cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standardization and comparability of CASA instruments.

: Thirty human semen specimens were analyzed using a standard manual method, then videotaped and reanalyzed using two different computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) instruments (the HTM system, Hamilton-Thorn Research, Danvers, MA, and the CTS system, Motion Analysis Corp., Santa Rosa, CA). Videotaped specimens were analyzed by CASA for 5 frames for sperm concentration (CON) and percent motility (MOT), and for 15 frames for kinematic variables (straight-line velocity, VSL; curvilinear velocity, VCL; linearity, LIN; and amplitude of lateral head displacement, ALH). Machine parameter settings for the two instruments were matched as closely as possible. CASA values were compared with each other for all measures and with manual results for sperm count and the percentage of motile sperm. Results show: 1) HTM and CTS average values for CON are not different from manual measures for the 5- or 15-frame analysis, but slight differences are seen between CTS and HTM; 2) average values for MOT for the 5-frame analysis are higher than the 15-frame analysis for both instruments, but the average manual measurement for percent motility is much higher than any CASA value; 3) average VSL and LIN are slightly higher for HTM than CTS, but pair-wise comparison shows a high degree of concordance between the instruments; and 4) the mean values for VCL and ALH are equal for the two instruments, and there is a close concordance for the pair-wise comparison for VCL; however, pair-wise comparison of ALH reveals significant differences between the instruments. Overall, the differences seen between these instruments are slight, and are probably not biologically or clinically significant.
A rigorous full-dimensional quantum dynamics calculation of the vibrational energies of H3O2−

The vibrational energy levels of the H3O2− anion have been calculated using a rigorous quantum dynamics method based on an accurate ab initio potential energy surface. The eigenvalue problem is solved using the two-layer Lanczos iterative diagonalization algorithm in a mixed grid/nondirect product basis set, where the system Hamiltonian is expressed in a set of orthogonal polyspherical coordinates. The lowest 312 vibrational energy levels in each inversion symmetry, together with a comparison of fundamental frequencies with previous quantum dynamics calculations, are reported. Finally, a statistical analysis of nearest level spacing distribution is carried out, revealing a strongly chaotic nature.
Gem-bis(disubstitutedphosphinyl)alkanes—II: Extraction of uranium(VI) with bis(di-n-hexylphosphinyl)methane

Abstract The solvent extraction properties of bis(di- n -hexylphosphinyl)methane, HDPM, [(C 6 H 13 ) 2 P(O)] 2 CH 2 , for uranium (VI) have been studied and compared with those of tri- n -octylphosphine oxide, TOPO, (C 8 H 17 ) 3 P(O). In contrast to TOPO, HDPM forms a polymeric-like complex with uranyl compounds in non-polar solvents. Polymer formation is prevented by the use of a polar solvent such as 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The partition equilibria of nitric acid and uranyl nitrate into 1,2-dichlorobenzene solutions of HDPM and TOPO are discussed. The partition data for various mineral acids and the effect of concentration of these acids on the extraction of uranium (VI) are presented.
Mechanisms of tumor-induced immunosuppression: evidence for contact-dependent T cell suppression by monocytes.

The progressive growth of tumors in mice is accompanied by down-regulation of specific T cell responses. The factors involved in this suppression are not completely understood. Here, we have developed a model to examine the role of host immune effector cells in the inhibition of T cell function. In this model, progressive growth of a colon carcinoma line, CT26, is accompanied by loss of T cell response to alloantigens in both cytolytic and proliferation assays. The CT26 tumor was inoculated into BALB/c syngeneic mice. Tumor growth, cytolytic T cell responses, lymphocyte proliferation, and flow cytometric analysis was performed in tumor-bearing animals 7 or 28 days after tumor inoculation. Spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice were found to suppress the proliferative response of spleen cells from normal mice to alloantigens. Examination of the spleen cell population by FACS analysis revealed an increase in the percentage of monocytes as defined by expression of CD1 1b, the Mac-1 antigen. Removal of the Mac-1-positive cells from the tumor-bearing hosts spleen relieved suppression of the tumor-bearing mouse spleen cell proliferative response to alloantigens, and addition of the Mac-1-positive enriched cells suppressed proliferation of normal T cells in response to alloantigens. Cell contact was required for this inhibition. Tumor induction of suppressive monocytes plays an important role in the general immunosuppression noted in animals bearing CT26 tumors. Identification of the mechanisms responsible for this effect and reversal of tumor-induced macrophage suppression may facilitate efforts to develop effective immunotherapy for malignancy.
Chromatin silencing and the maintenance of a functional germline in Caenorhabditis elegans

