cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of concrete service-life

This paper discusses development of accelerated tests and mathematical models for predicting the durability of concrete. Durability, service life, and degradation factors are defined and accelerated test methods are contrasted to conventional comparative methods. Factors and mechanisms of concrete degradation are reviewed, as are efforts to quantify these phenomena. Deterministic and stochastic models are discussed. Procedures for developing accelerated tests are presented and applied to a hypothetical example involving freeze-thaw damage. Advantages and disadvantages of accelerated testing and mathematical modeling are discussed in terms of the degradation mechanisms affecting concrete. Examples given of the modeling approach and service life prediction include the prediction of the strength and maturity of concrete, acid attack on cement, sulphate attack, and the effect of scaling and corrosion on load-bearing capacity of concrete.
Assessing Herbivore Foraging Behavior with GPS Collars in a Semiarid Grassland

Advances in global positioning system (GPS) technology have dramatically enhanced the ability to track and study distributions of free-ranging livestock. Understanding factors controlling the distribution of free-ranging livestock requires the ability to assess when and where they are foraging. For four years (2008–2011), we periodically collected GPS and activity sensor data together with direct observations of collared cattle grazing semiarid rangeland in eastern Colorado. From these data, we developed classification tree models that allowed us to discriminate between grazing and non-grazing activities. We evaluated: (1) which activity sensor measurements from the GPS collars were most valuable in predicting cattle foraging behavior, (2) the accuracy of binary (grazing, non-grazing) activity models vs. models with multiple activity categories (grazing, resting, traveling, mixed), and (3) the accuracy of models that are robust across years vs. models specific to a given year. A binary classification tree correctly removed 86.5% of the non-grazing locations, while correctly retaining 87.8% of the locations where the animal was grazing, for an overall misclassification rate of 12.9%. A classification tree that separated activity into four different categories yielded a greater misclassification rate of 16.0%. Distance travelled in a 5 minute interval and the proportion of the interval with the sensor indicating a head down position were the two most important variables predicting grazing activity. Fitting annual models of cattle foraging activity did not improve model accuracy compared to a single model based on all four years combined. This suggests that increased sample size was more valuable than accounting for interannual variation in foraging behavior associated with variation in forage production. Our models differ from previous assessments in semiarid rangeland of Israel and mesic pastures in the United States in terms of the value of different activity sensor measurements for identifying grazing activity, suggesting that the use of GPS collars to classify cattle grazing behavior will require calibrations specific to the environment and vegetation being studied.
Chain elongation of trans-octadecenoic acid isomers in rat liver microsomes.

Abstract The chain elongations of trans -octadecenoic acid isomers with double-bond positions Δ4 to Δ15 were studied with rat liver microsomes. The Δ7 and Δ9, trans isomers were converted to trans -9 and trans -11-eicosenoic acids, respectively, at about 40% of the rate of conversion of cis -9-octadecenoic acid to cis 11-eicosenoic acid. The rates of conversion of Δ8, Δ10, Δ11, and Δ12 trans isomers were lower than those of Δ7 and Δ9 trans isomers, but the Δ4, Δ5, Δ6, Δ13, Δ14, and Δ15 trans isomers were not elongated at rates exceeding experimental error.
Autofluorescence of Live Purple Bacteria in the Near Infrared

Abstract We have developed a novel microscope with which to study the fluorescence of cells in the near-infrared region (λ = 750–2500 nm). For one of its first applications we report on the autofluorescence of live purple bacteria, Rhodospirillum rubrum, and suggest that the autofluorescent component is bacteriochlorophyll. The rapid fading of the autofluorescence of fixed bacteria and of purified bacteriochlorophyll suggests that the live bacteria are able to regenerate their pigment with a time constant of approximately 20 s.
Gamma glutamyltransferase ammonia production from glutamine: effect of physiological glutathione concentration

The formation of ammonia from physiological glutamine concentration catalyzed by gamma glutamyltransferase was studied in the presence of physiological glutathione concentration. The apparent Km for ammonia formation from glutamine was 1.6 mM some 2 fold greater than the actual plasma concentration. In the presence of 30 microM glutathione neither the apparent Km or Vmax were changed. At supraphysiological glutathione concentration, 1mM, the apparent Km was increased while the Vmax decreased to one third. Hippurate the physiological modulator of the enzyme's glutaminase activity reduced the Km to 0.9 mM, the physiological range, and elevated the Vmax 2.7 fold.
Comparative In Vitro Activities of ABT-773 against 362 Clinical Isolates of Anaerobic Bacteria

