cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of Silicon Dioxide in Silicon Carbide by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometry

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectrometry was applied to the determination of SiO2 in SiC powders. The main peaks of SiO2 were observed in the 1000-1250 cm−1 region. The peak intensities were estimated from the peak height at 1150 cm−1. The intensities were little affected by the particle sizes of SiC powders in the 1-9-μm region. The linear relationship between peak intensity and concentration was obtained in the concentration range of 0-5 wt% SiO2. The analytical curve was successfully used for the determination of SiO2 in a few commercial SiC powders.
Muscle basic helix-loop-helix proteins and the regulation of myogenesis

Significant progress has been made in defining the structural motifs that distinguish the muscle-specific from other basic helix-loop-helix proteins. Evidence is accumulating for multiple levels of regulation of the expression and action of the muscle basic helix-loop-helix factors.
Technical Council for Computing and Information Technology

The Technical Council on Computing and Information Technology TCCIT operates under the auspices of the Technical Activities Council TAC of ASCE. The TCCIT was authorized by the TAC in January of 1973. Its current mission is “to advance professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering by encouraging the effective use of current and emerging computing and information technologies.” Prior to 1997, it was known as the Technical Council for Computing Practices TCCP , and was conducting almost the same type of activities, but under a slightly different mission statement. The TCCIT has an executive committee EXCOM , three administrative committees Advisory Committee, Education Committee, and Publications Committee and two technical committees Intelligent Computing Committee and Database and Information Management Committee . In addition, ASCE has a Global Center of Excellence in Computing that falls under the umbrella of the TCCIT. A detailed account of the history of computing in civil engineering, the role of the TCCIT, and the stream of ASCE conferences on computing was published a few years ago at the onset of the celebration of ASCE’s 150th anniversary Fenves and Rasdorf 2001 .
Feature selection for texture recognition based on image synthesis

An efficient method for selection of features suitable for classification of textured images is presented. The spatial interaction of gray levels in a local neighbourhood N is modeled by stochastic random field models. The estimates of the model parameters are taken as textural features denoted by fN. Selection of an N that would yield powerful features is done through visual examination of images synthesized using fN. Experimental studies involving nine different types of natural textures yield 97% classification accuracy.
The cyanopolyynes as a chemical clock for molecular clouds

A new method is proposed for determining the ages of molecular clouds. The method utilizes the properties of the long-chain organic molecules known as the cyanopolyynes (HC/2k + 1/N, k = 0, 1, 2, 3 ...), which are found in a variety of clouds. The observed regular abundance decline of these molecules as a function of chain length suggests that they are formed sequentially. If so, the age of the cloud can be read off as the time to grow the longest chain present. Although the creation process for the chains is still unknown, the age can be obtained from knowledge of the chain destruction mechanism. Destruction is probably due to adsorption onto the surfaces of interstellar grains. Using the known properties of grains, the age can be obtained from the cloud density and the abundance ratios of the cyanopolyynes. As a first application, minimum ages for the four dark clouds B335, TMC-1, TMC-2, and L183 are obtained. These minimum ages are 1.3 x 10 to the 6th yr, 9.7 x 10 to the 5th yr, 3.4 x 10 to the 5th yr, and 3.3 x 10 to the 5th yr, respectively. In each case, the ages are greater than or equal to the cloud's free-fall collapse time. These four clouds are therefore either in a state of hydrostatic balance or have only recently begun to collapse, following an earlier period of hydrostatic support.
Use of doubly-labeled water (3HH18O) for determination of H2O flux and CO2 production by a mammal in a humid environment

The accuracy of the doubly labeled water (3HH18O) technique for estimating H2O flux and CO2 production in pocket gophers was evaluated in laboratory experiments. Experiments were conducted under conditions of elevated humidity in order to determine the influence of unlabeled H2O vapor input on H2O flux and CO2 production rates which are determined from isotope turnover. High humidity is commonplace in burrows of many small mammals, including those of the pocket gopher, and theoretically could introduce substantial errors when determining these rates with isotopic procedures.
Signal transduction pathways in cerebral vasospasm.

Abstract Cerebral vasospasm is a deadly complication following the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. The time course of cerebral vasospasm is unique in that it is slow developing, usually takes 4–7 days to peak, but lasts up to 2–3 weeks, and is resistant to most known vasodilators. These special features make cerebral vasospasm the most important determinant in the outcome of patients suffering subarachnoid hemorrhage. The available treatment strategies include mechanical dilation of spastic cerebral arteries (angioplasty) and non-selective vasodilatation such as by Ca 2+ channel blockers. One new development in the experimental treatment of cerebral vasospasm is the looming target of signaling pathways. Understanding vasospastic signals in cerebral arteries might offer a new avenue for selective treatment of cerebral vasospasm in the future.
The Response of Quasigeostrophic Oceanic Vortices to Tropical Cyclone Forcing