The germline of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits a remarkable ability to specifically silence transgenic DNA. We have shown that this silencing mechanism is disrupted in animals mutant for the maternal effect sterile genes mes-2, mes-3, mes-4 and mes-6. The proteins encoded by mes-2 and mes-6 have been shown to be related to the Polycomb Group of transcriptional repressors (Holdeman, R., Nehrt, S. and Strome, S. (1998). Development 125, 2457-2467; Korf, I., Fan, F. and Strome, S. (1998). Development 125, 2469-2478). These results suggest that a genetic silencing process is essential for sustained germline function, and that this silencing is mediated, at least in part, by Polycomb Group proteins. SUMMARY
Geology and geochemistry of volcanic centers within the eastern half of the Sonoma volcanic field, northern San Francisco Bay region, California

Volcanic rocks in the Sonoma volcanic field in the northern California Coast Ranges contain heterogeneous assemblages of a variety of compositionally diverse volcanic rocks. We have used field mapping, new and existing age determinations, and 343 new major and trace element analyses of whole-rock samples from lavas and tuff to define for the first time volcanic source areas for many parts of the Sonoma volcanic field. Geophysical data and models have helped to define the thickness of the volcanic pile and the location of caldera structures. Volcanic rocks of the Sonoma volcanic field show a broad range in eruptive style that is spatially variable and specific to an individual eruptive center. Major, minor, and trace-element geochemical data for intracaldera and outflow tuffs and their distal fall equivalents suggest caldera-related sources for the Pinole and Lawlor Tuffs in southern Napa Valley and for the tuff of Franz Valley in northern Napa Valley. Stratigraphic correlations based on similarity in eruptive sequence and style coupled with geochemical data allow an estimate of 30 km of right-lateral offset across the West Napa-Carneros fault zones since ∼5 Ma. The volcanic fields in the California Coast Ranges north of San Francisco Bay are temporally and spatially associated with the northward migration of the Mendocino triple junction and the transition from subduction and associated arc volcanism to a slab window tectonic environment. Our geochemical analyses from the Sonoma volcanic field highlight the geochemical diversity of these volcanic rocks, allowing us to clearly distinguish these volcanic rocks from those of the roughly coeval ancestral Cascades magmatic arc to the west, and also to compare rocks of the Sonoma volcanic field to rocks from other slab window settings.
Mitotic Transcription Installs Sgo1 at Centromeres to Coordinate Chromosome Segregation

Human sister chromatids at metaphase are primarily linked by centromeric cohesion, forming the iconic X shape. Premature loss of centromeric cohesion disrupts orderly mitotic progression. Shugoshin (Sgo1) binds to and protects cohesin at inner centromeres. The kinetochore kinase Bub1 phosphorylates histone H2A at T120 (H2A-pT120) and recruits Sgo1 to kinetochores, 0.5 μm from inner centromeres. Here, we show that Sgo1 is a direct reader of the H2A-pT120 mark. Bub1 also recruits RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to unattached kinetochores and promotes active transcription at mitotic kinetochores. Mitosis-specific inactivation of Pol II traps Sgo1 at kinetochores and weakens centromeric cohesion. Sgo1 interacts with Pol II in human cells and with RNA in vitro. We propose that Pol II-dependent transcription enables kinetochore-bound Sgo1 initially recruited by H2A-pT120 to reach cohesin embedded in centromeric chromatin. Our study implicates mitotic transcription in targeting regulatory factors to highly compacted mitotic chromatin.
Fortification of the food supply with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects is not yet warranted

The relationship between adequate folate intake by pregnant women and reduced risk of delivering infants with neural tube defects (NTDs) has raised the public health issue of increasing folate intake among women of reproductive age. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed fortifying cereal and grain products with folate, although at a level less than half that recommended by its sister agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We question the wisdom of fortifying foods with folate at this time, given a variety of uncertainties, which include the following: 1) the fact that neural tube defects seem to be a multifactorial group of disorders that are polygenic as well, so folate will not help in all or perhaps even in most cases; 2) the incidence of NTDs, which varies geographically, has been decreasing in the United States for years; 3) fortifying more food with folate may pose safety concerns for some not as risk for NTDs; 4) no dose-response relationship has been established between folate and NTDs; and 5) fortification in this case would represent a conceptually new intervention strategy for addressing what may be a metabolic abnormality where pharmacological doses of a nutrient may be required. Launching a major nutritional intervention before better understanding the relationship between nutrients and NTDs and without reasonable assurance that it will not shift health risks from one group (developing embryos) to another (primarily adults with pernicious anemia) might prove ineffective and/or harmful.
A Diathesis-Stress Model of Chronic Pain and Disability following Traumatic Injury