The activity of ABT-773, a novel ketolide antibiotic, against clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria was determined and compared to the activities of other antimicrobial agents. MICs at which 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC90s) were ≤0.06 μg/ml for Actinomyces spp., Clostridium perfringens, Peptostreptococcus spp., Propionibacterium spp., and Porphyromonas spp. The MIC50s and MIC90s were ≤0.06 and >32 μg/ml, respectively, for Eubacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium ramosum. The MIC90 for Bilophila wadsworthia, Bacteroides ureolyticus, and Campylobacter gracilis was 1 μg/ml, and that for Prevotella bivia and other Prevotella spp. was 0.5 μg/ml. The MIC90 for Fusobacterium nucleatum was 8 μg/ml, and that for Fusobacterium mortiferum and Fusobacterium varium was >32 μg/ml. The MIC90s for the Bacteroides fragilis group were as follows: for B. fragilis, 8 μg/ml; for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides distasonis, and Bacteroides uniformis, >32 μg/ml; and for Bacteroides vulgatus, 4 μg/ml. Telithromycin MICs for the B. fragilis group were usually 1 to 2 dilutions higher than ABT-773 MICs. For all strains, ABT-773 was more active than erythromycin by 4 or more dilutions, and for some strains this drug was more active than clindamycin.
Flow Relaxation is Not ATP-mediated in the Rabbit Ear Artery

ATP has been proposed to play a role in flow-induced dilation of blood vessels. Changes in flow would alter the concentration of ATP at lumenal endothelial P2Y receptors, occupation of which results in dilation. We tested the hypothesis that the lumenal release of ATP close its receptors on the endothelium and the subsequent influence of flow rate on its concentration at such receptors acts as a flow sensing system. The effect of the selective P2Y-purinoceptor antagonist reactive blue 2 on relaxation of the isolated rabbit ear resistance artery to flow, ATP and ACh was studied. We found that reactive blue 2 (100 μmol/L) significantly inhibited ATP-induced relaxation, but had no effect on equivalent relaxation induced by intraluminal flow (10—40 μl/min). It reduced ACh-lnduced relaxation to a less extent. These findings strongly suggest that flow-induced relaxation of the rabbit ear resistance artery can occur without the mediation of locally released ATP.
Optimal material properties for transient problems

The aim of this article is to analyze the problem of optimizing material properties within the context of a time-dependent problem. The objective is to minimize the difference between the actual values of a field variable and a desired "target" distribution after a prescribed time T. The field variable is related to a transient physical phenomenon with given initial and boundary conditions. The time-independent material properties are taken as the design variables. For simplicity, only the case of transient heat conduction is analyzed, though the method can be naturally extended to elastodynamics. Examples and test cases are solved numerically for different types of boundary conditions and target functions using a scaled-gradient method. The scaling function serves the purpose of satisfying constraints, but can also be used as an implicit penalty formulation to obtain optimal topologies by introducing an additional bias in the scaling. Its performance is compared to the unbiased method.
Enhanced capability improvement using OPC pattern generation at laser lithography

We have developed next generation photmasks with a variety of method and approach including new material, machines and technology. Because enhanced resolution and pattern fidelity are required rapidly in photomask for coping with further advances in optical lithography. Specially Laser Lithography, Alta3500 has low butting error, fast throughput and registration but has a weak point as corner rounding, CD linearity and ID bias against minimum MEEF (Mask Error Enhancement Factor) acquisition and enhanced pattern printability. But we can not help feeling much cost burden and worse productivity problem in the process of advanced photomasks development. Therefore we have to always consider low cost under high precision technology with current machine and material. We need to extend Alta3500 productivity for advanced device and a variety of device types. So we approached Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) among several candidates for helping that kinds of requirement. And we selected Rule Based OPC for helping fast application of correction rule and low mask complexity. We evaluated mainly Serif and Jog pattern for acquiring corner rounding, CD linearity and ID bias improvement at Alta3500. And we made a conclusion that Alta3500 can extend to 0.15(mu) Logic fabrication with implementation of OPC pattern generation. In this paper, details of OPC effects and application for 0.15micrometers devices will be further discussed.
Electron-energy-loss-spectroscopy studies of thermally generated defects in pure and lithium-doped MgO(100) films on Mo(100).

Thermally generated defects in ultrathin MgO films on Mo(100) have been investigated using high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS) in the 0--9-eV spectral region. The results indicate that the MgO films are thermally stable and nearly free from defects up to a temperature of 1100 K, above which defects in MgO are generated. The three distinct loss features observed at 1.15, 3.58, and 5.33 eV are due to electronic transitions associated with surface F centers, F aggregates, and F (or F{sup +}) centers, respectively. The addition of lithium into the MgO films produces (Li{sup +}O{sup {minus}}) centers and promotes the production of F-type defects upon high-temperature treatment. The formation of the (Li{sup +}O{sup +}) centers is likely a consequence of the substitution of Li{sup +} for Mg{sup 2+} in the magnesium oxide lattice. The present studies have demonstrated the capabilities of HREELS for studies of electronic transitions associated with a variety of defects in the near surface region.
Particle collection by means of low frequency sound waves

