cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Geophysical Study of North Park and the Surrounding Ranges, Colorado

A geophysical study in the North Park basin and surrounding mountains, Colorado illustrates the structural relationship of various sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock units. Bouguer anomalies from 1330 gravity stations range from −210 mgal over Precambrian metamorphic rocks in the mountains to −260 mgal in the Walden syncline and —280 mgal in the North Park syncline. Steep gradients delineate a fault which strikes west-northwest along the north flank of the North Park syncline. Two models fitted to the gravity data show 1 to 2 km relief on this steeply dipping fault. Density contrasts between Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks produce anomalies of as much as 25-mgal amplitudes in the Park and Medicine Bow Ranges. A 30-km-long seismic refraction profile, parallel to the most negative Bouguer anomaly values in the North Park basin, shows velocities increasing from 2.5 to 3.4 km/sec within Tertiary rocks at depths ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 km. Mesozoic sedimentary rocks have a velocity of 4.0 to 4.5 km/sec, a very high velocity in view of the predominance of Upper Cretaceous rocks. Precambrian basement with a velocity of 6.25 km/sec underlies the profile at depths ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 km. Strong second arrivals across the profile, observed at distances of more than 14 km from the shotpoints and interpreted as SP reflections, verified the refraction model. An aeromagnetic survey shows numerous anomalies ranging from 100 to 200γ in the Park and Rabbit Ears Ranges and in the Never Summer Mountains, to 400γ in the Front Range, and to 1200γ over the Medicine Bow Range. Positive anomalies in the Park, Medicine Bow, and Front ranges overlie metamorphic rocks. Magnetic and gravity data suggest that the Never Summer Mountains are separated from the Front Range by a north-trending, steeply east-dipping reverse fault, extending beneath the Front Range along the Colorado River valley. The magnetic data indicate that this fault may connect with a possible fault that is parallel to the Laramie River valley. In the Rabbit Ears Range, a series of magnetic anomalies show that igneous rocks are present in the eastern part of the range. A northeast-trending positive magnetic anomaly, which is parallel to foliation trends reported in Precambrian rocks, extends from the Park Range across the North Park basin to the Medicine Bow Range. On the basis of this anomaly, the high seismic velocity of the Precambrian basement, and computed profiles fitted to the gravity and magnetic data, we infer that much of the basin is underlain by high-density metamorphic rock. As shown by gravity data, the deepest part of the basin is 2.7 km below sea level, resulting in a maximum relief of 6.7 km on the basement, relative to the Medicine Bow Range. A 25-mgal negative gravity anomaly and a zone of negative magnetic anomalies outline a large granitic intrusion in the Park Range, which probably extends northeast beneath the North Park basin and connects with granitic rocks in the Medicine Bow Range.
Angiotensin II receptor characteristics and subtype expression in uterine arteries and myometrium during pregnancy.

The uteroplacental vasculature is less sensitive to angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced vasoconstriction than the systemic vasculature. Although the mechanism(s) responsible is unclear, uterine arteries (Ua) may demonstrate ANG II receptor (AT receptors) down-regulation or expression of AT2 receptors, which do not mediate vasoconstriction. We determined AT receptor binding characteristics and subtype expression in Ua from normotensive pregnant (n = 14; 38 +/- 0.5 weeks gestation) and nonpregnant (n = 28) women. Comparative studies were performed with myometrium, a nonvascular smooth muscle. We measured binding density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) in plasma membrane preparations employing radioligand binding. Receptor subtypes were assessed by inhibiting [125I]ANG II binding with specific antagonists. During pregnancy, the Ua Bmax and Kd were unchanged (P > 0.1; 221 +/- 36 vs. 159 +/- 27 fmol/mg protein and 0.8 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.1 nmol/L, respectively). However, myometrial Bmax decreased 92% (580 +/- 129 vs. 44 +/- 7 fmol/mg protein; P > AT1 receptors and differential receptor regulation.
Rapid selection against arbovirus-induced apoptosis during infection of a mosquito vector

Millions of people are infected each year by arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) such as chikungunya, dengue, and West Nile viruses, yet for reasons that are largely unknown, only a relatively small number of mosquito species are able to transmit arboviruses. Understanding the complex factors that determine vector competence could facilitate strategies for controlling arbovirus infections. Apoptosis is a potential antiviral defense response that has been shown to be important in other virus–host systems. However, apoptosis is rarely seen in arbovirus-infected mosquito cells, raising questions about its importance as an antiviral defense in mosquitoes. We tested the effect of stimulating apoptosis during arbovirus infection by infecting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with a Sindbis virus (SINV) clone called MRE/Rpr, in which the MRE-16 strain of SINV was engineered to express the proapoptotic gene reaper from Drosophila. MRE/Rpr exhibited an impaired infection phenotype that included delayed midgut infection, delayed virus replication, and reduced virus accumulation in saliva. Nucleotide sequencing of the reaper insert in virus populations isolated from individual mosquitoes revealed evidence of rapid and strong selection against maintenance of Reaper expression in MRE/Rpr-infected mosquitoes. The impaired phenotype of MRE/Rpr, coupled with the observed negative selection against Reaper expression, indicates that apoptosis is a powerful defense against arbovirus infection in mosquitoes and suggests that arboviruses have evolved mechanisms to avoid stimulating apoptosis in mosquitoes that serve as vectors.
Evaluation of IFN-γ effects on apoptosis and gene expression in neuroblastoma—Preclinical studies

