cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water Related Diseases

Water-related diseases can be placed into four categories: (1) water-based disease, (2) waterborne disease (3) water-vectored disease, and (4) Water-washed disease. Infectious microbes that cause disease within these categories include bacteria, enteric viruses, parasitic protozoans, helminthes, and algae. The health effects of infection vary considerably, from symptomless to temporary mild illness to prolonged illness to death. Each category represents a distinct pathway and mechanism for infection by a microbial pathogen. Symptoms of infection, such as gastrointestinal upset, may be common across categories. The categories represent differences in strategies that can be applied to control the prevalence of infection. Keywords: malaria; fecal–oral cycle; parasites; enteric viruses; bacteria
A geometrical analysis of Hopfield neural network for optimizations

A necessary condition for a HNN (Hopfield neural network) to achieve the global minimum, imposed on the synaptic strengths of HNN, is introduced. The condition is derived based on the geometry of the Lyapunov energy function for the HNN. The synaptic strengths are determined in various ways depending on a subject optimization problem. For instance, for the bearing estimation problem, they are determined by the selected signal set. Hence the condition for the bearing estimation problem is directly related to characteristics of the signal set. Accordingly, based on the signal-set characteristics, it is possible to determine a priori whether the HNN for this problem will achieve the global minimum or not. Also one may select a signal set for which the HNN always achieves the global minimum. >
Modern metering technology throughout the cement manufacturing process

This paper describes a new type of weighfeeder designed specifically for the feeding and blending applications of difficult to handle materials found in the cement manufacturing process. The design and control scheme is described along with the features that address the requirements for handling specific materials such as, coal, coke, raw meal, fly ash, and alternate fuels. The rotor weighfeeder is a horizontal rotary air lock and gravimetric feeder combined in a single housing. The unit utilizes three sensors, a strain gauge load cell (weight), and two encoders-one for speed and the other for material location within the rotor.
High-Altitude Testing and Evaluation of Liquid Pharmaceutical Glass and Plastic Bottles to Detect Leaks

This paper discusses the impact on package integrity of high-altitude shipments of glass and plastic bottles. High altitudes are encountered when trucks travel over mountain passes and when cargo and feeder aircraft transport packages in nonpressurized or partially pressurized cargo holds. This is the second research study conducted on liquid product shipments. The first was done on liquid hazardous material combination packaging. The testing of pharmaceutical packaging is critical since the integrity of the product may be compromised during shipping and handling. Current shipping tests performed in labs do not account for simultaneous pressure changes and vibration. This study shows that packages currently being used for shipments of liquid pharmaceuticals that are tested to existing ASTM and ISO shipping tests are often inadequate, and can result in a significant number of leakers. Testing under combined vibration and pressure is necessary to ensure integrity.
MO‐A‐137‐05: Assessment and Prediction of Treatment Plan Quality Through Integrated Planning Script

Purpose: To identify plan quality prognostic features that can be used to improve treatment plan quality and intra‐and inter‐planner consistency using a self‐evolving institutional treatment planning workflow that employs treatment‐planning scripts. Methods: Institution‐specific plan quality analysis software was developed using scripting integrated with a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). During treatment plan review, the script automatically extracted a set of representative quantities derived from dose volume histograms (DVH). The quantities were compared against national published standards and institution‐specific criteria generated from statistics of accumulated planning data to assist in plan evaluation or further optimization. After plan acceptance, the plan quality indices and patient specific parameters, such as DVH endpoints and geometric features, were extracted by the script and saved into an evolving treatment plan database to update the existing institution‐specific planning statistics. Results: A treatment‐planning database was constructed using a group of prostate patients (n=48) and following the proposed workflow. Dosimetric indices and geometric features were exacted and analyzed. For example, the PTV and OAR overlap volumes consistently provided good prognostic power for plan quality prediction. Retrospective analysis of the prostate planning database showed a consistent PTV volume coverage (PTV‐V100 of 94.9±1.09%). No significant difference in PTV volume coverage was found for different prescription levels or target size. A conformity index (V50/VPTV) of 3.51±0.26 was achieved for prostate‐only treatment plans. Strong correlations (R>0.8) were observed between OAR dose volume indices (Rectum V70Gy, V65Gy and Bladder V70Gy, V65Gy) and the OAR and PTV overlapping volumes. Conclusion: The feasibility of automatic treatment plan quality aggregation, analysis and consistency improvement using planning scripts integrated into the treatment planning system was demonstrated in this pilot study. It is being incorporated into the clinical routine in our institute to determine its full utility.
Left Ventricular Cineangiography following Mitral Valve Replacement with the Starr-Edwards Ball-Valve Prosthesis

A "seating puff" is a result of normal function of the mitral ball-valve prosthesis and may be demonstrated even though there are significant hemodynamic and clinical abnormalities. Pathologic pansystolic leaks are the result of passage of contrast material about the rim of the ball-valve and may be present in patients with normal hemodynamics and no systolic murmur. The presence of a prominent apical pansystolic murmur is highly suggestive of pathologic regurgitation.
1636 MEAN AIRWAY PRESSURE-SIGNIFICANCE DURING ASSISTED VEN-TILATION

