cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competitive adsorption in model charged protein mixtures: Equilibrium isotherms and kinetics behavior

The competitive adsorption of proteins of different sizes and charges is studied using a molecular theory. The theory enables the study of charged systems explicitly including the size, shape, and charge distributions in all the molecular species in the mixture. Thus, this approach goes beyond the commonly used Poisson–Boltzmann approximation. The adsorption isotherms of the protein mixtures are studied for mixtures of two proteins of different size and charge. The amount of proteins adsorbed and the fraction of each protein is calculated as a function of the bulk composition of the solution and the amount of salt in the system. It is found that the total amount of proteins adsorbed is a monotonically decreasing function of the fraction of large proteins on the bulk solution and for fixed protein composition of the salt concentration. However, the composition of the adsorbed layer is a complicated function of the bulk composition and solution ionic strength. The structure of the adsorb layer depends upon the bulk composition and salt concentration. In general, there are multilayers adsorbed due to the long-range character of the electrostatic interactions. When the composition of large proteins in bulk is in very large excess it is found that the structure of the adsorb multilayer is such that the layer in contact with the surface is composed by a mixture of large and small proteins. However, the second and third layers are almost exclusively composed of large proteins. The theory is also generalized to study the time-dependent adsorption. The approach is based on separation of time scales into fast modes for the ions from the salt and the solvent and slow for the proteins. The dynamic equations are written for the slow modes, while the fast ones are obtained from the condition of equilibrium constrained to the distribution of proteins given by the slow modes. Two different processes are presented: the adsorption from a homogeneous solution to a charged surface at low salt concentration, and large excess of the large proteins in bulk. The second process is the kinetics of structural and adsorption change by changing the salt concentration of the bulk solution from low to high. The first process shows a large overshoot of the large proteins on the surface due to their excess in solution, followed by a surface replacement by the smaller molecules. The second process shows a very fast desorption of the large proteins followed by adsorption at latter stages. This process is found to be driven by large electrostatic repulsions induced by the fast ions from the salt approaching the surface. The relevance of the theoretical predictions to experimental system and possible directions for improvements of the theory are discussed.
Application of computer-assisted mapping to volcanic hazard evaluation of surge eruptions: Vulcano, lipari, and vesuvius

Abstract A previously developed computer-assisted model has been applied to several pyroclastic-surge eruptions at three active volcanoes in Italy. Model hazard maps created for various vent locations, eruption types, and mass production rates reasonably reproduced pyroclastic-surge deposits from several recent eruptions on Vulcano, Lipari, and Vesuvius. Small-scale phreatic eruptions on the island of Vulcano (e.g. the 1727 explosion of Forgia Vecchia) pose a limited but serious threat to the village of Porto. The most dangerous zone affected by this type of eruption follows a NNW fissure system between Fossa and Vulcanello. Moderate-sized eruptions on Vulcano, such as those associated with the present Fossa Crater are a much more serious threat to Porto as well as the entire area within the caldera surrounding the cone. The less frequent surge eruptions on Lipari have been even more violent. The extreme mobility of surges like those produced from Monte Guardia (approx. 20,000 y.b.p.) and Monte Pilato would not only threaten the entire island of Lipari, but also the northern part of neighboring Vulcano. Eruptions at Vesuvius with energy and efficiency similar to that of the May 18, 1980 blast of Mount St. Helens would be still more destructive because of the great initial elevation of the summit vent. In addition, surge eruptions at Vesuvius are generally part of more complex eruption cycles that involve several other types of volcanic phenomena including Plinian fall and pyroclastic flows.
Radiocarbon dating and paleoclimatic significance of subfossil Limicolaria in northwestern Sudan

The discovery, identification, and radiocarbon dating of the large achatinid land snail Limicolaria kambeul chudeaui at six places in northwestern Sudan, north of the 100-mm isohyet, provide convincing evidence that at least 300 mm annual rainfall existed there 6000 yr ago. Since then the rainfall north of ca. 20°N lat in the eastern Sahara has certainly been <300 mm and probably <200 mm. Accelerator mass spectrometry has allowed the organic fraction, presumably conchiolin, to be accurately radiocarbon dated whereas carbonate fractions are ca. 600 yr too old. Comparative studies show the subfossil form, L. k. chudeaui, to be the most primitive in its species complex and to occupy a narrow east-west belt across Africa north of 15°N and west of 35°E. The northern limit of living forms lies within the southern part of the Sahelian zone in forest or forest-savanna. They cannot live in open grassland. Therefore, the distribution of L. k. chudeaui marks the former northern position of this zone during the middle Holocene, indicating a latitudinal shift of at least 5° (500 km).
A Tale of National Disaster

