cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication efficient global load balancing

Proposes a scalable parallel algorithm, called direct mapping, for balancing workload in a global, synchronous way. Direct mapping is particularly attractive for SIMD architectures, as it makes use of the scan operation. Unlike previously proposed scalable methods for the problem of interest, direct mapping transfers the minimum volume of workload necessary to achieve perfect load balance. This paper describes the algorithm, and studies its performance via simulation in comparison to previously proposed methods. >
Histamine turnover in regions of rat brain

Abstract Rapid and complete inhibition of monoamine oxidase by pargyline produced linear increases in the content of the histamine metabolite, tele -methylhistamine (t-MH), in 9 regions of rat brain 2 and 4 h after drug administration. The treatment had little or no effect on the histamine content of these regions. As histamine methylation is the major metabolic pathway of histamine in brain, the rate of increase in brain t-MH content after complete inhibition of its metabolism provides an estimate of histamine turnover. Histamine turnover rates varied over 46-fold among regions, from cerebellum (0.029 nmol/g·h) to hypothalamus (1.33 nmolη), similar to those reported for norepinephrine and serotonin. Turnover rates were highly correlated with control t-MH levels ( r = 0.97) and control histamine levels ( r = 0.84). Rate constants were highest in the caudate nucleus and frontal cortex, equivalent to a half-life of about 11 min in these regions. While hypothalamic histamine had the highest turnover rate, the rate constant for histamine in this region was among the lowest in brain, perhaps consistent with the presence of histaminergic cell bodies. Histamine turnover rates may be indicative of the activity of histamine-synthesizing neurons, and their determination will facilitate understanding of histamine in brain.
In vitro measurements of metabolism for application in pharmacokinetic modeling

Human risk and exposure assessments require dosimetry information. Species-specific tissue dose response will be driven by physiological and biochemical processes. While metabolism and pharmacokinetic data are often not available in humans, they are much more available in laboratory animals; metabolic rate constants can be readily derived in vitro. The physiological differences between laboratory animals and humans are known. Biochemical processes, especially metabolism, can be measured in vitro and extrapolated to account for in vivo metabolism through clearance models or when linked to a physiologically based pharmacological (PBPK) model to describe the physiological processes, such as drug delivery to the metabolic organ. This review focuses on the different organ, cellular, and subcellular systems that can be used to measure in vitro metabolic rate constants and how those data are extrapolated to be used in biologically based modeling. NOTICE: The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Targeting T cell metabolism for therapy

In the past several years a wealth of evidence has emerged illustrating how metabolism supports many aspects of T cell biology, as well as how metabolic changes drive T cell differentiation and fate. We outline developing principles in the regulation of T cell metabolism, and discuss how these processes are affected in settings of inflammation and cancer. In this context we discuss how metabolic pathways might be manipulated for the treatment of human disease, including how metabolism may be targeted to prevent T cell dysfunction in inhospitable microenvironments, to generate more effective adoptive cellular immunotherapies in cancer, and to direct T cell differentiation and function towards non-pathogenic phenotypes in settings of autoimmunity.
An investigation of geographic mapping techniques for internet hosts

In this paper, we ask whether it is possible to build an IP address to geographic location mapping service for Internet hosts. Such a service would enable a large and interesting class of location-aware applications. This is a challenging problem because an IP address does not inherently contain an indication of location.We present and evaluate three distinct techniques, collectively referred to as IP2Geo, for determining the geographic location of Internet hosts. The first technique, Geo Track, infers location based on the DNS names of the target host or other nearby network nodes. The second technique, GeoPing, uses network delay measurements from geographically distributed locations to deduce the coordinates of the target host. The third technique, GeoCluster, combines partial (and possibly inaccurate) host-to-location mapping information and BGP prefix information to infer the location of the target host. Using extensive and varied data sets, we evaluate the performance of these techniques and identify fundamental challenges in deducing geographic location from the IP address of an Internet host.
The Impact of Future Expectations on Adolescent Sexual Risk Behavior

Rates of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy remain high among adolescents in the US, and recent approaches to reducing sexual risk have shown limited success. Future expectations, or the extent to which one expects an event to actually occur, may influence sexual risk behavior. This prospective study uses longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (n = 3,205 adolescents; 49.8 % female) to examine the impact of previously derived latent classes of future expectations on sexual risk behavior. Cox regression and latent growth models were used to determine the effect of future expectations on age at first biological child, number of sexual partners, and inconsistent contraception use. The results indicate that classes of future expectations were uniquely associated with each outcome. The latent class reporting expectations of drinking and being arrested was consistently associated with the greatest risks of engaging in sexual risk behavior compared with the referent class, which reported expectations of attending school and little engagement in delinquent behaviors. The class reporting expectations of attending school and drinking was associated with having greater numbers of sexual partners and inconsistent contraception use but not with age at first biological child. The third class, defined by expectations of victimization, was not associated with any outcome in adjusted models, despite being associated with being younger at the birth of their first child in the unadjusted analysis. Gender moderated specific associations between latent classes and sexual risk outcomes. Future expectations, conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, may have a unique ability to explain sexual risk behaviors over time. Future strategies should target multiple expectations and use multiple levels of influence to improve individual future expectations prior to high school and throughout the adolescent period.
Trace metal transformation mechanisms during coal combustion

