cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Target tracking and range estimation using an image sequence

Describes a new method of tracking targets across a sequence of images and estimating the range of these tracked objects from the camera. The motion of the camera between the successive frames is assumed to be known. The distance from the sensor to the objects is assumed to be much larger than the physical dimensions of the object. the approach presented makes use of the known sensor motion to generate expected images which are then used in establishing a reliable correspondence and in tracking the targets across the image sequence. A mean normalized area correlation method is used to establish the inter-frame correspondence. Once this correspondence is established, two new methods of estimating the range of the target from the sensor are also developed. The techniques developed are tested with good success rate on a sequence of real aerial images. >
Helium systematics of cold seep fluids at Monterey Bay, California, USA: Temporal variations and mantle contributions

[1] We report helium isotope ratios (3He/4He) as well as helium and neon abundance results for submarine cold seep fluids from Extrovert Cliff in Monterey Bay, California. Samples were collected in copper tubing attached to submarine flux meters operating in continuous pumping mode. Following instrumentation recovery, the tubing was sectioned to produce for the first time a high-resolution time series of dissolved He and Ne variations over a time span of several days. Noble gas concentrations are variable and appear affected by interaction with a hydrocarbon phase within the aquifer. However, it is still possible to resolve the He signal into components associated with air equilibration, excess air entrainment, and terrigenic fluxes (both crustal and mantle-derived). The mantle He contribution reaches ∼25–30% in some samples (up to 2.3 RA, where RA = air 3He/4He). Our quasi-continuous He-Ne record shows remarkable fluctuations over time scales of only a few hours and reflects the combined effects of gas stripping by hydrocarbons and an episodic input of mantle-derived fluids.
A self-consistent model describing the thermodynamics of Eu(III) adsorption onto hematite

Abstract The environmental fate of actinides is greatly influenced by interfacial reactions, including adsorption onto solid surfaces where the adsorption of trivalent and tetravalent actinides is generally a very strong and potentially irreversible reaction. Changes in the primary hydration sphere of the actinide during inner-sphere adsorption could greatly influence the thermodynamics of these reactions. However, few researchers have studied actinide adsorption thermodynamics. Therefore, using Eu(III) as an analog for trivalent actinides, we examined the thermodynamics of Eu(III) adsorption onto hematite, with particular emphasis on changes in the Eu(III) coordination number and the influence of temperature upon sorption. Our working hypothesis was that a decrease in hydration number upon adsorption, as indicated by a decrease in coordination number and an increase in adsorption with increasing temperature, results in energetically favorable sorption reactions, which are driven by a large, positive entropy term. To perform these studies, we applied the diffuse layer model to describe Eu(III) adsorption onto hematite at pH values ranging from ∼3 to 7 and at 15, 25, 35, and 50 °C. Additionally, we characterized the Eu(III)–hematite surface complex and changes in the Eu(III) primary hydration sphere using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and computational modeling. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to identify possible europium surface precipitates or morphological changes in the hematite. The data indicate that the adsorption reaction (1) is endothermic, (2) proceeds with a decrease in the Eu(III) coordination number, and (3) results in the formation of a bidentate mononuclear surface complex, ( FeO)2Eu+. The enthalpy and entropy values for the formation of this surface complex, which were estimated using a van’t Hoff plot, were 131 ± 8 kJ mol−1 and 439 ± 26 J K−1 mol−1, respectively, indicating that adsorption of Eu(III) onto hematite is entropically driven. Additionally, we suggest that the decrease in Eu(III) coordination number and the large entropy term are due to the loss of coordinating water molecules from the Eu(III) hydration sphere.
A simulation model of aerosol collection in granular media

Abstract A simulation model for aerosol collection in granular media resulting from the flow of aerosol streams is proposed. The granular medium is represented by the recently proposed constricted tube model which takes into account the divergent-convergent flow characteristics of porous media and the interaction of neighboring grains. The deposition process is described by the following assumptions: (a) the aerosol particles are randomly distributed in the streams and (b) once a particle becomes collected, it may act as a collector itself, thereby leading to the formation and growth of particle aggregates as deposits. For a given set of operating conditions, the model provides detailed information about the dynamics of the deposition process including the number of particles collected, and the position of the deposited particle as functions of time. Application of the model to granular filtration design is discussed. Generally speaking, the results of the stimulation model can be used to develop a relationship between changes in collection efficiency and pressure drop and the extent of particle collection, thus making it possible to predict the dynamic behavior of the filtration process. Comparison between the model and experimental results is also presented.
Renal sympathetic responses to conflicting baroreceptor inputs: rapid ventricular pacing in dogs.

