cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multicellular model for differential regulation of circadian signals in the core and shell regions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus

We developed a multicellular model of the mammalian circadian clock characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity with respect to single cell periodicity and behavior (intrinsic and driven oscillators), neurotransmitter release (VIP, GABA and glutamate synthesis) and spatial organization (core and shell regions), mimicking structural patterns within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) associated with distinct circadian functions. We simulated the SCN core and shell separately utilizing experimentally derived connectivity schemes for the two subdivisions as observed within the rat SCN. The core was modeled via a small world network characterized by VIP and GABA co-localization, whereas the shell was simulated as a nearest neighbor network promoting local GABAergic connections. To study the function of the axonal plexus extending from the densely innervated ventrolateral region to distal areas across the dorsomedial SCN, directed long range links from the core to the shell were gradually introduced via a probability p(cs) that ranged from 0 to 1. A probability value of 0 excluded core-shell interactions, whereas p(cs)=1 achieved maximal connectivity between the two regions. Our model exhibited a threshold in the number of core-to-shell links required for sufficient cell-to-cell coordination to maintain periodicity and rhythmic behavior across the entire model network (including both shell and core populations) in constant darkness as well as 12:12h light-dark cycles. By contrast, constant light was shown to increase phase synchronization across the shell while core populations remained poorly synchronized, suggesting differential light response across the two SCN compartments. We further simulated increasing percentages of intrinsic oscillators and demonstrated a negative correlation between the number of intrinsic oscillators distributed across the SCN and the ability of the system to produce synchronized signals. Simulations that differed with respect to the placement of intrinsic oscillators supported the hypothesis that improved synchronization is achieved with networks characterized by localized intrinsic oscillators placed exclusively within the shell versus networks containing uniformly distributed intrinsic oscillators in both SCN compartments. This study has successfully reproduced a number of spatiotemporal and behavioral attributes of the SCN, providing a useful computational tool to correlate observed circadian phenotypes with distinct chemoarchitectural properties of spatially localized neural populations.
Residual Phosphorus Distribution and Sorption in Starter Fertilizer Bands Applied in No‐Till Culture

Banding fertilizer P in no-till culture results in a heterogeneous soil P distribution for months to years. This study's objective was to quantify the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of banded P to improve assessment of soil P availability. In three trials for no-till corn (Zea mays L.) and from four replicated plots each, we collected a grid of 1.3 by 1.3 cm samples around 10 and 20 kg P ha -1 starter fertilizer bands at ∼6, 12, and 18 mo after application. Soils were Mexico silty clay loam (Mollic Epiaqualf), Putnam silty clay loam (Vertic Albaqualf), and Dockery silt loam (Aquic Udifluvent). Band affected soil was defined as having a Bray-1 P concentration of at least 1.5 times that of adjacent soil. Band dimensions varied from 5 to 8 cm (horizontal) and 5 to 12 cm (vertical), and tended to be largest at the 12-mo sampling. Cross-sectional area of bands ranged from 18 to 63 cm 2 . Band P concentrations decreased logarithmically from the band center, and were largest at either 6 or 12 mo, and varied substantially along the direction of band application. Band P concentrations ranged from 100 to 313 mg P kg -1 at 6 mo, 56 to 415 mg P kg -1 at 12 mo, and 63 to 237 mg P kg -1 at 18 mo (avg. of the six most concentrated samples of the 20 kg P ha -1 bands). Soil in the band center was weakly buffered and appeared to be more easily extracted by the Bray-1 extractant than nonband affected soil. Inclusion of bands in soil samples would increase the risk to overestimate available P to a crop.
Distribution and origin of ethyl-branched alkanes in a Cenomanian transgressive shale of the Western Interior Seaway (USA)

Abstract Monoethylalkanes (MEA, C16–C22) with an even number of carbon atoms are relatively abundant in the saturated hydrocarbon fraction of the basal Graneros Shale (Cenomanian, Western Interior Seaway, USA). On the basis of isomer distribution and isotopic composition, it is proposed that MEA derive from eubacterial organisms, possibly cyanobacteria, living in fresh to brackish water environments.
SHP1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase regulates HoxA10 DNA binding and transcriptional repression activity in undifferentiated myeloid cells.

