cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and Characterization of the Carboxypeptidase Isoinhibitors from Potatoes

Three zones of carboxypeptidase inhibitory activity were observed when heat-stable extracts of potato tubers (cv. Russet Burbank) were chromatographed on carboxymethyl cellulose. The isoinhibitors found in these zones were denoted I, II, and III based upon their order of elution from this column. The predominant form (II) had previously been suggested to be a mixture of two polypeptides (IIa and IIb) differing in that IIa possessed an additional residue of glutamine (Hass et al. 1975 Biochemistry 14: 1334). These closely related isoinhibitors (IIa and IIb) were separated by equilibrium ion exchange chromatography and characterized. Isoinhibitor I was shown to be identical to II except for two replacements, Ser-30 --> Ala and Arg-32 --> Gly. These replacements had no significant effect on apparent K(i) values toward either carboxypeptidase A or B. Isoinhibitor III, which was identical to II except that it lacked the amino terminal pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and following glutamine residue, was also functionally indistinguishable from II in inhibition studies. It was concluded that at least two and possibly as many as five genes code for the various isoinhibitor species which are present in potato tubers.
An investigation of heavy metal content from disposable batteries of non-U.S. origin from Butler County, Ohio: An environmental assessment of a segment of a waste stream

Abstract A sample set of 50 AA size disposable batteries, dominantly from China and other non-U.S. sources were investigated to assess the nature of heavy metal concentrations to determine if such batteries are of environmental concern. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry investigation indicates that all batteries analyses contain Ni, Cu, As, Sr, and Ba and most of the batteries have detectable quantities of Pb (92%), Cr (88%) and Co (88%). Roughly half of the batteries analyzed contain detectable quantities of Hg (52%) and V (56%). Tl occurs in 64% of batteries but at very low concentrations (0.1–1.1 ppm). Cd and Se were less common occurring in only 8% and 12% of batteries respectively. Some samples are arguably low in heavy metal content with 28% of the batteries having a sum of less than 100 ppm of the analyzed metals. The origin of the heavy metal concentrations is interpreted to be largely from original geologic sources of material. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that heavy metals are largely in solid solution in the phases in the battery materials and rarely exist as discrete particulate materials and suggests that mechanical separation of heavy metals for recycling purposes is therefore not feasible. Although batteries from several sources have heavy metal concentrations of concern, batteries from China are generally characterized by having relatively high heavy metal content. These products are introduced into waste streams in countries where respective domestic manufacturers must meet a much higher environmental standard. Results of this study suggest an environmental global standard should be developed and the data presented here may serve as a reference for development of such a standard. The use of cleaner geologic source materials and manufacturing activities is suggested.
Special grain boundaries in YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films

Abstract Grain boundaries described by rotations about the c [001] axis are discussed in terms of a near-CSL model for orthorhombic materials. Grain boundaries in an oriented YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x (YBCO) thin film grown on an (001) ZrO 2 substrate by electron-beam coevaporation of the metals have characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Bright-field and dark-field images and selected-area diffraction patterns recorded from near-Σ=1,5,13, 17, and 29 [001] tilt boundaries and near-Σ=3 and 13 [100] tilt boundaries are presented. It is also shown that low-angle grain boundaries with misoreintations near 7° [001] can be introduced at triple junctions containing two high-angle near-CSL boundaries. A table including coincidence, near-coincidence, and “low-index’ facet planes expected for near-CSL misorientations is given and some preliminary observations of the faceting behaviour of such grain boundaries are made.
Carbon isotope (δ13Ccarb) stratigraphy of the Lower–Middle Ordovician (Tremadocian–Darriwilian) in the Great Basin, western United States: Implications for global correlation