AbstractThe response of quasigeostrophic (QG) oceanic vortices to tropical cyclone (TC) forcing is investigated using an isopycnic ocean model. Idealized oceanic currents and wind fields derived from observational data acquired during Hurricane Katrina are used to initialize this model. It is found that the upwelling response is a function of the curl of wind-driven acceleration of oceanic mixed layer (OML) currents rather than a function of the wind stress curl. Upwelling (downwelling) regimes prevail under the TC’s eye as it translates over cyclonic (anticyclonic) QG vortices. OML cooling of ~1°C occurs over anticyclones because of the combined effects of downwelling, instantaneous turbulent entrainment over the deep warm water column (weak stratification), and vertical dispersion of near-inertial energy. By contrast, OML cooling of ~4°C occurs over cyclones due to the combined effects of upwelling, instantaneous turbulent entrainment over regions of tight vertical thermal gradients (strong stratificati...
Molecular basis for complement component 6 (C6) deficiency in rats and mice.

Summary Complement component C6 is a part of the lytic membrane attack complex formed during complement activation. Animal modeling to define the role of C5a vs. C5b-9 in human disease has used rodents deficient in C6, yet the molecular basis for the deficiencies has not been ascertained. Oligonucleotides derived from a 493 bp EST sequence of the rat C6 gene were used to isolate full-length transcripts of rat C6 mRNA. Sequence analysis confirmed that the derived amino acid sequence for rat C6 is highly homologous to human and mouse. We identified a 31 bp deletion in exon 10 of the C6 gene that leads to C6 deficiency in a strain of PVG rats (PVG/c-) and developed a PCR-based genotyping test. In addition, we identified four point mutations in the mouse C6 gene that may result in C6 deficiency observed in the Peru-Coppock mouse strain. A serendipitous finding from this study was a coagulation defect in the C6 deficient mice and rats. C6 deficient mice or rats demonstrated prolonged tail bleeding times that was reversed by treatment with purified rat C6 protein. Further, adenosine diphosphate induced platelet aggregation were markedly reduced in C6 deficient rats. The molecular basis for these coagulations defects is unknown at present.
The use of tryptophan mutants in identifying the 296 nm transient absorbing species during the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin

Abstract The transient absorption at 296 nm was part of the spectroscopic evidence that initiated the proposal that tyrosinate (Tyr−) is formed during, and important to, the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin (bR). Recent evidence against such a proposal comes from the results or NMR, UV Raman as well as electron cryo-microscopic structural studies. This makes it credible to assign this absorption to a charge perturbation of the lowest energy absorption of one of the tryptophan (Trp) residues in bR. The transient absorption at 296 nm is examined for each of 8 tryptophan mutants in which Trp is substituted by phenylalanine or cysteine, which absorb at shorter wavelength. It is shown that while all go through the photocycle, all but Trp-182 mutant show this transient absorption. This strongly suggests the assignment of this absorption to a charge perturbation of the lowest energy absorption of Trp-182 during the photocycle. The chemical identity of the perturbing charge(s) is briefly discussed.
The interface between filtration and backwashing

Abstract A conceptual model of the initial degradation phase of filtration is presented as an interface effect between backwashing and filtration. It is shown that the initial degradation of effluent quality is due to the backwash water remnants within the media and the backwash water above the media. The two peak characteristics of initial degradation due to the backwash water remnants within the media and above the media is established by an extensive experimental investigation. A mathematical model for the quality of backwash water as a function of backwash water volume is developed. Deductions made from the mathematical expression confirm the validity of some accepted facts on backwashing and also lay the basis for the peaks in initial degradation.
Long term waste problems from electricity production

Abstract Probabilistic risk assessments are developed for high level waste, low level. waste, and radon emission problems from nuclear power, for chemical carcinogens and radon emissions from the ashes produced in coal burning, from chemical carcinogens released in the eventual disposal of photovoltaic cells, and from the effects of coal burning in producing and deploying photovoltaic arrays. The cancer risk per quantity ingested or inhaled is taken from standard sources, and the transfer rates from the ground to human ingestion are derived from geochemical analogs. Results are given in deaths per GWe-yr obtained from integrating effects over many millions of years, and only over the next 500 years. It is found that wastes from nuclear power cause thousands of times fewer deaths than do the wastes from coal burning and photovoltaic electricity generation. Mining uranium for nuclear fuel reduces future radon exposures, thereby saving hundreds of times as many lives as will be lost from nuclear wastes.
A WAVELENGTH EFFECT ON UROCANIC ACID E/Z PHOTOISOMERIZATION*

E-Urocanic acid exhibits a single, featureless, long-wavelength absorption band with λmax˜258 nm in water. However, the quantum efficiency for EZ photoisomerization is wavelength dependent in this region, with the maximum value at the low energy edge of the band (e.g. 313 nm) and appreciably lower efficiencies measured at ≦ 300 nm.
A simple and rapid method for nuclear run-on transcription assays in plants