With the closure of the London games, BOA leaders turned their immediate attentions towards capturing British success at the forthcoming 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. A conscious effort to avoid the organizational pitfalls that marred previous Olympic campaigns emerged as a discernible feature of British preparations, as BOA leaders sought to introduce modern and progressive methods of training and preparation. Void of public and governmental financial support, and hindered by fierce squabbling between both the Home-Nations and the various governing bodies of British amateur sport, the participation of a British team in Stockholm, as well as the very existence of the British Olympic movement hung precariously in the balance.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis accompanying immune thrombocytopenia

Retroperitoneal fibrosis represents an idiopathic systemic fibrosing syndrome which leads to the development of progressive hydronephrosis and azotemia (Stewart and Friberg: Southern Medical Journal 77:1185-1187, 1984; Morad et al.: American Journal of Medicine 82:363-366, 1987). Evidence in the literature supports a hypothesis that retroperitoneal fibrosis represents a systemic autoimmune process (Lichon et al.: Journal of Rheumatology 11:373, 374, 1984; Lipman et al.: JAMA 196:204-206, 1966; Littlejohn and Keystone: Journal of Rheumatology 8:665-669, 1981; Katz et al.: American Journal of Clinical Pathology 67:436-439, 1977). We report a case of a patient with retroperitoneal fibrosis, immune thrombocytopenia, presence of antinuclear antibody, and direct Coombs positivity which provides further evidence that retroperitoneal fibrosis is an autoimmune process. Progressive obstructive uropathy related to his fibrosis led to bilateral hydronephrosis and significant renal function impairment. Also, he developed marked immune thrombocytopenia. Treatment with prednisone produced a dramatic response in both platelet count and renal function.
Atmospheric chemistry of hexafluorocyclobutene, octafluorocyclopentene, and hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene

Abstract The relative rate method was used to measure k (Cl + hexafluorocyclobutene) = (8.88 ± 0.69) × 10 −13 , k (Cl + octafluorocyclopentene) = (1.02 ± 0.11) × 10 −12 , k (Cl + hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene) = (7.28 ± 0.99) × 10 −11 , k (OH + hexafluorocyclobutene) = (8.6 ± 1.6) × 10 −14 , k (OH + octafluorocyclopentene) = (1.01 ± 0.16) × 10 −13 , and k (OH + hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene) = (9.64 ± 1.76) × 10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 in 700 Torr N 2 , or air, diluent at 295 K. The atmospheric lifetimes of hexafluorocyclobutene, octafluorocyclopentene, and hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene were estimated to be 135, 104, and 1.1 days, respectively. The 100 year time horizon global warming potentials for hexafluorocyclobutene and octafluorocyclopentene are 42 and 28.
Mechanisms by which eucaryotic genes evolve

This paper reviews our current efforts to understand the evolutionary origin of the ovomucoid gene. Sequence analyses have suggested that introns were present in the primordial ovomucoid gene before birds and mammals diverged, about three hundred million years ago. Our work suggests that the present ovomucoid gene has evolved from a primordial ovomucoid gene by two separate intragenic duplications followed by the addition of a final segment which codes for a secretory signal sequence. The three domains of the secreted peptide and also the signal sequence, are constructed by an apparent assembly of exons which code for individual peptide segments. The exact position of introns within the ovomucoid gene has been defined and the results support the theory that introns separate gene segments that code for functional domains of proteins and provide insight into the manner by which eucaryotic genes were constructed during the process of evolution.
Group V secretory PLA2 regulates TLR2-dependent eicosanoid generation in mouse mast cells through amplification of ERK and cPLA2α activation

Mast cells may be activated through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for the dose- and time-dependent release of eicosanoids. However, the signaling mechanisms of TLR-dependent rapid eicosanoid generation are not known. We previously reported a role for group V secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in regulating phagocytosis of zymosan and the ensuing eicosanoid generation in mouse resident peritoneal macrophages, suggesting a role for the enzyme in innate immunity. In the present study, we have used gene knockout mice to define an essential role for MyD88 and cytosolic PLA2α in TLR2-dependent eicosanoid generation. Furthermore, in mast cells lacking group V secretory PLA2, the time course of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and of cPLA2α was markedly truncated, leading to attenuation of eicosanoid generation in response to stimulation through TLR2, but not through c-kit or FceRI. These findings provide the first dissection of the mechanisms of TLR-dependent rapid eicosanoid generation, which is MyD88-dependent, requires cPLA2α, and is amplified by group V sPLA2 through its regulation of the sequential phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 and cPLA2α. The findings support the suggestion that group V sPLA2 regulates innate immune responses.
Spin-dependent reaction mechanism in 46Ti(d, p)47Ti from proton-γ correlation

Abstract The γ-decays of the states in 47 Ti at 157 keV and 1547 keV have been studied following the 46 Ti(d, p) 47 Ti reaction at 5.0 MeV incident energy. Protons were detected at 0° with a semiconductor detector. The angular correlations of the γ-rays with the reaction protons were measured. The E2 M1 mixing ratios of the γ-decays and the population ratios of the m = 3 2 to the m = 1 2 substates were deduced. From the non-zero population of the m = 3 2 substate it was concluded that a spin-flip mechanism exists in the 46 Ti(d, p) 47 Ti stripping reaction.
Beam modes of vibration of a thin cylindrical shell flexibly supported and immersed in water inside of a coaxial cylindrical container of slightly larger radius