Abstract New stable carbon isotope data (δ13Ccarb) from Lower–Middle Ordovician (Tremadocian to Darriwilian) carbonate mudstone and wackestone rocks of the Pogonip Group are presented from two sections in the Great Basin region (USA) — Shingle Pass (east-central Nevada) and the Ibex area (western Utah). The Pogonip Group is a succession of mixed carbonate and siliciclastic rocks that accumulated on a carbonate ramp under normal marine conditions during the Late Cambrian (Furongian) to Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian). The Shingle Pass and Ibex area sections have been previously studied for their conodont biostratigraphy and contain a North American Midcontinent conodont fauna that range from the Cordylodus intermedius Zone (uppermost Cambrian) to the Phragmodus polonicus Zone (Darriwilian). The δ13C trend has four distinct characteristics recognized in both Great Basin sections: 1) a drop in δ13C from + 1‰ at the base of the Ordovician (Tremadocian) to − 0.7‰, 2) a 1 to 2‰ positive δ13C shift in the uppermost Rossodus manitouensis Zone during the late Tremadocian, 3) a gradual δ13C increase from − 2‰ to ca. 0‰ during the end of the Early Ordovician (Floian), and 4) a steady δ13C decrease from 0‰ to − 4 to − 5‰ during Middle Ordovician (Dapingian–Darriwilian). In the Lower Ordovician, δ13C trends reported here from the Great Basin are not consistent with a causal mechanism involving sea level change and the migration of isotopically distinct water bodies. Instead, these Lower Ordovician isotope data most likely reflect primary seawater chemistry and changes in δ13C on a global scale. This interpretation is supported by the excellent correlation of δ13C in the Lower Ordovician to other δ13C trends reported from the sections in the Argentine Precordillera (La Silla and San Juan formations) and in western Newfoundland (St. George and Table Head groups). These correlations using δ13C are consistent with published biostratigraphic data and provide an integrated and high-resolution chemo-biostratigraphic framework for the Lower Ordovician sedimentary record of the Laurentian margin. The Middle Ordovician portion of the δ13C curves in the Great Basin represented by the Kanosh and Lehman formations shows significant isotopic depletion relative to the section in Argentina. Thus, although there is some indication that minima and maxima in the Middle Ordovician curves can be correlated, the Great Basin sections show clear evidence of overprinting by local variables related to both diagenesis (dolomitization) and platform restriction.
The case for context-aware compression

The proliferation of pictures and videos in the Internet is imposing heavy demands on mobile data networks. This demand is expected to grow rapidly and a one-fit-all solution is unforeseeable. While researchers are approaching the problem from different directions, we identify a human-centric opportunity to reduce content size. Our intuition is that humans exhibit unequal interest towards different parts of a content, and parts that are less important may be traded off for price/performance benefits. For instance, a picture with the Statue of Liberty against a blue sky may be partitioned into two categories -- the semantically important statue, and the less important blue sky. When the need to minimize bandwidth/energy is acute, only the picture of the statue may be downloaded, along with a meta tag "background: blue sky". Once downloaded, an arbitrary "blue sky" may be suitably inserted behind the statue, reconstructing an approximation of the original picture. As long as the essence of the picture is retained from the human's perspective, such an approximation may be acceptable. This paper attempts to explore the scope and usefulness of this idea, and develop a broader research theme that we call context-aware compression.
Inertia of intrinsic spin

Abstract The state of a particle in space and time is characterized by its mass and spin, which therefore determine the inertial properties of the particle. The coupling of intrinsic spin with rotation is examined and the corresponding inertial effects of intrinsic spin are studied. An experiment to measure directly the spin–rotation coupling via neutron interferometry is analyzed in detail.
Probing the bioactive constituents from chemotypes of the sponge Psammocinia aff. bulbosa.

Since the report of (+)-psymberin (2) in 2004, many synthetic groups have pursued the synthesis of this compound, and our group has further collected Psammocinia aff. bulbosa to successfully isolate more 2. With more (+)-psymberin (2) in hand, additional clonogenic studies, a therapeutic efficacy assessment, and the hollow fiber assay have been completed. The inconsistent production of (+)-psymberin (2) and the classification of six Psammocinia species are further discussed herein. The most recent of these six collections resulted in the isolation of a new brominated cyclic peptide, (-)-psymbamide A (4), which is the first report of a Psammocinia-derived compound in this peptide class. The planar structure was solved via dereplication with Marinlit, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR techniques, and the absolute configuration determined using Marfey’s method.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF I-125 DOSIMETRY OF BONE AND BONE-SOFT TISSUE INTERFACES

Abstract The dose to bone from I-125 photon interactions is expected to be approximately five times greater than the dose to soft tissue for the same photon fluence because of the dominance of the photoelectric effect. However, adverse clinical effects are not observed for I-125 implants near bone. Both the strong absorption of I-125 photons in bone and the narrowness (about 10 μ) of the high dose transition zone at a bone-soft tissue interface act to limit the volume of radiation sensitive tissue in the high dose region. Examples of calculated implant dose distributions in bone and in soft tissue cavities in bone are presented. Radiobiological measurements are consistent with the theoretical interface calculations. Calculation of the macroscopic dose distribution uses a recently measured radial dose function, while at the bone-soft tissue interface an analytic theory of the transition zone that is applicable to regular shaped cavities is used. Radiobiological experiments comparing cell survival for cells irradiated with 70 kvP X rays at Al-water and polystyrene-water interfaces are consistent with the transition zone calculations.
Culture, self, and collectivist communication: linking culture to individual behavior.

