cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Temperature and Organism Size on the Feeding Rate and Modeled Chemical Accumulation in Diporeia spp. for Lake Michigan Sediments

Diporeia spp. are one of the most important benthic organisms in the Great Lakes. These amphipods represent a major prey item for most fish at some stage in the fish life cycle. Understanding of the physiology, energetics, and exposure to sediment-associated contaminants of Diporeia requires studies of their feeding behavior. This work examined the role of temperature and organism size on the feeding rate, measured as fecal pellet output, for lake sediments. The feeding rate was measured at 2, 4, 8, and 12°C after 3- and 7-d exposure in sieved Lake Michigan sediment. Amphipod feeding rates declined exponentially with increasing mass and increased exponentially with temperature. The relationship between feeding rate, temperature (∞C), and size (mg) is described by the following equation: FRt,s=10−1.22(±0.09)⋅T0.83(±0.08)⋅W−0.84(±0.08),r2=0.63 where FR = feeding rate, T = temperature (°C), W = size (mg), and standard errors in parentheses. The relationship between feeding rate, temperature, and size allowed for improved parameterization of a contaminants uptake model for Diporeia. Model results show that the concentration of a contaminant in Diporeia biomass was lowest in April at 100 m and highest in June at 15 m and 45 m. The concentration was 2.3 and 2.9 times greater at 15 m and 45 m compared to the concentration at 100 m.
Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin alters regulation of visceral sympathetic nerve discharge

Bacillus anthracis infection is a pathophysiological condition that is complicated by progressive decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Lethal toxin (LeTx) is central to the pathogenesis of B. anthracis infection, and the sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in physiological regulation of acute stressors. However, the effect of LeTx on sympathetic nerve discharge (SND), a critical link between central sympathetic neural circuits and MAP regulation, remains unknown. We determined visceral (renal, splenic, and adrenal) SND responses to continuous infusion of LeTx [lethal factor (100 μg/kg) + protective antigen (200 μg/kg) infused at 0.5 ml/h for ≤6 h] and vehicle (infused at 0.5 ml/h) in anesthetized, baroreceptor-intact and baroreceptor (sinoaortic)-denervated (SAD) Sprague-Dawley rats. LeTx infusions produced an initial state of cardiovascular and sympathetic nervous system activation in intact and SAD rats. Subsequent to peak LeTx-induced increases in arterial blood pressure, intact rats demonstrated a marked hypotension that was accompanied by significant reductions in SND (renal and splenic) and heart rate (HR) from peak levels. After peak LeTx-induced pressor and sympathoexcitatory responses in SAD rats, MAP, SND (renal, splenic, and adrenal), and HR were progressively and significantly reduced, supporting the hypothesis that LeTx alters the central regulation of sympathetic nerve outflow. These findings demonstrate that the regulation of visceral SND is altered in a complex manner during continuous anthrax LeTx infusions and suggest that sympathetic nervous system dysregulation may contribute to the marked hypotension accompanying B. anthracis infection.
A prospective study of acute-onset steroid acne associated with administration of intravenous corticosteroids.

Steroid acne (SA) may occur after the administration of topical or systemic corticosteroids. Because of several consultations of spinal injury patients with a very abrupt onset of a uniform papular eruption (i.e. days) initially misdiagnosed as a drug reaction or sepsis, we followed hospitalized patients who received intravenous corticosteroids (IVC) for the development of acute-onset SA in order to determine its incidence. Fifty-one consecutive subjects receiving IVC were followed for the duration of their hospital stay and examined for the development of acneiform lesions. Acute-onset SA occurred in 1 subject (2%). Acute spinal cord injury may represent a high-risk clinical setting for acute-onset SA.
Mass Spectacle and Styles of Governmentality in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Most accounts of politics in Central Asia are variations on a theme: former Soviet apparatchiks usurped state power and became authoritarian leaders in their respective states (Bunce 1998; Collins ...
Binge Use of Crack Cocaine and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African-American, HIV-Positive Users

This study describes binge use of crack cocaine, binge users, and their sexual risk behaviors in a sample of 303 African-American, HIV-positive users. Recent binge use was defined as, “using as much crack cocaine as you can, until you run out of crack or are unable to use any more” in the last 30 days. Fifty-one percent reported a recent crack binge. The typical crack binge lasted 3.7 days and involved smoking 40 rocks on average. Nearly two-thirds reported their last binge was in their own or another’s home. Seventy-two percent had sex during the last binge, with an average of 3.1 partners. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, recent bingers were more likely than non-bingers to consider themselves homeless, to have any income source, to have used crack longer, and to score higher on risk-taking and need for help with their drug problem. In multivariable ordinal and logistic regression analyses, recent bingers had more sex partners in the last six months and 30 days and were more likely to have never used a condom in the last 30 days. Among male users, recent bingers were more likely to report lifetime and recent exchange of money for sex and drugs for sex. Among both male and female users, recent bingers were more likely to report lifetime trading of sex for drugs. African-American, HIV-positive binge users of crack cocaine appear to be at increased risk for HIV transmission. Further investigations of binge crack use and sexual risk behaviors and interventions targeting and tailored to this group should be considered.
Indashsitu X-ray reflectivity investigation of growth and surface morphology evolution during Fe chemical vapor deposition on Si(001)