Abstract The beam modes of a flange-supported core-support barrel, immersed in water, are determined when the motion is confined by the surrounding reactor vessel. The narrow gap between the inner shell and the outer rigid container is responsible for a substantial increase in the virtual mass of the shell, due to motion of the entrained water. The first four natural frequencies are determined in the ‘beam’ approximation.
Analysis of low-temperature spin dynamics in a diluted Heisenberg antiferromagnet on A. h.c.p. lattice : Zn1-XMnxSe

Abstract An approximate theory of the low-temperature spin dynamics in the h.c.p. (wurtzite) phase of the diluted magnetic semiconductor Zn 1− x Mn x Se is outlined. The approach is based on an analysis of the spin wave dispersion in hcp system with Type III antiferromagnetic long range order. By taking a hexagonal average of the spin wave frequency, an approximate expression is obtained for the position of the one-magnon peak in the inelastic neutron scattering spectrum in the presence of short range Type III order. Estimates of the nearest and next-nearest neighbor exchange integrals are obtained by fitting the measured peak positions to the formula. A preliminary analysis of the data from two k points taken from a sample with x = 0.55 indicates that the nearest-neighbor exchange integral takes on a value similar to that in the light doped f.c.c. (zinc blende) phase.
Selenium accumulation in mammals exposed to contaminated California irrigation drainwater.

Abstract In May 1984, 332 mammals of 10 species were collected at Kesterson Reservoir (San Joaquin Valley, Merced Co., CA), which had received selenium-laden irrigation drainwater, and at the nearby Volta Wildlife Area, which had not. The study concentrated on the California vole ( Microtus californicus ); 88 were taken at Kesterson, 89 at Volta. Mean selenium concentrations in livers were as much as 522 times higher at Kesterson. There were species-to-species differences at Kesterson; higher selenium concentrations occurred in carnivorous species and/or species that feed on foods closely linked to pond water. There were also pond-to-pond differences at Kesterson; drainwater historically was delivered to Ponds 1 and 2, where concentrations in 1984 were higher, with subsequent flow to other ponds, where they were lower. Whereas none of 50 adult female voles from Kesterson was pregnant, 12 of 41 (29%) from Volta were pregnant. However, this cessation of reproductive activity at Kesterson was probably not due to selenium toxicity but could have resulted because drying conditions at Kesterson forced voles to a seed diet earlier than at Volta. One malformation was found among five embryonic litters of three species from Kesterson. Mammals seem much less susceptible to selenium-induced embryonic abnormalities than birds. No adverse impacts of selenium on wild mammals were demonstrated; however, some sensitive species might have been extirpated from Kesterson before this study began. In addition, high concentrations in small mammal species at Kesterson may threaten predatory birds and mammals that feed on them, with the endangered San Joaquin kit fox ( Vulpes macrotis mutica ) of particular concern.
Some observations on atomic independent-particle models

The two principal ways of determining the pair of parameters characterizing the atomic independent-particle-model potential of Green, Sellin, and Zachor (GSZ) are described. The first method based upon fitting ionization and excitation energies should provide an accurate description of the IPM potential in the outer region. A second ab-initio variational method, which gives total energies which are usually within 50 ppm of true Hartree-Fock energies, should provide an accurate description of the IPM potential in the inner region. The differences of the two potentials obtained by these two approaches are discussed as well as the possibility of giving a physical interpretation to the differences. Three-parameter variations of the GSZ potential are also proposed which make it possible to fuse the good inner potential with the good outer potential in a reasonable way. Finally, several possible explanations of the differences are discussed from a fundamental point of view.
From Vanilla to 28 Flavors: Multiple Varieties of T Regulatory Cells

Numerous T cell subpopulations have now been claimed to exhibit regulatory activity. Shevach discusses the current understanding of the different subsets of T regulatory cells and provides a perspective on the current areas of uncertainly and controversy in the field.
Cross-Layer Design of DiffServ Architecture for End-to-End QoS in IEEE 802.16 Multi-Hop Mesh/Relay Networks with IEEE 802.11e WLANs

Because of the high cost of construction and maintenance of infrastructure-based networks, researchers have concentrated their efforts on studying wireless mesh/relay networks with lower cost and high scalability. Due to the demand for real-time multimedia communication in heterogeneous networks, IEEE 802.16 multi-hop mesh/relay networks with IEEE 802.11e WLANs for QoS support can be an effective multi-hop network model instead of IEEE 802.11-based mesh networks without any QoS mechanism. In addition, to provide end-to-end QoS support for different QoS mechanisms of IEEE 802.11e, IEEE 802.16, and the Internet protocol, differentiated services architecture can be applied. Therefore, we propose a design of cross-layer DiffServ architecture in wireless multi-hop mesh/relay networks with WLANs for end-to-end QoS support. Simulations of the proposed QoS architecture using OPNET Modeler show an excellent end-to-end QoS guarantee in the multi-hop mesh/relay networks.
Variation in ejecta size with ejection velocity

