cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supply response of sorghum for energy conversion: Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley

Abstract Since the 1973 oil crisis, many studies have investigated using biomass residue from crops as an alternative, renewable source of energy. Sorghum is particularly suited to many of these processes due to the high concentration of convertible solids contained in some varieties. This paper investigates the quantity of such sorghums that would be supplied by the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) at different price levels. A linear programming MOTAD model which simulates optimal cropping patterns in the LRGV under risk is used to determine the price of biomass required for biomass to be competitive as a crop alternative in the wide range of cropping pattern options available to producers in the LRGV. The sensitivity of this supply response is also amalyzed at different levels of risk. The results indicate that biomass produced as a residual crop to the sorghum for grain will provide the least expensive source of biomass feedstock for a gas conversion plant regardless of the level of risk imposed.
Vascular effects of diet-induced hypercalcemia after balloon artery injury in giant Flemish rabbits

To determine whether metastatic calcification during neointima formation can result in neointimal calcification that simulates advanced human atherosclerosis, 32 giant Flemish rabbits (weight 5.5 +/- 0.6 kg) underwent overstretch balloon injury of bilateral iliac arteries and received diet therapy for 8 weeks: high cholesterol (2%) and low calcium-vitamin D2 regimen (250 mg of calcium carbonate orally 5 times weekly and 50,000 U of calciferol intramuscularly 3 times weekly; group 1; n = 5); low cholesterol (0.5%) and high calcium-vitamin D2 regimen (500 mg of calcium carbonate orally 5 times weekly and 100,000 U of calciferol intramuscularly three times weekly; group 2; n = 19); or 0% cholesterol and high calcium-vitamin D2 regimen (group 3; n = 8). The incidence of vascular calcification was highest (71.4%) in group 2. Eighty-one percent of calcification was medial. Residual strain measurements of 7 thoracic aortas from group 2 compared to normal thoracic aortas from 8 control rabbits showed that residual strain was significantly increased in the calcified atherosclerotic aortas (12.3% vs 5.2%; p = 0.001). We conclude that diet-induced hypercalcemia predominantly affects the media despite the presence of concomitant neointima formation from balloon artery injury with or without hypercholesterolemia and increases the residual strain more than twofold compared to normal thoracic aortas.
An isomeric benzylideneguanosine.

ALTHOUGH various investigators1 have prepared benzylideneguanosine, Michelson and Todd are the only ones who report a specific rotation as well as a melting point for this compound. Recently it became desirable to prepare benzylideneguanosine in this laboratory. Using the same general method described previously1, we have obtained a benzylideneguanosine with a melting point in agreement with those already reported, but with a specific rotation which is quite different. On the other hand, benzylideneadenosine has also been prepared and has been found to be identical in physical properties with the substance described by Michelson and Todd1.
Toward a hermeneutic phenomenology of communication

The relationships among ontology, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and communication are developed. Communication is both a resource of the social world and that which constitutes the social world. As such, communication is hermeneutic —the interpretive and critical scheme —and the ontological foundation of the social world. Phenomenology is the perspective in and through which this foundation — seen as presuppositions — is critically examined. The phenomenological and positivistic perspectives are contrasted in terms of the respective emphases on ontological and epistemological objectives. Finally, a portion of a study is discussed as an illustration of the preliminary moves made in a phenomenological approach to communication research.
Expression of p16Ink4a Compensates for p18Ink4c Loss in Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6–Dependent Tumors and Tissues

Cell cycle progression from G(1) to S phase depends on phosphorylation of pRb by complexes containing a cyclin (D type or E type) and cyclin-dependent kinase (e.g., cdk2, cdk4, or cdk6). Ink4 proteins function to oppose the action of cdk4/6-cyclin D complexes by inhibiting cdk4/6. We employed genetic and pharmacologic approaches to study the interplay among Ink4 proteins and cdk4/6 activity in vivo. Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) lacking p16(Ink4a) and p18(Ink4c) showed similar growth kinetics as wild-type MEFs despite increased cdk4 activity. In vivo, germline deficiency of p16(Ink4a) and p18(Ink4c) resulted in increased proliferation in the intermediate pituitary and pancreatic islets of adult mice, and survival of p16(Ink4a-/-);p18(Ink4c-/-) mice was significantly reduced due to aggressive pituitary tumors. Compensation among the Ink4 proteins was observed both in vivo in p18(Ink4c-/-) mice and in MEFs from p16(Ink4a-/-), p18(Ink4c-/-), or p16(Ink4a-/-);p18(Ink4c-/-) mice. Treatment with PD 0332991, a specific cdk4/6 kinase inhibitor, abrogated proliferation in those compartments where Ink4 deficiency was associated with enhanced proliferation (i.e., islets, pituitary, and B lymphocytes) but had no effect on proliferation in other tissues such as the small bowel. These data suggest that p16(Ink4a) and p18(Ink4c) coordinately regulate the in vivo catalytic activity of cdk4/6 in specific compartments of adult mice.
Effects of ontogeny on performance of rats in a novel object-recognition task

