cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The distinct response of γδ T cells to the Nod2 agonist muramyl dipeptide

Abstract Purified γδ T cells are primed directly in response to pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to better respond to secondary signals and increase expression of chemokine and activation-related genes. Transcripts encoding the innate receptor Nod2 were detected in bovine and human γδ T cells. Nod2 is the intracellular receptor for muramyl dipeptide (MDP), functions in regulating innate activities, and was thought to be expressed primarily in APCs. The response of γδ T cells to MDP was analyzed by microarray, Q-PCR, proteome array and functional priming assays. MDP had a consistent priming effect on γδ T cells, characterized by changes in transcripts and enhanced proliferation response to secondary signaling. Knockdown experiments implicated Nod2 as the receptor for MDP in γδ T cell-enriched bovine PBLs. The results indicate priming of γδ T cells by MDP, and offer definitive evidence of the expression of functional Nod2 in γδ T cells.
Bonding energetics of metals: Explanation of trends.

Bonding energetics of elemental metals are explained by a uniform electron-gas model that has been modified to be in mechanical equilibrium. The trends in the work functions, cohesive energies, and chemical potentials are explained semiquantitatively. The same model explains the surface energies of the simple metals; however, it fails qualitatively for the surface energies of the transition metals. The approach retains the simplicity of the uniform electron gas; its only input parameter is the average electron density. Basically, we change the definition of the uniform electron gas slightly, so that the electron gas is in mechanical equilibrium at any particular specified density. The change is a rule for splitting the constant background charge when jellium is cleaved. The trends in the energetics of metals result. The concept of a bonding valence will be defined in order to treat the transition metals in terms of a uniform electron gas. Further, the model, due to its simplicity, may serve as a theoretical laboratory for the study of bonding in metals. For example, it presents the possibility of a nonperturbative calculation of the surface energy of the simple metals beyond the local-density approximation. It is also expected to be a better starting pointmore » than jellium for modeling the dynamical surface excitations of metals.« less
Newer lumbar interbody fusion techniques.

Abstract The purpose of this review is to update the reader on more recent, less invasive lumbar interbody fusion procedures. The article contains a brief history on the development of lumbar interbody fusion methods, as well as the indications and descriptions of the various open and minimally invasive procedures, their complications, and outcomes. In contrast to the more traditional open methods of performing anterior and posterior interbody fusions, surgeons doing the less invasive techniques of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, extreme lateral and direct lateral interbody fusion, and the presacral axial approach are reporting less morbidity, shorter hospital stays, high rates of fusion, and improved patient outcomes. Although each technique has a different anatomical plane of approach, the goal is to achieve a solid interbody fusion of the pain generating segment(s) without complications.
Synaptic influences on identified neurons in an aberrant parieto-visceral ganglion of Aplysia

1. One aberrant parieto-visceral (abdominal) ganglion in Aplysia californica was found in which the right hemiganglion was separated from the left hemiganglion by a commissure approximately 1 cm long. 2. Simultaneous records were made from R15 (intracellular) and the commissure in the isolated right hemiganglion; from L11 (intracellular) and the genital and pericardial nerves in the isolated left hemiganglion; in addition, intracellular recordings were made from R14. 3. These and other cells were found in their respective hemiganglia in the position they usually occupy in the normal ganglion. 4. The recordings have allowed us to indicate the relative influence or lack of influence of L10 and Interneuron II on R15 and L11 in their respective hemiganglia and the position of Interneuron II as being in the right hemiganglion. 5. R15 was shown to send an axon into the interganglionic commissure. R15's bursting activity was modulated by an ILD-E input from Interneuron II in that hemiganglion.
Corneal transduction to inhibit angiogenesis and graft failure.

Purpose To test whether lentivirus-mediated expression of an endostatin::kringle-5 (E::K-5) fusion gene has an inhibitory effect on neovascularization and failure of corneal transplants. Methods A lentiviral vector containing a fusion transgene comprising the human endostatin gene and the kringle-5 domain of the human plasminogen gene (E::K-5) was used for transduction of corneal buttons ex vivo. The corneal buttons were transplanted after overnight incubation in media containing either lentivirus or PBS. Sixteen rabbits underwent allogenic penetrating keratoplasty in one eye. The area of neovascularization from the limbus to within the graft was documented after surgery. RT-PCR was performed to demonstrate the presence of transgene mRNA within the graft. Histopathology was used to analyze neovascularization, inflammation, and rejection morphology. Results Less neovascularization was observed in corneas treated with the lentivirus E::K-5 fusion vector. Early onset and profound neovascularization was observed in control eyes. E::K-5-treated animals did not have graft failure, whereas five of the six control animals had graft failure, as classified by opacification of the graft. All E::K-5 transduced corneas tested were positive by RT-PCR for the unique fusion gene sequence. Histopathology corroborated a significant increase of blood vessel presence and inflammatory reaction in control compared with treated eyes. Conclusions Corneas transduced with a lentivirus containing an endostatin::kringle-5 fusion gene demonstrated an inhibition of neovascularization and graft failure. E::K-5 gene transduction through a lentiviral vector system may be a useful adjunct to prevent graft neovascularization and corneal graft rejection in high-risk corneal transplants with antecedent rejection or neovascularization.
Myelination: some receptors required

Feltri et al. (2001)(this issue) succeed in disrupting β1 integrin specifically in Schwann cells, and in so doing, demonstrate that it is required for normal myelination. Their results reveal that signaling by an extracellular matrix receptor plays a key role in the differentiation of myelinating Schwann cells.
Erythropoietin mRNA expression in pig embryos.

