cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near Surface Measurement of Mechanical Properties Using Instrumented Indentation Measurements

A two-parameter function for estimation of projected area in instrumented indentation measurement is obtained to account for indenter tip imperfection. Imperfection near indenter tip-end is modeled using a spherical function and combined with a linear function describing the edge boundary of the indenter. Through an analytical fusion technique the spherical and linear functions are combined into a single function with two unknown geometric parameters of tip radius of curvature and edge slope. Data from indentation measurement of force and displacement, using a Berkovich tip and single crystal alumina and silica samples, are implemented in the proposed area function yielding estimated values of Young’s modulus. Results were compared with that obtained from Oliver and Pharr technique for deep as well as shallow indentation regimes. The estimates for Young’s modulus were found to agree quite favorably. More importantly, in contrast to the Oliver-Pharr technique, the use of the two-parameter function resulted in a significantly more accurate estimation of Young’s modulus for shallow indentation depth of 0 to 100 nm. The error in estimation of Young’s modulus was found to be within 10 percent for indentation depths 25 nm to 50 nm and within 20 percent for indentation depths 0 to 25 nm.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Induction Therapy in African American Heart Transplant Recipients: Analysis of the UNOS Database

Purpose Induction therapy (IND) after heart transplant (HTx) remains controversial despite its use in over 50% of programs. No randomized trials exist to suggest benefit. African Americans (AA) are at high risk for allograft rejection. We sought to explore whether the use of Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or Basiliximab improved survival in AA, using the UNOS database. Methods and Materials We reviewed 2,523 consecutive adult AA HTx patients from the UNOS database from 1/2000 to 3/2011. Data were analyzed using two age groups; younger ages 21-59 years (n=2,037) and older ≥60 years (n=486). Five-year (5-yr) survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Survival was compared across groups by Log-Rank test. Cox proportion hazards models were used to assess factors related to 5-yr survival and to obtain hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. Results Univariable analysis found younger AA who received ATG had better 5-yr survival compared to Basiliximab (P=0.002) or no IND (P=0.016). Older AA with Basiliximab experienced better 5-year survival than ATG recipients (P=0.019). In multivariable models, adjusting for Creatinine>2mg/dL and PRA>10%, younger AA, had a trends for ATG to be protective vs Basilximab (HR=0.74, P=0.075) and no IND (HR=0.78, P=.076). In older AA, Basiliximab was protective vs ATG (HR=0.46, P=0.022) and there was a trend for no IND to be protective vs ATG(HR=0.72, P=0.16). [ figure 1 ] Conclusions ATG may confer protection in the young AA but worsen survival in AA age 60 and older. For AA of age ≥60 Basiliximab appears protective vs ATG. Age-related differences in immune activation may explain these findings. Randomized trials to assess efficacy of induction therapy are indicated.
Exponentially embedded families for multimodal sensor processing

The exponential embedding of two or more probability density functions (PDFs) is proposed for multimodal sensor processing. It approximates the unknown PDF by exponentially embedding the known PDFs. Such embedding is of a exponential family indexed by some parameters, and hence inherits many nice properties of the exponential family. It is shown that the approximated PDF is asymptotically the one that is the closest to the unknown PDF in Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. Applied to hypothesis testing, this approach shows improved performance compared to existing methods for cases of practical importance where the sensor outputs are not independent.
Agent-based modeling traction force mediated compaction of cell-populated collagen gels using physically realistic fibril mechanics

Agent-based modeling was used to model collagen fibrils, composed of a string of nodes serially connected by links that act as Hookean springs. Bending mechanics are implemented as torsional springs that act upon each set of three serially connected nodes as a linear function of angular deflection about the central node. These fibrils were evaluated under conditions that simulated axial extension, simple three-point bending and an end-loaded cantilever. The deformation of fibrils under axial loading varied <0.001% from the analytical solution for linearly elastic fibrils. For fibrils between 100 μm and 200 μm in length experiencing small deflections, differences between simulated deflections and their analytical solutions were <1% for fibrils experiencing three-point bending and <7% for fibrils experiencing cantilever bending. When these new rules for fibril mechanics were introduced into a model that allowed for cross-linking of fibrils to form a network and the application of cell traction force, the fibrous network underwent macroscopic compaction and aligned between cells. Further, fibril density increased between cells to a greater extent than that observed macroscopically and appeared similar to matrical tracks that have been observed experimentally in cell-populated collagen gels. This behavior is consistent with observations in previous versions of the model that did not allow for the physically realistic simulation of fibril mechanics. The significance of the torsional spring constant value was then explored to determine its impact on remodeling of the simulated fibrous network. Although a stronger torsional spring constant reduced the degree of quantitative remodeling that occurred, the inclusion of torsional springs in the model was not necessary for the model to reproduce key qualitative aspects of remodeling, indicating that the presence of Hookean springs is essential for this behavior. These results suggest that traction force mediated matrix remodeling may be a robust phenomenon not limited to fibrils with a precise set of material properties.
A rational model for thermal sterilization of microorganisms

