cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of the stability of methanol-fueled vehicle emissions in Tedlar bags

Tedlar bags are often used to collect vehicle exhaust emissions samples. Using 60-L Tedlar bags and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the authors have conducted a series of experiments in an effort to determine whether M85-fueled vehicle emission samples are stable over a period of time. They report here a minimum methanol and formaldehyde percent recovery after a period of 6 h of 96% and 95%, respectively. After a period of 25 h, the minimum methanol recovery was 82% and the formaldehyde recovery was 81%. To determine whether the losses observed in the methanol and formaldehyde concentrations were dramatically affected by the presence of other components in vehicle exhaust, bags containing only methanol or formaldehyde standards were examined. Over a 6-h period, the minimum methanol and formaldehyde percent recoveries were 97% and 96%, respectively. After a period of approximately 25h, the minimum amount of methanol recovered was 91%, and the minimum formaldehyde recovered was 87%. These results clearly suggest that the samples are stable in large Tedlar bags for at least 6 h.
Prostate Adenocarcinoma Metastasis and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report of Coexisting Thyroid Tumors

Metastasis to the thyroid is a relatively unusual clinical entity with prostatic carcinoma metastasizing to the thyroid rarely reported in the literature. We present a case of an 87 year old male who underwent total thyroidectomy for a 2 cm papillary thyroid carcinoma with a second neighboring hypercellular focus suggestive of follicular variant papillary carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining was negative for thyroglobulin and positive for PSA, indicating a metastatic focus of prostate cancer. We report a case of a patient with prostate cancer metastasis to the thyroid near a coexisting papillary thyroid carcinoma. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jcs77w
MANAGING INCENTIVES IN A POVERTY REDUCTION PROGRAM

The problem of reducing poverty is posed as a problem of determining and managing incentives. Four incentives are proposed that appear to be relevant to the reduction of poverty. They are introduced and explored from an economic point of view. A proposal encompassing these incentives is developed in which specific dollar amounts are proposed. Then some estimates of the costs, effects, benefits, and sensitivities to changes in parameters are made.
Express at Any Cost? Designing a Pilot Project for Improving Turn-Around Time for ILL of Dissertations

Through an examination of fill time data for dissertations requested through traditional ILL (Interlibrary Loan) and the Dissertation Express document delivery service, this article investigates the cost-effectiveness of using a commercial document supplier for obtaining dissertations. Vastly improved results, with moderate additional cost, were achieved by using Dissertation Express for obtaining dissertations.
Spatial variability of mercury emissions from soils in a southeastern US urban environment

We quantified gaseous mercury (Hg0) fluxes over soil surfaces in an urban setting during the winters of 2003 and 2004 across the metropolitan area of Tuscaloosa, AL. The objective was to provide a first inspection of the local spatial variability of mercury flux in an urban area. Flux sampling took place on bare, undisturbed, soil surfaces within four evenly spaced landuse areas of Tuscaloosa: industrial, commercial, residential, and mixed landuse. Median total gaseous mercury fluxes (ng/m2 h) from each site were as follows: 4.45 (residential site), 1.40 (industrial site), 2.14 (commercial site), and 0.87 (mixed landuse site). Using non-parametric statistical analyses, the residential and mixed landuse sites were found to be statistically different from the overall median flux. Landuse and soil type are the suspected factors primarily controlling the observed spatially variable fluxes. The presence of statistically different fluxes over soil surfaces on a local scale in this preliminary study warrants additional investigation, particularly during the spring and summer seasons when terrestrial mercury emission is the highest. Providing such information will help develop better estimates of mercury emission from urban areas and, ultimately, lead to more accurate and useful spatially relevant inventories.
A Note on Finding the Optimal Allocation Between a Risky Stock and a Risky Bond

The allocation of financial assets among securities with different levels of risk is an essential topic in the study, analysis, and strategic use of derivative securities and markets. In a recent paper, Browne (1999) determined the optimal allocation strategy for dividing investments between a risky stock and a risky bond. In this note, Browne's equation determining the optimal strategy is studied and some methods are described for solving it. In addition, some useful rules-of-thumb, computational methods, and approximation techniques are presented. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 21:1181–1196, 2001
Biopsy accuracy in identifying unilateral prostate cancer depends on prostate weight.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association between prostate weight and the diagnostic performance of routine biopsy schemes in detecting unilateral prostate cancer (PCa) that may be amenable to focal therapy. Methods and Materials Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy at Duke University Medical Center from 1990 to 2007. The cohort was dichotomized according to prostate weight (≤40 and >40 g) and further divided by biopsy scheme: 6–9 (sextant) and 10–20 cores (extended). Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated within each prostate weight group and compared between biopsy schemes. Results A total of 859 patients were included in the study. Patients with prostates >40 g were generally older and had higher PSA levels ( P P = 0.036, respectively). Unilateral disease was more common in prostates >40 g both on biopsy (69% vs. 60%, P = 0.009) and on final pathology (21% vs. 14%, P = 0.017) despite larger total tumor volume (6.1 vs. 4.8 cc, P P = 0.003). Overall, extended biopsy schemes performed better than sextant but the benefit was statistically significant only in prostates >40 g. Conclusions Despite having higher tumor volumes, men with prostate weight >40 g were more likely to have unilateral PCa than those with smaller prostates. In prostates >40 g, increasing the number of cores harvested at biopsy increased the diagnostic performance for detecting cancer laterality. Therefore, our results suggest that the benefit of more extensive tissue sampling may be higher in larger prostates compared with smaller ones when selecting candidates for prostate hemiablation.
A neighboring-inhibition model for stomate patterning.