Abstract We used in situ X-ray reflectivity (XRR) to study the kinetics and structural evolution in the early stages of Fe deposition from the thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 in the temperature range 90–220°C. We simultaneously measured the polycrystalline Fe film thicknesss (extending up to 60 A thick films) as well as the Fe surface roughness and Fe Si interface width as a function of exposure. From the thickness measurements, we were able to separate the nucleation and growth regimes and find direct evidence for an autocatalytic growth effect: an induction period indicative of the rate-limiting nucleation of Fe islands on the Si(001) substrate followed by a linear increase in growth representing Fe deposition on Fe. The incubation period decreased with increasing temperature. Using a modified version of classical nucleation theory to model the evolution of film thickness for the initial stages of film growth, we found a difference in the activation energies for the thermal decomposition of the Fe(CO)5 precursor on Si(001) and Fe, 0.78 ± 0.09 eV and 0.20 ± 0.02 eV, respectively. The surface roughness decreased with increasing temperature due to enhanced nucleation at higher temperatures. The evolution of the roughness is in agreement with a simple model of nucleation and coalescence of three-dimensional islands. The large difference in activation energies for nucleation and growth is responsible for the behavior of both the time dependence of the deposition rate and morphology evolution. A relatively narrow Fe Si interface width indicates that very little intermixing occurs in this temperature regime.
Abnormal multiple marker screens are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in cases of intrauterine growth restriction

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if abnormal multiple marker screens (MMS) are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies. Study design This was a case control study of IUGR pregnancies (birth weight Results Of the 261 IUGR pregnancies, 39 (16%) had at least 1 APO. An elevated HCG was significantly associated with an APO (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–6.4). A low uE3 was also associated with an APO (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.2–14). The association between an elevated AFP and APO was not statistically significant (OR 1.6, 95% CI, 0.6–4.6). Conclusion An elevated HCG and low uE3 were associated with APO in cases of IUGR. This information could be useful in identifying a subset of IUGR cases deserving closer surveillance.
Induction-Coupled Plasma Determination of Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in Geologic Materials Using a Selective Extraction Technique—Preliminary Investigation:

The expanding need for multielement analysis at submicrogram levels in geologic materials has prompted an increased interest in inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. No other analytical procedure simultaneously exhibits, to the same degree, the operating characteristics of excellent precision and accuracy, low limits of detection, dynamic concentration ranges in addition to eliminating or at least reducing, interelemental and matrix effects. The experimental and operating parameters are described for the analyses of trace metals found in the organic phase following a rapid and efficient extraction technique. Direct spectral interferences, matrix and interelemental effects caused by major elements in geologic materials are effectively eliminated and sensitivity is increased by concentrating the trace metals in the organic phase. Aluminum, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and sodium are among the major elements eliminated; and trace elements (Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) critical to a mineral evaluation, some of which have insufficient detection limits by plasma analyses, are enhanced to a more precise detection level.
Envisioning career paths in technical communication: A survey of participants in a technical communication graduate program

Technical communication is a relatively young field that is still evolving and struggling to define itself as an area of study and as a profession. Few longitudinal studies of technical communicators' career paths have been done. This paper reports the results of a survey designed to examine the career paths and perceptions of individuals completing master's level coursework in a graduate program in technical and scientific communication over a 25-year period. Summaries of the respondents' recommendations for students considering technical communication careers and faculty designing technical communication courses and programs are provided to help them in envisioning the future when planning curriculum and workplace strategies.
Solar Flare Effects on Living Organisms Confined in Magnetic Fields

Solar flares were found to influence progeny yields in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster in culture bottles placed on the poles of permanent magnets. The progeny yields varied inversely with the solar flare activity, with the south pole progeny showing a slightly greater variation than the north pole progeny. A small positive correlation was found between the progeny and barometric pressure. For control cultures (no magnetic field), on the other hand, a large positive correlation with pressure but no correlation with solar flares were found. It is assumed that the solar flare effect in magnetic fields is due to ionizing particles, and an empirical relationship including both pressure and solar flare factors was worked out which gave more significant correlations. The solar flare correlation also was higher for magnets oriented east-west than for those oriented north-south. (D.L.C.)
An improved boundary force method for analysing cracked anisotropic materials