The homeodomain protein HoxA10 interacts with negative cis elements to repress gene transcription in undifferentiated myeloid cells. The CYBB and NCF2 genes, which encode the gp91PHOX and p67PHOX proteins, are two such HoxA10 target genes. During interferon γ-induced myeloid differentiation, tyrosine phosphorylation decreases HoxA10 DNA binding affinity and transcriptional repression. Therefore, decreased HoxA10 repression contributes to increased CYBB andNCF2 transcription in differentiating myeloid cells. The current studies investigate modulation of HoxA10 repression activity during myelopoiesis. We determine that phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the conserved homeodomain decreases HoxA10-DNA binding. We also determine that interaction of the homeodomain phosphotyrosine residues with an adjacent domain in the HoxA10 protein is necessary for decreased DNA binding affinity. Since SHP1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase antagonizes myeloid differentiation and decreases CYBB andNCF2 transcription, we investigated the influence of SHP1-protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) on HoxA10 tyrosine phosphorylation. We find that SHP1-PTP activity increases HoxA10 target gene repression in undifferentiated myeloid cells. Consistent with this, SHP1-PTP interacts with HoxA10 and decreases homeodomain-tyrosine phosphorylation. These investigations suggest that SHP1-PTP activity, in undifferentiated myeloid cells, influences HoxA10 repression of myeloid-specific genes. Therefore, increased HoxA10 repression of myeloid gene transcription is a molecular mechanism for SHP1 inhibition of myeloid differentiation.
The effect of bone morphogenetic protein-7 on the expression of type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in G-292 osteosarcoma cells and primary osteoblast cultures

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) affects differentiation of preosteoblasts enabling the resultant cells to respond optimally to acutely acting regulators. As the phosphoinositide cascade and, particularly, the calcium-mobilizing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor are integral to stimulus–secretion coupling in osteoblasts, the hypothesis that BMP-7 affects InsP3 receptor expression was examined in the G-292 human osteosarcoma cell line and in primary cultures of human osteoblasts. G-292 osteosarcoma cells were found to be a valid experimental model for primary human osteoblasts, expressing osteoblastic mRNAs encoding osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, α1-collagen, epidermal growth-factor receptor, and BMP type II receptor. When cultured long term in the presence of ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate, G-292 cells underwent further osteoblastic differentiation, forming nodules and exhibiting restricted mineralization. G-292 cells responded to BMP-7 with an increase in InsP3 receptor density. Ligand-binding studies established that BMP-7 (50 ng/ml) treatment of G-292 cells increased InsP3 receptor density 2.4-fold with no apparent change in affinity. Immunoblot analysis with antibodies specific for type I, type II, and type III InsP3 receptors revealed that BMP-7 (50 ng/ml) treatment resulted in a specific increase (206±8%) in the type I receptor. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analyses of G-292 and primary human osteoblasts confirmed an increase in type I InsP3 receptor mRNA upon BMP-7 treatment. These results demonstrate that G-292 cells respond to BMP-7 with an increase InsP3 receptor density, consistent with the enhanced capacity of these cells to respond to Ca2+-mobilizing secretory hormones during osteoblast differentiation.
Ballistic-hole spectroscopy of interfaces

A new technique allows direct control and measurement of ballistic-hole transport through interfaces. This spectroscopy has been applied to determine the detailed properties of hole transmission through metal-semiconductor interfaces and probe the valence-band structure of subsurface semiconductor heterostructures. The ballistic-hole probe is created by electron-tunneling-microscopy methods and provides high-spatial-resolution capabilities.
Observations of secondary oscillations in thermal grain boundary grooves

Abstract Thermal grain boundary grooving by surface diffusion is accompanied not only by main maxima on either side of a groove, but also by secondary maxima and minima. We measure these oscillations in tungsten and give reasons why the observed secondary maxima and minima are larger than predicted.
Quantitative ultrasound renal parenchymal area correlates with renal volume and identifies reflux nephropathy.

Purpose: Studies show that renal volume on magnetic resonance imaging correlates with differential function and is decreased in children with vesicoureteral reflux diagnosed after urinary tract infection. We examined the correlation between ultrasound renal parenchymal area and magnetic resonance imaging volume to determine whether quantitative ultrasound renal parenchymal area might be a reliable, less costly and less invasive substitute for renal magnetic resonance imaging volume.Materials and Methods: To determine the correlation of ultrasound renal parenchymal area with magnetic resonance imaging, we identified 82 children with primary vesicoureteral reflux who underwent renal magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging volume was compared with ultrasound renal parenchymal area, renal length and calculated ellipsoid volume. To determine the correlation of ultrasound renal parenchymal area with reflux grade, ultrasound renal parenchymal area was examined in 96 children with re...
Modeling complex structures in object-oriented logic programming

In this paper, we present a type model for object-oriented databases. Most object-oriented databases only provide users with flat objects whose structure is a record of other objects. In order to have a powerful expression power, an object-oriented database should not only provide objects but also complex values recursively built using the set, tuple and disjunctive constructors. Our type model presents two notions: that of classes whose instances are objects with identity and that of types whose instances are complex values. The two notions are mixed in that an object is modeled as a pair containing an identifier and a value, and a value is a complex structure which contains objects and values. We define in this context the notions of subtyping and provide a set inclusion semantics for subtyping.
Retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer into umbilical cord blood-derived megakaryocyte and platelet progenitors.