To address whether altered erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis might be involved in prenatal pig mortality, studies were conducted to measure porcine embryonic EPO mRNA expression during early gestation (days 24–40). Three pig models differing in embryonic survival from days 24–40 were investigated: intact white crossbred gilts (INT), white crossbred gilts that were unilaterally hysterectomized-ovariectomized before puberty and whose pregnant uterus constituted a crowded environment (UHO), and prolific, intact Meishan gilts (ME). A partial cDNA for porcine EPO, developed via reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction procedures was used to generate a 32 P-labeled probe for use in Northern analyses. In an initial study, embryonic liver EPO mRNA was greatest on day 24, decreased by day 30 ( P< 0.01), and was barely detectable by day 40. EPO mRNA expression was not influenced by pig model. Placental EPO mRNA expression was detectable in only 4 of 53 placentae examined. In a second study at day 35 of gestation, embryonic liver EPO mRNA expression was measured in the same three pig models and in two embryos of divergent weights from each gilt. Meishan embryos had lower ( P< 0.01) plasma immunoassayable EPO concentrations (P = 0.04) and higher survival rates (87 ± 2.7%) at day 35 than did white crossbred embryos (75±5%). Liver EPO mRNA expression did not differ among animal models, nor did plasma EPO or tissue EPO mRNA expression differ between large and small embryos. There was no apparent relationship between embryonic development, measured as embryonic and placental size, and plasma EPO concentrations or liver EPO mRNA expression. These results indicate that at the gestational ages examined, the embryonic liver is one source of plasma erythropoietin and suggest that at the ages sampled, EPO is not a limiting factor in embryonic development. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Analysis of periodic thin-film structures with rectangular profiles☆

Abstract A rigorous analysis is presented for thin-film structures on which a rectangular-profile grating layer is superimposed. Typical dispersion curves are calculated for guided leaky waves, which are relevant to beam couplers in integrated-optics applications.
The Temperature-Dependence of Charge Carrier Concentrations in Low-Dimensional Metals: A Breathing Band Gap Model

Within the framework of a very simple model of vibronic origin, we investigate the temperature-dependent concentration of charge carriers in the conduction band of a low-dimensional metallic system...
Role of Urodynamics in the Evaluation of Urinary Incontinence and Prolapse

Urodynamics are functional tests of the bladder that are commonly requested for the evaluation of urinary incontinence and prolapse. As a diagnostic test that also can provide prognostic information, urodynamics should be requested when there is a specific question that needs to be answered. This chapter will review the literature that pertains to the common reasons for requesting urodynamics before stress urinary incontinence surgery and review recent randomized trials on urodynamic testing before stress incontinence surgery. In addition, the chapter will compare the predictive ability of urodynamic prolapse reduction stress testing with office-based prolapse reduction stress testing for detecting postoperative stress urinary incontinence in women without symptoms of stress urinary incontinence undergoing prolapse surgery.
Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics of Human Cannabinoid Receptor 2: Covalent Cysteine 6.47(257)-Ligand Interaction Affording Megagonist Receptor Activation

The lack of experimental characterization of the structures and ligand-binding motifs of therapeutic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) hampers rational drug discovery. The human cannabinoid receptor 2 (hCB2R) is a class-A GPCR and promising therapeutic target for small-molecule cannabinergic agonists as medicines. Prior mutational and modeling data constitute provisional evidence that AM-841, a high-affinity classical cannabinoid, interacts with cysteine C6.47(257) in hCB2R transmembrane helix 6 (TMH6) to afford improved hCB2R selectivity and unprecedented agonist potency. We now apply bottom-up mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to define directly the hCB2R-AM-841 interaction at the amino-acid level. Recombinant hCB2R, overexpressed as an N-terminal FLAG-tagged/C-terminal 6His-tagged protein (FLAG-hCB2R-6His) with a baculovirus system, was solubilized and purified by immunochromatography as functional receptor. A multiplex multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-MS method was developed that allowed us to observe unambiguously all seven discrete TMH peptides in the tryptic digest of purified FLAG-hCB2R-6His and demonstrate that AM-841 modifies hCB2R TMH6 exclusively. High-resolution mass spectra of the TMH6 tryptic peptide obtained by Q-TOF MS/MS analysis demonstrated that AM-841 covalently and selectively modifies hCB2R at TMH6 cysteine C6.47(257). These data demonstrate how integration of MS-based proteomics into a ligand-assisted protein structure (LAPS) experimental paradigm can offer guidance to structure-enabled GPCR agonist design.
THE IMPACT OF RAPID POPULATION GROWTH, EXPANDING URBANISATION, AND OTHER FACTORS ON DEVELOPMENT IN SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICA: THE CONTRASTING RESPONSES OF TANZANIA AND KENYA

