cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tubulin Polymerization Modulates Interleukin-2 Receptor Signal Transduction in Human T Cells

Few data exist on the modulation of cytokine receptor signaling by the actin or tubulin cytoskeleton. Therefore, we studied interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling in phytohemagglutinine (PHA)-pretreated human T cells in the context of alterations in the cytoskeletal system induced by cytochalasin D (CyD), jasplaklinolide (Jas), taxol (Tax), or colchicine (Col). We found that changes in cytoskeletal tubulin polymerization altered the strength of several IL-2-triggered signals. Moreover, Tax-induced tubulin hyperpolymerization augmented the surface expression of the IL-2R β -chain and enhanced the association of the IL-2R γ -chain with cytoskeletal tubulin. The IL-2R β -chain, in turn, was constitutively associated with tubulin and, more weakly, actin. To exclude the possibility that these associations are artifacts caused by PHA, we confirmed them in T cells from TCR-transgenic DO11.10 mice stimulated with their nominal antigen. We conclude that altered polymerization of cytoskeletal components, especial...
Patenting and Arid Frontier: Use and Abuse of the Public Land Laws in Owens Valley, California

ABSTRACT Five nineteenth-century policies for alienating the federal public domain only partially fulfilled their objectives when applied in the arid setting of Owens Valley, California. The Homestead Law was most successful in advancing the family farm ideal, to judge by the persistence of small holdings several decades after land entry. Preemption claims, coincident in time and space with homesteading, were more often consolidated into larger farm units. The Desert Land Act, though designed to encourage irrigated farming in the arid West, tended to attract nonresident speculative entries on marginal lands, most of which were eventually consolidated into large grazing units. State Land Grants also contributed to large-scale holdings, whereas the Timber Culture Act, though used for entry in the 1880s, had little relevance to final settlement. Public land policies were generally adequate for settling the well-watered north end of Owens Valley, but they were unsuccessful in reclaiming most of the irrigable ...
COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF AN ANIMAL PROTEIN ISOLATE PREPARED FROM BONE RESIDUE

A protein isolate was prepared from the bone residue of mechanically deboned chicken necks and backs. Typically, the isolate contained 60–65% protein, 23–25% lipid, 5–10% ash and 4–6% moisture. Solubility and emulsifying capacity of the isolate were enhanced at elevated pH and ionic strength and in the presence of polyphosphates. The latter were effective in improving emulsifying capacity when used in combination with NaCl but not when used alone.
New Models for Old

When faced with a new thing, human beings do something very sensible. They try to harness previous experience and intuition in service of the new thing. How is this new thing like something that I already know and understand? Trying to model the new thing on some old thing can be efficient, making it easier to reason about the new thing by using analogies adopted from previous experience. We're in the midst of a huge society-wide change to move record keeping from paper systems to digital ones. In consequence, a vast number of existing rules can and should be rethought and revised. No better time than now, and no one better to do it than we.
Characteristics of fibrinolysin secreted by cultured rat breast carcinoma cells.

Summary Fibrinolysin secreted by cultured R2426 rat breast carcinoma cells has been purified and partially characterized. Three methods of assay were used: the hydrolysis of [ 125 I]fibrinogen and N-p -tosyl- l -arginine methyl ester (TAME), and clearing of fibrin-agar plates (heated and unheated). Two types of fibrinolytic activity were identified: a plasminogen activator and a direct fibrinolysin. The fibrinolysin had direct hydrolytic action on plasminogen-free fibrinogen, fibrin, and TAME. The products of fibrinogen hydrolysis by the tumor cell fibrinolysin differed from those of human plasmin. It was heat stable (60°C, 12 h), and was inhibited by e-aminocaproic acid and soybean trypsin inhibitor. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) inhibited the action of the tumor cell enzyme on TAME, but not on human fibrinogen. The direct fibrinolytic activity could be separated from plasminogen activator activity by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, and the molecular weight was estimated to be approx. 110 000 D.
Excitatory amino acid receptors mediate the orofacial stereotypy elicited by dopaminergic stimulation of the ventrolateral striatum