The sizes and ranges of over 25,000 secondary craters around twelve large primaries on three different planets were measured and used to infer the size-velocity distribution of that portion of the primary crater ejecta that produced the secondaries. The ballistic equation for spherical bodies was used to convert the ranges to velocities, and the velocities and crater sizes were used in the appropriate Schmidt-Holsapple scaling relation of estimate ejecta sizes, and the velocity exponent was determined. The latter are generally between -1 and -13, with an average value of about -1.9. Problems with data collection made it impossible to determine a simple, unique relation between size and velocity.
Myocardial Adenosine Triphosphate Content as a Measure of Metabolic and Functional Myocardial Protection in Children Undergoing Cardiac Operation

Abstract In an effort to quantitate the metabolic and functional response to global myocardial ischemia as a prelude to specific interventions to improve myocardial protection in children, the following data were collected. Twenty children (age, 1.16 ± 0.3 years) underwent repair of congenital intracardiac malformations using aortic cross-clamping and cold potassium cardioplegia (ischemic time, 56.1 ± 4.5 minutes). Metabolic protection was assessed by measuring the myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content by microbioluminescence. Before and after ischemia 10-mg myocardial samples were obtained from the left ventricular apex using a Tru-cut biopsy needle. In 15 patients, postoperative ventricular function was measured by radionuclide ventriculography at 72 to 96 hours following operation. Five of 6 patients with a postischemic ATP level less than 40% of control (26.3 ± 2.8) had a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) lower than 55% (50.3 ± 2.3). Seven of 9 patients with an ATP level greater than 40% of the preischemic level (98.0 ± 14.4) had a normal EF (61.8 ± 2.9; p
Molecular and genetic basis of sudden cardiac death

The abrupt cessation of effective cardiac function due to an aberrant heart rhythm can cause sudden and unexpected death at any age, a syndrome called sudden cardiac death (SCD). Annually, more than 300,000 cases of SCD occur in the United States alone, making this a major public health concern. Our current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for SCD has emerged from decades of basic science investigation into the normal electrophysiology of the heart, the molecular physiology of cardiac ion channels, fundamental cellular and tissue events associated with cardiac arrhythmias, and the molecular genetics of monogenic disorders of heart rhythm. This knowledge has helped shape the current diagnosis and treatment of inherited arrhythmia susceptibility syndromes associated with SCD and has provided a pathophysiological framework for understanding more complex conditions predisposing to this tragic event. This Review presents an overview of the molecular basis of SCD, with a focus on monogenic arrhythmia syndromes.
Invasional conflict: Do invasive insect herbivores mediate the effects of enemy release for their invasive plant hosts?

Although many factors have been proposed that potentially contribute to invasion success in plants, it remains unclear why some species successfully establish and become dominant while others do not. The most often cited explanation for the success of invasive plants worldwide is the enemy release hypothesis (ERH), which maintains that populations are kept in check by their co-evolved natural enemies in their native range, but are released from this regulation in the new range. Although there is evidence that introduced plant species often experience a decrease in damage by herbivores in the novel range, it is uncertain if this decrease affects plant productivity. The purpose of this study was 1) to determine if the invasive plant _Eugenia uniflora_ (Myrtaceae) experiences release from enemies and 2) if enemy release increases growth and survival for this species relative to co-occurring native congeners E. axillaris and E. foetida. An insect herbivore exclusion experiment using insecticide was conducted in the field to assess differences in insect herbivore damage, leaf number, height, and survival for all three species. The results contradict the ERH, showing that E. uniflora has a greater proportion of damaged leaves and experiences a greater reduction in this damage when herbivores are excluded from the system, relative to the two native congeners. A trend exhibited by the data also demonstrates that exclusion of enemies positively affects growth and survival for all three species, indicating that E. uniflora has not experienced enemy release in its new range. This may be explained by the fact that E. uniflora exhibits, with few exceptions, mostly damage characteristic of a notching weevil, Myllocerus undatus, a recent import from Sri Lanka. E. uniflora originates in Brazil, so these species share no coevolutionary history. The results of this study indicate that M. undatus may have a negative effect on E. uniflora, potentially benefitting the native species by reducing competition. In contrast to invasional meltdown, this is a potential example of another type of interaction, which we have termed “invasional conflict”. This interaction will undoubtedly become much more prevalent as more species are introduced, become established, and interact with one another, forming new biological associations.
Comparison of some master equation descriptions of relaxation in complex systems

