cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the particle size spectrum in estimating POC fluxes from Th234/U238 disequilibrium

Abstract Thorium-234 is increasingly being used as a tracer for particulate organic carbon (POC) export in the oceans. In particular, POC fluxes are being estimated using disequilibrium between Th 234 and its parent radionuclide, U 238 , and estimates of the POC / Th 234 ratio of particles settling out of the water column. We have investigated the effect of variations in the particle size distribution on these estimates by using model particle size spectra and size distributions of organic carbon and Th 234 . Simulations indicate that the POC / Th 234 ratio is sensitive to differences in the distributions of organic carbon and Th 234 with particle size. If these size distributions differ, then the POC / Th 234 ratio is a function of particle size and estimates of the POC / Th 234 ratio using size-fractioned samples are inaccurate. Consequently, size fractioning techniques, such as filtration, yield biased estimates if the quantity being measured varies with particle size. We used a model with phytoplankton, fecal pellets and aggregates to examine the assumption that the particles responsible for the Th 234 flux are also responsible for the POC flux. We found that variations in the size distributions of these three populations affected POC and Th 234 fluxes differently, suggesting that changes in biological interactions can lead to a preferential increase in POC or Th 234 flux. We suggest that further examination of the distributions of organic carbon and Th 234 with particle size and type is required to refine our understanding of the factors affecting the POC / Th 234 ratio.
Combining AIMA and LEGO mindstorms in an artificial intelligence coursetobuild realworldrobots

We show how the example code from the book Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (AIMA)by Russell and Norvig can be used to help build real world robots with LEGO Mindstorms. This melding can increase students' productivity and learning by using examples and code from labs to augment the functionality of a LEGO robot. Artificial Intelligence computation is offloaded to a computer, allowing the robot to react quickly to its environment while still enabling the use of complex, memory-intensive algorithms. We show this through hardware and software discussions, teaching methodologies, past student projects, and classroom experience over two years at Syracuse University.
The structure of alpha-thrombin inhibited by a 15-mer single-stranded DNA aptamer.

The structure of a complex between human alpha-thrombin and a GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG 15-nucleotide consensus sequence has been solved by x-ray crystallography and refined at 2.9-A resolution to an R value of 0.159. As in solution, in the complex the single-stranded DNA folds into a structure with two G-quartets. The DNA is sandwiched between two different positively charged regions of two symmetry-related thrombin molecules in the crystal structure making ionic and hydrophobic interactions. One region is the fibrinogen recognition exosite and the other, the putative heparin binding site. The lack of inhibition of fibrinogen clotting and platelet activation by the DNA 15-mer with the Arg75–>Glu mutant of thrombin is consistent with the several salt bridges of the DNA in the fibrinogen exosite. The association of DNA with the heparin site of a neighboring molecule appears to simply compensate residual charge. Differences in the 15-mer loop conformations between the complex and NMR solution structures can be attributed to conformational changes upon thrombin binding. Although G-quadruplexes are favored in the presence of monovalent cations, there is no evidence of the latter in the thrombin complex.
Knowledge management strategies: a multi‐case study

The goal of every organization is to manage their knowledge successfully. A firm’s knowledge management strategy should reflect its internal competitive strategy. The strategy chosen should create value for the firm’s customers, turn a profit for the firm and focus on how the firm’s employees deliver on the value, differentiation, and speed. The primary thrust of this paper is to inspect the knowledge management (KM) practices of three organizations and discuss the commonalties based on a grounded theory approach. The results of this research effort are intended to show some of the tools and methods that successful organizations have used to manage their knowledge.
CYSTOPROSTATECTOMY FOR EFFECTIVE PALLIATION OF SYMPTOMATIC BLADDER INVASION BY PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated the palliative effect of cystoprostatectomy (CP) for palliating pelvic symptoms in patients with bladder invasion by prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 38 patients with clinical T4 prostate cancer, including primary tumors in 17 and recurrence following radiation therapy in 21, underwent palliative CP. Local symptoms, the need for surgical procedures to relieve obstruction, and chronic tube drainage for urinary obstruction before surgery and 3 months after surgery were compared. Average followup was 23 months. Time to local and systemic symptom recurrence, biochemical progression and metastasis was measured and disease specific survival was determined.Results: Local symptoms were reported by 34 patients (89%) before surgery and by 8 (21%) after surgery (p = 0.000). Preoperatively a total of 22 tubes were inserted in 13 patients to overcome urinary obstruction. Average indwelling tube duration was 6.9 months. A total of 24 transurethral prostatic tumor resection...
Effects of anthropogenic sulfate on cloud drop nucleation and optical properties