This study develops and demonstrates a theoretical framework and corresponding methodology to link variables at the culture level to the individual level and then to specific outcome variables. The authors argue that in order to advance theory about cultures influence on communication researchers must begin to examine how culture affects individual level (psychological) processes and subsequently how these processes affect communication. The image of self referred to as self-construal is an ideal candidate to perform the role of linking culture to behavior. The self is shaped by cultural forces and affects many if not all communication behaviors. The proposed strategy is applied in the test of a path-analytic model linking cultural collectivism with interdependent self-construals and ultimately high-context communication. The discussion includes implications for theory development and possible applications to further research. (authors)
Toxicity of aerosol propellants in the respiratory and circulatory systems. VIII. Respiration and circulation in primates.

Abstract The low-pressure propellants influence predominantly the circulation, whereas the high pressure propellants affect the respiration in anesthetized monkeys. There are four groups according to the level of toxicity: Class 1 , low-pressure propellants of high toxicity that cause tachycardia and hypotension; Class 2 , low-pressure propellant of intermediate toxicity that influence either circulation or respiration or both; Class 3 , high-pressure propellants of intermediate toxicity that cause bronchoconstriction; and Class 4 , high-pressure propellants of low toxicity that do not influence respiration or circulation even when inhaled at levels of up to 20% concentration.
The anomaly of pyridine nucleotide synergism in carbon tetrachloride metabolism.

Abstract Carbon tetrachloride metabolism was examined in hepatic microsomes isolated from control and phenobarbital-treated Sprague-Dawley rats to determine the mechanism of pyridine nucleotide synergism. An NADPH generator increased metabolism two fold as determined by lipid peroxidation. Addition of NADP to the reaction system did not alter the maximum velocity, but did decrease the Km for NADPH from 61 μM to 7.6 μM in control and from 21 μM to 6.3 mM PB microsomes. Addition of NAD+ produced an increase in metabolism similar to NADH. Substrates and competitive inhibitors of nucleotide pyrophosphatase also enhanced CCl4 metabolism. A high correlation (r=0.947) was indicated between the percent inhibition of nucleotide pyrophosphatase and the percent synergism of NADPH-catalyzed CCl4 metabolism. Thus, pyridine nucleotiode synergism in CCl4 metabolism appears to result from the increased availability of NADPH produced by a decreased degradation of the NADPH by the nucleotide pyrophosphatase.
Evaluation of physiologic monitors in cardiothoracic surgery

Physiologic monitoring has been accomplished in the Mayo Clinic's cardiothoracic operating suite by a system that was developed early in the 1980's. By 1991 it became apparent that the system had reached the end of it's useful life and needed replacement. A complex and interdisciplinary evaluation was carried out to determine which monitor would replace the current system. Criteria included technologic features, display technology, ease of use, and upgradeability.
Cascading-failure-resilient interconnection for interdependent power grid - Optical networks

In interdependent power grid - optical networks, a single failure may cause iterative cascade of failures, resulting in network-wide disruptions. We propose schemes to design cascading-failure-resilient interconnection between power grid and optical network.
Acquisition and analysis of electromyograms of the human masseter muscle (bruxism detection)

The electromyograms (EMGs) from the human masseter muscles of a randomly sampled population were obtained to determine if there was a signal characteristic of these EMGs which could be used to distinguish accurately among the signals generated for some related mechanical activities. A custom-designed variable-gain EMG preamplifier/signal conditioner was constructed to sense and amplify the signals, which were digitally sampled, stored, and analyzed. Various time- and frequency-domain characteristics were estimated, and equivalence tests were performed on combinations of the power spectra. Distinctions in the characteristics of different activities on the whole were not clear-cut. However, it was found that the spectra for clenching and chewing activities of the dysfunctional persons in the test group were measurably different from the average statistics of the group. >
Rethinking Europe's conquest of North Africa and the Middle East: the opening of the Maghreb, 1660–1814

In this article, the argument is made that during the second half of the seventeenth century, England and France began opening up the Maghreb to their economic and political influence, and that this thrust led to the conquest of the southern and eastern Mediterranean, culminating in the nineteenth‐century Age of Imperialism.
Evidence for greater cue reactivity among low dependent vs. high dependent smokers

Introduction Cue reactivity paradigms are well-established laboratory procedures used to examine subjective craving in response to substance-related cues. For smokers, the relationship between nicotine dependence and cue reactivity has not been clearly established. The main aim of the present study was to further examine this relationship.
Air medical services at risk

In a rapidly changing national health care system, with a cost-cutting emphasis, air medical services are at risk. To support the benefit of services provided, professional organizations representing nurses, paramedics and physicians, must collectively: 1) develop overall research strategies that support knowledge development unique to airborne transport; 2) systematically analyze interventions that affect quality of life and cost effectiveness; and 3) disseminate results to peers and the public. Collaborative research efforts avail to the air medical community the opportunity to take charge of the health care system's future rather than be controlled by it. The air medical community consists of a variety of professional disciplines with wide-ranging research interests. To have depth in knowledge, research efforts and resources must be focused. Because human and financial resources are limited, it is necessary to collectively identify research priorities most relevant for air medical transport. Identified priorities facilitate collaborative, multicentered study efforts that are necessary to increase research credibility. 1 Collaborative efforts are essential to overcome limitations previously identified in both health care literature and air medical research. These limitations include low statistical power due to small sample sizes and poor external validity from studies being conducted in a single setting.2, 3 Collaborative research maximizes scarce economic resources and enhances research productivity. 4 Research priorities assist in identifying gaps in literature, determining social relevance of research questions and may be employed to interpret the significance of certain programs of research, as well as the scope of care to legislatures and the
Bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy in bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review