COSPAR requirements that the probability of spacecraft contamination not exceed 10−4 demand an extrapolation of empirical data through four population decades beyond the range of feasible measurement. Awareness of the dangers inherent in such extrapolation prompts the introduction of maximum rationality in the models used. This can be approached via reliability theory and chemical reaction kinetics. The basic assumptions are (1) microbial death in a lethal thermal environment is the result of chemical reactions and (2) the microbe is a living system whose survival depends on the survival of a number of subsystems. Probability of survival of subsystems is determined through reaction kinetics. The application of chemical reaction kinetics is in the “small” in the sense that the reactions considered occur in the individual microbes. Comparisons to empirical data are quite favorable and a basis is provided for use of the Arrhenius equation to predict survivor curves with temperature as a variable.
Role of muscles in lumbar spine stability in maximum extension efforts.

Many problems of the lumbar spine that cause pain are attributed to instability. The ligamentous spine (without muscles) is unstable at very low compressive loads. This study examined the hypothesis that instability of the lumbar spine is prevented under normal circumstances by the stiffness of spinal musculature, without active responses from the neuromuscular control system. The effect of muscle activity (force and stiffness) on the stability of the lumbar spine was analyzed for maximum voluntary extension efforts with different spinal postures in the sagittal plane. The analysis included realistic three-dimensional representation of the muscular anatomy with muscles crossing several motion segments. The stiffness of motion segments was represented using in vitro measured properties. Under a range of conditions with maximum extension effort, active muscle stiffness was required to prevent the lumbar spine from buckling. The dimensionless value of the muscle stiffness parameter q as a function of activation and length had to be greater than a critical value in the range of 3.7-4.7 in order to stabilize the spine. Experimentally determined values of q ranged from 0.5 to 42. These analyses demonstrate how changes in motion segment stiffness, muscle activation strategy, or muscle stiffness (due to degenerative changes, injuries, fatigue, and so on) might lead to spinal instability and "self-injury."
Neuroprotection against hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rat brain by novel superoxide dismutase mimetics.

We investigated the effects of two new low molecular weight nonpeptidyl superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics (M40403/M40401; MetaPhore Pharmaceuticals) on infarct volume after hypoxia-ischemia injury (H/I) in immature rats. Animals received vehicle or different doses of M40403 or M40401 i.p. 2 h before exposure to 3 h of 8% hypoxia. The infarct volume of the hemisphere ipsilateral to carotid ligation 24 h later was 73.9+/-8.9% in vehicle animals (n=9), and decreased to 39.7+/-7.2% (P<0.05, n=10) in animals treated with 3 mg/kg M40403 and to 37.2+/-6.4% for animals receiving 3 mg/kg M40401 (P<0.05, n=8). These data indicate that the SOD mimetics M40403 and M40401 have protective effects against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, and suggest the involvement of superoxide anion in neuronal cell injury during H/I.
Uncertainties in the Acquisition and Utilization of Coordinate Frames in Manufacturing Systems

Summary Accurate and consistent transformations between design and manufacturing coordinate frames are essential for precision part production. These coordinate transformations establish surface position and orientation relationships as manufactured pans pass from design through production processes to inspection and surface error analysis. Unfortunately, these coordinate transformations can be uncertain due to factors such as geometric form errors in workpiece reference surfaces, fixture locating point variations, and coordinate measurement errors. A method for representing and estimating these uncertainties and their propagation through multi-stage manufacturing processes is presented in this paper. The method is applicable to systems with combinations of fixturing and coordinate measurements.
Crowdsourcing Lessons for Organizations

In the Web 2.0 era, business models have changed. This study explores the current use of the Web 2.0 phenomenon crowdsourcing as an avenue for idea generation and decision making. Crowdsourcing is a way of outsourcing tasks to communities of Internet users, typically for little or no compensation. It has been used in Haiti and Kenya to minimize the impact of natural disasters and political turmoil, by scholars to translate ancient texts, by notfor- profits to increase donations and awareness of their causes, and by large corporations such as Proctor & Gamble, Boeing, Toyota, and BP to generate ideas for products, advertisements, and to help solve business problems (Mullins, 2010; Falcioni, 2010; Cohen, 2010; Strom, 2010; Whitla, 2009). This article will focus on current organizational uses of crowdsourcing, along with an analysis of the pros and cons of its use in decision making. Suggestions for companies considering its use will be given to help them avoid the mistakes that others have made in the past.
Species dependent gentamicin pharmacokinetics and nephrotoxicity in the young horse