Abstract The present experiments examined the role of excitatory amino acid receptors in the orofacial stereotypy induced by direct amphetamine microinjection into the ventrolateral striatum. In these experiments, the influence of prior intra-ventrolateral striatum treatment with various excitatory amino acid antagonists on the expression of amphetamine-stimulated oral stereotypy was observed. In all experiments, behavioral observations were conducted in the home cage using a time-sampling procedure. In the first experiment, different groups of rats received bilateral microinfusions of either kynurenic acid, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline or dizocilpine maleate. The excitatory amino acid antagonists were administered immediately prior to bilateral microinfusions of d-amphetamine. Both N -methyl- d -aspartate and non- N -methyl-D-aspartate antagonists dose-dependently attenuated or blocked the expression of dopamine-mediated stereotypy. 2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid was the most potent of these compounds, totally suppressing stereotypy at a dose of 0.3 μg (equivalent to 1.5 nmol). In the second experiment, the same compounds were tested for their ability to suppress physostigmine-induced mouth movements. Cholinergic stimulation of the ventrolateral striatum has previously been shown to elicit non-directed mouth movements, quite distinguishable from stimulus-directed, amphetamine-induced biting. Excitatory amino acid antagonists were administered in the same doses prior to bilateral infusion of physostigmine (2.5 μg/0.5 μl). The expression of physostigmine-induced mouth movements was for the most part not affected by excitatory amino acid antagonists, although dizocilpine maleate slightly reduced this oral behavior. In a third experiment, behavior was observed following infusion of the antagonists alone, using the same doses as in the previous experiments. No behavioral alterations were observed with the exception of a small increase in nonspecific mouth movements induced by kynurenic acid and 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid. These findings indicate that the expression of dopamine-mediated oral stereotypy, induced by amphetamine stimulation of the ventrolateral striatal region, is highly dependent on activation of striatal excitatory amino acid receptors. In contrast, oral behavior induced by cholinergic stimulation of the ventrolateral region is not mediated by glutamate input. These results are discussed in relation to the synaptic organization of neuronal elements within the striatum. Moreover, the relevance to further understanding of orofacial dyskinesias is noted.
Behaviour of oxide bonded SiC reticulated ceramics in oxidising environments

Reticulated ceramic core busters are used to increase heat transfer from natural gas fired flames to a ceramic radiant tube. For optimum performance, material stability in combustion environments is crucial. A commercially available reticulated oxide bonded silicon carbide (OBSiC) and a CVD SiC coated reticulated oxide bonded silicon carbide (CVD OBSiC) were investigated and their performance in moist and dry oxygen evaluated. Both materials exhibited a relatively high open porosity with interconnecting pore paths throughout the struts which are critical in terms of their performance in combustion environments. The CVD SiC coating retarded the degradation of the baseline material but was generally ineffective over longer periods of time and/or higher temperatures. When exposing the samples to moist oxygen, the rate of oxidation decreased. Microstructural investigations indicated the formation of a bubbled amorphous aluminosilicate layer.
Arterial to endtidal carbon dioxide gradient during pediatric laparoscopic fundoplication.

Summary Background: Discrepancies between arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and endtidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) measures have been demonstrated in ventilated children with cyanotic congenital heart disease, infants with respiratory failure and during visceral and urological laparoscopic surgery. Objectives: Our objective was to assess the extent of the PaCO2 to ETCO2 gradient in children during laparoscopic fundoplication. Methods: We prospectively collected data on patient characteristics, surgical conditions, pH, ETCO2and PaCO2 during laparoscopic fundoplication using carbon dioxide insufflation in children age <29 months. Results: Data were collected on nine cases, four cases aged <1 year. A Pa-ETCO2 gradient was present during insufflation. The gradient was larger in children age less than 1 year but statistically significantly different from a value of zero, only at t = 30 min (mean = 8 mmHg, sem = 0.81, P = 0.004) and t = 60 min (mean = 5 mmHg, sem = 1, P = 0.014). Minute ventilation was increased from 20% to 100% to control ETCO2. Conclusions: ETCO2 may not accurately represent arterial values during laparoscopic fundoplication, especially in the infant when carbon dioxide insufflation is used. Consideration should be given to placing an arterial line for blood gas measurement in some patients.
Ultrahigh-Pressure Melting of Lead: A Multidisciplinary Study

Measurements of the melting temperature of lead, carried out to pressures of 1 megabar (10 11 pascal) and temperatures near 4000 kelvin by means of a laser-heated diamond cell, are in excellent agreement with the results of previous shock-wave experiments. The data are analyzed by means of first principles quantum mechanical calculations, and the agreement documents the reliability of current experimental and theoretical techniques for studies of melting at ultrahigh pressures. These studies have potentially wide-ranging applications, from planetary science to condensed matter physics.
Auditory Brainstem Responses in Rett Syndrome: Effects of Hyperventilation, Seizures, and Tympanometric Variables

This study examined the effects of tympanometric variables, stage of disease, hyperventilation, and seizures on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in Rett syndrome (RS). Thirty-four female children with RS ranging in age from 2 years, 3 months to 15 years, 7 months participated in the study. ABRs and tympanograms were recorded from all of the subjects. When the ABR peaks were identifiable, interpeak latency intervals (IPLIs) for I-III, III-V, and I-V were computed for each waveform. The peaks (I, III, and V) and IPLIs were characterized as abnormal if either the peaks were absent or the latencies were greater than 2 SD from the normative data (obtained on female children). Analyses revealed significant prolongation of wave 1 latencies in Rett children with abnormal tympanograms. ABR wave III latencies were significantly affected by the presence of seizures and hyperventilation. The Pearson chi-square statistic revealed significant differences in the rate of wave III and V abnormalities due to the prese...
Quantum gates with controlled adiabatic evolutions