1. Ventricular tachycardia generates complex changes in baroreceptor input to the central nervous system: arterial baroreceptors are unloaded while cardiopulmonary receptors are stimulated. In humans with heart diseases, muscle sympathetic nerve activity increases during ventricular tachycardia. This suggests that arterial baroreceptor-mediated sympathoexcitation overrides cardiopulmonary receptor-mediated sympathoinhibition. However, the relative roles of each reflex are difficult to determine in humans. 2. We measured efferent renal sympathetic neural responses to simulated ventricular tachycardia, to determine what pathophysiological mechanisms are invoked when inputs from different baroreceptive areas change in opposite directions. In alpha-chloralose anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated dogs, we recorded the electrocardiogram, mean left atrial and arterial pressures and multifibre efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) during 1 min of right ventricular pacing at 214 beats min-1. Pacing was repeated after either sinoaortic or vagal cardiopulmonary denervation and again after both sinoaortic and cardiopulmonary denervation. 3. With all afferent baroreceptor pathways intact, right ventricular pacing elicited transient sympathoinhibition (delta RSNA, -19 +/- 10%, mean +/- S.E.M.). After sinoaortic denervation (cardiopulmonary receptors intact), right ventricular pacing elicited abrupt and sustained sympathoinhibition (delta RSNA, -53 +/- 8%, P < 0.05 vs. intact). After vagal cardiopulmonary denervation (sinoaortic receptors intact), right ventricular pacing elicited abrupt and sustained sympathoexcitation (delta RSNA, + 56 +/- 19%, P < 0.05 vs. intact). After both sinoaortic and vagal cardiopulmonary denervation, right ventricular pacing elicited a gradual increase in sympathetic outflow (delta RSNA, + 16 +/- 6%, P < 0.05 vs. intact). 4. We conclude that interactions between vagal cardiopulmonary and arterial baroreflexes determine renal sympathetic outflow during simulated ventricular tachycardia. In healthy anaesthetized dogs, the balance of the two opposing reflexes is weighted towards vagal cardiopulmonary-mediated sympathoinhibition.
Are new-generation flexible ureteroscopes better than their predecessors?

OBJECTIVE To compare two newly designed flexible ureteroscopes with their respective predecessors, to determine whether design advances have overcome the limitation of tip deflection, which may interfere with diagnosis and treatment of lower pole renal pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two new-generation flexible ureteroscopes, the DUR-8 Elite (ACMI, Southborough, MA, USA) and 11278AU (Karl Storz Endoscopy, Culver City, CA, USA) were compared with their previous models, the ACMI DUR-8 and the Storz 11274AAU. Active tip deflection and irrigation flow rates with and without various endoscopic tools were assessed. Specifications, purchase prices and repair costs were obtained from each manufacturer. The field of view and screen image size of each ureteroscope were also compared. RESULTS The ACMI DUR-8 Elite and the Storz 11278AU had improvements of 79° and 144°, respectively, from their respective older models. Although the tip deflection of all ureteroscopes was compromised by inserting different endoscopic tools, these new instruments were less affected. With a 3 F basket inside the working channel, the ACMI DUR-8 Elite and the Storz 11278AU had only 0.7% and 2.8% loss of upward tip deflection, compared with their older models, at 9.6% and 5.0%, respectively. However, the flow rates of these new instruments were decreased. CONCLUSION The new flexible ureteroscopes have significantly better active tip deflection than previous models, both with and without endoscopic instrumentation inserted. However, improved flexibility is at the expense of decreased flow rates and higher purchase costs.
Sustaining Lean Transformation Through Growth and Positive Organizational Change

When faced with problems and the need for change, most organizations require external efforts to develop solutions, inspire improvements, and initiate and sustain change. The continuous improvement that managers desire, however, is based on the people in their organizations sustaining changes. Positive organizational change provides an alternative to traditional deficit-based change approaches, emphasizing positive affect, individual virtues, and social bonding as a basis for changes. Positive organizational change is, however, considered as distinct and in conflict with traditional change approaches. This article uses findings from case studies of successful lean changes and the literature on positive organizational change, as illustrated by appreciative inquiry method, to develop a new combined, change model. This new positive lean change model emphasizes 2 elements—attending to positive personal and interpersonal outcomes and balancing productivity gains with business growth—to improve performance and ...
Cerebrospinal fluid creatine kinase activity and neurologic recovery after cardiac arrest

We evaluated prospectively the relation between cerebrospinal fluid creatine kinase activity (CSF CK) and neurologic recovery after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Without knowledge of the enzyme results, we determined whether patients awoke, followed commands, or had comprehensible speech. CSF CK was significantly higher in never-awakening than in awakening patients. After cardiac arrest, elevation of CSF CK predicts poor neurologic recovery.
The Butler Hill Caldera: a mid-Proterozoic ignimbrite-granite complex