Abstract Mechanisms governing the fate of trace metals during coal combustion are reviewed, and new theoretical results interpreting existing data are presented. Emphasis is on predicting the size-segregated speciation of trace metals in pulverized coal-fired power plant effluents. This facet, which determines how trace metals originally in coal impact the environment, is controlled by fuel composition and combustion conditions. Multicomponent equilibrium calculations are used to predict vaporization/condensation temperatures for antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and selenium compounds in coal combustion flue gases, for a representative Illinois No. 6 coal. Experimental data show that equilibrium provides a good guide on the effect of chlorine on the partitioning of pure nickel, cadmium, and lead salts, introduced separately into a gaseous turbulent diffusion flame within an 82 kW combustor. Metal nuclei coagulation mechanisms are examined using existing computer codes, and these predict that coagulation does not allow condensed metal nuclei to be scavenged by existing coal ash particles. Rather, literature data on trace metal enrichment on small particles are consistent with processes of reactive scavenging of metals by larger particles, and it is suggested that these processes might be exploited further to convert these metals into environmentally benign forms.
Epitaxial growth of barium hexaferrite film on wide bandgap semiconductor 6H?SiC by molecular beam epitaxy

Epitaxial barium ferrite (BaM) films have been successfully grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for the first time on 6H silicon carbide substrates by using a 10 nm single crystalline MgO (1 1 1)//SiC(0 0 0 1) template, also grown by MBE. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the thin MgO template in the early stages of film growth prevented the diffusion of Si into the BaM film. Background oxygen pressure (containing both O atoms and O2, but no ionic species) is critical for determining the chemistry and surface structure of BaM. An oxygen deficient or rich environment will cause impurity phases of Fe3O4 or α-BaFe2O4, respectively. For BaM films grown in an optimal oxygen environment, x-ray diffraction showed a strong c-axis perpendicular to the substrate plane while the pole figure exhibited reflections consistent with epitaxial growth. Vibrating sample magnetometry showed a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy field of 16 200 Oe and a magnetization (as 4πMs) of 4.1 kG.
A non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory of flow through deformable porous media

The theory of deformable porous media is developed based on the principles of Truesdell and Muller. Constitutive equations are developed for the linear theory of a mixture of a viscous fluid and an elastic solid. An example is considered which shows the modification of Darcy's law when the porous material is deformable.
Weight Loss and Body Temperature Changes in Breast-fed and Bottle-fed Neonates:

Among 1138 newborns in a Level II nursery, breast-fed and formula-fed infants were comparable in terms of sex, mode of delivery, gestational age, birth weight, and birth temperature. Breast-fed neonates subsequently lost more weight and a greater percentage of their birth weight (mean, 7.4% vs. 4.9%) than did formula-fed infants. Loss of more than 10 percent of birth weight was associated with short gestation and low birth weight and with breast feeding. Birth weight loss of ≥3 percent was associated with a risk of fever (≥37.5°C) among breast-fed and formula-fed infants, but there was no gradient of increasing risk of fever with increasing percentage weight loss beyond 3 percent. After weight loss and other significant variables were adjusted for in a multivariate analysis, breast feeding was not independently predictive of fever. Although breast feeding may be associated with weight loss, it is not prudent to assume that this is the cause of fever in a breast-fed neonate.
A Forward Algorithm for the Capacitated Lot Size Model with Stockouts

In this paper, we consider the lot size model for the production and storage of a single commodity with limitations on production capacity and the possibility of not meeting demand, i.e., stockouts, at a penalty. The stockout option means that horizons can exist and permits the use of horizons to develop a forward algorithm for solving the problem. The forward algorithm is shown in the worst case to be asymptotically linear in computational requirements, in contrast to the case for the classical lot size model which has exponential computing requirements. Two versions of the model are considered: first, in which the upper bound on production is the same for every time period; and second, in which the upper bound on production is permitted to vary each time period. In the first case, the worst case computational difficulty increases in a cubic fashion initially, and then becomes linear. In the second case, the initial increase is exponential before becoming linear. Besides the forward algorithm, a number of necessary conditions are derived that reduce the computational burden of solving the integer programming problem posed by the model.
Cognitive and neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid

Objectives: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of studies conducted to determine the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on cognition and neurological health.Methods: A literature sear...
Intensity-duration-frequency summaries for wave climate

Abstract The relationship between sea state intensity, sea state duration and frequency is pursued in the context of wave data from five sites in US waters. A rational methodology is presented for the interpolation and extrapolation of measured trends, based on extreme value series for intensity, given duration. The inevitable short duration data base problem is addressed by routine application of the triple annual maximum methodology. A format is suggested for intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) data preparation and presentation. Examples are given for wave climate data on the Pacific, Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the United States.
Guide RNAs with 5′ Caps and Novel Box C/D snoRNA-like Domains for Modification of snRNAs in Metazoa

