cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of vanadium-containing particles in the lungs of uranium/vanadium miners.

Several geological formations of the Utah-Colorado mining region mined for uranium ore during and after World War II had been mined earlier for vanadium. Therefore, most miners and millers from that region were exposed to those metals’ ores or tailings at one time or another. Preliminary investigation to determine uranium and vanadium retained in the lungs of a former uranium miner and miller from this region, who died of lung cancer (mesothelioma), showed a high nonuniform distribution of vanadium. This observation led to the hypothesis that the vanadium content in the lungs could be associated with inhaled particles. Further examination of spectra of characteristic X-rays obtained by scanning particle-induced X-ray emission (microPIXE) of an autopsy sample of this lung indicated that vanadium was indeed present in localized sites within the 20-μm spatial resolution of the proton beam. This work points out that the microPIXE-RBS (Rutherford backscattering) test for vanadium can be used for site localization of inhaled particles retained in the lungs. Further studies are in progress to: (i) locate uranium-bearing particles in lung tissues of former uranium miners and millers; and (ii) evaluate the local doses of alpha radiation received from these particles.
Mutations at Two Invariant Nucleotides in the 3′-Minor Domain of Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA Affecting Translational Initiation and Initiation Factor 3 Function

We have investigated the highly conserved GAUCA sequence of small subunit ribosomal RNA. Within this region, the invariant nucleotides G1530 and A1531 of Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA were mutagenized to A1530/G1531. These base changes caused a lethal phenotype when expressed from a high copy number plasmid. In low copy number plasmids, the mutant ribosomes had limited effects when expressed in vivo but caused significant deficiencies in translation in vitro, affecting enzymatic tRNA binding, non-enzymatic tRNA binding, subunit association, and initiation factor 3 (IF3) binding. Mutant 30 S ribosomal subunits showed a 10-fold decrease in affinity for IF3 as compared to wild-type subunits but showed an increased affinity for IF3 when in 70 S ribosomes. Additionally, IF3 did not promote dissociation of 70 S ribosomes, which had mutated subunits as monitored by light-scattering experiments. However, extension inhibition experiments (toeprinting) showed that IF3 retained its ability to discriminate between initiator and elongator tRNAs on mutated subunits. The results indicate that the two functions of IF3, tRNA discrimination and subunit dissociation, are separable and that the invariant nucleotides are important for correct subunit function during initiation.
Guessing and Games [From the Editor]

Having recently returned from the 2010 American Control Conference (ACC) in Baltimore, I marvel at how thousands of new papers emerge every few months from our research community. Each paper advances the state of the art in systems and control, and the cumulative effect is to move the field forward. Admittedly, not every conference or journal paper has a major impact on the field. But each paper is part of a process of developing and testing new ideas and techniques. Just as a musician practices etudes to build proficiency, each paper and presentation allows us to hone our skills in performing research and in communicating our results to one another.
Potential topsoiling strategies for enhancement of vegetation diversity on mined lands

Topsoiling methods may exert a strong influence on diversity of vegetation on mined lands. Actual. potential, and/or hypothetical effects of various topsoil application and management practices on diversity both within and among plant communities are discussed. Specific partices/principles addressed include direct place topsoiling, supplemental top-dressing, multiple lift topsoiling, topsoil management, topsoil depth, and selective soil handling.
Genetic influences on quantity of alcohol consumed by adolescents and young adults.

Abstract Objective: To examine genetic and environmental influences on drinking in a nationally representative study of genetically informative adolescents followed into young adulthood. Method: The average quantity of alcohol used per drinking episode during the past year was analyzed in 4432 youth assessed during adolescence (mean age of 16) and then 1 and 6 years later. The variance of quantity of alcohol consumed was decomposed into three components: additive genetic ( a 2 ), shared environmental ( c 2 ), non-shared environmental ( e 2 ). Four candidate genes were tested for association. Results: Wave (1) a 2 − 0.52 e 2 − 0.48, Wave (2) a 2 − 0.28 e 2 − 0.72, Wave (3) a 2 − 0.30 e 2 − 0.70. Genetic correlations between Waves 1 and 2 were 0.85, Waves 1 and 3 were 0.34. The DAT1 440 allele was associated at Wave 1 ( p = 0.007). DRD2 TaqI A1/A2 was associated at Wave 3 ( p = 0.007). DRD4 and 5HTT were not associated. The DAT1 and DRD2 polymorphisms accounted for 3.1% and 2.0% of the variation, respectively. Conclusion: Genetic influence on drinking behavior was common in adolescents longitudinally assessed 1 year apart, but was less correlated between these adolescents and their assessment as young adults at a subsequent time point. Polymorphisms in genes of the dopaminergic system appear to influence variation in drinking behavior.
Autonomic personal computing