When the nations of Sub‐Saharan Africa won independence some twenty years ago, they faced formidable constraints on development which continue to impede their economic and social progress, despite considerable interim achievements. This article discusses five of these constraints‐internal factors based largely on historical circumstances and the physical environment: (1) underdeveloped human resources; (2) military and political conflict; (3) the colonial institutional heritage; (4) climate and geography; and (5) the twin factors of rapid population growth and expanding urbanisation. However, as an urban sociologist, the author will focus on the fifth development constraint and on the contrasting policies Tanzania and Kenya have devised in response to it. These two countries were chosen because while Tanzania is a low‐income Sub‐Saharan African nation, defined by the World Bank as one with a per capita income of $370 or less, and Kenya is a middle‐income Sub‐Saharan African nation with a per capita income exceeding $370, Tanzania and Kenya are similar in total population, being the fourth and fifth most populous nations in Sub‐Saharan Africa (Nigeria ranks first with a population of 82.6 million; Ethiopia, second, with a population of 30.9 million; Zaire, third, with a population of 27.5 million; Tanzania and Sudan essentially tying for fourth place with populations of 18 million and 17.9 million, respectively; and Kenya, fifth, with a population of 15.3 million, its closest competitors being Uganda with a population of 12.8 million and Ghana with a population of 11.3 million). Moreover, Kenya and Tanzania had the same average annual rate of population growth‐3.4 percent‐between 1970 and 1980, and their projected populations for the year 2000 are only 1 million apart – 34 million and 35 million, respectively. Even more relevant to the theme of this article, however, is the fact that by 1980 Tanzania had reached nearly the same level of urbanisation – 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively, as well as nearly the same concentration of urban population in their capital or primate cities—50 percent and 57 percent, respectively (World Bank, 1983).
Registered professional engineers

Written primarily for the Student membership and the younger members, this article presents a picture of registration as it affects the engineer today, as well as how it is likely to affect him in the future. It reviews the requirements necessary for registration as an engineer and indicates some of the procedures involved in attaining such certification.
Quantitative nucleic acids footprinting: Thermodynamic and kinetic approaches

Quantitative footprinting techniques allow a detailed analysis of the thermodynamic forces that characterize nucleic acid-ligand interactions and ligand-induced changes in nucleic acid structure by separately resolving the intrinsic and cooperative Gibbs free energy changes describing the reactions being investigated. A new implementation of the quantitative footprinting technique is the application of stopped-flow techniques to the study of kinetic reactions.
Effects of reserpinization, surgical denervation and in vitro chemical denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine on the contractile response of isolated rabbit ear artery to propranolol.

The contractile effect of propranolol in isolated rabbit ear artery was assessed in reserpinized and in surgically and chemically denervated blood vessels. Reserpinization and surgical denervation eit
1033 IONIZED Ca (iCa) IN RELATION TO GESTATIONAL AGE

Previous studies of serum Ca in relation to gestational age have not examined iCa, the physiologically active fraction of circulating Ca. Forty-three infants with birth weights appropriate for gestational age were studied from birth to 72 hrs.of age Ionized Ca was determined by the Orion 99-20 flow-thru electrode, standardized with aqueous and serum standards. Normal serum iCa in 35 young adults ranged from 3.6 to 4.5mg/dl; in 34 well full term infants on day 3, iCa ranged from 3 to 4mg/dl. Fifteen of 43 (35%) of study infants were “hypocalcemic” (serum iCa ≥3mg/dl) on at least one occassion in the first 3 days of life. Serum iCa levels were correlated with total Ca levels (correlation r=0.588,p<.001). At birth, umbilical venous serum iCa was correlated with simultaneous maternal iCa (r=0.658,p<0.01), but significantly higher than maternal values (4.7±.11mg/dl, mean±SE, vs. 4.1±.07, respectively, paired t p<.001). A greater decrease of serum iCa from birth to 24-48 hrs. was related to a higher cord blood iCa (r=0.611, p<.011). Serum iCa at 24 hrs correlated with gestational age (r=0.43,p<.05) and the amount of bicarbonate received/kg body weight/first 24 hrs. (r=.527, p<.01) but not with birth weight (r=.210). Serum iCa at 24 hours was related to serum iCa at 48 and 72 hrs. (r=.794,.709). Thus, serum iCa at birth is correlated with, but higher than simultaneous maternal iCa; serum iCa at 24 hrs. of age is significantly correlated with gestational age.
The relationship between esophageal speech proficiency and selected measures of auditory function.