The current experiment investigated ontogenetic forgetting on a novel object-recognition task similar to that of Besheer and Bevins. 18-day-old pups (n = 49) and adult (n = 29) rats were tested at two retention intervals (1 min. or 120 min.). By employing exclusion criteria which demanded minimum amounts of object exploration at training and test, the performance of 18-day-old pups but not that of adults was significantly impaired at 120 min. relative to 1 min. Analysis indicated that the ontogeny of the learning and memory measured in novel object recognition follows a developmental trend similar to that of other forms of learning, with older animals remembering more and thus performing better than younger animals. Unfortunately, given the extreme variability inherent to the task and large N necessary to achieve significance, the use of this task in studies of learning, memory, and development is discouraged.
Exploiting selective placement for low-cost memory protection

Many embedded processing applications, such as those found in the automotive or medical field, require hardware designs that are at the same time low cost and reliable. Traditionally, reliable memory systems have been implemented using coded storage techniques, such as ECC. While these designs can effectively detect and correct memory faults such as transient errors and single-bit defects, their use bears a significant cost overhead. In this article, we propose a novel partial memory protection scheme that provides high-coverage fault protection for program code and data, but with much lower cost than traditional approaches. Our approach profiles program code and data usage to assess which program elements are most critical to maintaining program correctness. Critical code and variables are then placed into a limited protected storage resources. To ensure high coverage of program elements, our placement technique considers all program components simultaneously, including code, global variables, stack frames, and heap variables. The fault coverage of our approach is gauged using Monte Carlo fault-injection experiments, which confirm that our technique provides high levels of fault protection (99p coverage) with limited memory protection resources (36p protected area).
Synergistic effects of a membrane protein (spectrin) and Ca2+ on the Na+ permeability of phospholipid vesicles

Abstract 1. 1.|Spectrin increases the surface pressure of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine monolayers when injected below the surface, to a greater extent at acid pH than at neutral pH. This effect is largest for phosphatidylserine monolayers, when increases in surface pressure are seen even at high initial film pressures (30–45 dynes/cm). Albumin shows similar effects. 2. 2.|Sonicated phosphatidylserine vesicles show very low 22 Na + diffusion rates of 0.05 %/h, equivalent to 9·10 −13 cm/sec. The addition of spectrin and albumin increases this rate several orders of magnitude, to 20 and 75 %/h, respectively, but only at acid pH values (3.5–4.5). Spectrin also increases the diffusion rate of phosphatidylcholine vesicles 20-fold at pH 3.5, but has no effect at pH 7.4. 3. 3.|Ca 2+ and protein exhibit a synergistic effect on the permeability of phosphatidylserine and mixed phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine vesicles. In contrast to protein alone, the effect of calcium plus protein is seen at both neutral and acid pH. Ca 2+ does not increase the effect of spectrin on phosphatidylcholine vesicles nor does it alter the penetration of spectrin into phosphatidylserine monolayers. Neither spectrin nor spectrin plus calcium have any effect on positively charged stearyl amine/phosphatidylcholine vesicles at pH 7.4. 4. 4.|The results are interpreted as indicating that both electrostatic attractions between protein and lipid, and conformational changes in the protein mediate penetration of the protein into the phospholipid bilayer, resulting in the large permeability increases observed. The role of Ca 2+ in the interactions is discussed. It is suggested that the binding of protein to phospholipid vesicles could produce areas of high negative charge density. Ca 2+ binding would then be enhanced leading to perturbations of the bilayer structure and to large increases in permeability.
Phenolic Compounds Isolated from the Roots of Sophora stenophylla

A new prenylated flavanone glucoside (sophoraflavanone I 7-O-β-glucopyranoside) and three new resveratrol oligomers, stenopyllols A-C, were isolated from the roots of Sophora (S.) stenophylla along with six known flavonoids and three known resveratrol oligomers. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis of correlation spectroscopy involving long-range coupling and nuclear Overhouser effect experiments.
Stability of proteins in guanidine·HCl solutions

A new method has been described for the study of the denaturation of proteins by guanidine·HCl. The pH of an unbuffered solution of protein is monitored as Gu·HCl solution at a constant rate is run into the protein solution. As the protein undergoes the transition from the native to denatured state a significant and fairly abrupt change in the pH is observed. The behaviour of 14 proteins has been explored. Lysozyme, pepsin, α-lactalbumin, lima bean trypsin inhibtor, and insulin failed to yield satisfactory transitions by this method. The method is entirely satisfactory with the other proteins. The maximum stabilities of the proteins in respect to Gu·HCl concentration and pH, and at zero rate (by extrapolation) of delivery of Gu·HCl have been studied. The relative stabilities of the proteins differ greatly. The stabilities are not related in a simple way to any known parameter. To supplement the pH change method outlined, the viscosities of nine proteins have been studied as a function of Gu·HCl concentration. A useful empirical equation relating the viscosity of a Gu·HCl solution to its molar concentration has been developed. The linear relationship between the relative fluidity and protein concentration has been confirmed and the intrinsic viscosities of the proteins have been calculated. The viscosities of the proteins vary significantly in respect to Gu·HCl concentration. All of the proteins undergo transitions from the native to the denatured state as shown by increases in the viscosities of their solutions. These transitions coincide closely with those found by the pH change method in respect to Gu·HCl concentration and pH. After the initial transition, the proteins continue to expand (viscosity increases) as the Gu·HCl concentration increases, indicating that the denatured state consists of many molecular configurations likely differing little in their energy content. The presence of disulfide bonds tends to limit the expansion of the protein molecules.
Computer simulation of grain growth—IV. Anisotropic grain boundary energies