Abstract Objectives: This study had two objectives: (1) to examine the effects of bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis; (2) to determine any differences between manual and mechanical techniques for bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy. Design: The study design was a systematic review of the literature that used an exhaustive search for trials and review methods prescribed by the Cochrane Collaboration. Inclusion Criteria: Randomized controlled trials examined patient groups, interventions, and dependent variables. Patients: Patients included those with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) or bronchiectasis. Interventions: Any of the following interventions or combinations thereof were included: manual interventions, such as postural drainage, chest percussion, vibration, chest shaking, directed coughing, or forced exhalation technique. Controls: Controls of the study were as follows: no intervention; placebo; coughing; and mechanical interventions, such as mechanical vibration. Results: The search identified 99 potential trials; inclusion or exclusion analysis left 7, which examined a total of 126 patients. Mean score on trial quality was 1.4 (5 = greatest). Three separate trials (N = 51) found statistically significant effects for bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy on sputum production and radioaerosol clearance. No trials (N = 126) found statistically significant effects on pulmonary function variables or differences between manual and mechanical techniques. Conclusions: Considering the small sizes, low quality, and mixed results from the trials, the research on bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy is inconclusive. There is a need for adequately sized, high-quality, randomized controlled trials with uniform patient populations to examine the effects of bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy. (Heart Lung® 2000;29:125-35.)
Self‐Consistent coupling of atomic orbitals to a moving charge

We describe the time evolution of hydrogenic orbitals perturbed by a moving charge. Starting with the equation for an atom interacting with a charge, we use an eikonal representation of the total wave-function, followed by an eikonal approximation, to derive coupled differential equations for the temporal change of the orbitals and the charge's trajectory. The orbitals are represented by functions with complex exponents changing with time, describing electronic density and flux changes. For each orbital, we solve a set of six coupled differential equations; two of them are derived with a time-dependent variational procedure for the real and imaginary parts of the exponents, and the other four are the Hamilton equations of the positions and momenta of the moving charge. The molecular potentials are derived from the exact expressions for the electronic energies. Results of calculations for 1s and 2s orbitals show large variation of the real exponent parts over time, with respect to asymptotic values, and that imaginary parts remain small. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of serum potassium on the electrocardiographic pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy in primary hyperaldosteronism.

Only a few studies deal with electrocardiographic (ECG) signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism, although it may be presumed that many factors such as arterial hypertension, hypokalemia, increased blood volume, and decreased activity of the renin-angiotensin system can modify LVH pattern in this entity. For that reason, we evaluated ECG signs of LVH in 55 patients with primary hyperaldosteronism hospitalized in our department from 1971 to 1990. These data were compared with age, serum potassium level, plasma renin activity (PRA) and—in 14 patients—with left ventricular mass, measured echocardiographically. We found inverse correlation between serum potassium concentration and the Sokolow-Lyon index: SV1 + RV5/6 (r = –0.47, p<0.001). Among 24 patients with only abnormal QRS voltage, without ST-T changes suggestive of LVH, 19 (79.2%) had hypokalemia. In multivariate analysis, potassium concentration was the single independent predictor of an abnormal QRS voltage: –0.743, p = 0.01 vs. 0.153 (age), –0.337 (PRA) and 0.454 (LV mass). Our observations suggest that hypokalemia is an important factor influencing an amplitude of QRS complexes and may be responsible for false-positive LVH diagnosis.
An Observing System Experiment for Tropical Cyclone Targeting Techniques Using the Global Forecast System

Abstract In 1997, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Research Division began operational synoptic surveillance missions with the Gulfstream IV-SP jet aircraft to improve the numerical guidance for hurricanes that threaten the continental United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Hawaii. The dropwindsonde observations from these missions were processed and formatted aboard the aircraft and sent to the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the Global Telecommunications System to be ingested into the Global Forecasting System, which serves as initial and boundary conditions for regional numerical models that also forecast tropical cyclone track and intensity. As a result of limited aircraft resources, optimal observing strategies for these missions are investigated. An Observing System Experiment in which different configurations of the dropwindsonde data based on three targeting techniques (ensemble variance, ensemble ...
Cytochemical localization of adenosine triphosphatase in the phloem of Pisum sativum and its relation to the function of transfer cells

