cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Benzylsuccinates in Groundwater by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Use for Monitoring In Situ BTEX Biodegradation

Benzylsuccinic acid (BS) and methylbenzylsuccinic acid (MeBS) isomers have been proposed as distinctive indicators of anaerobic toluene and xylene metabolism in fuel-contaminated aquifers; however, labor-intensive analytical procedures have limited their analysis at field sites. In this article, a rapid electrospray LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) method for benzylsuccinates is described that involves selected reaction monitoring, internal standard quantification with [ring-2H5]BS, small sample size (<1 mL), and no extraction/concentration steps. The highly selective LC/MS/MS method was shown to be sensitive (detection limits ca. 0.3 μg/L), accurate, and precise. The method was used to characterize geographic and temporal distributions of BS and MeBS isomers in an anaerobic, hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer. BS was never detected, and MeBS isomers were detected in the three wells with the highest concentrations of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes); MeB...
Practice patterns among pediatric urologists in the use of Deflux® for vesicoureteral reflux: a survey.

Abstract Objectives This study aims to assess pediatric urology practice patterns and factors which influence the use of Deflux® in the management of vesicoureteral reflux among pediatric urologists. Methods A 11-question survey was sent out to 476 pediatric urologists who are members of the Society for Pediatric Urology. Results 23.7% of pediatric urologists use Deflux® as first line therapy for Grade III reflux or higher. The presence of renal scarring is not a deterrent to the use of Deflux®. 17.7% would use Deflux® before a trial of observation with or without chemoprophylaxis. In children who are on observation, 20.3% would perform Deflux® when they are at an age considered appropriate for surgery as opposed to continued observation. The majority of pediatric urologists cite Deflux® success rates of >70% to >80% for Grades II–III and >50% to >60% for Grades IV–V. 23.3% of respondents indicated that new evidence citing low long-term success rates at one year decreased their use of Deflux®. 59.8% of respondents indicated they would perform a second injection after an initial failure. Ultrasound and VCUG are used as follow-up in 86.9% and 65.4% respectively after Deflux®; the majority are performed within the first 3 months, rarely at one year. Conclusion The use of Deflux® is growing and whether it surpasses open reimplantation and chemoprophylaxis as first-line therapy remains to be seen. With new literature showing lower success rates, long-term follow-up with repeat imaging may be required.
Swelling of poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films in low molecular weight alcohols.

The effects of solvent size, temperature, and polymer molecular weight on the swelling of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films in low molecular weight alcohols were investigated using an in situ ellipsometer. Apparent activation energies were indicative of non-Fickian diffusion, although optical data showed substantial Fickian character for swelling in methanol and moderate Fickian character in ethanol. Penetration rates were strongly dependent on the solvent molar volume for methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol, but 1-butanol and 2-pentanol had rates similar to isopropanol. The effective cross sections of these longer molecules are similar to isopropanol, and this apparently explains the similar penetration rates. The effect of polymer molecular weight (MW) on methanol penetration rates (21–27°C) was investigated with monodisperse PMMA (Mn = 6.4–40.0 × 104 g/mol). A minimum at intermediate MW was observed. Isopropanol swelling rates (45–52°C) were insensitive to MW. The swelling data were also used to determine parameters for transport models that describe the swelling of thin polymer films.
Peer Review To Enhance State Transportation Research Program

New York’s Transportation Research and Development Bureau conducts a targeted contract and in-house research program. A project-level independent peer-review program was introduced to enhance the capabilities of researchers and the quality of the research results. This article describes the process, and provides two case studies illustrating the value of the process in enhancing the quality of the research program.
Neutrino oscillations with LSND

Abstract The Liquid Scintillator Neutrino Detector (LSND) at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) has conducted searches for ν ν → ν e oscillations using ν μ from μ+ decay at rest (DAR) and for νμ → νe oscillations using νμ from π+ decay in flight (DIF). For the 1993–1995 data taking period, significant beam-excess events have been found in both oscillation channels. For the DAR search, a total excess of 51.8−16.9+18.7 ± 8.0 events from the ν e p → e + n inverse β-decay reaction is observed, with e+ energies between 20–60 MeV. For the DIF search, a total excess of 18.1 ± 6.6 ± 4.0 events from the νe C → e− X inclusive reaction is observed, with e− energies between 60–200 MeV. If interpreted as neutrino oscillations, these excesses correspond to oscillation probabilities of (3.1 ± 1.2 ± 0.5) × 10−3 and (2.6 ± 1.0 ± 0.5) × 10−3, respectively. Additional data collected during the 1996–1998 runs has been preliminarily analyzed for the DAR channel and yields very good agreement with the previously obtained results, for a combined oscillation probability of (3.3 ± 0.9 ± 0.5) × 10−3.
Osteoporosis and Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-Positive Patients