One of the perplexing features of pain is the wide variability in patients' responses to ostensibly the same extent of physical pathology. A range of cognitive, affective and behavioural factors are related to the perception of pain, maintenance of pain and disability, exacerbation of pain and response to treatment. Moreover, there is some evidence that individual differences and prior learning history also have a significant influence on the experience of pain and related disability. The role of these psychological factors in the maintenance of disability following traumas such as motor vehicle accidents and work-related injuries has generated considerable interest. This paper provides a brief overview of a set of predisposing factors, cognitive processes and behavioural principles that appear to be particularly important in the maintenance of disability following trauma. In particular, anxiety sensitivity, anticipation and avoidance of fear or harm, catastrophizing ideation, causal attributions for symptoms, self-efficacy and operant conditioning are discussed. Each of these factors is integrated in a diathesis-stress model that emphasizes the interaction of predisposing factors with a trauma, setting in motion a cascade of interpretive cognitive processes and reinforcement contingencies that maintain disability following the trauma. This model proposes a sequential process to explain the variation observed among people following a relatively minor trauma. The model is intended to be heuristic. It may be a useful conceptualization that can serve to guide prevention efforts and the development of treatment interventions.
True vacuum bubbles and the origin of voids

Abstract Extended inflation theory can provide astrophysically interesting, nearly energy-empty bubbles at the epoch of matter-radiation equality, t = t eq . The physical size and number of such bubbles at t = t eq within the present physical horizon as a function of the model parameters is given. If non-baryonic cold dark matter (CDM) is not present in the universe, the filling fraction of these bubbles in the physical volume of the present universe becomes less than a few percent, so the bubbles are marginally detectable. If CDM is present in the universe, true vacuum bubbles can grow to occupy a major fraction of the volume of the universe today.
Modeling compliance to environmental regulation: Evidence from manufacturing industries

Abstract We examine the demand for pollution control equipment from 1973 to 1991 by those U.S. manufacturing industries that are highly sensitive to environmental regulation. We also consider the political determinants of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement budget. Because, as we demonstrate, the EPA enforcement budget is an important determinant of the industries' investment in pollution control equipment, we are able to establish a relationship between political factors and economic decision making on the part of the industries. Thus, our analysis demonstrates that the demand for pollution control equipment is sensitive to both economic and political factors.
The structural biochemistry of the superoxide dismutases

The discovery of superoxide dismutases (SODs), which convert superoxide radicals to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, has been termed the most important discovery of modern biology never to win a Nobel Prize. Here, we review the reasons this discovery has been underappreciated, as well as discuss the robust results supporting its premier biological importance and utility for current research. We highlight our understanding of SOD function gained through structural biology analyses, which reveal important hydrogen-bonding schemes and metal-binding motifs. These structural features create remarkable enzymes that promote catalysis at faster than diffusion-limited rates by using electrostatic guidance. These architectures additionally alter the redox potential of the active site metal center to a range suitable for the superoxide disproportionation reaction and protect against inhibition of catalysis by molecules such as phosphate. SOD structures may also control their enzymatic activity through product inhibition; manipulation of these product inhibition levels has the potential to generate therapeutic forms of SOD. Markedly, structural destabilization of the SOD architecture can lead to disease, as mutations in Cu,ZnSOD may result in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a relatively common, rapidly progressing and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. We describe our current understanding of how these Cu,ZnSOD mutations may lead to aggregation/fibril formation, as a detailed understanding of these mechanisms provides new avenues for the development of therapeutics against this so far untreatable neurodegenerative pathology.
Systemic lupus: basic mechanisms and prospects for specific immunotherapy

Nucleosomes are the primary immunogens that initiate the pathogenic autoimmune response in SLE. The production of pathogenic anti-nuclear antibodies in murine as well as human lupus is mediated by a MHC class-II restricted, cognate interaction between select populations of autoimmune T helper (Th) cells and autoimmune B cells that recognize epitopes in the different molecular components of the nucleosome particle. In the SNF1 model of lupus, we have localized the critical peptide autoepitopes for lupus nephritis-inducing Th cells in the core histones of nucleosomes, at amino acid positions 10–33 of H2B, and 16–39 and 71–94 of H4. Remarkably, the nephritogenic epitopes are located in the regions of histones that are also targeted by lupus autoantibodies, as well as the sites where the histones contact with DNA in the nucleosome, indicating that they are specially protected during antigen processing. The localization of the critical peptide autoepitopes in nucleosomes is a basic step towards defining how the pathogenic Th cells emerge in lupus. In addition, the pathogenic Th cells and B cells of lupus have a regulatory defect in the expression of CD40 ligand (CD40L or gp39), which mediates abnormal co-stimulatory signals sustaining the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. Immunotherapy that specifically blocks the pathogenic T and B cell interaction in lupus can be developed based on these studies.
A novel technique for the study of coupling agent phenomena

A modification of the Internal Reflection Spectroscopy (IRS) technique for infrared (IR) spectroscopy is described, where the surface of the IRS element is modified by a thin (100 to 1000 a) layer of metal oxides, silanes or Kevlar so as to model the surface of reinforcements in composite materials. The modified IRS element is then brought into contact with the matrix material and chemical changes in the first 2000 to 3000 a of matrix examined by IR spectroscopy. Examples of the technique include a study of the effect of various surfaces on the crosslinking of an anhydride-cured epoxy resin. The kinetics of the crosslinking process and the final ester crosslink concentration are shown to be significantly affected by, for example, a silica or Kevlar surface. The advantages and limitations of this modified IRS technique are discussed relative to other surface characterization techniques.
Characterization of photochemically induced spinal cord injury in the rat by light and electron microscopy