Autonomic personal computing is personal computing on autonomic computing platforms. Its goals combine those of personal computing with those of autonomic computing. The challenge of personal autonomic computing is to simplify and enhance the end-user experience, delighting the user by anticipating his or her needs in the face of a complex, dynamic, and uncertain environment. In this paper we identify the key technologies that enable autonomic behavior as distinguished from fault-tolerant behavior. We give some examples of current autonomic behavior and some general considerations for an architecture that supports autonomic personal computing. We identify its challenges to standards and technology developers and conclude with some guidance for future work.
Growth Stimulating and Inhibiting Substances in Human Urine

In the literature of neoplasia there are occasional statements which emphasize a biological point of view. This point of view was concisely expressed by Ewing, who declared that the entire problem of neoplasia might well be considered as a disturbance of the growth energy of a body tissue. It is from this broad aspect that the investigations recorded in this paper were planned. By means of a biological indicator, it has been found possible to demonstrate in the urine substances both stimulating and inhibiting cell division. The excretion of these substances has been investigated and correlated with certain manifestations of tissue growth. These substances have also been isolated in a crude form. Experimental A bacteria-free culture of the protozoan, Colpidium campylum 1 is propagated in a medium prepared according to the following formula: potassium nitrate and primary potassium phosphate each 0.5 gm.; magnesium sulphate 0.1 gm.; tryptone (DIFCO) 8.0 gm.; distilled water to 1000 c.c. The medium is adjusted to a pH of 6.6 and exactly 10 c.c. are placed in each tube. Sterilization is by steam under pressure. Approximately 5 c.c. of urine are adjusted to a pH of 7 to 7.4 and sterilized by steam under pressure. Only the clear supernatant urine is used in the experimental studies. A strict aseptic technic is followed throughout, since bacterial contamination invalidates any results. The number of organisms per cubic centimeter in a stock culture of the protozoan is determined after the technic described in a later paragraph. Six tubes of sterile medium, each containing exactly 10 c.c., are set up. To each of the six tubes enough of the stock culture is added so that the final dilution is from 200 to 300 organisms per cubic centimeter. Either the regular medium or sterile tap water may be employed in preparing the inoculation culture. The dilution may vary from 50 to 300 organisms per cubic centimeter, but a lower dilution simplifies the counting. In making the transfers, the stock tube should be vigorously rolled to insure thorough mixing, and not more than two tubes should be inoculated with one loading of the transfer pipette. The organisms rise to the top very quickly and if more than two tubes are inoculated the distribution may become very uneven.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis provides evidence for a high degree of homology of mitochondrial DNAs from rat hepatomas versus normal rat livers.

Where differences have been reported between tumor and normal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), they have generally involved limited modifications of the genome (Tairaet al., Nucleic Acids Res.11:1635, 1983; Shay and Werbin,Mutat. Res.186:149, 1987). However, Corralet al. (Nucleic Acids Res.16:10935, 1988;17:5191, 1989) observed recombination between cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6), two genes normally on opposite sides of the circular mitochondrial genome. In rat hepatoma mtDNA COI and ND6 were reported to be separated by only 230 base pairs (Corralet al., 1988, 1989). We have performed RFLP analysis on mtDNA from normal rat livers and rat hepatomas, using COI and ND6 probes. Additional experiments compared end-labeled DNA fragments produced byEcoRI andHindIII digestion of mtDNA. These studies failed to provide any evidence for genetic recombination in rat hepatoma mtDNA, even in the same cell line used by Corralet al. Rather, they support the conclusion that mtDNA from tumor and normal tissues exhibits a low degree of heterogeneity.
Optimization of Steel Plate Girders via General Geometric Programming

ABSTRACT An efficient practical procedure is presented for minimum weight design of unstiffened and stiffened steel plate girders subjected to arbitrary loading, using the Generat Geometric Programming (GGP) technique. The nonlinear optimization problem is formulated on the basis of the current (1980) American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) specification. The procedure is used to solve different types of stiffened and unstiffened plate girders and to perform a parametric study to find the optimum value of span length-to-web depth ratio.
Control of a Shape Memory Alloy Based Self-Folding Sheet

The practice of achieving engineering functionality through folding and fold-like operations — known as origami engineering — is receiving increased attention in the research community. Self-folding systems are of particular interest due to their potential to operate (semi-) autonomously in applications across a wide range of length scales. In recent work, we created a reconfigurable self-folding sheet using shape memory alloy (SMA) layers to achieve fold-like behavior. The prior work was devoted to modeling, simulation, and experimentation with the sheet. No attempt had been made to control the sheet. This paper extends our prior work to include feedback control of the self-folding sheet. In particular, the goal is to perform fold control — the use of feedback control to ensure the sheet achieves a desired folded configuration.Control of SMA material is difficult due to its hysteretic nature. This application involves a laminate material with embedded SMA wires, which further complicates control due to the interaction of the wires with each layer of the sheet. We explore two feedback control methods, On/Off and PID, using a simulation framework for controller evaluation. In the interest of computational efficiency, we introduce a new model for sheet behavior based on classical laminate theory. This allows for a significant reduction in computational cost compared to the finite element models we used in prior work with only a modest tradeoff in terms of accuracy. Our results show that both control methods are capable of performing fold control, but that the On/Off controller is superior in terms of energy requirements.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The Movement of Encke's Comet