Twenty-one male laryngectomees enrolled in intensive esophageal speech training were given a variety of auditory tests two weeks after beginning therapy. Included in the battery was a multiple-choi...
Sensitive population profiling and genome assembly of HIV and Flaviviruses using ultra-deep sequencing technologies

Viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Dengue have an enormous impact on human health worldwide. Despite this, application of new sequencing technologies to viral genomics has lagged. We are using genome sequence data to study how populations of single stranded RNA viruses, including HIV, Dengue, West Nile and Hepatitis C, evolve within infected individuals in response to host immune, therapeutic and vaccine pressures. To support this, we have developed high-throughput sequencing, assembly and population profiling pipelines based on 454 and Illumina technology that are tuned to the specific needs of viral sequencing. These strategies can capture full genome sequences and can profile sequence diversity at each residue in the genome with unprecedented sensitivity. Our analytical pipeline for 454 and Illumina data (i) generates complete genome assemblies from short sequencing reads derived from populations with high rates of variation; and (ii) detects and quantifies variants in these populations with high sensitivity, while differentiating true variants from process errors. Initial results with our viral sequencing and analysis pipeline are extremely promising. We detected rare variants to below 1% frequency, revolutionizing our ability to accurately assess the earliest events in viral evolution. We have demonstrated effective assessment of genome-wide diversity during acute HIV infection, enabling rapid, affordable, and highly sensitive identification of the earliest cellular immune responses to HIV. This has allowed us to detect earlier evolutionary events, demonstrating, for example, that HIV cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) escape can occur much faster than previously known. In addition, we have shown that the extent of intra-host diversity in Flaviviruses such as DENV and WNV is different between these closely related viruses with the latter exhibiting greater genetic diversity. The results presented here demonstrate the power of scalable, next generation sequencing-based methodologies as a genome-wide and unbiased global approach to profiling genomic diversity in intra-host populations of single stranded RNA viruses.
Production of a novel neuropeptide encoded by the calcitonin gene via tissue-specific RNA processing

Alternative processing of the RNA transcribed from the calcitonin gene appears to result in the production of a messenger RNA in neural tissue distinct from that in thyroidal 'C' cells. The thyroid mRNA encodes a precursor to the hormone calcitonin whereas that in neural tissues generates a novel neuropeptide, referred to as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The distribution of CGRP-producing cells and pathways in the brain and other tissues suggests functions for the peptide in nociception, ingestive behaviour and modulation of the autonomic and endocrine systems. The approach described here permits the application of recombinant DNA technology to analyses of complex neurobiological systems in the absence of prior structural or biological information.
Computing the Kalman decomposition: An optimal method

In this paper we describe a method for computing the complete Kalman decomposition of a linear dynamical system, and we show that this method is optimal in a certain sense. Specifically, we describe an algorithm to compute a mapping that, when applied to the original system, yields a complete Kalman decomposition. We show that, of all transformations that yield a Kalman decomposition, the one we construct here has the lowest condition number.
The State of American Boyhood

The existence of a “boy crisis” in the United States is a topic of public policy debate. This study examines the state of American boyhood, using not only the commonly reviewed indicators of school achievement but also mental health, premature death, injury, delinquency, and arrests. Boys are in trouble in many areas: low rates of literacy, low grades and engagement in school, high dropout from school, and dramatically higher rates of placement in special education, suicide, premature death, injuries, and arrests. Girls, however, suffer from other problems, especially depression, suicidal ideation and attempts, and eating disorders, and are less likely to achieve at the very highest levels in mathematics and science. This study argues that both boys and girls suffer from characteristic problems, but the issues affecting boys are serious and neglected.
Polycrystal plasticity modeling of intracrystalline boundary textures

Abstract A finite element formulation is used to simulate and study the deformation response of face-centered cubic polycrystals. The polycrystals consist of rhombic dodecahedral-shaped crystals, each finely discretized with tetrahedral elements. Rhombic dodecahedra are twelve-sided, regular, space-filling polyhedra that are used to represent a microstructure with equiaxed grains. Material behavior is based on rate-dependent, crystallographic slip on a restricted number of slip systems. The numerical formulation maintains compatibility and equilibrium under the application of applied loads using an assumed-stress hybrid finite element methodology. Spatial variations in deformation arise in the polycrystal even under simple external loadings and lead to grain subdivision characterized by the formation of boundaries separating regions with differing lattice orientation. Particular attention is focused on the resulting crystallographic misorientation across these boundaries and their orientations relative to the applied loads. This evolving intragrain boundary texture is compared to published experimental data obtained using TEM and Kikuchi pattern analysis.
Studies on nitrate reduction in higher plants. I

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution of N 15 followed the same pattern in all organs of intact plants, whether the nitrogen source was N 15 -labeled ammonium or N 15 -labeled nitrate; the ammonia fraction contained the highest atom per cent excess of N 15 in all cases. 2. 2. Plants which received ammonium contained the highest concentration of N 15 in the roots, whereas those which received nitrate contained the highest concentration in the leaves. 3. 3. Tomato leaf disks are able to assimilate nitrate in both the light and dark, but the rate of assimilation in the light is about 50% greater than in the dark. 4. 4. Carbohydrate depletion in leaf tissue results in a decreased nitrate reduction in the dark, whereas it is without effect in the light. 5. 5. Addition of oxidizable substrates to carbohydrate-depleted leaf tissue increased the dark reduction of nitrate, although not to the level of the fresh tissue. 6. 6. Iodoacetate markedly inhibits the reduction of nitrate in leaf disks incubated in the dark, but has no effect on the process in the light. 7. 7. Ammonia isolated from leaf disks incubated 30 min. in the light contained an N 15 enrichment almost two-thirds that of the original nitrate. The ammonia from the dark reaction was not so highly labeled, containing only about one-seventh the enrichment of N 15 of the medium. 8. 8. Evidence for two mechanisms of nitrate assimilation are obtained: one dependent upon respiration as an energy source, and the other involving a photochemical reduction.
Completely hierarchical two-dimensional curved beam element for dynamics