This study characterized by light and electron microscopy 49 photochemically induced lesions in adult rat spinal cord at 16 time intervals from 2 days to 17 months after lesioning. Vascular thrombosis, resulting from an intravascular photochemical reaction induced by a rose bengal/laser beam interaction, led within a few days to an extensive area of tissue deterioration. This area, termed the "lesion cavity" in contrast to the "secondary cavity" observed later, was at least 6 mm long and, at the epicenter, extended across most of the spinal cord width and from the dorsal surface to a level near the central canal. The area of spared tissue, 43% of the spinal cord cross-section at 2 days, did not change significantly between 2 and 56 days. Large numbers of macrophages populated the degenerating area by 5 days. This necrotic area was surrounded by a thin peripheral rim of largely intact white matter dorsally and laterally except at the epicenter where the white matter degenerated dorsomedially. In these peripheral regions, demyelination and, by 14 days, remyelination by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells (SCs) were evident. By 28 days, far more SCs (and meningeal cells) had entered the dorsal spinal cord, typically at the epicenter where meningeal thickening was most striking, and had migrated farther into the lesion cavity. These SCs and the axons they myelinated remained prominent in dorsal regions for many months, particularly at the epicenter; the proportion of SC to oligodendrocyte myelin diminished away from the epicenter. By 8 weeks, the lesion cavity was considerably diminished in size and thereafter it contained scattered macrophages, SC-myelinated axons, and blood vessels, primarily medially owing to flattening into clefts bilaterally. The cavity was partly bordered by astrocytes whose surfaces toward the lesion cavity were highly irregular and coated with basal lamina. Bare axons, consistently seen by electron microscopy at 5 days to 6 months, were typically ensconced among astrocytes starting at 28 days. Also by this time large, smoothly contoured, empty secondary cavities appeared, usually rostral and caudal to the epicenter; they did not increase in size or number with time. From 28 days to 17 months postlesion they occurred in 68% of the lesioned spinal cords. The secondary cavity border was composed of cells thought to be astrocytes but, surprisingly, the luminal surface was smooth and lacked basal lamina, in contrast to the primary lesion cavity border. Thus, two types of cavities formed after photochemical lesioning. This lesioning technique may provide an appropriate milieu to better understand aspects of the vexing problem of post-traumatic syringomyelia in the human.
Turbulence induced scintillation studies at near and mid-infrared wavelengths

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a remote-sensing LIDAR system designed to detect trace chemicals in the atmosphere. Atmospheric optical turbulence is the largest noise source for the system, causing both fluctuations in the returned signal strength and signal loss due to laser beam break-up and wander. Field experiments have been conducted over the past few years in an effort to better understand the impact of atmospheric turbulence and develop strategies for improving the system. Studies have focused on the propagation of infrared laser beams at 1.278 and 9.56 micrometers over double-pass, horizontal path lengths ranging from 2 to 10 kilometers roundtrip under a variety of turbulence conditions. In addition, numerical simulations of our experimental setup have been developed to complement the experimental work. A comparison of results from the simulations with those from the field experiments shows reasonable agreement. Therefore, similar simulations will be used to aid in the design of a next-generation system.
Carcinosarcoma of the ovary: A review of the literature

Abstract Objective Carcinosarcoma of the ovary is a rare tumor with a grim prognosis. This article critically reviews the literature pertinent to the pathology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcome of patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma (OCS). Methods MEDLINE was searched for all research articles published in English between January 1, 1981 and August 30, 2011 which reported on patients diagnosed with carcinosarcoma of the ovary. Given the rarity of this tumor, studies were not limited by design or number of reported patients. Results Patients with OCS generally present with advanced stage disease, and symptoms similar to those of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Retrospective studies have shown that cytoreductive surgery improves outcomes in patients with OCS. Similarly, platinum-based chemotherapy appears to be active in the treatment of OCS. Conclusions Ovarian carcinosarcomas are rare and aggressive tumors, associated with a poor prognosis. The mainstay of treatment remains cytoreductive surgical effort for metastatic disease followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. The role of targeted therapies may be promising in the treatment of OCS.
French-Language Satellite TV in the Classroom.