Abstract Particle agglomeration in an aerosol containing fine particles and much larger collecting particles is analyzed for the case where the aerosol is subjected to a low frequency space and time dependent oscillatory motion. By means of a continuum approach, equations describing both the variations of densities of large and small particles with respect to time and space are derived. In addition, the efficiency of particle collection is determined. The latter is found to be a function of oscillating frequency, oscillation velocity amplitude, speed of sound in the gas and the relaxation time constants of the particles. It is shown that high collection efficiency can be achieved in high intensity, low frequency sound waves.
Study of parametric effects on the SO2 concentration in St. Louis by a numerical simulation

Abstract An advanced urban air quality model is developed to compute temporal and three-dimensional spatial concentration distributions resulting from specified pollutant sources by numerical integration of the concentration equation. The parameterization of the model is based on improved theories of urban air pollution meteorology and turbulent transport and thus eliminates arbitrary assumptions. Urban surface roughness values are treated explicitly as input parameters. Procedures to process data of geography, source emissions, and monitoring systems are briefly discussed. The preliminary application of the model is to investigate systematically the effects of urban roughness and significant meteorological variables on the air quality distributions. The mean normalized surface concentrations are found to decrease linearly with the logarithm of surface roughness and mixing height, and to increase with wind speeds. The atmospheric stability has complex effects on the surface concentrations which have their maximum values under either neutral or extreme stable conditions. The monitoring stations can represent the averaged ambient concentrations well but not the maximum concentrations.
Dose-dependent reduction of 3,2′-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl-derived DNA adducts in colon and liver of rats administered celecoxib

Colon cancer is second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Western countries. Diet and smoking, which contain aromatic and heterocyclic amines, are major risk factors for colon cancer. Colorectal cancers have a natural history of long latency and therefore provide ample opportunities for effective chemoprevention. 3,2'-Dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMABP) is an experimental aromatic amine that causes cancer in rat colon and serves as an experimental model for arylamine and heterocyclic amine mutagens derived from diet and smoking. In this study, we investigated the effects of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor on DMABP-induced DNA adduct formation in rat liver and colon. Male F-344 rats (5-week old) were provided free access to modified AIN-76A rat chow containing 0 (control), 500, 1000, or 1500 ppm celecoxib. Two weeks later, the rats received a subcutaneous injection of 100mg/kg DMABP in peanut oil. Two days after DMABP treatment, the rats were killed and DMABP-derived adducts were analyzed in colon and liver DNA by butanol extraction-mediated (32)P-postlabeling. Two major DNA adducts, identified as dG-C8-DMABP and dG-N(2)-DMABP, were detected in liver and colon of rats treated with DMABP. These DNA adducts were diminished approximately 35-40% with 500 ppm and 65-70% with 1,000 ppm celecoxib. In the colon, no further decline in DNA adducts was observed at 1500 ppm. The same DMABP-DNA adducts also were detected in the liver and were also diminished by celecoxib treatment. The reduction in DMABP-DNA adduct levels in celecoxib-treated animals provides further support for celecoxib as a chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer.
Continuous Functions That Are Locally Constant on Dense Sets

Abstract A compact Hausdorff space T is constructed on which the constant functions are the only real-valued continuous ones that are locally constant on a dense subset of T .
Electron transfer/ion transfer mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM): a new tool for imaging and kinetic studies

A new mode of the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) operation was developed that combines reagent delivery from the nanopipette with electron transfer at the conductive substrate and ion transfer across the liquid/liquid interface supported at the nanopipette tip. This approach offers potential advantages for measurements of heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics and reaction rate imaging by enabling straightforward separation of the contributions of surface topography and reactivity features to the tip current. It addresses some other long-standing technical issues, including sensitive probing of low signal sources (e.g., immobilized enzymes or catalyst particles) without diffusional broadening and the elimination of the elevated background signal in generation/collection-type experiments. The high spatial resolution attainable in electron transfer/ion transfer mode experiments and the absence of redox mediator species in the bulk solution are advantageous for studies of biological cells.
Use of ground crawfish shells for the removal of chromium in solution

Abstract Crawfish shells are an abundant waste product that has the potential to remediate contaminated bodies of water. This study demonstrates that ground crawfish shell could be used as an effective biosorbent material for the treatment of chromium in contaminated aqueous solutions. Phase I experiments determined that the adsorption was completed within 2 h. For the time periods examined it could be concluded that the maximum chromium adsorption occurs within the first 2 h. Phase II experiments demonstrated that chromium adsorption increased with sample volume and concentration, however the efficiency decreased with increasing sample volume for the relative high concentrations of chromium. Phase III experiments showed that chitin is a major constituent for biosorption of chromium and likely other metals in crustacean species including crawfish. Salinity experiments showed that salt (sodium chloride) at the 30 ppt (parts per thousand) concentrations does not affect the crawfish shell ability to adsorb chromium. The pH was the most important factor for chromium adsorption by the crawfish powder. Chromium adsorption increased with increasing pH. The presence of lead ions did not significantly interfere with the adsorption of chromium ions onto the crawfish shell powder for the relatively high concentrations examined. However, for relatively low concentrations the chromium adsorption was somewhat suppressed by the lead ions.
Aesthetic dislocations: A re-take on Malayalam cinema of the 1970s