Abstract Gentamicin pharmacokinetics and nephrotoxic potential were evaluated in twelve 2 to 3 month-old horses. Whereas recent evidence in our clinic indicated that young horses may be especially susceptible to gentamicin nephrotoxicity, young rabbits and rats are usually resistant. Gentamicin (4.5 mg/kg) was given by rapid intravenous injection, Serum gentamicin concentrations over a 13-hour period were fitted to an open, two-compartment, pharmacokinetic model. Subsequently, the same horses were divided into groups of 3 horses each. Each group received 0, 2.2, 4.4 or 8.8 mg gentamicin/kg, intramuscularly, every 12 hours for 15 days. Renal function was monitored. Peak and trough gentamicin concentrations were monitored daily. Renal sections were collected for histopathologic and electron microscopic examination. The (mean ± SD) serum halflife was 194 ± 37 minutes, total body clearance (Cl B ) was 1.65 ± 0.79 mL/min/kg and volume of distribution at steady state (Vd (ss) ) was 30.6 ± 9.4 L/100 kg. Decreased renal function, as detected by elevated serum urea nitrogen or creatinine concentrations, was detected only in the two youngest foals (including animals in both the 4.4 and 8.8 mg/kg dose groups). The trough serum gentamicin concentrations of these 2 horses increased over time. These horses had the lowest Cl B and Vd (ss) in the intravenous study. Morphologic changes were seen in kidneys of all treated horses and were similar to those occurring with gentamicin toxicity in other species. Our results support the clinical impression that very young horses may be more susceptible than adult horses, and adults of other species, to gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
Characterization of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor in circulating human mononuclear cells

Abstract Human circulating mononuclear leukocytes were shown to have a specific 7.7 S glucocorticoid receptor in the cytoplasm utilizing a 5 to 20% sucrose gradient in low salt. The cytoplasmic receptor was shown to convert to a 4.1 S receptor upon exposure to high salt concentration (0.4 M KCl) or upon translocation to the nucleus. The dissociation constant (Kd) averaged 0.7 nM, the concentration of the cytoplasmic receptor averaged 179 fm/mg protein, and 2404 molecules bound per cell. Progesterone was found to displace 85% of labeled triamcinolone acetonide from the cytoplasmic receptor but no appreciable competition was found for 17β-estradiol or 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A significant correlation was found between the endogenous serum cortisol concentration and the cytoplasmic receptor capacity when expressed as molecules bound/cell (r = 0.64 p
Genetic organization of the Salmonella typhimurium ilv gene cluster

A number of Salmonella typhimurium ilv::Tn10 insertion strains were used to analyze the Salmonella ilv gene cluster. Tn10 generated ilv deletion mutants were employed in mapping experiments to conclusively define the gene order as ilvG-E-D-A-C. Examination of ilv enzyme levels confirms that the direction of transcription of ilvGEDA is from ilvG to ilvA. The major control locus, designated ilvO, is located before ilvG forming an ilvOGEDA transcriptional unit that is multivalently repressed by isoleucine, valine and leucine. Two internal promoters, one before ilvE and another before ilvD, are identified and are shown to provide repressed levels of the ilvE, D and A gene products. Possible regulation of transcription from these promoters in response to isoleucine limitation is discussed in terms of attenuation.
(47)Ca production for (47)Ca/(47)Sc generator system using electron linacs.

Abstract In this work we have studied the feasibility of photonuclear production of 47Ca from 48Ca for 47Ca/47Sc generators. Photon flux distribution for electron beams of different energies incident on a tungsten converter was calculated using the MCNPX radiation transport code. The 47Ca production rate dependence on electron beam energy was found and 47Ca/47Sc yields were estimated for a 40 MeV electron beam. It was shown that irradiating enriched targets with a 40 MeV, 1 mA beam will result in tens of MBq g−1 (few mCi g−1) activity of 47Sc. The results of the simulations were benchmarked by irradiating 22.5 g of CaCl2 powder with a 39 MeV electron beam incident on a tungsten converter. Measured 47Ca/47Sc activities were found to be in very good agreement with the predictions.
MULTIPLE MODES OF VORTEX-INDUCED VIBRATION OF A SPHERE

Abstract In this work, we discover the existence of multiple modes of vortex-induced vibration of a tethered sphere in a free stream. In addition to the first two modes, defined as Modes I and II, and found originally by Govardhan & Williamson (1997), we find the existence of an unexpected Mode III at much higher normalized velocities ( U * ). This third mode, involving large-amplitude and remarkably periodic vibrations, was discovered by changing our focus from “light”, or buoyant, tethered spheres in a water facility (where relative density, m * m * ⪢ 1 ). In this manner, we are able to achieve a very wide range of normalized velocities, U * = 0 − 300 , and investigate a wide range of masses, m * =0·1−1000. The first two modes might be identified as analogies to the 2S and 2P modes for an excited cylinder (Williamson & Roshko 1988), and can be associated with a lock-in of the vortex formation frequency with the natural frequency. These modes of sphere dynamics occur within the velocity regime U * ∼5−10. However, our Mode III occurs over a broad range of high velocity ( U * ∼20−40), where the body dynamics cannot be synchronised with the principal vortex formation frequency. At extremely high velocities ( U * >100), we find yet another mode of vibration that persists to at least U * >300, which we define as Mode IV, but in this case the unsteady oscillations are characterized by intermittent bursts of vibration. Regarding the periodic Mode III, it cannot be explained by classical “lock-in” of the principal vortex shedding and body motion, and one is left with a tantalizing question: What causes this unexpected periodic high-speed mode of vortex-induced vibration?
Women City Leaders and Postmaterialist Values: Gender Differences in Economic Development Priorities

