the most accurate method. However, the long computation time limits it from routine clinical applications. Recently, graphics processing units (GPUs) have been widely used to accelerate computationally intensive tasks in radiotherapy. We have developed a fast MC dose calculation package, gPMC, for proton dose calculation on a GPU. In gPMC, proton transport is modeled by the class II condensed history simulation scheme with a continuous slowing down approximation. Ionization, elastic and inelastic proton nucleus interactions are considered. Energy straggling and multiple scattering are modeled. Secondary electrons are not transported and their energies are locally deposited. After an inelastic nuclear interaction event, a variety of products are generated using an empirical model. Among them, charged nuclear fragments are terminated with energy locally deposited. Secondary protons are stored in a stack and transported after finishing transport of the primary protons, while secondary neutral particles are neglected. gPMC is implemented on the GPU under the CUDA platform. We have validated gPMC using the TOPAS/Geant4 MC code as the gold standard. For various cases including homogeneous and inhomogeneous phantoms as well as a patient case, good agreements between gPMC and TOPAS/Geant4 are observed. The gamma passing rate for the 2%/2 mm criterion is over 98.7% in the region with dose greater than 10% maximum dose in all cases, excluding low-density air regions. With gPMC it takes only 6–22 s to simulate 10 million source protons to achieve ~1% relative statistical uncertainty, depending on the phantoms and energy. This is an extremely high efficiency compared to the computational time of tens of CPU hours for TOPAS/Geant4. Our fast GPU-based code can thus facilitate the routine use of MC dose calculation in proton therapy.
Lanthanide complexation: Inner versus outer sphere

Abstract The thermodynamic parameters for the formation of LnIO 3 +2 in 0·1 M ionic strength solution are consistent with inner sphere complexation. The relative tendencies to formation of outer and inner sphere complexes are found to be a function of the basicity of the ligand. Ligands whose acids have p K a values less than unity form outer sphere complexes predominantly while those whose acids have p K a values greater than unity form inner sphere complexes with lanthanide ions.
3D lumped parameter model for lithographic simulations

Simplified resist models are desired for fast simulation of resist profiles over large mask areas. The Lumped Parameter Model was originally developed as one such model. However, the LPM model has been limited to 2D resist simulations of 1D aerial image slices with positive tone resists. In this paper we present a modified Lumped Parameter Model applicable to 3D resist simulations of both positive and negative tone resists. In addition several new LPM parameters are introduced that further improve accuracy. The derivation of the 3D LPM model, rationale for including the new parameters, and simulation results using the new model are given.
Sub-millimeter wave CMOS integrated circuits and systems

Key components of systems operating at high millimeter wave and sub-millimeter wave/terahertz frequencies, a 140-GHz fundamental mode voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) in 90-nm CMOS, a 410-GHz push-push VCO with an on-chip antenna and a 553-GHz 4-push VCO with an on-chip antenna in 45-nm CMOS, and a 125-GHz Schottky diode frequency doubler, a 50-GHz phase locked loop with a frequency doubled output at 100 GHz and a 280-GHz Schottky diode detector in 130-nm CMOS are demonstrated. Based on these as well as other works in the literature, and the performance trends of NMOS transistors and Schottky diodes fabricated in CMOS, paths to terahertz CMOS circuits and systems including key challenges that must be addressed are suggested. The terahertz CMOS is a new opportunity for the silicon integrated circuits community.
Electron Impact Excitation of Fluorine-Like Ions

Abstract Calculations of collision strengths for fluorine-like ions, using close-coupling and distorted-wave approximations, have been carried out by various authors. Effective collision strengths at a number of electron temperatures have been calculated from the available data and these results are presented in this paper. Recommended results are indicated and suggestions for future work are given.
The chemical and antifungal properties of the copper(II) complexes of 2-acetylpyrazine4 N-methyl-,4 N-dimethyl-, and 3-hexamethyleneiminylthiosemicarbazone

Copper(II) complexes of 2-acetylpyrazine2 N-methyl-,4 N-dimethyl- and 3-hexamethyleneiminylthiosemicarbazone have been prepared and characterized. Inhibition of the growth ofAspergillus niger andPaecilomyces bariotii by both the thiosemicarbazones and their copper(II) complexes is included.
Apolipoprotein CII and lipoprotein lipase in human nephrotic syndrome