Objective:To review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of osteoporosis in patients with HIV infection and discuss vitamin D deficiency and the treatment of HIV-positive patients with osteoporosis.Data Sources:A search of PubMed (1980–June 2011) was conducted using the terms osteoporosis, HIV, vitamin D deficiency, and treatment.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Epidemiologic studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses published in English were included. A manual review of the bibliographies of available literature was conducted and relevant articles were reviewed for inclusion.Data Synthesis:Patients with HIV infection are living longer with the use of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are at increased risk for osteoporosis. Several studies have shown that HIV infection can affect bone health and increase the risk for osteoporosis. In addition, ART, and tenofovir in particular, may affect bone turnover. Studies and meta-analyses have shown an increased prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis i...
SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PREVALENCE OF PEYRONIE’S DISEASE IN A POPULATION OF MEN PRESENTING FOR PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

ABSTRACT Purpose: In this study we defined the prevalence of Peyronie’s disease in a cohort of men being screened for prostate cancer in the United States. The association between Peyronie’s disease, and medical comorbidities and patient self-reported erectile dysfunction was also defined. Materials and Methods: A total of 534 men presenting to 1 of 3 prostate cancer screening centers provided a complete medical history, underwent physical examination performed in all by a urologist and completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. This population was chosen because of the access to a large number of subjects combined with the fact that subjects were not presenting with a specific urological complaint. The diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease was based on a palpable penile plaque. Data were assessed using univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression and Pearson chi-square analysis. Results: A total of 48 patients were found to have a palpable penile plaque on physical examination for a prevalence rate of 8.9%. The mean age of men with Peyronie’s disease was 68.2 years compared to a mean of 61.8 years in men without Peyronie’s disease (p Conclusions: We found the prevalence of Peyronie’s disease to be greater than in most previously reported series. We also noted a significant association between Peyronie’s disease aging, hypertension, diabetes and self-reported erectile dysfunction.
Dynamics of fluid release from catenary vessels

Abstract The dynamic material balance equations for fluid drainage or leakage from process vessels of catenary shape through an opening at an arbitrary elevation were solved numerically and the results summarized in graphical form. Cases of both complete and partial (e.g., as from a puncture hole in the vessel side wall) drainage were investigated. It was found that catenary vessels can exhibit maxima in their leakage times, depending upon the elevation of the aperture for fluid efflux — a phenomenon previously observed for other vessel shapes. A summary of such reported maximum leakage times for a variety of geometrical vessel shapes is also given.
Iron and Zinc absorption characteristics and copper inhibitions in cucurbitaceae

Abstract Iron and Zn absorption, interactions, and Cu inhibitions were characterized in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.), and pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Poir.) by kinetic parameters Vmax and Km. Influx and Vmax values for Fe and Zn absorption decreased in each species as plant age increased. For the Michaelis constant, Km, Fe values in cucumber and watermelon and Zn values in watermelon and pumpkin were relatively unchanged with increased plant age. Km values for Zn absorption in cucumber and Fe absorption in pumpkin decreased as plant age increased. Among species, watermelon appeared to have a particularly effective uptake mechanism for Zn at low solution concentrations. Non‐competitive inhibition of Zn absorption by Fe (20, 50 uM) was indicated in each species. Iron uptake in pumpkin was inhibited non‐competitively by Zn (5, 10 uM), however no significant effects of Zn on Fe absorption were evident in either watermelon or cucumber. Copper (0.5, 1, 5 uM) inhibited upt...
Toward an Applied Human Ecology for Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning

The case study, located in the Kennett region of southeastern Pennsylvania, illustrates an approach to planning which uses ethnographic and ecological research. Here, information was gathered concerning local values with reference to land use in an effort to consider the consequences of the use of particular sets of values in the planning process. The approach is illustrated by reference to water resource use by different groups in the region.
Wesley's Disabling Fall

John Wesley attempts to inhabit a liberating space that understands bodily limitation not as the result of an individual's sins but as a fact of finitude. Concurrently, Wesley ultimately constructs the able-body as the norm. This construction leads Wesley on a problematic search of theology for the cause of bodily limitation, for which Wesley defaults to the Fall as the explanation. Thus, while bodily limitation is not a result of the individual's sins, bodily limitation is the result of the first sin, and—vis-a-vis Foucault—people with bodily limitation are embodied signifiers of the fallen state of humanity.
Diffusion of hydroxide ion in potassium chloride single crystals

Abstract The diffusion coefficient of OH − in KCl was measured by desorption of OH − from single crystals grown from melts of purified KCl doped with KOH. These desorption experiments were conducted in vacuum and under 1 3 atm Cl 2 . The change in OH − concentration as a function of time was measured optically. It was found that a reactive atmosphere was required to obtain reliable results. Under Cl 2 at 1 3 atm the diffusion coefficient of OH − in KCl is given by the relation, D OH − = 3.0 × 10 5 exp(−1.95 eV/kT), in the temperature range between 397 and 515°C.
Dual-frequency Doppler radars for indoor range estimation: Cramer-Rao bound analysis