The centrality of South Indian cinemas in ‘New Indian Cinema’, one of the many cultural constellations of the turbulent and vibrant 1970s, has been widely acknowledged. Focusing on the aesthetic structuring of select moments from Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Swayamvaram, K.P. Kumaran's Athithi and P.A. Backer's Kabaneenadhi Chuvannappol, this paper investigates the contestations central to the emergence of a realist aesthetic in Malayalam cinema. It unpacks the movement towards the consolidation of realism as a mode of address that generates certain spectatorial responses, as opposed to understanding this turn in Malayalam cinema as foregrounding a new version of the social. The status of popular cinema and cinephilia are at the center of these contestations, as these film texts actively intervene in debates around aesthetics.
Reductive amination of branched chain keto acids by glutamate dehydrogenase from several animal sources.

Abstract 1. 1. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) from Coturnix coturnix japonica catalyzes the reductive amination of three branched chain keto acids; α-ketoisovaleric, α-ketoisocaproic and β-methyl-α-ketoisovaleric. 2. 2. The Michaelis-Menten constants ( K m ) were determined for the three branched chain keto acids with the digitonin-extractable GDH. The K m 's for α-ketoisovaleric and α-ketoisocaproic were both about 3·.3 × 10 −3 M while that for β-methyl-α-ketovalerate was 2 × 10 −3 M. The K m for α-KG was 8·.2 × 10 −4 M. 3. 3. ADP was found to be an allosteric effector of GDH, increasing activity towards α-ketoglutarate and decreasing the activity towards any of the three branched chain keto acids. GTP had the opposite effect. 4. 4. When GDH's from Coturnix, white rat, and bovine liver were compared it was found that the effect of the two purine nucleotides, GTP and ADP, were the same on the GDH's from all three species.
X-PLORing extraribosomal peptide folding during synthesis

An X-PLOR scheme for imitating the action of ribosomes in aiding synthesizing peptides to find their ultimate conformations is introduced. The scheme is tested with an example from the Delta-Sleep-Inducing-Peptide mutant family. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sexology and the pharmaceutical industry: The threat of co‐optation

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has become very interested in sex as a focus for drug development and marketing. Many sexologists have embraced this new trend, particularly because of ...
Technique for measuring forward light scatter in intraocular lenses

Purpose To develop a technique for measuring the forward light scattering of intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting The Scatter Works, Tucson, Arizona, USA. Design Evaluation of diagnostic technique. Methods A scatterometer with laser sources of 488 nm and 633 nm was used to directly measure the forward-scattered light of IOLs. These sources illuminated balanced salt solution–immersed IOLs within a cylindrical wet cell. The wet cell was placed at the center of rotation of a goniometer arm. On the end of the arm was a detector that measured the amount of laser light scattered from the IOL as a function of incident-beam angle. The measurements provided a profile of the scatter distribution for regions outside the directly transmitted beam. Forward and back light scatter was measured in new and artificially aged IOLs. Results Forward light scatter was increased in artificially aged IOLs compared with that in new unaged IOLs. The artificially aged IOLs developed sub-wavelength-diameter water nanoglistenings in the bulk material just below the surface. The measured scatter profiles were consistent with these subsurface droplets, suggesting Rayleigh-type scatter in the aged IOLs. The amount of light scatter from nanoglistenings does not appear to be sufficient to impair vision. Although the severely aged IOLs showed increased scatter, the level of increase was within 1 standard deviation of what is found in the normal population. Conclusion A technique was developed enabling quantification of forward-scattered and back-scattered light from IOLs. Financial Disclosure Drs. Das and Karakelle are employees of Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Dr. Stover has received consultant fees and Dr. Schwiegerling research funding from Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
What is binocular disparity

What are the geometric primitives of binocular disparity? The Venetian blind effect and other converging lines of evidence indicate that stereo-scopic depth perception derives from disparities of higher-order structure in images of surfaces. Image structure entails spatial variations of in-tensity, texture, and motion, jointly structured by observed surfaces. The spatial structure of bin-ocular disparity corresponds to the spatial struc-ture of surfaces. Independent spatial coordinates are not necessary for stereoscopic vision. Stere-opsis is highly sensitive to structural disparities associated with local surface shape. Disparate positions on retinal anatomy are neither neces-sary nor sufficient for stereopsis.
Karyological studies of three species of Scytosiphonaceae (Phaeophyta) from coastal North Carolina