Mean airway pressure (MAP) directly relates to oxygenation in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Variations in the Positive End Expiratory Pressure(PEEP)with concomitant changes of the Duration of Positive Pressure (DPP) while MAP, Peak Inspiratory Pressure, flow, FiO2 and rate remained constant, were investigated in 9 neonates with RDS during the 1st and 2nd day of life. After stabilization on baseline ventilator settings, PEEP was increased by an average of 60% and the DPP was decreased (about 0.3 sec)in order to maintain baseline MAP. Following a return to baseline,a second experimental condition consisted of decreasing PEEP by 60%, increasing DPP accordingly to maintain constant MAP. Arterial BP, heart rate, paO2, paCO2, pH and arterial/Alveolar pO2 ratios (a/APO2) were measured before, during, between and after the experimental conditions. Analysis of the data revealed no significant changes in BP, paO2, a/APO2, heart rate during baseline or experimental conditions. PaCO2 decreased significantly when PEEP was decreased and DPP increased, both on Day 1(37.2 ± 6.6 vs 41.4 ± 6.4 Torr; p<.025)and Day 2(42.1 ± 7.4 vs 46.8 ± 5.6 Torr; p<.05). The changes in pH were inversely related to paCO2 changes. Air leaks occurred in 2 neonates who had MAP greater than 12cmH2O which was statistically higher than MAP in neonates without air leaks(12.9 vs 8.8cmH20;p<.025).This study confirms the importance of MAP in determining oxygenation in neonates with RDS. However, ventilation was significantly affected by variation in PEEP and DPP despite a constant MAP.
The terminal drop hypothesis: Fact or artifact?

Findings from eight longitudinal investigations were reviewed in order to evaluate the terminal drop hypothesis. The concept of terminal drop was seen to be more useful when partitioned into its component parts: the relationship between the level of cognitive performance with survival and with distance from death, and the relationship between changes in cognitive performance and death. Health status and age at death emerged as important intervening variables in understanding the terminal drop concept.
Overlap between Mental Representations of Self and Brand

People's mental representations of self overlap with those of significant others and in-groups. We extend this finding to show that people's mental representations of self also overlap with inanimate, seemingly impersonal, marketplace entities: consumer brands. Our study follows the “including others in the self” paradigm set forth by Aron and colleagues. We use response times to find that characteristics on which the self and a loved brand are similar are relatively more accessible than dissimilar characteristics, indicating self–brand overlap. These findings suggest that self–other overlap extends beyond individuals and in-groups. Psychological implications of the inclusion of brands in the self are discussed.
Fold axis-parallel rotation within the Laramide Derby Dome Fold, Wind River Basin, Wyoming, USA

Abstract Derby Dome, a doubly plunging anticline (7×3 km) on the eastern flank of the Wind River Range, Wyoming, trends NW–SE in response to the regional NE–SW directed shortening of the Cretaceous–Eocene Laramide orogeny. Mesozoic sediments are exposed around the fold hinge above an east-dipping thrust fault that offsets Archean crystalline rocks at depth. Stress and strain ellipsoidal data were determined through the measurement of mechanically twinned calcite in limestones (Triassic Alcova through J–K Morrison Formation rocks; 13 samples), calcite cements (5 samples), and synfolding calcite veins (16 samples) around the northern half of the fold. On the outer limbs of the fold the maximum shortening strain axis (−3.5%, 15% NEVs) in the limestones and cements is sub-horizontal, layer-parallel and normal (NE–SW) to the fold hinge reflecting regional Sevier–Laramide shortening. This regional layer-parallel strain fabric is rotated into a fold axis-parallel orientation (NW–SE) near the fold hinge indicating that significant rotations occurred during folding. Synfolding calcite veins, of varying orientations, also preserve a local sub-horizontal, hinge-parallel shortening strain (−4.0%, 17% NEVs), suggesting that the regional Laramide stress and strain field was locally rotated into parallelism with the fold during shortening and displacement on the underlying thrust fault. In both the country rock, cement and vein data sets, the strain overprint noise (NEVs) increases toward the fold hinge. Inferred differential stress magnitudes are also higher for the vein calcite than for the country rock limestones or cements, and there is no interpretable pattern around the fold (avg.=560 bars, range of 240–2000 bars). Fracture measurements ( n =74) in different lithologies have different orientations on each side of the adjacent Dallas Dome Fold suggesting layer-parallel rotation during folding, or active fracturing occurred uniquely on each fold limb.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the mandible in a 7-year-old girlReport of a case and review of the literature