Several models of relaxation based on master equation approaches have obtained the Kohlrausch fractional exponential form φ(t) = exp − (tτ∗)1−n, 0 < n < 1, or its equivalent for the relaxation function in complex systems. Representative models include (i) the Cohen-Grest free-volume theory, (ii) the work of Dhar and Barma, and Skinner based on Glauber's kinetic Ising model, (iii) the theory of De Dominicis et al. based on a random energy model for the spin glass, (iv) the Ogielski-Stein theory based on dynamics in an ultrametric space, and (v) Ngai's theory of time-dependent transition rates. In view of the different nature of these models and because of the claims that they are applicable outside of their original contexts, it is useful to make an intercomparison of these models and their consequences. A presentation of these models is here given based on a unified master equation approach. By experiment, many real systems have been shown to exhibit not only the Kohlrausch form but two additional related properties which are not encompassed in model types (i)–(iv). Only models that include time-dependent transition rates have so far been shown to be consistent with the experimental observations of the three empirical relations.
The structure of yet another ALGOL compiler

A high-speed “top down” method of syntax analysis which completely eliminates “back-up” of the source string has been implemented in a convenient macro-language. A technique of simulation at compile time of the use of a conventional run-time stack enables the generation of code for expressions which minimizes stores, fetches and stack-pointer motion at run time, while properly treating recursion and side effects of procedures. Block structure and recursion are handled without need for interpretive methods at run time. The “context problem” in the transmission to recursive procedures of parameters “called by name” is solved in a manner which permits the handling of the common cases of simple expressions and array identifiers with particular efficiency.
An evaluation of serum sources used in the separation of T- and B-lymphocytes by nylon-wool columns

Gamma-globulin-free (GG-) newborn-calf, mouse and horse, as well as newborn-calf and calf serums were evaluated as substitutes for fetal bovine serum in the classical nylon-wool procedure used for the separation of T- and B-lymphocytes. The efficacy of the cell separation was evaluated by non-specific esterase staining and cytotoxicity tests for cell surface Thy 1.2 antigen and surface immunoglobulins. The results of these studies indicate that GG- newborn-calf, mouse and horse but not newborn-calf or calf serum could be substituted for fetal bovine serum. The results of these studies also indicate that the ratio of adherent to non-adherent cells is a useful indicator of the efficacy of the cell separation. A ratio of non-adherent to adherent less than 1.0 is indicative of a successful separation.
Inhibition of adoptive secondary responses by lymphoid cell populations

Abstract The ability of normal and tolerant lymphoid cells to inhibit the adoptive secondary response was investigated in order to delineate the influence which the host can exert on a memory cell population as the host recovers from the effects of irradiation. LBN rats were irradiated with 500R whole body X-irradiation, reconstituted with either normal or tolerant lymphoid cells, then they were given immune spleen cells and challenged with soluble antigen (DNP-BGG). Cells capable of suppressing the adoptive secondary responses were shown to possess the following characteristics: 1) in nonimmune donors they were found in the greatest concentration in lymph nodes, followed by spleen and bone marrow and were practically absent in the thymus; 2) their numbers were not increased in donors rendered tolerant by long term treatment with deaggregated DNP-BGG plus cyclophosphamide nor in donors given large doses of DNP-BGG 48 to 72 hr before sacrifice; 3) in animals rendered tolerant by long term antigen treatment alone some enhancement of suppressor function was seen; 4) the suppressor cells could be shown among both glass wool adherent and nonadherent cells and 5) the nonantigen specific suppressor cells did not affect the kinetics of antibody formation nor the affinity of the antibody which was produced. These results are discussed in terms of the nature and source of the suppressor cell populations and their relevance to the control of secondary responses in intact animals.
Dry sliding wear behavior of an Si-Al-O-N ceramic

Abstract Dry sliding wear tests were conducted on (Si-Al-O-N)-cast iron sliding pairs using a wear tester specifically designed to simulate closely the high pressures, velocities and resultant temperatures encountered in heavily loaded machinery and other engineering applications. A wear tester was designed so that both the contact load level and the sliding velocity could be varied. Wear testing indicated that, following a short wear-in period, mass loss varied linearly with sliding distance for all contact loads and sliding velocities investigated. The steady state wear rates, expressed in terms of mass loss per unit sliding distance, were found to increase as the applied contact load was increased for all the sliding velocities investigated. Further, the wear rate was found to vary inversely with sliding velocity for the highest contact load level investigated. For the intermediate and lowest contact load levels, this inverse relationship between velocity and wear rate (i.e. reduced wear for higher velocities) was less pronounced and restricted to the lower range of velocities investigated. Several different grinding procedures were used to prepare the specimens prior to wear testing but were found to have no significant influence on the measured wear rates. The experimental results are qualitatively explained by considering combined wear mechanisms involving brittle fracture and plastic deformation, which depend on the relative magnitudes of contact load and sliding velocity. Brittle fracture is assumed to be the primary wear mechanism especially at high contact loads and low sliding velocities. Plastic deformation mechanisms are also active and intensify with increasing frictional heating and concomitant thermal softening.
Gene transcript abundance profiles distinguish Kawasaki disease from adenovirus infection.

