cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mississippi Embayment, North America: a first order continental structure generated by the Cretaceous superplume mantle event

Abstract The Mississippi Embayment of North America, a northward extension of the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain, is a southwestward-plunging trough containing ∼1.5 km of Cretaceous and Cenozoic sediments. The Embayment is underlain by the early Paleozoic Mississippi Valley graben basement fault complex. Previous authors have attributed Embayment subsidence to the opening of the Gulf of Mexico. However, the Embayment subsided 60 million years after cessation of the sea-floor spreading in the Gulf. We have previously argued that the Mississippi Embayment formed as a result of the westward passage of faulted crust (Mississippi Valley graben) over the Bermuda hotspot in mid-Cretaceous. More recently published age data clarify age progressive (northwest-to-southeast) mid-Cretaceous volcanism that crosses the Mississippi Embayment, beginning ∼115 Ma in eastern Kansas and ending ∼65 Ma in central Mississippi. This line of volcanism coincides with the predicted Bermuda hotspot path and has isotopic signatures consistent with a mantle hotspot source. We propose that during mid-Cretaceous, the weak crust of the Mississippi Valley graben complex was uplifted 1–3 km as it passed over the Bermuda plume, and this upland was eroded. As the Mississippi Valley graben complex moved west of the hotspot, it subsided, and the eroded region became a topographic low that filled with fluvio-marine sediments, the Mississippi Embayment. Supporting evidence for mid-Cretaceous uplift and erosion of the Embayment region includes: (1) an angular unconformity on pre-Late Cretaceous rocks with ∼2 km eroded at mid-Cretaceous along the hotspot path; (2) a broad anticline in the Embayment at mid-Cretaceous (revealed by unfolding the down-warped basal Late Cretaceous unconformity); (3) exhumation and weathering of mid-Cretaceous plutons before burial by Late Cretaceous sediments; and (4) a mid-Cretaceous change in the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico sedimentation from a continuous carbonate platform to a large influx of deltaic clastics. We now suggest that magmatic activity and pronounced uplift in the Mississippi Valley graben region may have been a result of increased hotspot flux of the typically weak Bermuda hotspot during the Cretaceous superplume mantle event (∼120–80 Ma).
A pilot study of low-dose cyclosporin for graft-versus-host prophylaxis in marrow transplantation.

Summary. Nineteen patients with leukaemia, preleukaemia, and aplastic anaemia were treated by marrow transplantation from HLA-identical siblings. All were given postgrafting immunosuppression with a combination of methotrexate (days 1,3,6 and 11) and cyclosporin (days -1 to 180). In an attempt at reducing cyclosporin-associated toxicity, we explored whether the cyclosporin dose during the first 2 weeks could be decreased by 50% (from 3.0 to 1.5 mg/kg/d intravenously) without adversely affecting the incidence, onset, and severity of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and overall survival. Results from this pilot study were compared to those of a matched cohort of 38 patients given a standard dose of 3.0 mg cyclosporin/kg/d starting on day -1. The cumulative incidence of grade II and III acute GVHD in the ‘low dose’ cyclosporin group was 42% compared to 51% in the ‘standard dose’ group (P= 0.60). Three-year survival was 63% and 54% respectively (P=0.59). Patients receiving the reduced cyclosporin dose during the first 14 d appeared to have less hepatotoxicity, and the methotrexate and cyclosporin doses administered were closer to the doses intended per protocol. We suggest that‘low dose’cyclosporin from day -1 to day 15 postgrafting might be as effective as ‘standard dose’ cyclosporin during that time period for the prevention of acute GVHD.
An acoustic jack to assess in situ rock behaviour

The determination of the in situ stresses iits rock is an important factor in the proper design of any structure founded on or within the rock mass. Of the many techniques available for its determination (all having certain advantages and disadvantages), one based on noise measurement during deformation has not yet been explored. This paper represents a first attempt in this regard. The technique uses acoustic emission (AE) monitoring in conjunction with a borehole rock jack. This modified rock jack pressurized the borehole walls and monitors both the induced deformation and the AE activity. The pressure applied at a constant rate, should produce emissions at a uniform rate unless the rock hab been previously stressed. In this case, a discontinuously increased emission rate occurs beyond the previously applied stress. This test method has been performed on five massive blocks of quarry rock. These tests show that: (1) in a cyclic stress test, previous stress levels can be discerned by a sudden AE rate increase as the stress on a particular cycle exceeds the previous applied stress; (2) in three out of four constant stress rate tests, anomolous behaviour in the form of discontinuous AE rate increases were observed in the 3.0-4.0 MPA range: (3) other rate changes were observed (both) increases and decreases) but were at significantly higher stress levels, i.e. above 12.5 MPA. The final device, which we call an "acoustic rock jack", is being further tested in the field in boreholes and the AE concepts are being further evaluated and refined in laboratory studies. (Author/TRRL)
Grouping AAC symbols by color can influence the performance of children with and without Down syndrome1