Abstract Uplift along rift-related faults in the eastern St. Francois igneous terrane of southeastern Missouri exposes a high-level anorogenic igneous complex consisting of 1.5 km of intracaldera ignimbrites, a zoned central pluton, and late-stage ring plutons. A collapse structure, named the Butler Hill Caldera (BHC), formed in response to eruption of comenditic ignimbrites of the Lake Killarney Formation which attains an intracaldera thickness of 400 m. Continued peralkaline volcanism resulted in an additional 1000 m of Grassy Mountain Ignimbrite within the caldera and a thin, but widespread, outflow sheet. Following degassing of the magma chamber, the central pluton forcefully intruded the intracaldera volcanic sequence producing arcuate folds concentric to the caldera axis. Remnants of the original magma chamber roof are not preserved. The final igneous event related to the BHC involved intrusion of amphibole-granitoids in an annular pattern within, and concentric to, the caldera walls. The latter bodies probably merge, with depth, into a single ring pluton. The petrographic zoning exhibited by the mildly peraluminous central pluton of the BHC consists of: (1) a roof-zone of fine-grained, brick-red, hypersolvus granophyre with abundant miarolitic cavities which is nearly devoid of hydrous minerals; (2) a transitional zone of pink fine- to medium-grained seriate granite in which granophyric intergrowths are common and plagioclase and biotite are present in trace amounts only; and (3) a border zone of medium- to coarse-grained pink to grey subsolvus biotite granite with rapakivi texture. The paradoxical association of peralkaline and peraluminous suites with hypersolvus and subsolvus petrographic traits at the same structural level is recognized in other high-level anorogenic complexes. The common factor in these terranes, regardless of their age, appears to be that initial magmas were hot, relatively dry, low in CaO and high in F. These compositional features favor ascent of hypersolvus magmas to subvolcanic levels where saturation is accomplished by influx of meteoric water. Field, chemical, isotopic, and petrographic evidence indicate that BHC rocks have experienced at least two periods of subsolidus metasomatism. The resulting metasomatic features are typical of anorogenic ignimbrites and high-level granitoids elsewhere and must be quantified before existing chemical data can be applied to questions of igneous petrogenesis.
Theory of the Effect of Finite Crystal Size on the Frequencies and Intensities of Impurity Absorption Lines in Semiconductors

It is demonstrated that when the dimensions of a semiconducting crystal are decreased to sizes of the order of the bulk impurity-electron Bohr radius ${a}_{0}$, the impurity absorption edge abruptly shifts to higher energies, while the absorption intensity decreases abruptly (both within a few ${a}_{0}$). The larger the dielectric constant, the larger the dimensions at which the transitional behavior occurs. Various computed results are presented for an idealized model of a shallow impurity embedded at the center of various simple finite geometries.
A Numerical and Experimental Study of Mass Transfer in the Artificial Kidney

To develop a more efficient and optimal artificial kidney, many experimental approaches have been used to study mass transfer inside, outside, and cross hollow fiber membranes with different kinds of membranes, solutes, and flow rates as parameters. However, these experimental approaches are expensive and time consuming. Numerical calculation and computer simulation is an effective way to study mass transfer in the artificial kidney, which can save substantial time and reduce experimental cost. This paper presents a new model to simulate mass transfer in artificial kidney by coupling together shell-side, lumen-side, and transmembrane flows. Darcy's equations were employed to simulate shell-side flow, Navier-Stokes equations were employed to simulate lumen-side flow, and Kedem-Katchalsky equations were used to compute transmembrane flow. Numerical results agreed well with experimental results within 10% error. Numerical results showed the nonuniform distribution of flow and solute concentration in shell-side flow due to the entry/exit effect and Darcy permeability. In the shell side, the axial velocity in the periphery is higher than that in the center. This numerical model presented a clear insight view of mass transfer in an artificial kidney and may be used to help design an optimal artificial kidney and its operation conditions to improve hemodialysis.
Pseudosteady-State Natural Convection Inside Spheres

Natural convection heat transfer to water contained within five different sized spheres was studied. Pseudosteady-state was maintained by keeping the driving force for convection constant, i.e., the temperature outside the sphere was increased steadily so that the temperature difference between the outside and the center remained constant. Flow visualization was used to determine flow patterns within the spheres. Laminar flow was found to exist below Rayleigh numbers of about 107 . The flow patterns along with the position of the circulation centers are presented and compared with recent numerical solutions. The overall heat transfer in the laminar region was fitted by least squares and the following correlation obtained: Nu = 0.80 Ra0.30
Transcriptional control of vitamin D-regulated proteins

Vitamin D is a physiological regulator of gene transcription associated with control of a broad spectrum of biological processes that include but is not restricted to growth, differentiation and calcium-mediated homeostatic control. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by sequence-specific interactions of a 1,25(OH)2D3-vitamin D receptor-accessory factor complex with vitamin D responsive elements (VDRE) residing in the promoters of hormone responsive genes. Functioning primarily as a transcription enhancer, activity at the VDRE is controlled by diverse and integrated cellular signalling pathways acting synergistically and/or antagonistically with a series of basal regulatory elements and other hormone regulated sequences that are components of modularly organized vitamin D-responsive gene promoters. Molecular mechanisms that integrate the activities at promoter elements contributing to vitamin D-related transcriptional control include overlapping transcription factor binding domains within regulatory elements and cooperative activities at independent regulatory sequences that determine the level of vitamin D responsiveness.
Pressure-adaptive differences in NAD-dependent dehydrogenases of congeneric marine fishes living at different depths