Loss of caspase-8 expression and resistance to cytotoxic agents occurs frequently in late stage neuroblastoma (NB). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induces caspase-8 in NB cells, sensitizing them to death receptor mediated apoptosis. This study characterizes the kinetics of this phenomenon and examines the effects of IFN-gamma on global gene expression to determine whether IFN-gamma responses are achievable at physiologically relevant doses and to define the biological effects of this cytokine. Here we examine the IFN-gamma responses of 16 NB cell lines. A single <5-min exposure to IFN-gamma (0.5 ng/ml) induced caspase-8 expression in all non-expressing cell lines and in 3/6 cell lines which already expressed high caspase-8. This increase in caspase-8 proteins was observed within 16 h and persisted for up to 9 days. Furthermore, IFN-gamma pretreatment of NB cells increased doxorubicin-induced apoptosis nearly 3-fold. Microarray analysis was used to identify additional genes involved in proliferation, signaling and apoptosis whose expression was modulated via IFN-gamma. Altered expression of these genes should further enhance the responsiveness of NB cells to chemotherapeutics. Thus, the use of IFN-gamma to sensitize NB cells to cytotoxic agents represents an attractive therapeutic strategy and warrants further investigation.
Yeast expression vectors using RNA polymerase III promoters

A series of Saccharomyces cerevisiae--Escherichia coli shuttle vectors is described in which small RNAs can be stably expressed in yeast from two different promoters for RNA polymerase III transcription. The vectors are available in either high- or low-copy-number forms with either URA3, HIS3, or TRP1 selection markers, and are based on a previously described set of plasmid vectors [Sikorski and Hieter, Genetics 122 (1989) 19-27]. Transcripts have structured pre-tRNA or RPR1 leaders fused to RNA corresponding to inserted sequences. Levels of RNA accumulation are dependent on plasmid copy number and the type of transcript.
Temperature tolerance of radiation-sterilized Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Dipt., Calliphoridae)

Cold/heat tolerance and feasible temperature management to emerge radio-sterilized Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World Screwworm, NWS) in standard release boxes for usage in Sterile Insect Technique activities, were investigated. The biological quality of the emerged flies was determined by quality control tests. Pupae of C. hominivorax could be stored up to 132 ± 2 h at 10 °C or kept in 35 °C during the last 36 h of the pupal stage without substantial loss of quality among the emerged flies. A deleterious effect on newly emerged flies subjected to 32 °C for 28 h was recorded. By increasing the temperature from 21–27°C the time requirement was shortened by 24 h to emerge flies of corresponding good quality. Zusammenfassung Temperaturtoleranz sterilisierter Schraubenwurmfliegen, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Dipt., Calliphoridae) Es wurde die Kalte- und Warmetoleranz von durch γ-Strahlen sterilisierten Schraubenwurmfliegen, Cochliomyia hominivorax, untersucht, um eine praktikable Temperaturbehandlung in standardisier-ten Schlupfboxen fur die Anwendung der “Sterilen-Insekten-Technik” zu erarbeiten. Die biologische Qualitat der schlupfenden Fliegen wurde durch Qualitatskontrollen uberpruft. C. hominivorax-Puppen konnten bis zu 132 ± 2 h bei 10 °C oder bei 35 °C wahrend der letzten 36 h des Puppen-stadiums gehalten werden, ohne das Qualitatsverluste bei den geschlupften Fliegen festzustellen waren. Nachteilig war jedoch die Haltung frisch geschlupfter Fliegen fur 28 h bei 32 °C. Wurde die Temperatur von 21 auf 27 °C erhoht, verkurzte sich die Schlupfzeit der Fliegen um 24 h bei gleichbleibend guter Qualitat.
Cleavage of the disulfide bonds of cystine and oxidized glutathione by phosphorothioate.

Abstract The scission of disulfide bonds in low molecular weight model compounds such as cystine and oxidized glutathione is presented. The experimental results obtained suggest that the reaction between phosphorothioate and cystine proceeds according to the equation RSSR + (O3PS) ⇄ (RS) + (RSSPO3). It was shown that this reaction is reversible in the pH range 4.5 to 9.5. The reaction is also pH dependent, and has a maximum rate at pH 8.0. Equilibrium constants have been calculated from the results obtained from the reaction with N-ethylmaleimide and found to be 2.2 × 10−1 liter/mole at pH 8.0, and 9 × 10−2 liter/mole at pH 6.8. Pertinent data concerning the reaction of phosphorothioate with several sulfhydryl reagents are included.
Chemical kinetic modeling of higher hydrocarbon fuels

Revue des mecanismes radicalaires des principales reactions (decomposition, oxydation) des hydrocarbures
Genetic variability for regional brain gangliosides in five strains of young mice.