Abstract Background: Spliceosomal snRNAs and ribosomal RNAs in metazoans contain numerous modified residues that are functionally important. The most common modifications are site-specific 2′- O -methylation and pseudouridylation, both directed by small ribonucleoprotein particles. Each particle is composed of a short guide RNA and a set of several proteins. All previously characterized modification guide RNAs in metazoa are encoded in and processed from introns. Results: We have identified and characterized three novel guide RNAs for conserved 2′- O -methylation of U2, U4, and U12 snRNAs. Two guides, termed mgU2-25/61 and mgU12-22/U4-8, appear to be independently transcribed as judged by the presence of methylated guanosine caps at their 5′ ends and upstream promoters similar to those of telomerase RNA. These guide RNAs are each composed of a canonical box C/D snoRNA and a novel box C/D snoRNA-like domain, where the C′/D′ motif, rather than C/D, can be folded into a conserved kink-turn structure. The snoRNA-like domains are predicted to direct 2′- O -methylation of invariant G residues that occupy analogous positions in the U2 and U12 snRNA secondary structures. A third guide, mgU2-19/30 RNA, is composed of two canonical box C/D snoRNA domains encoded within a single intron. Conclusions: This is the first description in metazoan cells of 5′-capped modification guide RNAs that appear to be independently transcribed. Since plant, yeast, and protozoan guide RNAs are mostly independently transcribed, the identification of such RNAs argues that ancestral metazoans possessed independently transcribed guide RNAs and only later, during the evolution of metazoan organisms, did the guide RNA genes shift to introns.
Analyzing optics test data on rectangular apertures using 2-D Chebyshev polynomials

We use the two-dimensional Chebyshev polynomials as the basis for decomposition of test data over rectangular apertures, particularly for anamorphic optics. This includes simple optics such as cylindrical lenses and mirrors as well as complex optics, such as aspheric cylindrical optics. The new basis set is strictly orthogonal over rectangles of arbitrary aspect ratio and they correspond well with the aberrations of systems containing such type of optics. An example is given that applies the new basis set to study the surface figure error of a cylindrical Schmidt corrector plate. It is not only an excellent fitting basis but also can be used to flag misalignment errors that are critical to fabrication.
The TNF receptor, RELT, binds SPAK and uses it to mediate p38 and JNK activation.

Abstract Receptor expressed in lymphoid tissues (RELT) is a new member of the TNFR family with little known regarding its signaling. Typically, TNFRs engage TRAFs for activation of NF-κB and MAPK cascades. We found that RELT does not use the standard signaling pathways characteristic of other TNFRs. While overexpression of RELT in 293 cells induced p38 and JNK activation, it did not activate NF-κB. In addition, no binding of RELT to TRAF1,2,3,5, or 6 was detected. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we identified a Ste20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) that binds RELT. Disruption of the SPAK binding motif, 349RFRV, in RELT inhibited RELT activation of p38 and JNK. In addition, a kinase-dead SPAK acted as an inhibitor of RELT signaling. Thus, we conclude that RELT does not rely on the canonical TRAF pathways for its function, but instead uses a kinase, SPAK, to mediate p38 and JNK activation.
Substrate-mediated increased reactivity of a critical sulfhydryl group of crystals of cytoplasmic aspartate transaminase☆

Abstract The extramitochondrial isozyme of aspartate aminotransferase ( l -aspartate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase EC 2.6.1.1) contains a cysteinyl residue (cysteine-390) which, in the presence of substrate, displays enhanced reactivity toward sulfhydryl reagents. To gain insight into the structural similarity of the enzyme in solution compared to its crystalline state and into the type of structural change induced by substrates, the reactivity of Cys-390 in the crystalline enzyme has been studied. The flat yellow plates, crystallized from polyethylene glycol, form spectroscopically detectable enzyme-substrate complexes (C. M. Metzler, D. E. Metzler, D. S. Martin, R. Newman, A. Arnone, and P. Rodgers, 1978, J. Biol. Chem. 253, 5251–5254). The crystals, both in the presence and absence of the substrate pair, glutamate and α-ketoglutarate, were treated with N-ethylmaleimide or N-ethyl[1-14C]maleimide and the extent of the reaction was monitored by the colorimetric sulfhydryl reaction with 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid, by amino acid analysis, by radioactivity incorporated, and by the measurement of enzyme activity. A cysteine residue was modified only in the presence of substrate; the crystals remained undamaged. Since, any large conformational change in the enzyme would either be prevented by the crystalline lattice or would disrupt its integrity, it is concluded that the enhanced reactivity of cysteine-390 in the presence of substrates must be due to only a small local conformational change in the substrate binding region.
Yttrium Complexes of the Chelating, C2-Symmetric, Bis(silylamido)biphenyl Ligand [DADMB]2- (={[6,6‘-Me2-(C6H3)2](2,2‘-NSiMe2tBu)2}2-)