The characteristics of the cloud drop size distribution near cloud base are initially determined by the aerosol particles that serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and the updraft velocity. Changes in CCN concentrations can change cloud drop number thereby affecting cloud optical properties and the global radiation budget. The CCN concentration depends on the composition and size distribution of the aerosol particles. Chemical reactions of the emitted gaseous sulfur compounds due to human activities will alter, through gas-to-particle conversion, the aerosol size distribution, total number, and its chemical composition. It is important to assess these changes in order to estimate the effect of anthropogenic sulfur emissions on cloud drop number concentrations. Here, we assume that the aerosol size distribution is modified, with total number unchanged, by two processes: condensation of sulfuric acid vapor (H 2 SO 4 ) on a prescribed pre-existing particle size distribution and aqueous-phase oxidation of SO 2 followed by evaporation of the drops. We examine the relationship between the resulting anthropogenic sulfate-containing aerosol size distribution and cloud drop number concentrations. The results are used to estimate the possible change in cloud optical thickness and cloud albedo due to an increase of anthropogenic sulfate mass concentration. This work is aimed at improving the assessment of the effects of anthropogenic sulfate on cloud optical properties and the global radiation budget. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.47.issue5.4.x
Rubella Seropositivity in the United States, 1988–1994

Data obtained in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), conducted during 1988-1994, were analyzed to determine the epidemiology of rubella seropositivity in the United States, including risk factors for low rubella seropositivity. Serological samples obtained from NHANES III study participants > or =6 years of age were tested for rubella IgG antibodies. "Rubella seropositivity" was defined as serum rubella IgG antibody level > or =10 IU by enzyme immunoassay. Overall, rubella seropositivity rates in the United States were 92% in persons aged 6-11 years, 83% in persons aged 12-19 years, 85% in persons aged 20-29 years, 89% in persons aged 30-39 years, and >or =93% in persons aged > or =40 years. The lowest rate (78%) of any United States birth cohort of the 20th century occurred among persons born from 1970-1974. Eliminating rubella and chronic rubella syndrome in the United States will require international efforts, including vaccination of preschool- and school-age children and all susceptible young adults.
Policies and perspectives on authorship

Authorship on publications has been described as a “meal ticket” for researchers in academic settings. Given the importance of authorship, inappropriate publication credit is a pertinent ethical issue. This paper presents an overview of authorship problems and policies intended to address them. Previous work has identified three types of inappropriate authorship practices: plagiarism, giving unwarranted credit and failure to give expected credit. Guidelines from universities, journals and professional organizations provide standards about requirements of authors and may describe inappropriate practices; to a lesser extent, they provide guidance for determining authorship order. While policies on authorship may be helpful in some circumstances, they are not panaceas. Formal guidelines may not address serious power imbalances in working relationships and may be difficult to enforce in the face of particular departmental or institutional cultures. In order to develop more effective and useful guidelines, we should gain more knowledge about how students and faculty members perceive policies as well as their understanding of how policies will best benefit collaborators.
The crystal structure of the hyperthermophile chromosomal protein Sso7d bound to DNA

Sso7d and Sac7d are two small (~7,000 Mr), but abundant, chromosomal proteins from the hyperthermophilic archaeabacteria Sulfolobus solfataricus and S. acidocaldarius respectively. These proteins have high thermal, acid and chemical stability. They bind DNA without marked sequence preference and increase the Tm of DNA by ~40 °C. Sso7d in complex with GTAATTAC and GCGT(iU)CGC + GCGAACGC was crystallized in different crystal lattices and the crystal structures were solved at high resolution. Sso7d binds in the minor groove of DNA and causes a single-step sharp kink in DNA (~60°) by the intercalation of the hydrophobic side chains of Val 26 and Met 29. The intercalation sites are different in the two complexes. Observations of this novel DNA binding mode in three independent crystal lattices indicate that it is not a function of crystal packing.
Selective Quantification by 2D HSQC0 Spectroscopy of Thiocoraline in an Extract from a Sponge-Derived Verrucosispora sp.

We recently developed a 2D 1H-13C HSQC0 approach to quantify individual chemicals in complex mixtures. The HSQC0 approach has been implemented in phase-cycled and gradient-selective versions. As in quantitative 1D NMR, the normalized integrated signal intensities in HSQC0 are proportional to the concentrations of individual chemicals in the mixture. We applied the HSQC0 approach to selectively quantify thiocoraline present at a level of 1% w/w in an extract from a Verrucosispora sp. isolated from the sponge Chondrilla caribensis f. caribensis. We expect that this approach can be used to quantify other natural products of interest in extracts without prior purification.
Clinical characteristics of trichotillomania with trichophagia.