IN Prof. Poincares paper on the “Stability of the Solar System”, the statement is made that “astronomers have only been able to explain the movement of Encke's comet by supposing the existence of a resisting medium.”
Pediatric cardiovascular intensive care: Current insights and future directions

Abstract The last 20 years have witnessed tremendous advances in the science and practice of pediatric cardiology and pediatric cardiac surgery. The development of pediatric cardiac intensive care has paralleled and contributed to these advances, providing the intensive cognitive and technologic milieu where the child with a cardiac defect moves from the operating room to recovery and home. Current practice and analysis point to the need for further investigation and new strategies to continue to manage successfully the pediatric cardiac patient in this technology and labor intensive, and thus very expensive, environment. This issue of Progress in Pediatric Cardiology focuses on these advances and underscores the challenges of the future.
Airway smooth muscle and asthma.

"Asthma morbidity and mortality are on the rise. From 1980 to 1987, the prevalence rate of asthma in the United States increased 29 percent, and death rates for asthma as the firstlisted diagnosis increased 31 percent. In 1988, asthmarelated health care expenditures exceeded $4 billion in the United States" (1). Nevertheless, apart from understanding that bronchodilators are effectivein treating asthmatic symptoms, we know little about the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level in asthma. One reason for this is that asthma is a syndrome that involves multiple tissues (e.g., mast cells, neutrophils, epithelial cells, smooth muscles) and the interactions between these tissues. In addition, a number of hormones, nerves, and neurotransmitters can affect these cells and their interactions. In light of the central role of airway smooth muscle in asthma, a great deal of research has focused on understanding the molecular basis of the regulation of smooth muscle contraction and whether there are alterations in these regulatory mechanisms in asthma. Intense research effortsover the past 15 years have clearly demonstrated that the regulation of smooth muscle contraction involves the phosphorylation of the 20 kD light chain subunit of smooth muscle myosin (MLC20) . Biochemical experiments 'have demonstrated that the transfer of the terminal phosphate group from ATP to ser 19 on MLC20 , with the subsequent formation of a phosphoester bond, results in the stimulation of the actin-activated ATPase activity of smooth muscle myosin (2). Other studies have shown that the enzyme catalyzing this phosphorylation reaction, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), is a calciumcalmodulin-dependent enzyme (2). Based on these studies, the following sequence of events was postulated to occur during smooth muscle contraction: (1) an increase in intracellular calcium results in the binding of calcium to calmodulin; (2) the calcium-calmodulin complex then binds to and activates MLCK; (3) the active enzyme phosphorylates MLC20 ; (4) the phosphorylated myosin interacts with actin to hydrolyze ATP; (5) the energy released following the hydrolysis of ATP is used to move
Quantum phase transitions in 2D antiferromagnets

Quantum Monte Carlo results for the T = 0 order-disorder transition of two-dimensional dimerized quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnets are presented. For a two-layer model, with the dimers having one member on each plane, the finite-size scaling of the staggered structure factor and the staggered susceptibility is consistent with the 3D classical Heisenberg universality class, as required if the transition is described by the 2+1-dimensional non-linear sigma-model. However, for models with the dimers in a single plane, the behavior does not appear to be consistent with this universality class.
Considering phasic alerting in Alzheimer's disease: comment on Tales et al. (2006).

A. Tales, R. J. Snowden, M. Brown, and G. Wilcock (2006) have questioned the authors' view of a possible interdependence between attentional systems mediating exogenous spatial orienting and phasic alerting as well as the authors' suggestion that phasic alerting deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be influencing their performance on tests of spatial orienting. Consistent with this possibility, both laboratories have previously demonstrated increased spatial orienting and decreased phasic alerting in patients with AD. In Tales et al.'s current study, however, they have instead suggested that their results provide evidence for functional independence between these attentional systems in AD. In this commentary, the authors address the misinterpretations of their study and evaluate the degree to which Tales et al.'s study addresses the issues that they raise. Given Tales et al.'s difficulty performing analyses on response time data because of variance issues, the presence of a reduced (although not significant) alerting effect in Tales et al.'s AD group (consistent with the authors' previous findings), and a potential floor effect in their measure of alerting, the authors question the validity of Tales et al.'s conclusions and reaffirm their position that not considering interactions among attentional systems can lead to inaccurate characterizations of the mechanisms by which they operate. Language: en
Gröbner bases: a sampler of recent developments