The yttrium bis(silylamido)biphenyl complex [DADMB]YCl(THF)2 (2; DADMB = 2,2‘-bis((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)amido)-6,6‘-dimethylbiphenyl) was prepared from Li2[DADMB]·2THF and YCl3(THF)3, and its structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. Compound 2 reacts with MeLi and (Me3Si)2CHLi to give the corresponding alkyl derivatives [DADMB]YMe(THF)2 (3) and [DADMB]Y[CH(SiMe3)2](THF)(OEt2) (5), respectively. In the presence of silicone grease, the reaction of 2 with MeLi produces the yttrium trimethylsiloxide complex [DADMB]Y(OSiMe3)(THF)2 (4), which was also crystallographically characterized. Both 3 and 5 react with phenylsilane or H2 to give the insoluble, dimeric yttrium hydride {[DADMB]Y(μ-H)(THF)}2·C6H6 (6). The alkyl derivatives 3 and 5 exhibit only limited olefin polymerization activity; however, the hydride 6 reacts rapidly with ethylene or 1-hexene to give a single insertion product. The resulting yttrium ethyl complex 7 was structurally characterized. Compound 6 reacts with pyridine to produce a...
Effects of estrogen on nitric oxide synthase expression in rat aorta allograft and smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Background We find that chronic estradiol treatment inhibits the development of transplant arteriosclerosis (TA). The mechanism of this inhibition remains unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate in a non–cyclosporin-requiring TA model whether estradiol-17β treatment modulates the expression of both endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the early phase following transplantation. Methods Orthotopic abdominal aorta allograft transplantation was performed in male rats using Brown-Norway rats as donors and Lewis rats as recipients. The recipients (n = 50) were treated with estradiol 20 μg/kg/day or placebo by osmotic minipump from 2 days prior to surgery until sacrifice on post-operative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. The allografts were harvested and cross-sections of the vascular tissues were used for immunohistochemical staining of ecNOS and iNOS. The effects of estradiol on cytokine-induced (tumor necrosis factor–α and interleukin-1β) iNOS protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were also evaluated on rat aorta smooth muscle cells by Western blotting and RT-PCR in vitro, respectively. Results The expression of ecNOS and iNOS was graded semiquantitatively from 0 to +3. Estrogen elevates ecNOS expression in the intima in the early phase following transplantation, 0.85 ± 0.14 (day 7) and 1.08 ± 0.11 (day 14) vs 1.53 ± 0.25 (day 7) and 1.60 ± 0.17 (day 14) for placebo and estradiol treated groups respectively, p Conclusions Chronic estrogen treatment modulates both ecNOS and iNOS expression in the early phase following transplantation. This is associated with the estrogen-protective effects on TA.
Chromatin Loosening by Poly(ADP)-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) at Drosophila Puff Loci

Steroid response and stress-activated genes such as hsp70 undergo puffing in Drosophila larval salivary glands, a local loosening of polytene chromatin structure associated with gene induction. We find that puffs acquire elevated levels of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose modified proteins and that poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) is required to produce normal-sized puffs and normal amounts of Hsp70 after heat exposure. We propose that chromosomal PARP molecules become activated by developmental or environmental cues and strip nearby chromatin proteins off DNA to generate a puff. Such local loosening may facilitate transcription and may transiently make protein complexes more accessible to modification, promoting chromatin remodeling during development.
ON THE STRUCTURE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE MATURE HURRICANE EYE

Abstract An attempt is made to derive the significant features of a mature hurricane eye in terms of a simplified model of the physical processes undergone by the air composing it. In particular, a quantitative relation is prescribed among the fields of motion, temperature, and humidity on the basis of assumptions concerning the exchange of mass and momentum between the eye and its surrounding cloud bands. The basic assumptions are that eye air mixes with the cloud wall on its descent; the latter is maintained by lower level outflow caused by unbalanced centrifugal and Coriolis forces, resulting from the incorporation into the eye of high cloud-wall momentum. Joint entrainment and angular momentum calculations for two hypothetical cases of stationary hurricanes of differing intensity show qualitative agreement in major features with existing incomplete observations and delineate a computational framework for real cases when available. Modifications of eye structure in moving storms are finally considered.
A Model for the Effect of Humidity on Stiction of the Head/Disk Interface

A model has been developed for the effect of humidity on stiction of the head/disk interface. The model combines the meniscus force of the adsorbed water film at the interface with the Greenwood-Williamson surface model, and takes into account the effects of suspension load as well as surface roughness and material properties of both the head and the disk. It correctly predicts the trend for stiction vs. relative humidity as obtained from experimental data. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 8–10, 1990
Evaluation of a temperate-environment test of heat tolerance in prior heatstroke patients and controls