Chromosome numbers for three species of Scytosiphonaceae from the warm temperate coast of North Carolina are presented. Petalonia fascia (O. F. Mueller) Kuntze, P. zosterifolia (Reinke) Kuntze, and Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngbye) C. Agardh were all found to have twenty-two chromosomes in both macro- and microthallus stages. The uniformity of chromosome numbers and morphology for all three taxa suggest a close genetic relationship and possible common ancestry. Evidence of synchronous mitotic divisions is presented for the first time in the Phaeophyta. Both field collected and culture material of P. fascia and P. zosterifolia exhibited a 2–4 h post-sunset peak in nuclear divisions. In actively growing macrothalli, up to 8% of the observed cells were found in some stage of mitosis. Data suggest that mitosis and the entire sequence of cytokinesis require approximately 2 h.
Thin filament activation by phalloidin in skinned cardiac muscle

Phalloidin binds very tightly and specifically to actin and brings about a marked stabilization of the F-actin filament. In this study the effects of phalloidin on force generation and Ca2+ sensitivity of skinned bovine ventricular muscle were investigated. At all free Ca2+ concentrations addition of phalloidin to activated fibers caused an enhancement of active force. At full Ca2+ activation the force increase was about 6% and the relative force enhancement became greater as the Ca2+ concentration was decreased. Force-pCa plots obtained with fibers pre-treated with phalloidin showed that phalloidin produced an approximately 0.2 pCa unit increase in Ca2+ sensitivity without significant changes in cooperativity of activation. These results suggest that interactions between G-actin subunits may play an important role in cardiac force development.
An Integral Approach to Mental Health Recovery: Implications for Social Work

The term recovery has become increasingly popular in the area of mental health care. Recently, it has been described by policy makers as the guiding vision for transforming the mental health system. Problematic, however, is that a lack of clarity continues to exist regarding how recovery is to be defined. Definitional attempts often appear to have competing opinions about what the concept exactly stands for. This causes confusion for both professionals and consumers desiring to adopt a recovery approach. Ken Wilber's integral theory is presented as a framework for organizing and connecting various viewpoints related to the “recovery” concept. Implications for social work are discussed.
Experimental Study of Single Phase Heat Transfer and Pressure Loss in a Spiraling Radial Inflow Microchannel Heat Sink

This paper presents an experimental study of the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of a single phase high heat flux microchannel cooling system with spiraling radial inflow. The heat sink provides enhanced heat transfer with a simple inlet and outlet design while providing uniform flow distribution. The system is heated from one conducting wall made of copper and uses water as a working fluid. The microchannel has a 1 cm radius and a 300 μm gap height. Experimental results show, on average, a 76% larger pressure drop compared to an analytic model for laminar flow in a parallel disk system with spiral radial inflow. The mean heat transfer coefficients measured are up to four times the heat transfer coefficient for unidirectional laminar fully developed flow between parallel plates with the same gap height. Flow visualization studies indicate the presence of secondary flows and the onset of turbulence at higher flow rates. Combined with the thermally developing nature of the flow, these characteristics lead to enhanced heat transfer coefficients relative to the laminar parallel plate values. Another beneficial feature of this device, for high heat flux cooling applications, is that the thermal gradients on the surface are small. The average variation in surface temperature is 18% of the total bulk fluid temperature gain across the device. The system showed promising cooling characteristics for electronics and concentrated photovoltaics applications with a heat flux of 113 W/cm2 at a surface temperature of 77 °C and a ratio of pumping power to heat rate of 0.03%.
Rice Starch Isolation by Alkaline Protease Digestion of Wet-milled Rice Flour

Abstract Alkaline protease digestion with a food-grade enzyme was used to produce rice starch from wet-milled rice flour (WMRF). In a 3×3 factorial modelling experiment, recoveries of starch and levels of protein contamination were determined at pH 8·5–10·0, protease levels of 0·5–1·5% (based on WMRF), and digestion times of 5·0–30·0 h. The following digestion conditions were kept constant; 55 °C with mild agitation, 34–37% (w/v) flour solids, and alkalinity to within ±0·2 pH units. Regression equations with the three variables explained 92% and 98%, respectively, of the variances in starch recovery and protein contamination. Upon digestion with 1·1% protease at pH 10·0 and 18·0 h, starch recovery was 95% and protein contamination was 0·5%. Most hydrolysis of rice protein occurred in the first 3–4 h of digestion as determined by the consumption of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Rice starch also was isolated by extraction of WMRF with c. 2·5 parts of 0·05 m NaOH at c. pH 12. The recovery of starch was c. 10% higher with the protease method than with the NaOH method, and the effluents contained mostly amino acid salts as opposed to protein mixed with alkali. The rice starch isolated by protease digestion was lighter in appearance, contained more lipid, and gave a somewhat lower consistency after pasting. The raw materials used to isolate rice starch by the protease method were approximately twice as costly in 1996 as those in the NaOH method, principally because of the cost of the protease (55% of total).
Development of T-cell function in relation to T-cell set diversification in nu/nu mice