Abstract The patternization of stomate distribution was investigated in the first leaf of the sporophyte of the fern Dryopteris thelypteris and in the leaves of the jade plant Crassula argentae . In the fern leaf, stomates arise over a period of 1.1 days (26.4 hr) and attain a frequency of 0.186 of the epidermal cells while in the jade plant the formative period is over only 0.8 days (19.2 hr) and stomates reach a frequency of 0.090 of the epidermal cells. A computer model was devised to simulate the appearance of stomates by an induction process for a new stomate which then inhibits contiguous cells from becoming stomates. The validity of the model was demonstrated in that it gave values for stomate and stomate cluster frequencies upon calculating the frequency of free cells. For the fern leaf, the model required 57 iteration intervals, six iterations for the time from stomate induction until the adjacent cells were inhibited (a period of induction plus inhibitions), and an induction rate of 0.02 cells per time interval. From these theoretical values and the measured period of 26.4 hr when stomates arise during leaf development, a period of induction/inhibitions is calculated as 2.7 hr. In the model for the jade plant, 81 iteration intervals are required with six iterations per period of induction/inhibitions along with an induction rate of 0.002 cells per interation interval. These values give the duration for a period of induction/inhibitions in jade of 1.4 hr. This study describes the patterning process of stomate formation by an explicit, mathematical algorithm, and, from measurements of actual leaves, the various periods in the model can be assigned real time values.
Implementing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in an Army Corps of Engineers' Water Quality Testing Laboratory:

Today's environmental laboratory faces numerous challenge such as enhanced regulatory oversight, decreasing costs per tests, and numerous laboratory accreditations that are offered and/or required....
An updated assessment of the risk of radiation-induced neoplasia after radiosurgery of arteriovenous malformations.

Objective Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a minimally invasive technique employed in the treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Patients experience a low incidence of complications following treatment. As long-term follow-up data became available, some late adverse effects have been reported. However, the exact incidence of radiosurgically induced neoplasia is not known. Methods At University of Virginia, imaging and clinical outcomes of 1309 patients with intracranial AVMs treated with GKRS have been reviewed. AVM patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) every 6 months for 2 years and then annually following GKRS. When the nidi were no longer visible on magnetic resonance imaging, angiography was performed to verify the obliteration of AVMs. Patients were thereafter recommended to continue MRIs every 3–5 years to detect any long-term complications. A subset of 812, 358, and 78 patients had neuroimaging and clinical follow-up of at least 3, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Results The authors report the occurrence of 3 cases of radiosurgically induced neoplasia. More than 10 years after GKRS, 2 patients were found to have an incidental, uniformly enhancing, dural-based mass lesion near the site of the AVM with radiologic characteristics of a meningioma. As the lesions have shown no evidence of mass effect, they are being followed with serial neuroimaging. A third patient was found to have neurologic decline from a tumor in immediate proximity to an AVM previously treated with proton beam radiosurgery and GKRS. The patient underwent resection, demonstrating a high-grade glioma. The 3-, 10-, and 15-year incidence of a radiation-induced tumor is 0% (0/812), 0.3% (1/358), and 2.6% (2/78), respectively. The cumulative rate of radiosurgically induced tumors in those with a minimum of 10-year follow-up is 3 in 4692 person-years or 64 in 100,000 person-years. Thus, patients had a 0.64% chance of developing a radiation-induced tumor within ≥10 years following GKRS. If we calculate rates based on a subset of 78 patients with neuroimaging and clinical follow-up of ≤15 years, the cumulative rate was 3.4%. These are the second, third, and fifth reported cases of radiation-induced tumors following GKRS for an AVM. Conclusions Although radiosurgery is generally considered a safe modality in the treatment of AVMs, radiation-induced neoplasia is a rare but serious adverse event. The possibility of GKRS-induced tumors underscores the necessity of long-term follow-up in AVM patients receiving radiosurgery.
One Beige Crayon: Rethinking the Social Construction of Racism

A predominantly White group of 19 men and women educators in a graduate seminar on qualitative research methods explored the social construction of race through experiential learning of the interview method. They interviewed a primarily Black group of fellow educators, staff members, and students in their own schools. This critical analysis of students' struggles with knowledge construction reveals how educators talk about race and racism in the context of their personal and professional lives. The data suggested six ways in which race conflated with racism. In addition, racism was constructed as an exclusively Black and White experience and social agenda in public education.
A Trimming Stage for Stereomicroscopes