Abstract Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of smooth muscle origin that manifests itself uncommonly in the oral cavity because of the paucity of smooth muscle in that location. To the best of our knowledge, only 10 cases of leiomyosarcoma primary to the jawbones have been reported in the English language literature. We report the first pediatric case of leiomyosarcoma arising from the mandible. Facial asymmetry and swelling were accompanied by a rapidly growing exophytic soft tissue mass that caused buccal displacement of the mandibular left permanent first molar. The lesion, observed radiographically as an extensive ill-defined area of osteolytic alveolar destruction, perforated the lingual cortex, displaced the inferior alveolar nerve canal inferiorly, and produced a “floating-in-air” appearance of the first molar. Diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was made after initial incisional biopsy of the lesion. A 5-cm segmental mandibulectomy and supraomohyoid neck dissection were followed by reconstruction with a dynamic mandibular reconstruction plate and placement of a multidimensional mandibular distraction device in a transport rectangle of bone to promote bifocal distraction osteogenesis. Forty millimeters of distraction (the technical limit of the device) were performed; this was followed by terminal iliac crest bone grafting. Seventeen months after the definitive surgical procedure, the patient remains free of disease. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:477-84)
Energy levels of Wannier excitons in G a A s − Ga 1 − x Al x As quantum-well structures

Energy levels of Wannier excitons in a quantum-well structure consisting of a single slab of GaAs sandwiched between two semi-infinite layers of ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{x}\mathrm{As}$ are calculated with the use of a variational approach. Owing to lowering of symmetry along the axis of growth of this quantum-well structure and the presence of energy-band discontinuities at the interfaces, the degeneracy of the valence band of GaAs is removed, leading to two exciton systems, namely, the heavy-hole exciton and the light-hole exciton. The values of the binding energies of the ground state and of a few lowlying excited states of these two exciton systems are calculated as a function of the size of the GaAs quantum well for several values of the heights of the potential barriers and their behavior is discussed. The results thus obtained are also compared with the available experimental data. The reliability of the various approximations made in this calculation is discussed.
Institutional and national representation speakers and topics at five Modern Trends Conferences

The first Modern Trends in Activation Analysis Conference at Texas AM others have rapidly risen to preeminence. This is especially true of institutions, some of which have even disppeared from the scene. Not too surprisingly some of the speakers at the 1961 conference have appeared on other Modern Trend programs, and a few will probably appear in 1981. Some general conclusions about activation analysis conferences in general and the Modern Trends Conferences in particular can be drawn from these and other data.
Pruning and nitrogen effects on elemental partitioning and fruit maturity in Bing' sweet cherry

Abstract Six levels of pruning and two rates of nitrogen fertilizer were applied to 20‐year old ‘Bing’ sweet cherry (Prunus avium) trees over several seasons. Two consecutive years of heavy pruning increased leaf N, P, K. and Cu, and fruit N, P, K Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Si, Zn, and Sr as compared to non‐pruned trees. Non‐pruned trees had fruits with more soluble solid concentration (SSC) and color. Higher nitrogen application resulted in higher concentrations of N, Mn, and Cu, but lower P, K Ca, B, and Mo in the leaf. High N fertilizer also increased fruit N, Mn, Zn, Na, and Sr, but delayed fruit maturity. A major year to year variation was observed with leaf N increasing and K decreasing in the heavy cropping year. More precise attention to the pruning practices and crop load in addition to fertilizer practice is recommended when interpreting the results of any leaf mineral analysis.
Error bounds for EOQ

L'article etudie les proprietes de la fonction cout total de rabais pour la quantite de commande economique (Economic Order Quantity)
Extent of radical hysterectomy: evolving emphasis

Abstract Objective. As with other oncologic operations, the indications for and the technique of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer has changed considerably since its initial conception in the late 19th century. This paper reviews the evolution of concepts concerning the extent of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Methods. A Medline literature search was performed through www.pubmed.gov looking for articles published in the English language that related to radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Specific subjects that were searched included technique, morbidity, and histopathologic assessment of the parametria. Results. Initial emphasis on local control and potential long-term survival gradually shifted to reduction of mortality and serious morbidity. Early refinements directed attention to the regional lymph nodes, definition of prognostic factors, and determination of the population of patients best suited for the operation. During the mid to late 20th century, a better understanding of regional and local prognostic factors helped clarify the role of adjuvant treatment following radical hysterectomy. By the mid 20th century, the mortality and serious morbidity rates had fallen substantially, and attention turned to reduction of other types of morbidity, especially urinary bladder voiding dysfunction. Reduction of much of the serious morbidity (urinary fistulas) and voiding dysfunction has been related to modifications of the extent of radical hysterectomy. Specific nerve-sparing techniques now have been described. However, maintaining full radicality continues to be emphasized at some centers. Conclusion. The current primary operative approaches to stage 1B cervical cancer include full radical hysterectomy, modified radical hysterectomy followed by adjuvant therapy in selected patients, radical hysterectomy with nerve-sparing, and individualization of surgical management. Studies are needed which further elucidate the significance of parametrial micrometastases, further define and refine broadly feasible nerve-sparing techniques, and more accurately preoperatively identify low and high risk cervical tumors. Optimally, these studies will remove adjuvant treatment as a confounding variable.
Knowledge and Understanding