Single frequency Doppler radars are effective in distinguishing moving targets from stationary targets, but suffer from inherent range ambiguity. With a dual-frequency operation, a second carrier frequency is utilised to overcome the range ambiguity problem. In urban sensing applications, the dual-frequency approach offers the benefit of reduced complexity, fast computation time and real-time target tracking. The authors consider a single moving target with three commonly exhibited indoor motion profiles, namely, constant velocity motion, accelerating target motion and micro-Doppler (MD) motion. RF signatures of indoor inanimate objects, such as fans, vibrating machineries and clock pendulums, are characterised by MD motion, whereas animate translation movements produce linear FM Doppler. Cramer–Rao bounds (CRBs) for the parameters defining indoor target motions under dual-frequency implementations are derived. Experimental data are used to estimate MD parameters and to validate the CRBs.
Phenolic compounds and rare polyhydroxylated triterpenoid saponins from Eryngium yuccifolium.

Abstract Phytochemical investigation on the whole plant of Eryngium yuccifolium resulted in the isolation and identification of three phenolic compounds ( 1 – 3 ) and 12 polyhydroxylated triterpenoid saponins, named eryngiosides A–L ( 4 – 15 ), together with four known compounds kaempferol-3- O -(2,6-di- O - trans - p -coumaroyl)-β- d -glucopyranoside ( 16 ), caffeic acid ( 17 ), 21β-angeloyloxy-3β-[β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β- d -xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β- d -glucuronopyranosyloxyolean-12-ene-15α,16α,22α,28-tetrol ( 18 ), and saniculasaponin III ( 19 ). This study reports the isolation of these compounds and their structural elucidation by extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical degradation.
Acoustic sensing of particles suspended by wave-bottom interactions☆

Abstract The inability to measure the temporal and spatial distributions of particles suspended by the action of combined waves and currents is a limiting factor in obtaining quantitative data to test the various theoretical or empirical models which have been hypothesized to explain the process of particle suspension in a beach, estuary or continental shelf environment. An experiment has been conducted in a wave tank to examine the feasibility of using a 1 MHz acoustic system to study the temporal dependence and spatial distribution of sand grains raised from the tank bottom during the passage of waves of known period and amplitude. Data showing the acoustic detection of fine- to medium-sized sand grains suspended by surface gravity waves are presented to illustrate the suitability of using acoustic systems to study the particle-suspension process. Acoustic systems used in conjunction with instruments such as current meters and Reynolds stress measuring devices will allow a more complete understanding of wave/current/bottom interactions and the associated suspension of sediments.
Characteristics of nerve growth factor induced hyperalgesia in adult rats: dependence on enhanced bradykinin-1 receptor activity but not neurokinin-1 receptor activation.

Treatment of adult rats with a single dose of nerve growth factor (NGF, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) results in a prolonged hypersensitivity to noxious thermal stimulation which becomes noticeable within 30 min of administration and lasts for several days. A significant mechanical hyperalgesia develops within 7 h following injection of NGF and persists for up to 7 days. In the present set of experiments we describe certain quantitative features of this hyperalgesia. The initial thermal hyperalgesia can be highly variable and is associated to some degree with the presence of an overt immunologic reaction. The mechanical hyperalgesia is reproducible enough to reveal a clear dependency on the dose of NGF. We also examined the pharmacological properties of the NGF-induced hyperalgesia. The bradykinin BK1 receptor antagonist des-Arg9[Leu8]BK transiently blocked the thermal hyperalgesia when injected 1 day after NGF administration whereas mechanical thresholds were further reduced under this protocol. The BK2 antagonist HOE 140 had no effect on this late NGF-induced hyperalgesia. Injection of the neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonist CP-96345 or its inactive enantiomer CP-96344 one day after NGF both induced a transient block of NGF-induced thermal hyperalgesia indicating a non-specific effect rather than an action at NK1 receptors. This was confirmed by finding no reversal of NGF-induced hyperalgesia by RP67580, another NK1 receptor blocker. These results suggest upregulation and activation of BK1 but not NK1 receptors as an additional, probably peripheral, mechanism for the late phase of NGF-induced thermal hyperalgesia.
The treatment of colic in infancy by use of the pacifier.