Foreign language teachers now have access to more instructional resources than ever before. One of these resources, a technology that is often underutilized, is satellite television. Satellite television can provide, especially in the case of French, a continuous stream of up-to-date, authentic language and culture materials to the classroom or lab. The challenge of satellite television is what to select among the many available programs and how to incorporate them into instruction. This article describes the elements of satellite technology, provides information on French and other foreign language programming, and offers suggestions for exploiting satellite television in the classroom.
Schizophrenia: overview and dopamine dysfunction

Schizophrenia is a chronic, often disabling illness that affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, while the majority of first-episode schizophrenia patients respond well to initial antipsychotic treatment, less than 1 in 5 will maintain recovery over 2 to 5 years, and most will experience at least 1 relapse. Dopamine dysfunction helps to explain the positive symptoms experienced by patients with schizophrenia, and targeting these pathways has made current antipsychotics effective treatments for this condition. However, these agents primarily manage the positive symptoms of the disorder, while negative and cognitive symptoms can persist. More treatments are needed that comprehensively address all presentations of the disorder.
Labile soil organic matter as a potential nitrogen source in golf greens.

Abstract The loss of fertilizer N from golf greens can be high depending upon management (irrigation schedule, N source, rate and timing of fertilizer application) as well as soil conditions. Although soil organic matter (SOM) is acknowledged as a major source of N and other nutrients, its potential as an N source seems to be neglected in the management of golf greens. The susceptibility of SOM to degradation is one indication of how active a role SOM plays as a nutrient source. An extraction method developed by Olk et al. [Geoderma 65 (1995) 195] distinguishes humic acid fractions by their binding to dominant stabilizing soil cations and separates them into calcium-bound (CaHA) and non calcium-bound or mobile (MHA) fractions. Mobile humic acid is a relatively young, N-rich HA fraction that does not appear to form stable complexes with Ca. The MHA could therefore play a greater role in nutrient availability than CaHA. We determined C and N distributions within SOM extracted from these two HA fractions in 11 golf greens ranging in age from 4 to 28 yr. Because SOM in golf greens is recently formed, and MHA is an N-rich fraction representing an early stage of SOM evolution, we hypothesized that the MHA fraction would account for a larger proportion of soil organic N than CaHA. The amounts of both HA-C and HA-N increased significantly with green age. MHA accounted for a larger proportion (20–27%) of total soil C than CaHA-C (8–14%). MHA was also enriched in N compared to CaHA with consistently smaller C-to-N ratios. Thus, the greater abundance of MHA and its higher N concentration accounted for a larger proportion of soil organic N (24–45%). The equivalence of MHA-N ranged between 250 kg N ha −1 for a 4 yr-old green and 775 kg N ha −1 for a 21 yr-old green. Thus, soils of established greens contain significant quantities of labile SOM rich in N that could through mineralization supply part of the fertilizer N requirement of turf grass. A greater understanding of the dynamics of this resource is needed if we are to manage golf greens for optimal use without negative consequences to the environment.
Growth and development in an old-growth Arizona mixed conifer stand following initial harvesting

Abstract An alternative analysis predicted that a treatment for southwestern mixed conifer forests that included patch clear-cut openings, group selection, and single-tree selection would benefit the greatest mix of resources from a previously unharvested watershed in eastern Arizona. The harvest reduced overall stand density from 45.8 to 30.2 m2 ha−1 and created 63 patch clear-cut and group selection openings. The objective was to evaluate if the prescribed silvicultural treatment would benefit the timber resources following an initial entry into an old-growth mixed conifer stand. The treatment maintained the preharvest uneven-aged structure and increased timber productivity. Diameter and basal area growth increased for most species. Periodic gross growth was essentially unchanged, at about 4.90 m2 ha−1, but the same volume was being added to fewer trees. The stand, icluding most openings, was generally well stocked with new natural and advance regeneration. The Thomas Creek treatment should be considered for similar old-growth stands where harvesting is prescribed or for dense, partially harvested stands. Growth data can be used in simulation models.
Impairment of the ubiquitin proteasome system by protein aggregation

Intracellular deposition of aggregated and ubiquitylated proteins is a prominent cytopathological feature of most neurodegenerative disorders. Whether protein aggregates themselves are pathogenic or are the consequence of an underlying molecular lesion is unclear. Here, we report that protein aggregation directly impaired the function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Transient expression of two unrelated aggregation-prone proteins, a huntingtin fragment containing a pathogenic polyglutamine repeat and a folding mutant of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, caused nearly complete inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Because of the central role of ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in regulating fundamental cellular events such as cell division and apoptosis, our data suggest a potential mechanism linking protein aggregation to cellular disregulation and cell death.
The effects of a high-potency topical steroid on cutaneous healing of burns in pigs.