Jason Stanley has tried to revive the description theory of reference for natural kind terms by restricting it to experts. On his view, being an expert about elms requires having uniquely identifying knowledge about elms, knowledge that is conventionally associated with the term ‘elm’ and that fixes its reference. But Stanley's attempt fails. For, as I show, even experts about elms can lack such knowledge by being epistemically irresponsible, mistaken or just plain cautious. The description theory of reference is false even when restricted to the most expert users of a term.
Skeletal 3-D CT: advantages of volume rendering over surface rendering

Both surface rendering and volume rendering have been extensively applied to CT data for 3-D visualization of skeletal pathology. This review illustrates potential limitations of each technique by directly comparing 3-D images of bone pathology created using volume rendering and surface rendering. Surface renderings show gross 3-D relationships most effectively, but suffer from more stairstep artifacts and fail to effectively display lesions hidden behind overlying bone or located beneath the bone cortex. Volume-rendering algorithms effectively show subcortical lesions, minimally displaced fractures, and hidden areas of interest with few artifacts. Volume algorithms show 3-D relationships with varying degrees of success depending on the degree of surface shading and opacity. While surface rendering creates more three-dimensionally realistic images of the bone surface, it may be of limited clinical utility due to numerous artifacts and the inability to show subcortical pathology. Volume rendering is a flexible 3-D technique that effectively displays a variety of skeletal pathology with few artifacts.
Patch augmentation of the pulmonary artery with bioabsorbable polymers and autologous cell seeding

Abstract Objective: In recent years bioabsorbable synthetic or biologic materials have been used to augment the pulmonary artery or the right ventricular outflow tract. However, each of these polymers has one or more shortcomings. None of these patch materials has been seeded with cells. Thus, we have tested a fast-absorbing biopolymer, poly-4-hydroxybutyric acid, with autologous cell seeding for patch augmentation of the pulmonary artery in a juvenile sheep model. Methods: Vascular cells were isolated from ovine peripheral veins (n = 6). Bioabsorbable porous poly-4-hydroxybutyric acid patches (porosity > 95%) were seeded on 3 consecutive days with a mixed vascular cell suspension (21.3 ± 1.3 × 10 6 cells). Forty-five (± 2) days after the vessel harvest, 1 unseeded and 6 autologously seeded control patches were implanted into the proximal pulmonary artery. The animals received no postoperative anticoagulation. Follow-up was performed with echocardiography after 1 week and before explantation after 1, 7, and 24 weeks (2 animals each) for the seeded control patches and after 20 weeks for the nonseeded control patch. Results: All animals survived the procedure. Postoperative echocardiography of the seeded patches demonstrated a smooth surface without dilatation or stenosis. Macroscopic appearance showed a smooth internal surface with increasing tissue formation. Histology at 169 days demonstrated a near-complete resorption of the polymer and formation of organized and functional tissue. Biochemical assays revealed increasing cellular and extracellular matrix contents. The control patch showed a slight bulging, indicating a beginning dilatation. Conclusion: This experiment showed that poly-4-hydroxybutyric acid is a feasible patch material in the pulmonary circulation. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;120:1158-68)
Infinity within the Brackets

The ethnographic subjects of this article are UN-sponsored international conferences and their legal documents. Drawing upon fieldwork among Fiji delegates at these conferences, in this article I demonstrate the centrality of matters of form, as distinct from questions of “meaning,” in the negotiation of international agreements. A parallel usage of documents and of mats among Fijian negotiators provides a heuristic device for exploring questions of pattern and scale in the aesthetics of negotiation, [documents, institutions, knowledge, aesthetics, law, transnationalism]
Ovariectomy-induced obesity is not prevented by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in rats.

Abstract Bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy did not prevent ovariectomy-induced obesity. Daily treatment with estradiol benzoate (2 μg/rat) reduced body weight in vagotomized rats to the same degree as in rats with intact vagi. Thus, neither ovariectomy-induced obesity nor the weight-suppressant action of estradiol depends on the vagus nerve.
In vitro metabolism of 12-methylbenz(A)anthracene: effect of the methyl group on the stereochemistry of a 5,6-dihydrodiol metabolite.

Abstract While metabolism of benz[a]anthracene by rat liver microsomes produced a (+)5R,6R-dihydrodiol as the major enantiomer, metabolism of 12-methylbenz[a]anthracene under similar conditions gave a (−)5S,6S-dihydrodiol as the major enantiomer. This is the first example indicating that the methyl substituent of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon can drastically alter the stereoselective preference of the microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme systems toward a substrate molecule in the formation of a dihydrodiol metabolite at an unsubstituted aromatic double bond.
Theoretical study of adsorption on activated carbon from a supercritical fluid by the SLD-ESD approach

Abstract The simplified local density (SLD) theory is combined with the Elliott, Suresh, Donohue (ESD) equation of state to model adsorption of solutes from supercritical carbon dioxide onto activated carbon. The model is fit to adsorption isotherms of toluene + CO2 and benzene + CO2 over wide temperature and pressure ranges by adjusting only two temperature-independent parameters for each binary. We present a systematic analysis of adsorption characteristics for finite and infinite dilution conditions in supercritical CO2 by selecting the toluene/CO2 as a model system. Competitive adsorption between solvent and solute is investigated. The effects of temperature, pressure, bulk solute concentration, and the adsorbent structure size on the adsorption behavior are presented.
Antagonism of the effects of pentobarbital in the chronic spinal dog by naltrexone.