Plasma apolipoprotein (apo CII), apo CII in plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), plasma post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and urinary apo CII excretion were assessed in 9 patients with nephrotic syndrome. Apo CII comprised a significantly lower percentage of plasma VLDL protein (mean ± SEM) in nephrotic patients (7.2 ± 0.4%) than normals (10 ± 0.5%), but was similar to levels in patients with primary hypertriglyceridemia and normal renal function (7.4 ± 0.6%). The ability of VLDL from nephrotic patients to activate lipoprotein lipase in vitro (79.8 ± 14.1 units/mg protein and 18.2 ± 3.6 units/M triglyceride TG) was significantly lower than normal (158 ± 11.1 units mg protein and 36.8 ± 4.4 units/M TG) but was similar to primary hypertriglyceridemics cer.0 ± 8.1 units/mg protein and 17.6 ± 2.2 units/M TG). Whereas in primary hypertriglyceridemics the amount of apo CII/mg VLDL protein or M TG was inversely proportional to (log10) total plasma TG, such a relationship was not observed in nephrotic patients. Post-heparin plasma hepatic lipase was significantly lower in male nephrotics (2.9 ± 2.5 μM FFA/ml/h) compared to normals (14.4 ± 4.2). Hepatic LPL correlated inversely with total plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.49, P < 0.05). Post-heparinnon-hepatic lipase was low in 2 and low normal in 2 of 8 patients studied. Mean 24-h urinary excretion of apo CII was higher in nephrotic patients (241 ± 116 μg) than normals (27 ± 5 μg) and primary hypertriglyceridemics (31 ± 5 μg). Total plasma apo CII in nephrotics (89.1 ± 14.0 μg/ml) was higher than normal (51.8 ± 3.2 μg/ml; P < 0.01) and similar to patients with primary type IIB (89.1 ± 4.6 μg/ml) and primary type IV hyperlipoproteinemia (85.4 ± 6.9 μg/ml). Six of 9 nephrotic patients had 24-h urinary excretion rates of apo CII which were within the normal range while 3 patients had markedly increased apo CII excretion. These studies suggest that in nephrotic syndrome, (a) the decreased LPL activator potency in VLDL may reflect reduced apo CII per VLDL particle, or an excess of LPL inhibitory apolipoproteins and (b) decreased hepatic and extra-hepatic hepoprotein lipase levels may relate to altered lipoprotein catabolism and (c) increased urinary loss of apo CII does not result in its depletion in plasma.
DETERMINATION OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDS IN WATER-SOLUBLE POLYACRYLATES BY MICELLAR ELECTROKINETIC CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS WITH INDIRECT DETECTION

A micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis method employing indirect detection was developed to separate and quantify mercaptoacetic acid (thioglycolic acid), acrylic acid (2-propenoic acid), methacrylic acid (2-methylpropenoic acid), mercaptopropionic acid, and the dimer of mercaptopropionic acid in water-soluble polyacrylates. Samples are extracted in water and quantitation is performed by indirect UV photodiode array detection at 340 nm with a reference of 210 nm. Samples are obtained from industrial plant processes and analyzed for all compounds by capillary electrophoresis (CE).
Elasticity through Nanoscale Distortions in Periodic Surfactant-Templated Porous Silica under High Pressure

High-pressure infrared absorption spectroscopy is used to examine changes in local bonding upon hydrostatic compression in both ordered surfactant-templated mesoporous silica and sintered sol-gel silica with a goal of connecting atomic scale structural changes with variations in nanoscale periodicity. High-pressure IR absorption spectra are analyzed on the basis of a noncentral force model. It is found that the intertetrahedral bond angle and its distribution width in both the dense and the mesoporous silica decrease at elevated pressure up to 4 GPa. With increasing pressure above this value, decreases in the average bond angle and distribution width cease in the mesoporous silica, while they continue in the bulk material. The results suggest that in the mesoporous silica the nanometer length scale of the silica framework makes it energetically unfavorable to form high-density atomic scale structures at higher pressures ( >4 GPa). Instead, further compression of the mesoporous silica takes place by distortion of the periodic pore structures on the nanometer scale (deformation of pores). Surprisingly, upon the release of pressure, structural changes on both the nanometer and atomic length scales are reversible. The results suggest that reversible nanometer scale distortions in periodic porous materials can replace the irreversible atomic scale distortions observed in bulk amorphous silica.
SCHOOL SEGREGATION OF CHILDREN WHO MIGRATE TO THE UNITED STATES FROM PUERTO RICO