Efforts to discern the etiology of acute febrile disease are hampered by the paucity of reliable discriminating clinical features, difficulties in obtaining appropriate specimens, insensitive methods for detecting known causative agents, and the lack of diagnostic tests for some conditions associated with fever, such as autoimmune diseases and adverse drug reactions. As a result, many acute febrile illnesses remain unexplained, especially in the early days after onset of clinical signs and symptoms. Molecular profiling of the host response offers an approach for classifying acutely ill hosts that complements traditional diagnostic approaches based on microbial detection [1]. Studies of human genome–wide transcript abundance patterns in peripheral blood suggest that these patterns might provide useful information about the disease mechanism, outcome, nature of the infectious agent, and diagnosis [2–6]. This last possibility has not been adequately explored, especially in the setting of a clinical syndrome that presents important diagnostic dilemmas. Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited inflammatory illness of infants and children [7]; ~25% of untreated patients develop coronary artery aneurysms or ectasia. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) reduces the rate of coronary artery aneurysms to ~5% when administered within the first 10 days of illness, but KD remains the leading cause of acquired pediatric heart disease in developed nations. Despite 30 years of research, no etiologic agent has been identified for KD. In the absence of a specific diagnostic test, KD is diagnosed according to clinical criteria, many of which are shared by other illnesses characterized by rash or fever, including adenovirus infections, streptococcal scarlet fever, and systemic drug reactions. Many children with KD consequently receive an erroneous or late diagnosis, which leads to delays in treatment and an increased risk of coronary artery aneurysm formation [8, 9]. We recently examined whole-blood genomewide transcript abundance patterns in patients with KD and identified specific transcript levels associated with the risk of subsequent failure to respond to IVIG therapy [4]. In the current study, we compared patterns of whole-blood gene expression in patients during the acute phase of KD with patterns found in patients during the early phase of 3 illnesses that have similar clinical presentations but well-defined alternative etiologies. We identified patterns of gene expression and corresponding biological programs that were different in patients with KD, compared to patients with the other illnesses, and we were able to distinguish between KD and adenovirus infection on the basis of gene expression patterns. The results from this study indicate that comparative analysis of host gene expression profiles is a promising approach for better understanding febrile illnesses and that such analysis may contribute to the development of a test for KD that enables more accurate and timely diagnosis.
SU-E-T-470: Comparison of Proton Treatment Planning and Monte Carlo Calculation Using TOPAS for Liver Cancer.

Purpose: To compare Monte Carlo(MC) calculated and planned dose distributions (pencil beam algorithm) for patients with livercancertreated with protonradiation therapy.Methods: Six patients with unresectable Hepatocellular carcinoma were chosen from the institutional protocol list. We applied the newly developed TOPAS (Tool for Particle Simulation) Monte Carlo(MC) tool and an in‐house (mcauto) program, which connects the planning system with the MC. Two beams, typically right lateral (RL) and anterior‐posterior (AP), were simulated for each patient with a total prescribed dose of 58 Gy. The calculated absolute dose was determined by separately simulating an SOBP dose in a water phantom for normalization to the prescription dose. The difference between MC and planned dose were calculated and Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) for the critical organs with non‐negligible dose (whole liver, heart, small and large bowel and chest wall) were analyzed. Results: The resulting dose distributions were in quite good agreement. The main discrepancy in all cases was observed in the lateral penumbrae. These discrepancies can mainly result from the range compensator gradient and tissue composition. The Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) also presented good agreement between doses for the CTV as well as all the OARs. The difference in D95 ranged from 0.7–1.5 Gy that is translated to 1.3–2.5% of the prescribed dose.Conclusions: TOPAS Monte Carlo tool presented an efficient and accurate method for dose calculation in liver and to validate clinical treatment planning. Discrepancies with doses calculated using the pencil beam algorithm were seen but were generally quite small.
Products and processes of agri-scientific service-learning: adding harmony to Dopico and Garcia-Vázquez

This forum response adds a conceptualization of harmony to Dopico and Vazquez’ investigation of pedagogy that combines citizen science, environmental and cross-cultural research, and service-learning. Placing many appropriate and significant aspects of culturally situated science education in an authentically relational context beyond the classroom, this paper calls attention to insightful contributions and new directions for research, such as the process of inducing or eluding nihilism regarding ecological issues. How can such a question be researched effectively in order to learn about the family of pedagogies emerging in response to the need for more ecologically conscious and relationally authentic teaching across many disciplines? In this paper, I use a Vygotskian framework and an abbreviated case study of agricultural service-learning from my research, drawing attention to the importance of students’ culturally-mediated construction of setting as they interact in older and newer ways.
Optical memory: Introduction by the feature editors

The contributions to this feature issue represent a wide range of topics in optical memory.
TAMING RACE: THE ROLE OF SPACE IN VOTING RIGHTS LITIGATION