Nuclear run-on transcription assays allow researchers to determine if a gene is regulated at the transcriptional level. Existing methods to perform this procedure involve the application of a large variety of biochemical reagents, numerous steps, and time-consuming procedures. Here we report a method to perform this assay on plant tissue that involves a minimal number of reagents and steps, is time-efficient, and produces clean definitive results within 24 h.
Waves, advection, and cloud patterns on Venus

The stable layers adjacent to the nearly neutral layer within the Venus clouds are found to be capable of supporting vertically trapped, horizontally propagating waves with horizontal wavelengths of about 10 km and speeds of a few meters per second relative to the mean wind in the neutral layer. These waves may possibly be excited by turbulence within the neutral layer. Here, the properties of the waves, and the patterns which they might produce within the visible clouds if excited near the subsolar point are examined. The patterns can be in agreement with many features in images. The waves are capable of transferring momentum latitudinally to help maintain the general atmospheric spin, but at present we are not able to evaluate wave amplitudes. We also examine an alternative possibility that the cloud patterns are produced by advection and shearing by the mean zonal and meridional flow of blobs formed near the equator. It is concluded that advection and shearing by the mean flow is the most likely explanation for the general pattern of small scale striations.
Finite element analysis of thermal convection in deep ocean sediments

Of obvious importance to the study and engineering of a seabed disposal is the determination of the temperature and fluid flow fields existing in the sediment layer and the perturbation of these fields due to the implantation of localized heat sources. The fluid mechanical and heat transfer process occurring in oceanic sediments may be characterized as free (or natural) convection in a porous material. In the case of an undisturbed sediment layer, the driving force for the natural circulation of pore water comes from the geothermal heat flux. Current theories for heat flow from the sea floor suggest the possibility of large scale hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust (see e.g., Ribando, et al. 1976) which is in turn coupled with a convection process in the overlying sediment layer (Anderson 1980, Anderson, et al. 1979). The introduction of a local heat source, such as a waste canister, into a saturated sediment layer would by itself initiate a convection process due to buoyancy forces. Since the mathematical description of natural convection in a porous medium is of sufficient complexity to preclude the use of most analytic methods of analysis, approximate numerical procedures are often employed. In the following sections, a particularmore » type of numerical method is described that has proved useful in the solution of a variety of porous flow problems. However, rather than concentrate on the details of the numerical algorithm the main emphasis of the presentation will be on the types of problems and results that are encountered in the areas of oceanic heat flow and seabed waste disposal.« less
A Structural Model for Molded Thermoplastic Ankle-Foot Orthoses

The structural response of a posterior leaf spring, ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) was studied both experimentally and with a simple theoretical model. The theoretical model, which was compared with other analytical solutions and experimental data, predicted the bending and twisting of the AFO due to unit loads. The simple theoretical model utilized beam equations and small deflection theory. Excellent agreement between test and predicted values was achieved, indicating that the simple theoretical model, which was relatively easy to implement computationally, could serve as the major component of a computer-aided design program.
California agriculture and an emerging Mexico

Agriculture is an important part of global trade, constituting one-tenth of all international trade flows. This is true despite the fact that historically, agriculture has been the most heavily distorted industry in the industrial countries. Pervasive and significant barriers to trade have been, and continue to be, exceedingly difficult to remove in agriculture, which remains the industry least susceptible to freer trade. The recently completed Uruguay round of GATT negotiations almost foundered in December 1990 on the issue of agricultural subsidies. To quote an even more relevant example for the case of the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA), the U.S.-Canadian free trade agreement did not fully liberalize agricultural trade, instead leaving many temporary restrictions. With Mexico’s proposed entry into NAFTA, we can anticipate that agriculture will continue to be a key sector in the negotiations and final agreement. This article examines the effect of Mexico’s entry into NAFTA on agricultural trade with California. Along with Arizona and Florida, this state has substantial flows of agricultural goods with Mexico. The next section provides an overview of total U.S. agricultural trade with Mexico, followed by a discussion of the California crops that face potential import competition or export opportunities under Mexico’s entry into NAFTA. These crops were identified from government publications and telephone interviews with commodity groups throughout California. A summary of responses from these interviews is provided. We then describe the results from a statistical analysis of potential import competition from Mexico in selected crops. The longer-run changes in Mexican supply are discussed at the end of the article.
The economic possibilities of natural gas conservation: Antithetical results of prorationing regulation

State prorationing regulations for natural gas production are intended to conserve resources, prevent waste, and, if necessary, protect the rights of property owners. This paper examines the effects of conservation regulations on the stock of the resource and on production costs. Results indicate rules that do not consider the nature of the physical stock and how it is recovered, as well as the heterogeneous nature of the reservoir, may result in sub-optimal production paths for individual wells. Such inefficiencies increase production costs and may in some cases, reduce the recoverable stock; results antithetical to the intended goals of the regulation.
Alefacept in combination with tapering doses of cyclosporine in patients with psoriasis