The Boundary Force Method (BFM), a form of indirect boundary element method, is used to analyze composite laminates with cracks. The BFM uses the orthotropic elasticity solution for a concentrated horizontal and vertical force and a moment applied at a point in a cracked, infinite sheet as the fundamental solution. The necessary stress functions for this fundamental solution were formulated using the complex variable theory of orthotropic elasticity. The current method is an improvement over a previous method using only forces and no moment. The improved method was verified by comparing it to accepted solutions for a finite-width, center-crack specimen subjected to uniaxial tension. Four graphite/epoxy laminates were used: (0 + or - 45/90)sub s, (0), (+ or - 45)sub s, and (+ or - 30)sub s. The BFM results agreed well with accepted solutions. Convergence studies showed that with the addition of the moment in the fundamental solution, the number of boundary elements required for a converged solution was significantly reduced. Parametric studies were done for two configurations for which no orthotropic solutions are currently available; a single edge crack and an inclined single edge crack.
Modeling over-dispersed crash data with a long tail: Examining the accuracy of the dispersion parameter in Negative Binomial models

Despite many statistical models that have been proposed for modeling motor vehicle crashes, the most commonly used statistical tool remains the Negative Binomial (NB) model. Crash data collected for safety studies may exhibit over-dispersion and a long tail (i.e., a few sites have unusually high number of crashes). However, some studies have shown that NB models cannot handle over-dispersed count data with a long tail adequately. So far, no work has investigated the performance of the dispersion parameter of the NB model when analyzing over-dispersed crash data with a long tail. The dispersion parameter of the NB model plays an important role in various types of transportation safety analysis. The first objective of this study is to examine whether the dispersion parameter can truly reflect the level of dispersion in over-dispersed crash data with a long tail. The second objective is to determine whether the dispersion term of the Sichel (SI) model can be used as an alternative to the dispersion parameter of the NB model. To accomplish the objectives of this study, crash data sets are simulated from NB and SI regression models using different values describing the mean and the dispersion level. For the simulated data sets, the dispersion parameter and dispersion term are estimated and compared to the true values. To complement the output of the simulation study, crash data collected in Texas are also used to compare the dispersion parameter and dispersion term. The results from this study suggest that the dispersion parameter of the NB model can erroneously estimate the level of dispersion in over-dispersed count data with a long tail and the dispersion term of the SI model is more reliable in estimating the true level of dispersion. Thus, considering the findings in this study, it is believed that the dispersion term may offer a viable alternative for analyzing over-dispersed crash data with a long tail.
23—DEBLENDING IN ROLLER-DRAFTING

Roller-drafting causes fibre shear, and the consequential longitudinal migration of short fibres with respect to long ones leads to fibre-deblending. Furthermore, the drafting of a strand with a varying blend ratio along its length leads to variations in drafting-wave activity along its length. Thus, even with a perfectly autolevelled sliver, variations in blend become translated into irregularity in linear density in later processes. The textile material carries potential errors with it as it passes from one process to the next. Data presented in this paper show quasi-harmonic variations in blend and in fibre properties along the length of slivers, rovings, and yarns. The error wavelengths of the variations were similar to those found in the normal testing of linear density. There is thought to be a connexion.
Radical vulvectomy : the decision for the incision

Background. An analysis of survival and complications related to the type of radical vulvectomy operation performed is reported. Methods. Clinical records and pathology reports were reviewed for the time period 1975–1989. The operation, complications, and site of recurrent disease were recorded. Results. The following types of surgical vulvectomies were used: radical vulvectomy (28 cases), the technique with three separate incisions (42 cases), and en bloc radical vulvectomy (94 cases). There was no significant difference in survival between the patients receiving en bloc radical vulvectomy or three separate incisions when analyzed by stage of disease. The following numbers of local/regional recurrences occurred among patients receiving the following treatment regimens: radical vulvectomy, seven; the technique with three separate incisions, six; and en bloc radical vulvectomy, five. Three patients treated by the separate-incision technique had a bridge recurrence. Complications were more frequent in those receiving the en bloc technique compared with those receiving the technique with three separate incisions: wound breakdown, 64% versus 38%, respectively (P = 0.005); wound infection, 20% versus 12%, respectively (P = 0.4); wound cellulitis, 21% versus 14%, respectively (P = 0.4); and lymphocyst formation, 28% versus 14%, respectively (P = 0.08). Drain placement or prophylactic antibiotics did not reduce wound infection or wound breakdown significantly. The most common sites of metastatic disease were the lungs and subcutaneous tissues of the leg. Hypercalcemia occurred in four patients, with the sites of metastatic disease being the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh (three patients) and pubic bone (one patient). Conclusions. The technique with three separate incisions provides satisfactory survival results with less morbidity compared with the en bloc technique of radical vulvectomy.
What's the use of utility?

Soulevant la question de l'usage de l'utilite, l'A. presente plusieurs arguments contre deux formes subjectivistes de l'utilitarisme : celle qui definit l'utilite en termes d'etat phenomenal a valeur intrinseque, d'une part, et celle qui definit l'utilite en termes de satisfaction des desirs et des preferences, d'autre part.
Further Evidence for the Mediating role of Learning in the "Mere Exposure" Phenomenon.