Scott and Thurston (1975) have described a simple, useful modification of ultratome specimen holders which permits transillumination of plastic embedded specimens for hand trimming.1 We have refined their original concept by fabricating a Lucite chuck-mounting disc which, in addition to allowing transillumination of embedded specimens, may also be rotated 360 degrees for specimen orientation or locked in place in any desired trimming position. When used in circular stage mounts of stereomicroscopes such as the Nikon SMZ-10, the disc transforms the microscope into a highly effective trimming instrument.
Low temperature 93Nb nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in Nb and NbMo alloys

Abstract High accuracy 93 Nb nuclear spin-lattice relaxation data are presented for Nb, Nb 0.75 Mo 0.25 , and Nb 0.70 Mo 0.30 between 1.7 and 4.2 K. ( T 1 T ) −1 is independent of temperature and scales as the square of the density of states at the Fermi level.
Alpha enhancement and the likelihood of an alpha experience.

The following experiment was conducted as a preliminary investigation of the influence of the following four variables on the likelihood of having an “alpha experience” during brief alpha training: I) Subject Type (unpaid Volunteers versus Students required to participate in a psychology experiment), 2) suggestion (Alpha Experience Set or no set), 3) the degree of alpha enhancement achieved, and 4) Sex. Dependent measures were four different indexes of the degree of alpha enhancement based on an integrated amplitude measure of alpha strength, and the ratings of subjects' post-session subjective reports (SRs) on a 0 to 6 scale, where “6” is most like an alpha experience. Forty-eight (N=6) participants trained for 5 6-min enhancement periods alternated with 5 2-min rest periods, both with eyes open. None of the independent variables had significant effects on the SRs, with the exception of a three-way interaction, which was interpreted as due to the effects of an uncontrolled fifth variable: the degree of experienced success. Most important, although several persons did have alpha experiences, none of the four enhancement measures were significantly correlated with the SR ratings. In fact, all four of the correlations were negative. These results demonstrate that in our experimental situation the likelihood of an alpha experience is unrelated to the degree of alpha enhancement.
Monitoring of Molecular Transformations with Optical Microresonators

Optical microcavities are used to monitor molecular structural changes in biological photochrome Bacteriorhodopsin. The observations establish microcavities as a sensitive optical spectroscopy probe for studying dynamic changes of conformations and dipole orientations in molecular systems.
QUASI-STATIONARY SOLITONS FOR LANGMUIR WAVES IN PLASMAS WITH FULL NONLINEARITY

The quasi-stationary solitons for Langmuir waves in plasmas is obtained in this paper. This model is governed by the perturbed nonlinear Schrodinger's equation with cubic and power law nonlinearities. The perturbation terms are considered with full nonlinearity. A new generalized definition of the phase of the soliton is introduced. This leads to additional information at higher order level which soliton perturbation theory fails to capture.
Thickness distribution in cleaved single crystal films

Abstract Statistical studies of films cleaved from a single crystal of the layered material Bi 8 Te 7 S 5 show a strong tendency not to cleave in the thickness of three quintuple layers — 15 atoms.
β-Lactam formation by a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase during antibiotic biosynthesis

Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases are giant enzymes composed of modules that house repeated sets of functional domains, which select, activate and couple amino acids drawn from a pool of nearly 500 potential building blocks. The structurally and stereochemically diverse peptides generated in this manner underlie the biosynthesis of a large sector of natural products. Many of their derived metabolites are bioactive such as the antibiotics vancomycin, bacitracin, daptomycin and the β-lactam-containing penicillins, cephalosporins and nocardicins. Penicillins and cephalosporins are synthesized from a classically derived non-ribosomal peptide synthetase tripeptide (from δ-(L-α-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase). Here we report an unprecedented non-ribosomal peptide synthetase activity that both assembles a serine-containing peptide and mediates its cyclization to the critical β-lactam ring of the nocardicin family of antibiotics. A histidine-rich condensation domain, which typically performs peptide bond formation during product assembly, also synthesizes the embedded four-membered ring. We propose a mechanism, and describe supporting experiments, that is distinct from the pathways that have evolved to the three other β-lactam antibiotic families: penicillin/cephalosporins, clavams and carbapenems. These findings raise the possibility that β-lactam rings can be regio- and stereospecifically integrated into engineered peptides for application as, for example, targeted protease inactivators.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction of Alu polymorphic insertions

Alu sequences are present in humans in excess of 500,000 copies per haploid genome and represent the largest family of short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs). These mobile genetic elements are ancestrally derived from the 7SL RNA gene and move throughout the genomes of primates by retroposition. Polymorphic Alu insertions have proven to be useful for population studies, paternity determinations and forensic applications. Additionally, a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been established to examine these polymorphisms. In the present study, we have applied the technique of multiplex polymerase chain reaction to the Alu polymorphic system. Duplex and triplex PCR reactions were performed for the analysis of five different Alu polymorphic loci in different combinations. This study represents a starting point for further experimentation to improve and eventually optimize Alu multiplex PCR.
Derivation of a target level of lead in soil at residential sites corresponding to a de minimis contribution to blood lead concentration