The quantitative and qualitative distributions of gangliosides were determined in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem of five inbred strains (C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, LG/J, C3H/HeJ, BALB/cJ) of mice at 21 days of age. Genetic differences were found among the strains for wet weight, absolute amount of gangliosides per region, and concentration of ganglioside (expressed on both a wet and a dry weight basis) in all three regions of the brain. The water content of the various brain regions showed the least amount of genetic variability. Coefficients of genetic determination were used to estimate the magnitude of genetic influence on these traits in each brain region. Significant differences were also found among the five strains for the distribution of certain gangliosides. The DBA strain, which is susceptible to audiogenic seizure at this age, had the highest level of the myelin-enriched ganglioside GM1 in all brain regions. Most of the genetic variation that influences the content and distribution of gangliosides among neurologically normal mice can be considered polygenic. Several possible sources of this genetic variation that may contribute to the differences observed among the strains are discussed.
The influence of obesity on hyperandrogenism and infertility in the female

Although a critical mass of adipose tissue is essential for the normal development of female reproductive function, obesity has been shown to produce menstrual disturbances and subfertility. The severity of obesity and the distribution of fat tissue are important factors that influence the female reproductive system. The pathogenetic mechanistic links between them aren't clearly elucidated. Obese women, especially those with upper body obesity, have insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, hyperandrogenaemia, increased peripheral aromatization of androgens to oestrogens, altered gonadotrophin secretion, decreased sex hormone binding globulin, decreased growth hormone (GH) and insulin like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), increased leptin levels and altered neuroregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. These have been considered as some of the links in the sequence of events of the disrupted ovulatory process. The mechanisms of these actions and their influence on female reproductive function are discussed below.
Synthesis and properties of highly-conductive linear stacked polymers: [FePcFIx]n

Abstract Stacked, fluorine-bridged iron phthalocyanine is first synthesized and doped with iodine to give [FePcFI x ] n compositions, where x = 0.8−1.4. The iodine content of the compounds is determined by elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies are used to characterize the structure of [FePcF] n . It is verified that [FePcF] n possesses a linear stacked fluorine-bridged structure. Partially oxidized complexes, [FePcFI x ] n x = 0.8 and 1.4), are prepared by the reaction with I 2 in CCl 4 . The electric conductivity of the compressed powder of [FePcFI 1.4 ] n is 5 × 10 −3 S cm −1 at room temperature, with an activation energy of 0.09 eV. Iodine doping results in increases in the conductivity by up to five orders of magnitude. This is probably because of the eclipsed ring structure of [FePcF] n , which persists in the iodine-doped samples and makes up for a long inter-ring separation. These complexes are stable in air and unaffected in vacuo at room temperature. It is also verified that the linear fluorine-bridged structure is not affected by the introduction of iodine up to I/Fe = 1.4.
Insulin and epidermal growth factor stimulate phosphorylation of p185HER-2 in the breast carcinoma cell line, BT474.

Abstract The product of the HER-2 proto-oncogene, p185HER-2, was found to be amplified approximately 10-fold in the human breast carcinoma cell line, BT474, compared to a cell line, HBL-100, derived from normal breast tissue. To explore the possible role of p185HER-2 in growth of the breast carcinoma cells, we investigated factors that may modulate cell growth and phoshorylation of the HER-2 protein product. Two growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin, stimulated phosphorylation of the HER-2 protein product. In response to insulin, the phosphoserine and phosphothreonine content in p185HER-2 was transiently enhanced about 6-fold. When EGF was added to BT474 cells there was 2- to 3-fold enhanced phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues in p185HER-2 which was maintained for at least 60 min. Although p185HER-2 has been found to be phosphorylated on tyrosine residues following EGF treatment of several different cell types, we estimate that less than 1% of the protein contained phosphotyrosine in the BT474 cells.
Neuropsychological Dose Effects of a Freon, Trifluoromethane (FC-23), Compared to N2O

Animal studies show FC-23 to be a promising magnetic resonance imaging indicator of regional cerebral blood flow. In a Phase 1, dose ranging (investigative new drug) study, neuropsychological (NP) tests, subjective ratings, and intensive physiological monitoring were used to determine the maximum tolerated concentration of FC-23 for human application. Five normal healthy male volunteers were exposed to concentrations of FC-23 between 10% and 60% [randomly interleaved with exposures to both room air and 40% nitrous oxide (N2O)] in a within-subjects, double-blind design. Analyses of individual cases and ranked group data showed that individuals tolerated the 30% concentration of FC-23 according to established criteria. Planned comparisons indicated that inhalation of FC-23 produced smaller NP changes and fewer negative symptoms than 40% N2O but poorer NP performance and more negative symptoms than room air. This study indicated that FC-23 is not inert and that humans do not tolerate concentrations suitable for current MRI technology. NP and subjective data assisted in characterizing the sedative effect of FC-23.
Effects of Various Types of Aluminosilicates and Aflatoxin B1 on Aflatoxin Toxicity, Chick Performance, and Mineral Status