Summary The effect of the position of a nonsense word within a serial list on the affective meaning attributed the word was studied. A one-way analysis of variance conducted on the rated goodness measures provided by 32 female Ss shows that serial position had a significant effect (p < .01). The first and last serial positions were rated to have the most positive meanings, with the data for the remaining positions corresponding to the serial position curve typically found for recall data. A trend analysis reveals that the only significant component is the quadratic trend (p < .01). It is concluded that the data support the hypothesis that learning mediates the well-documented relationship between frequency of exposure and affect.
Symmetric graph-theoretic roles of two-pairs and chords of cycles

Although the notion of a two-pair (a pair of vertices between which all induced paths have length 2) was invented for the class of weakly chordal graphs, two-pairs can also play a fundamental role for smaller graph classes. Indeed, two-pairs and chords of cycles can collaborate symmetrically to give parallel characterizations of weakly chordal, chordal, and strongly chordal graphs (and of distance-hereditary graphs).
Mineral element composition of declining and healthy stands of red spruce in western Massachusetts

Abstract Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn were determined in one‐, two‐, and five‐year‐old needles from upper and lower crowns of declining and healthy red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) to assess nutritional deficiencies as causes of severe defoliation in upper‐elevation forests in western Massachusetts. Concentrations of N and K did not differ between stands or positions in crowns but decreased with leaf age. In declining stands, mean Ca concentrations were the same in the upper and lower crowns (3.2 mg g‐1), whereas in healthy stands, Ca was higher in the lower crown (4.8 mg g‐1) than in the upper crown (3.9 mg g‐1). Five‐year‐old needles of healthy trees had higher Ca than those of declining trees (6.0 and 3.8 mg g‐1, respectively). Mean concentrations of P and Mg in declining trees were 0.9 and 0.5 mg g‐1, respectively, with each element being at threshold levels of sufficiency. Mean concentrations of P and Mg, respectively, were 0.3 mg g‐1 and 0.2 mg g‐1 lower in needles of declining trees tha...
Draft Genome Sequence of the Novel Black-Pigmented Planococcus sp. Strain CAU13.

ABSTRACT Presented here is the whole-genome sequence of a previously uncharacterized species of the genus Planococcus. A 16S sequence analysis shows that this bacterium exhibits 98% sequence identity to the closest relative of Planococcus kocurii. Whereas most species of Planococcus produce yellow to orange pigments, the species described here produces black pigmentation.
Revisiting the steady state kinetic mechanism of glutamine-dependent asparagine synthetase from Escherichia coli.

Abstract Escherichia coli asparagine synthetase B (AS-B) catalyzes the formation of asparagine from aspartate in an ATP-dependent reaction for which glutamine is the in vivo nitrogen source. In an effort to reconcile several different kinetic models that have been proposed for glutamine-dependent asparagine synthetases, we have used numerical methods to investigate the kinetic mechanism of AS-B. Our simulations demonstrate that literature proposals cannot reproduce the glutamine dependence of the glutamate/asparagine stoichiometry observed for AS-B, and we have therefore developed a new kinetic model that describes the behavior of AS-B more completely. The key difference between this new model and the literature proposals is the inclusion of an E.ATP.Asp.Gln quaternary complex that can either proceed to form asparagine or release ammonia through nonproductive glutamine hydrolysis. The implication of this model is that the two active sites in AS-B become coordinated only after formation of a β-aspartyl–AMP intermediate in the synthetase site of the enzyme. The coupling of glutaminase and synthetase activities in AS is therefore different from that observed in all other well-characterized glutamine-dependent amidotransferases.
Effect of chronic acidosis on extra- and intrapulmonary chemoreceptor control of ventilatory movements in the chicken

Abstract 1. 1. In 20 cockerels with various degrees of NH 4 Cl-induced chronic acidosis, we separated the p CO 2 affecting intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC) from P aCO 2 by ligating the left pulmonary artery, denervating the IPC in the right lung and artificially ventilating each lung separately. 2. 2. Increased ventilatory depth and decreased ventilatory frequency resulted from (a) increasing P 1CO 2 to the innervated non-perfused lung ( P IPC CO 2 ) during constant P aCO 2 , (b) increasing P aCO 2 during constant P IPC CO 2 and (c) increasing in the degree of chronic acidosis. 3. 3. Ventilatory sensitivity to P IPC CO 2 but not to P aCO 2 is decreased by chronic acidosis. This coincides with studies where IPC discharge was measured during chronic acidosis and suggests that the mechanism of IPC control of ventilation differs from those of other chemoreceptors.
Sources of Differences in Children's Understandings of Mathematical Equality: Comparative Analysis of Teacher Guides and Student Texts in China and the United States

This study reports findings from comparative samples of sixth-grade Chinese and U.S. students' interpretations of the equal sign. Ninety-eight percent of the Chinese sample correctly answered 4 items indicating conceptions of equality and provided conceptually accurate explanations. In contrast, only 28% of the U.S. sample performed at this level. We examine how teacher preparation materials, students' textbooks and teachers' guidebooks treat equality in each country. U.S. teacher preparation textbooks rarely interpreted the equal sign as equivalence. On the contrary, Chinese textbooks typically introduced the equal sign in a context of relationships and interpreted the sign as “balance,” “sameness,” or “equivalence” and only then embedded the sign with operations on numbers.
An Investigation of the Resistance of White Leghorn Chicks to Salmonella Gallinarum