Abstract A Monte Carlo computer simulation technique has been developed which models grain growth for the case in which the grain boundary energy is anisotropic. The grain growth kinetics, as represented by the growth exponent n ( R = Ct n ), is found to decrease continuously from 0.42 ± 0.02 to 0.25 ± 0.02 as the anisotropy is increased, where 0.42 is the growth exponent in the isotropic case. The grain size distribution functions become broader as the anisotropy is increased. For large anisotropy, the microstructure is described as consisting of large grains with extended regions of small grains. The small grains tend to have low angle grain boundaries. Anisotropic grain boundary energies can result in preferred crystallographic orientation, however the orientational correlations are limited to a few times the mean grain radius when potentials yielding reasonable microstructures are utilized.
Topography and trajectories of commissural fibers of the superior temporal region in the rhesus monkey

The topography and trajectories of the commissural fibers of the superior temporal region (STR) are studied using the autoradiographic technique. The superior temporal region is connected with the opposite cerebral hemisphere by way of two commissures. The rostral third of the supratemporal plane (STP) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) sends commissural connections through the anterior commissure. The caudal portions of the STP and STG, including the primary auditory area, send their interhemispheric connections via the caudal corpus callosum only. The mid-portion of the STR sends interhemispheric fibers through both the corpus callosum and anterior commissure. In the midsagittal plane, interhemispheric fibers coursing in the anterior commissure are located in its ventral portions and those fibers coursing through the corpus callosum are located in its caudal portion rostral to the splenium. It appears that this pattern of interhemispheric connections of the STR is related to the architectonic characteristics of the areas of origin of the fibers. The rostral STR, which has less well-differentiated cortical lamination patterns, sends fibers via the anterior commissure while the posterior STR fibers, coming from more differentiated cortices, travel by way of the corpus callosum.
Microstructural Studies in Alkoxide‐Derived Mullite/Zirconia/Silicon Carbide‐Whisker Composites

Mullite composites toughened with ZrO2 (with or without a MgO or Y2O3 stabilizer) and/or SiC whiskers (SiC(w)) were fabricated by hot-pressing powders prepared from Al, Si, Zr, and Mg(Y) alkoxide precursors by a sol–gel process. Micro-structures were studied by using XRD. SEM, and analytical STEM. Pure mullite samples contained prismatic, preferentially oriented mullite grains. However, the addition of ZrO2, as well as the hot-pressing temperature, affected the morphology and grain size in the composites; a fine, uniform, equiaxed microstructure was obtained. The effect of SiC(W) was less pronounced than that of ZrO2. Glassy phases were present in mullite and mullite/SiC(W) composites, but were rarely observed in Al2O3-rich or ZrO2-containing samples. The formation of zircon due to the reaction between ZrO2 and SiO2 and the considerable solid solution of SiO2 in ZrO2 prevented the formation of the glassy phase, whereas the reaction between Al2O3 and MgO in MgO-containing samples formed a spinel phase and also deprived the ZrO2 phase of the stabilizer. Intergranular ZrO2 particles were either monoclinic or tetragonal, depending on size and stabilizer content; small intragranular ZrO2 inclusions were usually tetragonal in structure.
Relation of baseline presence and severity of renal disease to long-term mortality in persons with known stroke.

Abstract Background Little is known about the long-term prognostic impact of baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) on outcomes after stroke. We assessed the association of diagnosis and severity of baseline CKD with risk of mortality among persons with a history of stroke. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) a nationally representative sample of US adults were analyzed. The study population consisted of 425 individuals aged ≥55years with a baseline history of stroke followed-up from NHANES III survey participation (1988–1994) through mortality assessment in 2000. CKD outcomes were glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 2 and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) >30mg/g of creatinine. CKD severity was categorized per national guidelines. Proportional hazard regression (Cox) was utilized to explore the independent relationship between CKD vs. all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after adjusting for confounders. Results Among the cohort, 55.8% were female, 77.3% aged ≥65years. Baseline serum creatinine was higher among persons with known stroke who later died vs. remained alive ( p Conclusions Baseline CKD, even of mild severity, is an independent predictor of future mortality among persons with known stroke.
Major, minor and trace element abundances in samples from the Apollo 17 station 7 boulder - Implications for the origin of early lunar crustal rocks