Abstract Optimizing platelet engraftment following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is essential for minimizing transplant-related morbidity, particularly following umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), where platelet engraftment frequently takes >60 days. One strategy for optimizing platelet engraftment following UCBT is to study or alter the genetic program of megakaryocyte/platelet (Mk/plt) progenitors. Retroviral vector gene transfer has previously proven useful for studying the biology of hematopoietic stem cells; however, procedures for transducing UCB cells of the Mk/plt lineage with retroviral vectors have not been described. We report here that Mk/plt progenitors generated from UCB progenitors can be efficiently transduced with retroviral vectors. Transduced Mk/plt cells were identified and quantitated by expression of a vector transgene encoding a truncated version of the human nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR). Vector-mediated NGFR expression could be readily detected in Mk/plt progenitors defined by immunophenotypic, morphologic, and functional criteria. In addition, NGFR expression persisted in mature anucleate platelets generated from the transduced Mk/plt progenitors. These methods may be useful for introducing genetic elements into Mk/plt progenitors to study various aspects of platelet development and biology and for marking ex vivo expanded Mk/plt progenitors to determine their contribution to engraftment. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 1999;5(4):215-21.
Temperature characteristics of wavelength tuning in separately pumped integrated-etalon interference lasers

We have characterised the temperature behaviour of the electronic wavelength-tunable separately pumped integrated etalon-interference laser operating at 0.9 ?m. The experimental results reveal two interesting features: the tuning bandwidth varies periodically as a function of temperature, and the possibility of single longitudinal mode operation within a wavelength-locking range ?T as large as 15 deg C.
Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: Most American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Online Patient Education Material Exceeds Average Patient Reading Level

A lbert Schweitzer said, ‘‘Each patient carries his own doctor inside him. They come to us not knowing that truth. We are at our best when we give the doctor who resides within each patient a chance to go to work’’ [2]. In order to put the doctor inside each patient to work, that patient—and his or her inner doctor—need some basic information about the condition they are treating together. In other words, some education. The problem is, physicians just are not that good at patient education. Although we continue to learn about shared decision-making models [1, 6] and newer technological approaches to disseminating information, we generally are unsuccessful at helping patients understand or remember much of what we share [3]. Perhaps as a result, what we perceive to be informed consent often is anything but informed. At the heart of this lies a problem that is simple to identify but terribly difficult to remedy: Literacy. In the United States, an affluent country by any standard, some 12% of the population cannot read well enough to search a short, simple text about what a patient is allowed to drink before a medical test. Approximately 34% of the US population reads well enough only to use a television guide to find out what programs are on at a given time [4]. Nearly a quarter of the population acknowledges not having read a book in the past year [7], and the average adult in the United States reads at only the eighth grade level [5]. It is no wonder we have trouble conveying important but complicated concepts to our patients using the written word. Consider the following explanation about a child with clubfoot: ‘‘Your son’s foot did not develop properly during your pregnancy. If we don’t treat this condition, it is likely that he will develop painful arthritis at a young age and have difficulty walking. I recommend we start by using a cast, but if that doesn’t work, I will probably recommend major surgery to correct the problem.’’ Using a Note from the Editor-In-Chief: In ‘‘Editor’s Spotlight,’’ one of our editors provides brief commentary on a paper we believe is especially important and worthy of general interest. Following the explanation of our choice, we present ‘‘Take Five,’’ in which the editor goes behind the discovery with a one-on-one interview with an author of the article featured in ‘‘Editor’s Spotlight.’’ The author certifies that he or any members of his immediate family, has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. This comment refers to the article available at: 10.1007/s11999-014-4071-2.
Mountains and cities in Cambodia: Temple architecture and divine vision

In an article in The New York times reporting on an exhibition of unbuilt mid career Frank Lloyd Wright projects?under a subheadline 'The designs of a genius-in-progress'?Herbert Muschamp writes that 'what's striking about all these projects is that Wright proceeded as if he, personally, had discovered America' (1997: 29). He goes on to say that 'Sybil Maholy-Nagy was not exaggerating when she observed that Wright was the first architect in history who felt obliged to design an entire continent.' How much more had the architects of sacred monuments in South and Southeast Asia undertaken in
Denver II Developmental Screening of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants† 1259