Abstract Some of the actions of pentobarbital in the chronic spinal dog were antagonized by naltrexone. Pentobarbital depressed the flexor reflex and the level of consciousness, and these actions of pentobarbital were partially antagonized by naltrexone. Naltrexone alone did not alter these functions. Pentobarbital also increased the latency of the skin twitch reflex, decreased pupillary diameter and depressed pulse and respiratory rates. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that some of the actions of pentobarbital may be mediated through functional systems involving the ϰ receptor.
Simultaneous model-based inversion for lithology, porosity, and fluid

The three main variables that determine the elastic response of sediment within a clastic environment are porosity, mineralogy, and pore fluid. The number of the elastic variables offered by seismic data does not exceed two (e.g., the impedance and Poisson?s ratio). Therefore, resolving seismic data for reservoir properties is formally unattainable, even if a perfect elastic rock physics model exists. We solve this problem by utilising an additional petrophysical link, the one between the clay content and total porosity, which is often observed in a dispersed-shale environment. First, we establish a rock physics model. Next, we identify the reservoir through a combination of impedance and Poisson?s ratio. Then, within the reservoir, we invert the P-wave impedance for both the total porosity and clay content by using two relations: (a) the rock physics model that links the P-wave impedance to the total porosity and clay content; and (b) the petrophysical model that links the clay content to total porosity. The results are accurate when the method is applied directly to well-log data. Most importantly, we obtain accurate reservoir property estimates by using the method with upscaled well-log curves, which demonstrates its relevance to real seismic data.
Oreopithecus bambolii: an unlikely case of hominidlike grip capability in a Miocene ape

Oreopithecus bambolii, an ape from the late Miocene of Italy, is said to possess a hand capable of a precision grip like that of humans. Relative hand length, proportions of the thumb, and morphological features of the thumb and wrist were adduced to support the idea that Oreopithecus had a hand that closely matched the pattern in Australopithecus. A reappraisal of earlier arguments and comparisons of Oreopithecus with humans, apes, and Old World monkeys, reveals that Oreopithecus had an essentially apelike hand that emphasized apelike power grasping over humanlike precision grasping.
Subtyping and intersection types revisited

Church's system of simple types has proven to be remarkably robust: call-by-name, call-by-need, and call-by-value languages, with or without effects, and even logical frameworks can be based on the same typing rules. When type systems become more expressive, this unity fractures. An early example is the value restriction for parametric polymorphism which is necessary for ML but not Haskell; a later manifestation is the lack of distributivity of function types over intersections in call-by-value languages with effects.In this talk we reexamine the logical justification for systems of subtyping and intersection types and then explore the consequences in two different settings: logical frameworks and functional programming.In logical frameworks functions are pure and their definitions observable, but complications could arise from the presence of dependent types. We show that this is not the case, and that we can obtain soundness and completeness theorems for a certain axiomatization of subtyping. We also sketch a connection to the type-theoretic notion of proof irrelevance.In functional programming we investigate how the encapsulation of effects in monads interacts with subtyping and intersection types, providing an updated analysis of the value restriction and related phenomena. While at present this study is far from complete, we believe that its origin in purely logical notions will give rise to a uniform theory that can easily be adapted to specific languages and their operational interpretations.
Development of a Variable Electromotive-Force Generator With an Active Control System

A variable electromotive-force generator (VEG), which is a modified generator with an adjustable overlap between the rotor and the stator, is proposed to improve the efficiency and/or expand the operational range of a conventional generator, with particular applications to wind turbines, hybrid vehicles, and so on. A mathematical model of the VEG is developed, and a novel prototype is designed and fabricated. The performance of the VEG with the active control system, which adjusts the overlap ratio based on the desired output power at different input speeds, is theoretically and experimentally studied. The results show that reducing the overlap between the rotor and the stator of the generator at low speeds results in a reduced torque loss of the generator and an increased rotational speed of the generator rotor.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Modelling techniques for jet impingement

A technique for testing scale models for the determination of fluctuating pressure loads due to jet impingement has been investigated using a quarter-scale model of a boilerplate test facility in which a JT-15D engine with a rectangular outer nozzle blows over a small curved airfoil representing the upper-surface of a wing. When model and full-scale spectra of fluctuating surface pressures are reduced to plots of pressure coefficient power-spectral density vs Strouhal number, moderate agreement is obtained, but a shift of spectral peaks is noted. However, when a correction for the ratio of average jet to ambient temperature is applied, the spectral peaks agree.
Student perceptions of diversity on a college campus: scratching the surface to find more

American universities have made efforts in the past to create a more diverse student population, and this diversity has been linked to strategic benefits for both students and society. However, lit...
Amino acids and cerebral excitability.