Summary 1. The “colic” baby has been a problem for all pediatricians. 2. The various theories as to the etiology of colic are discussed. 3. Twenty-eight infants with histories typical of colic were placed on pacifiers. 4. In every instance except two the pacifier was readily accepted. 5. With the exception of three infants, the pacifier was successful in relieving the irritability and crying of the infant and in causing a cessation of the symptoms of colic. 6. The favorable results of our studies on the use of the pacifier in the relief of infantile colic seem to indicate that the crying of the infants may be due either to an unsatisfied need for adequate oral gratification, or from abdominal pain caused by the spasm of intestinal muscles resulting from the general hypertonicity of the infant. 7. The use of the pacifier does not form a habit, the children discardingit spontaneously at an average age of 13.8 months. 8. In only two of the twenty-eight cases did infants resort to thumb-sucking during or after discontinuing the pacifier, and these two only while going to sleep after the pacifier had been discarded. 9. The fact that certain crying infants do not respond to the pacifier byrelaxation would lead to the conclusion that their difficultywas probably due to an etiological factor unrelated to the need for sucking.
Nutrition Assessment and Recommendation by a Registered Dietitian as Part of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic Promotes Appropriate Weight Status of Patients Receiving Enthral Tube Feedings

Abstract Severe bulbar involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients will require placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube to prevent malnutrition. Minimal consumption of some solid food and liquids is allowed based upon the ALS severity scale for swallowing assessed by a speech pathologist. The goal is to have the majority of nutrition intake provided by enteral feedings. Intervention by a registered dietitian in an outpatient ALS clinic promotes weight gain or weight maintenance in patients primarily receiving enteral tubefeedings for optimal nutrition. The study consisted of fourteen patients with ALS followed in clinic every 3 months for 2 years. They were evaluated by a speech pathologist for assessment of an appropriate diet and assessed by a registered dietitian for education on solid food and liquids that can be consumed safely. The registered dietitian provided enteral tube feeding prescriptions for optimal nutrition. Each patient had 2 or more follow-up visits post PEG placement. Of the 14 patients, 7% (1) maintained weight, 50% (7) gained weight, and 43% (6) lost weight. On the ALS severity scale for swallowing, the patients who gained and lost weight measured 2.1 and 2.2, respectively, meaning they could only safely manage minimal consumption of mechanical soft to pureed food with or without liquids. Sixty-four percent of the patients received optimal nutrition and followed the recommendations given by the speech pathologist and registered dietitian. Fifty-seven percent of the patients that gained weight reported a nothing by mouth (NPO) status, while 50% of the patients who lost weight reported a NPO status. The patients who lost weight relied more on eating than following the registered dietitian's recommendations to increase their enteral tubefeedings. A multidiscplinary approach is beneficial for encouraging this population to utilize enteral feedings, because this reinforces the goal of weight gain or maintenance. Weight gain or maintenance is important because of the subsequent loss of lean mass in ALS patients. By consuming adequate calories the fat mass can be preserved to compensate for the energy lost in the muscle mass.
Dynamic Changes in Primate Endometrial Leukocyte Populations: Differential Distribution of Macrophages and Natural Killer Cells at the Rhesus Monkey Implantation Site and in Early Pregnancy

The distribution of uterine leukocytes during the periimplantation period cannot be readily evaluated in human pregnancy. Using immunohistochemistry we examined the distribution of macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells in the non-pregnant endometrium and in the decidua at early stages of implantation and pregnancy in the rhesus monkey. CD68+ macrophages, CD56+ lymphocytes and CD3+ T cells were present in the proliferative and secretory endometrium. The number of macrophages and CD56+ lymphocytes dramatically increased at implantation (day 14-15 of pregnancy) and continued to be high in early pregnancy decidua. Macrophages were conspicuously more numerous in proximity to implantation site (decidua basalis) as compared to sites peripheral to the developing placenta (decidua parietalis), and were found in close association with cytotrophoblasts adjacent to the decidua, as well as around arteries invaded by extravillous cytotrophoblasts. In contrast to macrophages, CD56+ lymphocytes were more evenly distributed throughout the decidua. Few CD3+ T cells were seen in pregnancy, being scattered in the endometrial stroma with occasional aggregate formation. The distribution of uterine leukocytes vis-a-vis trophoblasts at the rhesus monkey implantation site and in early pregnancy suggests different roles for macrophages and uterine NK cells in the response to trophoblast invasion.
Complex Peptidyl Nucleoside Antibiotics: Efficient Syntheses of the Glycosyl Nucleoside Amino Acid Cores

Employing an amino acid chiral template strategy, the present research describes a general and highly efficient protocol for the rapid construction of enantiopure furanosyl and pyranosyl nucleoside amino acid cores as present in various complex peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics. Starting from easily available d-serine, the strategy and the approach involve rapid and efficient stereoselective synthesis of five- or six-membered lactone amino alcohols, followed by incorporation of the required functionalities of the target molecules on these strategically functionalized chiral templates.
Secular variation in seawater chemistry: An explanation for the coupled secular variation in the mineralogies of marine limestones and potash evaporites over the past 600 m.y.