It has been reported that scores from a temperate-environment step test describe the heat-tolerance status of prior heatstroke patients (HP). This investigation evaluated the ability of this temperate-environment heat-tolerance test (HTT) to indicate altered heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (Tre)responses of HP, after 7 days of heat acclimation. On day 1, ten male HP (61 ± 7 days post-heatstroke) and five control subjects (C) bench-stepped (0.30 m high, 27 steps · min−1) for 15 min (25.8° C dry bulb, 16.2° C wet bulb). On days 2–8, subjects underwent heat acclimation (40.1° C dry bulb, 23.8°C wet bulb; treadmill, 90 min · day−1). Heat acclimation resulted in significant decreases in final HR (152±5 vs 130±3 beats·min−1P 0.05). All physical characteristics and physiological responses of HP (days 1, 2, 7, 9) were statistically similar (P>0.05) to those of C. In contrast to heat-acclimation data, HTT scores (score ≤30) indicated that four HP were heat intolerant on day 1 and two HP were heat intolerant on day 9. It was concluded that HTT was not a substitute for lengthier tests of heat tolerance conducted in hot environments, because HTT scores (at 25.8°C did not reflect HR andTreresponses (at 40.1° C) in 33% of heat-acclimated (e.g., heat-tolerant) HP. In addition, HTT scores did not validly discriminate between heat tolerant and heat-intolerant HP.
Examining Adolescents' and their Parents' Conceptual and Practical Knowledge of Police Interrogation : A Family Dyad Approach

This study examines whether parents have the prerequisite knowledge about police interrogation that would allow them to compensate for youths’ knowledge deficits, protect their interests, and buffer against their vulnerability to coercion. A racially diverse urban/suburban convenience sample of 77 11- to 13-year-olds, 46 14- to 15-year-olds, and 47 16- to 17-year-olds and their parents completed a semi-structured interview on knowledge of legal rights and police practices. Results show that parents know more than younger adolescents about components of the Miranda warning and its behavioral implications but do not necessarily know more about police strategy or the parameters of parental protection. Age and socioeconomic status were associated with youths’ risk for poor knowledge. Among parents, IQ, race, and the child’s age predicted risk classification. Parent IQ, socioeconomic status, and youths’ justice experience, race, and age predicted whether families were classified as at risk for poor knowledge. The results question legal assumptions about parents’ capacity for protecting youths’ interests without intervention.
54 Resident Run Radio Show Delivers Health Information to Dispersed Latino Community.

Background: A 1 hour Spanish radio show was developed by residents and faculty. Community assessment of a disperse Latino community revealed a need for health education and information on community resources. The radio show provides health information, identifies community resources and takes calls.
Normative standards for vocal tract dimensions by race as measured by acoustic pharyngometry.

Summary Acoustic pharyngometry evaluates the geometry of the vocal tract with acoustic reflections and provides information about vocal tract cross-sectional area and volume from lip to the glottis. Variations in vocal tract diameters are needed for speech scientists to validate various acoustic models and for medical professionals since the advent of endoscopic surgical techniques. Race is known to be one of the most important factors affecting the oral and nasal structures. This study compared vocal tract dimensions of White American, African American, and Chinese male and female speakers. One hundred and twenty healthy adult subjects with equal numbers of men and women were divided among three races. Subjects were controlled for age, gender, height, and weight. Six dimensional parameters of the speakers' vocal tract cavities were measured with acoustic reflection technology (AR). Significant gender and race main effects were found in certain vocal tract dimensions. The findings of this study now provide speech scientists, speech-language pathologists, and other health professionals with a new anatomical database of vocal tract variations for adult speakers from three different races.
Releasing (unclasping) in male American toads: a neural substrate in the lateral subtoral tegmentum.

Release signals (chirps and side vibrations) are given by a male toad being clasped by another toad. These signals trigger immediate releasing (i.e. unclasping) by the clasping toad. First, small electrolytic lesions in the lateral subtoral tegmentum of male American toads abolished releasing, i.e. these toads persisted in clasping release-signaling males. Second, stimulation of this area caused bilateral abduction of the forelimbs, as occurs in normal releasing. Third, neural responses, resulting from tactile stimulation of either thumbpad, could be recorded from this region. Supposedly, similar stimuli would be generated by the release vibrations of the sides given by a male being clasped. These data are consistent with the participation of the lateral subtoral tegmentum in the detection of release signals and in the triggering of releasing. Release signaling was probably an important step in the evolution of anuran vocalizations. The midbrain tegmentum may contain primitive circuits for the detection of stimuli eliciting anuran acoustic behaviors.
Simulation planning and rostering: runway schedule determination by simulation optimization

Many airport runway expansion projects are restricted by space limitations imposed by development in the vicinity of the airport. This often causes planners to choose configurations for new runways that limit the use of these runways in time and/or space. Studies that model airports with new runways that are not yet operational need to develop plausible operational models for these new runways since historical data is not available. We look at a runway schedule problem encountered during the configuration and validation step of an earlier study. We develop a method using simulation optimization to approach the runway schedule problem and compare it to a manual approach developed in the earlier study. We use the Total Airspace and Airport Modeler to model the airport and airspace operations and Fast Simulated Annealing for the optimization.
Litter manipulation and associated invertebrate fauna in secondary forest, central Amazonia, Brazil