Inability to define either a clear toxicologic threshold or a stochastic all-or-nothing (cancer-type) response model for the noncarcinogenic effects of lead (Pb) in young children has posed difficulties for derivation of risk-based target levels of Pb in residential soil. Approaches based on empirical relationships between Pb levels in blood (PbB) and Pb in soil suffer from inability to specify the numerous variables which mediate between these two quantities. Approaches based on achieving a toxicologically de minimis target PbB level (e.g., 10 micrograms/dl) are subject to large uncertainty in estimating the distribution of existing PbB levels in a specific exposed population and in estimating the relative contribution from nonsoil sources of Pb. The multisource contribution to the distribution of PbB makes this approach unsuited for determination of a target Pb level in a single medium. An alternative approach is presented based on achieving a de minimis contribution to PbB (delta PbB) from soil. Contributions to Pb exposure from outdoor soil and indoor soil-derived dust (ISDD) are modeled and appropriate values are suggested for input parameters. This analysis predicts that chronic exposure of young children to 200 micrograms Pb/g (ppm) in residential soil will result in a delta PbB of 2 micrograms Pb/dl blood. This concentration of Pb in soil may provide an appropriate target level for residential soil when other significant sources of Pb exposure are present. In other cases, this approach can be used to predict a soil concentration of Pb corresponding to an appropriate non-de minimis delta PbB.
Automated Generation of Linkage Loop Equations for Planar 1-DoF Linkages, Demonstrated up to 8-Bar

Copyright © 2014 by ASME. In this paper we present an algorithm that automatically creates the linkage loop equations for planar 1-DoF linkages of any topology with rotating joints, demonstrated up to 8-bars. The algorithm derives the linkage loop equations from the linkage graph by establishing a cycle basis through a single common edge. Divergent and convergent loops are identified and used to establish the fixed angles of the ternary and higher links. Results demonstrate the automated generation of the linkage loop equations for the five distinct 6-bar mechanisms, Watt I-II and Stephenson I-III, as well as the seventy one distinct 8-bar mechanisms. The resulting loop equations enable the automatic derivation of the Dixon determinant for linkage kinematic analysis of the position of every possible assembly configuration. The loop equations also enable the automatic derivation of the Jacobian for singularity evaluation and tracking of a particular assembly configuration over the desired range of input angles. The methodology provides the foundation for the automated configuration analysis of every topology and every assembly configuration of 1-DoF linkages with rotating joints up to 8-bar. The methodology also provides a foundation for automated configuration analysis of 10-bar and higher linkages.
Isolation and characterization of a human U3 small nucleolar RNA gene.

Abstract U3 RNA is an abundant, capped, small nucleolar RNA, implicated in the processing of preribosomal RNA. In this study, a DNA clone coding for U3 RNA (clone U3-1) was isolated from a human genomic library and characterized. The DNA sequence was identical to that of human U3 RNA isolated from HeLa cells. The flanking regions showed homology to the enhancer, promoter, and 3′-processing signal found in U1 and U2 snRNA genes. Further, the recently identified “U3 box” (GATTGGCTGCN10TATGTTAATTATGG) of rat U3 genes (Stroke and Weiner, (1985) J. Mol. Biol. 184 , 183– 193), was also found in the human U3 gene. This gene was transcribed in Xenopus oocytes; it is the first cloned true human U3 gene.
Blind location and separation of callers in a natural chorus using a microphone array

Male frogs and toads call in dense choruses to attract females. Determining the vocal interactions and spatial distribution of the callers is important for understanding acoustic communication in such assemblies. It has so far proved difficult to simultaneously locate and recover the vocalizations of individual callers. Here a microphone-array technique is developed for blindly locating callers using arrival-time delays at the microphones, estimating their steering-vectors, and recovering the calls with a frequency-domain adaptive beamformer. The technique exploits the time-frequency sparseness of the signal space to recover sources even when there are more sources than sensors. The method is tested with data collected from a natural chorus of Gulf Coast toads (Bufo valliceps) and Northern cricket frogs (Acris crepitans). A spatial map of locations accurate to within a few centimeters is constructed, and the individual call waveforms are recovered for nine individual animals within a 9×9 m2. These methods work well in low reverberation when there are no reflectors other than the ground. They will require modifications to incorporate multi-path propagation, particularly for the estimation of time-delays.
Eating behaviors, nutritional status, and menstrual function in elite female adolescent volleyball players.