Secular changes in the mineralogies of marine nonskeletal limestones and potash evaporites occur in phase on a 100–200 m.y. time scale such that periods of “aragonite seas” are synchronized with MgSO4 evaporites and periods of “calcite seas” with KCl evaporites. It is proposed that these coupled changes are the result of secular variation in seawater chemistry controlled primarily by fluctuations in the mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal brine flux, which in turn have been driven by fluctuations in the rate of ocean crust production. Quantitative predictions based on this hypothesis yield secular variation in limestone and potash evaporite mineralogies that closely match the observed variation over the past 600 m.y., providing strong support for the thesis that seawater chemistry, rather than remaining constant, has oscillated significantly over geologic time.
Spatially distributed energy-based opportunistic cooperative spectrum sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN), as a promising technology to increase the underutilized fixed allocated spectrum usage, encounters many new practical challenges. Spectrum sensing is one of the key functionalities in CRN. Spatially distributed cooperative spectrum sensing can effectively solve the hidden primary user problem. However, the number of CRs in the cooperation is dynamically changing over time. We study the impact of this dynamic on the spatially distributed cooperative spectrum sensing performance. The dynamic performances are analyzed. The CRN fusion center does lose its sensing performance significantly if the CRN system size is limited too aggressively due to the dynamic spectrum management concerns. Hence, CRN not only is required to dynamically adapt to its surrounding environment but also has to adapt the corresponding sensing parameters due to the dynamic size aspect of the system. The closed-form performance expressions obtained in this paper provide the analytically tractable framework for efficient system design optimization.
Knowledge-based modeling of fracture of materials and structures

Abstract Knowledge-based systems may be very useful, as shown in this publication, for determining the fracture characteristics of materials and structures. Such values as stress intensity, crack length, critical crack length, critical load-carrying capacity, etc. can be found easily and automatically by specifying relatively few items, such as material, geometry and loads. In addition, valuable information can be provided to NDE investigators. Although this research is in its infancy, valuable results have already been found which help in forecasting promising avenues of research in the development of knowledge-based systems. Also, if developed satisfactorily, future handbooks may take a major turn in drawing upon black box capabilities of knowledge-based systems.
Observational studies of the general circulation of the Tropics: long term mean values

Data from 298 stations between 45°N and 30°S have been processed for the period July 1957 to December 1964. The mean wind and temperature fields are presented together with the momentum and heat fluxes for two three month seasons, December-February and June-August. The tropospheric results were obtained from objective analysis of the long term station means and the stratospheric results from latitude band means giving equal weight to data from odd and even years so that the biennial component has been virtually eliminated. The mean temperature cross-sections show little seasonal variation in the tropical troposphere and gradients are small. The maximum temperature is in the vicinity of 5°S during the southern summer but moves to 20°N during June-August as a consequence of stronger heating over the continents. In the tropical stratosphere the seasonal variation is from lower temperatures in December-February to higher temperatures in June-August. The mean zonal wind pattern shows the tropical easterlies to be stronger and to occupy a greater range of latitudes in the upper troposphere during June-August. The Hadley circulation obtained appears quite reasonable with the winter hemisphere cell predominating and extending over the Equator. Although all three components of the momentum flux were evaluated for the troposphere, only the transient eddy contribution could be obtained for the stratosphere. A strong flux is observed in the upper equatorial troposphere directed into the summer hemisphere. The sensible heat-flux in the middle troposphere is equatorward in the Tropics of both hemispheres and a small transport into the summer hemisphere is noted. This equatorward flux is countergradient in both hemispheres except during the northern summer. The mean motion transport of total energy is about an order of magnitude larger than the eddy transport at the Equator and supplies energy to the winter hemisphere. The zonal and eddy forms of kinetic energy and available potential energy have been evaluated for the tropical troposphere together with all conversions between them except for that by transient eddies between available potential energy and kinetic energy. On the average, kinetic energy contents are about twice as large as available potential energy contents and the momentum flux conversions are larger than those involving heat fluxes. The conversion by the mean motions, however, is largest of all over the range 24°N-24°S and leads to a rejuvenation time of some 3–5 days for the zonal kinetic energy. This conversion appears to be sufficiently large to offset the destruction in middle latitudes. Taken together, the results presented here give a consistent pattern for the tropical circulation. The direct Hadley cell is seen as a source of both heat and momentum which are distributed by the eddy fluxes. The energy supply for the mean cell is thought to be the latent heat of condensation in its ascending branch.
Unorthodox confession, orthodox conscience: aesthetic authority in the underground

Dostoevskij’s underground parody of confession paradoxically recovers an Orthodox morality by constructing an unorthodox model of authority and authorship. The authenticity and authority of underground discourse are both contingent on self-conscious parody, which also mediates Orthodox community or sobornost’. This essay critically reconsiders ethical, aesthetic and cultural dimensions of the self-conscious interpolation of literary and religious discourses in Dostoevskij’s Notes from Underground. Arguing with and against Bakhtinian readings, it re-examines the underground narrator’s secularized, Romanticized sensibilities, cynical critique of humanism, sacrilegious modes of laughter, usurpation of authority, internalization of dialogue, literary stylization and parody, aesthetic and moral self-critique, and, finally, insistence on “a new word.”
Heading prediction in unmanned ground vehicles by laser compass