What is the effect of clustering line-drawn symbols with similar colors together on accuracy and speed of retrieval in younger (40–46 months) versus older (48–57 months) preschool children without ...
Detection of recurrent Cushing’s disease: proposal for standardized patient monitoring following transsphenoidal surgery

Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is first-line treatment for Cushing’s disease (CD), a devastating disorder of hypercortisolism resulting from overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone by a pituitary adenoma. Surgical success rates vary widely and disease may recur years after remission is achieved. Recognizing CD recurrence can be challenging; although there is general acceptance among endocrinologists that patients need lifelong follow-up, there are currently no standardized monitoring guidelines. To begin addressing this need we created a novel, systematic algorithm by integrating information from literature on relapse rates in surgically-treated CD patients and our own clinical experiences. Reported recurrence rates range from 3 to 47 % (mean time to recurrence 16–49 months), emphasizing the need for careful post-surgical patient monitoring. We recommend that patients with post-operative serum cortisol 5 µg/dL often signifies persistent disease and second-line treatment (e.g., immediate repeat pituitary surgery, radiotherapy, and/or medical therapy) may be considered. This follow-up algorithm aims to (a) enable early diagnosis and treatment of recurrent CD, thereby minimizing the detrimental effects of hypercortisolism, and (b) begin addressing the need for standardized guidelines for vigilant monitoring of CD patients treated by TSS, as demonstrated by the reported rates of recurrence.
Hyperfine structure of lanthanum at sub-Doppler resolution by diode-laser-initiated resonance-ionization mass spectroscopy

Hyperfine structures of atomic lanthanum at sub-Doppler resolution have been recorded using diode-laser-initiated resonance-ionization and mass-spectrometric detection. Spectra were recorded for two diode-laser-pumped transitions, {sup 2}D{sub 3/2}-{sup 4}F{sup 0}{sub 3/2} and {sup 2}D{sub 5/2}-{sup 4}F{sup 0}{sub 3/2}, at 753.9 and 819.0 nm, respectively. The linewidths observed were as narrow as 165 MHz, substantially below the expected Doppler width of 1 GHz for the 1700-K sample. Atomic hyperfine structure constants for the 13 13260-cm{sup {minus}1} {sup 4}F{sup 0}{sub 3/2} state were determined from the spectra: {ital A}={minus}350{plus minus}4 MHz and {ital B}=54{plus minus}12 MHz. Isotopically selective resonance ionization was achieved, even though a broadband dye laser was involved in the overall ionization process.
Analyzing Single-Molecule Time Series via Nonparametric Bayesian Inference

The ability to measure the properties of proteins at the single-molecule level offers an unparalleled glimpse into biological systems at the molecular scale. The interpretation of single-molecule time series has often been rooted in statistical mechanics and the theory of Markov processes. While existing analysis methods have been useful, they are not without significant limitations including problems of model selection and parameter nonidentifiability. To address these challenges, we introduce the use of nonparametric Bayesian inference for the analysis of single-molecule time series. These methods provide a flexible way to extract structure from data instead of assuming models beforehand. We demonstrate these methods with applications to several diverse settings in single-molecule biophysics. This approach provides a well-constrained and rigorously grounded method for determining the number of biophysical states underlying single-molecule data.
Nanophase ZrAl solid solutions by mechanical alloying at elevated temperatures

Abstract The mechanical alloying of ZrAl binary system has been studied under different milling temperatures. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been utilized to investigate the average grain size, atomic strain, microstructure and thermal stability of the ball-milled samples. Our experiments reveal that the ultimate grain size of nanostructured materials prepared by ball milling is determined by two main factors: one is the density of structural defects and another is the chemical composition. The grain size of a nanocrystalline supersaturated solid solution is stable under heat treatment until reaching the temperature where crystallization of an equilibrium compound phase occurs. The experimental results also suggest that the steady state obtained by ball milling at 300°C is determined by the metastable equilibrium of two phases, but the steady state reached by milling at room temperature is more homogeneous in chemistry.
Synthesis of polystyrene–clay nanocomposites

A reactive cationic surfactant vinylbenzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride (VDAC) was synthesized for intercalation of montmorillonite (MMT), a smectic type of clay. Organophilic MMT was prepared by ion exchange between Na+ ions in the clay and VDAC cations in aqueous medium. VDAC-intercalated MMT particles were easily dispersed and swollen in styrene monomer. Polystyrene–clay nanocomposites were prepared by free radical polymerization of styrene containing dispersed clay. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that exfoliation of MMT was achieved. Polystyrene–clay nanocomposites have higher dynamic modulus than pure polystyrene (PS).
Persistence of functional antibodies to group B streptococcal capsular polysaccharides following immunization with glycoconjugate vaccines.