Examined are ecological attributes of the schools that preadolescents migrating from Puerto Rico to the United States (New Jersey) attend in this country during the first two years following their arrival (N = 89 schools). The data show that Hispanics/Latinos are the majority of the student body in 43% of the schools; African Americans, in 30%; and European Americans, in 12%. Native speakers of Spanish are the majority of the student body in 29% of the schools. Approximately one half of the schools are located in economically depressed, highly urbanized areas. Although the schools are on average large, 44% of them enroll above capacity. In most schools the majority of the student body is from economically impoverished families with low levels of parental education. There are, however, wide differences among the schools on each of these variables. Correlations show that the higher a student body's proportion of Hispanics/Latinos or native speakers of Spanish, the higher is the student body's proportion of pupils from economically impoverished households with low levels of parental education, and the higher the school's likelihood of being crowded and of being located in a poor inner-city area. Similarly, the higher a student body's proportion of African Americans, the higher is the student body's proportion of pupils from low-income families, and the higher the school's likelihood of being in a poor inner-city area. Discussed are implications for policy and for students' academic, linguistic, social, and emotional development; and hypotheses in need of research. Also presented is a historical overview, to the present, and discussion of U.S. policies and judicial decisions concerning school segregation.
Combined Approach Towards Automatic Identification of Protein Secondary Structure Elements in Volumetric Data Sets

Single particle cryo-electron microscopy studies, but also data from tomographic experiments, often result in volumetric 3D reconstructions of low- to intermediate resolution. Although a direct atomic interpretation is not feasible at these levels of detail, one may be able to extract structural information that describes the overall conformation of the molecular system. Especially a detection of secondary structure elements, would aid in a further description of large macromolecular complexes.On the other hand, the limited resolution often prohibits a clear visual identification of those elements.We therefore propose a novel algorithmic tool, which is able to annotate automatically volumetric reconstructions and determines the secondary structure elements inside the maps. Our technique is based on a multi-stage analysis: In a first step, a spatial digital path filtering technique is applied, which is able to enhance local features that may characterize helices or sheets.In a second step those features are extracted by combining the voxel information and modeling the likelihood of the presence of a secondary structure element at the specific location. To evaluate the performance of our algorithm, we have tested it using both, synthetic and experimental maps. The results show that our software is able to successfully annotate even intermediate-resolution maps. In addition, we have combined the before-mentioned algorithmic technique with our visualization system Sculptor. Sculptor provides a user-friendly environment, which enables not only an interactive pre-processing of the volume data, but also an intuitive exploration of the results.This work was supported by NIH grant R01GM62968, by a grant from the Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation, and by startup funds of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Solar economics—short term costing

Abstract Life-cycle cost analysis is traditionally used by advocates of solar energy systems to demonstrate how future increasing annual fuel savings offset the large initial capital expenditure. Payback period and return on investment are cited as proof of the economic desirability of investing in solar. This paper refutes the solar economics based on life-cycle costs as both imaginary and irrelevant. Predicting rates of inflation and fuel escalation, expected life, maintenance costs, and legislation over the next ten to twenty years is pure guesswork. Furthermore, given the high mobility level of the U.S. population, the average consumer is skeptical of long run arguments which will pay returns only to the next owners. In the short-term cost analysis, the house is sold prior to the end of the expected life of the system. The cash flow of the seller and buyer are considered. All the relevant factors, including the federal tex credit and the added value of the house because of the solar system are included.
Subordinate and superior perceptions of self and one another: Relations, accuracy, and reciprocity of liking

Superior‐subordinate dyads were investigated to determine relations among perceptions and meta perceptions of selected traits, subordinate participation in decision‐making, degree of supervision, and after hours work. Superiors and subordinates had inaccurate beliefs about how their traits were perceived, and they differed in perceptions of subordinate participation in decision‐making and degree of supervision. A reciprocity of liking pattern was also observed.
Depression and functional status as predictors of death among cancer patients.