The pressure sensitivities of the apparent Michaelis constant of coenzyme were compared at 5°C for three NAD-dependent dehydrogenases purified from the white muscle of two congeneric fishes living at different depths.Sebastolobus altivelis adults are common between 550 and 1,300 m;S. alascanus adults between 180 and 440 m. Two isozymes of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (MDH, EC 1.1.1.37, NAD+:l-malate oxidoreductase) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, EC 1.2.1.12, NAD+:d-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate oxidoreductase [phosphorylating]) were compared. For these enzymes, the homologues fromS. alascanus were markedly sensitive to moderate hydrostatic pressures (Fig. 1). TheK m(NADH) ofS. alascanus MDH-1 and theK m(NAD+) ofS. alascanus GAPDG double between 1 and 68 atm and continue to increase at a slower rate up to 476 atm, the highest pressure tested. For MDH-2 ofS. alascanus, theK m(NADH) triples between 1 and 68 atm and increases at a slower rate to 340 atm; between 340 and 476 atm, theK m decreases slightly from the value at 340 atm. TheK m of coenzyme values are pressure-independent for the MDH-1 and GAPDH homologues ofS. altivelis up to 476 atm (Fig. 1). TheK m(NADH) of theS. altivelis MDH-2 is sensitive to pressure, but much less so than the homologue ofS. alascanus (Fig. 1). TheK m increases 63% between 1 and 68 atm and remains constant at this higher value at higher pressures up to 476 atm. The relative increases inK m values for theS. alascanus enzymes between 1 and 68 atm are large (Table 1). Higher pressures are not as effective in perturbing theK m of coenzyme values. Perturbation ofK m of coenzyme by moderate hydrostatic pressures (50–100 atm) may seriously impair the function of dehydrogenases ofS. alascanus at pressures experienced by the deeper-living congener in its habitat. The reduction of the pressure-sensitivity of theK m of coenzyme in NAD-dependent dehydrogenases may be an important and ubiquitous feature of adaptation to the deep sea.
Assimilating altimetric data into a South China Sea model

Sea surface heights from the TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter are assimilated into a three-dimensional primitive equation model to derive the circulation in the South China Sea. With data assimilation the model resolves not only the basin-wide circulation but also a dipole off Vietnam and a low/high feature near the Luzon Strait. Mesoscale features are missing in the simulation without data assimilation because of poor resolution in the wind field and inadequate knowledge of the transport through the Luzon Strait. Compared to the case without data assimilation, data assimilation reduces the root mean square error between the simulated and observed sea surface heights by a factor of 2–3. Circulation derived from data assimilation under climatological conditions is contrasted with that during El Nino. In the normal winter of 1993–1994, flow at 50 m depth is strong and cyclonic. Flow at 900 m depth is cyclonic as well. The deep cyclone persists into the following summer. During the 1994–1995 El Nino winter, features in the flow field at 50 m depth either weaken or disappear, and circulation at 900 m depth is anticyclonic. In the summer of 1995 the dipole and the eastward jet off Vietnam at 50 m depth are missing, and the anticyclonic circulation at 900 m depth persists. Temperature at 65 m shows significant warming from fall 1994 to summer 1995. A weakened flow field and warming in the upper ocean are consistent with findings from earlier El Nino events.
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: an update

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) includes invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, and placental site trophoblastic tumors. The overall cure rate in treating these tumors currently exceeds 90%. Thorough evaluation and staging allow selection of appropriate therapy that maximizes chances for cure while minimizing toxicity. Nonmetastatic (stage I) and low-risk metastatic (stages II and III, World Health Organization [WHO] score < 7) GTN can be treated with single-agent chemotherapy, resulting in a survival rate approaching 100%. High-risk metastatic GTN (stage IV, WHO score ≥ 7) requires initial multiagent chemotherapy with or without adjuvant radiation and surgery to achieve a survival rate of 80% to 90%.
Analysis of preon models with a small number of flavors