Objective: Burns are dynamic injuries that tend to progress over the course of several days. Steroids inhibit the formation of vasoconstrictive prostanoids that may contribute to this progression of injury. The authors hypothesized that adding topical steroids to a standard antimicrobial agent would reduce the progression of burns and accelerate reepithelialization without increasing infection rates. Methods: This was a prospective, blinded, controlled, experimental trial. Forty-eight standardized second-degree burns were created by applying an aluminum bar preheated to 807C to the flanks of isofluraneanesthetized young pigs for 20 seconds. Three equal sets of 16 burns were randomly treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (SSD), clobetasol propionate 0.05% (CP), or both (SSD+CP). Daily dressing changes were performed for 14 days. Full-thickness biopsies were taken after injury and at one, two, seven, ten, and 14 days for blinded histopathological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin (HE epithelial, mesenchymal, and vascular cells; and vessel thrombosis). Comparisons across groups were performed using oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA). A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare injury depths over time. This study had 80% power to detect a 33-percentage point difference in REP across groups (two-tailed alpha = 0.05). Results: Pretreatment burn depths were similar across groups. While burn depth changed over time, there was no difference between the groups in burn injury progression. There was no difference across the groups in REP or infection rates at all times. Conclusions: Addition of a potent topical steroid to standard
Savings and retail price reform in a queue-rationed economy

The paper addresses the effect on consumer saving behavior of queue rationing and of price reform in a Soviet-type economy in a lifecycle framework with overlapping generations. It is shown that consumers save less for retirement in a queue-rationed exchange economy with black markets than they would in a free-market system with the same endowments. The expectation of price reform is thus likely to cause an increase in consumer savings. In addition, an analysis is given of the effect of the increase in controlled prices on the black market prices and on the prices of unrationed goods.
A New Correlation of the Mayan and Christian Calendars

BECAUSE solar and lunar eclipses and certain other lunar phenomena tend to repeat themselves in a periodic fashion, it has often been stated that it will be impossible to determine the correlation of the Mayan and Christian calendars from astronomical data alone. As a result, the two most generally accepted correlations, the Spinden1 (A = 489,384) and the Goodman–Thompson2 (A = 584,283) depend in part on historical records ; A, the Ahau equation, is the Julian Day Number of the zero date of the Mayan calendar. This communication puts forward a correlation which rests on astronomical data and the assumption that the Spinden and Makemson3 (A = 489,138) correlations are within 100 years of the truth, an assumption suggested by early radiocarbon results.
A comparison of stress-reduction behavioral counseling and contingent nocturnal EMG feedback for the treatment of bruxism.

Abstract This study compared the efficacy of two treatment modalities (stress-reduction behavioral counseling and contingent nocturnal EMG biofeedback) on night-time bruxism. The 16 subjects ( S s) were assigned sequentially to one of four treatment groups: (1) stress-reduction behavioral counseling: (2) nocturnal biofeedback; (3) stress-reduction behavioral counseling and nocturnal biofeedback; and (4) waiting-list control group. A portable EMG unit was used to record the nightly total of electrical activity (⩾20 μV) from the masseter muscle 10 days before and after treatment. The three treatment procedures were found to be significantly superior to no-treatment control group. The outcome of the two treatments which made use of stress-reduction behavioral counseling, although better than the treatment which solely used nocturnal biofeedback, was not significantly better. This study demonstrates that stress-reduction skills learned while awake can have a generalized effect on stress-induced muscle activity during sleep. Implications for further research are discussed.
Plantwide Control of the Fiber Line in a Pulp Mill

Model-based techniques find a variety of applications in chemical engineering. While many components of the chemical industry have rapidly exploited model-based methods for improved operation, the ...
In-vivo and in-vitro association between leukemic cells and marrow stromal cells: A murine model

Several reports indicate that marrow stromal cells are conducive to development of both myeloid and lymphoid leukemic cell lines in vitro. We present data on an in-vitro/in-vivo murine model that establishes that: (i) murine LL cell lines (L5178Y, P388 and L1210) invade the bone marrow when injected via the tail vein; (ii) degree of marrow invasion by LL can be determined quantitatively; (iii) there is a close association or adherence between MSC and LL cells in vivo; and (iv) in-vitro adherence of murine LL cells to MSC can be quantitated. This in-vitro/in-vivo murine model will be helpful in deciphering the importance of heterotypic adherence between marrow stromal cells and leukemic cells in vivo.
First hominoid from the Miocene of Ethiopia and the evolution of the catarrhine elbow

The first known fossil ape from the early-middle Miocene of Fejej, Ethiopia, is described here. The specimen, FJ-18SB-68, is a partial ulna from a locality dated by 40 Ar/ 39 Ar and paleomagnetic methods to a minimum age of 16.18 MYA. Compared to a variety of extant and fossil ulnae, FJ-18SB-68 is most similar to Turkanapithecus, Proconsul, and Pliopithecus, and appears to have been an arboreal quadruped with substantial forearm rotational mobility. Among the extant ulnae, canonical variates analysis successfully discrimi- nates platyrrhines from catarrhines and within the latter, cercopithecoids from hominoids. Basal catarrhines (e.g., Aegyptopithecus) are platyrrhine- like in their morphology. Two basic trends appear to evolve from this generalized template: one with less mobile and more habitually pronated forearms, as seen in living and fossil cercopithecoids (including Victoriapithe- cus and Paracolobus), and another with greater forearm rotational mobility in fossil and modern hominoids. Primitive Miocene apes, including Proconsul, Turkanapithecus, and FJ-18SB-68, share with extant hominoids a more laterally positioned and laterally facing radial notch and an incipient trochlear keel. This morphology, along with a large insertion area for m. brachialis, suggests a departure from the more habitually pronated hand posture of monkeys and may indicate greater climbing abilities in these arboreally quadrupedal apes. Later Miocene apes, such as Oreopithecus and Dryopithecus share additional morphological features with hominoids, indicat- ing considerable suspensory and climbing capabilities. Am J Phys Anthropol
Cross-sectional geometric properties of the crocodylian humerus: an exception to Wolff's Law?