Abstract This paper presents a completely hierarchical two-dimensional curved beam element formulation for linear dynamic analysis based on p -version. The element displacement field can be of arbitrary polynomial orders p ξ and p η in the axial and the transverse directions of the element. Since the element displacement approximation is hierarchical, the resulting element stiffness matrix, the element mass matrix and the equivalent nodal load vectors are also hierarchical. The formulation ensures C ° continuity. The element properties are derived using the principles of virtual work and the hierarchical element approximation. In the development of the element properties complete two-dimensional state of stress ( δ x , δ y , τ xy ) and strain ( ϵ x , ϵ y , γ xy ) is utilized, i.e. the stress normal to axis of t neglected (an assumption commonly used in the two-dimensional beam element formulations) in the present formulation. The formulation permits variable p -level control in axial and transverse directions of the element. Thus higher order transverse deformation coupled with higher-order longitudinal effects in deep and short beams can be easily and accurately simulated for dynamic applications. The formulation also permits nondifferentiable geometry (sharp corners) and the dynamic stress concentrations at such locations can be calculated accurately. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this hierarchical formulation in dynamics, numerical results are presented for eigenvalue analysis. The frequencies and the mode shapes are presented for a variety of slender and deep beams with various boundary conditions to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, modelling convenience and overall superiority of the present formulation. Numerical results obtained from the present formulation are also compared with those given by Timoshenko beam theory and other available analytical solutions.
Duration of disease may predict response to infliximab in pediatric ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND Infliximab (IFX) is an established treatment modality for moderate to severe pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and laboratory parameters, which predict response to IFX in pediatric UC defined by colectomy as the primary outcome measure. Postsurgical complications were examined as well. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on children younger than 19 years who received IFX therapy at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas for the treatment of UC from January 2005 to April 2012. Demographics, laboratory data, clinical subtype, duration of disease, transfusion requirement, number of IFX infusions, concurrent medications, and postoperative complication with regard to IFX exposure were examined. RESULTS Forty-seven patients (22 male and 25 female; average age at diagnosis: 11.4 y) received IFX. Twenty-six (55.3%) required colectomy, 20 (42.6%) of which occurred within a year of therapy initiation. Disease duration <20 months before IFX initiation, increased the likelihood of a colectomy within a year [OR: 3.8 (95% CI, 1.6-13.3), P=0.044]. Blood transfusion requirement before IFX was associated with higher rates of colectomy within a year [OR: 9.78 (95% CI, 2.2-43.3), P=0.0028]. Preoperative exposure to IFX within 8 weeks did not significantly increase postoperative complications (P=0.26). Serum albumin levels at diagnosis did not predict colectomy. CONCLUSIONS Shorter disease duration and need for blood transfusion may be useful indicators of limited response to IFX in pediatric UC.
Copepoda associated with the thorny coral Antipathes (Antipatharia) in the Indo-Pacific

Six new copepods are associated with five species of the antipatharian coral Antipathes in the Indo-Pacific. Three asterocherid siphonostomatoids are described. Asteropontius latus sp. nov., from Antipathes sp. at Bohol Island, Philippines, has an unusually broad prosome. Asteropontius bandicola sp. nov., from Antipathes abies (L.) in the Moluccas and Antipathes cf. spinescens Gray in northwestern Madagascar, has rounded lateral margins on the female genital somite and the free segment of leg 5 is elongate with the ratio 2·69:1. Orecturus grandisetiger gen. nov., sp. nov., from Antipathes ericoides Pallas and Antipathes longibrachiata (van Pesch) in northwestern Madagascar, Antipathes reticulata Esper in the Moluccas, and Antipathes sp. at Bohol, Phillipines, has an unusually large seta on the third segment of the first antenna. Three lichomolgid poecilostomatoids are described from Antipathes sp. at Bohol in the Philippines. Visayasia lobura gen. nov., sp. nov., and Visayasia subterna gen. nov., sp. nov....
Reaction of chlorpyrifos-methyl in aqueous hydrogen sulfide/bisulfide solutions.