(1995). TAMING RACE: THE ROLE OF SPACE IN VOTING RIGHTS LITIGATION. Urban Geography: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 98-111.
Time in the cities - a new action field for trade unions

Working time policy has always been an essential trade union concern but it has been apparent for quite some time now that the unions are broadening their traditional policy horizon in this respect - namely, the workplace - and bringing in new perspectives on this issue. Increasingly they concern themselves not just with working time but with time itself, asking how working time interacts with and relates to non-working time and how the resulting interface, which entails far more than a mere "work-leisure" dichotomy, can be organised. How can shop-opening hours and the provision of services to the public be combined with the need for a more flexible organisation of working time? How can account be taken at one and the same time of the needs of those employed in these areas and of the wishes of the users of the services in question? How can trade unions influence the time rhythms of cities and regions in such a way as to reduce the over-hectic pace of modern life?In the search for appropriate answers to th...
Zebrafish mutagenesis yields eye morphological mutants with retinal and lens defects

A chemical mutagenesis to identify zebrafish eye morphological mutants was performed by screening F(3) larvae at 5 and 7 days post-fertilization (dpf) for changes in eye or pupil size. Based on histological analysis, four different phenotypic classes were obtained. The two Class I and three Class II mutants are all characterized by small eyes and exhibit defects in early retinal development or unregulated cell death, respectively. The single Class III mutant has reduced ocular pigmentation. The three Class IV mutants display defects in the ocular lens, including one mutant line with normal sized eyes and pupils that develops lens opacity at 7 dpf.
Discrete micromechanics of elastoplastic crystals in the finite deformation range

Abstract We present a rate-independent crystal plasticity theory in the finite deformation range. The formulation revolves around theory of distribution and strong discontinuity concepts applied to the slip systems. Uniform and conforming deformation fields are introduced, from which deformation gradients for the crystal lattice and the crystal itself are derived. For a crystal deforming in single slip, we show that the crystal rotates the active slip system the same way as the lattice does, leading to an elegant and exact stress-point integration algorithm for the overall crystal stresses. For a crystal deforming in multiple slips the crystal no longer rotates the slip systems exactly as the lattice does. For this case, we present a stress-point integration algorithm accounting for the exact push-forward operation induced by the lattice on the active systems. We also consider a simplified stress-point integration algorithm for multislip systems that remains highly accurate for a wide range of stress paths considered. The framework for system activation and the selection of linearly independent slip systems follows a well-established ‘ultimate algorithm’ for rate-independent crystal plasticity developed for infinitesimal deformation.
CLUSTER ION THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES : THE LIQUID DROP MODEL REVISITED

The liquid drop (LD) model is revisited to assess the reliability of its predictions for thermodynamic properties of cluster ions and to examine the rate of convergence of such properties to their bulk counterparts. The model predictions are in very good agreement with both available experimental data and simulation results for Na+(H2O)n clusters, surprisingly for all cluster sizes, and the stepwise cluster thermodynamic properties are found to converge only slowly to their bulk counterparts. The LD model allows a natural partitioning of the cluster ion thermodynamic properties into various components, one of which (the solvation part) is of prime importance in connecting cluster solvation properties to the bulk limit. The latter LD model component is found to be entirely analogous to the so-called dielectric sphere theory, and as implied in earlier work, the results of dielectric models suggest that ion solvation is also a very slow process to converge to the bulk limit. In addition, a form alternative t...
A photoelectron study of palladium, nickel, and copper clusters on carbon surfaces

Abstract Ultraviolet photoelectron spectra show that even at the threshold of detectability, Pd, Ni, and Cu atoms deposited on the basal plane of cleaved graphite nucleate into clusters sufficiently large to exhibit valence band and core binding energies characteristics of bulk metals. However at very low coverage of these metals on amorphous carbon, the spectra show that the valence d -bands have decreased widths and larger binding energies than the bulk metals. Core binding energies show a similar increase at very low coverage. These effects occur because at low coverage on amorphous carbon these metals are present as isolated adatoms.
Impact of an Information Technology-Enabled Initiative on the Quality of Prostate Multiparametric MRI Reports.

Rationale and Objectives Assess the impact of implementing a structured report template and a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool on the quality of prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) reports. Materials and Methods Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant study performed at an academic medical center. The study cohort included all prostate mp-MRI reports (n = 385) finalized 6 months before and after implementation of a structured report template and a CAD tool (collectively the information technology [IT] tools) integrated into the picture archiving and communication system workstation. Primary outcome measure was quality of prostate mp-MRI reports. An expert panel of our institution's subspecialty-trained abdominal radiologists defined prostate mp-MRI report quality as optimal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory based on documentation of nine variables. Reports were reviewed to extract the predefined quality variables and determine whether the IT tools were used to create each report. Chi-square and Student's t tests were used to compare report quality before and after implementation of IT tools. Results The overall proportion of optimal or satisfactory reports increased from 29.8% (47/158) to 53.3% (121/227) (P Conclusions The use of a structured template and CAD tool improved the quality of prostate mp-MRI reports compared to free-text report format and subjective measurement of contrast enhancement kinetic curve.
Successful treatment of echovirus meningoencephalitis and myositis-fasciitis with intravenous immune globulin therapy in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