The cytochemical localization of ATPase in differentiating and mature phloem cells of Pisum sativum L. has been studied using a lead precipitation technique. Phloem transfer cells at early stages of differentiation exhibit strong enzyme activity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and some reaction product is deposited on the vacuolar and plasma membranes. As the phloem transfer cells mature and develop their characteristic wall structures, strong enzyme activity can be observed in association with the plasma membranes and nuclear envelopes. Mature phloem transfer cells with elaborate cell-wall ingrowths show ATPase activity evenly distributed on plasma-membrane surfaces. Differentiating sieve elements show little or no enzyme activity. When sieve elements are fully mature they have reaction product in the parietal and stacked cisternae of the ER. There is no ATPase activity associated with P-protein at any stage of sieve-element differentiation or with the sieve-element plasma membranes. It is suggested that the intensive ATPase activity on the plasma membranes of the transfer cells is evidence for a transport system involved in the active movement of photosynthetic products through these cells.
Remote vs. local control of changes in eastern equatorial Pacific bioproductivity from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Present

Abstract Data from 14 cores, and a transfer function based on benthic foraminifera, were used to map productivity gradients in the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). These were compared to gradients in the modern ocean. The results support previous work indicating that, during the LGM, productivity was lower across the region in the South Equatorial Current (SEC) under the influence of Peru margin upwelling. Overall, productivity gradients are diminished during the LGM due to three changes: reduced productivity along the Peru margin and the SEC near the equator, increased productivity further south of the equator, and increased productivity in the Panama Basin area. These changes smooth gradients seen in the region today. This reduction of gradients in EEP productivity parallels observations for planktonic foraminiferal carbon isotopes and inferred nutrient concentrations in the thermocline. Reductions in productivity and thermocline nutrients in the SEC downstream of the Peru margin have been previously interpreted as the result of changes in the chemistry and/or upwelling of subantarctic Equatorial Undercurrent Current (EUC) water. Increases in productivity away from the equator may be associated to nitrogen enrichment of the global surface ocean during the LGM. Productivity and planktonic foraminiferal isotope records for the Panama Basin indicate a local process driving highly seasonal productivity for the glacial, perhaps related to changing upper water column stratification. The degree to which overall carbon export to the deep sea changed in the EEP during the LGM depends on the extent of the productivity increase away from the equator. If this increase occurred broadly in the lower latitude subtropical gyres then a marked LGM export increase would be possible despite productivity reductions along the equator.
Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a global health problem that afflicts young adults and the elderly. Motor vehicle accidents and falls remain the leading cause of SCI. It is becoming a significant social burden due to improved survival rate and access to care. In order to understand the effect of SCI, a good understanding of the functional and topographic anatomy of the spinal cord is important. The primary insult of SCI is a direct consequence of the trauma resulting in mechanical damage to the cord. Secondary injury occurs as a result of cord edema and hypoperfusion. The severity of SCI is classified by using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale. The initial phase of SCI management involves the basic ABCDE, and management of other life-threatening injuries. Once stabilized, expeditious, focused radiographic imaging is important for diagnosis of SCI. Early surgical intervention has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Patients with high thoracic or cervical SCI may demonstrate hemodynamic instability due to sympathectomy, which requires invasive monitoring in the operating room and intensive care unit. There are significant changes to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and urinary physiology of SCI patients, which require specialized care in a neurocritical care unit followed by intense rehabilitation therapies.
Giardiasis: host-pathogen biology

Giardiasis is the most common waterborne diarrheal disease in the United States and is highly prevalent throughout the world. The clinical spectrum of disease ranges from asymptomatic infection to persistent severe malabsorption. The precise interaction between Giardia and its human host remains conjectural because of the paucity of published studies that address the details of its pathogenesis. The immune system of the host responds to this protozoan parasite, and the intestinal epithelium is a site of interaction between parasite and host. Possible mechanisms whereby Giardia may alter the host's absorption of nutrients at the epithelial level include direct physical interference, toxin secretion, direct physical alteration of the epithelium, competition for nutrients, induction of an inflammatory response, and coincidental infection of the host with a second organism. The host's immune system may play both a protective and a pathogenic role.
Computerized Nutrition Screening and Clinical Nutrition Management System Increases Clinical Productivity