The systemic agent cyclosporine has inhibitory effects on T-cell activation, which likely account for its efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. However, the use of cyclosporine is limited because of dose-related toxicities (eg, hypertension, nephrotoxicity), which necessitate routine monitoring of its safety. Cyclosporine also causes generalized immunosuppression, which may increase the risk for infections and malignancies. For these reasons, continuous treatment with cyclosporine is not recommended for 1 year. Complete relapse of psoriasis generally occurs within 1 month after stopping cyclosporine therapy. Alefacept is the first biologic agent to be approved in the US for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. This agent has a remittive mechanism of action—it selectively reduces the T-cell population implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In clinical studies, the safety profile of alefacept has been comparable to placebo and there has been no evidence of an increased risk for infections or malignancies. In clinical practice, patients receiving cyclosporine need a safe and effective strategy for stopping cyclosporine and starting alefacept. An open-label study is underway in adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis who are well controlled on cyclosporine and who need or desire to transition to alefacept therapy. In phase 1 (weeks 1-12), alefacept 7.5 mg will be administered by IV bolus once weekly, while cyclosporine will be tapered from 4 mg/kg/day (weeks 1-4), to 3 mg/kg/day (weeks 5-8), and then to 2.5 mg/kg/day (weeks 9-12). Topical therapy will also be permitted. After the 12th alefacept dose, both alefacept and cyclosporine will be discontinued. In phase 2 (weeks 12-24), patients will be off both alefacept and cyclosporine, but may receive topical therapy and UVB phototherapy as per physician’s standard of care. In phase 3 (weeks 24-48), patients can receive a repeat course of IV alefacept 7.5 mg once weekly for 12 weeks if clinically indicated followed by 12 weeks of observation. Topical therapy will be permitted throughout phase 3, and UVB phototherapy will be allowed during the observation period. Cyclosporine will not be administered in phase 3. Assessments will include a Physician Global Assessment, the Dermatology Life Quality Index, adverse events, physical examinations, and laboratory tests as specified in the package inserts for alefacept and cyclosporine.
Gas-Turbine Total Energy System for a Cement Plant

This paper proposes the use of a coal-fired, closed-cycle gas turbine to provide electric power and process heat to a “wet process” cement plant. Taking the example of a large plant requiring 100 million kilowatt-hours of electric energy per year, it is estimated that, by substitution of in-plant power generation for purchased electricity and use of reject heat for slurry dewatering, annual energy cost savings (at current rates) sufficient to pay off the capital cost of the installation between 5 and 15 years (depending upon the amount of that cost) could be realized. This degree of savings will increase as the price of power increases due to “normal” projected escalation of coal costs, plus the imposition of requirements for emission control equipment to meet stringent environmental quality standards. Because the fly ash from pulverized coal firing and the limestone sludge from a stack gas scrubber represent feed materials for the cement process, emission control does not constitute the burden on a cement plant that it would for an electric utility, but rather permits additional savings due to effective use of “waste” materials. Conservation of energy, material resources and the environment could thus be accomplished simultaneously.Copyright © 1977 by ASME
Dry thermal inactivation of trypsin and ribonuclease.

IN the course of some recent work, it became necessary to obtain information on the dry thermal inactivation of trypsin and ribonuclease. A search of the literature indicated that very little work had been done on the dry inactivation of enzymes. In the present experiments, dry samples of these two enzymes were heated in vacuo at temperatures ranging from 160° to 200° C. The inactivation process was found to be irreversible. The values of the thermodynamic parameters ΔH and ΔS were also calculated from the survival data.
Preplant Herbicides Don't Increase Forage Production of Cereal Rye Interseeded into Bermudagrass