Objective: Little is known about trichophagia in individuals with trichotillomania. Although studies have mentioned the behavior, no previous studies have examined clinical correlates of trichophagia. Method: We examined the clinical correlates of trichophagia in 68 subjects with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, trichotillomania (85.3% females; mean age, 35.0 ± 12.5). Comorbidity data were obtained with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Trichotillomania severity was assessed with the Psychiatric Institute Trichotillomania Scale and the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale. Social/occupational functioning was examined using the Sheehan Disability Scale. All variables were compared in trichotillomania subjects with and without trichophagia. Results: Of the 68 subjects with trichotillomania, 14 (20.6%; 95% confidence interval, 12.7%-31.6%) reported current trichophagia, and an additional 9 (13.2%) ate their hair or the root episodically. There were far more similarities than differences in trichotillomania subjects with current trichophagia and those without, although those with trichophagia were significantly more likely to be male (P = .013) and have more severe trichotillomania (according to the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale) (P = .010). Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that trichophagia is not uncommon in individuals with trichophagia. Subjects with and without trichophagia were similar in most domains that were examined.
Variations with age in the adrenocortical responses of mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) consuming petroleum-contaminated food.

Mallard ducks were fed ad libitum a diet containing 3 ml South Louisiana crude oil per 100 gm dry food. Plasma samples were analyzed for corticosterone by radioimmunoassay and hepatic mixed function oxidase activity was determined in microsomal fractions from liver homogenates. Results show that birds in each age group, whether consuming either uncontaminated or contaminated food, showed no significant changes in body weight during the ten-day experimental period. Also, no significant differences were detected between the rates of food consumption by birds in the various age groups. The similar levels of total hepatic mixed function oxidase activity induced by the similar volumes of crude oil consumed by the individuals in each age class strongly suggests that the declines inplasma corticosterone concentration occurred in response to similar levels of systemic contamination. Since the decreases were larger in the younger birds than in the older birds, age seems to have been an important factor determining the degree of hypoadrenocorticalism developed following their exposure to contaminated food. (JMT)
Improved utilization of biomass-derived carbon by co-processing with hydrogen-rich feedstocks in millisecond reactors

A reactor capable of improving the utilization of biomass-derived carbon during thermochemical conversion to synthesis gas is demonstrated experimentally. By co-processing hydrogen-deficient biomass (H/C∼2) with hydrogen-rich feedstocks (H/C≥4) through catalytic partial oxidation, 100% of the fuel carbon atoms fed to the reactor can be converted to CO.
Speech technology and computing: a unique partnership

Emerging capabilities in voice processing, such as low-bit-rate coding, wideband signals, perceptual weighting, recognition and synthesis, and talker verification, are discussed. Opportunities for their integration with image and tactile information features are described. After a brief look at the history of speech technology, the present state of speech technology and the opportunities expected to emerge in the next few years are reviewed. >
Accelerate medical breakthroughs by ending disease earmarks.

A shift towards studying connections between diseases will be essential to accelerate the translation of biomedical research. Identifying connections among genetic diseases can accelerate the development of new therapies. If this potential is to be realized, argues Sharon F. Terry, research funding must no longer be focused on individual diseases.
Developmental Maturation of Riboflavin Intestinal Transport in the Rat

The intestinal transport of riboflavin in the immature intestine of the suckling rat (14 day old) and its subsequent maturation in weanling (22 day old) and adult (90 day old) rats were investigated using the intestinal everted sac technique. The mucosal-to-serosal transport of 0.5 microM riboflavin was linear with time for 30-min incubation and occurred at a rate of 4.6, 3.6, and 1.6 pmol/g initial tissue wet wt/min in suckling, weanling, and adult rats, respectively. The transport of 0.5 microM riboflavin was higher in the jejunum than the ileum in all age groups. The transport system of riboflavin in all age groups was saturable, energy-, temperature-, and Na+-dependent. Kinetic parameters of the transport process were different. Apparent Kt of the transport process was the same in suckling and weanling rats (0.12 and 0.11 microM, respectively) but tripled in adult rats (0.35 microM). On the other hand, a progressive decrease in Vmax from 166 to 122 to 54 pmol/g initial tissue wet weight/30 min was observed in the suckling, weanling, and adult rats, respectively. The present study demonstrates that the characteristics of the transport process of riboflavin is similar in suckling, weanling, and adult rats and occurs by an energy-, temperature-, and Na+-dependent carrier-mediated process. However, the affinity and the activity (or the number) of the transport carriers of riboflavin decrease with maturation.
Quadrilateral shell element for rotational shells

Abstract A doubly curved shell element of quadrilateral shape which is suitable for the analyses of rotational shells is derived. Geometry is defined in a polar coordinate system while displacements are specified in cartesian coordinates. The element is a C° element which includes transverse shear deformations and is intended for modelling shells which follow a circular curve form in one direction.
Cytotoxicity of Ni from Surface-Treated Porous Nitinol (PNT) on Osteoblast Cells