We analyze a large number of four- and five-preon models along with several six-preon models. By imposing constraints such as cancellation of anomalies and reproduction of the usual quarks and leptons as composites we are able to eliminate many of these from further consideration. If we try to embed the electroweak interactions into the flavor group ${G}_{\mathrm{PF}}$, we are left with a single, five-preon model. The remaining model is inconsistent with grand unification and asymptotic freedom. We conclude that the simplest preon model must have at least six flavors and contain a single ${3}_{C}$ and three ${1}_{C}'\mathrm{s}$.
Risk factors for perioperative stroke after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Backgound Stroke has emerged as an important complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Identifying risk factors for stroke is important to define the risks of this procedure. Methods All neurologic complications were analyzed in a prospective database of patients in thoracic aortic stent graft trials from 1999 to 2006. Serial neurological examination was performed. Stroke was defined as any new onset focal neurologic deficit. Results The TEVAR was performed on 171 patients; 52 had lesions requiring coverage of the proximal descending thoracic aorta (extent A), 50 requiring coverage of the distal descending aorta (extent B), and 69 requiring coverage of the entire descending thoracic aorta (extent C). The incidence of stroke was 5.8%. Eighty-nine percent (8 of 9) of strokes occurred within 24 hours of operation. Stroke was associated with a 33% in-hospital mortality rate. Risk factors identified for stroke included prior stroke (odds ratio [OR] 9.4, confidence interval [CI] 2.3 to 38.1, p = 0.002) and extent A or C coverage (OR 5.5, CI 1.7–12.5, p = 0.001). The stroke rate in patients with both prior stroke and extent A or C coverage was 27.7%. Severe atheromatous disease involving the aortic arch by computed tomographic scan was strongly associated with perioperative stroke (OR = 14.8, CI 1.7 to 675.6, p = 0.0016). Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated mobile atheroma in two patients with stroke. Conclusions Stroke after TEVAR was associated with a high mortality. The TEVAR of the proximal descending aorta (extent A or C) in patients with a history of stroke had the highest perioperative stroke rate. These risk factors, together with high grade aortic atheroma of the aortic arch, predicted a high probability for cerebral embolization and can be used to identify patients at high risk for stroke as a consequence of TEVAR.
Chapter 41 – Pesticide Excretion

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the excretion of pesticides in vertebrates, particularly mammals. Renal and liver function, as they relate to excretion, are summarized as well as the less important routes for excretion of pesticides: respiratory and alimentary. The body, in most cases, because of their lipophilicity takes up pesticides. Before elimination is possible, they must first be metabolized into a form simulating that used by the body for the elimination of endogenous compounds. In general, they are metabolized by phase I and phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) to conjugation products that are more polar and hence more hydrophilic than the parent compound and then excreted by either the renal or the hepatic route. Although similar anion and cation transport systems are found in both kidney and liver, they differ in the type of excretory products eliminated. In addition to excretion via the bile, highly lipophilic chemicals that are recalcitrant to metabolism may be excreted as the parent chemical by a number of alternate routes, although in terms of the overall excretion of toxicant these are generally of minor importance compared to urine and bile. More obscure routes of excretion including gender-linked routes such as milk, eggs, placenta, and fetus as well as hair, sweat, etc., are briefly mentioned. The role of transporters in cellular elimination is considered, and, finally, the use of excreted pesticides and their metabolites as biomarkers of exposure is summarized.
THE LATENCY OF PRICKING-PAIN SENSATION. I. THE EFFECT OF ACETOPHENETIDIN AND ANACIN. II. THE EFFECT OF REPEATED STIMULATION.

Summary To investigate the effect of two analgesic dosages of acetophenetidin and of Anacin upon the latency of the pricking-pain sensation under conditions of single and repetitive stimulation of the skin, each of six trained male subjects participated in 12 120-minute sessions (each subject had two sessions with 1.0 gm and with 0.5 gm dosages of each drug, placebos, and no capsule). Threshold (latency) determinations were made every five minutes, each time on a different one of 24 numbered spots on the volar surfaces of the forearms. Concomitantly, Spot A on the left forearm was stimulated repeatedly every five minutes, and Spot B, on the right forearm, every 10 minutes. No analgesic effects were observed on pricking-pain latency. Analyses of variance showed no significant interaction, no consistent time effect, and no significant conditions effect that could be interpreted as resulting from drug action. Repetitive stimulation at five- and 10-minute intervals was thus alone responsible for the latency e...
Selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural to furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid over spinel mixed metal oxide catalyst

Abstract Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a potential platform chemical in polymer industry for manufacturing polyester, polyamides and polyurethanes. Here, we introduced Li2CoMn3O8 as an efficient catalyst for the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) to FDCA with 80% isolated yield in a gram scale reaction. The nanocrystalline spinel Li2CoMn3O8 catalyst was synthesized by gel pyrolysis method using urea and citric acid as complexing agent. The catalyst was characterized using PXRD, BET, ICP-MS and TEM. The catalyst is cheap and easy to prepare. The use of naturally abundant oxygen as oxidant results to high isolated product yield making this procedure scalable.
Ca2+ mobilization by the LH receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes independent of 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate formation: evidence for parallel activation of two signaling pathways.