Abstract Plant litter from selected tree species has been used for improving soil productivity in low-input systems of secondary vegetation in Central Amazon, leading to different conditions for invertebrates. Soil invertebrate assemblages were monitored to test the effects of adding litter types of contrasting nutritional quality and periods of exposure on the development of the community. We established four second growth plots with 80 subplots of 3 m 2 from which the original litter was removed and replaced in 60 subplots. Twenty subplots received Hevea brasiliensis leaves, 20 others Carapa guianensis leaves, and another 20 an equal mixture of H. brasiliensis , C. guianensis and Vismia guianensis . Twenty subplots were left with the original litter. Litter and mineral soil (5 cm deep) sub-horizons were collected after 45, 100, 160, 240 and 300 days of exposure. The invertebrates were extracted using Kempson apparatus. At the day 210, the litter was replenished to match the surrounding litter. Regression analyses showed no significant effect of litter type, but the period of exposure did affect the community in both sub-horizons. Only after the litter replenishment, the type of litter and periods of exposure affected the community in the litter sub-horizon. Because we tried to isolate the effects of litter composition from other large-scale phenomena, several factors interfered in the experiment and potential problems were identified to optimize the investigation. The sampling design must be improved by using a larger number of subsamples for each kind of litter within each plot. Coarse parameters of Order and Family were suited to detect major environmental patterns on soil invertebrates, but taxonomic resolution to species and/or morphospecies is required to detect more subtle effects. Future manipulations should also be done on a longer time scale, and the replicates need to be spread over larger areas to capture the natural variations within the ecosystems.
Discussion of Papers

‘‘A New Method for Laboratory Estimation of the Transverse Dispersion Coefficient’’ by M. Massabo, F. Catania, and O. Paladino, May–June issue 2007, v. 45, no. 3: 339–347. Comment by Hund-Der Yeh1 and Shaw-Yang Yang2 1Corresponding author: Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; 8863-5731910 fax: 886-3-5726050; hdyeh@mail.nctu.edu.tw 2Department of Civil Engineering, Vanung University, Chungli, Taiwan
Missing link between Milankovitch and climate

A simple empirical model shows that Earth's surface temperature is most affected by seasonal change of irradiation in the interior of North America and Euroasia, and that the highest sensitivity to insolation is reached in the autumn. Past climates are explained by adjustment of the cryosphere to changes of insolation in early autumn.
Evaluation of preseparator performance for the 8-stage nonviable Andersen impactor

The preseparator of an Andersen impactor with different coating treatments for a range of particle-size distributions was evaluated. Limited theoretical simulations constrained by simplifying assumptions of the airflow fields in the preseparator and upper stages of an 8-stage Andersen impactor were used to reveal low-velocity and high-pressure regions for potential deposition. These regions were then sampled in subsequent particle deposition experiments. Disodium fluorescein aerosols were sampled with different coating treatments of the preseparator floor. Particles collected at impactor stages determined particle size distributions. Stage deposition was compared between different preseparator treatments (buffer and silicon oil). Collection efficiency in the preseparator followed the pattern buffer >silicon oil >untreated. Statistical differences (P>0.05) were noted in collection efficiency of large particles (45 μm-75 μm) in the preseparator. The mass median aerodynamic diameters and geometric standard deviations showed some statistical differences when different preseparator treatments for large particles were used; therefore, preseparator coating was shown to influence performance and thereby estimates of particle size by intertial impaction.
Simulation studies on the performance of the hydrogen electrode bonded to proton exchange membranes in the hydrogenbromine fuel cell

Abstract A mathematical model was developed to describe the performance of hydrogen electrode catalyst particles that are bonded to the proton exchange membrane of a hydrogenbromine fuel cell. Macrohomogeneous porous electrode theory was applied to the catalyst particles. Fundamental equations were used to describe the transport of protons and dissolved hydrogen in the catalyst zone. The distribution of the electrode particles in this zone was also included in the model. Parametric studies on the numerical solution to this model indicate that the performance of the membrane electrode assembly is optimized when the volume fraction of polymer and catalyst is equal in the catalyst zone.
Solute and penetrant diffusion in swellable polymers. I. Mathematical modeling

A mathematical model was developed to describe diffusion of a penetrant and a solute in a swellable polymer slab. The model was applied to the case of a hydrophilic polymer loaded with a soluble bioactive agent, in which the penetrant (water) is sorbed and solute is desorbed. The model allows the incorporation of any appropriate form of the diffusion coefficients. A Fujita-type exponential dependence on penetrant concentration was chosen and shown to be adequate for prediction of a range of transport behavior. Dimensional changes in the sample were predicted by allowing each spatial increment to expand according to the amount of penetrant sorbed. During the initial period of release, the swelling was restricted to one dimension by the glassy core of the sample. At a later point in the process, the center of the sample had sorbed enough penetrant to plasticize it, and the sample relaxed to an isotropically swollen state; thereafter swelling was three-dimensional.
Emission quenching of binuclear pyrophosphito platinum(II) complexes in aqueous solution by sulphur dioxide. Spectroscopic measurements on sulphur dioxide addition and chromous ion reduction