The leaching of nickel from the surface of porous Nitinol (PNT) is mainly dependent on its surface characteristics, which can be controlled by appropriate surface treatments. In this investigation, PNT was subjected to two surface treatments, namely, water-boiling and dry-heating passivations. Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solutions obtained from cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests on PNT were employed to assess the cytotoxicity of Ni contained therein on osteoblast cells by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. In addition, similar concentrations of Ni were added exogenously to cell culture media to determine cytotoxic effects on osteoblast cells. The morphologies of the untreated and the surface-treated PNTs were examined using SEM and AFM. Furthermore, growth of human osteoblast cells was observed on the PNT surfaces.
The role of Na-montmorillonite in the evolution of copper, nickel, and vanadyl geoporphyrins during diagenesis☆

Sorption of a series of toluene-solvated porphyrins with differing structural characteristics and metallic centers [i.e. free-base, Cu(II), Ni(II) and VO(II)] onto Na-montmorillonite was measured to determine how this clay mineral might influence porphyrin pathways during diagenesis. In most instances, adsorption was adequately described by the Langmuir isotherm equation. The adsorption results were compared in two ways: (1) by the metallating ion, where predicted trends of the relative degree of adsorption are based on Buchler stability indices, and (2) by the structural type, where predicted trends of the relative degree of adsorption are based on the number and type of substituent groups and their corresponding steric and functional characteristics. The implications of macrocycle shape (planar, ruffle, and wave) are also discussed. In general, sorption affinity based on metallating ion followed the order: VO(II)≈Ni(II)<Cu(II)<<Free-base. In terms of functional groups, sorption affinity generally followed the order: phenyl (meso)<ethyl<methyl<ester. Ruffled shapes generally sorb less than planar shapes. These sorption trends are used to explain how clay minerals might influence the selective sorption and decomposition of porphyrins in oil shales; how clay minerals may contribute to or be responsible for the decreasing Ni(II)/VO(II) ratios observed in the fossil record; and why clay minerals probably do not play a major role in the decreasing deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin/etioporphyrin I (DPEP/ETIO) ratio observed in the maturing sedimentary environment.
Voyager crossing of the termination shock: prediction

Abstract This paper studies the varying location and conditions of the termination shock over 34-year period (1966 – 2000). The shock location is anti-correlated with the sunspot number, moving inward or outward during the rising or declining phase of the solar cycle. For the shock in the upwind direction, plasma and magnetic field conditions in its immediately upstream are extrapolated from 1 AU data using MHD equations including pickup protons, and the shock location estimated by the ACR spectrum is used as a guide. Voyager 1 will cross the termination shock in the region of high-speed solar wind at latitude of ∼34°. Taking into consideration the high-latitude effects, the calculation indicates that the shock is now moving inward to within 85 AU. Voyager 1 could cross the shock around Year 2002, and the crossing may occur 3 or more times over a period of about 4 years.
Characterization of Shock Wave Transfer in a Pulse Detonation Engine–Crossover System

Shock wave propagation within a pulse detonation engine–crossover system is investigated, examining the properties and mechanisms of the transfer process. A shock wave is transferred through a crossover tube that connects a spark-ignited driver pulse detonation engine to a secondary, driven pulse detonation engine. Detonations in the driven pulse detonation engine develop from shock-initiated combustion, as strong shock wave reflection can cause ignition within a reactive mixture. A pulse detonation engine–crossover system can decrease deflagration-to-detonation transition length while employing a single spark source to initiate a system consisting of multiple detonation engines. Visualization of a shock wave propagating through a clear channel reveals a complex shock train behind the leading shock wave. Transverse waves connect with the leading shock wave to form a triple point that oscillates through the leading shock wave. The shock wave Mach number and decay rate remain constant for varying crossover ...
Cryptococcus gattii: a resurgent fungal pathogen

Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans are causal agents of cryptococcosis, which manifests as pneumonia and meningitis. C. gattii has recently received widespread attention owing to outbreaks in British Columbia, Canada and the US Pacific Northwest. The biology of this tree-dwelling yeast is relatively unexplored, and there are few clues about how it causes infections in humans and animals. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries about C. gattii genetics and its ecological niche and highlight areas ripe for future exploration. Increased focus on epidemiology, ecological modeling and host–pathogen interactions is expected to yield a better understanding of this enigmatic yeast, and ultimately lead to better measures for its control.
Characterization and immunogenicity of pyrogenic mitogens SePE-H and SePE-I of Streptococcus equi.