Abstract Nutritional status, eating behaviors and menstrual function was examined in 23 nationally ranked female adolescent volleyball players using a health/weight/ dieting/menstrual history questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Nutrient and energy intakes (El) and energy expenditure (EE) were determined by 3-d weighed food records and activity logs. Iron (Fe), vitamins C, B12, and Folate status were assessed using serum and whole blood. Mean El (2248 ± 414kcal/d) was less than EE (2815 ± 306kcal/d). Mean carbohydrate (5.4 ±1.0g/kg/d) and protein (1.1±0.3g/kg/d) intakes were below recommended levels for highly active women. Mean intakes for folate, Fe, Ca, Mg, and Zn were less than the respective RDAs/DRIs and almost 50% of the athletes were consuming less than the RDAs/DRIs for the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Three athletes presented with Fe deficiency anemia (Hb J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1293–1296 .
Stimulation of biologically active zones (BAZ's) in porous media by electron-acceptor injection

Abstract A methodology involving laboratory-column experiments and computer modeling was utilized to investigate the formation of denitrifying biologically active zones (BAZ's) in a porous medium when a limiting electron (NO 3 − ) is injected along the flow path. Laboratory experiments conducted in a unique one-dimensional porous-medium column demonstrated the relationship between lateral injection of NO 3 − and the location and extent of BAZ's when acetate was present as the sole carbon source. The phenomena of BAZ formation and the utilization of limiting and non-limiting substrates were expressed quantitatively in a computer model that coupled principles of one-dimensional solute transport and steady-state biofilm kinetics. A new, highly efficient solution algorithm was developed to solve directly for the steady-state profiles of the limiting substrate and biofilm mass, as well as for the non-limiting substrate. The predictive ability of the model was verified by successful simulation of particular laboratory experiments using independently determined kinetic parameters for acetate.
On an augmented plane wave method with energy-independent matrix elements

Abstract It is shown that one can set up a composite wave method with energy independent matrix elements. This is accomplished by separating out the augmenting components for the lower l-values and including these as additional basis functions. The resulting convenience of diagonalizing only once per k-point is, however, obtained at the price of increased matrix size.
A more general cell model for added mass in two-phase flow

Abstract The issue of added mass has often been misinterpreted and it is an important issue in the context of modeling bubbly flows where the added mass of the fluid dominates the inertia associated with bubble acceleration. This paper constitutes a thorough effort at identifying the forms the added mass coefficient, C , can take under various conditions. The paper can be divided into two sections: the first generalizes the cell model used by Zuber (1964, Chem. Engng Sci. 19 , 897–903) and obtains various forms of C relating to a parameter λ, the “external impedance”. The versions of C suggested by Zuber (1964) and Wallis (1989, Multiphase Sci. Technol. 5 , 239–361) become two limiting cases; the second develops an argument in terms of the equation of motions due to Wallis (1989) to arrive at the added mass, and its dependence on the boundary conditions. For the few sample cases studied, the characteristics of boundaries are found to be described by λ. Therefore, a general link between the added mass in various two-phase flow situations and one sphere moving inside a concentric shell is established.
Addressing CAM Wear and Follower Jump in Single-Dwell CAM-Follower Systems With an Adjustable Modified Trapezoidal Acceleration CAM Profile

Presented is a modified trapezoidal cam profile with adjustable forward and backward acceleration. The profile is suitable for single-dwell cam and follower applications. The main benefit of the profile is that it allows cam designers to choose easily a value for the maximum forward or maximum backward acceleration to achieve design objectives. An additional benefit of the profile is that it has a continuous jerk curve. Follower acceleration is one of the primary factors affecting cam wear and follower jump, two main concerns of cam designers. Large forward acceleration against a load creates cam-follower interface forces that can cause excessive wear. Backward acceleration tends to reduce the cam-follower interface force, and if the backward acceleration is sufficiently large, separation between the cam and follower (“follower jump”) can occur. The cam profile presented in this paper gives cam designers an easy way to adjust the maximum forward or backward acceleration to prevent these problems.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Distribution and metabolism of Cyclo (His-Pro): A new member of the neuropeptide family

Abstract Cyclo (His-Pro) is a biologically active cyclic dipeptide derived from thyrotropin-releasing hormone by its limited proteolysis. We have developed a specific radioimmunoassay for this cyclic peptide and shown its presence throughout rat and monkey brains. The normal rat brain concentration of cyclo (His-Pro) ranged from 35–61 pmols/brain. The elution profiles of rat brain cyclo (His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity and synthetic radioactive cyclo (His-Pro) following gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography were similar. An analysis of the regional distribution of cyclo (His-Pro) and TRH in rat and monkey brains exhibited no apparent precursor-product relationship. The possible additional factors determining regional differences in the endogenous cyclo (His-Pro) concentrations are discussed. The endogenous levels of brain cyclo (His-Pro) were elevated when rats were made either hypothyroid by surgical thyroidectomy or forced to drink alcohol for six weeks. These studies demonstrate that cyclo (His-Pro) is present throughout the central nervous system in physiologically relevant concentrations which can be modulated by appropriate physiological and pharmacological manipulations. These data in conjunction with earlier reports of multiple biological activities of exogenous cyclo (His-Pro), suggest that endogenous cyclo (His-Pro) is a biologically active peptide and it may play a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator role in the central nervous system.
Humor as a Double‐Edged Sword: Four Functions of Humor in Communication

