cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of cattail (Typha spp.) biomass in Minnesota, USA

Abstract Typha spp. are being considered for bio-energy crops in Minnesota because of their high productivity in northern latitudes, starchy rhizome system, and ability to utilize the state's 3·4 million hectares of wetlands. Standing crop yields up to 22·4 Mg ha −1 of leaves and 30·9 Mg ha −1 of rhizomes have been observed for Typha spp. This review article characterizes Typha in terms of biomass and nutrient accumulation patterns, evapotranspiration rates, pest problems, and fuel characteristics. Problems of establishing stands of Typha from seed, seedlings or rhizomes are identified; management practices needed to maximize productivity while minimizing system inputs are examined. Finally, multiple use opportunities, land availability, harvesting equipment requirements, and overall economics are assessed. At present, annual harvesting of leaves appears favored because of sustainable yields, minimal nutrient requirements, effective weed control, and low harvesting costs while sacrificing only 13–17% of the average annual yield from a combined leaf and rhizome harvest. Annual leaf harvests were found to have a potential return on investment of 18%. If the price differential between cellulosic leaf biomass and starcy rhizome biomass becomes high enough, a combined leaf and rhizome harvest may be preferable in the future.
Iron(VI) and iron(V) oxidation of thiocyanate.

Thiocyanate (SCN-) is used in many industrial processes and is commonly found in industrial and mining wastewaters. The removal of SCN- is required because of its toxic effects. The oxidation of thiocyanate (SCN-) by environmentally friendly oxidants, Fe(VI) and Fe(V), has been studied anaerobically using stopped-flow and premix pulse radiolysis techniques. The stoichiometry with Fe(VI) was determined to be 4HFeO4- + SCN- + 5H2O → 4Fe(OH)3 + SO42- + CNO- + O2 + 2OH-. The rate law for the oxidation of SCN- by Fe(VI) was found to be −d[Fe(VI)]/dt = k11{[H+]/([H+] + Ka,HFeO4)} [Fe(VI)][SCN-] where k11 = 2.04 ± 0.04 × 103 M-1 s-1 and pKa,HFeO4 = 7.33. A mechanism is proposed that agrees with the observed reaction stoichiometry and rate law. The rate of oxidation of SCN- by Fe(V) was approximately 3 orders of magnitude faster than Fe(VI). The higher reactivity of Fe(V) with SCN- indicates that oxidations by Fe(VI) may be enhanced in the presence of appropriate one-electron-reducing agents. The results suggest ...
Debye-Hückel theory of mixed charged-zwitterionic lipid layers

Modeling electrostatic properties of macroions such as charged lipid membranes is especially simple within linear Debye-Huckel theory where analytical solutions are often available. Charged lipid layers typically also contain zwitterionic lipids that possess a large headgroup dipole. We incorporate the presence of zwitterionic lipids into the Debye-Huckel description and derive analytical expressions for the free energies of isolated and interacting lipid layers. Our approach accounts for two major characteristic features of zwitterionic lipids, the firm linkage of the dipole's negatively charged phosphate end to the lipid chain and the comparatively large conformational freedom of the opposite, positively charged, dipole end. This leads to differences in structural properties of mixed anionic and cationic lipid layers that are known from experiment and that the Debye-Huckel description qualitatively recovers. Most notably, this includes the different dependencies of the average cross-sectional area per lipid on the composition of mixed anionic and cationic membranes. In addition, we study the predictions of Debye-Huckel theory regarding the electrostatic influence of zwitterionic lipids on the stability of non-ideally mixed membranes as well as on the adsorption energy of oppositely charged macroions.
Research into foods from animal sources. I. Controlling level and type of fat

Abstract This review of research on the amount of fat and the fatty acid composition of the fat in meat and dairy products, primarily covering the research of the Agricultural Research Service, shows clearly that the agricultural producer can furnish the consumer what he wants, as has been done in the past. The lean meat of our best beef, pork, and poultry can be used at any desirable level in a mixed diet with 35% of total calories from fat. Fat content of dairy products is readily controlled by processing, as is done commercially now. Major changes in composition of fats of ruminants can be made by feeding “protected” polyunsaturated oils. The fatty acid composition of monogastric animals, hogs, chickens, turkeys, etc. can be readily controlled by the diet food. The cholesterol content of eggs can be experimentally reduced by dietary means, and perhaps by genetic changes. The usefulness of the results cited in making changes in the American food supply is not clear. What changes should be made, what changes can be made, will depend on further research in human and animal nutrition, economics, and social attitudes.
Flare Minimization Strategy for Ethylene Plants

Flaring is an important but passive method in ethylene plants to protect plant personnel, facilities, and the ambient environment. However, excessive flaring emits huge amounts of CO, CO 2 , NO x , and hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may cause locally transient air pollution problems and negative societal impacts. Flaring may also cause high losses of raw material and energy that could generate more desired products for the industry. Thus, flare minimization has great benefits to environmental, societal, and industrial sustainability. Based on current industrial practices, a general strategy for flare minimization under various ethylene plant events is presented.
Heart rate in anticipation of shocks which have different probabilities of occurrences.