This tutorial will explore the theory of Grobner bases. The first part will review classic material on monomial orders, the Buchberger Algorithm, and elimination theory. This will be followed by a discussion of the geometry of elimination, where resultants can be replaced with Grobner bases using ideas of Schauenberg [15]. The tutorial will conclude with a sampler of topics about Grobner bases, including graph theory [11], geometric theorem proving via comprehensive Grobner systems [13, 14], the generic Grobner walk [12], alternatives to the Buchberger algorithm and applications [8, 9, 10], and moduli of quiver representations via Grobner bases [5]. (This list of topics is tentative--the tutorial may cover slightly different topics.
Irreducibility of a Symmetry Group Implies Isotropy

We derive minimal conditions on a symmetry group of a linearly elastic material that implies its isotropy. A natural setting for the formulation and analysis is provided by the group representation theory where the necessary and sufficient conditions for isotropy are expressed in terms of the irreducibility of certain group representations. We illustrate the abstract results by (re)deriving several old and new theorems within a unified theory.
Ground Water Monitoring Technology: Procedures, Equipment, and Applications

Over the past few years, increased interest in groundwater monitoring has resulted in numerous new articles about, equipment for, and approaches to the field measurement of physical and chemical groundwater parameters. Ground Water Monitoring Technology is a useful book that attempts to make sense of this recent information by organizing it into sections on monitoring the vadose zone (part 1), monitoring the zone of saturation (part 2), and groundwater sampling equipment (part 3). According to the preface, “A degree of discrimination was exercised in selecting technologies which were directly applicable for field use.” The book emphasizes “field proven methods which have been documented” at the expense of other promising but unproven field techniques, and it omits laboratory methods except where required for instrument calibration. Morrison is aware of the rapidly changing nature of current groundwater field techniques and has written the book so that it “will be useful even after a particular instrument becomes obsolete.”
Vibrational spectra of chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4)

Abstract Room temperature polarized Raman scattering and infrared reflectance spectra of a chrysoberyl single crystal have been measured. The IR spectra interpretation was aided by a Kramers-Kronig analysis. Thirty-one out of 36 theoretically expected Raman active bands have been identified and assigned. Their frequencies were found to be about 11 cm −1 higher than recently reported by Weigi et al . ( Kexue Tongbao 30 , 452, 1985), with five of their reported weak bands not validated. All 35 expected IR active bands are identified and assigned. An energy scheme diagram for the Davydov splitting in the crystal of the BeO 4 6− v 1 internal mode is illustrated.
Affinity labeling of spinach leaf phosphoribulokinase by ATP analogs. Modification of an active site lysine.

Spinach leaf phosphoribulokinase is sensitive to modification by ATP analogs that react with lysine residues. The 2',3'-dialdehyde derivative of ATP (oATP) inactivates enzyme in a slow, time-dependent fashion. The process follows first-order kinetics (kinact = 0.07 min-1), and the concentration dependence of inactivation indicates tight inhibitor binding (Ki = 106 microM). ATP offers good protection against inactivation (Kd = 67 microM), suggesting that oATP is directed toward the catalytic site. This conclusion is supported by the fact that oATP functions as an alternate substrate (Km = 0.55 mM). Inactivation of phosphoribulokinase by [14C]oATP results in a modification stoichiometry of 0.7/site. The 14C-labeled enzyme is stable to dialysis, suggesting that the covalent adduct formed between protein and oATP is not a simple Schiff's base. Adenosine di- and triphosphopyridoxals (Ado-P2-Pl and Ado-P3-Pl, respectively) also inhibit spinach phosphoribulokinase in a time-dependent fashion. In this case, activity loss is reversible unless the inhibited species is borohydride-reduced, suggesting that Ado-P2-Pl and Ado-P3-Pl form Schiff's bases with an amino group on the enzyme. Protection is afforded by the substrate ATP, suggesting that modification is active site-directed. Prolonged incubation of enzyme with these inhibitors does not result in complete inactivation of phosphoribulokinase. Residual activity is dependent on inhibitor concentration, as would be expected if equilibrium is established between the noncovalent E.I complex and the covalent (Schiff's base) E-I species. Kinetic data analysis indicates Ki values of 175 and 11 microM for Ado-P2-Pl and Ado-P3-Pl, respectively. Thus, the ATP-binding domain can easily accommodate the pyridoxal moiety which is tethered to the polyphosphate chain. The phosphorylated ATP analogs employed in this study exhibit substantially tighter binding to phosphoribulokinase than does fluorosulfonyl-benzoyladenosine (Ki = 4.8 mM), which we have previously demonstrated to be useful in selectively modifying the ATP-binding domain (Krieger, T. J., and Miziorko, H. M. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 3496-3501; Krieger, T. J., Mende-Mueller, L. M., and Miziorko, H. M. (1987) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 915, 112-119). Although the adduct formed between oATP and enzyme was unsuitable for structural analysis, borohydride reduction of the Schiff's base formed between enzyme and Ado-P3-[3H]Pl produced a species useful for investigation by protein chemistry techniques. A radiolabeled tryptic peptide was prepared, isolated, and sequenced; the data indicate that lysine 68 is the residue modified by Ado-P3-[3H]Pl.
In vitro comparison of bradykinin degradation by aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, and an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Introduction: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors cause angioedema due to diminished degradation of bra- dykinin. Angiotensin receptor blockers may occasionally cause angioedema but the mechanism is unknown, and are generally considered safe, even in those who have reacted to ACE inhibitors. We determined whether aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, has an effect on the rate of bradykinin degradation. Methods: The ability of renin to metabolize bradykinin was studied and the rate of bradykinin degradation compared in the presence or absence of aliskiren. Enalapril, a known ACE inhibitor that causes angioedema served as positive control. Results: Renin was unable to digest bradykinin, indicating that a renin inhibitor is unlikely to affect the rate of bradykinin degradation. In a plasma system, aliskiren had no effect on the rate of bradykinin degradation while enalapril inhibited it appreciably. An inhibitory effect of aliskiren on the rate of bradykinin degradation by human pulmonary endothelial cells was observed, estimated to be about 5% of that of enalapril. Conclusion: Aliskiren has no effect upon the rate of bradykinin degradation in plasma and a minimal effect employing vascular endothelial cells. The latter suggests inhibition of a non-renin enzyme that is a minor contributor to bradykinin degradation.
Monitoring phosphate marinade penetration in tumbled chicken filets using a thin-slicing, dye-tracing method