The most recent revision of The Denver Developmental Screening Test, the Denver II (1990), is in widespread use despite limited pre-publication validation and little published data to support its use. Review and validation studies thus far have concluded that the Denver II should not be used to determine referral for more in-depth, diagnostic evaluation, due largely to low sensitivity and specificity resulting in over-referral, excessive cost, and needless parent anxiety. However, these validation efforts have themselves been criticized for employing overly stringent criteria in diagnosing disability. The purpose of the present study was to examine the accuracy of the Denver II in identifying preterm infants with delayed cognitive development or cerebral palsy (CP). Ninety-three VLBW infants who had been transferred to a regional intensive care nursery as neonates served as subjects. Mean length of gestation and birthweight were 27.4 weeks and 1009 grams, respectively. The Denver II was administered at 4 months corrected age by a nurse certified to administer the test. At one year of age, each infant was examined by a pediatrician and was administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-2nd Edition by a psychologist. Both examiners were unaware of the infants' performance on the Denver II. Based on the test manual's interpretation guidelines, 67 infants were classified as Normal, 23 Questionable, and 3 Abnormal. For the 67 infants classified as normal at 4 months adjusted age (based on the Denver II), the mean and standard deviation Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) at one year adjusted age was 96 (18), the proportion with Bayley MDI < 85 was 21%, and the proportion with CP was 12%. These same data for infants classified as either Questionable (n= 23) or Abnormal (n= 3) on the Denver II were: mean Bayley MDI 75(19), percent with Bayley MDI < 85= 15%, and percent with CP= 8%. The sensitivity of the Denver II at 4 months adjusted age for detecting infants who subsequently had a Bayley MDI < 85 was.29, while the specificity was.78. The sensitivity of the Denver II in detecting CP was.30, with specificity of.80. Results of this study suggest a lack agreement between Denver II screening and diagnostic evaluation results. Thus, while previous investigators have cautioned about over-referral rates from the Denver II, the present study suggests that under-referral may also be a problem.
Surface-induced assembly of apolipoprotein A-I: Implications for symmetry-driven non-cooperative clustering

Abstract In condensed matter physics the geometry of a crystal is determined by the mechanism of condensation. In biology, the link between clustering mechanisms and the shape of a protein crystal is not well defined. To gain more insight into the problem, we studied clustering of apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) on a solid surface using AFM. The amyloidogenic protein apo A-I is the main protein component of high density lipoprotein and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. We found that apo A-I clustered to form nano-scale, symmetrical clusters on mica. Statistical analysis of size distribution for several thousand clusters suggested that the clustering reaction followed a non-cooperative kinetic scheme characterized by a single equilibrium constant of 0.92·10 6 M −1 and a change in free energy (Δ G ) of −0.03 kJ mole −1 /residue. This is close to Δ G of−0.04 kJ mole −1 /residue for apo A-I binding to phospholipid membrane; and 30-fold smaller than Δ G for β-amyloid formation by apo A-I. The high symmetry of the clusters is consistent with an isotropic diffusion coefficient of protein monomers on the surface of the substrate. This previously unrecognized link between protein clustering mechanism and the symmetry of the growth pattern may have important implications in medicine, pharmaceutics and polymer science.
Investigating Thermal Effects on Morphological Evolution during Crystallisation of hcp Metals: Three-dimensional Phase Field Study

AbstractComputational models simulating the crystallisation of hexagonal close packed (hcp) metals have traditionally used simple solid/fluid interface anisotropy relations. However, this method does not provide a proper representation of the crystallisation anisotropy, particularly for non-isothermal crystallisation. In this work, we used a phase field (PF) model to investigate the effects of thermal properties (thermal diffusivity and latent heat) on the morphological evolution of hcp metals during crystallisation. The governing equation of the PF model was coupled to the temperature evolution equation, and a three-dimensional model was developed in a finite element framework using COMSOL software. We applied the model to study the crystal formation and evolution of magnesium and yttrium. The unique aspect of this work is that we used Qin and Bhadeshia’s three-dimensional interface anisotropic model to accurately simulate solid/fluid interface anisotropy. The results showed that the thermal effects sign...
Assessing Library Skills: A First Step to Information Literacy

As part of the University of Rhode Island Libraries' "Comprehensive Plan for Information Literacy," a three-credit class in the skills and concepts of information literacy was first offered in the fall of 1999. More than 1,000 undergraduate students have taken the class since that time. A pre-test was given at the beginning of each semester, followed up by a post-test at the end. The pre- and post-test results were analyzed to determine: (1) whether students improved their test scores over the course of the semester, (2) which concepts and skills students mastered, and (3) where the course might need revision and/or improvement. Analysis showed that skills were acquired and/or improved overall.
Phenology and reproductive physiology of Thalassia testudinium from the Western tropical Atlantic

Abstract Phenological investigations in natural seagrass beds of Texas, Florida and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and reproductive physiology studies under controlled conditions suggest that flowering in Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig is related to the temperature progressions that follow winter minima. Phenological analyses did not show significant site differences that were related to latitude for any of five phenophases, but indicated that flowering may be nearly synchronous in Texas, Florida and St. Croix. Statistical analyses of one phenophase, the initial appearance of visible floral buds, and the temperatures antecedent to this phenophase indicated that flowering in St. Croix is preceded by a significantly higher temperature progression than that in Florida or in Texas. Under controlled conditions, plants of Texas were induced to flower at temperatures at or below 23°C and to reach anthesis at 23°C, but plants of more tropical origin, St. Croix and Mexico, flowered less frequently and at a slightly higher temperature, 24–26°C. Plants of diverse origin produced flowers under continuous light, suggesting that photoperiod does not play a significant role in flowering phenology. The combined studies in the natural seagrass beds and in the laboratory under controlled conditions indicate that temperature responses for St. Croix plants are probably genotypically different from those of Florida and Texas.
Multiple metals stack emission measurement methodology for stationary sources, current status