Interseeding cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) into a bermudagrass sod [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] can increase season-long forage production and land use effi ciency. However, previous research has shown that competition from the bermudagrass sod can signifi cantly reduce autumn forage production from cereal rye. Our objective was to determine if the application of a preplant herbicide to a bermudagrass sod before interseeding cereal rye infl uenced seasonal or total annual forage dry matter (DM) yields in the southern temperate-humid zone. In mid-September, cereal rye was interseeded into bermudagrass aft er treating with (i) no herbicide, (ii) 1.37 kg a.i. ha –1 of paraquat dichloride (Gramoxone), or (iii) 0.56 kg a.i. ha –1 of clethodim (Select). Th e control treatment was bermudagrass sod that was neither treated with herbicide nor interseeded with cereal rye. Treating with Select reduced forage DM yield in the subsequent summer by as much as 35% compared with unseeded bermudagrass. Treating with Gramoxone did not improve forage DM yield in autumn. Forage DM yield was approximately 3300 to 4500 kg ha –1 greater in autumn and spring when cereal rye was interseeded into bermudagrass, but the net increase in forage DM yield for the cereal rye–bermudagrass system was only 1100 to 3300 kg ha –1 yr –1 greater than the unseeded control, which yielded 10,000 kg ha –1 . Producers who stock growing or lactating animals in autumn or spring would benefi t most from this practice because the cereal rye would be available for grazing at a time when many forage–livestock systems must use more expensive stored feedstuff s.
Inhibitory synaptic regulation of motoneurons: a new target of disease mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common adult-onset neurodegenerative disease. It causes the degeneration of motoneurons and is fatal due to paralysis, particularly of respiratory muscles. ALS can be inherited, and specific disease-causing genes have been identified, but the mechanisms causing motoneuron death in ALS are not understood. No effective treatments exist for ALS. One well-studied theory of ALS pathogenesis involves faulty RNA editing and abnormal activation of specific glutamate receptors as well as failure of glutamate transport resulting in glutamate excitotoxicity; however, the excitotoxicity theory is challenged by the inability of anti-glutamate drugs to have major disease-modifying effects clinically. Nevertheless, hyperexcitability of upper and lower motoneurons is a feature of human ALS and transgenic (tg) mouse models of ALS. Motoneuron excitability is strongly modulated by synaptic inhibition mediated by presynaptic glycinergic and GABAergic innervations and postsynaptic glycine receptors (GlyR) and GABAA receptors; yet, the integrity of inhibitory systems regulating motoneurons has been understudied in experimental models, despite findings in human ALS suggesting that they may be affected. We have found in tg mice expressing a mutant form of human superoxide dismutase-1 (hSOD1) with a Gly93 → Ala substitution (G93A-hSOD1), causing familial ALS, that subsets of spinal interneurons degenerate. Inhibitory glycinergic innervation of spinal motoneurons becomes deficient before motoneuron degeneration is evident in G93A-hSOD1 mice. Motoneurons in these ALS mice also have insufficient synaptic inhibition as reflected by smaller GlyR currents, smaller GlyR clusters on their plasma membrane, and lower expression of GlyR1α mRNA compared to wild-type motoneurons. In contrast, GABAergic innervation of ALS mouse motoneurons and GABAA receptor function appear normal. Abnormal synaptic inhibition resulting from dysfunction of interneurons and motoneuron GlyRs is a new direction for unveiling mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis that could be relevant to new therapies for ALS.
Using Rewriting Rules for Connection Graphs to Prove Theorems

Abstract Essentially, a connection graph is merely a data structure for a set of clauses indicating possible refutations. The graph itself is not an inference system. To use the graph, one has to introduce operations on the graph. In this paper, we shall describe a method to obtain rewriting rules from the graph, and then to show that these rewriting rules can be used to generate a refutation plan that may correspond to a large number of linear resolution refutations. Using this method, many redundant resolution steps can be avoided.
New structures and algorithms for photonic band gaps

Abstract A new class of structure is found to possess photonic band gaps, and it contains most of the previously known photonic band gap structures as its subsets. We will also present some results concerning the EM wave eigenstates of structures with structural dffects and the transmission characteristics of periodic materials with one component being dispersive and absorbing.
The instability of self-stabilization

We argue that the important property of self-stabilization is, in principle, unstable across system classes. In particular, we first define a very broad notion of simulation. We then define what it means for a simulation to either preserve or force self-stabilization. Given these definitions, we then show that, for a variety of system classes, there is no simulation that preserves or forces self-stabilization.
The edge conditions and field representation theorems in the theory of electromagnetic diffraction

In 1897 Rayleigh(14) pointed out that it is possible to obtain a family of solutions to certain problems in diffraction theory, notably those involving plane obstacles, by the simple operation of differentiation of some one solution. This, of course, alters the nature of the solution, especially so in the neighbourhood of a sharp edge. For, at an edge the parent solution may be finite and yet its derivative can become infinite. Further, such a differentiated solution may produce an infinite total energy in the neighbourhood of the edge. It is, therefore, natural to ask what conditions are required to make the solutions of these problems physically and mathematically acceptable and thus define the boundary-value problem uniquely.
Innate Immune Cells in Breast Cancer – From Villains to Heroes?

The innate immune system ensures effective protection against foreign pathogens and plays important roles in tissue remodeling. There are many types of innate immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and granulocytes. Interestingly, these cells accumulate in most solid tumors, including those of the breast. There, they play a tumor-promoting role through secretion of growth and angiogenic factors, as well as immunosuppressive molecules. This is in strong contrast to the tumor-suppressing effects that innate immune cells exert in vitro upon proper activation. Therapeutic approaches have been developed with the aim of achieving similar suppressive activities in vivo. However, multiple factors in the tumor microenvironment, many of which are immunosuppressive, represent a major obstacle to effective treatment. Here, we discuss the potential of combating breast cancer through activation of the innate immune system, including possible strategies to enhance the success of immunotherapy.
MondoA Senses Non-glucose Sugars REGULATION OF THIOREDOXIN-INTERACTING PROTEIN (TXNIP) AND THE HEXOSE TRANSPORT CURB