Abstract A simple dye-tracing method was developed to monitor the kinetic process of water penetration in chicken filets subjected to rotary tumble marination. A total of 860 chicken breast filets were tumbled for 0, 5, 15, and 30 min in marinades containing 1.6 or 3.2% sodium PP, TPP, or HMP with or without 8% NaCl. Marinade penetration was monitored by tracing a dye (FD&C Blue No. 1) migrating into different layers of the filets using a spectrophotometric measurement (absorbance at 627 nm). Marinades penetrated most rapidly in the initial 5 min, e.g., PP, TPP, and HMP at a low level (1.6%) enhancing the rate of penetration of unsalted water in the first 5 min by 196, 171, and 138%, respectively. However, the effect of phosphates was diminished when their concentration was high (3.2%) or when salt was present. Overall, low-level (1.6%) phosphates facilitated water penetration deep into the filets, whereas high-level (3.2%) phosphates and salt improved water penetration in the surface layers of the filets.
A new conceptual framework for ICU performance appraisal and improvement

Purpose: This study examined the use of outcomes for the purposes of ICU evaluation and improvement. We reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of an outcomes-centered approach to intensive care unit (ICU) evaluation and present a more comprehensive conceptual framework for ICU evaluation and improvement. Materials and Methods: Data was collected from 2 sources: (1) a structured review of the literature, with relevant articles identified using Medline, and (2) 85 semistructured interviews of health care professionals (eg, physicians) and health care administrators (eg, chief executive officer). The interviewees came from 4 institutions: a 900-bed East Coast teaching medical center, a 600-bed East Coast teaching medical center, a 590-bed East Coast teaching medical center, and a 435-bed West Coast private community hospital. A nonrandomized, purposeful sample was used. Results: A conceptual framework for ICU evaluation is presented that identifies and defines 3 different types of variables: performance (eg, appropriateness of care, effectiveness of care), outcome (eg, resource use, mortality), and process (eg, timeliness of treatment, work environment).The framework emphasizes performance variables and the relationships between performance, outcome, and process of care variables, as a logical focus for ICU evaluation and improvement. Conclusions: Performance variables offer distinct advantages over outcome variables for ICU evaluation. Their use, however, will require additional development of current evaluation tools and methods. They provide the ability to identify the value an ICU adds to patient care in a hospital or to an episode of illness, and to evaluate integrated systems for providing care.
Intraterminal Ca2+ and Spontaneous Transmitter Release at the Frog Neuromuscular Junction

We investigated the relationship between intraterminal Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the frequency of miniature end plate potentials (MEPPs) at the frog neuromuscular junction by use of ratiometr...
A surprising asymmetric paleothermal anomaly around El Gordo diapir, La Popa Basin, Mexico