Abstract The differentiation pattern of splenic T-cell populations in germ- and pathogen-free nu/nu mice, as compared to nu/+ littermates, is characterized by two abnormal features: (i) the expression of TL determinants on peripheral T cells and (ii) the delayed onset of their differentiation from the predominant Lyt-123:TL+ set into TL− cells of Lyt-1+ and Lyt-123+ phenotype, which, in these mice, does not occur until 10 weeks of age. We report here that the delayed onset of mitogen- or alloantigen-induced interleukin-2 synthesis and T-cell proliferation as well as the development of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity of enriched T-cell populations is strictly correlated with the time point of T-cell subset diversification in nu/nu mice and depends in particular on the presence of the Lyt-1 (TL−:Lyt-2−) T-cell set which is lacking in splenic T-cell populations of germ-free young nu/nu mice.
Hillslope form and climate

The relationship between climate and hillslope form was investigated at 29 sites along two traverses: one from Berea, Kentucky, to Pioche, Nevada; the other from Glendive, Montana, to Ruidoso, New Mexico. A rigorous site-selection procedure was used to minimize the importance of nonclimatic factors and to ensure the inclusion of hillslopes in a variety of climatic regions. Five hillslope variables were selected for comparison with nine climate variables. Each hillslope and climate variable has a theoretical or conceptual basis for use in this study. The results support the hypothesis that hillslopes reflect regional climatic variations. Fifty-nine percent of the variation in the rate of curvature of the convex segment was explained by the climate variables. Forty-three percent of the variation in the slope of the straight segment was accounted for on the basis of climate. Thirty-seven percent of the variation in the slope of a regression line fitted through the entire profile was explained by variations in climate. Twenty-six percent of the variation in the slope length ratio was explained by the climate variables. It was concluded that hillslopes in arid areas tend to be shorter, steeper, and have smaller radii of curvature of the convex segment than those in humid areas. Examination of the residuals from regression suggests that the site-selection procedure was successful in minimizing the geologic influence on hillslope form while in no way ignoring its importance. The statistical significance of the relationships indicates that there exists a state of quasi-equilibrium on the hillslopes. Lastly, evidence is provided for the existence of quantifiable relationships between geomorphological processes and hillslope forms. While this has been frequently asserted and is the basis of climatic geomorphology, it has rarely been tested.
Functionalization of Gold and Glass Surfaces with Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Biomolecular Interactions

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the production and characterization of magnetic particles with nanometer-sized features that can be functionalized with biological recognition elements for numerous applications in biotechnology. In the present study, the synthesis of and interactions between self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold and glass surfaces and functionalized magnetic nanoparticles have been characterized. Immobilization of 10-15 nm streptavidin-functionalized nanoparticles to biotinylated gold and glass surfaces was achieved by the strong interactions between biotin and streptavidin. Fluorescent streptavidin-functionalized nanoparticles, biotinylated surfaces, and combinations of the two were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron and fluorescent microscopy to confirm that little or no functionalization occurred in nonbiotinylated regions of the gold and glass surfaces compared to the biotinylated sites. Together these techniques have potential use in studying the modification and behavior of functionalized nanoparticles on surfaces in biosensing and other applications.
An unusual cause of pink urine

A 42-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to the surgery service of University Hospital & Clinics in Columbia, Missouri, for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. She had a lifelong history of morbid obesity and had failed conservative measures for achieving weight loss. Her past medical history was significant for hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, sleep apnoea, mild congestive heart failure, depression, bilateral mild carpaltunnel syndrome, open cholecystectomy, and caesarean section. There was no past medical history of gout or urolithiasis. Her medications included enalapril, theophylline, frusemide, sertraline, I-thyroxine, simvastatin, and a potassium supplement. Physical examination revealed a well-looking morbidly obese woman with a body mass index of 70 kg/m2 Fig. 1. The patient on the second day after surgery for morbid obesity. (Figure 1). The rest of the physical examination was essentially unremarkable. Preoperative laboratory values were as follows: haemoglobin 10.9 g/dl, white cell count 8500/mm3, platelets 266 000/mm3, sodium 141 mmol/l, potassium 4.3 mmol/l, glucose 115 mg/dl, calcium 10.8 mg/dl, phosphorus 4.2 mg/dl, uric acid 9.8 mg/dl, BUN 18 mg/dl, and serum creatinine 0.7 mg/dl. Urinalysis was normal. The patient underwent a vertical-ringed gastric bypass with a roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. The divided distal stomach was decompressed with a gastrostomy. There were no intraoperative complications. The following day, during rounds, it was observed that the urine in the Foley catheter tubing and in the urine bag was intensely pink–orange. This was collected in a clear glass container and is shown in Figure 2. On standing, a strawberry–pink sediment was seen (Figure 3). Under the microscope, amorphous uricacid crystals were identified (Figure 4).
Prouroguanylin overproduction and localization in the intestine of zinc-deficient rats