Abstract Apollo 17 station 7 boulder consortia samples were analyzed for major and minor elements by a combined semimicro atomic absorption spectrophotometric and colorimetric procedure. Lithophile trace element abundances were determined by stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Three matrix types samples (77135, 77115, and 77075) were found to be KREEP-rich fragment-laden melts with analogues throughout the Apollo 17 landing site. Of the five clasts analyzed, at least one (77115,19, troctolite) is thought to be a cumulate; 77135, 77115, and 77075 are thought to have originated by impact fusion of material with similar composition. This original material may represent a partial melt of a parent material of the composition of an included, shocked norite breccia (77215).
The International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and structural adjustment: A cross-national analysis of forest loss

Abstract We test competing hypotheses drawn from neo-liberal economic theory and dependency theory regarding the effects of International Monetary Fund and World Bank structural adjustment on deforestation. In doing so, we analyze cross-national data for a sample of sixty low and middle income nations from 1990 to 2005. We find substantial support for dependency theory that both International Monetary Fund and World Bank structural adjustment lending are associated with higher rates of forest loss. We also find that a number of factors linked to other theoretical perspectives help to explain deforestation. These include non-governmental organizations, gross domestic product per capita, economic growth, primary sector economic activity, democracy, total population growth, non-dependent population growth, rural population growth, urban population growth, tropical climate, and natural forest stocks. We conclude with a discussion of the findings, theoretical implications, methodological implications, policy implications, and possible directions for future research.
Ranking importance of input parameters of neural networks

Abstract Artificial neural networks have been used for simulation, modeling, and control purposes in many engineering applications as an alternative to conventional expert systems. Although neural networks usually do not reach the level of performance exhibited by expert systems, they do enjoy a tremendous advantage of very low construction costs. This paper addresses the issue of identifying important input parameters in building a multilayer, backpropagation network for a typical class of engineering problems. These problems are characterized by having a large number of input variables of varying degrees of importance; and identifying the important variables is a common issue since elimination of the unimportant inputs leads to a simplification of the problem and often a more accurate modeling or solution. We compare three different methods for ranking input importance: sensitivity analysis, fuzzy curves, and change of MSE (mean square error); and analyze their effectiveness. Simulation results based on experiments with simple mathematical functions as well as a real engineering problem are reported. Based on the analysis and our experience in building neural networks, we also propose a general methodology for building backpropagation networks for typical engineering applications.
Photo-induced chemiluminescence: A sensitive probe of oxidative changes in organic materials

Abstract An instrument has been developed for the measurement of weak photo-induced chemiluminescence (PICL) emissions produced from solid samples at ambient temperatures. Analysis of the kinetics of a general reaction mechanism indicates that the intensity of the emissions is directly proportional to the concentrations of available unoxidized species. Preliminary investigations of PICL show the technique is sensitive enough to measure changes in organic materials resulting from exposure to a single photographic flash or to light sources of varied spectral distribution. The initial application of chemiluminescence measurements to organic materials found in artifacts is for the detection of deterioration either at very early stages or at very small levels of change. Examples of experimental results on new, naturally aged and artificially aged materials show that the technique offers promise in many applications.
Sport, History, and Heritage: Studies in Public Representation

This is a book which arrives with its own built-in review. And an excellent one it is too. It comes in the form of an ‘Afterword’ by Richard Holt in which he describes this essay collection, neatly...
ROOT MULTIPLICITIES OF THE INDEFINITE KAC-MOODY LIE ALGEBRAS AND

ABSTRACT We determine the root multiplicities of the Kac-Moody Lie algebras and of indefinite type using a recursive root multiplicity formula due to Kang. We view both algebras as representations of its subalgebra and then use the combinatorics of the irreducible representations of to determine the root multiplicities.
Determination of fumonisin B1 in corn by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Abstract A method is described for the determination of fumonisin B1 in corn. The method involves sample extraction with methanol:water (75:25) and partial purification using a solid phase extraction. Fumonisin B1 is reacted with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) to produce a highly fluorescent derivative, 1-cyano-2-alkyl-benz[f]isoindole (CBI) and then separated from the sample matrix on a reverse phase C-18 column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile:water:acetic acid (55:45:1). The NDA-derivative is quantitated by fluorescence detection at 410 nm excitation and a 440 nm, long past emission filter. Recoveries of fumonisin B1 added to corn at levels of 0.25–20.0 μg/g averaged 88.1% with a coefficient of variation of 10.3%. Confirmation of fumonisin B1 in corn samples was accomplished by fast atom bombardment (FAB) spectroscopy.
Interleukin-1 and interleukin-8 in nicotine- and lipopolysaccharide-exposed gingival keratinocyte cultures.