The kinetics of the reactions of chlorpyrifos-methyl, an organophosphorus insecticide, with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and bisulfide (HS-) were determined in well-defined aqueous solutions. The resulting pseudo-first-order rate constant for chlorpyrifos-methyl with bisulfide yielded a second-order rate constant of (2.1 ± 0.3) × 10-3 M-1 s-1. The second-order rate constant for chlorpyrifos-methyl with hydrogen sulfide is significantly slower than the second-order rate constant with bisulfide. The contribution of H2S to the observed degradation rate constant of chlorpyrifos-methyl at concentrations of up to 4 mM H2S is not significant. The second-order rate constant of chlorpyrifos-methyl with H2S was too low to be measured in this study. The results indicate that HS- present at environmentally relevant concentrations may represent an important sink for phosphorothionate triesters in a coastal marine environment, while H2S reacts too slowly to be environmentally relevant (pH 6−9). Trichloropyridinol, the major ...
Geologic Evolution of North America Geologic features suggest that the continent has grown and differentiated through geologic time

The oldest decipherable rock complexes within continents (more than 2.5 billion years old) are largely basaltic volcanics and graywacke. Recent and modern analogs are the island arcs formed along and adjacent to the unstable interface of continental and oceanic crusts. The major interfacial reactions (orogenies) incorporate pre-existing sial, oceanic crust, and mantle into crust of a more continental type. Incipient stages of continental evolution, more than 3 billion years ago, remain obscure. They may involve either a cataclysmic granite-forming event or a succession of volcanic-sedimentary and granite-forming cycles. Intermediate and recent stages of continental evolution, as indicated by data for North America, involve accretion of numerous crustal interfaces with fragments of adjacent continental crust and their partial melting, reinjection, elevation, unroofing, and stabilization. Areas of relict provinces defined by ages of granites suggest that continental growth is approximately linear. But the advanced differentiation found in many provinces and the known overlaps permit wide deviation from linearity in the direction of a more explosive early or intermediate growth.
ONE HUNDRED HOUSES WEST

SUMMARY A systematic collation of field data reveals that over half the farms have use of all the fields, but with only partial or no farmstead use. In other words, half of the farms are used only partially or are in a stage of transition from their former agricultural state Of the 103 residences, excluding those in the trailer camp, only 7 are occupied by full-time farmers and 9 by part-time farmers (Figure 18). Thus, about 85 per cent of the residences are occupied by persons not engaged in either full-time or part-time farming. These non-farm residences are part of the Dispersed City. Almost one-fourth of the residences are relatively old, having been built over a half century ago (Figure 1 1). Others were constructed in the 1910-45 period, but approximately 40 per cent are post-war structures. The low value houses are indicated on the map by an adjacent dot sym RESUME Cette etude resulte ?une enquete sur les rapports entre la forme et la fonction de Ľhabitat dans une zone soumise a une evolution rapide. Specifiquement, il s'agit ?une analyse de la fonction domiciliaire ?une cen-taine de maisons situees sur un parcours transversal entaillant le tissu geographique ?une Citee Dispersee, a une distance de six a douze milles au nord-nord-est de Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dans le passe, les constructions et les autres formes de Ľoccupation ont eteetablies graduellement et laborieusement. On attachait du prix aux bâtiments, on les preservait soigneusement et les cas de desuetude etaient rares et ne se manifestaient que lentement. Aujour?hui, on depense ?enormes quantites ?energie. Les gratteciel urbains selevent toujours plus haut et plus rapidement et le croise des voies de grande circulation devient de plus en plus serre. Tout est construction et mouvement; on demolit peu. Il n'est done pas etonnant que le public reclame des programmes de reamenagement urbain en meme temps qu'il demande qu'on preserve des ceintures de verdure et des refuges champetres, de peur que la marche des constructions n'envahisse ce qui reste des campagnes au pourtour des agglomerations urbaines. Les edifices que Ľon construit de nos jours seront peut-etre plus durables que ceux qui furent edges dans le passe, mais ils seront vite desuets. Le dynamisme des communautes contemporaines tend a accentuer cette disparite entre la forme et la fonction de Ľhabitat. Le cycle fonctionnel des bâtiments se raccourcit; on les abandonne; ?autres formes prennent naissance tandis que les structures existantes, devenues desuetes avant Ľâge, hebergent de nouvelles fonctions. Ľanalyse des rapports qui existent entre la forme et la fonction de Ľhabitat dans le cadre ?une soctete qui evolue toujours plus rapidement devrait mettre les geographes et autres chercheurs en garde contre le danger des conclusions trop generales.
Partially single-stranded form of free Moloney viral DNA.