The cross-sectional geometric properties of the crocodylian humerus were examined in order to assess the effects of differential locomotor behaviour and habitat use on osteological properties. Several biomechanical properties of the humerus were calculated, including resistance to compression and tension, bending and torsion resistance. The biomechanical properties of the crocodylian humerus reflect little variation attributable to locomotor behaviour or natural habitat use (terrestrial vs aquatic habitat). However, the biomechanical properties of captive individuals differed from those of wild conspecifics. The results of this research suggest that crocodylian humeri maintain sufficient resistance to all loading conditions throughout life with little remodelling, though both resorption and remodelling of bone are known to occur. Consequently, crocodylian humeri do not respond to stresses incurred during life as predicted by Wolff's Law.
Distributed binary integration

A distributed radar detection system that employs binary integration at each local detector is studied. Local decisions are transmitted to the fusion center where they are combined to yield a global decision. The optimum values of the two thresholds at each local processor are determined so as to maximize the detection probability under a given probability of false alarm constraint. Using an important channel model, performance comparisons are made to determine the integration loss. >
A model for the transverse permeability of bi-material layered fibrous preforms

We consider viscous flow across unidirectional hexagonal arrays of porous tows of elliptical cross section. Using the lubrication approximation we develop an analytical model for the hydraulic permeability of layered systems, in which the permeability of the porous tows making up each alternating layer is allowed to differ. Extensive validation of this model is carried out through numerical computations using the Computational Fluid Dynamics package FIDAP. Good agreement between model predictions and numerically calculated permeabilities is found in the interesting region of small porosity (ϕ = 0.20 or ϕ = 0.30). Using this model we also address the issue of the inaccuracies that may be introduced if the overall permeability of a fibrous preform is calculated using an arithmetic average permeability instead of the actual permeability of each layer. We find that use of an average permeability will result in overestimation of the overall permeability of the system. This overestimation will increase as the porosity is reduced and/or as the difference in permeabilities increases.
Spectroscopy and kinetics of wild-type and mutant tyrosine hydroxylase: mechanistic insight into O2 activation.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is a pterin-dependent nonheme iron enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of l-tyr to l-DOPA in the rate-limiting step of catecholamine neurotransmitter biosynthesis. We have previously shown that the FeII site in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) converts from six-coordinate (6C) to five-coordinate (5C) only when both substrate + cofactor are bound. However, steady-state kinetics indicate that TH has a different co-substrate binding sequence (pterin + O2 + l-tyr) than PAH (l-phe + pterin + O2). Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and variable-temperature-variable-field magnetic circular dichroism (VTVH MCD) spectroscopy, we have investigated the geometric and electronic structure of the wild-type (WT) TH and two mutants, S395A and E332A, and their interactions with substrates. All three forms of TH undergo 6C → 5C conversion with tyr + pterin, consistent with the general mechanistic strategy established for O2-activating nonheme iron enzymes. We have also applied single-tu...
Cell Stress and MKK6b-mediated p38 MAP Kinase Activation Inhibit Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced IκB Phosphorylation and NF-κB Activation

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) exerts many actions through activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. NF-κB is sequestered in the cytosol by an inhibitory subunit IκB, which is inducibly phosphorylated by an IκB kinase complex and subsequently degraded. Sodium salicylate (NaSal) can block NF-κB activation by inhibiting IκBα phosphorylation. Recently, we used the specific p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor SB203580 to demonstrate that inhibition of TNF-induced IκBα phosphorylation requires NaSal-induced p38 activation. We demonstrate that NaSal similarly inhibits TNF-induced IκBβ degradation in a p38-dependent manner. To further examine the role of p38, we determined whether other agents that activate p38 can block TNF-induced IκB phosphorylation and degradation. Sorbitol, H2O2, and arsenite each blocked IκBα phosphorylation induced by TNF, and SB203580 reversed the inhibitory effects of sorbitol and H2O2, but not arsenite. In addition, sorbitol and H2O2 blocked TNF-induced but not interleukin-1-induced IκBα phosphorylation, whereas arsenite inhibited IκBα phosphorylation induced by TNF and interleukin-1. Transient expression of MAP kinase kinase (MKK) 6b(E), a constitutive activator of p38, reduced both TNF-induced phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB-dependent reporter activity. However, MKK7(D), a constitutive activator of c-Jun N-terminal kinases, failed to inhibit these TNF actions. Thus, sustained p38 activation by various stimuli inhibits TNF-induced IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB activation.
The dynamics of undergraduate academic advising