In vivo and in vitro trials were conducted to test the efficacy of four aluminosilicates (AS) (Ethacal feed component, Novasil, Perlite, and Zeobrite) to sorb aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and alleviate aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks. Percentage sorption capacity of AS to radiolabeled AFB1 dissolved in methanol varied from 2 to 60%, whereas percentage sorption in intestinal contents varied from 0 to 40.0% according to type of AS tested. Intestinal contents alone sorbed 42% radiolabeled AFB1. Novasil and Zeobrite exhibited the highest rates of sorption (55 and 60%, respectively) in methanol. An in vivo study compared the four types of AS in combination with 0 or 2.5 ppm AFB1 fed to day-old chicks (two pens of six chicks per treatment) to 3 wk of age. Diet effects on body weight, liver lipid, bone ash, and serum Ca, P, Na, K, and Cl were measured. The AFB1 significantly decreased 2- and 3-wk body weight, and a significant interaction effect of AS and AFB1 on bird weight occurred at 2 and 3 wk of age. Three of the four AS tested alleviated the growth depression caused by AFB1. Liver lipids percentage was increased in the AFB1-treated chicks, but this effect was suppressed by three of the AS. Bone ash was not affected by AFB1 and was increased by Novasil and decreased by Ethacal. Ethacal, Novasil, Perlite, and Zeobrite all tended to decrease serum Cl, regardless of AFB1 treatment.
Response of oxidation and phosphorylation in citrus mitochondria to arsenate.

COMMERCIAL application of lead arsenate to citrus foliage has long been used to accelerate reduction of acidity in grapefruit. The effective moiety has been found to be arsenate. Control of citric acid accumulation by some other means would be highly desirable and is the object of the work recorded here.
Effects of star crossings on the detection of dim objects in orbit and mitigation strategies for improving detection

Detecting objects in space that are potentially hazardous to satellites or our population is an important problem that is growing every year as more objects are launched and collisions between objects introduce more debris. The problem of detecting these objects using Earth-based optical telescopes is challenging, but is generally dictated by available light and atmospheric seeing conditions. In this paper a related problem is described and demonstrated involving the detection of objects that are near brighter objects like stars. Starlight creates the expected problem of increasing the amount of noise and extra light in the region around it, but in this paper the effect of spatial operations carried out by traditional space object detection algorithms is factored in. These spatial processing effects magnify the contribution of stray starlight and cause large zones around stars to form that make detection of any space debris within them very difficult. This paper documents a new algorithm that can mitigate this effect and facilitate the detection of objects near stars.
Disregarding Graduated Treatment: Why Transfer Aggravates Recidivism

These data merge correctional histories with official state and courthouse information for a sample of teenage offenders, some of whom had been transferred to the adult system. Previous research indicated that transfer aggravates recidivism after the age of 18. The correctional data allow the examination of the relationship between sanctions and recidivism for repeat offenders. The authors explored whether repeat offenders who received graduated sanctions had lower recidivism after age 18 than those who leapfrogged over graduated sanctions. Transfer often involves leapfrogging over treatment options; sometimes it leads to secure placement in adult facilities but sometimes it results in adult probation. Within the juvenile justice system, some repeat offenders jump over intermediate interventions to deep-end placements. Graduated sanctions lead to less recidivism. When measures of graduated sanctions are included in multivariate analyses, transfer no longer predicts recidivism.
CD40 and its crucial role as a member of the TNFR family.

The cell surface molecule CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family and plays a pivotal role in the immune system due in part to its wide tissue distribution. Early studies focused on CD40 in B cell biology, but recent work demonstrates a broader role for CD40 in the immune system contributing to cell-mediated as well as humoral immune responses. Disruption of CD40 and its ligand, CD154 leads to immunodeficiency as in the case of hyper IgM syndrome. Likewise, blockade of CD40-CD154 interactions can be exploited to control misguided autoimmune responses. This article provides a brief overview of CD40 with a focus on its involvement in disease and its usefulness as a therapeutic target.
Presenilin/γ-Secretase-mediated Cleavage of the Voltage-gated Sodium Channel β2-Subunit Regulates Cell Adhesion and Migration

Abstract The voltage-gated sodium channel β2-subunit (β2) is a member of the IgCAM superfamily and serves as both an adhesion molecule and an auxiliary subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel. Here we found that β2 undergoes ectodomain shedding followed by presenilin (PS)-dependent γ-secretase-mediated cleavage. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment or expression of an α-secretase enzyme, ADAM10, resulted in ectodomain cleavage of β2 in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Subsequent cleavage of the remaining 15-kDa C-terminal fragment (β2-CTF) was independently inhibited by three specific γ-secretase inhibitors, expression of the dominant negative form of PS1, and in PS1/PS2 knock-out cells. γ-Secretase inhibitor treatment also increased endogenous β2-CTF levels in neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary neuronal cultures. In a cell-free γ-secretase assay, we detected γ-secretase activity-dependent generation of a 12 kDa β2 intracellular domain (ICD), which was loosely associated with the membrane fraction. To assess the functional role of β2 processing by γ-secretase, we tested whether N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenylacetyl-l-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine t-butylester (DAPT), a specific γ-secretase inhibitor, would alter β2-mediated cell adhesion and migration. We found that DAPT inhibited cell-cell aggregation and migration in a wound healing assay carried out with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing β2. DAPT also reduced migration of neuroblastoma cells in a modified Boyden chamber assay. Since DAPT treatment resulted in increased β2-CTF levels, we also tested whether β2-CTFs or β2-ICDs would directly affect cell migration by overexpressing recombinant proteins. Interestingly, elevated levels of β2-CTFs, but not ICDs, also blocked cell migration by 81 to 93%. Together, our findings show for the first time that β2 is a PS/γ-secretase substrate and γ-secretase mediated cleavage of β2-CTF is required for cell-cell adhesion and migration of β2-expressing cells.
Effect of Variable Body Mass on Plantar Foot Pressure and Off-Loading Device Efficacy