The duration of functional activity of group B streptococcal (GBS) glycoconjugate vaccine-induced capsular polysaccharide-specific (CPS) IgG was evaluated among healthy adult responders. Opsonophagocytic activity declined significantly from a 4-week post-immunization peak, but substantial functional activity, exceeding 1 log10 reduction in GBS cfu/mL, was retained at 18 months to 2 years post-immunization for each GBS type assessed. The persistence of functional antibody activity when GBS CPS-specific IgG concentrations decline, although remaining significantly higher than pre-immunization levels, suggests that long-term protection may be expected from candidate GBS glycoconjugates administered to this population.
Active learning during lecture using tablets

Closed labs have provided hands-on experience for students under supervised conditions. Microlabs extend this approach into the lecture format with very short hands-on activities in the "middle of the lecture." We have tested this approach using tablets as small as 7 inches; student laptops can also be used. Logical microlabs allow students to solve a conceptual problem in computer science that does not involve any programming. Solutions are entered graphically and submitted for evaluation. Code magnet microlabs allow students to construct a method to solve the same problem programmatically. The code is compiled and, if successful, evaluated by a sequence of unit tests. These are integrated into a Microlab Learning Cycle of exploration (the logical microlab), invention (the instructor guides the students toward an algorithm during lecture), and application (the code magnet microlab). This approach has been evaluated at three universities and proven to be popular with students and educationally effective. This work is supported, in part, by three National Science Foundation grants.
A reply to ”parallel computation and the mind-body problem”

(1) Thagard argues that increased speed has metaphysical importance because only intelligent creatures (or machines) quick enough to adequately deal with the demands of their environment will survive. Thus, the best possible serial simulation of a parallel algorithm, while strictly possible, may be hopelessly slow. Lest we consider this conceptually irrelevant, Thagard admonishes us not to ignore such real-world limitations, observing that our theories relating matter and intelligence need no more account for the merely conceivable than Newtonian mechanics need explain worlds with negative gravitation. But this still shows only that the hardware must be able to run the software fast enough to be useful/survive. A program running on a parallel machine that produced some sort of intelligence will also run on a serial machine, and this is enough to show the hardware irrelevant for explaining the nature, if not the evolution, of that particular intelligence. If the program runs too slowly on the serial machine to be useful we would not say that it no longer demonstrates intelligence but only that it is too slow, or that the particular approach, though successful, is impractical. (Some kind of practicality test is relevant to determining whether we have produced an intelligence that works in the same way as, as opposed to being functionally equivalent to, some aspect of human intelligence, but Thagard does not SO constrain his position). The analogy to negative gravitation is to instruct us not to muddy our thinking or burden any non-functionalist position with a purely theoretical multiple instantiation hypothesis and speculation about exotic serial
Treatment of laryngeal hyperfunction with flow phonation: A pilot study

Context: While clinical successes and descriptions have been reported in a few texts, no data exist to define the utility of flow phonation to improve voice quality in patients with laryngeal hyperfunction. Aims: To provide pilot data regarding the utility of three exercises (gargling, cup bubble blowing, and stretch-and-flow) to improve phonatory airflow during voicing in patients with laryngeal hyperfunction. Settings and Design: Outpatient Voice and Swallowing Center in a University Medical Center. Materials and Methods: Participants received five treatment sessions and were evaluated prior to treatment and after each session using a Phonatory Aerodynamic System to measure airflow during voicing tasks. Noise-to-harmonic ratio and perceptual voice measures were also obtained, as was self-perception of voice handicap. Statistical Analysis Used: Repeated All increased airflow and decreased laryngeal airway resistance over five sessions. Measures Analysis of Variance. Results: Six participants completed the protocol. All participants decreased self-perception of voice handicap and improved on noise-to-harmonic ratio and perceptual ratings of vocal quality. Conclusions: Data derived on a small sample of patients in an exploratory investigation suggest further research into the use of these three exercises to improve airflow with voicing and improve vocal quality in patients with laryngeal hyperfunction is warranted.
An artificial neural network approach to spatial habitat modelling with interspecific interaction

Spatial models for habitat selection of marsh-breeding bird species were developed using artificial neural networks. The habitat models included single and multiple species artificial neural networks for red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris). Data for the study came from two diked wetland basins on southwestern Lake Erie, USA. The single species artificial neural network model performed better than the logistic regression model except in the presence of interspecific interaction with marsh wren. A multiple species habitat model was developed using data from one basin that included both nesting red-winged blackbirds and marsh wrens. The multiple species neural network model performed better than the logistic regression model in the presence of interspecific interaction and could simultaneously predict the nest locations of both species. Using neural interpretation diagrams, relevances, and sensitivity analyses, we determined the mechanisms of habitat selection in red-winged blackbirds and marsh wrens. Habitat selection in marsh-breeding bird species was a non-linear process that could not be sufficiently understood in terms of general linear models. The non-linear structure of the neural network model not only predicts habitat selection better, but with a critical evaluation through neural interpretation diagrams, relevances and sensitivity analyses can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of habitat selection. As predictive tools single species neural network models were too specific in cases where the system changed to include interacting species. In these cases linear models might be better predictors but not necessarily provide a better understanding. In the presence of two interacting species we suggest the use of a neural network model that is trained with a data set from a wetland where all the interacting species are present. In the absence of the interacting species the dynamics will change and habitat selection can be based on an entirely different set of rules and relationships. Therefore, the decision on which neural network model to use must be based on an in-depth understanding of the ecology of the system under study.
Reliability of Submicron Mosfet's with Deposited Gate Oxides under F-N Injection and Hot-Carrier Stress