Two pyrogenic mitogens, SePE-H and SePE-I, were characterized in Streptococcus equi, the cause of equine strangles. SePE-H and SePE-I have molecular masses of 27.5 and 29.5 kDa, respectively, and each is almost identical to its counterpart in Streptococcus pyogenes M1. Both genes are adjacent to a gene encoding a phage muramidase of 49.7 kDa and are located immediately downstream from a phage genomic sequence almost identical to a similar phage sequence in S. pyogenes M1. Strong mitogenic responses were elicited by both proteins from horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, although both were pyrogenic for rabbits, only SePE-I was pyrogenic in ponies. Convalescent sera contained antibody to each mitogen and horses recovered from strangles or immunized with SePE-I were resistant to the pyrogenic effect of SePE-I. The immunogenicity of SePE-I suggests that it should be included in new generation strangles vaccines. In isolates of S. equi sepe-I and sepe-H were consistently present but they were absent from the closely related Streptococcus zooepidemicus, suggesting that phage mediated transfer was an important event in the formation of the clonal, more virulent, S. equi from its putative S. zooepidemicus ancestor.
Point mutations in human keratin 14 genes of epidermolysis bullosa simplex patients: Genetic and functional analyses

Previously we demonstrated that transgenic mice expressing mutant basal epidermal keratin genes exhibited a phenotype resembling a group of autosomal dominant human skin disorders known as epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). EBS diseases affect approximately 1: 50,000 and are of unknown etiology, although all subtypes exhibit blistering arising from basal cell cytolysis. We now demonstrate that two patients with spontaneous cases of Dowling-Meara EBS have point mutations in a critical region in one (K14) of two basal keratin genes. To demonstrate function, we engineered one of these point mutations in a cloned human K14 cDNA, and showed that a K14 with an Arg-125----Cys mutation disrupted keratin network formation in transfected keratinocytes and perturbed filament assembly in vitro. Since we had previously shown that keratin network perturbation is an essential component of EBS diseases, these data suggest that the basis for the phenotype in this patient resides in this point mutation.
Dynamic multiscale boundary conditions for 4D CT of healthy and emphysematous rats.

Changes in the shape of the lung during breathing determine the movement of airways and alveoli, and thus impact airflow dynamics. Modeling airflow dynamics in health and disease is a key goal for predictive multiscale models of respiration. Past efforts to model changes in lung shape during breathing have measured shape at multiple breath-holds. However, breath-holds do not capture hysteretic differences between inspiration and expiration resulting from the additional energy required for inspiration. Alternatively, imaging dynamically – without breath-holds – allows measurement of hysteretic differences. In this study, we acquire multiple micro-CT images per breath (4DCT) in live rats, and from these images we develop, for the first time, dynamic volume maps. These maps show changes in local volume across the entire lung throughout the breathing cycle and accurately predict the global pressure-volume (PV) hysteresis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given either a full- or partial-lung dose of elastase or saline as a control. After three weeks, 4DCT images of the mechanically ventilated rats under anesthesia were acquired dynamically over the breathing cycle (11 time points, ≤100 ms temporal resolution, 8 cmH2O peak pressure). Non-rigid image registration was applied to determine the deformation gradient – a numerical description of changes to lung shape – at each time point. The registration accuracy was evaluated by landmark identification. Of 67 landmarks, one was determined misregistered by all three observers, and 11 were determined misregistered by two observers. Volume change maps were calculated on a voxel-by-voxel basis at all time points using both the Jacobian of the deformation gradient and the inhaled air fraction. The calculated lung PV hysteresis agrees with pressure-volume curves measured by the ventilator. Volume maps in diseased rats show increased compliance and ventilation heterogeneity. Future predictive multiscale models of rodent respiration may leverage such volume maps as boundary conditions.
Linear relationships between rejection and flux in pressure-driven membrane separation processes

Calcul mathematique determinant le taux de permeabilite d'une membrane en fonction du flux et des caracteristiques de la membrane
Human Microvascular Endothelial Cell Activation by IL‐1 and TNF‐α Stimulates the Adhesion and Transendothelial Migration of Circulating Human CD14+ Monocytes That Develop With RANKL Into Functional Osteoclasts