Abstract BREED differences in response to experimental challenge with Salmonella gallinarum (fowl typhoid) were reported by Lambert and Knox (1928) and differences in physiological responses for the resistant White Leghorn (W.L.) and the susceptible Rhode Island Red (R.I.R.) have been described by Garren and Barber (1955) and Garren and Hill (1959). The importance of genetic control of resistance to infection is well recognized (Hutt, 1964; and Fredeen, 1963). However, the bases for such physiological phenomena have not, in many instances, been elucidated. The investigations reported herein were designed (a) to determine what effects the age of the chicken had upon resistance to S. gallinarum, and (b) to explore some factors which might account for the differences in the resistance of the White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red to fowl typhoid. MATERIALS AND METHODS The W.L. and R.I.R. chicks used in these studies were obtained from the University Poultry Farm hatchery. They …
Seasonal Distribution and Environment of Pacific Herring near Auke Bay, Lynn Canal, Southeastern Alaska

Abstract The location of adult Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) near Auke Bay, Lynn Canal, Alaska, varied by depth and geographic area over 24 successive months during 1973–1975. From June through September, schools concentrated at 5- to 37-m depths where zooplankton was abundant and moderate currents were present in a stratified water column. The schools migrated from this area to wintering grounds in October when windstorms and sinking of cooling surface waters broke up stratification, and daylight and food abundance declined drastically. The schools remained near bottom in the deeper parts of the wintering grounds at 52-to 85-m depths into February or March when day length had increased, but temperatures and food abundance remained low. At this time the herring left the wintering grounds and moved up Lynn Canal to areas near spawning beaches. Pacific herring remained in these areas until water temperatures increased and plankton blooms appeared in late April and May at which time the fish move...
A comparison of future Space Launch System (SLS) exploration technologies: In-space stages

The Space Launch System (SLS) is envisioned as a heavy-lift vehicle that will provide the foundation for future beyond-low-Earth orbit (LEO) exploration missions. Previous studies have been performed to determine the optimal configuration for the SLS and the applicability of commercial off-the-shelf in-space stages for Earth departure. Currently, NASA is analyzing the concept of an Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) that will provide LEO insertion and Earth departure burns. This paper will explore candidate in-space stages based on the EUS design for a wide range of beyond LEO missions. Mission payloads will range from small robotic systems up to human systems with deep space habitats and landers. Mission destinations will include cislunar space, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Simple theoretical criterion of chemical carcinogenicity—a refutation

The quasi-valence number criterion for chemical carcinogenicity has been shown, through several examples, to be untenable.
Investigating coral hyperspectral properties across coral species and coral state using hyperspectral imaging

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and threatened ecosystems in the world. Corals worldwide are at risk, and in many instances, dying due to factors that affect their environment resulting in deteriorating environmental conditions. Because corals respond quickly to the quality of the environment that surrounds them, corals have been identified as bioindicators of water quality and marine environmental health. The hyperspectral imaging system is proposed as a noninvasive tool to monitor different species of corals as well as coral state over time. This in turn can be used as a quick and non-invasive method to monitor environmental health that can later be extended to climate conditions. In this project, a laboratory-based hyperspectral imaging system is used to collect spectral and spatial information of corals. In the work presented here, MATLAB and ENVI software tools are used to view and process spatial information and coral spectral signatures to identify differences among the coral data. The results support the hypothesis that hyperspectral properties of corals vary among different coral species, and coral state over time, and hyperspectral imaging can be a used as a tool to document changes in coral species and state.
The Democracy/Contractualism Analogy

2I propose to defend Cohen’s proposition even against his own important normative theory of democracy and others like it. I want to demonstrate that a central strand in theories of deliberative democracy—theories generally antithetical to economistic approaches—has an invisible hand structure, and that it is inadequate for this reason. The strand I have in mind asserts what I shall call a democracy/contractualism analogy, in which justice is understood along contractualist lines (explained below), and then outcomes of proper democratic arrangements are held to track justice (call this the Tracking Claim), and to do so because they have a structural similarity to the hypothetical choice situation posited in contractualism.
Effects of topical corticosteroids on inflammatory mediator-induced eicosanoid release by human airway epithelial cells