In this paper, submicron nMOSFET's with thin LPCVD gate oxides deposited using chemical reaction of dichlorosilane and nitrous oxide at 800 °C were evaluated. Fowler-Nordheim injection was performed to compare the resistance to electron trapping and interface-state generation of these LPCVD oxides to that of the thermally grown oxides at 850 °C. It was found that with an 850 °C 20-minute post-deposition nitrogen anneal, the LPCVD oxides exhibit comparable immunity to electron trapping as the thermal oxides. Transistor characteristics such as Δg m /g m , ΔI D /I D revealed to be similar for both oxides, but there was an order of magnitude higher ΔV t detected for the LPCVD oxide films (with/without anneal) than the thermal oxides. The mechanism responsible for the hot-carrier induced device degradation was also characterized in this study. It was found that the major source of hot-carrier damage was electron trapping for the thermal oxides and the N 2 - annealed LPCVD oxides; while for the as-deposited LPCVD oxides, both electron trapping and interface-state generation contributed to device degradation.
Fibrinogenolytic proteases from the venoms of juvenile and adult northern pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis oreganus)

1. 1. Venoms of Crotalus viridis oreganus show marked ontogenetic variation in protease activity. Adult venoms are approximately five-fold higher in protease (caseinolytic) activity. 2. 2. Of seven potential protease inhibitors, only EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline caused a significant decrease in protease activity. Responses of juvenile and adult venoms were essentially equivalent, and attempts at recovery of protease activity of EDTA-treated venoms by the addition of Ca2+ or Zn2+ were unsuccessful. 3. 3. Gel filtration resolved two proteases from juvenile and subadult venoms with approximate Mr of 100,000 and 78,000. Four proteases were resolved from adult venom, and Mr estimates were 78,000, 61,000, 35,000 and 19,000. 4. 4. Proteases from juvenile and adult venoms showed fibrinogenolytic activity, each producing some unique degradation products. 5. 5. The occurrence of three “new” proteases in adult venom produced the ontogenetic increase in activity seen in the crude venoms.
Plenary Talk Trends, evolution, and convergence

This talk will address -without giving definitive answers- questions related to the evolution of the ICT and the technical as well as market trends in the networking and media industries. Special emphasis is given to the impact of globalization and the interdependency between national economies and the global dynamics. The “Smarter Planet” initiative will also be highlighted.
Texture of injection moulded poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicar☐ylate) parts

Evolution of structural gradients developed in injection moulded polyethylene naphthalate was studied using a variety of structural techniques including a newly developed micro-beam X-ray diffraction pole figure technique. PEN, being a slowly crystallizing high temperature polymer, forms a three layer structure: amorphous skin + shear crystallized intermediate layer + amorphous core in the interior at low mould temperatures. The thickness of the crystallized sublayers formed under the action of flow decrease with the increase of mould temperature as a result of reduction of stress history experienced by the flowing polymer chains. Their thickness increases in the narrow passages of the cavity as a result of increased fraction of the extensional component of the flow field which locally causes increases in crystallization rates. The crystalline structure of these layers were found to contain both α and β phases. The hot stage-WAXS experiments indicate that the β phase possess a melting temperature approximately 30°C higher than the α form. In the shear crystallized regions, the polymer chains are oriented along the flow direction and the naphthalene planes that are flexibly linked together along the polymer chain tend to be oriented parallel to the broad surfaces of the part. The preferential alignment of the naphthalene planes results in highly layered macrostructure in the shear crystallized zones with weak interlayer forces. As a result, these regions readily delaminate into plate-like structures observed in the SEM fracture surfaces.
Control and management of the radiation environment.