— —Seizure threshold, measured with hexafluorodiethyl ether, was shown to be reduced in immature albino rats fed a diet containing excess tryptophan. Similar diets containing excess glycine, serine, leucine, valine or lysine had no effect on seizure threshold. Previous studies had shown phenylalanine, tyrosine and methionine to enhance cerebral excitability with the same technique. The increased cerebral excitability was shown to occur within 24 hr following diet supplementation with phenylalanine. Brain concentration of hexafluorodiethyl ether was identical in control and experimental animals, although the experimental animals had lowered seizure thresholds; this established an alteration in cerebral excitability rather than variation in tissue penetration by the convulsant. Alterations were found in blood and brain ammonia in serine, lysine and methionine supplemented animals. Brain glutamate and glutamine were lowered in methionine-supplemented animals; however, it was concluded that this effect was not causally related to the increased cerebral excitability.
Russia and Global Security Norms

Russia's attitude toward weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear proliferation, activities in the field of arms transfers, and its role in its post‐Soviet neighborhood, will largely defin...
An evaluation of gravimetric and inert marker techniques to measure digestibility in the American lobster

Abstract Two markers routinely used in digestibility studies, chromic oxide and the generic moiety of total ash, were tested in feeding experiments with adult American lobsters (Homarus americanus Milne Edwards) to determine if chromic oxide would deter voluntary intake and if ash would be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Chromic oxide incorporated into a test diet at levels up to 1% did not suppress dry matter intake. Observations of pigment excretion patterns in the feces proved there was a differential passage rate of the chromium pigment. It is not valid to use chromic oxide as an indigestible marker to measure apparent digestibility in the American lobster. Total ash as an indigestible tracer was unsatisfactory as it appeared to be absorbed through the gut wall, as measured gravimetrically by the difference in ash intake compared with fecal ash. This resulted in a significant underestimation of apparent digestibility when comparing an ash-ratio measurement with a gravimetric measurement of digestibility. It was concluded that gravimetric measurement of apparent digestibility is the method of choice.
Competitive bundling of categorized information goods

ABSTRACT We introduce an information bundling model that addresses two important but relatively unstudied issues in real markets for information goods: automated customization of content based on categories, and competition among content providers. Using this model, we explore the strategies that sellers (or automated agents acting on their behalf) might use to set both price and bundle composition, and the market dynamics that might ensue from such strategy choices. The model incorporates di erent categories of information, explicitly accounts for nite production and consumption costs, and allows for possibly heterogeneous valuations by consumers. First, we determine the optimal bundle composition and price for a monopolist as a function of the seller's production costs and the consumers' preferences and consumption costs. For nite costs, nite-sized bundles are optimal. Then, we use game-theoretic analysis and simulation to explore the behavior of the market when there are multiple content providers. We nd that, if consumer preferences are homogeneous, sellers choose to o er the same bundle that a monopolist would choose, but that competition forces sellers to o er the bundles at cost. For heterogeneous preferences, positive pro ts are possible, but there appears not to be a pure strategy Nash equilibrium. This is manifested as a never-ending cycle of prices and bundle choices when sellers employ a myopic best-response algorithm.
High altitude and protein metabolism in the rat.

SummaryActivities of hepatic arginase and arginine synthetase and incorporation of alanine or glutamic acid into tissue proteins were studied in rats exposed acutely or chronically to an altitude o...
Disruption of precopulatory behavior in the amphipod Anisogammarus pugettensis upon exposure to bleached kraft pulpmill effluent

Abstract Marine amphipods in precopula, Anisogammarus pugettensis (Dana), were used in static 117 h bioassays with neutralized, filtered, bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKME) and daily solution replacement. The effluent interfered with precopula behavior; high concentrations (40% of full strength BKME) resulted in rapid release of paired amphipods. A concentration-related time to 50% release of paired individuals was observed. For one batch of BKME, the behavioral threshold concentration (EC50) was estimated at 10–15% of full strength BKME. The estimated 96 h LC50 for underyearling coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) for the same effluent tested in freshwater was 36% BKME—illustrating a greater sensitivity of the amphipod behavioral bioassay in comparison to the salmonid acute lethal toxicity test. The amphipod precopula bioassay for toxicity testing has some merit in that it is moderately quantitative under given test conditions and does not require elaborate equipment.
Catalytic function and local proton structure at the Type 2 copper of nitrite reductase: The correlation of enzymatic pH dependence, conserved residues, and proton hyperfine structure

Electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) of protons at Type 2 and Type 1 cupric active sites correlates with the enzymatic pH dependence, the mutation of nearby conserved, nonligating residues, and electron transfer in heterologously expressed Rhodobacter sphaeroides nitrite reductase. Wild-type enzyme showed a pH 6 activity maximum but no kinetic deuterium isotope effect, suggesting protons are not transferred in the rate-limiting step of nitrite reduction. However, protonatable Asp129 and His287, both located near the Type 2 center, modulated enzyme activity. ENDOR of the wild-type Type 2 center at pH 6.0 revealed an exchangeable proton with large hyperfine coupling. Dipolar distance estimates indicated that this proton was 2.50−2.75 or 2.25−2.45 A from Type 2 copper in the presence or absence of nitrite, respectively. This proton may provide a properly oriented hydrogen bond to enhance water formation upon nitrite reduction. This proton was eliminated at pH 5.0 and showed a diminished coupling at pH 7...
Systolic time intervals in chronic hypertension: Alterations and response to treatment.