SEVERAL hours after infection of cells by RNA tumour viruses new, free viral DNA molecules can be detected1–5 which are apparently intermediate between the initial RNA-dependent DNA transcription product and the final integrated viral genome1,6. Work on Rous sarcoma virus6,7 and Moloney murine leukaemia virus (Mo-MuLV)4 showed that this DNA is resolvable by ethidium bromide–caesium chloride (EB–CsCl) centrifugation into two classes of molecule. The first, from the lower band of the EB–CsCl gradient, contains closed-circular, double-stranded, super-coiled viral DNA molecules of molecular weight 5×106–6×106, about twice the weight of the single-stranded subunits isolated from virion RNA. The kinetics of disappearance of these DNA molecules suggest that they are the precursors of viral genomes integrated into cellular DNA5. The second class of viral DNA, from the upper band of the gradient, is characterised here. These molecules have the properties of intermediates between the initially synthesised RNA–DNA hybrids and the double-stranded, supercoiled form of the genome. Careful preparation reveals that these molecules are partially single stranded. The first strand of the viral DNA is complexed with shorter segments of the subsequently synthesised second strand.
SU‐EE‐A3‐05: Evaluation of Kilo‐Voltage Cone Beam CT Image Quality in Context to Dose Re‐Computation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate volumetric kV Cone Beam CT(CBCT)image quality at different scan parameter settings in context to treatment planning tolerances. Method and Materials: Both large and small density phantoms with eight density inserts were scanned by GE LS CT/PET system, as well as the Varian's OBITM system in half fan and full fan scanning modes. Scans for CBCTimages were performed at different tube currents (20‐, 40‐ and 80‐mA) and source‐imager distance (SID) (150cm and 160cm) after prior calibration of each mode. Deviation of the Hounsfield Unit (HU) values at different settings compared to conventional kV CTimages were obtained for further evaluation. We also adjusted the CT number in CTimages to simulate CBCT artifacts that was not produced by our experiments, and to see how much degradation of image would violate dosimetric feasibility of CBCT based treatment planning. Treatment plans for single beam or multiple beams were calculated based on CT,CBCT and modified CTimages for various phantoms geometries and patients. Results and Conclusions: Results show that the HU for different anatomies in the body have different amount of change for different scan parameters settings (including current, SID and fan angle used) for CBCTimage acquisition. Larger variations in HU appeared in lung and dense bone regions, compared to those with HU closer to tissue. Maximum variations in HU were found in the images with data truncation. Dose profiles, dose volume histograms, isodose distributions and Gamma values of CBCT based plan with images scanned at full fan mode agree relatively well with CT based plan. Larger dose discrepancy appears in lung or dense bone region. Results from the CT‐modified images based plans show that the dosimetric error becomes significant as the HU variation goes beyond 50.
Condensation Analysis of Exhaust Gas Recirculation System for Heavy-Duty Trucks

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been widely used in the automotive and heavy-duty trucks to reduce NOx ,S Ox, and other controlled emissions. A liquid-cooled or air-cooled heat exchanger is the main constituent of the EGR system. The heat exchanger decreases the temperature of the exhaust gases mixture that flows through the EGR channels and the lower temperatures reduce the content of the controlled gas emissions. Condensation of water vapor is an undesirable by-product of the EGR systems because, in combination with the emission gases, it forms the corrosive sulfuric and nitric acids. The U.S. EPA has suggested that engine makers should turn off their EGR systems periodically to avoid the formation of the corrosive sulfuric and nitric acids. In order to accurately predict the corrosion process, a condensation model has been developed to investigate the rates of formation and diffusion of nitric acid and sulfuric acid to the cold tube surface. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has been conducted for a typical EGR cooler during normal operating conditions of Tier 4 heavy-duty trucks. A lumped, 1D heat and mass transfer model has also been developed to study the most important physical aspects of the condensation process. The CFD and the analytical results of the rate of condensation and local fluid properties are an important and inexpensive complement to more expensive experimental measurements and testing. Such models may be used to improve the design and to optimize the operating conditions of the EGR systems and may become valuable tools in the design and manufacturing of the next generation of EGR systems for diesel engines. The model developed is general and the techniques and numerical results of this study may be extended to engine reliability, corrosion reduction, and damage prevention of other industrial engines. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4004745]
Prospects for granular x-ray lithography sources

This paper describes the status of x-ray sources suitable for granular x-ray lithography systems (systems that require low initial investment). The key factors that determine the feasibility of point sources utilizing x-ray generation by heated plasmas (pinched gas, laser, x-pinch) will be described. In particular, the relationship between x-ray source power, required device overlay, and wafer throughput requirements for a production worthy system will be presented. In addition, relevant issues concerning the suitability of the different x-ray point source technologies for x-ray lithography applications will be discussed. Considerations for x-ray collimators will be presented in an appendix.
Slide test for fructose and other ketohexoses

Fructose and other ketohexoses give a green coloration when heated with a solution of phenol in glacial acetic acid to which some concentrated sulfuric acid has been added.
Mechanical Resonances of Helically Coiled Carbon Nanowires

Despite their wide spread applications, the mechanical behavior of helically coiled structures has evaded an accurate understanding at any length scale (nano to macro) mainly due to their geometrical complexity. The advent of helically coiled micro/nanoscale structures in nano-robotics, nano-inductors and impact protection coatings has necessitated the development of new methodologies for determining their shear and tensile properties. Accordingly, we developed a synergistic protocol which (i) integrates analytical, numerical (i.e., finite element using COMSOL®) and experimental (harmonic detection of resonance; HDR) methods to obtain an empirically validated closed form expression for the shear modulus and resonance frequency of a singly clamped helically coiled carbon nanowire (HCNW) and (ii) circumvents the need for solving 12th order differential equations. From the experimental standpoint, a visual detection of resonances (using in situ scanning electron microscopy) combined with HDR revealed intriguing non-planar resonance modes at much lower driving forces relative to those needed for linear carbon nanotube cantilevers. Interestingly, despite the presence of mechanical and geometrical nonlinearities in the HCNW resonance behavior the ratio of the first two transverse modes f2/f1 was found to be similar to the ratio predicted by the Euler-Bernoulli theorem for linear cantilevers.
Slicing cluster mass functions with a Bayesian razor