An increasing body of evidence has implicated obesity as having a negative effect on the development, treatment, and outcome of lower extremity pathologic entities, including diabetic foot disease. The objective of the present study was to increase the body of knowledge with respect to the effects of obesity on foot function. Specifically, we attempted to (1) describe the relationship between an increasing body mass index (BMI) on plantar foot pressures during gait, and (2) evaluate the efficacy of commonly prescribed off-loading devices with an increasing BMI. A repeated measures design was used to compare the peak plantar foot pressures under multiple test conditions, with the volunteers acting as their own controls. The primary outcome measure was the mean peak plantar pressure in the heel, midfoot, forefoot, and first metatarsal, and the 2 variables were modification of patient weight (from "normal" BMI to "overweight," "obese," and "morbidly obese") and footwear (from an athletic sneaker to a surgical shoe, controlled ankle motion walker, and total contact cast). Statistically significant increases in the peak plantar pressures were observed with increasing volunteer BMI weight class, regardless of the off-loading device used. The present investigation has provided unique and specific data with respect to the changes that occur in the peak plantar pressures with variable BMIs across different anatomic levels and with commonly used off-loading devices. From our results, we have concluded that although the plantar pressures increase with increasing weight, it appears that at least some reduction in pressure can be achieved with an off-loading device, most effectively with the total contact cast, regardless of the patient's BMI.
ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN SYMPATHETIC NERVES OF IMMUNOLOGICALLY SYMPATHECTOMIZED RATS.

SummaryElectrical activity was recorded from the lumbar sympathetic chains of control rats and rats treated with an antiserum developed to the sympathetic nerve growth factor derived from mouse salivary glands. The magnitude of the potentials recorded from the nerves of the immunized animals was considerably smaller than the magnitude of discharge seen in control animals. These observations provide further evidence for the effectiveness with which the anti-nerve growth factor damages the sympathetic nervous system. Several possible explanations for the type of activity recorded from the nerves of immunized animals were considered.
A decade of uncertainty

Ten years after the publication of an influential report on the uncertainties in nanoscale science and engineering, Andrew D. Maynard asks, are we in danger of creating a new metaphorical grey goo?
Polymer structure: The key to process-property control

The key to process-property control is a knowledge of the structural state of the product desired and the availability of methods to economically characterize the structural states produced. The present paper demonstrates that these goals are attainable. Examples illustrate both that the equivalent state concept leads directly to the use of structural state functions as the pivotal criteria around which property and process data can be organized, and that this approach is appropriate to many fabrication processes, including films, fibers, and moldings. Further, the development of process-structure-property correlations is seen to lead to new processes and the development of structures having unique properties.
Analysis of thermal wave propagation in diamond films

The use of photothermal radiometry to obtain the thermal diffusivity of CVD diamond is analyzed. The finite sizes of the heating beam and the radiation detector are taken into account. Heating a finite circularly symmetric region of the specimen surface is compared with uniform heating of the specimen surface. Thermal wave propagation in thick and thin diamond films in vacuum in air and on several substrate materials is modelled. 1 .© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A weighted estimating equation approach for inhomogeneous spatial point processes

We introduce a new estimation method for parametric intensity function models of inhomogeneous spatial point processes based on weighted estimating equations. The weights can incorporate information on both inhomogeneity and dependence of the process. Simulations show that significant efficiency gains can be achieved for non-Poisson processes, compared to the Poisson maximum likelihood estimator. An application to tropical forest data illustrates the use of the proposed method.
Laboratory performance of reduced-scale reinforced embankments at different moisture contents

The paper describes instrumentation, testing, and detailed results of three 1-m high reinforced embankment models that were built in the laboratory at three different gravitational water contents (GWC). Each embankment model was subjected to a strip load near its crest until failure. The embankment models were constructed using lean clay at the GWC values ranging between OMC22% and OMCz2% (OMC: optimum moisture content). Each embankment model included a single reinforcement layer which was placed 180 mm below the embankment surface. The location of the reinforcementlayer was selected based on preliminary embankment tests and numerical simulations to ensure that it would intercept the failure surface that developed underneath the strip footing near the embankment slope. The embankments were instrumented with a total of 67 sensors to measure the soil GWC, matric suction and excess pore pressure, reinforcement strains, earth pressure and deformations of the embankment models, and the test box during the tests. The test setup and data described in this paper are part of a long-term study to validate a set of moisture reduction factors (MRF) introduced by the authors in their recent studies which involved pullout and interface shear tests on the same soil and reinforcement materials. Specifically, the data and discussions in this paper provide a basis for further in-depth analysis to verify or modify the authors’ proposed MRF values for actual embankment configurations. Furthermore, the test descriptions and results in this study will be used to validate numerical models to examine the influence of the soil matric suction and moisture content on the soil–geotextile reinforcement interface strength and internal stability of reinforced soil structures. The ultimate goal of the study is to develop a better understanding of the influence of matric suction on the performance of reinforced earthen structures constructed with marginal soils, and improved methodologies for their design.
Structure sensitivity in heterogeneous catalysis: Activity and yield/selectivity