Abstract Background: Airway epithelial cells are among the first cells to come in contact with aerosolized corticosteroids. However, the relative potencies and time course of action of the several commonly used aerosolized corticosteroids on eicosanoid production by airway epithelial cells are unknown. Objectives: This study compared the effects of fluticasone, budesonide, and triamcinolone on eicosanoid output by human airway epithelial cells in vitro. We also determined the spectrum of eicosanoids affected and the mechanism for corticosteroid action. Methods: Cultured BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells (a transformed cell line) were exposed to corticosteroids (1 nmol/L to 1 μmol/L) for 2 to 48 hours and then assayed for basal- and bradykinin (BK)-stimulated eicosanoid output. The eicosanoid profile was identified by HPLC in tritiated arachidonic acid prelabelled cells, and PGE 2 , the major eicosanoid product, was quantitated by RIA. The effect of corticosteroids on the immunoreactivity of key proteins involved in eicosanoid metabolism (ie, cyclooxygenase [COX], phospholipase A2 [PLA 2 ], and Clara cell protein, a PLA 2 inhibitor) was determined by Western blotting. Results: Eicosanoid output was largely confined to prostaglandins with values of 5 ± 2 and 82 ± 35 ng PGE 2 /10 6 cells for basal- and BK stimulation, respectively (n = 8). All 3 corticosteroids inhibited basal- and BK-induced PGE 2 output in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Fluticasone and budesonide completely eliminated PGE 2 output in nanomolar concentrations in contrast to triamcinolone, which required micromolar concentration. The rank order of potency was: fluticasone=budesonide > triamcinolone. The time course of action for PGE 2 inhibition also differed, with budesonide acting more slowly than the other 2 corticosteroids ( P = .04). All 3 corticosteroids markedly reduced COX2 with little effect on COX1, cPLA 2 (Type IV), or iPLA 2 (Type VI) immunoreactivity or their relative distribution in cytosol versus membrane fractions. Clara cell protein immunoreactivity was undetectable in control and corticosteroid-treated cell lysates. Conclusion: These results show that in a human airway epithelial cell line, the 3 inhaled corticosteroids commonly used to treat asthma differ in onsets of action as inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis and vary considerably in potency. All 3 corticosteroids act mechanistically in similar fashion by inhibiting COX2 synthesis. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1081-91.)
Evidence for a band III analogue in the near-infrared absorption spectra of cytochrome c oxidase.

Abstract Ground state near-infrared absorption spectra of fully reduced unliganded and fully reduced CO ( a 2+ Cu A + a 3 2+ -CO Cu B + ) cytochrome c oxidase were investigated. Flash-photolysis time-resolved absorption difference spectra of the mixed-valence ( a 3+ Cu A 2+ a 3 2+ -CO Cu B + ) and the fully reduced CO complexes were also studied. A band near 785 nm (e ∼50 M−1cm−1) was observed in the fully reduced unliganded enzyme and the CO photoproducts. The time-resolved 785 nm band disappeared on the same timescale ( t 1 2 ∼7 ms ) as CO recombined with cytochrome a 3 2+ . This band, which is attributed to the unliganded five coordinate ferrous cytochrome a 3 2+ , has some characteristics of band III in deoxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-myoglobin. A second band was observed at ∼710 nm (e ∼80 M−1cm−1) in the fully reduced unliganded and the fully reduced CO complexes. This band, which we assign to the low spin ferrous cytochrome a , appears to be affected by the ligation state at the cytochrome a 3 2+ site.
Scaling ozone effects from seedlings to forest trees

Biospheric ozone has become a widely distributed air pollutant, and a growing body of research indicates that ozone impacts forest health and productivity. Ozone effects are mediated by the ozone concentration present in the external environment and the movement of ozone into the leaf via the stoma. The cumulative dose received by the plant is, in the simplest terms, a function of ambient ozone concentration and stomatal conductance to water vapor. This relationship is important in understanding ozone flux into the leaf and subsequent ozone response in plants. Here, current progress in understanding ozone uptake in juvenile and mature trees is examined. Through an analysis of two long-term case studies, the significant uncertainty in assessing ozone effects on forests is pinpointed to be the scaling of ozone sensitivity from controlled seedling studies to large forest trees. A rigorous statistical and monitoring approach, which includes ozone uptake as a cause variable, may provide the missing information on processes that are known to be important to risk assessment of ozone impacts on forest trees.
On generalization by neural networks

Abstract We report new results on the corner classification approach to training feedback forward neural networks. It is shown that a prescriptive learning procedure where the weights are simply read off based on the training data can provide good generalization. The paper also deals with the relations between the number of separable regions and the size of the training set for a binary data network. Prescriptive learning can be particularly valuable for real-time applications.
Structural aspects of phencyclidines: crystal structure and quantum mechanical calculations for 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl] piperidine and its hydrochloride

Abstract Crystal structure determinations for neutral and protonated phencyclidine, 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl] piperidine, show that the piperidine-axial conformer on the cyclohexane ring is present in the neutral compound, and that the piperidine-equatorial conformer in the protonated species. Quantum mechanical calculations in vacuo using ab initio techniques also arrive at the same conclusion. A search of the crystallographic literature via the Cambridge structural database reveals that all protonated phencyclidines assume the piperidine-equatorial conformation, and most neutral phencyclidines assume the piperidine-axial conformation.
The determination of eddy mass diffusivities for the air‐water system in a wetted‐wall column