We investigate gender-associated differences in the attitudes of city leaders regarding local economic development priorities. In so doing, we test the thesis that the economic development priorities of women city leaders will reflect postmaterialist values; in other words, women city leaders will place more of an emphasis on quality-of-life issues than do men. We employ results of a survey of more than 150 city leaders in Texas. Our findings offer support for our postmaterialist thesis and indicate that while women differ little from men in terms of traditional economic development considerations, such as the importance of job creation and revenue generation, women more than men also consider the influence of economic development efforts on a community's environment and aesthetics.
On Formulas for Equivalent Potential Temperature

Abstract Several new formulas for pseudoadiabatic equivalent potential temperature (EPT) are devised and compared to previous ones. The maximum errors of all the formulas are determined from calculations on a dense grid of points in the region of a thermodynamic diagram defined by wet-bulb potential temperature ≤32°C (EPT ≤ 400 K) and pressure between 100 and 1050 mb. One of the new formulas has an accuracy of 0.015 K in the specified region. Finding the imitation first law of thermodynamics that they satisfy approximately reveals how the formulas work.
Inferring stabilizing mutations from protein phylogenies: application to influenza hemagglutinin.

One selection pressure shaping sequence evolution is the requirement that a protein fold with sufficient stability to perform its biological functions. We present a conceptual framework that explains how this requirement causes the probability that a particular amino acid mutation is fixed during evolution to depend on its effect on protein stability. We mathematically formalize this framework to develop a Bayesian approach for inferring the stability effects of individual mutations from homologous protein sequences of known phylogeny. This approach is able to predict published experimentally measured mutational stability effects (ΔΔG values) with an accuracy that exceeds both a state-of-the-art physicochemical modeling program and the sequence-based consensus approach. As a further test, we use our phylogenetic inference approach to predict stabilizing mutations to influenza hemagglutinin. We introduce these mutations into a temperature-sensitive influenza virus with a defect in its hemagglutinin gene and experimentally demonstrate that some of the mutations allow the virus to grow at higher temperatures. Our work therefore describes a powerful new approach for predicting stabilizing mutations that can be successfully applied even to large, complex proteins such as hemagglutinin. This approach also makes a mathematical link between phylogenetics and experimentally measurable protein properties, potentially paving the way for more accurate analyses of molecular evolution.
Grading follicular lymphomas in fine-needle aspiration biopsies: the role of ThinPrep slides and flow cytometry.

BACKGROUND. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 3-tier grading system (Grades 1–3) for follicular lymphomas (FLs) based on the absolute number of centroblasts per high-power microscopic field (HPF) in 10 neoplastic follicles. Grades 1 and 2 FL are still managed as indolent FLs, whereas Grade 3 FL is thought to behave more aggressively. In this study, the feasibility of grading FL using ThinPrep (TP) slides and flow cytometry (FC) was evaluated. METHODS Fifty-three cases of lymph node fine-needle aspiration (FNA) from patients with histologically confirmed FL (20 Grade 1, 17 Grade 2, and 16 Grade 3) were included. The number of centroblasts present in 300 lymphoid cells and in 10 HPF in TP Papanicolaou-stained slides was evaluated. The percentage of CD10-positive small cells was calculated with FC results. Statistical analysis was performed with the Jonckheer-Terpstra nonparametric trend test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS The statistical analysis demonstrated a significant upward trend in the number of centroblasts as the grades increased. Also, all 3 methods had statistically significant results to distinguish different grades of FL, except when FC was used to distinguish Grade 2 from Grade 3 FL. CONCLUSIONS Counting centroblasts, either in 300 lymphoid cells or per 10 HPF in TP slides, represented a statistically significant method to separate different grades of FL in FNA samples. Analysis of cell size by FC was not as reliable to distinguish different grades of FL, especially Grade 2 from 3. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006;108:. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Wireless Spectrum Occupancy Prediction Based on Partial Periodic Pattern Mining