Abstract The relationship between exposed catalytic sites ( a ) and exposed catalyst sites ( A ) was postulated to be in accord with (J. J. Carberry,J. Catal.107, 248 (1987)) a = D 0 ( A ) d + 1 where D0 is a site discrimination coefficient and d the exponent of structure sensitivity. Recently assembled data of D. Farin and D. Avnir (J. Amer. Chem.110, 2039 (1988)) which support the postulated activity-yield/selectivity structure-sensitive relationships are cited. In sum a vast corpus of data supports the law (J. J. Carberry, J. Catal.107, 248 (1987)) Rate A = K( A ) d = N, turnover number for a given site type at a fixed fluid-phase composition. When two or more site types are involved in a complex (multipathed) reaction network, not only is activity (conversion) affected by structure sensitivity but yield/selectivity (the ratio of turnover numbers) can also be influenced. Comments on the significance of the exponent d which suggest a distinction between demanding/facile and structure sensitive/insensitive behaviors are offered. Simple geometric argument predicts d = 0 to 2 while a value of d ≷ 0 can be rationalized if morphological/chemical changes accompany crystallite size variation. A turnover velocity, N0, independent of fluid-phase composition (conversion x) is suggested, for reactant order n, as N 0 Rate A C n = N (C 0 (1 − x)) n = k v D 0 ( A ) d where C0 is feed concentration and kv the intrinsic reaction velocity per active site per exposed site.
Net Oxidative Addition of C(sp3)-F Bonds to Iridium via Initial C-H Bond Activation

Carbon-fluorine bonds are the strongest known single bonds to carbon and as a consequence can prove very hard to cleave. Alhough vinyl and aryl C-F bonds can undergo oxidative addition to transition metal complexes, this reaction has appeared inoperable with aliphatic substrates. We report the addition of C(sp 3 )-F bonds (including alkyl-F) to an iridium center via the initial, reversible cleavage of a C-H bond. These results suggest a distinct strategy for the development of catalysts and promoters to make and break C-F bonds, which are of strong interest in the context of both pharmaceutical and environmental chemistry.
Misclassification of seat belt use.

In a recent article, Robertson1 commented on our study of seat belts and death in a crash.2 Robertson wrote: “What is not explained adequately by the theory [about misclassification of seat belt use] is the sudden gap in police reported use by the dead and survivors that appeared in the mid-1980s”. Robertson’s criticism seems misplaced, as we offered no theory to explain changes in the prevalence of belt use. We reported that among front seat occupant pairs in which one or both died, the prevalence of belt use decreased from 12% in 1975 to 4% in 1980, and then rose to 40% in 1998.2 Explaining these changes, however, was not the focus of our paper. Using matched cohort methods, we noted that the risk ratio for death, comparing belted with unbelted occupants, was 0.59 using data …
The Travel and Residence of Spermatozoa in the Oviduct of the Gallus Domesticus

Abstract INTRODUCTION THERE is an increasing interest in the rate of travel of spermatozoa along the hen’s oviduct and in their sites of residence. Mimura (1939), after examining the inseminated oviduct microscopically, reported that spermatozoa deposited in the uterus of an empty oviduct reached the infundibulum in 26 minutes. In another paper, Mimura (1941) found that for 2 to 4 hours after intravaginal insemination, spermatozoa had not passed through the uterus. Allen and Grigg (1957), using P32-labeled spermatozoa, reported that 0.07% of spermatozoa inseminated reached the infundibulum in 15 minutes and that 1.3% were found there after 1 hour. Saeki et al. (1963) reported that at 5 hours, 81.5% of the total activity of radioactive spermatozoa was present in the vagina; and at 24 hours, the activity was 23% in the same region. The infundibulum showed 4.8% of the radioactivity at 5 hours; and 58.7% at 24 hours. Residence of spermatozoa…
Physicochemical measurement of the base composition of mRNA-related sequences of the human alpha and beta globin genes.