Eddy mass diffusivities as a function of radial position for different Reynolds numbers have been determined for air flowing countercurrently to water in a wetted-wall column. The ratios of the eddy mass diffusivity to the eddy viscosity also were determined. The wetted-wall column was constructed from Pyrex glass with an I.D. of 2.75 in. and a wetted section 39 in. in length. An approach section was constructed from the same material and of adequate length to insure full development of the velocity profile. The gas phase Reynolds numbers varied from 3,200 to 54,300. The liquid phase flow was laminar. The concentration and velocity profiles of the air stream were measured experimentally and bulk temperatures of all streams were obtained. A probe was developed to measure the concentration profiles. The probe consisted of platinum wires wrapped in a helix around a glass capillary tube on which a thin layer of lithium chloride in polyvinyl alcohol had been deposited. The resistance of the probe was a reliable indication of the water vapor concentration in the air stream. The probe was calibrated and used for all concentration measurements. Eddy mass diffusivities were evaluated from a solution of the steady state mass diffusion equation by means of a digital computer with experimental velocity and concentration profiles. Qualitatively, the eddy diffusivity profiles are similar to those which have been obtained for heat and momentum transfer. When these profiles are used with the diffusion expression, they are capable of accurate evaluation of the concentration profile. The ratio of the eddy mass diffusivity to the eddy viscosity was determined and was found to be less than 1.0 over most of the cross section, but the ratio increased to values greater than 1.0 near the center and near the walls of the column.
Three-dimensional radiation belt simulations in terms of adiabatic invariants using a single numerical grid

[1] The dynamics of electrons in the Earth's radiation belts can be described by the Fokker-Planck equation, which includes radial diffusion, and local energy and pitch angle diffusion. Previously, the Versatile Electron Radiation Belt (VERB) code utilized two grids to solve the Fokker-Planck equation; one grid, which keeps the first and second adiabatic invariants constant, was used for the computation of the radial diffusion, and the other grid, orthogonal in energy and pitch angle at each fixed radial distance, was used for the computation of energy diffusion, pitch angle diffusion, and mixed energy and pitch angle diffusion. At each time step, the results were interpolated between the two grids. In the current work, we present a new method for numerical solution of the Fokker-Planck diffusion equation written in terms of adiabatic invariants using a single numerical grid. The one-grid solution allows us to eliminate the time-consuming interpolation. The solution in terms of adiabatic invariants implicitly accounts for conservation of phase space density during adiabatic magnetic field fluctuations. The Fokker-Planck equation written in terms of adiabatic invariants is easier to solve with a realistic magnetic field configuration, compared to the Fokker-Planck equation written in terms of energy and pitch angle. To validate the approach, we compare a 2-D simulation at fixed L* in terms of the adiabatic invariants (μ, K) with a simulation on a grid orthogonal in energy and pitch angle. Both simulations produce essentially the same result. Accurate simulations on the (μ, K) grid require resolution of 601 × 601 points, while only 101 × 101 grid points are sufficient for performing an accurate simulation on the grid orthogonal in energy and pitch angle. We propose a new invariant V ≡ μ ⋅ (K + 0.5)2 with the new grid orthogonal in (V, K, L*), that is more convenient for 2-D and 3-D simulations. The 2-D and 3-D simulations on the (V, K, L*) grid produce the same result as the two-grid method with a grid resolution of only 101 × 101 points in V and K.
Increased Energy Expenditure and Insulin Sensitivity in the High Bone Mass ΔFosB Transgenic Mice

Obesity and osteoporosis are major health issues affecting millions of individuals. Transgenic mice overexpressing ΔFosB, an activator protein-1 transcription factor, under the control of the enolase 2 (ENO2) promoter exhibit both an increase in bone density and a decrease in adipose mass. Here we demonstrate that ΔFosB overexpression increases fatty-acid oxidation and energy expenditure, leading to a decrease in adipocyte size and adipose mass. In addition, the ENO2-ΔFosB mice exhibit increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Targeted overexpression of ΔFosB in adipocytes using the adipocyte protein 2 promoter failed to induce changes in fat or in bone, showing that the effect on metabolic activity is not due to cell-autonomous effects of ΔFosB within adipocytes. Detailed analysis of the ENO2-ΔFosB mice demonstrated that energy expenditure was increased in muscle, independent of locomotor activity. These findings provide evidence that signaling downstream of ΔFosB is a potential target for not only osteoporosis but also obesity and diabetes.
Voltage-Dependent Na+/K+ Ion Channel Blockade Fails to Ameliorate Behavioral Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rat

ABSTRACT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces massive, transient ion flux, after impact. This may be via agonist gated channels, such as the muscarinic, cholinergic or NMDA receptor, or via voltage...
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) Membrane Transport: History and Outlook

Only a few studies have addressed the transport of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a naturally occurring agonist for cannabinoid receptors. Based upon saturation kinetics, these early reports have proposed that 2-AG enters the cell by a specific 2-AG transporter, via the putative anandamide transporter, or by simple diffusion. In this review, the uptake of 2-AG is discussed in light of the recent advances that have been made for anandamide transport, where the mechanism appears to be rate-limited diffusion through the membrane. Endocannabinoids may be a distinct class of agonists since they are hydrophobic and neutral, exhibiting similar biophysical properties to some anesthetics that freely diffuse through the membrane.
Trapped and precipitating protons in the inner magnetosphere as seen by IMAGE