This paper presents an on-line algorithm that provides accurate heading predictions for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). The algorithm uses cross-correlation of SICK laser scans to improve the heading predictions from GPS. It was tested on our Centaur vehicles in outdoor urban environments and verified to provide accurate smooth heading predictions.
Low-frequency time-space regimes in tropical convection

The multi-scale time-space regimes of the low-frequency convective activity over the maritime continent and tropical western Pacific are investigated using the monthly infrared radiance black body temperature (IRTBB) over a latitude band of 5S–9S, 80E–160W for the time period of 1980–1993. The complex Morlet wavelet transform and the complex empirical orthogonal function (CEOF) analysis are used. The zonal mean of the monthly IRTBB is dominated by the annual cycle which is influenced by a monsoon regime. An interannual signal around the time scale of 4.8-year and a decadal signal are obvious. In the zonal deviation, each CEOF represents a particular spatial regime; its corresponding principal component exhibits different multi-scale temporal behavior. The first leading component represents the variability due to large scale land-ocean distribution (the maritime continent, the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific) related to monsoon, with a dominant annual time scale. The second leading component represents the fluctuation of Walker circulation, associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events having a main time scale around 4.8-year and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) around 2.4-year. The third leading component represents the variability due to small-scale land-ocean distribution (Java, New Guinea and the surrounding seas), with a dominant annual time scale. The main time scales in all the components seem to be modulated by longer time scales in either amplitude or frequency or both.
Aboveground biomass and structure of rainforests in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon

Abstract The biomass of intact tropical forests must be known in order to quantify C pools and emissions arising from biomass burning associated with deforestation, land conversion, or fragmentation. To address this need, we quantified the total aboveground biomass (TAGB) and forest structure in 20 intact tropical forest sites in western Brazil. The sites were located in open, dense, and ecotone (to savanna) forest types. The TAGB of open forest ranged from 288 to 346 Mg ha −1 , with a mean of 313 Mg ha −1 ; dense forest TAGB ranged from 298 to 533 Mg ha −1 , with a mean of 377 Mg ha −1 ; and ecotone forests TAGB ranged from 298 to 422 Mg ha −1 , with a mean of 350 Mg ha −1 . Mean TAGB for all 20 sites was 341 Mg ha −1 . “live trees” (broad-leaved trees) comprised most of TAGB, averaging 280 Mg ha −1 . Mean aboveground biomass of trees ≥10 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) differed between open (239 Mg ha −1 ) and dense forests (307 Mg ha −1 ). Mean biomass of live “non-tree” components (predominantly palms) for all 20 sites was 22 Mg ha −1 . The combined biomass of coarse wood debris, forest floor (litter/rootmat), and standing dead plants (trees, palms and vines) averaged 38 Mg ha −1 or 12% of the TAGB. Forest structure and biomass distribution were not uniform among sites or forest types. For example, non-tree components ranged from 41% of the TAGB in one ecotone forest to as low as 7% in a dense forest site. Non-tree components comprised 22% of TAGB. This is noteworthy because the non-tree components are often omitted from forest biomass/carbon pool estimates.
Magnesium, Nitrogen Form, and Root Temperature Effects on Grass Tetany Potential of Wheat Forage

(...) A solution culture experiment was conducted to gain a clearer understanding of the nutritional and environmental factors affecting Mg concentrations in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) forage. Effects of N form (NH 4 /NO 3 in mM-10:0, 5:5, or 0:10), root-zone temperature (RZT) (10, 15, or 20°C), and Mg supply (0.4 or 4 mM) on growth and mineral composition of winter wheat forage were investigated. (...)
Stress-sensitive Regulation of IFRD1 mRNA Decay Is Mediated by an Upstream Open Reading Frame

In this report, we demonstrate that cellular stress regulates expression of IFRD1 by a post-transcriptional control mechanism. IFRD1 mRNA and protein are elevated in tunicamycin-treated human kidney epithelial cells via stabilization of the mRNA. IFRD1 mRNA instability in resting cells requires translation of an upstream open reading frame (ORF) that represses translation of the major ORF. During stress response, the mRNA is stabilized via inhibition of translational initiation mediated by phosphorylated eIF2α. Translation of the major ORF of IFRD1 involves both leaky scanning at the upstream AUG codon and re-initiation at the major AUG codon and is not altered during stress. Finally, the instability mechanism depends upon UPF1, suggesting that it is related to nonsense-mediated decay. Importantly, the sequence and length of the upstream ORF are critical but do not need to code for a specific peptide. Moreover the sequence environment of the upstream ORF termination site is not an essential feature of instability. These features of decay collectively define a distinct upstream ORF-mediated instability mechanism whereby cellular stress can modulate specific gene expression through alteration of mRNA half-life.
Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Dissociation Model Evaluation: Comparison to Measured Cross Sections