Glucose is required for cell growth and proliferation. The MondoA·Mlx transcription factor is glucose-responsive and accumulates in the nucleus by sensing glucose 6-phosphate. One direct and glucose-induced target of MondoA·Mlx complexes is thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). TXNIP is a potent negative regulator of glucose uptake, and hence its regulation by MondoA·Mlx triggers a feedback loop that restricts glucose uptake. This feedback loop is similar to the "hexose transport curb" first described almost 30 years ago. We show here that MondoA responds to the non-glucose hexoses, allose, 3-O-methylglucose, and glucosamine by accumulating in the nucleus and activating TXNIP transcription. The metabolic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate blocks the transcriptional response to allose and 3-O-methylglucose, indicating that their metabolism, or a parallel pathway, is required to stimulate MondoA activity. Our dissection of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway suggests that in addition to sensing glucose 6-phosphate, MondoA can also sense glucosamine 6-phosphate. Analysis of glucose uptake in wild-type, MondoA-null, or TXNIP-null murine embryonic fibroblasts indicates a role for the MondoA-TXNIP regulatory circuit in the hexose transport curb, although other redundant pathways also contribute.
Synthesis of carbamates and ureas using Zr(IV)-catalyzed exchange processes.

Zirconium(IV)-catalyzed exchange processes have been developed to prepare both carbamates and ureas from dialkyl carbonates and carbamates employing 2-hydroxypyridine (HYP) and 4-methyl-2-hydroxyquinoline (MeHYQ) as catalytic additives, respectively. A microwave acceleration effect was observed in Zr(IV)-catalyzed carbamate−urea exchange.
A new formulation of load flow equations in balanced radial distribution systems

A new formulation of load flow equations in a balanced three-phase distribution system is developed. Voltage magnitudes and real and reactive power losses in the series are chosen as variables, and Newton's method is applied for the solution of the set of equations. Computer implementation of the formulation is presented. The convergence characteristics are found to be good, and results for a representative system are included. Advantages and drawbacks of the algorithm are discussed.
Student Achievement and NCLEX-RN Success: Problems That Persist

While most nurse graduates are successful on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, certain students continue to be at risk for failure. To understand the complexity of at-risk students and NCLEX-RN failure, systems theory was used to analyze the interdependency of the nursing education system and the nursing student learning system. From this perspective, these problems relate to flaws in perceived learning gaps and student outcome measures. Predicting NCLEX-RN success is further complicated because students leave the teaching system prior to taking the exam, making them vulnerable to other influencing variables. The student's approach to learning (SAL) theory was used to aid in identifying effective strategies. The literature supports this theoretical approach, which targets changing the teaching and learning environment. However, there is limited research on the nursing student's approach to learning, on the benefits of innovative student-centered learning environments, and the most effective use of NCLEX-RN assessment products.
Anti-realist Aporias

Using a quantified propositional logic involving the operators it is known that and it is possible to know that, we formalize various interesting philosophical claims involved in the realism debate. We set out inferential rules for the epistemic modalities, ranging from ones that are obviously analytic, to ones that are epistemologically more substantive or even controversial. Then we investigate various aporias for the realism debate. These are constructively inconsistent triads of claims from our list: a claim expressing some sort of common ground in the debate; a characteristically anti-realist thesis about truth and knowability; and a characteristically realist thesis about determinacy of truth value. Various patterns of reductio proof for these inconsistent triads are generated, so as to display their variety. The reductio proofs use only the inferential rules set out earlier. The philosophical utility of each aporia for the anti-realist is then assessed. This involves consideration of the acceptability of the premiss expressing common ground; the strength and plausibility of the anti-realist premiss; the strength of the realist premiss that is the ultimate target of the reductio; and the analytic status of the inferential rules applied within the proof.
Decay Scheme and Gamma-Gamma Correlations in B 10

Gamma rays from the deuteron bombardment of beryllium were studied with two scintillation spectrometers operated in coincidence. Gamma rays of energies 2.86, 2.15, 1.43, 1.02, 0.72, and 0.41 Mev, which have previously been associated with the ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$ nucleus, were identified in single-channel spectra. Coincidences were observed between the following pairs of gamma rays: 2.86-0.72, 2.15-1.43, 1.43-1.43, 1.43-1.02, 1.43-0.72, 1.43-0.41, 1.02-0.72, 1.02-0.41, and 0.72-0.41. The decay scheme obtained from these measurements agrees with the one proposed by Ajzenberg, except for the presence of an additional 1.43-Mev transition between the 3.58- and 2.15-Mev states of ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$. A survey was made of the directional angular correlations between several of these coincident radiations.
A spectroscopic study of the thermodynamic state of argon in a conical electromagnetic shock tube

Abstract This paper describes time resolved spectroscopic experiments in which the average thermodynamic state across the diameter of the accelerated argon plasma generated in a 3 in. dia. conical type electromagnetic shock tube was determined at ambient pressures of 50 μ, 300 μ, and 1 mm Hg and at positions of 15·25 cm, 20 cm and 35·5 cm downstream from the ring electrode. Luminous front velocities ranged from 0·25 to 1 cm/μsec, temperatures from 13,000 to 18,000°K and peak electron densities from 10 16 to 10 17 cm -3 . The data indicate complete thermodynamic equilibrium. In all tests the temperatures were significantly higher than those predicted by the shock equations assuming a cold gas ahead of the luminous front. Microwave transmission measurements indicate that the electron density ahead of the luminous front is less than 5×10 10 cm -3 . It is concluded that luminosity of the kind observed is from the driver plasma or a mixture of the driver and driven plasmas, depending on the ambient pressure, and that the thermodynamic state of the accelerated plasma must therefore be determined experimentally.
Inverted duplication of chromosome 5p14p15.3 confirmed with in situ hybridization.