Circulating pre-OCs may be recruited to locally inflamed sites through specific interactions with activated microvasculature. We found that HMVECs stimulated the adhesion and TEM of circulating pre-OCs, in an ICAM-1- and CD44-dependent manner, leading to greater RANKL-induced OC formation and bone pit resorption. Introduction: Inflammation is critical for healing processes but causes severe tissue destruction when chronic. Local osteoclast (OC) formation and bone resorption may increase at inflammatory sites through multiple mechanisms, including direct stimulation by inflamed microvasculature of circulating OC precursor (pre-OC) migration through a blood vessel barrier into bone or joint tissue. How this might occur is not yet well understood. Materials and Methods: Cytokine-activated human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) monolayers, with or without IL-1 and TNF-α preactivation (24 h), were incubated in adhesion (1-3 h) or porous transwell transendothelial migration (TEM; 3 h) assays with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) or CD14+ monocyte or CD14− lymphocyte subsets. The number of cells that adhered or transmigrated, and their ability to thereafter develop with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) + RANKL into bone pit-resorbing OCs, were analyzed. Immunostaining and neutralizing antibodies to key cell adhesion molecules were used to determine their potential involvement in stimulated CD14+ monocyte TEM. Results: M-CSF + RANKL caused OC and bone pit formation only from hPBMCs and CD14+ cells but not CD14− cells. Adhesion of hPBMCs or CD14+ cells but not CD14− cells was stimulated by cytokine preactivation of HMVECs and led to the full capture of all circulating pre-OCs capable of developing into OCs. Cytokine-preactivated HMVECs also promoted the postadhesion TEM of hPBMCs and CD14+ populations, resulting in markedly greater OC formation and bone pit resorption by transmigrated cells. Immunodetectable vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and CD44 levels increased on cytokine-treated HMVEC surfaces, and neutralizing antibodies to ICAM-1 or CD44, but not VCAM-1 or platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), inhibited stimulated CD14+ cell TEM through activated HMVECs. Conclusions: This is the first demonstration that cytokine-activated HMVECs efficiently capture and promote the TEM of circulating pre-OCs capable of differentiating into bone-resorbing OCs. Thus, direct pre-OC recruitment by activated microvasculature at inflammatory sites may significantly contribute to normal OC bone remodeling during fracture healing or exacerbate pathological bone loss in various chronic inflammatory disorders.
Utilization of small bowel segments as a gastric reservoir for control of the dumping syndrome

Abstract The role of remedial operations for the treatment of disabling postgastrectomy symptoms is discussed. Experience with several remedial operations in a small group of patients is cited. The use of a short antiperistaltic segment of jejunum placed between the stomach remnant and duodenum along with vagotomy has given satisfactory results thus far in our experience.
A discontinuous Galerkin method with Lagrange multipliers to solve vector electromagnetic problems in two dimensions

A discontinuous Galerkin method is formulated with plane wave basis functions and Lagrange multipliers to solve the vector curl-curl equation. This method was developed only for the scalar Helmholtz equation in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cases. By defining vector plane waves and vector Lagrange multipliers within unstructured quadrilateral elements and along the element boundaries, this algorithm can be extended to solve 2D vector problems. Numerical results for wave propagation and scattering by perfect electric conducting (PEC) cylinders are presented to validate the proposed method.
Hierarchical control model for automated manufacturing systems

Abstract A mathematical model is presented to determine the hierarchical computer control requirements for a completely automated flexible manufacturing systems. This model can estimate the number and capacity of hierarchical computers needed to control a specified automated manufacturing system. The hierarchical control system is described by the major operating components common to all controlling computers and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines: central processing unit, memory, input/output and communications. Each of these components is evaluated with respect to its operating speed and capacity. Costs are then determined as a function of the component's processing speed and capacity. A three-tier control system is examined. Starting with the CNC machines' speeds and capacities, each level of the computer hierarchical control system is modeled and related to the next tier by communication and data requirements. The physical machine layout required for a hierarchical control system is discussed. Part scheduling and process information requirements are also addressed. The model's utility is illustrated by an example using a typical manufacturing system. Optimization of this model is readily obtained using standard dynamic programming techniques. Being totally independent of any specific computer hardware technology, the model can be applied to present and future automated manufacturing systems.
Spectrophotometric determination of cyanide with organic disulphides

Abstract The reaction of cyanide ion with the disulphides 2,2'-dithiodipyridine, 4,4'-dithiodipyridine, 2,2'-dithiodipyrimidine, and 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) to displace an absorbing thiol anion has been evaluated for the spectrophotometric determination of cyanide. Reaction is somewhat slow and is applicable to cyanide determination in the range 0.2–5.0 μg ml . By variation of reactant ratios and pH the concentration range can be increased to 50 μg ml . The reaction is faster when cyanide is present at a higher concentration than the disulphide.
Role of Prostaglandins in Acetylcholine-Induced Contraction of Aorta From Spontaneously Hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto Rats