The cDNAs encoding the murine LH receptor (LHR) and the human beta 2-adrenoceptor (h beta 2AR) were cloned and RNAs complementary to their sense strands (cRNAs) were injected into defolliculated Xenopus oocytes. This led to expression, respectively, of LH- and isoproterenol-stimulable adenylyl cyclase activities, indicating that functionally active receptor cDNAs had been cloned. In oocytes injected with LHR cRNA, but not in control or h beta 2AR cRNA-injected oocytes, human CG and LH increased a Ca(2+)-activated Cl- current, as measured by the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp method. This effect was not seen with isoproterenol in control or h beta 2AR cRNA-injected oocytes, it was also not observed in response to forskolin or (Bu)2cAMP. The response to human CG could be obtained in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ but was abolished by injection of EGTA, indicating that it was caused by mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The response was unaffected by overnight treatment with 1 microgram/ml ...
Comments on Quality in the Constructed Project from University Course

In 1988, ASCE published its \IManual of Professional Practice: Quality in the Constructed Project\N in an effort to present guidelines for quality engineering design and construction. Publication of the manual has aroused much interest and comment in the construction industry. An undergraduate professional development course based on the manual was conducted in the spring of 1989 at Tulane University. The course was presented in a seminar format, and featured panelists representing the interests of owners, designers, and contractors. The sessions were open to the design community and were well attended by professional engineers. Panelists presented their own views on topics from the manual and responded to questions and comments from the audience. Written comments were collected from students and professionals in attendance. This paper summarizes the course sessions and presents a summary evaluation of the manual based on these comments from seminar participants.
Frequency-dependent release of substance P mediates heterosynaptic potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic responses in the rat visual thalamus.

To investigate the interaction between peptides and glutamatergic synapses in the dorsal thalamus, we compared the frequency-dependent plasticity of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the tectorecipient zone of rodent lateral posterior nucleus (LPN), which is densely innervated by axons that contain the neuromodulator substance P (SP). Immunocytochemistry and confocal and electron microscopy revealed that neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed on the dendrites of LPN cells, whereas SP is contained in axons originating from the superior colliculus (SC) and is reduced following SC lesions. In vitro whole cell recordings in parasagittal slices revealed that stimulation of the SC or optic radiations (corticothalamic axons [CTXs]) evoked LPN EPSPs that increased in amplitude with increasing stimulation intensity, suggesting convergence. With 0.5- to 10-Hz stimulus trains, CTX EPSP amplitudes displayed frequency-dependent facilitation, whereas SC EPSP amplitudes were unchanged. High-frequency SC stimulation (100 Hz for 0.5 s), or bath application of SP, resulted in gradual increases in both SC and CTX EPSP amplitudes to twofold or greater above baseline within 15–20 min poststimulation/application. This enhancement correlated with increases in input resistance and both the potentiation and resistance change were abolished in the presence of the NK1 antagonist L-703,606. These results indicate that SP is released when SC-LPN neurons fire at high frequency and SP acts postsynaptically via NK1 receptors to potentiate subsequent LPN responses to both cortical and tectal inputs. We suggest that the SP-mediated potentiation of synaptic responses may serve to amplify responses to threatening objects that move across large regions of the visual field.
Interaction of β-adrenergic receptors with the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein of adenylate cyclase in membranes prepared from cyc− S49 lymphoma cells☆

beta-Adrenergic receptors on membranes prepared from L6 myoblasts, wild-type S49 lymphoma cells, and an adenylate cyclase-deficient variant (cyc-) of S49 lymphoma cells bind the agonist [3H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol ([3H]HBI) with high affinity. In each case the agonist [3H]HBI is associated with a larger complex than is the antagonist [125I]iodopindolol, and the binding of [3H]HBI can be inhibited by GTP. These observations suggest that there is an agonist-dependent association of the receptor with a guanine nucleotide-binding protein. The goal of the present experiments was to investigate the possibility that an interaction of beta-adrenergic receptors with the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein of adenylate cyclase was responsible for these observations. Treatment of S49 cells with pertussis toxin decreased the extent of pertussis toxin-catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation of a 41,000-dalton protein, measured in vitro, and decreased the inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity observed in the presence of somatostatin or analogues of GTP. Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was potentiated following treatment of wild-type S49 cells and L6 myoblasts with pertussis toxin. Although the ability of receptors on membranes prepared from L6 myoblasts to bind the agonist [3H]HBI was not affected by treatment of cells with pertussis toxin, treatment of cyc- S49 cells with pertussis toxin markedly decreased the ability of receptors to bind [3H]HBI. The observed inhibition of the binding of the agonist [3H]HBI to beta-adrenergic receptors on membranes prepared from cyc- S49 cells after treatment with pertussis toxin could be explained by an interaction between beta-adrenergic receptors and the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein. Such an interaction may represent a mechanism through which stimulation of the activity of adenylate cyclase by beta-adrenergic receptors can be regulated or through which beta-adrenergic receptors can affect the activity of cyclic AMP-independent cellular processes.
A generalized cohesive zone model of the peel test for pressure-sensitive adhesives