We apply a Bayesian “razor” to forecast Bayes factors between different parameterizations of the galaxy cluster mass function. To demonstrate this approach, we calculate the minimum size N-body simulation needed for strong evidence favoring a two-parameter mass function over one-parameter mass functions and visa versa, as a function of the minimum cluster mass (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Invariant Manifold Detection From Phase Space Trajectories

Invariant manifolds provide important information about the structure of flows. When basins of attraction are present, the stable invariant manifold serves as the boundary between these basins. Thus, in experimental applications such as vibrations problems, knowledge of these manifolds is essential to understanding the evolution of phase space trajectories. Most existing methods for identifying invariant manifolds of a flow rely on knowledge of the flow field. However, in experimental applications only knowledge of phase space trajectories is available. We provide modifications to several existing invariant manifold detection methods which enables them to deal with trajectory only data, as well as introduce a new method based on the concept of phase space warping. The method of Stochastic Interrogation applied to the damped, driven Duffing equation is used to generate our data set. The result is a set of trajectory data which randomly populates a phase space. Manifolds are detected from this data set using several different methods. First is a variation on manifold “growing,” and is based on distance of closest approach to a hyperbolic trajectory with “saddle like behavior.” Second, three stretching based schemes are considered. One considers the divergence of trajectory pairs, another quantifies the deformation of a nearest neighbor cloud, and the last uses flow fields calculated from the trajectory data. Finally, the new phase space warping method is introduced. This method takes advantage of the shifting (warping) experienced by a phase space as the parameters of the system are slightly varied. This results in a shift of the invariant manifolds. The region spanned by this shift, provides a means to identify the invariant manifolds. Results show that this method gives superior detection and is robust with respect to the amount of data.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
First U.S. case of adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency with severe hypotonia

Abstract Adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL) deficiency is a defect in purine de novo synthesis pathway. The disease has variable clinical presentation involving psychomotor retardation, seizures, hypotonia, and autism. The presence of succinyladenosine and succinylamino-imidazole carboxamide riboside (SAICA riboside) in body fluids characterizes the biochemical phenotype. All cases of ASL deficiency described to date have been diagnosed in Europe. Using a high-resolution thin-layer chromatography (TLC) technique combining screening for ASL deficiency and disorders of saccharide metabolism, we found the first case of this disease in the US. The patient presented with delayed motor development and profound hypotonia. The family history and routine laboratory tests were negative. Screening for metabolic disorders detected the presence of succinyladenosine and SAICA riboside in urine. The activity of ASL in the patient's skin fibroblasts was 43% of controls (patient, mean=1.20 nmol/ min/mg of protein, s=0.21, n=3; controls, mean=2.78 nmol/min/mg of protein, s=0.61, n=7). In a 15-month-old girl with profound hypotonia, we established the diagnosis of ASL deficiency by demonstrating succinyladenosine and SAICA riboside in urine and decreased residual activity of ASL in skin fibroblasts.
Three-dimensional waveform sensitivity kernels

The sensitivity of intermediate-period (similar to 10-100 s) seismic waveforms to the lateral heterogeneity of the Earth is computed using an efficient technique based upon surface-wave mode coupling. This formulation yields a general, fully fledged 3-D relationship between data and model without imposing smoothness constraints on the lateral heterogeneity. The calculations are based upon the Born approximation, which yields a linear relation between data and model. The linear relation ensures fast forward calculations and makes the formulation suitable for inversion schemes; however, higher-order effects such as wave-front healing are neglected. By including up to 20 surface-wave modes, we obtain Frechet, or sensitivity, kernels for waveforms in the time frame that starts at the S arrival and which includes direct and surface-reflected body waves. These 3-D sensitivity kernels provide new insights into seismic-wave propagation, and suggest that there may be stringent limitations on the validity of ray-theoretical interpretations. Even recently developed 2-D formulations, which ignore structure out of the source-receiver plane, differ substantially from our 3-D treatment. We infer that smoothness constraints on heterogeneity, required to justify the use of ray techniques, are unlikely to hold in realistic earth models. This puts the use of ray-theoretical techniques into question for the interpretation of intermediate-period seismic data. The computed 3-D sensitivity kernels display a number of phenomena that are counter-intuitive from a ray-geometrical point of view: (1) body waves exhibit significant sensitivity to structure up to 500 km away from the source-receiver minor are; (2) significant near-surface sensitivity above the two turning points of the SS wave is observed; (3) the later part of the SS wave packet is most sensitive to structure away from the source-receiver path; (4) the sensitivity of the higher-frequency part of the fundamental surface-wave mode is wider than for its faster, lower-frequency part; (5) delayed body waves may considerably influence fundamental Rayleigh and Love waveforms. The strong sensitivity of waveforms to crustal structure due to fundamental-mode-to-body-wave scattering precludes the use of phase-velocity filters to model body-wave arrivals. Results from the 3-D formulation suggest that the use of 2-D and 1-D techniques for the interpretation of intermediate-period waveforms should seriously be reconsidered