Subjects waited for 30-sec. countdown periods for shocks of varying probability of occurrence, 0%, 50%, or 100%, while heart rate, eye blink activity, and gross movement were recorded. If shock was anticipated at all, heart rate and blink activity were significantly higher than when it was not, but there was no difference associated with uncertainty, i.e., between 50% and 100%. Gross movement did not covary with the other measures. Heart rate was uniquely elevated on the first trial.
Chimeric enzymes of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase and neuronal nitric-oxide synthase reductase domain reveal structural and functional differences.

The nitric-oxide synthases (NOSs) are comprised of an oxygenase domain and a reductase domain bisected by a calmodulin (CaM) binding region. The NOS reductase domains share ∼60% sequence similarity with the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR), which transfers electrons to microsomal cytochromes P450. The crystal structure of the neuronal NOS (nNOS) connecting/FAD binding subdomains reveals that the structure of the nNOS-connecting subdomain diverges from that of CYPOR, implying different alignments of the flavins in the two enzymes. We created a series of chimeric enzymes between nNOS and CYPOR in which the FMN binding and the connecting/FAD binding subdomains are swapped. A chimera consisting of the nNOS heme domain and FMN binding subdomain and the CYPOR FAD binding subdomain catalyzed significantly increased rates of cytochrome c reduction in the absence of CaM and of NO synthesis in its presence. Cytochrome c reduction by this chimera was inhibited by CaM. Other chimeras consisting of the nNOS heme domain, the CYPOR FMN binding subdomain, and the nNOS FAD binding subdomain with or without the tail region also catalyzed cytochrome c reduction, were not modulated by CaM, and could not transfer electrons into the heme domain. A chimera consisting of the heme domain of nNOS and the reductase domain of CYPOR reduced cytochrome c and ferricyanide at rates 2-fold higher than that of native CYPOR, suggesting that the presence of the heme domain affected electron transfer through the reductase domain. These data demonstrate that the FMN subdomain of CYPOR cannot effectively substitute for that of nNOS, whereas the FAD subdomains are interchangeable. The differences among these chimeras most likely result from alterations in the alignment of the flavins within each enzyme construct.
Hapten design in the development of competitive enyme-linked immunosorbent assays for genotoxic metabolites of alachlor.

The acetanilide compounds 2-chloro-2',6'-diethylacetanilide (CDA) and 2-hydroxy-2',6'-diethylacetanilide (HDA) are environmental degradative products of the chloroacetanilide herbicide alachlor. CDA, HDA, and alachlor are ground and surface water contaminants. CDA and HDA are genotoxic in bacterial and mammalian test systems. This paper reports hapten design in the development of two competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA) for the detection of CDA and HDA. Chloroacetanilide herbicides and other alachlor metabolites that may be present in environmental samples do not cross-react with the detection of CDA and HDA. Solid-phase extraction of CDA and HDA residues from aqueous samples results in a 1000-fold concentration factor, resulting in an effective detection limit of 15 pg/mL for both assays. The specificity of the cELISAs required preservation of the degree of substitution of the acetanilide moiety in the hapten design. The hapten synthesis strategies are suitable for metabolites of other chloroacetanilide herbicides (i.e., acetochlor, butachlor, metolachlor, and propachlor).
Role of Clara cells and type II cells in the development of pulmonary tumors in rats and mice following exposure to a tobacco-specific nitrosamine.

The role of the Clara and type II cell in the development of pulmonary tumors in the A/J mouse and Fischer rat was investigated by determining the relationship of DNA methylation and repair in pulmonary cells to oncogene activation and by characterizing the morphology of pulmonary tumors induced by treatment with 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Marked differences in the formation of the promutagenic adduct O6-methylguanine (O6MG) were observed in pulmonary cells following treatment of rats with NNK. Concentrations of this adduct in Clara cells greatly exceeded (3- to 30-fold) those detected in type II cells and whole lung with doses of NNK ranging from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg. In addition, very low rates of repair of this adduct were detected in Clara cells, whereas efficient adduct removal occurred in type II cells. The importance of this adduct and the role of cell specificity was suggested by the fact that a strong correlation was observed between the concentration of O6MG in Clara cells ...
Tolerability and adherence issues in antidepressant therapy.