The peel test is a commonly used testing method for adhesive strength evaluation. The test involves peeling a pressure-sensitive tape away from a substrate and measuring the applied peel force. In the present study, a cohesive zone model, in which the adhesive fails cohesively, is proposed to analyze the mechanics of the peel test. The proposed model is capable of predicting the dependence of the peel force, as well as the traction distribution across the peel front, on factors such as the peel rate, the peel angle, the nature of the adhesive, the mechanical properties and geometries of the backing and the substrate.
Brain morphology and turbidity preference in Notropis and related genera (Cyprinidae, Teleostei)

The size of seven neural structures was compared in 51 species of Notropis, Pteronotropis, Cyprinella, Luxilus, Lythrurus, and Hybopsis, and related to the turbidity of the species’ habitat. This last parameter was assessed for each species by personal communication with 42 ichthyologists. To control for size differences among species, all analyses were performed on the residuals from a regression of each character on standard length. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the residuals produced four significant PC-axes that together explained 65% of the total variation represented in the original variables. The size of brain structures concerned with vision, olfaction, and gustation was correlated with habitat turbidity. Two-way Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVAs) revealed significant differences between species in the size of all structures. Sexual dimorphism was found in the size of the olfactory bulb and the cerebellum, and significant two-way interactions (species vs. sex) were detected for the telencephalo, optic lobes, cerebellum, vagal lobe, and the eye. Cluster analysis indicated that neither similar turbidity preference nor shared phylogeny is alone sufficient to explain the observed differences in brain morphology.
Consumer Evaluation of Genetic Information Online: The Role of Quality on Attitude and Behavioral Intentions

Health consumers have become increasingly interested in genetic information. This increasing consumer interest in genetic information is coupled with a growing trend in consumer uses of the Internet for health-related purposes. Also, the number of websites providing health-related information has grown dramatically. In the realm of genetics, the National Libraries of Medicine launched the Genetic Home Reference (GHR) web site with the goal of serving as an information resource on genetics for consumers. In this project, we examine the role of quality perceptions on attitude and behavioral intentions toward GHR. The study reveals that quality plays a key role in determining attitude and behavioral intentions toward GHR. The results provide the basis for making recommendations for health-related information portals.
Alcohol utilization and dependence with special reference to protein level in a liquid diet for rats

Abstract Experiments were carried out with a nutritionally balanced diet to test the response of rats to levels of ethanol between 0% and 6%, and to different levels and sources of protein and amino acid supplements in relation to alcohol utilization and withdrawal seizures. The high-calorie/high-carbohydrate liquid diet was well tolerated when the alcohol level was less than 30% of total calories, or 4.5% of diet. When alcohol was provided at 6% of diet, or 33% of total calories, growth and withdrawal seizure rates were negatively affected in comparison with the lower ethanol levels, even though ethanol consumption (in g/kg/day) was not different. The 6% alcohol diet was then altered through the addition of more protein calories, from 13% to 20%. This supplementation improved growth rate of the animals and reduced the rate of withdrawal seizures. The improvement from the additional protein was observed with both casein and soy protein, and was not attributable to any one or even several amino acids that might serve as transmitter precursors. A mixture of all essential amino acids representing the difference in amino acids between 13% and 20% casein protein calories was as effective as the equivalent amount of intact protein. The nonessential amino acids equivalent to 7% casein protein calories, when added to the 13% protein calories diet, increased the rate of withdrawal seizures, presumably by exacerbating the protein deficiency in the 13% protein diet. It was concluded that a 1000–1200 kcal/kg diet with 20% kcal from protein and 50% kcal from carbohydrate provides an optimal nutrient balance for efficient utilization of a 6% ethanol liquid diet for rats.
Dense Subgraph Extraction with Application to Community Detection

This paper presents a method for identifying a set of dense subgraphs of a given sparse graph. Within the main applications of this “dense subgraph problem,” the dense subgraphs are interpreted as communities, as in, e.g., social networks. The problem of identifying dense subgraphs helps analyze graph structures and complex networks and it is known to be challenging. It bears some similarities with the problem of reordering/blocking matrices in sparse matrix techniques. We exploit this link and adapt the idea of recognizing matrix column similarities, in order to compute a partial clustering of the vertices in a graph, where each cluster represents a dense subgraph. In contrast to existing subgraph extraction techniques which are based on a complete clustering of the graph nodes, the proposed algorithm takes into account the fact that not every participating node in the network needs to belong to a community. Another advantage is that the method does not require to specify the number of clusters; this number is usually not known in advance and is difficult to estimate. The computational process is very efficient, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in a few real-life examples.
Information literacy and the writing center

Abstract Defining “information literacy” as the “ability to access, retrieve, evaluate, and integrate information from a variety of electronically generated resources,” this article examines the rationale for making information literacy a writing center goal and suggests several possibilities for implementation. It points out that the current process students engage in when they conduct research presumes linearity and solitude, rather than process, recursiveness and collaboration, and suggests that writing centers should become more directly involved in helping students develop a more effective research process. The article also stresses the role that information literacy will ultimately play in determining life quality and economic independence and the political implications that familiarity with technological resources will have for students.
Rapid X‐ray spectrographic determination of major element homogeneity in Mazama pumice