[1] Images from the IMAGE satellite of precipitating protons (SU12/FUV) and trapped protons at 8.5 (MENA) and 33 keV (HENA) are compared during three periods: (1) 12 August 2000 from 1000 UT to 1145 UT just after the peak of a strong geomagnetic storm, (2) 2 June 2001 from 0100 to 0345 UT during the main phase and initial recovery of a weak storm, and (3) 18 June 2001 from 1400 to 1645 UT late in the recovery phase of another weak storm. Some of the features of the precipitating and trapped protons observed in these time intervals have been previously reported for other events, especially the fact that the strength of the precipitating protons and trapped protons do not always correlate. The primary new features are that (1) the fluxes of the precipitating protons and both the 8.5 keV and 33 keV trapped protons peak at similar magnetic latitudes and that (2) the peak in the 8.5 keV trapped protons is usually at the same MLT as the peak in the precipitating protons, while the peak in the 33 keV trapped protons is usually in a different MLT region than the peak of the precipitating protons. Some possible mechanisms to explain these observations are presented, but understanding this behavior should provide stringent tests for models of the Earth's inner magnetosphere.
Predicting the onset of dynamic instability of a cylindrical plate under axial flow conditions

Abstract The dynamic mechanical stability of a single cylindrical plate under flow conditions is considered herein. Numerous plate-type research reactors such as the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) comprise fuel elements which contain arrays of concentrically aligned cylindrical plates. Several of these reactors are licensed to operate at extreme heat fluxes; as a corollary their hydraulic designs require large flow rates sufficient to remove this heat. These flow rates may reach superficial velocities upwards of 15 m/s through individual flow channels. Given that fuel plates typically found in such research reactors are relatively long (∼1.2573 m), wide (∼0.1397 m), and extremely thin (∼0.00127 m) concern is drawn toward the susceptibility of flow induced vibration (FIV). In an attempt to gain a more comprehensive understanding toward the dynamic mechanical limit of stability of cylindrical plates, a FIV model was developed using semi-numerical methods. The FIV model was developed in two separate modules; a plate stability module , and a flow module . These modules were then coupled together to produce a FIV model. In this study, a set of test cases are presented on the plate stability module under free vibration conditions, comparing well against known available information from previous studies. Results are similarly presented on the flow module and compared against a RELAP5-3D model. Lastly, results of these coupled modules are presented and discussion is given toward the relationship between plate natural frequency, geometry, and plate membrane pressures.
The role of context and adaptation in user interfaces

Abstract A user interface can be viewed as a means of mapping user tasks to system tools. Context and adaptation are important features of a user/system interaction that can be used to simplify the task to tooi mapping and thereby improve the interface. A system based on these features would be able to adapt its actions to be appropriate for a given context. Two systems are used as examples of the use of context and adaptation. The POISE system provides assistance to the users of an office system based on models of office tasks. The adaptive document-retrieval system chooses the most effective search strategy for retrieving relevant documents in a given context. The techniques used to implement context and adaptation in these systems are considerably different, but in both systems the user interface is made more effective.
Blocking the Glucocorticoid Receptor with RU-486 Does Not Prevent Glucocorticoid Control of Autoimmune Mouse Hearing Loss

Background/Aims: Glucocorticoids effectively manage autoimmune hearing loss, although the cochlear mechanisms involved are unknown. Previous studies of steroid-responsive hearing lo
Evaluation of a device for indirect assessment of automatic exposure control systems

A test device which can indirectly measure the performance of an automatic exposure control system and which offers the potential to reduce the time and film requirements for such tests has been evaluated. Evaluation results demonstrate that the device can successfully predict image optical density to within ±0.10 optical density units over a wide range of imaging technical factors and image optical densities.
A robot as mobile sensor and agent in data center energy management

In this poster/software demonstration we illustrate the integration of an autonomous mobile robot into a slightly customized version of a commercially available asset and data center energy management application known as Maximo Asset Management for Energy Optimization (MEO), version 7.1.1, through a number of practical scenarios. The scenarios showcase increasing degrees of autonomy and sophistication in the areas of data center mapping, monitoring and thermally-aware diagnostics.
An array of microliter-sized microbial fuel cells generating 100 μW of power

Abstract We report an array of three microliter-sized microbial fuel cells (MFCs) connected in series. The three MFCs were integrated into a sandwich of two glass slides, incorporating two chambers of 50 μL volumetric capacity that were separated by a cation exchange membrane (CEM). Each anolyte/catholyte chamber was defined by 500-μm thick PTEE (polytetrafluoroethylene) gaskets. The MFCs contained a Geobacter -enriched mixed bacterial culture and ferricyanide, which were independently driven into anolyte/catholyte chambers, respectively. The MFC array produced 100 μW total power (33 μW/cm 2 or 667 μW/cm 3 ) and 1.8 V output voltage, which are approximately 10 times and 4.5 times higher, respectively, than the maximum values of previously reported microliter-sized MFCs.