867 quirements. A joint radiologist–physicist project would allow for additional benefits. Radiologists by training have always been masters of the radiation environment. With the recent concerns of colleagues, government regulators, and the public about the risks and possible misuses of radiation it is important for the profession to demonstrate that this training is reflected in the day-to-day control of the radiation environment so everyone can have confidence that studies are done effectively and safely. The AJR’s recent emphasis on medical physics and informatics reflects these concerns and can be of benefit to radiologists. G. Donald Frey AJR Section Editor, Medical Physics and Informatics Department of Radiation and Radiation Sciences Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC 29425 ajrsubmit@acr-arrs.org
Noggin improves bone healing elicited by muscle stem cells expressing inducible BMP4.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a specific antagonist may enhance the efficacy of its corresponding growth factor in a regulated tissue engineering strategy. Our prior research has led to the development of a retroviral vector that enables optimal regulated bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) expression in vitro and regulated bone formation in vivo with transduced muscle stem cells. However, when implanted in critical-sized calvarial defects, these cells led to residual bone formation without induction or bone overgrowth with induction, even at reduced cell doses. We thus coimplanted the aforementioned cells with stem cells engineered to express Noggin, a specific BMP antagonist. This approach, while preserving our ability to regulate bone regeneration closely, prevented both the basal level bone regeneration and the bone overgrowth and, more importantly, led to the regeneration of bone that more closely resembled normal bone. We believe that this regulatable tissue engineering strategy, enhanced by utilizing a specific antagonist, constitutes a new paradigm for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Psychosensory features in mood disorder: A preliminary report

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychosensory features in mood disorder patients, and to investigate the relationship between psychosensory features and classic psychopathology. We evaluated 50 mood disorder patients (39 bipolar, 11 schizoaffective) for the presence of psychosensory features and psychopathology. We assessed psychosensory features separately using the Profile of Psychomotor Symptoms. We obtained additional information regarding each patient's psychiatric and drug history, family history, and electroencephalogram. Seven (14.0%) experienced three or more recent psychosensory features, and 12 (24.0%) reported three or more past psychosensory features. The presence of alcohol and drug abuse, number of medications, and electroencephalographic abnormality had no effect on the prevalence of psychosensory features. Psychosensory features significantly (rs = .53, P NS). Psychosensory features are not uncommon in mood disorders and have a strong relationship with hallucinations. Our findings also suggest that the presence of psychosensory features in mood disorder suggests episode severity and not a specific subgroup.
Xeroderma pigmentosum epidermal cells with normal UV-induced thymidine incorporation.

Ultraviolet light-induced thymidine incorporation was measured in trypsin-dissociated epidermal cells from two patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and from control donors. Results paralleled those obtained with lymphocytes and fibroblasts in that the patient with a repair defect in these cells also had the defect in her epidermal cells. The other patient, previously shown to have no detectable repair defect in his lymphocytes or fibroblasts, appeared also to have normal DNA repair in his epidermal cells despite the presence of severe clinical manifestations of XP in this tissue.
The Influence of Industry Mix on Regional New Firm Formation in the United States

Renski H. The influence of industry mix on regional new firm formation in the United States, Regional Studies. Per capita rates of entry are commonly used to measure the regional entrepreneurial climate. Yet entry rates vary widely by industry and tend to mirror existing regional specializations. Without controlling for industry mix, factors associated with regional differences in entry may describe the industry base rather than explain variations in entrepreneurial climate. This study finds that although most of the factors commonly associated with the regional entrepreneurial climate remain significant after purging the data of industry-mix effects, others – namely educational attainment, homeownership, university research and development, and unemployment – are contingent upon industry structure.
Factors associated with prolonged survival in chronic myeloid leukemia

Four patients who demonstrated unusually prolonged survival with Philadelphia chromosome positive Ph' (+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were analyzed for factors associated with survival. Survival duration from initial diagnosis ranged from 120 to 222 months, with a mean of 170 months. At diagnosis, age, symptoms, liver or spleen size, hematocrit, white blood cell count, absolute peripheral myeloblast plus promyelocyte count, and uric acid did not have unique prognostic significance. At diagnosis all four patients had normal or low-normal platelet counts, (range: 170,000 to 248,000/mm3). Thrombocytopenia occurred during treatment in three patients. None of the four patients, however, developed severe marrow hypoplasia or leukopenia during treatment for the chronic phase. Cytogenic studies performed from 103 to 156 months after diagnosis did not reveal a large subpopulation of marrow cells with a normal karyotype or cells with the XO genotype in the male patients. These observations suggest that prolonged survival in CML 1) is not contingent upon intensive treatment resulting in marrow hypoplasia, and 2) does not require the persistence of a clone of karyotypically-normal bone marrow cells or a clone of marrow cells in males which has lost the Y chromosome. A normal or low-normal platelet count at diagnosis may be a favorable prognostic indicator.
A gradient of affinity for the karyopherin Kap95p along the yeast nuclear pore complex.