Cognitive radio appears as a promising technology to allocate wireless spectrum between licensed and unlicensed users in an efficient way. The availability of spectrum holes vastly affects the throughput and delay of unlicensed users. Predictive methods for inferring the availability of spectrum holes can help to improve spectrum extraction rate and reduce collision rate. In this paper, a spectrum occupancy prediction model based on Partial Periodic Pattern Mining (PPPM) is introduced. The mining aims to identify frequent spectrum occupancy patterns that are hidden in the spectrum usage of a channel. The mined frequent patterns are then used to predict future channel states (i.e., busy or idle). Based on the prediction, unlicensed users will be able to make use of spectrum holes efficiently without introducing significant interference to licensed users. PPPM outperforms traditional Frequent Pattern Mining (FPM) by considering real patterns that do not repeat perfectly due to noise, sensing errors, and irregular behaviors. Using real life network activities we show a significant reduction on miss rate in channel state prediction. With the proposed prediction mechanism, the performance of Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) is substantially improved.
Central auditory system of the kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami†

Kangaroo rat brains were studied grossly and microscopically and with several types of histological preparations to describe for the first time this animal's central auditory system and to determine whether previously described peripheral modifications are correlated with central modifications. With but one exception each nucleus of the central auditory system of the kangaroo rat is prominent and easily distinguished. The medial superior olivary nucleus and the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus are especially hypertrophied. The dorsal cochlear nucleus, composing most of the large area acoustica, is organized into three cell-type layers. The ventral cochlear nucleus is morphologically divided into six regions, corresponding to the scheme of Harrison and Irving for the albino rat but with serveral important differences. The spindle-shaped cells of the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei are of two types: one in narrow (8 μ) and stains deeply in Nissl stains; the other is broader (15 μ) and stains lightly in Nissl stains. A group of large multipolar cells lying between the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and the base of the inferior colliculus is described for the first time; their connections are undetermined. The possible significance of the prominent central auditory system is descussed briefly and related to the proposals of other workers for animals previously described.
Grammar factorization by tree decomposition

We describe the application of the graph-theoretic property known as treewidth to the problem of finding efficient parsing algorithms. This method, similar to the junction tree algorithm used in graphical models for machine learning, allows automatic discovery of efficient algorithms such as the O(n4) algorithm for bilexical grammars of Eisner and Satta. We examine the complexity of applying this method to parsing algorithms for general Linear Context-Free Rewriting Systems. We show that any polynomial-time algorithm for this problem would imply an improved approximation algorithm for the well-studied treewidth problem on general graphs.
Binding of Nucleotide Bases by Imprinted Polymers

Molecular imprinting technology was used to create polymeric receptors for the DNA and RNA bases. The binding affinity and selectivity of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) methacrylic acid (MAA) imprinted copolymers were evaluated chromatographically. Specific binding was found for adenine, cytosine, and guanosine derivatives. These bases contain a 2-aminopyridine substructure previously found important for the binding and specificity of polymers imprinted with 9-ethyladenine. Thymine and uracil derivatives, which do not contain the 2-aminopyridine substructure, exhibited little specific binding to the imprinted polymers. The magnitude of the binding affinity for each of the nucleoside derivatives to its own imprinted polymer follows the order A > G > C > T, U. This differs from the order of binding between butyric acid and the RNA base derivatives in solution (G > C > A > U: Lancelot, G. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1977, 99, 7037) or between control polymers that contain randomly distributed carboxylic acid ...
Metastable ions in chemical ionization

The ion [C3H5]+ generated in a chemical ionization source by a variety of methods, including protonation and charge exchange, exhibits a metastable peak for H2 loss which is two orders of magnitude weaker than that formed in an electron impact source. The stable [C3H5]+ ions generated by electron impact and chemical ionization undergo collision-induced dissociation to a comparable extent, both losing H2 by only one of the two competitive mechanisms observed for metastable ions. In contrast to the behavior of [C3H5]+, the molecular ions of p-substituted nitrobenzene, generated by charge exchange at high source pressure, yield composite metastable peaks for NO loss which are very similar in shape and intensity to those generated by electron impact. The contrasting behavior of the metastable ions extracted from high pressure ion sources in the two systems may be due to differences in the efficiencies of quenching of the ionic states responsible for fragmentation as metastable ions. It is noteworthy that the NO loss reactions require considerably lower activation energies than does the H2 loss reaction.
Response and Associative Phase Components of Elaborative Prompt Effects in Children's Noun-Pair Learning.