Identification of the upregulation of preprouroguanylin mRNA in the rat small intestine during zinc deficiency provides a potential mechanistic link between production of the intestinal hormone uroguanylin and the diarrhea that rnay accompany zinc deficiency. In the current study, in situ hybridization demonstrated that the number of preprouroguanylin mRNA-expressing cells was significantly higher in zinc-deficient rats than in zinc-adequate rats. Immunohistochemical studies, with a uroguanylin peptide affinity-purified antibody, demonstrated that immunoreactivity was localized to the tips of villi of the duodenum and jejunum in zinc-adequate rats. However, positive cells were scattered throughout the villus of zinc-deficient rats. A subset of cells, perhaps enterochromaffin cells, exhibited the predominant staining, whereas no specific staining was found in goblet cells or lymphocytes of the lamina propria. Western blotting demonstrated that the expression of prouroguanylin in both duodenum and jejunum was elevated by dietary zinc depletion. These results show that dietary zinc deficiency upregulates prouroguanylin in intestinal cells, which is consistent with a role for uroguanylin in the etiology of diarrhea observed in human zinc deficiency.
Reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus

The recent twenty years have brought major advances in reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects. Early dependence on multiple staged procedures initially were replaced by colon interposition and gastric pull-up. Subsequent elucidation of the musculocutaneous concept has added useful techniques such as the sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps. Increasing experience with microsurgical reconstruction and a larger number of flaps available have made free tissue transfer a common and reliable method of reconstruction of significant defects. The choice of reconstruction depends to greatest degree on the oncologic needs of the situation. If the entire esophagus or significant part of the thoracic esophagus is involved by tumor then total esophagectomy and gastric pull-up or colon interposition is indicated. For most hypopharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal tumors, and a significant number of cervical esophageal tumors, segmental resection of the area with the appropriate node dissection and replacement with a jejunal free autograft or radial forearm free flap gives a high likelihood of success. Thoracic musculocutaneous flaps may be useful if proper precautions are observed in the reconstructive technique. This article presents the accumulated experience with these techniques and management of the subsequent problems.
Anesthetic Choice of Halothane Versus Propofol: Impact on Experimental Perioperative Stroke

Background and Purpose— It is not known whether preischemic exposure to anesthetic agents affects the amount of damage from transient focal ischemia that occurs after cessation of the anesthetic. We compared the effect of prior exposure to halothane or propofol on infarction size after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced in the awakening animal to test the hypothesis that anesthetic type and exposure duration would independently affect the amount of brain injury. Methods— Male Wistar rats (weight, 200 to 300 g) were anesthetized briefly with halothane for placement of hemodynamic instrumentation. Twenty-four hours later, rats were treated with either a short (approximately 1 hour) or long (8 hours) duration of inhaled halothane (1% to 2%) or intravenous propofol (10 mg/kg bolus, 30 mg/kg per hour infusion). Each cohort (n=8 per group) was then subjected to 2-hour MCAO by the intraluminal suture technique. All anesthesia was discontinued once MCAO was achieved. Infarct volume was meas...
Spectral efficiency of wireless networks with multi-antenna base stations and spatially distributed nodes

We analyze networks with wireless nodes distributed randomly in space, transmitting simultaneously in the same channel to their nearest base-stations using a simple power control algorithm. Base-stations are on a hexagonal grid and have N optimally-phased antennas. We derive the asymptotic mean upstream spectral efficiency (validated by simulation) as a function of N, wireless-node density, base-station separation, and path-loss-exponent which controls signal attenuation with distance. These results indicate that mean per-link spectral efficiency is constant if the number of receive antennas or density of base-stations is increased linearly with wireless node density. They also improve our understanding of systems like city-wide wireless Internet deployments and mobile telephony with small cells for which the spatial distribution of nodes causing out-of-cell interference is important. The results are also readily extendable to random code-division-multiple-access systems with spreading factor N.
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in a New Orleans workforce following Hurricane Katrina