Duplication of the short arm of chromosome 5 [dup(5)(p13.1p15.3)] has been associated with craniofacial malformations, cardiac defects, renal and intestinal malformations, limb abnormalities, and mental retaredation. We report a 2-year-old white girl with a denovo 46, XX, inv dup(5)(p14p15.3) chromosome constitution, who presented with motor and language delays, bilateral strabismus, small posteriorly angulated ears, a high-arched palate, mild hypotonia, and an atrial septal defect. A CT scan of the head was normal. In situ hybridization with a cosmid probe specific for sub-band 5p15.3 (Oncor, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD) was used to identify the origin and orientation of the extra material. The milder manifestations in our patient are consistent with the hypothesis that significant phenotypic effects are associated with duplication of material proximal to band 5p14. This study demonstrates the usefulness of in situ probes in identifying the origin and orientation of duplicated genetic material. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The prediction of vapor‐liquid equilibrium constants for binary hydrocarbon systems in the critical region

A series of reduced state correlations for the prediction of equilibrium constants for the components of binary hydrocarbon systems have been developed utilizing experimental vapor-liquid equilibrium data reported by Kay (7, 8, 9) for the enthane-n-heptane, ethane-n-butane, and n-butane-n-hepane systems. Each correlation applies for a specific values of τ = Tbh/Tbl, the ratio of the normal boiling points of the two components. Plots of β/β° vs. TR covering the complete range of liquid compositions are presented for values of τ = 1.10, 1.20, 1.40, 1.60, 1.80, and 2.00. The term β° represents the reduced vapor pressure of the pure substance, while β is the ratio of the pseudo vapor pressure of this substance in the mixture, Kπ, to the critical pressure of the mixture. The correlations presented in this study reproduce the experimental data used in their development with an average deviation of 2.3% for forty-eight points, with the experimental critical constants reported by Kay. The reliability of these correlations has been tested with the propane-isopentane, methane-ethane, and ethane-cyclohexane systems which have τ values in the range included in this study and for which experimental critical constants are available. An average deviation of 5.1% was produced for thirty-six points. In addition the systems methane-propane, propane-benzene, nitrogen-oxygen, and carbon dioxide-n-butane were tested with calculated values for their critical constants and produced average deviations of 8.4, 8.2, 9.4, and 20%, respectively.
Interactive Management of Human Factors Knowledge for Human Systems Integration Using Systems Modeling Language

The field of Human Factors in Knowledge Management is often seen as a problem of capturing, organizing, and retrieving information to build knowledge. This process is inextricably bound up with human cognition and, as such, the management of knowledge occurs within an intricately structured behavioral, cultural, and social context. This paper emphasizes the importance of interactive human factors in knowledge management and introduces a model-based human systems integration framework based on systems modeling language (SysML).
Virial coefficients in determination of molecular weights on solutions of coal derivatives

Abstract A calculation procedure is proposed which allows low-angle laser light-scattering measurements to be used as a practicable method for calibration-free molecular weight determinations of soluble coal derivatives. Application of this method to coal solutions allows thermodynamic parameters for the solvent-coal interaction to be derived.
Access to sexual and reproductive health care services: young men's perspectives.

This study aimed to identify health issues that affect young men and the barriers they experience in accessing care. Participants were 48 minority men 18–28 years old, distributed among 9 focus groups. Four main themes emerged in the study. First, the authors identified sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, and drug use as major health issues. Second, participants identified attitudinal and institutional barriers to accessing care. This included denial; fear; embarrassment; perception that it is not considered manly to seek help; cost; and accessibility. Third, focus group participants felt that services have to be augmented in order to address the specific needs of men. Last, participants suggested strategies to attract men to family planning clinics that are consistent with a youth culture. Focus groups are effective in obtaining input in order to augment services for men.
Discharge-flow/chemiluminescence and flash-photolysis/resonance fluorescence studies of the reaction O + SiH4 at room temperature

Article on discharge-flow/chemiluminescence and flash-photolysis/resonance fluorescence studies of the reaction O + SiH4 at room temperature.
Diversity and sustainability on the prairie

The idea that higher biological diversity begets more robust and more productive ecosystems is an old one. Only now are convincing experimental tests of the principle emerging.
Continuing education for athletic trainers based on learning style research

This article describes a study that assessed the learning styles of athletic trainers for the purpose of improving continuing education for this group. It was found that most subjects: preferred kinesthetic learning (60%); were independent learners (63%); preferred written as opposed to oral examination (58%); and spent the majority of their study time in a reading mode (72%). On the basis of these results, guidelines for continuing education of athletic trainers were developed.
Prevalence of Foveal Lesions in Type 1 and Type 2 Usher's Syndrome