We introduce a class of quantum adiabatic evolutions that we claim may be interpreted as the equivalents of the unitary gates of the quantum gate model. We argue that these gates form a universal set and may therefore be used as building blocks in the construction of arbitrary ``adiabatic circuits,'' analogously to the manner in which gates are used in the circuit model. One implication of the above construction is that arbitrary classical boolean circuits as well as gate model circuits may be directly translated to adiabatic algorithms with no additional resources or complexities. We show that while these adiabatic algorithms fail to exhibit certain aspects of the inherent fault tolerance of traditional quantum adiabatic algorithms, they may have certain other experimental advantages acting as quantum gates.
Controlling transverse multibunch instabilities in linacs of high-energy linear colliders.

In this paper, we study multibunch beam breakup, with emphasis on theoretical methods applicable to the design of a linear collider with a center-of-mass energy near 1 TeV. One way to significantly improve the luminosity and energy transfer efficiency of such a collider is to accelerate a train of bunches rather than just a single bunch each time the linac accelerating structure is filled with a pulse of rf energy. For the required bunch charges and intensities, the transverse instability due to the wake fields produced in the accelerating structure is very severe unless measures are taken to control it. Therefore, we examine the effects of several methods of reducing this instability: (1) use of damped acceleration cavities, (2) placing the bunches near nodes of the transverse wake fields produced by preceding bunches, (3) introducing a spread (over different cells of the accelerating structure) of the individual mode frequencies in the transverse wake field, and (4) varying the strength of the transverse focusing from bunch to bunch, in such a way as to partially cancel the effects of the wake fields from preceding bunches. We present examples illustrating the effectiveness of these cures, using realistic linear-collider design parameters.
Viewing the Seeds of Crystallization

All materials search for the lowest accessible energy state. As temperature is increased in disordered materials, atoms diffuse and explore different chemical and structural configurations. Crystalline phases may be favored, but a very small crystal is unstable, so there is a “nucleation barrier” to overcome; only after reaching a critical size can the nucleus grow. Although we understand the thermodynamics of the nucleation process [e.g., ( 1 )], observation of the actual atomic-scale complexity during nucleation has remained elusive, despite its importance to the properties of materials. Taking nucleation out of the “black box” is one of the grand challenges to “materials by design” that is seen as the future solution to major societal problems such as sustainable energy ( 2 ). On page 980 of this issue, Lee et al. ( 3 ) use fluctuation electron microscopy to image subcritical nuclei in a solid material, observing metastable structural states that facilitate later nucleation in amorphous films. Their study is applied to a technologically important case of “phase-change memory” and therefore may facilitate efforts to design faster higher-density nonvolatile memory.
Pore-scale modeling of fluid transport in disordered fibrous materials

The modeling of fluid transport in fibrous materials is important for many applications. Most models operate at the continuum level, which requires an a priori knowledge of spatially averaged transport parameters. Alternatively, highly detailed models, in which the momentum equations are solved directly, require major simplifying assumptions. Thus, it is desirable to use intermediate-level techniques that model transport using first principles, but that are appropriate for real engineering processes. In this work, pore-scale network modeling is adapted for fibrous materials and tested for a large range of fibrous structures and solid volume fractions. A novel technique is used to generate prototype network structures from Voronoi diagrams. The Voronoi networks are coupled with two different multiphase flow algorithms, enabling the modeling of various displacement processes relevant to engineering. Permeability predictions agree well with known values. Effects of dynamics, wettability, and material structure on displacement were studied. This modeling technique not only allows for better quantification of how microscale properties affect macroscopic transport, but helps reduce the number of experiments required to predict continuum transport parameters for various materials and processes.
The black:white disparity in breast cancer mortality: the example of Chicago.

Objective The black:white disparity in breast cancer mortality has been increasing in the U.S. In order to gain insight into this disparity in Chicago, we examined mortality data together with other important measures associated with breast cancer.
Ovarian responses to undernutrition in pregnant ewes, USA.