Abstract This paper presents an overview of the current status of measurement methodology for the purpose of determining multiple metals stack emissions of up to sixteen metals using one sampling train developed by the Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). In the methodology isokinetic sampling from a grid of points produces a representative sample from which the multiple metal emissions can be measured in the sample from one train. Metals in the stack particulate matter are measured separately from those in the stack gases. The samples are prepared by digestion for subsequent analysis by inductively coupled plasma or atomic absorption spectroscopy. The train was developed for measuring the following sixteen metals: total Cr, Cd, As, Ni, Mn, Be, Cu, Zn, Pb, Se, P, Tl, Ag, Sb, Ba, and Hg. Emission factor development, research requiring measurement of metals emissions, and determining emission compliance are important potential applications of this type of methodology.
Triflupromazine and transtracheal anesthesia in bronchology.

The transtracheal method of local anesthesia has been reviewed and 437 cases who had bronchologic examination have been discussed. The technic described permits controlled administration of a predetermined amount of the anesthetic agent in a single injection as quickly and as safely as the regional infiltration of anesthetics. The drug mostly used was cocaine hydrochloride, 5 per cent solution, and the average effective dose required was 198 mg in 91 per cent of the cases. Triflupromazine given intravenously immediately before the transtracheal injection of the anesthetic, ordinarily at a dose of 10 mg prolongs the local effect of cocaine, and proves to be a good substitute for barbiturates and opiates to sedate the patient. The whole procedure usually takes about two minutes.
Neuroendocrine modulation of memory during development.

A series of four experiments examined the possible roles of catecholamines and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in infantile amnesia. Juvenile (14–20 days) rats were trained in a one-trial inhibitory avoidance task. In this task, good retention performance appeared in 16-day-old rats when tested at 1 hr but not 24 hr after training; good 24-hr retention performance was first seen in 20-day-old rats. A single posttraining injection (subcutaneous) of either epinephrine or norepinephrine (NE), but not ACTH, enhanced 24-hr retention performance in the 16-day-old rats. Transient decreases in forebrain norepinephrine content in response to a training footshock were observed in 16-day and older animals; brainstem responses apparently matured prior to 14 days of age. When brain NE was examined in 16-day-old rats that received training and peripheral memory-facilitating epinephrine injections, there was little correlation between later retention performance and the extent of change in brain norepinephrine content. These results may be due to age-related differences in norepinephrine release or metabolism. The findings of these studies suggest that peripheral catecholamine systems known to modulate adult memory may account, in part, for the phenomenon of infantile amnesia. The results support the view that memory storage mechanisms may mature earlier than do memory modulation systems responsible for initiating and promoting storage.
Seven-year clinical experience with the extracardiac pedicled pericardial Fontan operation.

Background Although improved perioperative outcomes with growth potential of the extracardiac pedicled pericardial Fontan (EPPF) operation have been suggested, no advantage has been demonstrated. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our institutional experience of 54 consecutive patients undergoing EPPF between June 1996 and August 2003. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was obtained yearly with a mean follow-up of 2.8 ± 2.0 years. Results There were 29 males, median age 3.3 years (2–6.8). Median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 79 min (39–295). Fibrillatory arrest was used briefly in 9 patients, of which 6 were for fenestration. One Fontan required takedown (1.8%) and there was 1 death (1.8%) from Candida mediastinitis. Median intensive care unit stay, hospital length of stay, and chest tube drainage were 4 days, 12 days, and 8 days, respectively. Arrhythmias occurred in 7 patients. Three (5.6%) of these had preexisting Holter abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Freedom from thromboembolic events, reoperation, and death at 2.8 years after discharge were 96.2%, 98.1%, and 100%, respectively. All patients were New York Heart Association class I-II, with median oxygen saturation of 94 %. Only 5 patients (9.4%) had mild self-restricted activities. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed excellent ventricular function and flow dynamics. Conclusions At midterm follow-up this technique yields outcomes as good as the other Fontan techniques and with further follow-up may prove to be superior. However, at this point no clear advantage has been demonstrated. The low rate of complications and potential for growth are appealing features of this procedure.
Human leukocyte response to an endurance race