Abstract Karyopherins (Kaps) transport cargo across the nuclear pore complex (NPC) by interacting with nucleoporins that contain phenylalanine-glycine (FG) peptide repeats (FG Nups). As a test of the “affinity gradient” model for Kap translocation, we measured the apparent affinity of Kap95p to FG Nups representing three distinct regions of the S. cerevisiae NPC. We find that the affinity of Kap95p-Kap60p-cargo complexes to Nup1p (a nuclear basket Nup) is 225-fold higher than to Nup100p (a central scaffold Nup) and 4000-fold higher than to Nup42p (a cytoplasmic filament Nup), revealing a steep gradient of affinity for Kap95p complexes along the yeast NPC. A high affinity binding site for a Kap95p import complex was mapped to the C terminus of Nup1p, and, surprisingly, deletion of all FG repeats in that region did not eliminate binding of the complex. Instead, a 36-amino acid truncation of the C terminus of Nup1p reduced its affinity for the Kap95p import complex by 450-fold. Mutant yeast that express Nup1pΔ36 instead of full-length Nup1p display specific defects in Kap95p localization and Kap95p-mediated nuclear import. We conclude that a high affinity binding site for Kap95p at the nuclear basket increases the translocation efficiency of Kap95p import complexes across the NPC.
An analysis of the Mariner 10 color ratio map of mercury

Errors that emerged in the Hapke et al. (1980) geological analysis reproduction of the Mariner 10 orange/UV color ratio map of Mercury are presently noted, and it is judged that the relationships that emerge between the color and the terrain are nonlunar in that they lack Mercurian analogs of high Fe-Ti lunar maria basalts. The crust is found to be low in Fe(2+) and Ti(4+) in view of three major considerations: (1) rays and ejecta blankets are exceptionally blue; (2) the Fe(2+) band of the reflectance spectrum of Mercury is weak; and (3) Mercury albedo contrasts are less pronounced than the lunar ones. The extrusive origin of the smooth plains is supported by these observations.
Coronary arterial calcification in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Introduction Although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are increased in rheumatoid arthritis, little is known about the burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in these patients.
Correlates of tone-on-tone masked thresholds in the chinchilla auditory nerve.

Abstract In an attempt to determine neural correlates of tone-on-tone masking, discharge patterns of chinchilla auditory-nerve fibers were obtained in response to a set of two-tone stimuli for which behavioral masking had been previously measured (Long, G.L. and Miller, J.D. (1981): Hearing Res. 4, 279–285). The lowest masked thresholds in a sample of fibers were quantitatively similar to the chinchilla's behavioral masked thresholds. In addition, the neural data were in qualitative agreement with other previously-described characteristics of tone-on-tone masking, such as the contribution of cochlear distortion products and the upward spread of masking. It thus appears that the limitations imposed by peripheral frequency analysis determine the tone-on-tone masking pattern.
A high-level calculation of the proton affinity of diborane

Abstract The experimental proton affinity of diborane (B 2 H 6 ) is based on an unstable species, B 2 H 7 + , which has been observed only at low temperatures. The present work calculates the proton affinity of diborane using the Gaussian-3 method and other high-level compound ab initio methods as a check of the experimental value. The present value of the proton affinity of diborane is thus reported at 147.7 kcal/mol, compared with the experimental value of 147±4 kcal/mol. However, the experimental value was found to be based on two values, each of which are presently held in error by 12 kcal/mol, but in opposite directions.
Superconductivity of Americium

The metal americium becomes superconducting at temperatures as high as 0.79 K for the room temperature, double-hexagonal-close-packed phase. We also have evidence of a slightly higher transition temperature for the face-centered-cubic phase. This discovery of superconductivity in the midst of nonsuperconducting manmade elements is somewhat surprising.
Aluminum-doped TiO2 nano-powders for gas sensors

Abstract Nano-powders of pure and Al-doped TiO 2 ceramics were synthesized using a citrate–nitrate auto combustion method. Powders were then used to make thick film gas sensors to measure selectivity and sensitivity in CO and O 2 environment. Titanyl nitrate solution was prepared using commercial TiO 2 powder, hydrofluoric acid (HF) and concentrated nitric acid (HNO 3 ). An optimized ratio of citrate to nitrate was used to produce TiO 2 nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction data showed that synthesized TiO 2 nano-powders, pure as well as Al-doped, had stable anatase phase up to 800 °C. X-ray fluorescence confirmed the Al concentrations in synthesized nano-powders. BET surface area analysis showed a decrease at 5 wt.% Al addition, followed by an increase at 7.5 wt.% in specific average surface area. Particle size analysis showed particles below 100 nm for both pure and doped TiO 2 even after calcination at 800 °C. The resistance of Al-doped TiO 2 samples was found to be lower than that of pure TiO 2 in O 2 and CO environment. Al-doped TiO 2 gas sensors were more selective and sensitive to CO and O 2 at an operating temperature of 600 °C than pure TiO 2 powders.
Emerging pharmacology of nerve growth factor.