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall resulting in catastrophic damage and flooding to New Orleans, LA, and the Gulf Coast, which may have had significant mental health effects on the population. To determine rates and predictors of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in New Orleans residents following Hurricane Katrina, we conducted a web-based survey 6 months after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Participants included 1,542 employees from the largest employer in New Orleans. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 19.2%. Predictors of PTSD symptoms in a multivariateadjusted regression model included female sex, non-black race, knowing someone who died in the storm, not having property insurance, having had a longer evacuation, a much longer work commute compared to before Hurricane Katrina, and currently living in a newly purchased or rented house or in a temporary trailer. Despite universal health coverage and the benefits of an employee assistance program for all employees, only 28.5% of those with PTSD symptoms had talked to a health professional about the events of Hurricane Katrina or issues encountered since the storm. A significant burden of PTSD symptoms was present 6 months following Hurricane Katrina among a large group of adults who had returned to work in New Orleans. Given their key role in the economic redevelopment of the region, there is a tremendous need to identify those in the workforce with symptoms consistent with PTSD and to enhance treatment options. The strong relationship between displacement from ones_ pre- Katrina residence and symptoms of PTSD suggests a need to focus resource utilization and interventions on individuals living in temporary housing.
Asymptotical orthonormalization of subspace matrices without square root

Subspace computation is fundamental for many signal processing applications. A well-known tool for computing the principal subspace of a data matrix is the power method. During the iterations of the power method, a proper normalization is essential to avoid numerical overflow or underflow. Normalization is also needed to achieve desirable properties such as orthonormalized subspace matrices. A number of normalization techniques for the power method is reviewed, which include the conventional as well as nonconventional ones. In particular, a new method of normalization is introduced to achieve asymptotical orthonormalization of subspace matrices without the use of square root. This method is among a class of normalization methods that allow a simple adaptive implementation of the power method for subspace tracking.
The Dartmouth Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence: magnetic hyperthermia.

The Dartmouth Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence – one of nine funded by the National Cancer Institute as part of the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer – focuses on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for cancer diagnostics and hyperthermia therapy. It brings together a diverse team of engineers and biomedical researchers with expertise in nanomaterials, molecular targeting, advanced biomedical imaging and translational in vivo studies. The goal of successfully treating cancer is being approached by developing nanoparticles, conjugating them with Fabs, hyperthermia treatment, immunotherapy and sensing treatment response.
Computer-Adaptive Testing in Second Language Contexts

The widespread accessibility to large, networked computer labs at educational sites and commercial testing centers, coupled with fast-paced advances in both computer technology and measurement theory, along with the availability of off-the-shelf software for test delivery, all help to make the computerized assessment of individuals more efficient and accurate than assessment using traditional paper-and-pencil (P&P) tests. Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is a form of computerized assessment that has achieved a strong foothold in licensure and certification testing and is finding greater application in many other areas as well, including education. A CAT differs from a straightforward, linear test in that an item(s) is selected for each test taker based on his/her performance on previous items. As such, assessment is tailored online to accommodate the test taker's estimated ability and confront the examinee with items that best measure that ability.
Assessment of the relationships of geographic variation in species richness to climate and landscape variables within and among lineages of North American freshwater fishes

Aim Geographic variation in species richness is a well-studied phenomenon. However, the unique response of individual lineages to environmental gradients in the context of general patterns of biodiversity across broad spatial scales has received limited attention. The focus of this research is to examine relationships between species richness and climate, topographic heterogeneity and stream channel characteristics within and among families of North American freshwater fishes. Location The United States and Canada. Methods Distribution maps of 828 native species of freshwater fishes were used to generate species richness estimates across the United States and Canada. Variation in species richness was predicted using spatially explicit models incorporating variation in climate, topography and/or stream channel length and stream channel diversity for all 828 species as well as for the seven largest families of freshwater fishes. Results The overall gradient of species richness in North American freshwater fishes is best predicted by a model incorporating variables describing climate and topography. However, the response of species richness to particular climate or landscape variables differed among families, with models possessing the highest predictive ability incorporating data on climate, topography and/or stream channel characteristics within a region. Main conclusions The correlations between species richness and abiotic variables suggest a strong influence of climate and physical habitat on the structuring of regional assemblages of North American freshwater fishes. However, the relationship between these variables and species richness varies among families, suggesting the importance of phylogenetic constraints on the regulation of geographic distributions of species.
Culturing And Utilization Of Large Brown Seaweeds (Kelps)

Kelp species, the larger members of brown-colored marine plants, are widely cultivated and have been utilized by many peoples as food, fertilizer, a source of chemicals, and as fodder for domestic animals. Interest has recently developed in usage as alternative energy sources (kelp tissue would be converted to methane via bacterial fermentation). Kelp life cycles involve an alternation of generations from an entirely microscopic phase to a phase that includes the large macroscopic plant utilized by humans. The complex life history imposes culturing requirements beyond the usual degree of care needed for propagating terrestrial plants. These difficulties notwithstanding, kelp cultivation is successfully practiced, particularly in the Orient. Culturing techniques range from artificially "seeding" an artificial substrate which may eventually be outplanted to the sea, to transplanting large mature individuals to desired locations, allowing them to "seed" naturally and establish their populations. Giant kelp, Macrocystis, is the principal brown alga utilized commercially in the United States. Culturing techniques have been developed for growing Macrocystis. Depleted kelp beds in southern California have been successfully restored utilizing these methods.