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe an automated, comprehensive, team-oriented approach to clinical nutrition productivity management and nutrition screening Direct clinical nutrition services are provided at three separate campuses by three departments. This results in a fragmented, inconsistent approach toward clinical nutrition care for patients. A Performance Improvement team, consisting of dietitians, pharmacists, and nurses, was established to address this issue. The team worked hand-in-hand with the Information Services Department to develop a comprehensive, automated, nutrition screening and clinical productivity management system utilizing the hospital patient information system. The system, implemented in May 1995, features a nutrition screening component which generates nutrition screening reports for all patients directly on the patient care units. It also allows for scheduling of re-screening, initial assessments and re-assessments (follow-ups) by each department providing care. This scheduling information provides the data necessary to create a daily "Nutrition Visitation Report" indicating the clinical duties due and which care provider is responsible for the patient as of that day by nursing units. This report is utilized daily by the clinicians to prioritize their work assignments. The system also generates an audit report which lists past due clinical assignments. This report is utilized by the Clinical Nutrition Manager to identity and trend productivity problems. The system has resulted in an increase in clinical productivity of~40-50%. The largest increase has been experienced in the number of initial assessments and re-assessments completed by the Clinical Nutrition Staff. Additionally, the automated system prevents patients from "falling through the cracks" by providing a mechanism for transferring care from unit to unit and service to service. Most remarkably, these results were realized with a minimal outlay of capital expenditure since the system was designed using the in-house patient information system and in-house system designers and coders. Maintenance on the system is minimal since there is no interface to maintain. Numerous program enhancements are in development to insure the system continues to meet the nutrition needs of the hospital in the future.
Ocular history of James Joyce

Abstract James Joyce, considered by many to be the greatest novelist of the 20th century, was plagued by sever eye problems for most of his adult life. The presence of iritis, glaucoma and cataracts was complicated by the complexity of his systemic medical condition, his noncompliance with professional advice, and the state of the art of ophthalmology during his lifetime.
Theory of Attosecond Transient Absorption in Laser-Dressed Atoms

We present a theoretical study of transient absorption by laser dressed atoms. We solve the fully coupled Schrodinger and Maxwell equations and examine the connection between attosecond electron dynamics and the transient absorption signal.
Promarket Reforms and Firm profitability in Developing Countries

This study proposes that promarket reforms positively affect firms' profitability in developing countries because the accompanying improvements in external monitoring decrease firms' agency costs. ...
Electron spin resonance of Er3+ in the superconducting state of the heavy Fermion system Er.005U.995 Ru2Si2

Abstract ESR experiments on the Heavy Fermion Superconductor URu 2 Si 2 doped with 5000 ppm Er 3+ are reported. Our main result is that within experimental error the Er 3+ g-shift (or Knight shift) does not change from its value in the normal state even at temperatures as low as 0.68 K, which is well below the superconducting transition temperature T c = 1.2 K for our field and doping concentration. The linewidth does increase on going from the normal to the superconducting state. The implications of this behavior in terms of the nature of the superconductivity are discussed. The results are consistent with even parity superconductivity.
Ergodic properties of discrete quadratic stochastic processes defined on von Neumann algebras

The paper contains necessary and sufficient conditions under which the ergodic principle and the regularity condition hold for discrete quantum quadratic stochastic processes defined on von Neumann algebras. A connection between these processes and Markov processes is established.
The diurnal periodicity of hexose transporter mRNA and protein levels in the rat jejunum: Role of vagal innervation

Background Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the hexose transporters sodium-dependent glucose transporter-1, glucose transporter 2, and glucose transporter 5 follow a (daily) diurnal rhythm in rat jejunum. Because vagal innervation mediates the diurnal activity of other proteins in the rat small bowel, we hypothesized that the diurnal variation of mRNA and protein levels of these hexose transport proteins are mediated by vagal innervation. Methods Forty-eight rats kept in a strictly maintained, alternating 12-hour light-dark room underwent either sham laparotomy (n = 24) or bilateral total abdominal vagotomy (n = 24). Four weeks postoperatively, jejunal mucosa was harvested from 6 rats in each group at 3 am , 9 am , 3 pm and 9 pm ; mRNA levels were determined by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein levels by semiquantitative Western blot analysis. Transporter mRNA and protein levels were expressed as a ratio to the corresponding mRNA and protein levels of the stably expressed housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Results mRNA and protein levels for all 3 hexose transporters showed diurnal variation in sham controls (P ≤ .01 for all). After vagotomy, although mRNA levels of all 3 transporters showed diurnal variation (each P .10 for all). Conclusions Vagal innervation appears to differentially mediate the diurnal changes in hexose transporter mRNA and protein expression in the rat jejunum by posttranscriptional, and/or posttranslational processes.
Universality of the Collins–Soper–Sterman nonperturbative function in vector boson production

Abstract We revise the b ∗ model for the Collins–Soper–Sterman resummed form factor to improve description of the leading-power contribution at nearly nonperturbative impact parameters. This revision leads to excellent agreement of the transverse momentum resummation with the data in a global analysis of Drell–Yan lepton pair and Z boson production. The nonperturbative contributions are found to follow universal quasi-linear dependence on the logarithm of the heavy boson invariant mass, which closely agrees with an estimate from the infrared renormalon analysis.
Demarcations of the mechanosensory projection zones in the raccoon thalamus, shown by cytochrome oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, and Nissl stains.