Hybrids formed between human α and β globin cDNA and total human cellular DNA have been studied by thermal denaturation and cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation. From these studies, the weight average G+C content of human α globin cDNA has been determined to be 62%±2% and that of human β globin cDNA 51%±2%. These values correlate well with the results of G+C content of the human α and β globin cDNAs as determined by direct nucleotide sequence analysis of the cDNAs. Thermal denaturation and cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation of DNA-cDNA hybrids can therefore provide accurate information on the base composition of mRNA related sequences of any single copy gene for which a relatively pure cDNA can be obtained, without the necessity for direct nucleotide sequence analysis.
Experimental study of novel passive control methods to improve combustor exit temperature uniformity

The effect of non-uniform temperature flow which comes in contact with the turbine blades is of paramount importance since the thermal damage that occur to the blade during its operation, is governed by the non-uniformities present in the oncoming flow. This thermal damage leads to increased maintenance cost and reduced life-span of the turbine blades. This paper investigates the effectiveness of some novel passive control techniques to improve the temperature uniformity of the combustor exit flow to address the need to reduce the thermal damage and hence decrease the overall maintenance cost of the gas turbine system. The novel passive control techniques tested in this study include the use of streamlined body or guide vanes in the dilution zone of the combustor. For the guide vanes four different orientations were tested—0°, 30°, 60°, 90°. Extensive experimentation was conducted under different flow conditions. The deviation of the exit temperature from the equilibrium mixing temperature was used to compare the effectiveness of different passive control techniques. It was found that the 30o guide vanes gave the most uniform temperature flow under majority of cases considered. On an average, the flow with 30o guide vanes was about 15 % more uniform in temperature as compared to the staggered holes geometry with only 1 % higher pressure loss. The possible reason for this improvement is the combination of swirl and depth to which the dilution flow can enter the dilution zone and mix with the primary hot flow. The streamlined body came second with an improvement in pressure losses. Based on these experimental findings, the use of these guide vanes and streamlined body has potential in the gas turbine industry to deal with the high maintenance cost involved in these systems.
Social Considerations in the Validation of Licensing and Certification Exams

How do the concerns of critics become linked to test regulation legislation? Is a self-regulatory agency consistent with social concerns about licensure testing?
Cured meats and childhood cancer

evance of dietary findings to the N-nitroso hypothesis. Further, the timing of intake also must be considered. In our 'West Coast study,' we asked only a limited number of questions about simultaneous intake of cured meats and foods high in vitamin C and about whether vitamins were taken usually with meals. Questions about the timing of intake of various food items, vitamins, and drugs would allow an even better evaluation of what N-nitroso precursors and inhibitors were likely to have been present in the gut at the same time.
Evidence That Triiodothyronine and Reverse Triiodothyronine Are Sequentially Deiodinated in Man

We have demonstrated that in patients given a single iv injection of T3, rT3, or, to a lesser extent, T4, all labeled with 125I in the outer or phenolic ring, chromatography of serum on columns of Sephadex G-25 superfine revealed the presence of a labeled material, separate from the administered hormone and from both iodide and iodoprotein. This peak has been termed pre-T3 because it elutes just before the T3 peak. Identification of the various compounds in pre-T3 was carried out by cation exchange chromatography. Pre-T3 generated from [125I]T3 consistently contained labeled compounds with the chromatographic behavior of 3,3'-diiodothyronine and 3'-monoiodothyronine, while pre-T3 generated from [125I]rT3 contained labeled products with the chromatographic mobility of 3',5'-diiodothyronine, 3,3'-diiodothyronine, and 3'-monoiodothyronine. In addition, pre-T3 also contained the glucuro- and sulfoconjugates of these several labeled products. These studies demonstrate that T3 and rT3 undergo progressive and probably sequential deiodination in the peripheral tissues, resulting in the formation of a variety of diiodothyronines and monoiodothyronine, as well as their glucuro- and sulfoconjugates.
Coherency strain analyses via a discrete atom method

A new computational technique, termed Discrete Atom Method (DAM), is introduced to address the problem of analyzing the elastic state associated with arbitrarily-shaped, coherent inclusions whose elastic constants are different from those of the matrix phase. This technique is predicted upon Hookean atomic interaction and Monte Carlo diffusion. The problems treated are (1) the elastic strain energy of an inclusion, (2) interaction energy between inclusions, (3) shape evolution of an inclusion, (4) instability of an epitaxially-strained thin film, and (5) coherency-influenced coarsening.
Proposal and critical appraisal of exclusion criteria to the international study group for pancreatic surgery definition of delayed gastric emptying.

Background The International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) defined criteria to objectively standardize delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). These criteria are inclusive by design, and may overestimate actual DGE incidence. This study critically examined individual DGE cases after PD to determine which patients are misclassified by these criteria, and for what reasons. Exclusion criteria designed to optimize the accepted DGE definition are proposed and evaluated. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. We reviewed 357 consecutive patients undergoing PD by a single surgeon; included were 52 cases of ISGPS-defined DGE (14.6%). A detailed evaluation was conducted of cases using accepted and novel diagnostic criteria. Results Of 52 ISGPS-defined DGE cases, 12 (23%) appeared not to represent genuine DGE on clinical review. Six required nasogastric tube placement for reoperation or management of emesis secondary to non-DGE conditions, 4 for reintubation without other evidence of DGE, and 2 remained NPO to treat non-DGE conditions. The proposed exclusion criteria use absence of gastric distention, passage of oral contrast, and presence of documented non-DGE conditions to determine genuine DGE. The incidence of true DGE was 11.2% in this cohort. The overall positive predictive value of the ISGPS criteria was 76.9%. Preoperative variables, DGE class, and incidence of disease-specific outcomes were similar with both definitions. Conclusions The ISGPS consensus guidelines promote a standardized, sensitive, and easily applicable definition of DGE, but may falsely classify DGE in approximately 23.1%. Introduction of the proposed exclusion criteria, which establish objective radiologic data as a component of the definition, could substantially limit this overestimation.
Separation of Geometrical Carotenoid Isomers in Biological Extracts Using a Polymeric C30 Column in Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