In most mammals oogonia proliferate by mitosis and begin meiotic development during fetal life. Previous studies indicated that there is a delay in the progression to the first stage of meiotic arrest in germ cells of female fetuses of undernourished ewes. We report that underfeeding (50% NRC requirement beginning on Day 28 of pregnancy) provokes an increase in oxidative base lesions within DNA of mid-gestational (Day 78) fetal oogonia; this condition was associated with up-regulation of the tumor suppressor/cell-cycle arrest modulator p53, antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2, and base-excision repair polymerase β. Fetal ovarian weights and germ cell concentrations were not altered by nutrient deprivation. Ovaries of ewes on control diets (100% NRC) contained more tertiary follicles than their restricted counterparts; however, peripheral venous estradiol-17β was not different between groups. There was no effect of treatment on p53 accumulation in maternal oocytes. Luteal structure-function was not perturbed by undernutrition. No fetal losses were attributed to the dietary restriction. It is proposed that DNA of interphase fetal oogonia is vulnerable to oxidative insults perpetrated by a nutritional stress to the dam, and that multiple/integrated adaptive molecular response mechanisms of cell-cycle inhibition (providing the time required for base repairs) and survival hence sustain the genomic integrity and population stability of the germline.
Risk of Subsequent Pregnancy in Women With a History of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a pregnancy-associated myocardial disease with marked left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Although this condition can lead to major complications, including severe heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and death, the majority of women with this condition demonstrate a complete or partial recovery. Many of these women desire to become pregnant again and are concerned regarding the safety of additional pregnancies. The purpose of this paper is to review the available information related to subsequent pregnancies in women with a history of PPCM in an attempt to reach conclusions regarding the risk of such pregnancies in this group of patients.
Computer-Assisted Annotation of Murine Sertoli Cell Small RNA Transcriptome

Mammalian genomes encode a large number of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) that play regulatory roles during development and adulthood by affecting gene expression. Several sncRNA species, including microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), are abundantly expressed in the testis and required for normal testicular development and spermatogenesis. To evaluate global changes in sncRNA expression, the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based sncRNA transcriptomic analysis has become routine, because it allows rapid determination of the small RNA transcriptome of a particular testicular cell type. However, annotation of small RNA NGS reads can be challenging due to the volume of reads obtained, which is usually in the millions. Therefore, we developed a computer-assisted sncRNA annotation protocol that could identify not only known sncRNAs but also previously uncharacterized ones. Using this protocol, we annotated NGS reads of a Sertoli cell sncRNA library, and we report to our knowledge the first comprehensive annotation of the sncRNA transcriptome of immature murine Sertoli cells. Moreover, the computer-assisted sncRNA annotation pipeline that we report is applicable for annotating NGS reads derived from other cell types and/or sequencing platforms.
Determinants of HIV-1 Mutational Escape From Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

CD8+ class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) usually incompletely suppress HIV-1 in vivo, and while analogous partial suppression induces antiretroviral drug-resistance mutations, epitope escape mutations are inconsistently observed. However, escape mutation depends on the net balance of selective pressure and mutational fitness costs, which are poorly understood and difficult to study in vivo. Here we used a controlled in vitro system to evaluate the ability of HIV-1 to escape from CTL clones, finding that virus replicating under selective pressure rapidly can develop phenotypic resistance associated with genotypic changes. Escape varied between clones recognizing the same Gag epitope or different Gag and RT epitopes, indicating the influence of the T cell receptor on pressure and fitness costs. Gag and RT escape mutations were monoclonal intra-epitope substitutions, indicating limitation by fitness constraints in structural proteins. In contrast, escape from Nef-specific CTL was more rapid and consistent, marked by a polyclonal mixture of epitope point mutations and upstream frameshifts. We conclude that incomplete viral suppression by CTL can result in rapid emergence of immune escape, but the likelihood is strongly determined by factors influencing the fitness costs of the particular epitope targeted and the ability of responding CTL to recognize specific epitope variants.
The changing world, the changing nature of conflicts: a critical role for military radar

The upheaval in world geopolitical structure is changing the nature of international security and the nature of possible future conflicts. A review of the character of these future conflicts points to new critical roles for military radars. The paper assesses the nature of future conflicts and identifies certain critical radar systems and technology that are the keystone to winning these conflicts. The author concentrates on radars in unmanned air vehicles.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and methionine synthase: biochemistry and molecular biology

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase catalyze the penultimate and ultimate steps in the biosynthesis of methionine in prokaryotes, and are required for the regeneration of the methyl group of methionine in mammals. Defects in either of these enzymes can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. The sequences of the human methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and methionine synthase are now known, and show clear homology with their bacterial analogues. Mutations in both enzymes that are known to occur in humans and to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia affect residues that are conserved in the bacterial enzymes. Structure/function studies on the bacterial proteins, summarized in this review, are therefore relevant to the function of the human enzymes; in particular studies on the effects of bacterial mutations analogous to those causing hyperhomocysteinemia in human may shed light on the defects associated with these mutations.
Association of Socioeconomic Status and Exercise Capacity in Adults With Coronary Heart Disease (from the Heart and Soul Study)

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with reduced treadmill exercise capacity and predicted adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Why patients with low SES had reduced exercise capacity and whether this relation existed in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) was not known. Using data from the Heart and Soul Study, the association of 4 indicators of SES (household income, education, housing status, and occupation) with treadmill exercise capacity was analyzed in 943 men and women with stable CHD. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographic variables, co-morbidities, medication use, and health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, body mass index, physical activity, and medication adherence), exercise capacity significantly decreased in a graded fashion from the highest to lowest categories of each SES variable (p
The effect of organizational climate on the clinical care of patients with mental health problems.