Background: Despite the availability of effective antidepressants, recurrence and relapse rates for depression are high (up to 80%), treatment failures are common (40% to 60%), and as many as 20% of patients remain inadequately treated. Depression treatment guidelines are often not followed, and rates of nonadherence to treatment are high, with 28% of patients discontinuing antidepressant treatment within the first month and 44% discontinuing within 3 months of initiating therapy. Objective: The aim of this article was to summarize research on antidepressant therapy nonadherence and examine the limitations of strategies used to minimize adverse events (AEs) and improve treatment duration. Methods: A thorough search of the published literature from 1990 to the present was performed on MEDLINE and other search engines. The following search terms were used: tolerability, antidepressants, patient compliance, adherence, therapy, SSRIs, tricyclics, and other related terms focusing on specific agents. Results: Physician-specific issues represent some of the most important obstacles to adequate antidepressant therapy. Inadequate patient education, prescription of inappropriate medications or inadequate dosages, and lack of follow-up care are all issues the physician can control to improve patient adherence. Patient-specific issues include poor motivation (due to symptoms of depression) to continue therapy, failure to perceive a benefit, and concerns about cost of therapy. Medication-specific issues such as treatment-related AEs, delayed onset of action, complicated dosing or titration schedule, and subtherapeutic dosing also contribute to treatment discontinuation. Therapy with ≥I antidepressant and/or atypical antipsychotic may improve symptom control, but little evidence exists regarding efficacy and safety. Dosage reduction has been attempted to reduce events that may lead to patient discontinuation, but this may increase the risk of recurrent depressive episodes. Conclusions: To maximize patient adherence to antidepressant therapy, it is necessary to combine adequate treatment duration, realistic patient expectations, and the right dose of an agent capable of treating the full range of symptoms while controlling for AEs.
Traffic modelling and simulation for regional multimodal evacuation analysis

History has shown that evacuation planning has been based largely on lessons learned from prior events. While it yields incremental improvements, this approach also results in plans that tend to address failures 'of past evacuations', while leaving vulnerabilities to unforeseen conditions. Traffic simulation is a tool that can be used to evaluate evacuation plans and test contingencies not yet experienced or imagined. This paper discusses an effort to develop and test an agent-based travel demand and simulation model of the New Orleans regional multimodal evacuation plan. It is among the first to integrate a multimodal evacuation process into a regional traffic model with over a million vehicles, covering thousands of square miles, over two days and the first to use field recorded evacuation data for calibration and validation. The result of the model were used to quantitative and qualitative assess speed, volume, density, and congestion formation and recovery throughout the evacuation network.
Epidemiological studies on the stunt disease of highbush blueberry.

SUMMARY Population levels of Scaphytopius spp., possible sharpnosed leafhopper vectors of blueberry stunt disease (BBSD), were monitored during 1989,1990 and 1991, using yellow sticky traps and a D-Vac power aspirator. Scaphytopius magdalensis (Prov.), S. frontalis (Van D.) and 5. acutus (Say) had two population peaks, one after the petal fall stage and a larger second peak in late Summer to early Autumn. Healthy cv. Bluecrop highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants were placed under stunt-diseased bushes in the field for 2-wk periods during 1989 and 1990. These plants and some of the leafhoppers trapped during 1990 and 1991 were tested for mycoplasma-like organism (MLO) infection with a DNA probe that detected BBSD-associated MLO. The percentage of plants and the number of Scaphytopius spp. that were MLO-positive tended to follow the same bimodal distribution found in the population studies. BBSD transmission tests were performed with Scaphytopius spp. collected from the field. Stunt-related MLO transmission was achieved with S. magdalensis, S. acutus and 5. frontalis.
Photocatalytic degradation of methyl-tert-butyl ether in TiO2 slurries : a proposed reaction scheme