BACKGROUND The current study examined the extent to which depression and functional limitations contribute to the mortality of newly diagnosed cancer patients. The analysis focused on differences in survival times among cancer patients with new experiences of depressive symptoms and functional limitations and patients with a history of such limitations. METHODS Data for the current analysis came from two panel studies conducted in Michigan between 1993 and 1997, including 871 adult (≥ 21 years of age) breast, colon, lung, and prostate carcinoma patients. Information came from four separate sources: the intake patient interview, a self-administered questionnaire, medical record audits, and the Death Certificate Registry of Michigan's Department of Community Health. With time to death as the primary outcome (followup of 571 days), data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates and the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS Cancer patients who, after diagnosis, report only new depressive symptoms or functional limitations, have the same survival chances as those who report none. Cancer patients with either previous emotional problems or previous physical limitations face, within the first 19 months after diagnosis, a 2.6 times greater hazard of dying than patients without prior problems. Patients with both previous emotional problems and physical limitations before diagnosis have a 7.6 times greater hazard of dying within that time frame. CONCLUSIONS The current data show cancer patients with prior limitations and emotional problems have worse survival chances than would be expected on the basis of their cancer diagnosis alone. While depressive symptoms and functional limitations are common short-run responses to a cancer diagnosis and initial treatment, patients with no prior history of such problems appear to be more resilient. Cancer 2002;94:2719–27. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10533
AMPK Helps T Cells Survive Nutrient Starvation

Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is crucial for T cells responding to environmental cues. Blagih et al. (2015) reveal that the kinase AMPK directs metabolic adaption of effector T cells upon nutrient limitation and contributes to immune responses in vivo.
Multiaxial yield surface of transversely isotropic foams: Part I—Modeling

Abstract A new yield criterion is proposed for transversely isotropic solid foams. Its derivation is based on the hypothesis that the yielding in foams is driven by the total strain energy density, rather than a completely phenomenological approach. This allows defining the yield surface with minimal number of parameters and does not require complex experiments. The general framework used leads to the introduction of new scalar measures of stress and strain (characteristic stress and strain) for transversely isotropic foams. Furthermore, the central hypothesis that the total strain energy density drives yielding in foams ascribes to the characteristic stress an analogous role of von Mises stress in metal plasticity. Unlike the overwhelming majority of yield models in literature the proposed model recognizes the tension–compression difference in yield behavior of foams through a linear mean stress term. Predictions of the proposed yield model are in excellent agreement with the results of uniaxial, biaxial and triaxial FE analyses implemented on both isotropic and transversely isotropic Kelvin foam models.
NUMERICAL MODELS OF A TROPICAL CUMULUS CLOUD WITH BILATERAL AND AXIAL SYMMETRY1

Abstract Two versions of a numerical model for cumulus convection are compared. One is symmetrical about a vertical plane, the other about a vertical axis. It is found that the axisymmetric model grows more vigorously than the other and more realistically represents the relations between updraft and downdraft, the shape, and other characteristics. The previous findings of Ogura are generally confirmed and extended.
Applications of hydride generation—atomic absorption spectrometry to coal analysis

Summary Arsenic, Se, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn, and Te are determined in coal and fly ash samples by hydride generation and atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples are prepared by acid dissolution in a Parr bomb. The overall precision is of the order of ±10% for 10–100 ng of the elements. Detection limits range from 0.2 ng for arsenic or antimony to 1.4 ng for lead.
Magnetic excitations and soft-mode transition in the quasi-one-dimensional mixed-spin antiferromagnet Pr2BaNiO5.

Neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering were used to investigate three-dimensional (3D) antiferromagnetic ordering and magnetic excitations in Pr{sub 2}BaNiO{sub 5}, a quasi-1D mixed-spin antiferromagnet. Three distinct features of the magnetic excitation spectrum were observed above the N{acute e}el temperature {ital T}{sub {ital N}}: a strongly 1D gap excitation propagating on the Ni chains, a single-ion crystal-field transition associated with Pr{sup 3+}, and a strongly temperature-dependent mixed Pr-Ni magnetic-exciton band. Ni-chain modes persist in the 3D ordered phase, and the energy gap increases with decreasing {ital T} below {ital T}{sub {ital N}}. The magnetic-exciton band undergoes a complete softening at the antiferromagnetic zone center as {ital T}{sub {ital N}} is approached from above, driving the magnetic phase transition. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Pediatric endocrine disorders of energy balance.