Thirty-seven mudstone samples were collected from the uppermost Lower Mudstone Member of the Potrerillos Formation in El Gordo minibasin within La Popa Basin, Mexico. The unit is exposed in a circular pattern at the earth's surface and is intersected by El Gordo diapir in the northeast part of the minibasin. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) results show that samples along the eastern side of the minibasin (i.e., south of the diapir) are mostly thermally immature to low maturity (Ro ranges from 0.53% to 0.64%). Vitrinite values along the southern, western, and northwestern part of the minibasin range between 0.67% and 0.85%. Values of Ro immediately northwest of the diapir are the highest, reaching a maximum of 1.44%. The results are consistent with two different possibilities: (1) that the diapir plunges to the northwest, or (2) that a focused high-temperature heat flow existed along just the northwest margin of the diapir. If the plunging diapir interpretation is correct, then the thermally immature area south of the diapir was in a subsalt position, and the high-maturity area northwest of the diapir was in a suprasalt position prior to Tertiary uplift and erosion. If a presumed salt source at depth to the northwest of El Gordo also fed El Papalote diapir, which is located just to the north of El Gordo diapir, then the tabular halokinetic sequences that are found only along the east side of El Papalote may be subsalt features. However, if the diapir is subvertical and the high-maturity values northwest of the diapir are caused by prolonged, high-temperature fluid flow along just the northwestern margin of the diapir, then both of these scenarios are in disagreement with previously published numerical models. This disagreement arises because the models predict that thermal anomalies will extend outward from a diapir a distance roughly 1.5 times the radius of the diapir, but the results reported here show that the anomalous values on one side of the diapir are about two times the radius, whereas they are as much as five times the radius on the other side of the diapir. The results indicate that strata adjacent to salt margins may experience significantly different heat histories adjacent to different margins of diapirs that result in strikingly different diagenetic histories, even at the same depth.
Charge-ring model for the charge-induced confinement enhancement in stacked quantum-dot transistors

A model is proposed to explain the charge-induced confinement enhancement observed in a stacked quantum-dot transistor that has a floating dot on top of a channel quantum dot. The model assumes that the charge on the floating dot distributes on its rim, forming a ring and creating a confinement potential that squeezes the electrons in the channel dot toward its center. The charge on the floating dot can be calculated from the device geometry and from the measured threshold voltage difference before and after the charging. Given the charge on the floating dot, the spatial confinement and the energy level spacing increase induced by the charging can be obtained. The calculation based on the model agrees with the observed increase of the energy level spacing.
Very High Resolution Simulation of Compressible Turbulence on the IBM-SP System

Understanding turbulence and mix in compressible flows is of fundamental importance to real-world applications such as chemical combustion and supernova evolution. The ability to run in three dimensions and at very high resolution is required for the simulation to accurately represent the interaction of the various length scales, and consequently, the reactivity of the intermixin species. Toward this end, we have carried out a very high resolution (over 8 billion zones) 3-D simulation of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability and turbulent mixing on the IBM Sustained Stewardship TeraOp (SST) system, developed under the auspices of the Department of Energy (DOE) Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative (ASCI) and located at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. We have also undertaken an even higher resolution proof-of-principle calculation (over 24 billion zones) on 5832 processors of the IBM system, which executed for over an hour at a sustained rate of 1.05 Tflop/s, as well as a short calculation with a modified algorithm that achieved a sustained rate of 1.18Tflop/s. The full production scientific simulation, using a further modified algorithm, ran for 27,000 timesteps in slightly over a week of wall time using 3840 processors of the IBM system, clockin a sustained throughput of roughly 0.6 teraflop per second (32-bit arithmetic). Nearly 300,000 graphics files comprising over three terabytes of data were produced and post-processed. The capability of running in 3-D at high resolution enabled us to get a more accurate and detailed picture of the fluid-flow structure - in particular, to simulate the development of fine scale structures from the interactions of long-and short-wavelength phenomena, to elucidate differences between two-dimensional and three-dimensional turbulence, to explore a conjecture regarding the transition from unstable flow to fully developed turbulence with increasing Reynolds number, and to ascertain convergence of the computed solution with respect to mesh resolution.
A High Precision Motion Control System With Application to Microscale Robotic Deposition

Decreasing the minimum feature size of solid free-form (SFF) fabrication techniques requires advancements in both the SFF process and the actuating hardware. Microscale robotic deposition (mu-RD) is an ink-deposition SFF process where recent advances in ink design coupled with a high-precision motion system can lead to the fabrication of parts with microscale-sized features. This paper presents a control algorithm that combines nonlinearity compensation and a learning feedforward approach to achieve high-precision tracking with a standard, off-the-shelf motion system. The off-the-shelf motion system is affected by several nonlinear disturbances that severely inhibit the accuracy of linear models for small motions. Iterative learning control (ILC) is used in an inverse identification procedure to obtain accurate maps of the disturbances. These maps are used in the controller to yield a linear system after nonlinearity cancellation. As a further improvement, ILC is used to increase accuracy in tracking the repetitive portion of specific part trajectories. The combined approach yields extremely low contour tracking errors and is used to fabricate two types of periodic parts demonstrating high aspect ratios and spanning elements. Although high-precision tracking can also be achieved with an expensive, customized system, the off-the-shelf system combined with the control technique presented here provides a more cost-effective solution. The proposed control technique is effective for improving performance of repeatable, but uncertain nonlinear systems
Mental Health Work in Prisons and Jails Inmate Adjustment and Indigenous Correctional Personnel

Mental health efforts in prisons and jails most often ignore the mental illness prevention capabilities of main-line correctional personnel. By focusing on inmates with drug dependencies or severe ...
Spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase : a key metabolic regulator

Spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) regulates cellular polyamine content. Its acetylated products are either excreted from the cell or oxidized by acetylpolyamine oxidase. Since polyami...
Development of x-irradiated and non-irradiated mouse oocytes transplanted to x-irradiated and non-irradiated recipient females.