Evidence in support of prostaglandin (PG) H2 as the endothelium-derived contracting factor released in response to acetylcholine in vessels from adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) is to a large degree indirect. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a prostaglandin or prostaglandins other than PGH2 may serve as the endothelium-derived contracting factor that mediates acetylcholine-induced contraction in these vessels. Acetylcholine-induced contraction of endothelium-intact aorta from 7- to 12-month-old SHR and WKY in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine was abolished by indomethacin and only partially decreased by the thromboxane (Tx) A2/PGH2 receptor antagonist SQ29548. Contraction induced by the TxA2/ PGH2 receptor agonist U46619 was abolished by SQ29548. These findings suggest that in endothelium-intact aorta from SHR and WKY, acetylcholine causes the release of a cyclooxygenase product other than PGH2 that induces contraction independently of TxA2/PGH2 receptor activation. To investigate which prostaglandin or prostaglandins could be responsible for the TxA2/PGH2 receptor-independent component, we challenged endothelium-denuded aorta from SHR and WKY with various prostaglandins in the presence of SQ29548. In SQ29548-treated aorta from 7- to 12-month-old rats, maximal contractions to PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and carbacyclin (a PGI2 analogue) were greater than the magnitude of acetylcholine-induced contraction. These findings suggest that PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and/or PGI2 could serve as mediators of the TxA2 receptor-independent component of the acetylcholine-induced contraction. However, in studies with SQ29548-treated aorta from 4- to 6-week-old SHR and WKY (an age at which acetylcholine-induced contraction is known to be absent), maximal contraction to PGF2 alpha and PGE2 was also greater or equivalent to that of SQ29548-treated aorta from 7- to 12-month-old rats, whereas carbacyclin induced negligible contraction. Thus, unlike PGE2 and PGF2 alpha, the age-dependent pattern of contraction induced by carbacyclin closely resembles the pattern induced by acetylcholine. We also measured the levels of PGI2 released in response to acetylcholine and found that they are sufficient to account for the TxA2 receptor-independent component of the acetylcholine-induced contraction. Thus, we propose that PGI2 released in response to acetylcholine may serve as the endothelium-derived contracting factor that elicits the TxA2/PGH2 receptor-independent and dependent components of the acetylcholine-induced contraction.
A fast memoryless interval-based algorithm for global optimization

We present a global optimization algorithm of the interval type that does not require a lot of memory and treats standard constraints. The algorithm is shown to be able to find one globally optimal solution under certain conditions. It has been tested with many examples with various degrees of complexity and a large variety of dimensions ranging from 1 to 2,000 merely in a basic personal computer. The extensive numerical experiments have indicated that the algorithm would have a good chance to successfully find a good approximation of a globally optimal solution. More importantly, it finds such a solution much more quickly and using much less memory space than a conventional interval method. The new algorithm is also compared with several noninterval global optimization methods in our numerical experiments, again showing its clear superiority in most cases.
Automatic photoelectric keratometer.

An instrument is described which automatically measures the radius of curvature of the cornea and other spherical surfaces. The principle involves moving a light pattern across the face of a cathode-ray tube. After being imaged by a lens and reflected off the cornea, the light strikes two photocells. The placement of the photocells and the lens and the geometry of the cornea determine the positions on the cathode-ray tube face from which light must issue for its reflection off the cornea to reach the photocells. The measurement is in the form of an electronic signal and the accuracy is comparable to that of an optical keratometer.
Fluid modeling simulation of stack-tip downwash for neutrally buoyant plumes

Abstract Downwash of neutrally buoyant effluent on the immediate lee side of a circular stack was modeled using a wind-tunnel simulation. Both subcritical and supercritical turbulent flows were simulated, where the criticality refers to Reynolds numbers below and above the critical Reynolds number, Re c (⋍2 × 10 5 ) , where the boundary layer on the cylinder becomes turbulent and the drag coefficient drops sharply. Subcritical Reynolds numbers are typically attained by small-diameter stacks in relatively light winds; supercritical ones are attained by large-diameter stacks in strong winds. The downwash characteristics differ markedly in the two regimes. In the subcritical regime, downwash begins when the ratio of effluent speed to wind speed (W/U) is about 1.5; in the supercritical regime, downwash begins at W/U ⋍ 1.1 . The downwash in the immediate lee of the stack at W/U = 0.3 extends to 7 diameters down from the stack top in the subcritical regime and to 4 diameters down in the supercritical regime. Graphs and simple formulas are presented describing the plume trajectories and plume widths for 0.4⩽W/U⩽2.0 and for downwind distances from the source to 30 stack diameters. Practical recommendations are made for modeling the downwash of neutrally buoyant plumes.
Development and validation of the Enculturation Scale for Filipino Americans.

Enculturation is the degree to which a person adheres to the values and behaviors of an indigenous or ethnic culture. This study was conducted to develop the Enculturation Scale for Filipino Americans (ESFA). Items were generated from a literature review, interviews with 5 Filipino American academic experts, and a survey of 24 cultural informants. Two community samples of Filipino Americans (Ns = 281 and 269) and 1 sample of non-Filipino Americans (N = 84) completed the ESFA. The Filipino American samples also completed existing enculturation/acculturation measures for Asian Americans and measures of subjective well-being. In factor analyses, 3 general enculturation dimensions— Connection With Homeland, Interpersonal Norms, and Conservatism—replicated well across samples. Internal consistency reliability estimates for the ESFA subscales were high, and construct validity was supported by the pattern of relationships with alternative, but less culture-specific, enculturation/ acculturation measures, as well as immigration, generational status, and cultural identity variables. Item response theory methods were used to develop a short form of the ESFA.
Comparative analysis of image compression using image interpolation and SPIHT encoding