Abstract Introduction: During The Past 3 Decades, The Number Of Patients With Serious Mental Health Problems Seeking Care In General Hospital Emergency Departments Has Increased Exponentially, With Special Clinical Challenges. This Study Examines The Effect Of Organizational Climate—THE Subjective Perceptions Of Staff Regarding The Work Environment—ON Ed Staff Members' Attitudes Toward Patients With Mental Health Problems, As Well As The Effect On The Clinical Care Of These Patients. Methods: The Data For This Study Came From A Written Survey Of 109 Emergency Nurses And Other Clinical Staff Employed In A General Public Hospital Emergency Department In A Midwestern City (RESPONSE Rate=67.9%). Results: The Findings Indicate That The Emergency Nurses And Other Clinical Staff Who View Their Working Conditions Positively Report Having More Frequent Contact And Providing A Greater Variety Of Interventions To Patients With Psychiatric Problems. Staff Members Who Believed That Their Clinical Work Roles And Expectations Are Poorly Defined Were Those Least Likely To Interact With This Patient Population. Discussion: The Findings Indicate That Organizational Processes Seem To Have An Impact On The Delivery Of Clinical Care, As Well As Caregivers' Attitudes About This Patient Population. This Finding Underlines The Importance Of Addressing Organizational Climate In Emergency Departments As Part Of An Effort To Improve The Quality Of Care For Patients With Mental Health Problems.
Differential responses of forage legumes to aluminum

Abstract Response of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) to aluminum was evaluated in a nutrient culture system under controlled conditions. In each of the species, varietal differences were also compared. In the absence of Al stress, varieties of alfalfa and Tensas red clover produced more dry weight than the other legumes. However, among the legumes tested, alfalfa was the most sensitive to Al. Aluminum reduced the uptake of many of essential nutrients. Overall, red clover cultivars experienced the least reduction in elemental uptake, whereas alfalfa cultivars experienced the greatest reduction in uptake of elements under Al stress. The efficiency ratio (ER) assisted in differentiating legumes entries into efficient and inefficient utilizers of absorbed nutrients. The ER is defined as milligrams of dry shoot weight produced per milligram of element in the shoot. The presence of Al in the growth medium reduced the ER for all elem...
Characterization and Application of Wireless Magnetostrictive Micro-Sensors

Magnetostrictive materials have been investigated extensively for the application of physical, chemical and biological sensors recently. Higher precision and higher detection sensitivity requires microsensors or nanosensors to be used. In this research, the mass sensitivity and size effect of the free-standing magnetostrictive sensors is investigated down to the micro level both experimentally and theoretically. A highly efficient wireless signal query system is designed and employed. The procedure of the fabrication of micro-sized sensors is investigated to ensure optimum sensor surface for immobilization and excellent frequency signals. The damping effect in liquid is tested and the high Q factor promises potential application in chemical and biological areas. A numerical approach is also used for sensor modeling and related to experimental results
Identification of optimal classification functions for biological sample and state discrimination from metabolic profiling data

Motivations: Classification of biological samples for diagnostic purposes is a difficult task because of the many decisions involved on the number, type and functional manipulations of the input variables. This study presents a generally applicable strategy for systematic formulation of optimal diagnostic indexes. To this end, we develop a novel set of computational tools by integrating regression optimization, stepwise variable selection and cross-validation algorithms. Results: The proposed discrimination methodology was applied to plasma and tissue (liver) metabolic profiling data describing the time progression of liver dysfunction in a rat model of acute hepatic failure generated by d-galactosamine (GalN) injection. From the plasma data, our methodology identified seven (out of a total of 23) metabolites, and the corresponding transform functions, as the best inputs to the optimal diagnostic index. This index showed better time resolution and increased noise robustness compared with an existing metabolic index, Fischer's BCAA/AAA molar ratio, as well as indexes generated using other commonly used discriminant analysis tools. Comparison of plasma and liver indexes found two consensus metabolites, lactate and glucose, which implicate glycolysis and/or gluconeogenesis in mediating the metabolic effects of GalN.
SALTY SURVIVORS: Artemia: Basic and AppliedBiology

Edited by Th. J. Abatzopoulos, J. A. Beardmore, J. S. Clegg and P. Sorgeloos Kluwer Academic Publishers (2002) pp. 286. ISBN 1402007469 (hbk) $113 (hbk) ![Figure][1] The power of brine shrimp ( Artemia sp.) to survive and even thrive in forbidding environments has long
The Use of Poison Prevention and Education Strategies to Enhance the Awareness of the Poison Information Center and to Prevent Accidental Pediatric Poisonings