To determine anatomically the boundaries and internal organization of the kinesthetic and cutaneous mechanosensory regions of the ventrobasal thalamus, alternate section series from electrophysiologically mapped tissues from 14 raccoons were stained for cytochrome oxidase, myelinated fibers, acetylcholinesterase, and Nissl substance. Microelectrode tracks, along with electrolytic lesions placed as tissue markers, reveal that (1) the mechanoreceptor projection zones have higher cytochrome oxidase and lower acetylcholinesterase staining than some neighboring regions. Both these enzymatic stains reveal particularly sharp boundaries separating the mechanoresponsive region, from the lateral posterior nucleus dorsally and from the ventroposterior inferior nucleus ventrally. (2) The kinesthetic projection zone is often separated from other mechanoreceptor projections by bundles as well as laminae of myelinated fibers, similar to those separating cutaneous projections from distinct body parts. These subdivisions are particularly well marked by the cytochrome oxidase stain. The combination, in neighboring sections, of the use of the several stains adds considerably to the visible delineation of these functionally distinct regions, beyond what can be seen in Nissl-stained sections.
Backcalculation of Non-Linear Pavement Moduli Using Finite-Element Based Neuro-Genetic Hybrid Optimization

The determination of pavement layer stiffness is an essential step in evaluating the performance of existing road pavements and in conducting pavement design and analysis using mechanistic approaches. Over the years, several methodologies involving static, dynamic, and adaptive processes have been developed and proposed for obtaining in-situ pavement layer moduli from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) test deflection data through inverse analysis and parameter identification routines. In this paper, a novel pavement analysis toolbox combining the strengths of Finite Element (FE) modeling, Neural Networks (NNs), and Genetic Algorithms (GAs) is described. The developed user-friendly automated pavement evaluation toolbox, referred to as Neuro-Genetic Optimization Toolbox (NGOT) can be used on a real-time basis for accurate and rapid transportation infrastructure evaluation. It is shown that the developed toolbox backcalculates non-linear pavement layer moduli from actual field data with better accuracy compared to regression and conventional backcalculation approaches. About 93% of the paved roads in the US are reported to be composed of flexible pavement (2). Flexible pavements are multi-layered, heterogeneous structures that are designed to "flex" under repeated traffic loading. A typical flexible pavement structure consists of the surface course (typically Hot-Mix Asphalt) at the top, underlying base and subbase (optional) courses (typically unbound granular material), and a subgrade (typically soil) at the bottom. In the field, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of in-service pavements using a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) equipment is carried out to measure the deflection response of the pavement structure to applied dynamic load that simulates a moving wheel. The deflected shape of the basin is predominantly a function of the thickness of the pavement layers, the moduli of individual layers, and the magnitude of the load. The surface deflections are typically measured at radial offsets of 0 mm (D0), 300 mm (D1 or D300), 600 mm (D2 or D600), 900 mm (D3 or D900), 1200 mm (D4 or D1200), and 1500 mm (D5 or D1500) from the center of FWD load plate. "Backcalculation" is the accepted term used to identify a process whereby the elastic (Young's) moduli of individual
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1/Adeno-Associated Virus rep+ Hybrid Amplicon Vector Improves the Stability of Transgene Expression in Human Cells by Site-Specific Integration

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) amplicon vectors are promising gene delivery tools, but their utility in gene therapy has been impeded to some extent by their inability to achieve stable transgene expression. In this study, we examined the possibility of improving transduction stability in cultured human cells via site-specific genomic integration mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep and inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). A rep HSV/AAV hybrid amplicon vector was made by inserting a transgene cassette flanked with AAV ITRs into an HSV-1 amplicon backbone, and a rep HSV/AAV hybrid amplicon was made by inserting rep68/78 outside the rep vector 3 AAV ITR sequence. Both vectors also had a pair of loxP sites flanking the ITRs. The resulting hybrid amplicon vectors were successfully packaged and compared to a standard amplicon vector for stable transduction frequency (STF) in human 293 and Gli36 cell lines and primary myoblasts. The rep, but not the rep, hybrid vector improved STF in all three types of cells; 84% of Gli36 and 40% of 293 stable clones transduced by the rep hybrid vector integrated the transgene into the AAVS1 site. Due to the difficulty in expanding primary myoblasts, we did not assess site-specific integration in these cells. A strategy to attempt further improvement of STF by “deconcatenating” the hybrid amplicon DNA via Cre-loxP recombination was tested, but it did not increase STF. These data demonstrate that introducing the integrating elements of AAV into HSV-1 amplicon vectors can significantly improve their ability to achieve stable gene transduction by conferring the AAV-like capability of site-specific genomic integration in dividing cells. The elucidation of the molecular bases of inherited or acquired diseases and the completion of the human genome map have challenged vector development in the field of gene therapy. In many gene therapy paradigms, successful long-term gene transduction has not been achieved due to the loss of transgene expression over time, particularly when nonintegrative vectors, such as those based on adenovirus or herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), were used. Although the mechanisms involved are not well understood, some evidence suggests that down-regulation of the transgene promoter (46, 50, 54), degradation or extrusion of transgene DNA (50), and rejection of transgene-expressing cells by the immune system (20, 21) may all lead to the instability of transgene expression. The most common approaches to this problem have been to attempt to maintain the transgene vectors as stable episomal elements, e.g., with Epstein-Barr virus or mammalian artificial chromosome sequences, or to promote transgene integration into the cellular genome of the host (for a review, see reference 27). The present study was designed to address the latter approach using elements of adeno-associated virus (AAV) and P1 bacteriophage loxP in the context of a plasmid-based HSV-1 amplicon vector.
AIDS as a zoonosis? Confusion over the origin of the virus and the origin of the epidemics.