PATIENTS with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (X-LA) characteristically have recurrent bacterial infection; they generally have a normal response to viral infection, presumably because cell-mediated im...
Evaluation of mandibular rest position in subjects with diverse dentofacial morphology

The kinesiometric and electromyographic findings from the evaluation of mandibular resting posture in 30 individuals with diverse vertical dentofacial morphology can be summarized as follows: 1. The RVD and TESP of the mandible are two distinctly different biologically dynamic neuromuscular entities. They differ with respect to their spatial position in that the RVD is 2.6 mm closer to centric occlusion than TESP. 2. The intrapersonal reproducibility of the RVD and TESP at various time intervals predictably demonstrated some biologic variability. 3. The occlusal neuromuscular mechanism apparently maintains a functional tone in the masticatory musculature at the RVD as a result of stimuli from the periodontal mechanoreceptors following tooth contact. 4. A physiologic range of neuromuscular adaptability exists within each diverse morphologic group. Adaptations are apparently mediated by the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal complex. 5. The interocclusal distance at the TESP is inversely related to the vertical dentofacial morphology. 6. Sophisticated computerized morphometrics in combination with the kinesiometric and electromyographic findings of this study demonstrate the dentoalveolar nature of VME and VMD and suggest that correction of these dentofacial deformities by various biologically compatible means will tend to normalize neuromuscular-skeletal relations.
Approximations of noise structures in helical multi-detector CT scans: application to lung nodule volume estimation

We have previously presented a match filtered (MF) approach for estimating lung nodule size from helical multi-detector CT (MDCT) images [1] , in which we minimized the sum of squared differences between the simulated CT templates and the actual nodule CT images. The previous study showed the potential of this approach for reducing the bias and variance in nodule size estimation. However, minimizing SSD is not statistically optimal because the noise in 3D helical CT images is correlated. The goal of this work is to investigate the noise properties and explore several approximate descriptions of the three-dimensional (3D) noise covariance for more accurate estimates. The approximations include: variance only, noise power spectrum (NPS), axial correlation, two-dimensional (2D) in-plane correlation and fully 3D correlation. We examine the effectiveness of these second-order noise approximations by applying them to our volume estimation approach with a simulation study. Our simulations show that: the variance-based pre-whitening and axial pre-whitening perform very similar to the non-prewhitening case, with accuracy (measured in RMSE) differences within 1%; the NPS based pre-whitening performs slightly better, with a 4% decrease in RMSE; the in-plane pre-whitening and 3D fully pre-whitening perform best, with about a 10% decrease in RMSE over the non-prewhitening case. The simulation results suggest that the NPS, 2D in-plane and fully 3D prewhitening can be beneficial for lung nodule size estimation, albeit with greater computational costs in determining these noise characterizations.
Dietary habits, demographics, and the development of overweight and obesity among children in the United States

Abstract This study uses a multinomial logistic regression and data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) to examine the factors that influence overweight and obesity among school-age children in the United States. Results show that Black and Hispanic children seem to associate more with the development of at risk for being overweight and overweight. Poverty is another major variable that positively associates with overweight among school-age children. Frequency of physical exercises was found to be positively associated with normal weight and that sedentary behavior was negatively associated with normal weight and positively associated with overweight among children of ages between 12 and 18. The consumption of low fat milk, other dairy products, fruits and legumes is negatively associated with the probabilities of being at risk for overweight and overweight among school-age children. In contrast, increasing consumption of soft drinks, fat and oils, and sodium appears to be the major dietary factors that positively associated with childhood overweight.
Understanding system design for big data workloads

This paper explores the design and optimization implications for systems targeted at Big Data workloads. We confirm that these workloads differ from workloads typically run on more traditional transactional and data-warehousing systems in fundamental ways, and, therefore, a system optimized for Big Data can be expected to differ from these other systems. Rather than only studying the performance of representative computational kernels, and focusing on central-processing-unit performance, this paper studies the system as a whole. We identify three major phases in a typical Big Data workload, and we propose that each of these phases should be represented in a Big Data systems benchmark. We implemented our ideas on two distinct IBM POWER7® processor-based systems that target different market sectors, and we analyze their performance on a sort benchmark. In particular, this paper includes an evaluation of POWER7 processor-based systems using MapReduce TeraSort, which is a workload that can be a "stress test" for multiple dimensions of system performance. We combine this work with a broader perspective on Big Data workloads and suggest a direction for a future benchmark definition effort. A number of methods to further improve system performance are proposed.
Ratemaking for postal services: a stochastic marginal cost pricing model

JOURNAL OF PRODUCT & BRAND MANAGEMENT, VOL. 7 NO. 4 1998, pp. 342-353 © MCB UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1061-042