Poison information centers have traditionally served two major functions: the dissemination of poison information and poison prevention education. These functions facilitate the ultimate missions of the poison information centers which are to prevent accidental poisonings and to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with toxic exposures. Education must be directed at the potential and actual consumers of poison information centers services to prevent poisonings and to create awareness of how to use the poison information centers in the event of accidental or intentional poisoning. The target population can be identified from poison center statistics generated by the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System which define patient and caller demographics. Analysis of American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System for ten years was used to identify the ten most common and ten most lethal poisons. This information indicates the most appropriate topics for education. These data also provide direction regarding poison center penetrance into specific geographic regions and identifies special needs of those individuals. Poison information centers are very costly to operate and the utilization of epidemiologic data can help to direct education efforts in the most cost-effective fashion.
Probable Maximum Precipitation Estimation Using Multifractals: Application in the Eastern United States

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is the conceptual construct that defines the magnitude of extreme storms used in the design of dams and reservoirs. In this study, the value and utility of applying multifractal analysis techniques to systematically calculate physically meaningful estimates of maximum precipitation from observations in the eastern United States is assessed. The multifractal approach is advantageous because it provides a formal framework to infer the magnitude of extreme events independent of empirical adjustments, which is called the fractal maximum precipitation (FMP), as well as an objective estimate of the associated risk. Specifically, multifractal (multiscaling) behavior of maximum accumulated precipitation at daily (327 rain gauges) and monthly (1400 rain gauges) timescales, as well as maximum accumulated 6-hourly precipitable water fluxes for the period from 1950 to 1997 were characterized. Return periods for the 3-day FMP estimates in this study ranged from 5300 to 6200 yr. The multifractal parameters were used to infer the magnitude of extreme precipitation consistent with engineering design criterion (e.g., return periods of 10 6 yr), the design probable maximum precipitation (DPMP). The FMP and DPMP were compared against PMP estimates for small dams in Pennsylvania using the standard methodology in engineering practice (e.g., National Weather Service Hydrometeorological Reports 51 and 52). The FMP estimates were usually, but not always, found to be lower than the standard PMP (FMP/PMP ratios ranged from 0.5 to 1.0). Furthermore, a high degree of spatial variability in these ratios points to the importance of orographic effects locally, and the need for place-based FMP estimates. DMP/PMP ratios were usually greater than one (0.96 to 2.0), thus suggesting that DPMP estimates can provide a bound of known risk to the standard PMP.
Effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on net electrolyte transport in rat colon.

Rats fed NH4Cl (5 meq.100 g body wt-1.day-1) for one week developed chronic metabolic acidosis and had an arterial blood pH and plasma HCO3- concentration of 7.27 +2- 0.02 and 16.2 +/- 0.8 meq/l, respectively; control animals had values of 7.36 +/- 0.01 and 22.4 +/- 0.5 meq/l, respectively. Net electrolyte transport was measured in proximal and distal colonic segments by in situ perfusion. In proximal colon, chronic metabolic acidosis increased HCO3- absorption from 3.3 +/- 0.8 to 6.4 +/- 0.6 mu eq.min-1.g-1 but did not alter Na+ absorption. In distal colon, although Na+ transport was unaffected, chronic acidosis reduced HCO3- secretion from -6.9 +/- 0.8 to -4.4 +/- 0.7 mu eq.min-1.g-1 and increased voltage from -18.9 +/- 2.0 to -51.1 +/- 4.2 mV. To evaluate the dependence of these effects on altered arterial pH and HCO3- concentration, NaHCO3 was infused intravenously, raising pH and HCO3- concentration to 7.53 +/- 0.04 and 23.9 +/- 1.7 meq/l, respectively. Although acute correction of chronic metabolic acidosis reduced HCO3- absorption in proximal colon, it did not affect HCO3- secretion or voltage in the distal segment, suggesting that proximal and distal colon respond differently to chronic metabolic acidosis. These results also suggest that chronic metabolic acidosis alters the mechanisms of ion transport in distal colon.
Developing Policies for the Future of the United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service currently faces a number of deep-seated problems that are not easily resolved. With these problems in mind, Postmaster General Jack Potter and Under Secretary of the Treasury Peter Fisher announced on December 11, 2002 the formation of the Presidential Commission on the United States Postal Service.1 This paper originated with testimony before this Commission on the future of the USPS (Crew 2003). We argue that the current business model of the United States Postal Service has become increasingly out of step with reality. We review the background and current problems facing USPS and then draw a number of implications for the future of USPS.
Experimental Characterization of Diesel Engines

From the demands on the development of cars the criteria for the development of engines are derived. It follows from the thermodynamic analysis that the Diesel engine has still a big development potential. Besides the low fuel consumption it is well known for its low emissions and its multi-fuel ability. From a discussion of the fuel combustion and soot/NOx formation the research of the Diesel engine could be derived.
A Review of the Mississippi Products Liability Act of 1993

This article discusses the law of products liability in Mississippi as it existed prior to the 1993 enactment of the Products Liability Act. It also examines the theories of recovery, elements of proof, defenses available and types of damages recoverable in a products liability action. The article also discusses the changes that this act made to Mississippi law as it relates to products liability actions. While the Products Liability Act generally codified existing law, it left many other questions unanswered. In discussing the state of Mississippi products liability law, the writer attempts to answer those questions.
The Ecology of Cryptococcus neoformans and the Epidemiology of Cryptococcosis