Abstract The effects of aural and pictorial elaborative prompts were estimated separately for response and associative phase components of children's nounpair learning. A 20-item list of noun pairs was administered individually to 200 second- and third-grade children by the method of paired-associates. Indices of response learning (free verbal recall and pictorial identification) revealed equivalent effects among prompt conditions whereas measures of associative learning (multiple-choice pictorial-recognition tests) demonstrated substantial performance facilitation as a function of both aural and pictorial elaborative prompts. This outcome was regarded as an unequivocal identification of the locus of elaborative prompt effects in children's nounpair learning.
Identification and discrimination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria grown in blood and bile by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria colonies have been analyzed by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using nanosecond laser pulses. LIBS spectra were obtained after transferring the bacteria from a nutrient-rich culture medium to a nutrient-free agar plate for laser ablation. To study the dependence of the LIBS spectrum on growth and environmental conditions, colonies were cultured on three different nutrient media: a trypticase soy agar (TSA) plate, a blood agar plate, and a medium chosen deliberately to induce bacteria membrane changes, a MacConkey agar plate containing bile salts. Nineteen atomic and ionic emission lines in the LIBS spectrum, which was dominated by inorganic elements such as calcium, magnesium and sodium, were used to identify and classify the bacteria. A discriminant function analysis was used to discriminate between the P. aeruginosa bacteria and two strains of E. coli: a non-pathogenic environmental strain and the pathogenic strain enterohemorrhagic E. coli 0157:H7 (EHEC). Nearly identical spectra were obtained from P. aeruginosa grown on the TSA plate and the blood agar plate, while the bacteria grown on the MacConkey plate exhibited easily distinguishable differences from the other two. All P. aeruginosa samples, independent of initial growth conditions, were readily discriminated from the two E. coli strains.
On the economics of sustainability

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to work toward reconciliation of the neoclassical consumer choice axiom that “more is better” and the ecological concern that “more is not sustainable.” The key is to divide the desired “more” into its rival and nonrival components, for it is the consumption of rival goods (such as plastic) that strains the ecosystem. In contrast, the consumption of nonrival goods (such as bird-watching) leaves little to no footprint. While sustainability can be enhanced through changing preferences, a menu of taxes, subsidies and/or vouchers can also motivate greater nonrival consumption—and therefore sustainability—without reducing consumer welfare.
Molecular characterization of guanosine kinase gene from a facultative alkalophile, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum ATCC 35652

Abstract Guanosine kinase activity was identified in an alkalophile, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum ATCC 35652, and the gsk gene encoding it was isolated as a homologous fragment of the Brevibacterium acetylicum gsk. The cloned chromosomal fragment contained an open reading frame which encodes a polypeptide of 308 amino acids with a molecular mass of 33 349 Da. The Ex. aurantiacum Gsk shows strong sequence similarity to B. acetylicum Gsk, but possesses five additional amino acids at the C-terminus. An Mr 39 200 protein synthesized in Escherichia coli harboring plasmids carrying Ex. aurantiacum gsk was purified and characterized. A 0.9 kb transcript revealed by Northern blot analysis and the presence of a factor-independent terminator structure suggest that Ex. aurantiacum gsk is monocistronic, although B. acetylicum gsk has been shown to be bicistronic. The striking alterations in the 3′-untranslated region resulted in a different gene organization.
William Osler: Narcotic-induced pulmonary edema

William Osler described the first reported case of narcotic-induced pulmonary edema in 1880. The description is that of autopsy findings of a patient who died of narcotic poisoning. Since that time, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema has come to be known to accompany overdose with a number of drugs, most notably heroin. Clinical manifestations and radiographic findings vary. The exact pathogenesis is unclear, although the mechanism is known to involve increased alveolar capillary permeability. Treatment consists of reversal of respiratory depression, oxygenation, and respiratory support. Rapid improvement with treatment is the rule.
Pregnancy rhinitis and rhinitis medicamentosa.

Purpose To present guidelines for the recognition, management, and referral of pregnancy rhinitis with a goal of improving the quality of the pregnancy experience for women afflicted with this condition. Data Sources A case study illustrating the presentation of a severe case of pregnancy rhinitis is followed a literature review of etiology, diagnosis, and management strategies. Conclusions Pregnancy rhinitis is a condition of clinical importance that is frequently exacerbated by use of intranasal decongestant sprays. The resulting rhinitis medicamentosa exacerbates the nasal obstruction, with resulting sleep disruptions that negatively impact the experience of pregnancy. Implications for Practice Nurse practitioners may miss opportunities to provide support, anticipatory guidance, and symptom relief. Anticipatory guidance that stresses the critical necessity of avoiding nasal spray decongestants, environmental modification, use of intranasal saline, moderate exercise, and nasal strips for subjective relief may have the potential to markedly decrease escalation of the condition to a serious disorder.
Hydrogen-induced instability on the flat Si(001) surface via steric repulsion

The exposure of the miscut Si(001) surface to H gives rise to a rich sequence of stable step structures as a function of the H chemical potential. First-principles calculations of step-formation energies show that the formation of steps on the (2x1) reconstructed surface requires energy, but that on the (1x1) surface, steps form exothermically. This explains surface roughness at high H chemical potentials.
Epithelioid sarcoma: Clinical behavior and prognostic factors of survival

Background: Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare histologic subtype of sarcoma. The clinical behavior and prognostic factors influencing survival in this disease are examined.
Guidelines for minimizing premature termination among asian american clients in group counseling

Abstract By synthesizing the existing literature on group counseling and psychotherapy with Asian Americans, this article provides some guidelines on how to prevent premature terminations among these clients.
The paradox of Rockall: why is a brooding gastropod ( Littorina saxatilis ) more widespread than one having a planktonic larval dispersal stage ( L. littorea )?