Johnson GK, Guthmiller JM, Joly S, Organ CC, Dawson DV. Interleukin-1 and interleukin-8 in nicotine- and lipopolysaccharide-exposed gingival keratinocyte cultures. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 583–588. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Tobacco use is associated with increased periodontal destruction in both cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Gingival keratinocytes are the first cells in contact with microbial and tobacco components and play a key role in the innate immune response to these agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nicotine and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone and in combination on gingival keratinocyte production of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Material and Methods: Gingival keratinocyte cultures were established from 10 healthy, non-tobacco-using subjects. The cells were stimulated for 24 h with 1 μm or 1 mm nicotine and/or 10 μg/mL Escherichia coli or Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS. Interleukin-1α and IL-8 proteins were quantified using ELISAs. Results: Compared with untreated cultures, 1 mm nicotine stimulated production of IL-1α (p < 0.001); E. coli and P. gingivalis LPS increased IL-8 production (p = 0.0014 and p = 0.0232, respectively). A combination of nicotine and LPS produced the highest cytokine quantities. Amounts of IL-1α and IL-8 following 1 mm nicotine and LPS exposure were significantly greater than in untreated cultures (p < 0.001). Interleukin-8 was also responsive to 0.1 μm nicotine combined with E. coli or P. gingivalis LPS compared with control cultures (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0029, respectively). Both cytokines tended to be elevated following the combined treatment relative to nicotine or LPS treatment alone. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that nicotine and LPS differentially regulate IL-1 and IL-8 production by gingival keratinocytes. Combined treatment tended to elevate cytokine production further, which may have implications for the progression of periodontitis in tobacco users.
Modulation of RNA editing by functional nucleolar sequestration of ADAR2

The adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) catalyze the site-specific conversion of adenosine to inosine (A to I) in primary mRNA transcripts, thereby affecting the splicing pattern or coding potential of mature mRNAs. Although the subnuclear localization of A-to-I editing has not been precisely defined, ADARs have been shown to act before splicing, suggesting that they function near nucleoplasmic sites of transcription. Here we demonstrate that ADAR2, a member of the vertebrate ADAR family, is concentrated in the nucleolus, a subnuclear domain disparate from the sites of mRNA transcription. Selective inhibition of ribosomal RNA synthesis or the introduction of mutations in the double-stranded RNA-binding domains within ADAR2 results in translocation of the protein to the nucleoplasm, suggesting that nucleolar association of ADAR2 depends on its ability to bind to ribosomal RNA. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching reveals that ADAR2 can shuttle rapidly between subnuclear compartments. Enhanced translocation of endogenous ADAR2 from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm results in increased editing of endogenous ADAR2 substrates. These observations indicate that the nucleolar localization of ADAR2 represents an important mechanism by which RNA editing can be modulated by the sequestration of enzymatic activity from potential RNA substrates in the nucleoplasm.
Oviposition and Calling Behavior of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in the Presence of Codlemone

The effect of the major component of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) ) sex pheromone (codlemone, E,E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol) on female calling and oviposition behavior was investigated. Calling by virgin females was similar between moths placed in sealed containers containing codlemone or codlemone-free air. However, when pheromone emitted by females was removed by a continuous air stream, calling in codlemone-permeated air was significantly higher than in clean air. The temporal pattern of calling was unaltered by the presence of codlemone. In a laboratory no-choice test, oviposition rates by codling moth females were similar in the presence of codlemone and in codlemone-free air. However, in paired-choice tests, females deposited more eggs on uncontaminated waxed paper surfaces than on codlemone-contaminated surfaces.
Analysis of Ion Implantation Damage in Silicon Wafers by a Contactless Microwave Diagnostic

Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of lattice damage created by heavy ion implantation damage is required to maintain the integrity of semiconductor material used for submicron-integrated circuit devices. A quick, efficient, and contactless diagnostic of the implantation damage is highly desirable in both research and production environments. A contactless measurement technique has been recently applied to this problem that uses a deeply penetrating low-frequency microwave probe frequency operating at 420 MHz. Here, we will demonstrate the use of this high frequency resonance-coupled photoconductive decay (RCPCD) technique, which, when combined with a tunable optical excitation source, enables us to map the radiation damage in boron and arsenic-implanted silicon wafers. We quantify the damage by mapping the minority-carrier lifetime as a function of optical penetration depth. In this work, we quickly and efficiently compared the effectiveness of various RTA processes by the RCPCD diagnostic.
Platinum and gold in chondritic meteorites

Abstract Platinum and gold have been determined simultaneously in 43 chondrites by neutron activation analysis. A rapid radio-chemical procedure employing a substoichiometric separation of gold was used. Platinum was determined by counting the 0.159 MeV gamma-rays of 199Au (the radioactive daughter of 199Pt) and gold was determined by counting the 0.412 MeV gamma-rays of 198Au. The atomic abundances relative to Si = 106 atoms for the C1/C2/C3 carbonaceous chondrites are found to be 1.34/1.07/1.43 for platinum and 0.19/0.20/0.18 for gold, respectively. The L- and LL-group chondrites were found to be uniformly depleted in platinum and gold with respect to the carbonaceous chondrites while the H-group chondrites exhibit abundances similar to the carbonaceous chondrites. The enstatite chondrites are enriched in gold but have platinum abundances similar to those in the carbonaceous chondrites suggesting a fractionation among the noble metals in their formation. Platinum and gold are positively correlated within each major chondrite group and, if all analyses of this work are considered, yield a correlation coefficient of 0.70 which is significant at the 99.9% confidence level.
Prevalence of DSM-IV-defined mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in an HIV clinic in the Southeastern United States.