The response of circulating leukocytes (WBC's) with regard to changes in number, proportion of neutrophils versus lymphocytes and changes in lymphocyte function as well as proportions of T and B cells was studied in eleven men who ran a 20-mile race. A marked leukocytosis was noted 10–15 min after the race with the predominant increase being polymorphonuclear leukocytes (P<0.001). A significant rise in mean serum cortisol levels was also noted (P<0.001) which correlated with both the increase in total WBC's (P< 0.001) and granulocytes (P<0.001), but not lymphocytes. The increase in serum cortisol was inversely correlated with miles of prior training (P<0.001). An increase in lymphocytes from 1767±112/mm3 to 2431±202/mm3 was less than that previously described in short-term exercise. As with short-term exercise the most significant increase in lymphocytes was in “B” lymphocytes bearing surface immunoglobulin (P<0.0025). However, in contrast to short-term exercise lymphocytes maintained good in vitro response to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. This study demonstrates that endurance racing produces a more marked granulocytosis and less lymphocytosis than short bouts of exercise. It is suggested that the degree of leukocytosis is stress dependent in that it was positively correlated with serum cortisol and inversely correlated with prior training.
Superconductivity and the metal-insulator transition in La1.85Sr0.15CuO4

Abstract Measurements on La 1.85 Sr 0.15 CuO 4 with five different substitutions for the Cu show that the M-I transition occurs in each case at an impurity concentration x MI higher than the value x c at which superconductivity disappears. While x c correlates with the magnitude of the local magnetic moment, we show that the M-I transition is the result of the superposition of the disorder and of the change in carrier concentration as obtained from the Hall effect. On the metallic side the normal-state conductivity changes linearly with √ T over a wide range of temperature. The normal-state conductivity extrapolated to zero temperature exhibits a critical exponent close to one as the M-I transition is approached.
Diet, cigarette smoking, stressful life events, and subjective feelings of stress.

A study of 133 workers in an educational institution showed that poor nutritional habits and cigarette smoking were associated with greaters subjective stress
Tribological properties of ceramic-(Ti3Al-Nb) sliding couples for use as candidate seal materials to 700 C

Tribological properties of Ti3Al-Nb intermetallic disks sliding against alumina-boria-silicate fabric were ascertained in air at temperatures from 25 to 700 C. These materials are candidates for sliding seal applications for the National AeroSpace Plane. The tests were done using a pin on disk tribometer. Sliding was unidirectional at 0.27 m/sec under a nominal contact stress of 340 kPa. Gold sputter or ion plating deposited films were used to reduce friction and wear. Rhodium and palladium films were used beneath the gold lubricating films to prevent diffusion of the substrate into the gold at high temperature. The friction and wear of the unlubricated specimens was unacceptable. Friction coefficients were generally greater than 1.0. The ion plated gold films, when used with a rhodium diffusion barrier reduced friction by almost a factor of 2. Wear was also substantially reduced. The sputter deposited films were not adherent unless the substrate was sputter cleaned immediately prior to film deposition. Palladium did not function as a diffusion barrier.
Intellectual property and confidentiality issues in senior design courses

Senior capstone design courses provide students the opportunity to develop their design skills and learn about the product development process. Student project teams, a number of which are industry-sponsored, often develop creative design solutions that result in the creation of intellectual property. When this occurs, who owns the intellectual property: the student, faculty advisors, industry sponsors, or academic institutions? The paper discusses how academic institutions, such as the Marquette University, deal with intellectual property and confidentiality issues in senior capstone design courses, in particular those that deal with biomedical engineering.
Note on the reliability and validity of mothers' retrospective reports of their children's birthweights.

Abstract Using data from the 1973, 1976, and 1982 National Survey of Family Growth Studies, mothers’ retrospective reports of their children's birthweights are compared across surveys and with vital registration data. Comparisons focus on estimated levels for blacks and whites, and on the effects of possible detenninants. Despite the fact that nonresponse is more common for blacks, especially for births occurring at dates more distant from the surveys, results show that retrospective reports of low birthweight (< 5.5 pounds) provide valid and reliable estimates of trends and differentials.
Synchronization of chaos in an array of three lasers

Synchronization of the chaotic intensity fluctuations of three modulated Nd:YAG lasers oriented in a linear array with either a modulated pump or loss is investigated experimentally, numerically, and analytically. Experimentally, synchronization is only seen between the two outer lasers, with little synchrony between outer and inner lasers. Using a false nearest-neighbors method, we numerically estimate the experimental system dynamics to be five dimensional, which is in good agreement with analytical results. Numerically, synchronization is only seen between the two outer lasers, which matches the experimental data well. Lack of synchrony between outer and inner lasers, is explained analytically and then we numerically investigate loss of synchronization of the outer two lasers, observing the occurrence of a blowout bifurcation. Finally, the effects of noise and symmetry breaking are examined and discussed.
Thermogravimetry of wood reacted with hexamethylphosphorus triamide as a flame retardant treatment