Systolic time interval studies were performed to evaluate left ventricular performance in 28 patients with untreated systemic hypertension but without clinical heart failure. The pre-ejection period (PEP) was significantly prolonged (p
Concentration-dependent licking of sucrose and sodium chloride in rats with parabrachial gustatory lesions

The medial zone of parabrachial nuclei (PBN) serves as an obligatory synapse in the central gustatory system in rodents. Lesions in the PBN impair taste aversion learning and depletion-induced sodium appetite in rats, and also alter the ingestion of sapid stimuli. Interpretation of these lesion-induced behavioral deficits requires an evaluation of whether taste function is compromised. The present study examined whether rats with PBN lesions could show normal concentration-dependent changes in licking behavior to very small volumes of NaCl and sucrose. Physiological state was also varied; taste responsivity was examined in water-deprived and nondeprived rats. In a specially designed gustometer, nine rats with electrophysiologically guided lesions in the PBN and five surgical controls were trained to lick a drinking spout to receive 10-s access to various concentrations of NaCl (0.03-1.0 M) and sucrose (0.01-1.0 M) during 30-min sessions. Water-deprived control rats progressively decreased their responses compared with water as the concentration of NaCl was raised. In contrast, water-deprived PBNX rats did not decrease their licking responses to NaCl relative to water until the concentration reached 1.0 M. In the nondeprived state, control and PBNX rats decreased their responsiveness as a function of NaCl concentration, and the two groups did not differ. The licking responses of water-deprived PBNX rats did not differ from control rats when sucrose was the stimulus. In the nondeprived condition, both groups monotonically increased their licking to sucrose as a function of concentration, but PBNX rats were significantly less responsive than controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ca2+-SPECIFIC REMOVAL OF Z LINES FROM RABBIT SKELETAL MUSCLE

Removal of rabbit psoas strips immediately after death and incubation in a saline solution containing 1 mM Ca2+ and 5 nM Mg2+ for 9 hr at 37°C and pH 7.1 causes complete Z-line removal but has no ultrastructurally detectable effect on other parts of the myofibril. Z lines remain ultrastructurally intact if 1 mM 1,2-bis-(2-dicarboxymethylaminoethoxy)-ethane (EGTA) is substituted for 1 mM Ca2+ and the other conditions remain unchanged. Z lines are broadened and amorphous but are still present after incubation for 9 hr at 37°C if 1 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) is substituted for 1 mM Ca2+ and 5 mM Mg2+ in the saline solution. A protein fraction that causes Z-line removal from myofibrils in the presence of Ca2+ at pH 7.0 can be isolated by extraction of ground muscle with 4 mM EDTA at pH 7.0–7.6 followed by isoelectric precipitation and fractionation between 0 and 40% ammonium sulfate saturation. Z-line removal by this protein fraction requires Ca2+ levels higher than 0.1 mM, but Z lines are removed without causing any other ultrastructurally detectable degradation of the myofibril. This is the first report of a protein endogenous to muscle that is able to catalyze degradation of the myofibril. The very low level of unbound Ca2+ in muscle cells in vivo may regulate activity of this protein fraction, or alternatively, this protein fraction may be localized in lysosomes.
Über fluorhaltige Komplexe. XIII. Die Reaktion von SbF5 mit Carbonat

Durch Reaktion von SbF5 mit K2CO3 entsteht K2[F5SbOSbF5]. Bei der Umsetzung von Na2CO3 mit SbF5 wird das entsprechende Na-Salz gebildet, das allerdings nur mit Na2CO3 verunreinigt erhalten werden konnte. Es werden Betrachtungen zum Reaktionsmechanismus unter Hinzuziehung der Reaktion zwischen SbF5 und KCl angestellt. The reaction of SbF5 with anhydrous K2CO3 yields K2[F5SbOSbF5]. The corresponding Na salt is analogously formed; it has, however, been only prepared with Na2CO3 contamination. The reaction mechanism is discussed regarding, too, the interaction between SbF5 and KCl.
Nano-gap-Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors

This paper analyzes how dual-mode surface plasmon resonance sensors can be further improved if one were to introduce small (∼20 nm) gaps in the film surface. First, a figure of merit, the sensor’s limit of detection (LOD), is defined in order to optimize the design of the nano-gap sensor. Secondly, the LOD of this design is compared with that of an optimized planar dual-mode design. Through this analysis, it is shown that the LOD of the planar sensor can be improved upon by around a factor of 7 when compared with the nano-gap-enhanced design. Furthermore, with the nano-gap design, the lower wavelength plasmon mode demonstrates remarkably improved selectivity when compared with the conventional sensor. In order to explain these results, the dispersion of each plasmon mode along with the electromagnetic field profiles are modeled and analyzed.
Interactions between group homes and neighbors: Neighbor preferences

Group homes often are in conflict with their neighbors. Consequently, group home administrators tend to minimize contact between group homes and neighbors to reduce conflict. This study examined whether information about group homes and contact between homes and neighbors are related to neighbor problems as well as the preferences of potential neighbors about ways in which to become informed and involved with a group home if one were built in their neighborhood. Neighbors who interacted with residents and staff identified problems with group homes but showed fewer concerns about and had positive attitudes toward group homes generally. Potential neighbors wanted information about group homes entering their neighborhood, and preferred types of contact were associated with positive attitudes toward group homes. Group home administrators should consider neighbors as potential allies to help residents integrate into the community rather than as sources of conflict that must be avoided.
A Hexagonal (Wurtzite) Form of Silicon

The existence of a hexagonal (wurtzite) form of silicon, similar to that form of diamond (carbon) observed in meteorites and in the laboratory, has been identified by x-ray diffraction in reaction-bonded silicon nitride containing unreacted silicon. The presence of this phase is due to stresses created in the silicon by the nitridation reaction.
Therapeutic angiogenesis for coronary artery disease: clinical trials of proteins, plasmids, adenovirus and stem cells

Therapeutic angiogenesis represents a molecular and cellular approach to the treatment of coronary artery disease that may be an alternative or additive to traditional pharmacology and interventional cardiology. The goal of angiogenic therapy is to activate endogenous angiogenic and arteriogenic pathways and stimulate revascularization of ischemic myocardial tissue. The feasibility of such a strategy has now been established through the results of studies over the past decade, and clinical trials involving more than 1000 patients have been implemented. In this review the results from these trials will be discussed, tracing the progression of the technology from the delivery of recombinant proteins to gene and stem-cell therapies. It is the opinion of the author that neither proteins nor genes delivered by transient expression vectors will provide an optimal therapy. Rather, the future of this approach lies with regulated genes delivered by permanent vector systems and possibly engineered into stem cells.
Ion beams for cancer treatment — a perspective

Abstract Clinical use of proton and light-ion beams for cancer treatment is burgeoning worldwide. Various accelerator types, including synchrotrons, cyclotrons, and linacs, will be used for hospital-based proton facilities dedicated to therapy. When compared with conventional radiotherapy, the proton modality turns out to be a viable option that is not only therapeutically superior but also more cost-effective. To achieve full potential of proton treatments, further technological developments such as in better tumor delineation and increased precision in treatment delivery are needed.
Variation in corn (Zea mays L.) for fatty acid compositions of triglycerides and phospholipids.

The percentage of linoleic acid in corn germ oil of three crosses, C103D × B73, C103D×B84, and T220×H51, and their reciprocals was investigated. Corn germ oil from F2, F3, and backcrossed generations was also examined. More than one gene locus appeared to be involved in conditioning the linoleic acid content in these crosses. Strong maternal effects were exhibited in the F1's. Genotype also superimposed variations in fatty acid compositions within the characteristic lipid class patterns of the phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol. Fatty acid placements in triglycerides, digalactosyldiglycerides, and phospholipids of one inbred, H51, were determined by lipase and phospholipase hydrolysis. The overall pattern of placement showed that the fatty acids at the 1 position were predominately saturated and those at the 2 position were predominately unsaturated, but the fatty acid distribution was different for each individual lipid class. The molecular species of the phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines were separated by silver nitrate thin-layer chromatography. The major differences in the molecular species were a higher level of the dienoic-dienoic species and a lower level of the monoenoic-monoenoic species in the phosphatidylethanolamines than in the phosphatidylcholines.
HIV/AIDS interventions in Bangladesh: what can application of a social exclusion framework tell us?

Bangladesh has maintained a low HIV prevalence (of less than 1%) despite multiple risk factors. However, recent serological surveillance data have reported very high levels of HIV infection among a subgroup of male injecting drug-users (IDUs). This suggests that an HIV/AIDS epidemic could be imminent in Bangladesh. Although biomedical and behavioural change projects are important, they do not address the root causes of observed risky behaviours among ‘high-risk’ groups. In Bangladesh, these groups include sex workers, IDUs, males who have sex with males, and the transgender population—hijra—who are all excluded groups. Using a social exclusion framework, this paper analyzed existing literature on HIV in Bangladesh to identify social, economic and legal forces that heighten the vulnerability of such excluded groups to HIV/AIDS. It found that poverty and bias against women are major exclusionary factors. The paper presents areas for research and for policy action so that the social exclusion of high-risk groups can be reduced, their rights protected, and an HIV epidemic averted.