Unfertilized mouse eggs were isolated, x-irradiated in vitro or not irradiated, and then transferred to recipient females that had received various doses of whole-body x irradiation or to non-irradiated females. Response of the transferred eggs, irradiated in vitro, and of the recipient eggs, irradiated in the maternal oviduct, was analyzed to determine the contribution of maternal and oocyte damage to developmental anomalies. (C.H.)
The Importance of Predictive and Face Validity in Employee Selection and Ways of Maximizing Them: An Assessment of Three Selection Methods

The current exigencies and fluidity of the business environment engendered largely by demographic changes, technological advances and globalisation have made it imperative for organisations to posses the brightest talents as a source of competitive advantage, if they hope to survive. The continuing ‘talent war’ and fierce competition in the global market place; and issues concerning employee branding and candidate attraction, means that organisations and their managers have to carefully review their recruitment and selection processes, ensuring that employee selection methods not only contributes towards enhancing organisational image, but also predicts future job performance to a reasonable extent. There is therefore, the need for chosen methods to be high in both Predictive and Face validities. This article critically examines the importance of the concepts of Predictive and Face validities to employee selection in a wider context as an HR strategy and as an integral part of organisations’ general strategy, suggesting ways of improving both concepts. The central argument of this article, is that for selection methods to be effective, reliable, valid and minimise costs associated with loosing top talents, poor employee performance and turnover, it must possess high predictive and face value. The article assesses three major selection methods (interviews, work sampling and assessment centres) with a view of maximising their predictive and face validities, arguing that the design, contents and the manner of administrating these methods are major issues. The paper concludes that there is no one best way of selecting new employees, but a combination of carefully chosen methods and well-trained HR professionals will undoubtedly improve face and predictive validities and by extension, the selection method.
Porphyromonas gingivalis accelerates inflammatory atherosclerosis in the innominate artery of ApoE deficient mice

Abstract Objective Studies in humans support a role for the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis in the development of inflammatory atherosclerosis. The goal of this study was to determine if P. gingivalis infection accelerates inflammation and atherosclerosis in the innominate artery of mice, an artery which has been reported to exhibit many features of human atherosclerotic disease, including plaque rupture. Methods and results Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE −/− ) mice were orally infected with P. gingivalis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor the progression of atherosclerosis in live mice. P. gingivalis infected mice exhibited a statistically significant increase in atherosclerotic plaque in the innominate artery as compared to uninfected mice. Polarized light microscopy and immunohistochemistry revealed that the innominate arteries of infected mice had increased lipids, macrophages and T cells as compared to uninfected mice. Increases in plaque, total cholesterol esters and cholesterol monohydrate crystals, macrophages, and T cells were prevented by immunization with heat-killed P. gingivalis prior to pathogen exposure. Conclusions These are the first studies to demonstrate progression of inflammatory plaque accumulation in the innominate arteries by in vivo MRI analysis following pathogen exposure, and to document protection from plaque progression in the innominate artery via immunization.
The Effect of Blood Pressure Reduction on end Stage Renal Disease

Abstract In the past 20 years, clinicians have clearly demonstrated that antihypertensive therapy is very effective in reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. However, little is known about the effects of blood pressure reduction on end stage renal disease (ESRD). Data from major clinical studies has clearly shown that patients with hypertension have an increased risk of developing ESRD. Black men and women with hypertension are at the greatest risk; however, the incidence of ESRD is increasing in all racial groups. Because patients with hypertensive ESRD often require dialysis, the cost of treating this increasing common disorder has the potential to deplete the Medicare system. The primary effect of blood pressure reduction in patients with ESRD has not been adequately addressed in any trial that has been completed to date. Results from some studies suggest that blood pressure reduction may improve renal function and that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers may have renoprotective effects. Currently in progress are two large scale clinical trials that may provide more information on the effects of antihypertensive therapy on preventing ESRD in hypertensive patients. These are the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK), and a substudy of the Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) Study. Data from the HOT study is expected to be available 5 years prior to that of the ASK Study, which is expected to be completed by the year 2002.
Actin Polymerization and Its Relationship to Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity

F-actin was prepared from pig heart myofibrils without the use of organic solvents. G-actin, prepared from F-actin by sonication, had adenosine triphosphatase activity. Dephosphorylation of added ATP by G-actin had a broad pH optimum between pH 7.5 and pH 9.0, specifically required Mg2+, and was activated by EGTA. G-actin prepared from skeletal muscle of rabbits by similar methods also showed ATPase activity. Cardiac G-actin and G-actin from skeletal muscle had equimolar nucleotide bound to them. Polymerization of cardiac G-actin was greatest at a pH of about 6.5 and declined above pH 6.8. KCl was necessary for polymerization, and EGTA inhibited the conversion to F-actin. By selectively acetylating G-actin, using acetic anhydride, a preparation of G-actin was obtained that did not have adenosine triphosphatase activity but did polymerize under optimal conditions. It is concluded that dephosphorylation of ATP and the polymerization process in cardiac G-actin are two different reactions occurring at different sites on the actin molecule.
The capacity of an UWB multiple-access communications system