The ecology of Cryptococcus neoformans and the epidemiology of cryptococcosis are reviewed. Two varieties of C. neoformans have been recognized. C. neoformans variety neoformans has been found in nature worldwide, primarily in association with bird droppings, although nonavian sources have also been found. Most cases of human cryptococcosis are caused by this variety. C. neoformans var. gattii has recently been isolated in nature in association with Eucalyptus trees. Infections caused by this variety occur mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Because exposure to C. neoformans is probably common and clinically apparent cases of cryptococcosis in healthy hosts are rare, it is presumed that most people can mount adequate host defenses upon exposure to the organism. At least 5%-10% of patients with AIDS become infected with Cryptococcus; the epidemiology of this infection is different in many respects from that seen in patients without AIDS.
Mild desiccation rapidly increases freeze tolerance of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis : evidence for drought-induced rapid cold-hardening

SUMMARY Overwintering insects may experience extreme cold and desiccation stress. Both freezing and desiccation require cells to tolerate osmotic challenge as solutes become concentrated in the hemolymph. Not surprisingly, physiological responses to low temperature and desiccation share common features and may confer cross-tolerance against these stresses. Freeze-tolerant larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae), experience extremely dry and cold conditions in winter. To determine whether mild desiccation can improve freeze tolerance at organismal and cellular levels, we assessed survival, hemolymph osmolality and glycerol levels of control and desiccated larvae. Larvae that lost only 6–10% of their body mass, in as little as 6 h, had markedly higher levels of freeze tolerance. Mild, rapid desiccation increased freezing tolerance at −15°C in September-collected larvae (33.3±6.7 to 73.3±12%) and at −20°C in October-collected larvae (16.7±6.7 to 46.7±3.3%). Similarly, 6 h of desiccation improved in vivo survival by 17–43% in fat body, Malpighian tubule, salivary gland and tracheal cells at −20°C. Desiccation also enhanced intrinsic levels of cold tolerance in midgut cells frozen ex vivo (38.7±4.6 to 89.2±5.5%). Whereas hemolymph osmolality increased significantly with desiccation treatment from 544±16 to 720±26 mOsm, glycerol levels did not differ between control and desiccated groups. The rapidity with which a mild desiccation stress increased freeze tolerance closely resembles the rapid cold-hardening response, which occurs during brief sub-lethal chilling, and suggests that drought stress can induce rapid cold-hardening.
Guess a number - with lying

Someone thinks of a number between one and one million (which is just less than 220). Another person is allowed to ask up to twenty questions, to each of which the first person is supposed to answer only yes or no. Obviously the number can be guessed by asking first: Is the number in the first half-million? and then again reduce the reservoir of numbers in the next question by one-half, and so on. Finally the number is obtained in less than log2(1000000). Now suppose one were allowed to lie once or twice, then how man)' questions would onie need to get the right answer?
Carbon Black Distribution in NR/Polybutadiene Blends

Abstract The distribution of carbon black between the phases of a NR/cis-1,4-polybutatdiene (BR) blend was studied. An N550 carbon black was added to the blend using different mixing techniques. The carbon-black distribution was determined using a variety of analytical techniques. The crystallization temperature of the BR was measured by differential scanning calorimetry. This temperature is related to the carbon-black level in the BR phase. Samples were dissolved in toluene to separate the bound and soluble rubber portions and the fractions were analysed for polymer type and amount by solid stale 13C MAS nuclear magnetic resonance. Results indicated that the N550 black has no preference for either the NH or the BR. In phase mixed samples, the majority of the black remains in tho polymer to which it is initially udded. When black and polymers are mixed simultaneously, the black tends to distribute itself uniformly between the polymers. Physical test results on a typical sidewall compound indicated that th...
Electric Field Measurements in Gases Using Cavity Enhanced Polarimetry

We report a novel form of cavity enhanced polarimetry to make electrical field measurements in gases via the optical Kerr effect. The measurement system uses a distributed feedback laser at 1742 nm as the light source and an optical cavity with finesse of 170,000. Electrical field measurements are made in gases between two parallel plates. The high finesse of the optical cavity provides higher sensitivity as compared to past measurements using single- or multi-pass cells. Measurements are presented for carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and air. Experimental results are compared against model predictions based on published Kerr constants. Effects of laser linewidth (phase noise) and the experimental detection limit are discussed.
Ca2+ Bridging of Apposed Phospholipid Bilayers