Abstract Permanent powder mounts were prepared for X‐ray spectrographic analysis by molding bakelite powder at 24,000 psi and heating to 110C. Spraying with clear acrylic resin maintains surface permanency for non‐clayey samples. Standard curves for Si, Al, Fe, K, Ca, and Ti prepared with USGS and NBS rock powders were used to determine that two distinct textural layers of Mazama pumice had similar major element contents. Ground pumiceous lapilli from the weathered AC horizon (20–30 cm depth) had 4% less Ca, 4% less Si, 8% less K, 9% more Ti, 12% more Al, and 16% more Fe than unweathered pumice in the C1 and C2 horizons.
Postoperative myocardial injury after major head and neck cancer surgery

Background Head and neck cancer patients often have multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease. Yet, little is known about the incidence of postoperative myocardial injury after major head and neck cancer surgery and its clinical relevance. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of postoperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery.
Gastrulation and mesoderm morphogenesis in the white sturgeon

This study presents a detailed description of gastrulation in the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus, using scanning electron microscopy, histology, and time-lapse filming and video microscopy. This morphological analysis describes the similarity of gastrula structure in the sturgeon and the amphibian Xenopus laevis, and suggests that the species share many developmental mechanisms. It also identifies important differences, such as the equatorial dorsal lip in sturgeon, and provides a basis for interpreting experiments that test the effect of these differences on gastrulation. The onset of gastrulation in the sturgeon is marked by the appearance of a blastoporal equatorial pigment line that forms as the apices of bottle cells contract and concentrate surface pigment granules. Bottle cell formation at the blastopore lip and involution of surface material through the blastopore are strikingly similar to the equivalent processes in amphibian embryos. As gastrulation continues, a distinct cleft of Brachet forms between pre-involution and post-involution material. Following involution, the prospective axial mesoderm located on the dorsal surface of the late blastula (Ballard and Ginsburg: J. Exp. Zool., 213:69-103, 1980) ingresses from a central zone in the posterior archenteron roof surface in a process that is unlike any in Xenopus, but resembles events in other amphibians (Purcell, 1992; Smith: Dev. Biol., 98:250-254, 1983; King: Biol. Bull., 4:287-300, 1903). The detailed comparison of similarities and differences in gastrulation in different vertebrate lineages yields insights into the function and versatility of common developmental mechanisms.
Energy transfer from a platinum—nickel excited state to platinum clusters in quasi-one-dimensional Ba(Pt, Ni)(CN)4·nH2O crystals

Abstract Laser-induced luminescence in quasi-one-dimensional Ba(Pt, Ni)(CN) 4 · n H 2 O crystals has been measured from 5 to 300 K. A well-defined luminescence peak is observed, corresponding to an excited electronic state of platinum and nickel. Energy transfer from this Pt—Ni excited state to Pt(CN) 4 2− clusters is found to be very much dependent on the temperature.
Growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus Species in Bovine Mammary Secretions During the Nonlactating and Peripartum Periods Following Intramammary Infusion of Lipopolysaccharide at Cessation of Milking

The objective was to determine if induced mammary inflammation at cessation of milking influenced growth of gram-positive mastitis pathogens in mammary secretions, particularly during early involution. Growth of all mastitis pathogens evaluated was similar in cell-free fat-free mammary secretions from LPS-infused and control glands. These data indicate that intramammary infusion of LPS at cessation of milking did not alter growth of gram-positive mastitis pathogens in mammary secretion during the nonlactating period. Stage of lactation and the nonlactating period influenced bacterial growth and marked differences between bacteria and among strains of a bacterial species were observed. Staphylococcus aureus grew well in secretions collected during late lactation, but growth decreased during early- and mid-involution and increased again in secretions obtained near parturition. Streptococcus agalactiae and Strep. uberis grew better in mammary secretion obtained during involution than in secretions collected during late or early lactation. Streptococcus dysgalactiae grew well in mammary secretions at all time periods. These data demonstrate the variability of mastitis pathogen growth during physiologic transitions of the bovine udder.
A convergence study for SPDEs using combined Polynomial Chaos and Dynamically-Orthogonal schemes

We study the convergence properties of the recently developed Dynamically Orthogonal (DO) field equations [1] in comparison with the Polynomial Chaos (PC) method. To this end, we consider a series of one-dimensional prototype SPDEs, whose solution can be expressed analytically, and which are associated with both linear (advection equation) and nonlinear (Burgers equation) problems with excitations that lead to unimodal and strongly bi-modal distributions. We also propose a hybrid approach to tackle the singular limit of the DO equations for the case of deterministic initial conditions. The results reveal that the DO method converges exponentially fast with respect to the number of modes (for the problems considered) giving same levels of computational accuracy comparable with the PC method but (in many cases) with substantially smaller computational cost compared to stochastic collocation, especially when the involved parametric space is high-dimensional.