Abstract Specimens of pine were reacted with hexamethylphosphorus triamide (HMPT) in dimethylformamide solutions. The specimens were evaluated using thermogravimetry for their potential fire resistance. Specimens reacted with HMPT had a temperature at maximum pyrolysis rate 113°C lower than that of unreacted wood. There was 45.4% residual char after pyrolysis of reacted specimens that were water extracted, compared to 17.6% residual char from unreacted specimens. The amount of residual char and peak temperatures of HMPT-reacted specimens were indicative of an effective flame retardant and were essentially unchanged when specimens were extracted with water. Reacted specimens would not burn in a simple flame test.
Electronic structure of aqueous borohydride: a potential hydrogen storage medium

Borohydride salts have been considered as good prospects for transportable hydrogen storage materials, with molecular hydrogen released via hydrolysis. We examine details of the hydration of sodium borohydride by the combination of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and first principles' theory. Compared to solid sodium borohydride, the aqueous sample exhibits an uncharacteristically narrow absorption feature that is shifted to lower energy, and ascribed to the formation of dihydrogen bonds between borohydride and water that weaken the boron–hydrogen covalent bonds. Water also acts to localize the highly excited molecular orbitals of borohydride, causing transitions to excited states with p character to become more intense and a sharp feature, uncharacteristic of tetrahedral molecules, to emerge. The simulations indicate that water preferentially associates with borohydride on the tetrahedral corners and edges.
Clinical Evaluation of Persons Positive to Stabilized Tuberculin but Negative to Nonstabilized Tuberculin

Abstract In the present report 287 tuberculin negative employees screened annually with nonstabilized tuberculin were tested with stabilized tuberculin. Twelve employees converted from a negative nonstabilized to a positive stabilized test. They remained negative when retested with nonstabilized tuberculin, had negative sputum, unchanged chest films, and were asymptomatic. This group had a high incidence of positive reactivity to PPD-G and a high incidence of chest films showing old granulomatous disease. We feel that present concepts of conversion should be expanded to include consistency from one type of tuberculin test to the next in defining conversion.
Finite element evaluation of free-edge singular stress fields in anisotropic materials

A finite element formulation based on the work of Yarnada and Okumura 14 is presented to determine the order of singularity and angular variation of the stress and displacement fields surrounding a singular point on a free edge of anisotropic materials. Emphasis is placed on the computational aspects of this method when applied to configurations including fully bonded multi-material junctions intersecting a free edge as well as materials containing cracks intersecting a free edge. The study shows that the singularity of the three-dimensional stress field may be accurately determined with a relatively small number of elements only when a proper level of numerical integration is used. The method is applied to isotropic and orthotropic materials with a crack intersecting a free edge and an anisotropic three-material junction intersecting a free edge. The efficiency and accuracy of the method indicates it could be used to develop a numerical solution for the singular field that could in turn be used to create free-edge enriched finite elements.
Computational Study of Bond Dissociation Enthalpies for Lignin Model Compounds. Substituent Effects in Phenethyl Phenyl Ethers

Lignin is an abundant natural resource that is a potential source of valuable chemicals. Improved understanding of the pyrolysis of lignin occurs through the study of model compounds for which phenethyl phenyl ether (PhCH2CH2OPh, PPE) is the simplest example representing the dominant β-O-4 ether linkage. The initial step in the thermal decomposition of PPE is the homolytic cleavage of the oxygen−carbon bond. The rate of this key step will depend on the bond dissociation enthalpy, which in turn will depend on the nature and location of relevant substituents. We used modern density functional methods to calculate the oxygen−carbon bond dissociation enthalpies for PPE and several oxygen-substituted derivatives. Since carbon−carbon bond cleavage in PPE could be a competitive initial reaction under high-temperature pyrolysis conditions, we also calculated substituent effects on these bond dissociation enthalpies. We found that the oxygen−carbon bond dissociation enthalpy is substantially lowered by oxygen subs...
Preventing HIV in injection drug users: choosing the best mix of interventions for the population.

Injection drug users (IDUs) transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) via both needle sharing and sex. This analysis explores the effects of population risk behaviors, intervention effectiveness, intervention costs, and budget and capacity constraints when allocating funds between two prevention programs to maximize effectiveness. The two interventions, methadone maintenance and street outreach, address different types of risk behavior. We developed a model of the spread of HIV and dwided IDUs into susceptible (uninfected) persons and infective persons and separately portrayed sex and injection risk. We simulated the epidemic in San Francisco, California, and New York City for periods from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s and incorporated the behavioral effects of the two interventions. We used the simulation to find the allocation of a fixed budget to the two interventions that averted the greatest number of infections in the IDUs and their noninjecting sex partners. We assumed that interventions have increasing marginal costs. In the epidemic scenarios, our analysis found that the best allocation nearly always involves spending as much as possible on street outreach. This result is largely insensitive to variations in epidemic scenario, intervention efficacy, and cost. However, the absolute and relative benefits of the best allocation varied. In mid-1990s San Francisco, maximizing spending on outreach averted 3.5% of total HIV infections expected and 10 times the 0.3% from maximizing spending on treatment. In late 1980s New York City, the difference is five-fold (2.6% vs. 0.44%, respectively). Our analyses suggest that, even though prevention works better in higher risk scenarios, the choice of intervention mix is more important in the lower risk scenarios. Models and analyses such as those presented heve may help decision makers adapt individual prevention programs to their own communities and to reallocate resources among programs to reflect the evolution of their own epidemics.
Analysis of the distribution of cutaneous perforators in cutaneous flaps