The compelling power of humor makes it a recurrent topic for research in many fields, including communication. Three theories of humor creation emerge in humor research: the relief theory, which focuses on physiological release of tension; the incongruity theory, singling out violations of a rationally learned pattern; and the superiority theory, involving a sense of victory or triumph. Each theory helps to explain the creation of different aspects of humor, but each runs into problems explaining rhetorical applications of humor. Because each theory of humor origin tries to explain all instances of humor, the diverging communication effects of humor remain unexplained. Humor's enactment leads to 4 basic functions of humor in communication. Two tend to unite communicators: the identification and the clarification functions. The other 2 tend to divide 1 set of communicators from others: the enforcement and differentiation functions. Exploration of these effects-based functions of humor will clarify understanding of its use in messages. Humor use unites communicators through mutual identification and clarification of positions and values, while dividing them through enforcement of norms and differentiation of acceptable versus unacceptable behaviors or people. This paradox in the functions of humor in communication as, alternately, a unifier and divider, allows humor use to delineate social boundaries.
Regional Forecasting of the Demand for Fossil Fuels by Electric Utilities

The possibility of interfuel substitution in the generation of electrical energy exists. Given this fact, a demand model for various fossil fuels by electric utilities in the United States is developed. Using regional data, the results suggest that the responsiveness of the demand for coal, residual fuel oil, distillate fuel oil, and natural gas by electric utilities to relative price changes is significant. In a forecasting setting, the demand model performs remarkably well when actual and forecast values for 1979 are compared.
Analysis of the efficiency of retrocochlear screening

The auditory brainstem response (ABR), as well as associated audiologic and radiographic studies of 175 patients suspected of having cerebellopontine angle tumors were reviewed. The majority of patients presented with asymmetric hearing loss. Eight acoustic neuromas were identified. All eight had abnormal ABRs. The false-positive rate was 22%. Rollover and acoustic reflex testing played a minimal role in the decision as to whether or not an ABR was ordered and, as a result, are not important in the search for retrocochlear disease. The cost per tumor diagnosed was roughly $7600. A rational approach to tumor screening based on the efficiency and cost of the screening tests, the frequency of abnormal ABRs, and the cost per tumor diagnosed is presented.
Premorbid intellectual functioning, education, and brain size in traumatic brain injury: an investigation of the cognitive reserve hypothesis.

Cognitive reserve theories have been postulated in an attempt to explain individual differences in functional outcome following cerebral insult or disease. These theories suggest that higher education and psychometric intelligence may preserve functional capacity regardless of injury or disease severity. This study investigated cognitive reserve in 25 participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyses. We examined the relationships between total intracranial volume (TICV), ventricle-to-brain ratio (VBR), education level, and standardized testing obtained prior to injury with post-injury cognitive outcome. Participants with lower post-injury IQ scores had significantly lower TICV values, irrespective of injury severity, and experienced significantly greater change in IQ from pre- to post-injury. TICV and education correctly predicted participants' post-injury IQ category (≥ 90 or < 90). However, premorbid standardized testing (PST) scores did not ...
Closed-loop physiological control of the heart.

The heart generates flow and pressure under four major controlling signals: end-diastolic volume (preload), ejection pressure (afterload), heart rate, and contractility. The control mechanism of each of these factors has been clarified by those investigators who first opened the hydraulic loop of circulation, studied the heart in a more or less isolated condition, but then put the acquired knowledge back in a proper perspective of the physiological closed-loop condition. Thus, combining Starling's law of the heart with the role of blood volume for venous return, cardiac surgeons began to use an aggressive infusion scheme for postsurgical patients. Recognition of the beneficial effect of reducing systolic pressure afterload has led cardiologists to carefully synchronized intraaortic balloon counterpulsation and, more recently, to an extensive use of vasodilator therapy. Ventricular pacing appropriately delayed from sensed atrial excitation, or even an automatic defibrillation, is now incorporated in an implantable pacer. The history indicates promising uses of closed-loop physiological control of cardiac contraction, including pharmacological closed-loop control of the contractility in the near future.
The tumor immune microenvironment in octogenarians with stage I non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and has increasingly become a disease of elderly patients. Elderly patients are underrepresented in clinical trials that evaluate treatments for NSCLC. It has been suggested that patients >65 years of age have less robust immune responses to infections, immunizations, and tumors compared with younger patients. With increasing focus and number of immunotherapy clinical trials for NSCLC, we investigated the relationship between patient age and the tumor immune microenvironment in NSCLC. Using tissue microarrays from 1,278 patients with surgically resected Stage I NSCLC (≤65 years [33%], 66–79 years [55%], and ≥80 years [12%]), we determined whether quantitative and qualitative immune cell infiltration in the tumor differed between younger and older patients. Furthermore, we investigated the prognostic value of immune cell infiltration with respect to recurrence in octogenarians. We found that there were no statistically sign...
Detecting mines in minefields with linear characteristics