In this paper we compute the channel capacity of M-ary pulse position modulation ultra-wideband (UWB) communications over multiple-access channels. Under certain assumptions, the multiple-access noise component at the receiver can be modeled as Gaussian. An expression for the signal-to-noise ratio is developed for UWB utilizing rectangular pulses. The information theoretic capacity of the UWB system is expressed as a function of number of users. Utilizing the expressions developed, other trade-offs can be determined between the system parameters and capacity.
Complete Genome Sequence of Strain SDCV/USA/Illinois121/2014, a Porcine Deltacoronavirus from the United States

To investigate the causative agent of swine diarrhea, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on a porcine fecal sample. The NGS reads were assembled, which generated a complete swine Deltacoronavirus genome sequence, that of strain SDCV/USA/Illinois121/2014.
On the decay rate of Hankel singular values and related issues

This paper investigates the decay rate of the Hankel singular values of linear dynamical systems. This issue is of considerable interest in model reduction by means of balanced truncation, for instance, since the sum of the neglected singular values provides an upper bound for an appropriate norm of the approximation error. The decay rate involves a new set of invariants associated with a linear system, which are obtained by evaluating a modified transfer function at the poles of the system. These considerations are equivalent to studying the decay rate of the eigenvalues of the product of the solutions of two Lyapunov equations. The related problem of determining the decay rate of the eigenvalues of the solution to one Lyapunov equation will also be addressed. Very often these eigenvalues, like the Hankel singular values, are rapidly decaying. This fact has motivated the development of several algorithms for computing low-rank approximate solutions to Lyapunov equations. However, until now, conditions assuring rapid decay have not been well understood. Such conditions are derived here by relating the solution to a numerically low-rank Cauchy matrix determined by the poles of the system. Bounds explaining rapid decay rates are obtained under some mild conditions.
The “Rights” of Passage

You are feeling relief that your coursework is drawing to a close. You have become somewhat competent at going to class, discussing materials, and passing tests. However, you have a sense of dread that keeps creeping up on you every time you try to think of “the topic” for your dissertation. You look to the senior graduate students and even ask them questions about how they found their topic. Divine revelation seems to have hit them and you wonder when your turn will come. But they seem to be all-knowing, more like budding faculty now than one of you. So you try to fight the notions of self-doubt about whether you can actually find a topic and start the quest of finding someone to help you. You naturally turn to the professor whom you “know the best.” Is this the right choice? No one seems to know; you just have this sense that you want to complete the process as painlessly as possible. As questions swirl inside your head—from how to choose an advisor to what might be the right way to pick a dissertation topic—you may ask yourself what the process of writing your dissertation proposal will really be like.
Experimental characterization of pressure loss through EMI shields and 1RU card passages in dense electronic enclosures

Experimental measurements were made of the overall pressure loss coefficients of individual EMI shield samples and various printed circuit boards in a 1RU channel. The loss coefficients of the boards were highly dependent on electronic component population density. The loss coefficients of the grill samples compared surprisingly well with literature data for perforated plates, despite being taken at much lower Reynolds number than the literature data. Assemblies of printed circuit boards with upstream and downstream grills were predicted well by a 1D flow network model, but it appears that the upstream grill may influence the losses across the downstream board. The individually measured loss coefficients were used in a flow network model of an entire 9RU enclosure, with and without a fan tray present. The 1D predictions were generally adequate, except in the case with a deadlocked fan tray placed in front of the exit grill. This may be because the fan tray has a significant influence on the loss coefficient of the exit grill. The data generally showed that turbulence and flow non-uniformity generated by upstream components may influence the loss coefficients of downstream components. These interactions are generally not captured by standard 1D modeling approaches.
Response of compressed skinned skeletal muscle fibers to conditions that simulate fatigue.

Myburgh, Kathryn H., and Roger Cooke. Response of compressed skinned skeletal muscle fibers to conditions that simulate fatigue. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(4): 1297–1304, 1997.—During fatigue, muscles become weaker, slower, and more economical at producing tension. Studies of skinned muscle fibers can explain some but not all of these effects, and, in particular, they are less economical in conditions that simulate fatigue. We investigated three factors that may contribute to the different behavior of skinned fibers.1) Skinned fibers have increased myofilament lattice spacing, which is reversible by osmotic compression. 2) A myosin subunit becomes phosphorylated during fatigue.3) Inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) accumulates during fatigue. We tested the response of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated single skinned fibers (isometric tension, contraction velocity, and adenosinetriphosphatase activity) to changes in lattice spacing (0–5% dextran) and IMP (0–5 mM) in the presence of altered concentrations of Pi (3–2...