An anatomic and statistical analysis was performed on the distribution of cutaneous perforators that perfuse the scapular, radial forearm, and lateral arm cutaneous flaps. Perforators were categorized as direct, terminal, and intransitive, depending upon perforator origin and termination site relative to the source artery. Statistical cluster analysis of perforator distributions was performed to determine the regions in which cutaneous perforators are consistently found. The scapular and radial forearm flaps could be divided into up to three well-perfused segments. The analysis predicted the possibility of dividing the lateral arm flap into as many as seven segments while maintaining perfusion. Clinical applications of this method for preoperative flap design and elevation as well as final results are shown.
Layout optimization of static CMOS functional cells

A general theory for designing minimum-area layouts of static series-parallel CMOS functional cells (also called complex gates) in a standard cell layout style is presented. T. Uehara and W.M. vanCleemput. (1981) originally formulated this as the graph optimization problem of finding the minimum number of dual trails that cover a multigraph model of M of a cell. The present theory provides a formalism for the analysis of series-parallel graphs and identifies the mathematical structures that underlie the layout problem. It also leads to two efficient algorithms for designing minimum area functional cell layouts. The first algorithm, TrailTrace, accepts an ordering of M that is fixed, typically for performance reasons, and produces the minimum area layout for that ordering. Its time complexity is linear in the number of transistors in the cell. The second algorithm, R-TrailTrace, reorders M and produces the best layout area that can be achieved for any reordering that preserves the cell's functionality. >
CONNECTIVITY AND THE DYNAMICS OF INTEGRATE-AND-FIRE NEURAL NETWORKS

The dynamics following periodic stimulation at a single point with uniform initial conditions, of an excitatory network of identical integrate-and-fire neurons is investigated as a function of interconnectivity. It is shown that propagating spiral waves as well as other forms of self-maintained activity can arise provided that the probability of neural interconnectivity is an exponentially decreasing function of interneuronal distance. Other forms of connectivity, e.g. nearest neighbor, step function, do not produce spirals.
Inhibition of β protein 1 expression enhances β-globin promoter activity and β-globin mRNA levels in the human erythroleukemia (K562) cell line

Objective In this paper, we report new observations related to the mechanism of the negative regulation of the important adult β-globin gene in the erythroid cells at the embryonic-fetal stage of their development. We focused on the role of the silencer II region located upstream of the β-globin gene, which along with its cognate binding protein BP1, negatively regulates β-globin transcription. Materials and methods We prepared plasmid constructs containing the wild-type silencer II sequence, a mutated silencer II sequence, or a mutated control sequence in the β-globin promoter 690-bp insert, which in turn was linked to an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene. A human erythroleukemia cell line (K562) with embryonic-fetal phenotype was transfected with these EGFP constructs. Results Flow cytometry and fluorescence digital imaging showed about threefold increase in the β-globin promoter activity of the mutated silencer II construct. Introduction of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) complementary to BP1 into the cells caused a 75% decrease in BP1 expression and a simultaneous ∼40% elevation of β-globin promoter activity as well as an increase in β-globin mRNA levels, as compared with controls. We detected no changes in the mRNA levels of positive regulators of hemoglobin transcription such as EKLF and GATA-1. Conclusion Our results support the involvement of BP1 in the mechanism of the negative regulation of β-globin transcription. A better understanding of this mechanism may lay the groundwork for novel gene therapy approaches to inhibit the expression of abnormal structural variants of adult β globin, such as sickle hemoglobin.
Endocrine Effects of Chronic Alcohol Abuse

Considerable data have accumulated over the last decade and a half to document that alcohol abuse is associated with and is the most probable cause of the Leydig cell failure that occurs in chronic alcoholic men.1,2 The mechanisms responsible for this adverse consequence of ethyl alcohol abuse on Leydig cell function extend to all cellular sites within the Leydig cell that are responsible for testosterone biosynthesis and also involve sites before (the pituitary and hypothalamus) and after (e.g., the liver, fat cells, skin) the Leydig cell that contribute to the androgen economy of the individual. This chapter reviews the considerable literature pertaining to this problem and presents the findings available concerning the adverse effects of ethanol abuse on ovarian function.