We consider the problem of detecting minefields using aerial images. A first stage of image processing has reduced the image to a set of points, each one representing a possible mine. Our task is to decide which ones are actual mines. We assume that the minefield consists of approximately parallel rows of mines laid out according to a probability distribution that encourages evenly spaced, linear patterns. The noise points are assumed to be distributed as a Poisson process. We construct a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to estimate the model and obtain posterior probabilities for each point being a mine. The algorithm performs well on several real minefield datasets.
The fine structure of the nuclear envelope in amebae: Alterations following nuclear transplantation

Abstract The effects of nuclear transplantation on ameba nuclear envelopes have been studied. Cells were prepared for electron microscopy at intervals ranging from 15 min to 1 week after operation, and the structure of the nuclear envelope was compared with that of normal unoperated ameba nuclei. Portions of the nuclear envelope of the transplanted nuclei exhibited unusual irregularity in contour, disorganization of the fibrous lamina or honeycomb layer and, less frequently, gaps in the nuclear membranes. It is proposed that the endoplasmic reticulum may participate in the repair of small holes in the nuclear membranes. The role of the fibrous lamina is discussed.
Rice and stinging nettle lectins: Insecticidal activity similar to wheat germ agglutinin

Previous studies have shown that lectins with specificity for GlcNAc residues, when fed in the diet of the cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus maculatus, cause delays in its development. We have begun anin vivo structure activity analysis to determine what molecular features lead to maximum lectin toxicity. Although rice lectin has a four-fold greater agglutinating activity toward mammalian erythrocytes than wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), its biological activity when fed toC. maculatus is similar to WGA. Stinging nettle lectin, a poor agglutinin, isca two to four times less effective than WGA.
A rudimentary epiglottis associated with Pierre Robin sequence

Epiglottis anomaly associated with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a rare occurrence. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first reported case of epiglottic anomaly associated with PRS. Doctors should remain aware of this atypical presentation in a PRS patient, and the presented case highlights the clinical challenges that must be met to ensure effective treatment of the defect in terms of compromised respiration, swallowing and feeding.
Solubilization and partial characterization of homogalacturonan-methyltransferase from microsomal membranes of suspension-cultured tobacco cells.

The transfer of a methyl group from S -adenosyl-l-methionine onto the carboxyl group of α-1,4-linked-galactosyluronic acid residues in the pectic polysaccharide homogalacturonan (HGA) is catalyzed by an enzyme commonly referred to as pectin methyltransferase. A pectin methyltransferase from microsomal membranes of tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) was previously characterized (F. Goubet, L.N. Council, D. Mohnen [1998] Plant Physiol 116: 337–347) and named HGA methyltransferase (HGA-MT). We report the solubilization of HGA-MT from tobacco membranes. Approximately 22% of the HGA-MT activity in total membranes was solubilized by 0.65% (w/v) 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid containing 1 mm dithioerythritol. The addition of phosphatidylcholine and the methyl acceptors HGA or pectin (30% degree of esterification) to solubilized enzyme increased HGA-MT activity to 35% of total membrane-bound HGA-MT activity. Solubilized HGA-MT has a pH optimum of 7.8, an apparent K m for S -adenosyl-l-methionine of 18 μm, and an apparent V max of 0.121 pkat mg −1 of protein. The apparent K m for HGA and for pectin is 0.1 to 0.2 mg mL −1 . Methylated product was solubilized with boiling water and ammonium oxalate, two conditions used to solubilize pectin from the cell wall. The release of 75% to 90% of the radioactivity from the product pellet by mild base treatment showed that the methyl group was incorporated as a methyl ester rather than a methyl ether. The fragmentation of at least 55% to 70% of the radiolabeled product by endopolygalacturonase, and the loss of radioactivity from the product by treatment with pectin methylesterase, demonstrated that the bulk of the methylated product produced by the solubilized enzyme was pectin.
Non-enzymatic transcription of an oligodeoxynucleotide 14 residues long☆

Nonenzymatic synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides up to 14 residues long from 2-MeImpG and 2-MeImpC mononucleotides was demonstrated. The synthesis is primed by 14-mer and 15-mer oligonucleotides d(C3GC3GC3GC2) and d(C3GC3GC3GC3) as templates. The predominant products are a series of 3-prime-5-prime-linked oligonucleotides, complementary to the template, ranging in length from GGC to GGCGGGCGGGCGGG. The 15-mer template directed the synthesis of the same family of products that were formed on the 14-mer template. This finding is explained by the preferential conversion of the dimer GG to GGC rather than to GGG. In the context of molecular evolution, these results suggest that the detailed kinetics of template-directed synthesis could form the basis for the selection of one replicating oligonucleotide from a family of closely related oligonucleotides.
Air Quality Model Evaluation Data for Organics. 1. Bulk Chemical Composition and Gas/Particle Distribution Factors