Application of a polymeric C30 reversed-phase (RP) liquid chromatography (LC) column for separations of geometrical carotenoid isomers extracted from biological sources is demonstrated. The relative retention characteristics of all-trans carotenoid standards on the C30 column is also shown under isocratic conditions. Carotenoids were extracted from human serum, raw and thermally processed carrots, a Dunaliella algae-derived preparation of β-carotene, and a poultry feed supplement containing marigold carotenoids. From extracts of plant and algal origin, geometrical isomers of β-carotene (all-trans, 15-cis, 13-cis, and 9-cis), α-carotene (all-trans, 13-cis, 13‘-cis, and 9-cis), and lutein (all-trans, 13-cis, 13‘-cis, 9-cis, and 9‘-cis) were separated and tentatively identified, some of which were previously unresolved on other RPLC columns. Chromatography of serum carotenoid fractions resolved the prominent all-trans carotenoids and separated geometrical isomers of lutein, β-carotene, and lycopene (11 cis-l...
Resolution of moving fronts using the self‐adaptive time‐dependent fast adaptive composite grid method

The fast adaptive composite grid method (FAC) is a discretization and solution method design to achieve efficient local resolution by constructing the discretization based on various regular grids and using these grids as a basis for fast solution. FAC is designed so as to share all of the attributes of the composite grid and multigrid methods. As is the case for most mesh refinement schemes, it is advantageous to optimally choose the grids so as to save both storage and computational costs. The FAC method has previously been shown to be an effective tool in obtaining numerical solutions of many types of steady problems. In addition time-dependent problems with stationary fronts or singularities have also been resolved efficiently with FAC. An adaptive scheme has been developed and implemented that, based on given error tolerances, calculates the optimal time discretization and locates the spatial regions where more resolution is needed. Patches are set up to be used by the various FAC algorithms. The spatial refinement scheme is able to track areas of resolution which move across the domain, allowing for small composite grids at each time step.
Sexual maturity of males representing twelve strains of six breeds of chickens.

Abstract INFERTILE eggs represent an estimated 10 to I5 percent loss of all eggs incubated, Taylor (1949). The influences of temperature, season, and age on fertility in chickens have been investigated by a number of workers. Heywang (1944) reported that high temperature is one important factor influencing the commonly observed summer decline in fertility. Wheeler and Andrews (1943) and Parker and McSpadden (1943), found that season influences spermatozoa production in males. These workers reported an increase in sperm production from December through April and a decline during the summer and fall months. Taylor (1949) suggested the possibility of using cockerels from early spring hatches as breeders to improve fertility during the summer and fall months instead of yearling or older cocks. Jull (1935) compared the fertility of males during their cockerel year and later during their yearling year. He found advantages in favor of the cockerels of 4.85 and 11.1 percent…
Reconstruction of upper digestive tract: Reducing morbidity by laparoscopic pull-up

Background Gastric pull-up is a useful method for reconstruction of the upper digestive tract, with considerable morbidity/mortality, especially in esophageal cancers (EC). Objective To analyze the experience of a multidisciplinary team with a laparoscopic gastric pull-up (LGPU) method, with or without thoracoscopy, in a series of 120 patients with EC. Study design Retrospective. Patients and methods From 1992 to 2004, 120 EC [cervical/cervicothoracic (3.0%), middle third (15.0%), and inferior third (82.0%)]. Most were squamous cell carcinomas (47.0%) and adenocarcinomas (34.0%). Stomach was dissected and mobilized exclusively by laparoscopy. Occasionally, laparoscopic approach was extended cranially, until connecting with cervical dissection. In other cases, dissection of thoracic esophagus was accomplished through a thoracoscopic approach. Results Eighty-one patients (68.0%) had LGPU; 39 (32.0%) needed thoracoscopy. Mortality was 5.9%. Complications were fistula (10.0%) and pneumonia (10.0%). All fistulae closed spontaneously; 89.2% of patients could swallow a normal oral diet. Conclusion Low morbidity/mortality of LGPU for EC compared favorably with conventional techniques.
Back angle peaking and exchange effects in (d, p) and (d, n) reactions

Abstract The exchange amplitude occurring in a description of (d, p) and (d, n) reactions is evaluated using the distorted wave approximation. By employing assumptions similar to those of the corresponding non-exchange (DWBA) calculation, only a distorted wave knock out amplitude is found to be important. The distorted wave analogue of the plane wave heavy particle stripping amplitude does not occur. It is thus concluded that the proper explanation for back angle peaking in (d, p) and (d, n) reactions is to be found in the focussing effects of the optical model. A simple model of the knock out process is used to estimate the magnitude and shape of the exchange amplitude in the surface approximation. The magnitude is found to be strongly dependent on the structure of the initial and final states and can be large in some cases. Hence, the exchange term may provide the enhancement needed to secure better agreement between distorted wave calculations and experiment.