Abstract The emission intensity at 517 nm from Pt2(pop)44− (pop = P2O5H22−) is quenched by the addition of sulphur dioxide. The sulphur dioxide coordinates at the axial platinum(II) sites by a η1-SO2 bond. This coordination is supported by 31p NMR and Raman spectroscopy of aqueous solutions. The electronic spectrum of a sulphur dioxide saturated solution of Pt2(pop)44− shows an absorption at 428.5nm (∈ = 4.1 × 104). From the decrease in the chromophore for uncomplexed Pt2(pop)44− the equilibrium constant for SO2 binding is estimated to be 1.74 M2l−2. The effect of adding different quenchers to aqueous solutions of Pt2(pop)44− is discussed. The compound Pt2(pop)44− will undergo 2-electron reduction with chromous ion.
Anaerobic Balanoposthitis: Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract Anaerobic balanoposthitis is an infection of the glans penis and prepuce caused by anaerobic Gram-negative rods. It is characterized by intense inflammation and edema of the prepuce, superficial ulcers on the glans penis, foul-smelling subpreputial discharge, and bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Infection tends to be locally destructive with severe tenderness of the penis and can result in considerable necrosis and tissue damage. The presence of a tight foreskin and sub-optimal hygienic practices seem to be a prerequisite for this condition to develop. Anaerobic Gram-negative rods belonging to the genus Bacteroides are the most commonly incriminated in the pathogenesis. Possible modes of transmission include contact with infected mucosal surfaces, such as during sexual intercourse, contamination by colonized saliva, or extension from the perirectal area. We report the first two cases of anaerobic balanoposthitis in HIV-positive patients and review the literature. Both patients had a previous history of sexually transmitted diseases and practiced sub-optimal hygiene. In both cases response to therapy was complete within 48–72 h.
Utility of existing Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome diagnostic criteria at initial evaluation of the individual patient: a retrospective analysis.

The diagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome is hampered by its variable manifestations and the lack of unique ancillary and laboratory findings. In this study, the diagnostic criteria established in 1978 by the American Uveitis Society (AUS) are retrospectively analyzed via their application to a population of 71 consecutive patients, using only those features present at the initial evaluation. All patients were previously diagnosed with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome based on the clinical features and course of the disease combined with fluorescein angiography with or without ultrasonography in selected cases. Mean age of all patients was 36.7 years ± 15.1 years. Fifty (70%) were female and 45 (65%) were Hispanic. Patients presenting acutely, subacutely, and in the chronic stages met the AUS criteria for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome in 56%, 48%, and 58% of cases, respectively. Allowance for variation in features, incomplete cases, and modification of the disease by treatment might increase the sensiti...
Dual mechanisms whereby a broken RNA end assists the catalysis of its repair by T4 RNA ligase 2.

T4 RNA ligase 2 (Rnl2) efficiently seals 3′-OH/5′-PO4RNA nicks via three nucleotidyl transfer steps. Here we show that the terminal 3′-OH at the nick accelerates the second step of the ligase pathway (adenylylation of the 5′-PO4 strand) by a factor of 1000, even though the 3′-OH is not chemically transformed during the reaction. Also, the terminal 2′-OH at the nick accelerates the third step (attack of the 3′-OH on the 5′-adenylated strand to form a phosphodiester) by a factor of 25–35, even though the 2′-OH is not chemically reactive. His-37 of Rnl2 is uniquely required for step 3, providing a ~102 rate acceleration. Biochemical epistasis experiments show that His-37 and the RNA 2′-OH act independently. We conclude that the broken RNA end promotes catalysis of its own repair by Rnl2 via two mechanisms, one of which (enhancement of step 3 by the 2′-OH) is specific to RNA ligation. Substrate-assisted catalysis provides a potential biochemical checkpoint during nucleic acid repair.
Experimental Investigation of Eclogite Rheology and Its Fabrics at High Temperature and Pressure