In an effort to provide insight into the mechanism of Ca2+-induced fusion of lipid vesicles, molecular dynamics simulations in the isobaric−isothermal ensemble are used to investigate interactions of Ca2+ with apposed lipid bilayers in close proximity. Simulations reveal the formation of a Ca2+−phospholipid “anhydrous complex” between apposed bilayers, whereas similar calculations performed with Na+ display only complexation between neighboring lipids within the same bilayer. The binding of Ca2+ to apposed phospholipids brings large regions of the bilayers into close contact (<4 A), displacing water from phospholipid head groups in the process and creating regions of local dehydration. Dehydration of the apposed bilayers leads to ordering of the phospholipid tails, which is partially disrupted by the presence of Ca2+-phospholipid bridges.
Inelastic π + π - , K 0 K̄ 0 , and K + K - Collisions in Unitary Symmetry

The $G$ conjugation invariance in the isospin representation and its analogs in the $u$-spin and $v$-spin representations of unitary symmetry are applied to the inelastic channels of reactions initiated in the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${K}^{0}{\overline{K}}^{0}$, and ${K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ systems. Relations among differential cross sections for various particle-antiparticle pairs are obtained with and without $R$ invariance.
An analysis on the average life expectancy of residents in the recent 50 years Huangpu district,Shanghai

[Objective] To explore the trend of life expectancy of residents in Huangpu district according to statistical data in the recent 50 years Huangpu district. [Methods] The birthrate,mortality and life expectancy in the recent 20 years were calculated. [Results] The mortality in south area of Huangpu district was 13.55‰ in 1951,and that of north area was 9.44‰.The birthrate in south area of Huangpu district was 44.00‰ in 1951,and that of north area was 29.20‰.The mortality in south area was 6.89‰ in 1976,and that of north area was 6.66‰.The birth rate in south area was 7.10‰,and that of north area was 6.56‰ in 1976.The mortality of the whole population in Huangpu district including the south and north area was 8.58‰ in 2006,and the birthrate was 5.08‰.The life expectancy of south area was 47.56 in 1951,and 71.18 in 1976.The life expectancy in Huangpu district in 2006 was 81.98. [Conclusion] The mortality and birthrate of Huangpu residents have decreased markedly in recent half century and the average life expectancy has increased.The life expectancy residents in 2006 increased 72.37% than that in 1951,and increased 15.17% than that in 1976,and was more than one years higher than the average level of shanghai residents in 2006 and is close to the level of that in developed countries.
Estimating the early impact of the FDA safety communication on the use of surgical mesh

OBJECTIVES To estimate the early impact of the July 2011 Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication on the practice patterns of gynecologic surgeons using surgical mesh to manage pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed by administering a mesh usage questionnaire to physician attendees at the opening session of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology in November 2011. RESULTS Of the 827 physicians attending the opening session of the conference, 281 (34%) completed the questionnaire, 202 (72%) of whom reported performing surgery for POP and/or SUI. The respondents were attending physicians (83.4%) with at least 10 years of experience (65.7%), 136 (71.1%) identifying themselves as General Gynecology, 29 (17.3%) as Urogynecology, 13 (7.1%) as Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, and 3 (1.8%) as Urology. When compared with generalists, specialists were more likely to use mesh for abdominal (86% vs 56.3%, P < 0.001) and vaginal (65.9% vs 37.2%, P = 0.001) POP repair. Specialists reported using mesh for the anterior compartment (50% vs 28.3%, P = 0.01) and the posterior compartment (36.4% vs 12.5%, P = 0.001), and total vaginal mesh kits (13.6% vs 1.7%, P = 0.005). Respondents reported an increase in mesh use for primary abdominal POP repair (82 vs 92, P = 0.013) and a decrease in mesh use for recurrent vaginal POP repair (99 vs 75, P < 0.001), with more surgeons opting against mesh for recurrent POP (49 vs 74, P < 0.001). For patient counseling, 53.7% reported changing their methods. CONCLUSIONS In a self-selected sample of pelvic surgeons, we noted that the 2011 FDA Safety Communication had an impact, with changes in mesh usage and counseling patterns.
Quantum versus simulated annealing in wireless interference network optimization.

Quantum annealing (QA) serves as a specialized optimizer that is able to solve many NP-hard problems and that is believed to have a theoretical advantage over simulated annealing (SA) via quantum tunneling. With the introduction of the D-Wave programmable quantum annealer, a considerable amount of effort has been devoted to detect and quantify quantum speedup. While the debate over speedup remains inconclusive as of now, instead of attempting to show general quantum advantage, here, we focus on a novel real-world application of D-Wave in wireless networking—more specifically, the scheduling of the activation of the air-links for maximum throughput subject to interference avoidance near network nodes. In addition, D-Wave implementation is made error insensitive by a novel Hamiltonian extra penalty weight adjustment that enlarges the gap and substantially reduces the occurrence of interference violations resulting from inevitable spin bias and coupling errors. The major result of this paper is that quantum annealing benefits more than simulated annealing from this gap expansion process, both in terms of ST99 speedup and network queue occupancy. It is the hope that this could become a real-word application niche where potential benefits of quantum annealing could be objectively assessed.