The definition of obesity is a degree of somatic overweight that affords detrimental health consequences [1]. The majority of obesity in adulthood has its origins in childhood [2,3,4], making obesity a pediatric concern, and the prevention and treatment of obesity a pediatric goal. Weight gain obeys the First Rule of Thermodynamics, which states, “The total energy of the system plus the surroundings is constant”. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but can be transformed to matter and vice-versa. In human terms, “calories in = calories out + weight gain”. Obesity, in the simplest statement of pathophysiology, is a dysregulation of either increased energy intake or decreased energy expenditure or both to favor excessive weight gain [5]. Many lay “experts” consider obesity to be an aberrant behavior; the pathophysiologic result of gluttony and sloth. Within the scientific community, the discovery of leptin and the elucidation of various monogenic disorders of obesity and genetic linkages, has promulgated the notion that obesity is a disease. Instead, it is more correct to consider obesity as a phenotype of many different pathologic processes, which impact at various points on the negative feedback pathway of energy balance. Various processes can promote an obligate and primary weight gain, and that increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure may secondarily result. Many of the defects in the negative feedback energy balance pathway result in an increased storage of energy in adipose tissue due to increased lipogenesis, decreased lipolysis, or both. This review will elucidate the genetic/endocrine disorders that promote weight gain and obesity in children.
Emergency peripartum hysterectomy: a comparison of cesarean and postpartum hysterectomy☆

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, indications, outcomes, and complications of emergency hysterectomy performed after cesarean deliveries (cesarean hysterectomy) and vaginal deliveries (postpartum hysterectomy). Study design We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 1990 to 2002 of patients who had peripartum hysterectomies at a single tertiary hospital. Comparisons were made between cesarean and postpartum hysterectomies. Results There were 55 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (38 cesarean hysterectomies, and 17 postpartum hysterectomies), for a rate of 0.8 per 1000 deliveries. Overall, the most common indication for hysterectomy was uterine atony (56.4%), followed by placenta accreta (20.0%). Average estimated blood loss was 3325.6±1839.2 mL, average operating time was 157.1±75.4 minutes, average time from delivery to completing the hysterectomy was 333.8±275.7 minutes, and the average length of hospitalization was 11.0±7.9 days. The cesarean delivery rate at Grady Memorial Hospital during the study period was 14.2%. There were no statistically significant differences between variables examined when comparisons were made by cesarean vs postpartum hysterectomy. Conclusion Uterine atony is the leading indication for emergency hysterectomy performed following cesarean and vaginal deliveries.
Identification of pointing difficulties of two individuals with Parkinson's disease via a sub-movement analysis

We present a study of the sub-movement characteristics of two individuals with Parkinson's disease completing pointing tasks. We describe the performance of the two individuals and we compare it with that of young children and older able-body adults. The analysis suggests that we need new strategies that incorporate an individual assessment of difficulties, and provide personalized methods of assistance.
A multi-level boundary element method for Stokes flows in irregular two-dimensional domains

Recently, we have developed multi-level boundary element methods (MLBEM) for the solution of the Laplace and Helmholtz equations that involve asymptotically decaying non-oscillatory and oscillatory singular kernels, respectively. The accuracy and efficiency of the fast boundary element methods for steady-state heat diffusion and acoustics problems have been investigated for square domains. The current work extends the MLBEM methodology to the solution of Stokes equation in more complex two-dimensional domains. The performance of the fast boundary element method for the Stokes flows is first investigated for a model problem in a unit square. Then, we consider an example problem possessing an analytical solution in a rectangular domain with 5:1 aspect ratio, and finally, we study the performance of the MLBEM algorithm in a C-shaped domain.
Entropy increases from different sources support the high-affinity binding of the N-terminal inhibitory domains of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases to the catalytic domains of matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3.