In benthic invertebrates dispersal of planktotrophic larvae is generally considered more effective than is, for example, the rafting of adults or egg masses. It is certainly true that over short distances, viz., in the range of tens of kilometres or less, a moderately long-lived planktotrophic larva represents an effective mechanism of dispersal. However, turbulent mixing and mortality will decrease the concentration of planktotrophic larvae, and at some distance from the ancestral population the density of settlers may be too low to enable future matings between adults of low mobility. On the other hand, adults, juveniles or benthic egg masses drifted over long distances may colonize new habitats. The crucial point is the type of larval development of the organism. If the founder group belongs to a species with direct development or which produces very short-lived planktonic larvae, the low mobility of all life-stages will maintain a population within a restricted area so that mates will be likely to encounter each other even in a small population. Even if transport of benthic stages happens very rarely, this may be more influential than larval dispersal over long distances. To show that this may be true the detailed geographical distribution of two intertidal gastropod species with contrasting modes of development is presented and further support from the literature for this hypothesis is discussed.
Comparison of the pituitary effects of the mammalian endothelins: vasoactive intestinal contractor (endothelin-beta, rat endothelin-2) is a potent inhibitor of prolactin secretion.

Direct pituitary effects of vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC), which has been described recently to be the rat form of endothelin-2 (ET-2), were compared to those previously reported for rat ET-1, rat ET-3, and human ET-2. In static incubations of cultured dispersed anterior pituitary cells, the minimum effective dose of VIC necessary to inhibit PRL release after 1-h incubation was 1 pM, and the maximum effective dose was 1 nM. Similar inhibition was observed with human ET-2. The minimum effective inhibitory dose of ET-1 was also 1 pM; however, that of ET-3 was 0.1 nM. PRL release inhibition by VIC was not mediated via the D2-dopamine receptor and was not prevented by calcium channel blockade with 100 nM nifedipine. The inhibitory effect of VIC was not present in cells treated with 100 nM staurosporine, a dose that inhibits protein kinase-C activity. Time-course studies revealed a transient stimulation of PRL release with higher doses of VIC (10 and 100 nM), which occurred within the first 15 min of ...
A class of major centers of triangles

Let ABC be a triangle. The angles A, B, C are real variables, and a triangle center Y a major center if there exists a function f (A) such that Y is given in trilinear coordinates by Y = f (A) : f (B) : f (C). If f satisfies the functional equation $ f (\pi - A) = - f (A) $ , then certain lines AY A , BY B , CY C obtained by evaluating Y in three different triangles are concurrent. Trilinear coordinates for the point of concurrence are found.
Recessive 2-(Methylamino)-isobutyrate (MeAIB) -Resistant Mutant of Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells (CHO-K1) with Increased Transport Through ASC System

Mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1 Pro−), resistant to the proline transport antagonist 2-(methylamino)-isobutyrate (MeAIB) were isolated by a singlestep procedure. Mutation rates to Pro+ and to Pro− MeAIB resistance (MeAIBr) are 1.7×10−6 and 2.4×10−5, respectively. Several Pro− MeAIBr mutants were tested by measuring the uptake of 0.05 mM proline through the various amino acid transport systems: some showed increases in one transport system only; others revealed pleiotropic changes affecting two or more systems; still others had no apparent change in proline transport. One Pro− MeAIBr mutant analyzed in detail (MeAIBr22) was isolated after EMS treatment as resistant to 5 mM MeAIB, is Pro−, stable, and shows a 1.6-fold increase in the initial velocity of transport of 0.05 mM proline. There appears to be no change in the velocity of proline transport through the amino acid transport systems A, P, and L, and the “glutamine inhibitable fraction.” In contrast, there is a 5.5-fold increase in the velocity of transport of 0.05 mM proline through the ASC system. Kinetic studies reveal a sixfold increase in the Vm and a slight increase in the Km of the transport of serine through the ASC system. Hybrids between MeAIBr22 and CHO-Kl Pro−, OVAr, HPRT− showed the parental phenotype. These results indicate that the mutant ASC phenotype of MeAIBr22 is recessive and is probably the result of a regulatory gene mutation.
Adrenal function in a pregnant bilaterally adrenalectomized woman.