Abstract 1. Partial transection of the septo-hippocampal pathway decreased measures of presynaptic cholinergic function in the rat hippocampal formation. 2. Chronic intraventricular treatment with recombinant human nerve growth factor attenuated lesioned-induced deficits in cholinergic function. Following nerve growth factor treatment measures of choline acetyltransferase activity, acetylcholine synthesis and release were significantly increased compared to cytochrome c-treated lesioned animals. 3. Single injections of nerve growth factor were ineffective in altering lesioned-induced deficits in cholinergic function. 4. Chronic nerve growth factor treatment was ineffective in increasing presynaptic cholinergic function if administered 3 or more weeks following fimbrial transections. 5. The nerve growth factor-induced increases of presynaptic cholinergic function persisted for 3 weeks following the cessation of chronic 3 week nerve growth factor treatment.
Applications of SPECT imaging of dopaminergic neurotransmission in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracers selective for pre- and post-synaptic targets have allowed measurements of several aspects of dopaminergic (DA) neurotransmission. In this article, we will first review our DA transporter imaging in Parkinson's disease. We have developed thein vivo dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging with [123I]β-CIT ((1R)-2β-Carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)tropane). This method showed that patients with Parkinson's disease have markedly reduced DAT levels in striatum, which correlated with disease severity and disease progression. Second, we applied DA imaging techniques in patients with schizophrenia. Using amphetamine as a releaser of DA, we observed the enhanced DA release, which was measured by imaging D2 receptors with [123I]IBZM (iodobenzamide), in schizophrenics. Further we developed the measurement of basal synaptic DA levels by AMPT (alpha-methyl-paratyrosine)-induced unmasking of D2 receptors. Finally, we expanded our techniques to the measurement of extrastriatal DA receptors using [123I]epidepride. The findings suggest that SPECT is a useful technique to measure DA transmission in human brain and may further our understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Quantitation of Aryltetralin Lignans in Plant Parts and among Different Populations of Podophyllum peltatum by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple procedure for the extraction of aryltetralin lignans from Podophyllum peltatum with addition of an internal standard (acetylpodophyllotoxin) was developed. Plant material was separated into rhizomes and roots, petioles, and blades, and the lignan content of the ground tissue of these different parts was analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. Podophyllotoxin and seven of its congeners were quantified. It was observed that the lignan content of the different plant parts may differ by orders of magnitude. More significantly, this degree of variation found among tissues of plant parts was not consistent from one population to another. The recovery of podophyllotoxin and acetylpodophyllotoxin in these different tissues is discussed.
The Role of Navigation and Robotic Surgery in Hip Arthroscopy

Computer-aided orthopaedic surgery is now used for improving the accuracy and position in a variety of procedures, including total knee arthroplasty and cruciate ligament reconstruction. Current treatment for femoroacetabular impingement comprises both open and arthroscopic techniques. Although both have their advantages and pitfalls, it is evident that a quantitative and minimally invasive methodology, for calculating the arc of resection and performing a precise osteotomy, would improve clinical outcome. In this review we discuss recent research exploring the role of navigation and robotics for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.
The Law of Laplace and its relevance to contemporary medicine and rehabilitation

Abstract Basford JR. The Law of Laplace and its relevance to contemporary medicine and rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1165-70. Objective: To show that the Law of Laplace is not only a historical curiosity but also remains relevant to our daily teaching and clinical activities. Data Sources: Comprehensive MEDLINE (1960–2000) and CINAHL (1982–2000) computer literature searches performed by using key words such as Law of Laplace, Laplace, and Laplace relationship. Additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of the selected articles. Supplementary searches were also made by using various Internet search engines. Study Selection: Primary references were used whenever possible. Data Extraction: A single reviewer assessed all references and extracted information relevant to the Law of Laplace. Data Synthesis: Although the Law of Laplace is attributed to Pierre Simon de Laplace, Laplace may not deserve the credit for the discovery. Nevertheless, the relationship (T [tension] α P [pressure] R [radius]) is easily derived and improves our understanding of the physiologic basis of many of our medical and rehabilitation practices. For example, the Law provides an insight into the mechanism of action of compression garments and lumbosacral orthoses, an understanding of the role of uterine muscle during delivery, and a reason why cesarean sections are made in the lower uterus. In addition, the Law explains many aspects of such diverse phenomena as penile erection, compartment syndromes, and peripheral edema. Perhaps most important, the Law explains the basis of many common medical practices that we use to promote bladder emptying, to control edema, and to plan surgery. Conclusion: The Law of Laplace explains the mechanism of a wide range of physiologic phenomena. Unfortunately, even though it was developed about 200 years ago, the insights it provides us are often underused. More consideration of its implications can improve our clinical practice, our teaching, and our enjoyment of medicine. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Synthesis of certain pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-one nucleosides