Background:Mood and anxiety disorders, particularly depression, and substance abuse (SA) commonly co-occur with HIV infection. Appropriate policy and program planning require accurate prevalence estimates. Yet most estimates are based on screening instruments, which are likely to overstate true prev
The Role of Lipid-Linked Activated Sugars in Glycosylation Reactions

In the prokaryotic eubacteria the single cytoplasmic membrane appears to serve many of the functions performed by the numerous subcellular organelles found in eukaryotic organisms. Thus, the cytoplasmic membrane of the bacteria is the site of oxidative phosphorylation; it is the site of active transport; and it is the site of biosynthesis of many of the macromolecular components of the cell surface. In this chapter attention will be focused on biosynthesis of the sugar-containing macromolecules that ultimately reside within or outside the membrane surface. More specifically it will deal with the mechanism of energy utilization in the biosynthetic processes involving glycosyl transfers from high energy, lipid-linked sugar intermediates first found in the eubacteria. It should be noted, however, that although it is in the prokaryotic bacteria where such systems have been most definitely established, preliminary reports suggest that analogous reactions may occur in eukaryotic cells.1,2,3
Computation of Self-Intersections of Offsets of Bézier Surface Patches

Self-intersection of offsets of regular Bezier surface patches due to local differential geometry and global distance function properties is investigated. The problem of computing starting points for tracing self-intersection curves of offsets is formulated in terms of a system of nonlinear polynomial equations and solved robustly by the interval projected polyhedron algorithm. Trivial solutions are excluded by evaluating the normal bounding pyramids of the surface subpatches mapped from the parameter boxes computed by the polynomial solver with a coarse tolerance. A technique to detect and trace self-intersection curve loops in the parameter domain is also discussed. The method has been successfully tested in tracing complex self-intersection curves of offsets of Bezier surface patches. Examples illustrate the principal features and robustness characteristics of the method.
Insulin and epidermal growth factor stimulate a conformational change in Rap1 and dissociation of the CrkII-C3G complex

Insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human insulin and EGF receptors resulted in a time-dependent decrease in the ability of a Rap1 antibody (amino acid epitope 121–136) to immunoprecipitate Rap1 from whole cell detergent extracts. This was due to an apparent masking of Rap1 as heat denaturation of the whole cell detergent extracts (5 min at 100 °C) resulted in equal immunoprecipitation of Rap1 with this epitope-specific antibody. The time-dependent change in Rap1 immunoreactivity was paralleled with an insulin-stimulated dissociation of the CrkII-C3G complex. Similarly, EGF treatment also resulted in a time-dependent dissociation of the CrkII-C3G complex that occurred concomitant with the masking of the 121–136 Rap1 epitope. Furthermore, pretreatment of the cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, decreased both the basal and insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of CrkII that directly correlated with the amount of CrkII that was immunoprecipitated with C3G. Together, these data suggest that insulin and EGF stimulation result in the dissociation of the CrkII-C3G complex, thereby inducing an apparent conformation change in Rap1.
The Time Spent Cleaning a Hospital Room Does Not Correlate with the Thoroughness of Cleaning

Environmental surfaces in hospital rooms often become contaminated with microbes, and evidence has linked the patient care environment to transmission of potential pathogens. Despite attempts at standardization of training and cleaning techniques, there is great variation between housekeepers with regard to room cleaning practices. Environmental cleanliness can be assessed by direct observation, surface cultures, detection of adenosine triphosphate, or use of a fluorescent marking solution. Each monitoring technique has limitations. We participated in a multicenter study that demonstrated improved cleaning of high-touch surfaces through the use of a fluorescent marking solution and rapid-cycle performance feedback. As part of an earlier study, housekeepers were instructed about the importance of environmental cleanliness and appropriate cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and a room cleaning checklist was introduced. In this study, we sought to examine the relationship between the amount of time that a housekeeper spent cleaning a hospital room and the thoroughness of surface cleaning.
Fibromodulin, an oxidative stress-sensitive proteoglycan, regulates the fibrogenic response to liver injury in mice.