Recent measurements of collision-induced dissociation (CID) cross sections for Ar 2 + -Ar collisions for vibrationally cold and hot cases are utilized to test and compare several CID models that have been proposed for the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) technique. The idea that the CID process is strongly favored by vibrational energy is discussed relative to the various models. The Ar 2 + data do not show any vibrational favoring of the CID cross sections. The predictions of the DSMC models are examined using values of their adjustable parameters suggested in the literature
Dynamic simulation of an aircraft under the effect of vortex wake turbulence

The introduction of modern heavy jets poses an increasing hasard to light and moderate weight aircraft due to high-intensity vortex wake turbulence. A technique is developed to simulate the response of a trailing airoraft due to the induced rolling moments and lose of lift imposed by the vortices. In spite of the nonlinear and complex nature of the problem, the method was applied successfully using an EAI 8812 analog computer with no hybrid facilities. The simulated aircraft was free to roll and move vertically and laterally with respect to the generating aircraft. Results of such a simulation for the case of a C-130 behind another C-130 and behind a CSA are presented.
Mass spectrometric characterization of human N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase.

N-Acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) is a lysosomal enzyme that primarily degrades palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), a lipid amide that inhibits inflammatory responses. We developed a HEK293 cell line stably expressing the NAAA pro-enzyme (zymogen) and a single step chromatographic purification of the protein from the media. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the zymogen (47.7 kDa) treated with peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) identified 4 glycosylation sites, and acid cleavage of the zymogen into α- and β-subunits (14.6 and 33.3 kDa) activated the enzyme. Size exclusion chromatography estimated the mass of the active enzyme as 45 ± 3 kDa, suggesting formation of an α/β heterodimer. MALDI-TOF MS fingerprinting covered more than 80% of the amino acid sequence, including the N-terminal peptides, and evidence for the lack of a disulfide bond between subunits. The significance of the cysteine residues was established by their select...
Regulation of Easter activity is required for shaping the Dorsal gradient in the Drosophila embryo

Dorsoventral polarity of the Drosophila embryo requires maternal spatzle-Toll signaling to establish a nuclear gradient of Dorsal protein. The shape of this gradient is altered in embryos produced by females carrying dominant alleles of easter (ea D ) . The easter gene encodes a serine protease that generates processed Spatzle, which is proposed to act as the Toll ligand. By examining the expression domains of the zygotic genes zen, sog, rho and twist , which are targets of nuclear Dorsal, we show that the slope of the Dorsal gradient is progressively flattened in stronger ea D alleles. In the wild-type embryo, activated Easter is found in a high M r complex called Ea-X, which is hypothesized to contain a protease inhibitor. In ea D embryo extracts, we detect an Easter form corresponding to the free catalytic domain, which is never observed in wild type. These mutant ea D proteins retain protease activity, as determined by the production of processed Spatzle both in the embryo and in cultured Drosophila cells. These experiments suggest that the ea D mutations interfere with inactivation of catalytic Easter, and imply that this negative regulation is essential for generating the wild-type shape of the Dorsal gradient.
Implications of the Anemia of Chronic Disorders in Patients Anticipating Radiotherapy

ABSTRACT The authors assess prevalence of anemia in a population of patients anticipating radiation therapy. They also characterize the anemia and determine its relationship to stage, inflammation, and mortality. Blood counts were recorded for 81 of 103 patients surveyed during August 1988. When available, iron studies were used to characterize anemia. Stage, treatment, and 3-year mortality were obtained from tumor registry data. Many patients had anemia of chronic disorders. Therefore, 16 adults with solid tumors anticipating radiation therapy were evaluated with complete blood counts, iron studies, chemistries, erythropoietin, and measures of inflammation. Of 81 patients, more than half were anemic. Thirteen of 17 patients with anemia and with iron studies had anemia of chronic disorders. Two-thirds of patients with anemia had advanced eancer, versus one third of patients without anemia. Twice as many patients with anemia compared with those without anemia died within 3 years. Of 16 patients studied intensively, 4 had anemia, advanced cancer, and died within 6 months, whereas all 12 patients without anemia lived longer. The 4 patients with anemia had an elevated iron index (7.95), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (86 mm per hour), and C-reactive protein (4.48 mg/dL) versus those of 12 patients without anemia and 10 volunteers. Erythropoietin levels were not different significantly among groups. Anemia indicated a poor prognosis during and before radiotherapy, and anemia of chronic disorders was associated with advanced cancer and a short survival rate.
The Donington Cast List: Innovation and Tradition in Parish Guild Drama in Early Elizabethan Lincolnshire