In this paper we have discussed compression and analysis of image using high resolution grid and SPIHT encoding technique. Firstly the original image is converted in to low resolution (less size) image, then quantization and SPIHT encoding, techniques are applied to compress the image. To restore the original image, the compressed image is decompressed (dequantized & decoded) and interpolation techniques using high resolution grid (tukey window and PG algorithm) are applied to achieve high resolution decompressed image. The PSNR of the high resolution decompressed image is high compared to PSNR of low resolution original image. At last we found the compression ratio is directly proportional to PSNR.
Gas Chromatographic Determination of Trisulfapyrimidines in Tablets

A procedure for the quantitative determination of individual sulfapyrimidines in mixtures has been developed. Analyses of known mixtures show an accuracy of 1–2 percent. The method is based on acid hydrolysis of the trisulfapyrimidines to sulfanilic acid and their respective heterocyclic amines, followed by the separation and determination of the amines by gas chromatography.
Characterization of an entomopoxvirus of the lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus)

Abstract A biochemical and limited morphological characterization of an entomopoxvirus infecting the lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus , was made. The oval virions measure 270 × 200 nm and the spheroids average 1.5 μm in diameter. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis elucidated 32 structural polypeptides with molecular weights ranging from 13,000 to 145,000. The viral genome was examined with the restriction endonuclease Eco RI. Gel electrophoresis of the digested DNA yielded 26 bands and a total molecular weight of 140.8 × 10 6 .
Genetic variation of transgenerational plasticity of offspring germination in response to salinity stress and the seed transcriptome of Medicago truncatula

Transgenerational plasticity provides phenotypic variation that contributes to adaptation. For plants, the timing of seed germination is critical for offspring survival in stressful environments, as germination timing can alter the environmental conditions a seedling experiences. Stored seed transcripts are important determinants of seed germination, but have not previously been linked with transgenerational plasticity of germination behavior. In this study we used RNAseq and growth chamber experiments of the model legume M. trucantula to test whether parental exposure to salinity stress influences the expression of stored seed transcripts and early offspring traits and test for genetic variation. We detected genotype-dependent parental environmental effects (transgenerational plasticity) on the expression levels of stored seed transcripts, seed size, and germination behavior of four M. truncatula genotypes. More than 50% of the transcripts detected in the mature, ungerminated seed transcriptome were annotated as regulating seed germination, some of which are involved in abiotic stress response and post-embryonic development. Some genotypes showed increased seed size in response to parental exposure to salinity stress, but no parental environmental influence on germination timing. In contrast, other genotypes showed no seed size differences across contrasting parental conditions but displayed transgenerational plasticity for germimation timing, with significantly delayed germination in saline conditions when parental plants were exposed to salinity. In genotypes that show significant transgenerational plastic germination response, we found significant coexpression networks derived from salt responsive transcripts involved in post-transcriptional regulation of the germination pathway. Consistent with the delayed germination response to saline conditions in these genotypes, we found genes associated with dormancy and up-regulation of abscisic acid (ABA). Our results demonstrate genetic variation in transgenerational plasticity within M. truncatula and show that parental exposure to salinity stress influences the expression of stored seed transcripts, seed weight, and germination behavior. Furthermore, we show that the parental environment influences gene expression to modulate biological pathways that are likely responsible for offspring germination responses to salinity stress.
Going green: the adoption of environmental initiatives in Michigan's lodging sector

The greening of tourism activities continues to receive attention from industry members and academics. This paper assesses familiarity with, perceived benefits of and adoption levels of various environmental initiatives within the accommodation sector in Michigan, USA, based on 217 responses to an online survey of lodging providers. Variations in familiarity with various green schemes, as well as in perceived benefits of the adoption of green business practices, were assessed across property characteristics, including type, ownership, location and size. The existence of a written environmental policy was associated with higher levels of adoption of green practices for less than half of these practices; fewer than anticipated. Interesting differences in the practices adopted between smaller, independent and larger chain properties emerged, with the smaller independents more likely to engage in community-oriented activities and use local and/or organic products. The almost complete implementation of the pro...
Accuracy of Stepping-Table Lower Extremity MR Angiography with Dual-Level Bolus Timing and Separate Calf Acquisition: Hybrid Peripheral MR Angiography

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of hybrid peripheral magnetic resonance (MR) angiography by using conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study protocol received approval from the Office of Sponsored Research at Northwestern University, which included review by the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects. Informed consent was waived for this HIPAA-compliant study. One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients (67 men: mean age, 66 years ± 12 [standard deviation]; 54 women: mean age, 69 years ± 14), who were referred for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease, underwent peripheral contrast material–enhanced MR angiography. By using a hybrid technique, two independent timing measurements were performed in the pelvis and calves followed by MR angiography of the calves and, subsequently, a pelvis-thigh stepping-table acquisition. Images were evaluated for extent of disease, on the basis of degree of steno...