During the period of September 8−9, 1993, the South Coast Air Basin that surrounds Los Angeles experienced the worst photochemical smog episode in recent years; ozone concentrations exceeded 0.29 ppm 1-h average, and NO_2 concentrations peaked at 0.21 ppm 1-h average. Field measurements were conducted at a five-station air monitoring network to obtain comprehensive data on the identity and concentration of the individual organic compounds present in both the gas and particle phases during that episode. The data will also serve to support future tests of air quality models designed to study organic air pollutant transport and reaction. Air samples taken in stainless steel canisters were analyzed for 141 volatile organic compounds by GC/ECD, GC/FID, and GC/MS; PAN and PPN were measured by GC/ECD; particulate organics collected by filtration were analyzed for total organics and elemental carbon by thermal evolution and combustion and for individual organic compounds by GC/MS; semivolatile organics were analyzed by GC/MS after collection on polyurethane foam cartridges. The present paper describes this experiment and presents the concentrations of major organic compound classes and their relationship to the inorganic pollutants present. At the farthest downwind site studied (Claremont), extensive modification of primary pollutants by atmospheric chemical reactions was evident during the peak photochemical smog period: vapor-phase olefins and aromatics were depleted, the majority of the nitrogen-containing pollutants were present as organic plus inorganic nitrates, the fraction of organics in the particle phase rose to 12.5% (versus 2.6−5.4% at the coast), one fourth of the pollutant-derived nitrogen was in the particle phase, and nearly all of the Cl- had been removed from the particle phase. Of the total nitrate measured at Claremont, on the average only 33.6% was present as organic nitrates, which is a much lower ratio of organic nitrate to total nitrate than has been seen in previous years.
Neurotransmitter receptors in the brain-molecular approaches

Abstract The interactions of the agonists and antagonists of neurotransmitters with their receptors are helping to elucidate the mechanisms of action of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission. In many cases, the agonist ‘sites' differ from the antagonists ‘sites' on a receptor the actual site occupied by a molecule affects the ‘state' of the receptor and therefore its function. Local ionic concentrations can also have further effects on the control exerted by the receptor on synaptic transmission. Hence for research workers in this field the problem is no longer: Will a substance bind to a receptor? Now it is: What is the consequence of the substance binding? Sol Snyder reviews our present state of progress in answering these questions.
Methylprednisolone reduces excitatory amino acid release following experimental spinal cord injury

Administration of methylprednisolone within several hours after injury to the spinal cord has been shown to reduce subsequent impairment in humans and experimental animals. Secondary damage following initial trauma is probably caused in part by the toxicity of released excitatory amino acids. We demonstrate here that methylprednisolone reduces the release of excitatory amino acids following experimental spinal cord injury in rats.
Verification of the SUNY direct normal irradiance model with ground measurements

Abstract The accurate assessment of the Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) component of the solar resource is notoriously difficult due to the higher cost of DNI instrumentation and the much higher requirements on proper maintenance of such instruments. Nonetheless, DNI is the only component relevant to all concentrated power technologies. The evaluation of location-specific DNI variability is of current interest to the renewable energy sector due to the steep ramp rates associated with cloud effects. The present work shows the ability of the SUNY satellite-to-irradiance model in capturing the magnitude and variability of DNI when compared with high quality ground measurements. Long-term ground DNI data is compared against concurrent SUNY DNI values after an extensive data quality control. Redundant measurements at one location enables quantification of the error in the semi-automatic irradiance data quality control. This study demonstrates the general accuracy of SUNY data and quantifies the error in assessing the magnitude and variability of DNI for several different microclimates in California. A location dependent mean bias error of − 6.39% to 14.21% with a correlation coefficient ( ρ ) ranging from ρ = 0.90 to ρ = 0.95 is registered for long-term averages of the SUNY DNI data. Our findings indicate that the SUNY data is a valuable tool to access the DNI variability on a 30-min temporal resolution although an overestimation of small fluctuations at some locations exists. A method to correct for this overestimation of low magnitude variability is described. Overall, the SUNY data is especially important with regards to a lack of high quality ground measured DNI data and the costs associated with maintaining networks of solar instruments. However, a comparison of variability events and Variability Index (VI) on 1-min resolution to 30-min resolution data reveals that the 30-min averages obscure large shares of frequency and amplitude of DNI variability. Values of VI 30 min that are more than six times smaller than VI 1 min can be found within the same data sets.
Minimalist Light Striping for a Mobile Robot

This paper describes an actual laser light striper and associated image processing hardware for use onboard a mobile robot. The sensor is used to locate soda cans in the robot's immediate environment, and to guide the robot toward a suitable grasping position. We explain the design tradeoffs involved in the construction of a portable sensor, present an alignment and approach strategy for grasping objects, and discuss the system's overall performance and limitations.