The Donington cast list (Lincolnshire Archives, Donington-in-Holland, Parish, 23/7) is a one-page fragment dating from around 1563 that lists the dramatis personae and the names of the performers for a lost parish play. The purpose of this article is to provide an accurate transcription of the document and to determine what it has to tell us about the nature of the play, the reasons for its performance, and the identities and social relations of the actors. The list of roles indicates that the play dramatized a unique subject, namely, the biblical story of Nebuchadnezzar and the Three Hebrew Children. In terms of both theme and stagecraft, the work apparently resembled the typical parish plays of rural Lincolnshire, but one can also argue that the story of the rescue of the young martyrs from persecution may have been understood as an oblique commentary on the controversial religious policies of Edward VI or Elizabeth. Finally, archival evidence indicates that the play was produced by a prosperous group of parishioners with many of the characteristics of a religious guild. Although such guilds had been abolished and their properties confiscated by the Chantries Act of 1547, the Donington cast list demonstrates that parish drama, and the guilds that sponsored it, may have been far more resilient than traditional histories suggest.
Optimal procurement policies under price-dependent demand

Abstract We study a periodic-review inventory model where, in addition to the procurement quantity, price is also a decision variable. We develop a model where demand in each period is a random variable having a price- and, possibly, period-dependent probability distribution, with the expected demand decreasing in price. The model includes price limits and fixed ordering costs in addition to unit procurement holding and shortage costs. We study the optimal policies which jointly maximize the discounted expected profit over a finite planning horizon. We characterize the form of the optimal procurement policy under a general price–demand relationship and give a sufficient condition for it to be ( s n , S n ) type. We also discuss some special cases and extensions to the basic model, including the infinite horizon problem.
Case report 804

The summary, the case of a 15-year-old boy with osteosarcoma of the clavicle is presented, prompted by the rarity of primary tumors at that site and by this particular tumor's unusual roentgenographic appearance, which suggested a benign process. A review of the literature on clavicular tumors and malignancies is provided. Though extremely rare, primary tumors of the clavicle are more likely to be malignant than benign. This suggests tht serious consideration should be given to malignancy in the face of an apparently aggressive lesion of the clavicle, and perhaps even a benign-appearing tumor as well.
Centralized and distributed multisensor integration with uncertainties in communication networks

Algorithms in which each sensor is represented in a local coordinate system and the communication networks between sensors have uncertainties are considered. The algorithms are general and can be applied to various integration tasks. The effects of the communication network uncertainties are minimized in the local estimation and central fusion processes. In the centralized multisensor integration, the local measurements and local measurement models are transferred to the central coordinate system and the optimal integration is obtained at the central process. In contrast, the local measurements, together with the previous central estimate transmitted from the communication network, are locally processed in the distributed multisensor integration algorithm. Because the distributed algorithm uses the communication networks twice, more errors are introduced, so that when the uncertainties are large, the centralized algorithm is preferred. Although the algorithms are developed in the three-dimensional coordinate system, with straightforward extension they can be applied to N-dimensional coordinate systems. >
Cloning and expression of the chicken protein tyrosine phosphatase SH-PTP2

SH-PTP2 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase which contains two src homology 2 (SH2) domains. A partial cDNA clone encoding chicken SH-PTP2 was generated by RT-PCR and used as a probe to screen several chicken cDNA libraries. Two overlapping cDNA clones were identified and the nucleotide sequence of chicken SH-PTP2 containing the entire protein-coding region was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence shares 98% and 94% identity, respectively with the corresponding human and Xenopus proteins. Northern and Western blot analyses show that chicken SH-PTP2 is expressed ubiquitously like those of mammals and Xenopus. This suggests that chicken SH-PTP2 may have analogous biological roles to those of mammals.
A Train Passenger with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Evidence of Limited Transmission During Travel

In January 1996, smear- and culture-positive tuberculosis (TB) was diagnosed for a 22-year-old black man after he had traveled on two U.S. passenger trains (29.1 hours) and a bus (5.5 hours) over 2 days. To determine if transmission had occurred, passengers and crew were notified of the potential exposure and instructed to undergo a tuberculin skin test (TST). Of the 240 persons who completed screening, 4 (2%) had a documented TST conversion (increase in induration of > or = 10 mm between successive TSTs), 11 (5%) had a single positive TST (> or = 10 mm), and 225 (94%) had a negative TST (< 10 mm). For two persons who underwent conversion, no other risk factors for a conversion were identified other than exposure to the ill passenger during train and/or bus travel. These findings support limited transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a potentially highly infectious passenger to other persons during extended train and bus travel.
The Global HIV/AIDS Pandemic, Structural Inequalities, and the Politics of International Health

In spite of recent advances in treatment and care available in most developed countries, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to spread throughout the developing world.Structural inequalities continue to fuel the epidemic in all societies, and HIV infection has increasingly been concentrated in the poorest, most marginalized sectors of society in all countries. The relationship between HIV/AIDS and social and economic development has therefore become a central point in policy discussions about the most effective responses to the epidemic.Important progress has been made in recent United Nations initiatives. Maintaining long-term commitment to initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is especially important in the wake of September 11 and ensuing events, which threaten to redirect necessary resources to seemingly more urgent security concerns.