Background & Aims Collagen I deposition contributes to liver fibrosis, yet little is known about other factors that mediate this process. Fibromodulin is a liver proteoglycan that regulates extracellular matrix organization and is induced by fibrogenic stimuli. We propose that fibromodulin contributes to the pathogenesis of fibrosis by regulating the fibrogenic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods We analyzed liver samples from patients with hepatitis C–associated cirrhosis and healthy individuals (controls). We used a coculture model to study interactions among rat HSCs, hepatocytes, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. We induced fibrosis in livers of wild-type and Fmod −/− mice by bile duct ligation, injection of CCl 4 , or administration of thioacetamide. Results Liver samples from patients with cirrhosis had higher levels of fibromodulin messenger RNA and protein than controls. Bile duct ligation, CCl 4 , and thioacetamide each increased levels of fibromodulin protein in wild-type mice. HSCs, hepatocytes, and sinusoidal endothelial cells produced and secreted fibromodulin. Infection of HSCs with an adenovirus that expressed fibromodulin increased expression of collagen I and α–smooth muscle actin, indicating increased activation of HSCs and fibrogenic potential. Recombinant fibromodulin promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of HSCs, contributing to their fibrogenic activity. Fibromodulin was sensitive to reactive oxygen species. HepG2 cells that express cytochrome P450 2E1 produced fibromodulin, and HSCs increased fibromodulin production in response to pro-oxidants. In mice, administration of an antioxidant prevented the increase in fibromodulin in response to CCl 4 . Coculture of hepatocytes or sinusoidal endothelial cells with HSCs increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in the culture medium, along with collagen I and fibromodulin proteins; this increase was prevented by catalase. Fibromodulin bound to collagen I, but the binding did not prevent collagen I degradation by matrix metalloproteinase 13. Bile duct ligation caused liver fibrosis in wild-type but not Fmod −/− mice. Conclusions Fibromodulin levels are increased in livers of patients with cirrhosis. Hepatic fibromodulin activates HSCs and promotes collagen I deposition, which leads to liver fibrosis in mice.
Ingested Polychlorinated Biphenyl (Aroclor 1242) and Growth, Calcium and Zinc Absorption, and Intestinal Ultrastructure in Chicks

Abstract Decreased growth, edema, labored breathing, internal hemorrhaging, and high mortality were seen in chicks fed 48 or 197 p.p.m. Aroclor 1242 for 7 weeks. Calcium absorption was increased when birds were fed 197 p.p.m. PCB while zinc absorption was increased in birds fed both levels of PCB. Duodenal mucosal cell respiration rates were unaffected by either PCB treatment. Upon ultrastructural examination, mitochrondrial alterations, lipid accumulations in the lamina propriae, edema, and swollen endoplasmic reticula were found in duodenal mucosal cells. Necrotic areas were found in the kidney proximal tubule region of PCB fed birds.
Increased heritability for lower IQ levels

Detterman et al. (1990) presented evidence based on twins that the heritability of IQ may be higher in the lower part of the IQ range. We first offer an alternative test for differential heritability across the IQ range, based on the analysis of absolute intrapair differences of monozygotic versus dizygotic twins. We then review two previous studies, each containing more twins than the sample of Detterman et al., which examined the distribution of intrapair absolute differences. In contrast to the study of Detterman et al., both yielded results more compatible with higher heritability in the upper range of IQ. We discuss various interpretations of these findings and show how our proposed test might aid in distinguishing among them.
Sodium-dependent, concentrative nucleoside transport in Walker 256 rat carcinosarcoma cells

Abstract Nucleoside transport in Walker 256 cells was reexamined using formycin B, a nonmetabolized analog of inosine. In the presence of dipyridamole to inhibit the equilibrative (facilitated diffusion) transporter previously described in these cells, the initial rate of uptake of 1 μM formycin B was 10-fold greater in Na + -containing medium than in Na + -free medium. In the presence of Na + and dipyridamole the intracellular concentration of formycin B exceeded that in the medium within one min and was 6-fold greater than that of the medium by 5 min. Na + -dependent transport of formycin B was inhibited by low concentrations of inosine, but not thymidine. Furthermore, Na + -dependent transport of uridine, but not thymidine, was apparent in the presence of dipyridamole. These data indicate that Walker 256 cells have, in addition to the previously described equilibrative transporter, a concentrative mucleoside transporter. The specificity of this transporter appears to correspond to one of the two Na + -dependent transporters previously described in mouse intestinal epithelial cells.
Adaptive optical processors

There are two different approaches for improving the accuracy of analog optical associative processors: postprocessing with a bimodal system and preprocessing with a preconditioner. These two approaches can be combined to develop an adaptive optical multiprocessor that can adjust the computational steps depending on the data and produce solutions of linear algebra problems with a specified accuracy in a given amount of time.
Highly sensitive fiber Bragg grating refractive index sensors

We combine fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology with a wet chemical etch-erosion procedure and demonstrate two types of refractive index sensors using single-mode optical fibers. The first index sensor device is an etch-eroded single FBG with a radius of 3 μm, which is used to measure the indices of four different liquids. The second index sensor device is an etch-eroded fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFPI) with a radius of ~1.5 μm and is used to measure the refractive indices of isopropyl alcohol solutions of different concentrations. Due to its narrower resonance spectral feature, the FFPI sensor has a higher sensitivity than the FBG sensor and can detect an index variation of 1.4 X 10(-5). Since we can measure the reflection signal, these two types of sensors can be fabricated at the end of a fiber and used as point sensors.
Fissure formation and subsurface subsidence in a coalbed fire