Eclogite plays an important role in mantle convection and geodynamics in subduction zones. An improved understanding of processes in the deeper levels of subduction zones and collision belts requires information on eclogite rheology. However, the deformation processes and associated fabrics in eclogite are not well understood. Incompatible views of deformation mechanism have been proposed for both garnet and omphacite. We present here deformation behaviour of eclogite at temperatures of 1027–1427 °C, confining pressures of 2.5–3.5 GPa, and strain rates of 1 × 10−5 s−1 to 5 × 10−4 s−1. We obtained a power-law creep for the high temperature and pressure deformation of a ‘dry’ eclogite (50 vol.% garnet, 40% omphacite and 10% quartz) with A = 103.3 ± 1.0, n = 3.5 ± 0.4, ΔE =403 ± 30 KJ mol−1 and ΔV = 27.2 cm3 mol−1. The two principal minerals of eclogite have greatly different strengths. Progressive increase of garnet results in a smooth increase in strength. Analysis by electron back-scattered diffraction shows that: (1) garnet displays pole figures with near random distributions of misorientation angle under both dry and wet conditions; (2) omphacite shows pronounced lattice preferred orientations (LPOs), suggesting a dominant dislocation creep mechanism. Further investigation into the water effects on eclogite show: (3) water content does not influence the style of omphacite fabric but increases slightly the fabric strength; (4) grain boundary processes dominate the deformation of garnet under high water fugacity or high shear-strain conditions, yielding a random LPO similar to that of non-deforming garnet, despite the strong shape preferred orientation (SPO) observed. {110} [001] slip may dominate the deformation of rutile. Quartz displays complicated and inconsistent LPOs in eclogite. These results are remarkably similar to observations from deformed eclogites in nature.
Laminar throughflow between closely spaced rotating disks

Laminar throughflow between finite parallel disks, one stationary and the other rotating, can be characterized by four dimensionless parameters in the general case. But, if the ratio of disk spacing to disk radius is small, an approximate definition of the flow may be made with reference to a single parameter, the Ekman number. The equations of motion and the equation of continuity in this ‘thin-film’ approximation are reduced here to an initial-value problem for nonlinear ordinary differential equations, by a Galerkin-type procedure. Hamming's modified predictor-corrector method is employed subsequently to solve for the stream functions. Radial pressure profiles of this solution are compared with published experimental data. The calculated results may be applied to the design of hydrostatic bearings and face seals.
Arsenic phytotoxicity and interactions in bush bean plants grown in solution culture

Abstract Bush bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Improved Tendergreen) were grown in solution culture with varied levels of As to ascertain levels and plant concentrations associated with phytotoxicity and to determine if there were any interactions between As and other minerals in plants. The level of 10‐4 M arsenate in solution resulted in considerable plant damage. Plant concentrations of As at this application rate were 3. 6, 18. 8 and 41. 7 μg/g respectively for leaves, stems, and roots. This level of arsenate resulted in increased Fe, Cu, Mg, Al, Si, Ti and Ba in all plant parts except Mg in roots. All of the increases may be due to concentration. Simultaneously there was depressed Mn, P and Ca in all plant parts. K also was depressed in roots. These depressions were not due to dilution.
Factors that explain the power line configuration wiring code-childhood leukemia association: what would they look like?

We explore the question of how to characterize a factor that would explain the patterns of wire code-childhood leukemia association observed in three major United States case-control studies. In positive studies, such a factor needs to be more prevalent in "high" wire codes than "low" whereas in negative studies, the factor should not be correlated to wire code. These concepts are quantified and we use these results to characterize potential factors that might explain the wire code-childhood leukemia association. We then re-evaluate findings from a survey of correlates of wire code in Connecticut with respect to potential for explaining the wire code-leukemia association. Under the presumption that the Connecticut correlations apply to the populations in which a wire code-leukemia association has been observed, only age and type of home are correlated enough to be potential explanatory factors. In particular, it appears very unlikely that traffic density can explain a significant portion of the wire code association. We suggest that correlation studies can be useful for identifying potential explanatory factors, but they must be done in regions where a wire code-childhood leukemia association has been observed.
Natural history and significance of esophageal squamous cell dysplasia

Balloon-mesh cytologic screening for esophageal cancer done in 255 asymptomatic high-risk United States veterans (age greater than 40 years, ethanol abuse for greater than 20 years, and cigarette smoking greater than 20 pack years) identified 37 patients with squamous cell dysplasia. Of the 37 patients with dysplasia, 28 were re-evaluated prospectively at 6-month intervals for up to 36 months by balloon-mesh cytology, esophagoscopy with vital staining and biopsies, chest radiographs, oropharyngeal examination, and indirect laryngoscopy. During prospective follow-up evaluation, cytology specimens were repetitively normal in 16 patients (57%), showed inflammatory changes in eight patients (29%), persisted as dysplasia in two patients (7%) (both had endoscopic and histologic evidence of esophagitis), and progressed to carcinoma in two patients (7%) (one esophageal, one laryngeal). Although histologic findings concurred with the resolution of dysplasia, biopsy specimens were characterized by a similar difficulty in distinguishing dysplasia from inflammation. Erroneous histologic diagnoses of carcinoma in situ were made in two patients with reflux esophagitis evident endoscopically and confirmed during the course of a 24-36 month follow-up period. The authors conclude that squamous cell dysplasia detected by balloon-mesh cytology is seldom a precursor of esophageal cancer in the high-risk U.S. population but, rather, is often related to esophagitis. Thus, balloon-mesh cytology has limited use as a screening method for the early detection of esophageal cancer in the United States.