This study describes job activities, role expectations, and jobs satisfactions of academic advisers. The sample consisted of 452 faculty and staff academic advisers in five colleges at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). Seventy-two percent of the sample completed the questionnaire.
Concentration dependence of the Co moment in amorphous alloys of Co with Y, La, and Zr

The concentration dependence of the Co moment has been measured in amorphous ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Co}}_{x}$, ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Co}}_{x}$, and ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Co}}_{x}$ alloys ($0.33l~xl~0.88$). For the amorphous alloy systems the concentrations of Y, La, or Zr at which the Co moment disappears is much higher than for the crystalline systems. Furthermore the critical concentration is the same for Y and La ($1\ensuremath{-}x\ensuremath{\approx}0.5$) but lower for Zr ($1\ensuremath{-}x\ensuremath{\approx}0.4$). The result that Y and La yield similar data indicates that the size of the non-magnetic atom does not play a significant role in the magenetic properties. This is in contrast to the results for amorphous YFe and LaFe alloys. The lower critical concentration for the Zr alloys suggests a charge-transfer mechanism for the reduction of the Co moment upon alloying. The data were found to fit a simple charge-transfer model in which Y or La contributes about 1.4 electrons to the Co $d$ states while Zr contributes 2.2. However, it was also observed that the Co moment was proportional to ${(x\ensuremath{-}{x}_{0})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, where ${x}_{0}$ is the critical concentration of Co, and that the Co-Co exchange constant was independent of concentration. These latter results suggest that the Co moments are quite localized in the amorphous alloys.
SPINR: high-resolution two-dimensional spectral imaging

We describe a novel technique which enables us to conduct two-dimensional imaging spectroscopy using a one-dimensional imaging spectrometer. A typical imaging spectrometer obtains a series of one-dimensional monochromatic images containing the entire field of view, but the spatial information in the dispersion direction is lost. By rotating the instrument (hence rotating the field of view) we compile a series of time dependent profiles. We use a numerical tomographic reconstruction method to recover the second spatial dimension and thereby obtain two-dimensional monochromatic images of the field of view. This technique is more sensitive and hence collects a full two-dimensional image more quickly than a conventional push-broom scan. We present the results of numerical simulations and discuss the prospects of this method for magnetospheric imaging applications.
Professional avatars: librarians and educators in virtual worlds

Purpose – This study aims to examine librarianship and education in virtual world settings, focusing particularly on how librarians and educators establish professional identity and trust while teaching and providing information services as avatars within Second Life.Design/methodology/approach – Data was gathered through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 12 librarians and educators within the virtual world of Second Life, and in visits to 50 virtual world workplaces.Findings – Librarians and educators faced challenges of establishing professional identity and credibility for two different audiences – i.e. “newbies” and “residents” – within the “game‐like” virtual world environment. Visual elements such as a conservative, humanoid avatar appearance, and imagery drawn from traditional workplaces were used by librarians and educators to establish their professional role with “newbies”, while for “residents” an upgraded avatar appearance was necessary to convey credibility.Practical implications – For...
Experimental Alluvial Fan Evolution: Channel Dynamics, Slope Controls, and Shoreline Growth

[1] River deltas and alluvial fans have channelization and deposition dynamics that are not entirely understood, but which dictate the evolution of landscapes of great social, economic, and ecologic value. Our lack of a process-based understanding of fan dynamics hampers our ability to construct accurate prediction and hazard models, leaving these regions vulnerable. Here we describe the growth of a series of experimental alluvial fans composed of a noncohesive grain mixture bimodal in size and density. We impose conditions that simulate a gravel/sand fan prograding into a static basin with constant water and sediment influx, and the resulting fans display realistic channelization and avulsion dynamics. We find that we can describe the dynamics of our fans in terms of a few processes: (1) an avulsion sequence with a timescale dictated by mass conservation between incoming flux and deposit volume; (2) a tendency for flow to reoccupy former channel paths; and (3) bistable slopes corresponding to separate entrainment and deposition conditions for grains. Several important observations related to these processes are: an avulsion timescale that increases with time and decreases with sediment feed rate; fan lobes that grow in a self-similar, quasi-radial pattern; and channel geometry that is adjusted to the threshold entrainment stress. We propose that the formation of well-defined channels in noncohesive fans is a transient phenomenon resulting from incision following avulsion, and can be directly described with dual transport thresholds. We present a fairly complete, process-based description of the mechanics of avulsion and its resulting timescale on our fans. Because the relevant dynamics depend only on threshold transport conditions and conservation of mass, we show how results may be directly applied to field-scale systems.