Synthesis of the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-one congeners of guanosine, adenosine and inosine is described. Glycosylation of 3-methoxy-6-methylthio-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (13) with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranose (16) in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate gave 3-methoxy-6-methylthio-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (17) which, after successive treatments with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid and methanolic ammonia, afforded 6-amino-3-methoxy-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)one (18). The guanosine analog, 6-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3,4(2H,5H)-dione (21), was made by sodium iodide-chlorotrimethylsilane treatment of 6-amino-3-methoxy-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)one (19), followed by sugar deprotection. Treatment of the adenine analog, 4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-one (11), according to the high temperature glycosylation procedure yielded a mixture of N-1 and N-2 ribosyl-attached isomers. Deprotection of the individual isomers afforded 4-amino-3-hydroxy-1-βribofuranosylpyrazolo-[3,4-d]pyrimidine (26) and 4-amino-2-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3(7H)-one (27). The structures of 26 and 27 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The inosine analog, 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3,4(2H,5H)-dione (28), was synthesized enzymatically by direct ribosylation of 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3,4(2H,5H)-dione (8) with ribose-1-phosphate in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and also by deamination of 26 with adenosine deaminase.
Plant regeneration from cotyledon-hypocotyl explants of Pinus strobus L.

Rooted adventitious shoots were obtained from cotyledon-hypocotyl explants of aseptically grown seedlings of Pinus strobus L. The explants consisted of the top 2 to 3 mm of the hypocotyl attached to the whorl of cotyledons which had been trimmed to about half of their original length. The explants were cultured on a modified Murashige and Skoog's medium containing 0.2 mg/L NAA and 2 mg/L BA for 2–3 weeks and then on the medium of Litvay et al. without any growth hormones for 8 to 10 weeks to obtain shoot induction and shoot growth. Root induction and root growth were achieved by culturing the shoots on half strength Gresshoff and Doy's medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA for 2 weeks and then transferring them to the same medium without any growth hormones. The rooted shoots could be grown outside the culture tube in a peat/perlite/vermiculite mixture.
An examination of the role of online social media in journalists’ source mix☆

Abstract Using telephone surveys of business/financial journalists in the United States ( n = 200), this research investigates the agenda-building role of social media content in journalists’ work. Understanding that more non-public relations content from user-generated and social network sites, like YouTube and Twitter, are fast becoming resources for journalists to get story ideas, break scandals, and find sources, we began this scholarly work to determine the frequency of such uses of social media. Overall, findings indicate very little use of social media by these business journalists. Results and implications for public relations practitioners are discussed in detail.
Coronal transients near sunspot maximum

The Naval Research Laboratory's most recent Earth-orbiting coronagraph, called Solwind, has been observing the Sun's outer corona (2.6–10.0 R ⊙) at 10-min intervals since March 28, 1979. These observations provide the first comprehensive view of coronal transients near the peak of a sunspot cycle. Six, well-defined transients in our quick-look data have masses ranging from 7 × 1014 g to 2 × 1016 g and outward speeds ranging from 150 km s−1 to 900 km s−1. These values are comparable to the ones that were obtained with the OSO-7 and Skylab observations during the declining phase of the last sunspot cycle. Although the amount of quick-look data is not sufficient to provide meaningful statistics, the coronal transients near sunspot maximum seem to occur with a greater frequency and a wider latitude range than the transients during the declining phase of the cycle. In both eras, there is a good, but imperfect, association between the occurrence of coronal transients and surface phenomena such as eruptive prominences and flares.
Isolation and characterization of a protease from Clostridium botulinum type B.

Abstract A protease produced by Clostridium botulinum type B (strain Lamanna) was isolated and characterized. Purification steps were precipitation with (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , chromatography on QAE-Sephadex at pH 5.8, gel filtration through Sephadex G-100, and chromatography on SE-Sephadex at pH 5.0. Molecular weight of the enzyme by sedimentation equilibrium is 34 400 and by gel filtration is 40 000; isoelectric pH is 4.62. Optimum pH for amidase activity is 6.2 and for esterase activity is 6.2–7.0. The enzyme acts only on bonds formed by the carboxyl group of arginine and lysine residues. It is not inhibited by trypsin inhibitor from soy bean, lima bean, or ovomucoid. The enzyme is active only when in the reduced state and is more stable when Ca 2+ is present.
When is it safe to discharge asymptomatic patients with abdominal stab wounds

Background: This study sought to determine the time from hospital presentation to surgical intervention for hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal stab wounds. The objective was to identify the optimal time for observation of these asymptomatic patients before safe hospital discharge. Methods: The authors reviewed a prospectively collected trauma database at their level 1 trauma center. The time from admission to surgery was noted in their patient population. All stab wound patients who underwent either peritoneal lavage or immediate surgery were excluded from the study. Results: During a 7-year period, 650 asymptomatic patients with abdominal stab wounds were admitted for serial examination. The study showed that 567 of these patients had no abdominal surgical intervention, whereas 68 underwent abdominal surgery (15 left the center against medical advice). No patients were identified as requiring surgery more than 12 hours after presentation. Conclusion: It appears that asymptomatic patients with abdominal stab wounds may be discharged from the hospital after 12 hours of observation with little likelihood of missed injury.