ABSTRACT A case is presented of successful pregnancy in a patient who had undergone bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome. Studies of plasma and urinary steroids were performed before and after treatment during pregnancy and post partum. The observations suggest that the increased urinary excretion of aldosterone and the increased adrenal “responsiveness” to corticotropin seen in the normal pregnant subject require the presence of an intact adrenal gland, and are not mediated through the placenta. The increase in the half-life of hydrocortisone in pregnancy is dependent upon extra-adrenal factors.
Revisiting Finite-Time Distributed Algorithms via Successive Nulling of Eigenvalues

In this letter, we characterize the finite-time behavior on arbitrary undirected graphs. In particular, we derive distributed iterations that are a function of a linear operator on the underlying graph and show that any arbitrary initial condition can be forced to lie on a particular subspace in a finite time. This subspace can be chosen to have the same dimension as the algebraic multiplicity of any (arbitrarily chosen) eigenvalue of the underlying linear operator and is spanned by the eigenvectors corresponding to the chosen eigenvalue. In other words, finite-time behavior is completely characterized by the algebraic multiplicity of the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvectors of the underlying linear operator. We show that finite-time average-consensus can be cast naturally in this setup for which we further develop the necessary and sufficient conditions.
The participation of pyridoxal phosphate, carnosine and calcium in the reversal of contraction in muscle fiber systems.

A relaxing system requiring phosphocreatine as the relaxant may be restored to glycerinated psoas fibers by incubation in a reaction mixture containing pyridoxal phosphate, calcium, carnosine, magnesium, ATP, and sodium maleate at pH 6.5. The capacity to relax, once established, persists after elution in buffer of the diffusible fraction of the reactants. The relaxation by phosphocrestine is reversed by calcium. The restored relaxing system is also subject to relaxation by the dialyzable fraction of the microsomal-free crude muscle extract, but in this case carnosine is not required in the reaction medium.
Photo-detector signal-to-noise characterization for an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

In an effort to select the best photo-detector for a new generation of adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (AOSLO), we compared the signal to noise ratios of 7 types of photo-detectors over the possible signal power range. The selected detector was subsequently evaluated on the Houston AOSLO
Organized type I collagen influences endothelial patterns during "spontaneous angiogenesis in vitro": planar cultures as models of vascular development.

Selected strains of vascular endothelial cells, grown as confluent monolayers on tissue culture plastic, generate flat networks of cellular cords that resemble beds of capillaries—a phenomenon referred to as “spontaneous angiogenesis in vitro”. We have studied spontaneous angiogenic activity by a clonal population (clone A) of bovine aortic endothelial cells to indentify processes that mediate the development of cellular networks. Confluent cultures of clone A endothelial cells synthesized type I collagen, a portion of which was incorporated into narrow, extracellular cables that formed a planar network beneath the cellular monolayer. The collagenous cables acted as a template for the development of cellular networks: flattened, polygonal cells of the monolayer that were in direct contact with the cables acquired spindle shapes, associated to form cellular cords, and became elevated above the monolayer. Networks of cables and cellular cords did not form in a strain of bovine aortic endothelial cells that did not synthesize type I collagen, or when traction forces generated by clone A endothelial cells were inhibited with cytochalasin D. In a model of cable development, tension applied by a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells reorganized a sheetlike substrate of malleable type I collagen into a network of cables via the formation and radial enlargement of perforations through the collagen sheet. Our results point to a general involvement of extracellular matrix templates in two-dimensional (planar) models of vascular development in vitro. For several reasons, planar models simulate invasive angiogenesis poorly. In contrast, planar models might offer insights into the growth and development of planar vascular systems in vivo.
Estimation of baseline dopamine D2 receptor occupancy in striatum and extrastriatal regions in humans with positron emission tomography with [18F] fallypride.

Background This study examined whether positron emission tomography (PET) studies with [ 18 F] fallypride performed before and after α-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT) administration can be used to estimate baseline dopamine (DA) D 2 receptor occupancy in striatal and extrastriatal regions. Methods Six normal subjects underwent PET with [ 18 F] fallypride before and after administration of AMPT. The DA D 2 receptor binding potentials (bp) were calculated with the reference region method. Percent changes in bp in striatal and extrastriatal regions were calculated with both region-of-interest analysis and on a voxel by voxel basis with parametric images of DA D 2 receptor levels. Results The results of the current study indicate that AMPT treatment significantly increased the bp in the caudate, putamen, ventral striatum, and substantia nigra. A trend level increase was seen in the medial thalamus. Conclusions This study demonstrates that PET with [ 18 F] fallypride can be used to estimate baseline DA D 2 receptor occupancy in striatal and extrastriatal regions.
The orbit averaged particle source from neutral beam injection in tokamaks

Methods are developed for evaluation of the drift orbit averaged particle source, S, in realistic neutral beam injection scenarios. Finite Larmor radius (FLR) and finite orbit width effects are included providing an accurate treatment of beam injection geometries in both standard and spherical tokamaks. With the knowledge of S the full beam distribution is readily obtained using well-known Fokker–Planck modelling schemes in constant of motion variables. For the considered ITER beam injection scenarios the analysis provides distributions which are in good agreement with equivalent distributions calculated by the TRANSP analysis code. The inclusion of FLR effects is important for fusion devices with relatively small values of the magnetic field; this is illustrated by considering the beam injection scenario of a spherical tokamak.