The avid binding of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is crucial for the regulation of pericellular and extracellular proteolysis. The interactions of the catalytic domain (cd) of MMP-1 with the inhibitory domains of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 (N-TIMPs) and MMP-3cd with N-TIMP-2 have been characterized by isothermal titration calorimetry and compared with published data for the N-TIMP-1/MMP-3cd interaction. All interactions are largely driven by increases in entropy but there are significant differences in the profiles for the interactions of both N-TIMPs with MMP-1cd as compared with MMP-3cd; the enthalpy change ranges from small for MMP-1cd to highly unfavorable for MMP-3cd (−0.1 ± 0.7 versus 6.0 ± 0.5 kcal mol−1). The heat capacity change (ΔCp) of binding to MMP-1cd (temperature dependence of ΔH) is large and negative (−210 ± 20 cal K−1 mol−1), indicating a large hydrophobic contribution, whereas the ΔCp values for the binding to MMP-3cd are much smaller (−53 ± 3 cal K−1 mol−1), and some of the entropy increase may arise from increased conformational entropy. Apart from differences in ionization effects, it appears that the properties of the MMP may have a predominant influence in the thermodynamic profiles for these N-TIMP/MMP interactions.
S-Adenosylmethionine, cyclopropane fatty acid synthase, and the production of lactobacillic acid in Lactobacillus plantarum

Abstract S-Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) levels in Lactobacillus plantarum were found to increase concomitantly with the production of membrane cyclopropane fatty acids under normal growth conditions. This increase in AdoMet did not occur when the pH of the culture medium (initially pH 6.5) was not allowed to fall (pH 4 or lower) during growth. When the culture medium was maintained at pH 6.5, cyclopropane fatty acid synthesis also remained low. While the activity of cyclopropane fatty acid synthase is increased as the pH decreases, the activity of AdoMet synthetase is largely unaffected by the variation of pH of the culture medium. The production of cyclopropane fatty acids is also dependent upon continued protein synthesis; in the presence of chloramphenicol cyclopropane fatty acid synthase activity is decreased, resulting in a lowered production of cyclopropane fatty acids. A dramatic increase in AdoMet levels occurs in the presence of chloramphenicol. It is proposed that AdoMet levels, in conjunction with cyclopropane fatty acid synthase activities, regulate cyclopropane fatty acid synthesis in L. plantarum.
Radionuclides in fly ash and bottom ash: improved characterization based on radiography and low energy gamma-ray spectrometry

Abstract Two radiation-based techniques for determining the distribution and relative abundance of radionuclides are described, and applied to a suite of fly ash and bottom ash samples from a Kentucky power plant. The technique of fission-track radiography provides new observations of the variety of uranium hosts and of uranium distribution in individual particles of fly ash, and thus aids prediction of the leachability of uranium during long-term disposal or utilization of fly ash. Uranium is largely dispersed within glassy components of fly ash particles and shows little evidence for obvious surface enrichment that could be attributed to secondary adsorption. The technique of low energy gamma-ray spectrometry provides simultaneous, non-destructive determination of the relative abundance of 238U, 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb in representative 150–250 g samples. The measurements provide a means for screening samples to determine if the combustion process causes significant preferential redistribution of radionuclides that could affect their subsequent mobility. Results indicate that radium isotopes are not significantly (within 10–15%) fractionated from parent 238U and 232Th during coal combustion. In contrast, 210Pb appears to be preferentially enriched in some samples of fly ash, and depleted in bottom ash relative to 238U and 226Ra. In this application 210Pb acts as a tracer for elemental lead, and confirms the expected greater volatility of Pb compared to more refractory elements during coal combustion.
Study of surface runoff using physical models

The profiles of overland water flow as a function of space and time obtained by applying kinematic wave approximations combined with the Darcy-Weisbach resistance formula to laminar flow are presented. Rainfall-excess is assumed to remain constant during a certain period of time. Runoff from surfaces of constant slope, with uniform surface texture, and the effects of different parameters on overland flow have been studied. Comparisons of runoff using Darcy-Weisbach, Manning, and Chezy resistance formulas have been made. It was found that the lower the rainfall-excess rates, the longer the surface runoff starting time, peak time, and smaller the peak runoff value at any distance. It was also found that the overland flow increases rapidly to the peak value, followed by a rapid decline which begins at the moment the rainfall-excess ceases, and then approaches zero slowly. Comparison of the theoretical calculations of runoff with the measured data of the Los Angeles field tests on concrete-paved surface shows good agreement.
Packaging capacity analysis of a biopharmaceutical production operation

This paper discusses an application of discrete event simulation in analyzing packaging capacity at Bayer Corporation's Berkeley, California facility. A discrete event simulation model was used to estimate output under differing employee staffing and scheduling policies, taking into consideration product and equipment requirements. This model was also used to study the effects on packaging operations due to changes in the manufacturing environment. The model and its recommendations were used to support a major business process decision.