Based on findings demonstrating the simian ancestry of HIV, AIDS has been reported to be a zoonosis. However, this theory has never been proved and must seriously be questioned. Several arguments show that HIV-AIDS is not a zoonosis. (i) If AIDS were a zoonosis, there must be evidence of AIDS being directly acquired from an animal species, as is rabies, a disease that is directly acquired from animals. (ii) Despite long- term and frequent human exposure to SIV-infected monkeys in Africa, only 11 cross-species transmission events are known, and only four of these have resulted in significant human-to-human transmission, generating HIV-1 groups M and O and HIV-2 groups A and B. The closest relatives of SIVcpz (HIV-1 group N) and of SIVsm (HIV-2 groups C-H) are extremely rare, with only six HIV-1 group N-infected patients and only single individuals known to be infected by HIV-2 groups C-H. SIV, while capable of cross-species transmission, is thus poorly adapted for disease and epidemic spread. If AIDS were a zoonosis that is capable of significant human-to-human spread, there would be a plethora of founder subtypes and groups. (iii) Human exposure to SIV is thousands of years old, but AIDS emerged only in the 20th century. If AIDS were a zoonosis that spread into the human population, it would have spread to the West during slave trade. (iv) Experimental transmission of SIVs to different species of monkeys is often well controlled by the new host, showing that the virus and not the disease is transmitted. Therefore, we conclude that cross-species transmission of SIV does not in itself constitute the basis for a zoonosis. Transmission per se is not the major requirement for the generation of the AIDS epidemic. All HIVs do derive from simian species, but AIDS does not qualify as a zoonosis and this explanation cannot in itself account for the origin of AIDS epidemic. It is important to distinguish AIDS from true zoonoses (e.g. rabies) because research is needed to understand the processes by which animal viruses cause sustained human-to-human transmission, epidemics and even pandemics. Much is known about emerging viruses, but almost nothing is known about emerging viral diseases.
Seven years of continuously planted Bt corn did not affect mineralizable and total soil C and total N in surface soil

Genetically engineered corn (Zea mays L.) containing a gene from the soil bacterium Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) constitutes a large proportion of all corn planted in the United States. In a number of studies, Bt plant residues have been reported to have higher lignin content and to decompose slower than those of non-Bt plants, possibly due to the presence of the Cry endotoxin. We hypothesize that after multiple years of continuous cultivation of Bt corn, the combined results of alleged differences in Bt corn residues and of Cry endotoxin presence will be reflected in soil characteristics, specifically in an increase in soil total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) levels. We collected soil samples at 0–7.5 cm depth in 2006 from continuous Bt and non-Bt corn treatments in an randomized complete block design experiment with four replications. The experiment was established in 1999 at the Kellogg Biological Station long-term ecological research (LTER) site in southwest Michigan. We found that, after 7 years of Bt cropping, neither total soil C and N nor soil C mineralized during a 35-day incubation were significantly different between Bt and non-Bt corn treatments (P > 0.05). Total soil C was equal to 7.3 g kg−1 and 7.4 g kg−1, in Bt and non-Bt corn, respectively, with a standard error of the means (SEM) = 0.2, and total N was 0.67 g kg−1 (SEM 0.02) in both treatments. Post-hoc power analysis indicated that, given the number of samples collected in this study and the observed level of variability, the minimal differences between the Bt and non-Bt treatments that could be detected as statistically significant at α = 0.05 with a power of 0.80 were equal to 1.0 g kg−1, 0.14 g kg−1 and 0.125 g kg−1 for total C, total N, and soil C mineralized during a 35-day incubation, respectively. The results indicate that continuous Bt corn production during a 7-year period did not lead to sizeable changes in total soil C and N.