Purpose: To evaluate possible differences in the prevalence of clinically detectable foveal lesions between patients with type 1 and type 2 Usher's syndrome. Methods: Records of 48 patients with type 1 and 98 patients with type 2 Usher's syndrome were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of a foveal lesion. The age, gender, and racial distribution of patients were similar in the two subtypes. Two investigators reviewed fundus photographs from all patients and, when available, fluorescein angiograms. Results: In the 48 patients with type 1 Usher's syndrome, 30 (62%) showed a clinically apparent atrophic- or cystic-appearing foveal lesion, whereas in the 98 patients with type 2 Usher's syndrome, 33 (34%) had either an atrophic- or a cystic-appearing foveal lesion. Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of exhibiting a foveal lesion in both type 1 and type 2 Usher's syndrome increases with age and that patients with type 1 Usher's syndrome are more likely to have a foveal lesion than are patients with type 2 Usher's syndrome. Conclusions: Patients with type 1 Usher's syndrome show a greater probability of having either an atrophicor cystic-appearing foveal lesion than do patients with type 2 Usher's syndrome. This higher prevalence of foveal lesions is consistent with a previous observation that the severity of visual acuity impairment with age is greater for patients with type 1 than type 2 Usher's syndrome. These data are useful in counseling such patients as to their prognosis for central visual function.
Immune regulation and its role in the pathogenesis of Candida vaginitis

The pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is caused by Candida albicans, is poorly understood. Despite a strong protective role for cell-mediated immunity (CMI) against other mucosal candidal infections, numerous studies in humans and most animal models have revealed little to no role for CMI or other forms of acquired immunity against vaginal candidal infections. Studies suggest that this may be because of immunoregulatory mechanisms that inhibit more profound adaptive immune responses rather than the simple lack of responsiveness. Such regulatory mechanisms significantly influence the pathogenesis of Candida vaginitis.
Selective bone cell adhesion on formulations containing carbon nanofibers

Bone cell adhesion on novel carbon nanofibers and polycarbonate urethane/carbon nanofiber (PCU/CNF) composites is investigated in the present in vitro study. Carbon nanofibers have exceptional theoretical mechanical properties (such as high strength to weight ratios) that, along with possessing nanoscale fiber dimensions similar to crystalline hydroxyapatite found in physiological bone, suggest strong possibilities for use as an orthopedic/dental implant material. The effects of select properties of carbon fibers (specifically, dimension, surface energy, and chemistry) on osteoblast, fibroblast, chondrocyte, and smooth muscle cell adhesion were determined in the present in vitro study. Results provided evidence that smaller-scale (i.e., nanometer dimension) carbon fibers promoted osteoblast adhesion. Adhesion of other cells was not influenced by carbon fiber dimensions. Also, smooth muscle cell, fibroblast, and chondrocyte adhesion decreased with an increase in either carbon nanofiber surface energy or simultaneous change in carbon nanofiber chemistry. Moreover, greater weight percentages of high surface energy carbon nanofibers in the PCU/CNF composite increased osteoblast adhesion while at the same time decreased fibroblast adhesion.
Effect of Cellular Expression of Pleckstrin Homology Domains on Gi-coupled Receptor Signaling

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are 90-110 amino acid regions of protein sequence homology that are found in a variety of proteins involved in signal transduction and growth control. We have previously reported that the PH domains of several proteins, including βARK1, PLCγ, IRS-1, Ras-GRF, and Ras-GAP, expressed as glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins, can reversibly bind purified bovine brain Gβγ subunits in vitro with varying affinity. To determine whether PH domain peptides would behave as antagonists of Gβγ subunit-mediated signal transduction in intact cells, plasmid minigene constructs encoding these PH domains were prepared, which permit transient cellular expression of the peptides. Pertussis toxin-sensitive, Gβγ subunit-mediated inositol phosphate (IP) production was significantly inhibited in COS-7 cells transiently coexpressing the α2-C10 adrenergic receptor (AR) and each of the PH domain peptides. Pertussis toxin-insensitive, Gqα subunit-mediated IP production via coexpressed M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 AChR) was attenuated only by the PLCγ PH domain peptide, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of most of the PH domain peptides was Gβγ subunit-specific. Stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway by Gi-coupled receptors in COS-7 cells has been reported to require activation of p21ras and to be independent of protein kinase C. Since several proteins involved in activation contain PH domains, the effect of PH domain peptide expression on α2-C10 AR-mediated p21ras -GTP exchange and MAP kinase activation as well as direct Gβγ subunit-mediated activation of MAP kinase was determined. In each assay, coexpression of the PH domain peptides resulted in significant inhibition. Increasing Gβγ subunit expression surmounted PH domain peptide-mediated inhibition of MAP kinase activation. These data suggest that the PH domain peptides behave as specific antagonists of Gβγ-mediated signaling in intact cells and that interactions between PH domains and Gβγ subunits or structurally related proteins may play a role in the activation of mitogenic signaling pathways by G protein-coupled receptors.