Abstract Coalbed fires are uncontrolled subsurface fires that occur around the world. These fires are believed to be significant contributors to annual CO 2 emissions. Although many of these fires have been burning for decades, researchers have only recently begun to investigate physical mechanisms that control fire behavior. One aspect of fire behavior that is poorly characterized is the relationship between subsurface combustion and surface fissures. At the surface above many fires, long, wide fissures are observed. At a coalbed fire near Durango, Colorado, these fissures form systematic orthogonal patterns that align with regional joints in the Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation. Understanding the mechanisms that form these fissures is important, as the fissures are believed to play vital roles in sustaining the combustion in the subsurface. In some of the coalbed fire simulation models available today, these fissures are treated as fixed boundary conditions. We argue, using data collected, field observations and simulation result, that there exists a relationship between the location and magnitude of subsidence caused by the fire and the opening of fissures. The results presented suggest that fissures are believed to open when subsurface subsidence gives rise to tensile stresses around pre-existing joints.
Appropriate Use and Clinical Impact of Transthoracic Echocardiography

RESULTS Overall, 31.8% of TTEs resulted in an active change in care; 46.9%, continuation of current care; and 21.3%, no change in care. By 2011 AUC, 91.8% of TTEs were appropriate; 4.3%, inappropriate; and 3.9%, uncertain. We detected no statistically significant difference between appropriate and inappropriate TTEs in the proportion of TTEs that led to active change in care (32.2% vs 21.7%; P = .29). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Although 9 in 10 TTEs were appropriate by 2011 AUC, fewer than 1 in 3 TTEs resulted in an active change in care, nearly half resulted in continuation of current care, and slightly more than 1 in 5 resulted in no change in care. The low rate of active change in care (31.8%) among TTEs mostly classified as appropriate (91.8%) highlights the need for a better method to optimize TTE utilization to use limited health care resources efficiently while providing high-quality care.
Early experience with the GORE-TEX polytetrafluoroethylene anterior cruciate ligament prosthesis:

A prospective study of 41 patients with acute and chronic ACL deficiency underwent reconstruction with the GORE-TEX polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ACL prosthesis beginning in November 1983. Thirty-nine patients who were at least 2 years from their surgical procedure were available for follow-up evaluation, which included subjective questionnaire, clinical exam ination, and instrumented ligamentous laxity tests. Eight patients had an acute injury to the ACL and 31 patients had chronic ACL insufficiency for which recon struction was performed.Thirty-four patients had satisfactory results, allowing full return to activity with no appreciable symptomatol ogy. Of the remaining five patients, four had a complete rupture of the prosthesis. The average knee arthrome tric measurement improved from a 5.4 mm left/right difference preoperatively to a 2.0 mm left/right differ ence at 2 year followup. Nine patients had postopera tive complications of one or more atraumatic episodes of a sterile effusion. Six patients h...
The Telescience Portal for advanced tomography applications

Electron tomography is a powerful tool for deriving three-dimensional (3D) structural information about biological systems within the spatial scale spanning 1 nm3 and 10 µm3. With this technique, it is possible to derive detailed models of subcellular components such as organelles and synaptic complexes and to resolve the 3D distribution of their protein constituents in situ. While there continues to be progress towards the integration of high-performance computing technologies with traditional electron tomography processes, there is a significant need for more transparent integration with applications and to minimize the administrative overhead and complexity (resource administration, authentication, scheduling, data delivery) passed on to the noncomputer scientist end user. Here we present the "Telescience Portal" (https://gridport.npaci.edu/Telescience) as an example of a fully integrated, web-based solution for performing end-to-end electron tomography. More than just a collection of individual applications, the Portal provides a transparent workflow, where simple intuitive interfaces for grid-enabled parallel computation, resource scheduling, remote instrumentation, advanced image processing and visualization, access to distributed/federated databases, and network-enabled data management and archival are tightly coupled within a secure environment which promotes increased collaboration between researchers. This tightly integrated Telescience system is a test-bed application for using grid resources to accelerate the throughput of data acquisition and processing, increase access to scarce and/or expensive instrumentation, and improve the accuracy of derived data products.
Automatic Sequencing of Ballet Poses

In this article, we draw inspiration from the formal principals of movement organization in basic classical ballet. A grammar for leg positions in ballet movements restricted to the coronal plane is specified. Ballet is a highly ordered behavior of a truly complex biological system whose attributes have important analogs in systems theory that warrant quantitative study. By formulating aesthetic style from a systems theoretic perspective and, thus, resolving the attributes of human movement that typify and comprise stylized movement, we are beginning to define a metric for a previously abstract concept. Furthermore, the structure of the aesthetic movement explored here provides an interesting challenge for robotics research and formal methods, namely that of how the composition of structured discrete event systems may generate desired behavior for humanoid robotic tasks.