Among the various alternatives to enhance the octane rating of gasoline, methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has become increasingly the compound of choice. Due to its high solubility in water there are some environmental concerns related to the remediation of waters contaminated with gasoline containing MTBE. Although MTBE is difficult to treat economically with conventional techniques, it has been found to be readily degraded photocatalytically. In batch TiO2 slurries and under the experimental conditions used in these experiments MTBE degradation proceeded with an initial pseudo first-order rate constant of 1.2 · 10−3 s−1. The primary by-products of this reaction have been identified as t-butyl formate and t-butyl alcohol, both of which are also readily degraded photocatalytically, albeit at slightly slower rates than MTBE. Mass balance calculations have shown that MTBE is virtually completely mineralized and a reaction scheme is proposed.
Reasoning about software specifications - A case study

The launch intercept condition (LIC) problem was analyzed to better understand the complexity of the automated reasoning process and the nature and role of background knowledge. An extension to resolution-based logic processing systems, called constraint logic programming, is described. Consideration is also given to a knowledge-driven incremental reasoning architecture which integrates a generic constraint logic programming system with a knowledge base of the domain.
On toeplitz approximation to empirical correlation matrix of financial asset returns

We present a Toeplitz approximation to symmetric empirical correlation matrix of asset returns by auto-regressive order one, AR(1), signal source modeling. AR(1) approximation provides an analytical framework where the corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors are defined in closed forms. Furthermore, we show discrete cosine transform (DCT) offers comparable performance to Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT) for decomposition of empirical correlation matrix of a given portfolio where the first is significantly more efficient to implement. It is concluded that the proposed framework has a potential use for noise filtering and risk management in quantitative finance.
Complementation Test of Rpe65 Knockout and Tvrm148

Purpose A mouse mutation, tvrm148, was previously reported as resulting in retinal degeneration. Tvrm148 and Rpe65 map between markers D3Mit147 and D3Mit19 on a genetic map, but the physical map places RPE65 outside the markers. We asked if Rpe65 or perhaps another nearby gene is mutated and if the mutant reduced 11-cis-retinal levels. We studied the impact of the tvrm148 mutation on visual function, morphology, and retinoid levels. Methods Normal phase HPLC was used to measure retinoid levels. Rpe65(+/+), tvrm148/+ (T(+/-)), tvrm148/tvrm148 (T(-/-)), RPE65(KO/KO) (Rpe65(-/-)), and Rpe65(T/-) mice visual function was measured by optokinetic tracking (OKT) and electroretinography (ERG). Morphology was assessed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). qRT-PCR was used to measure Rpe65 mRNA levels. Immunoblotting measured the size and amount of RPE65 protein. Results The knockout and tvrm148 alleles did not complement. No 11-cis-retinal was detected in T(-/-) or Rpe65(-/-) mice. Visual acuity in Rpe65(+/+) and T(+/-) mouse was -0.382 c/d, but 0.037 c/d in T(-/-) mice at postnatal day 210 (P210). ERG response in T(-/-) mice was undetectable except at bright flash intensities. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in T(-/-) mice was -70% of Rpe65(+/+) by P210. Rpe65 mRNA levels in T(-/-) mice were unchanged, yet 14.5% of Rpe65(+/+) protein levels was detected. Protein size was unchanged. Conclusions A complementation test revealed the RPE65 knockout and tvrm148 alleles do not complement, proving that the tvrm148 mutation is in Rpe65. Behavioral, physiological, molecular, biochemical, and histological approaches indicate that tvrm148 is a null allele of Rpe65.
NOAA Would Receive an 11% Increase Under Obama Administration's Proposed Budget

The White House's proposed fiscal year (FY) 2014 budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would provide the agency with $5.45 billion, 11% above the FY 2012 spend plan of $4.91 billion (see Table ). The proposal, which was sent to Congress on 10 April, would increase funding for operations, research, and facilities to $3.41 billion (up 7.97% over FY 2012) and for procurement, acquisition, and construction to $2.12 billion (up 17.51%). The budget proposal uses the FY 2012 spend plan as a comparison because Congress approved the FY 2013 appropriations only a few weeks before the FY 2014 proposal was released.
Characterizing and Reporting Pelvic Floor Defects: the Revised New York Classification System

The authors have devised a conceptual model and reporting system for characterizing, grading and staging pelvic floor defects. The system is user friendly and simple to learn and apply. It is based on commonly known anatomic landmarks and can be performed without memorizing or referring to a separate characterization and reporting plan. Completing the accompanying forms is self-explanatory and provides the information needed for proper comprehension and recording of anatomic defects. The model and reporting format have been used at our institutions for 5 years by medical students, residents, fellows and attendings. It has several advantages over the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitation (POPQ) system: (1) it uses known anatomic landmarks rather than alphabetic labels; (2) it grades lateral wall defects which the POPQ system omits; (3) it recognizes and reports isolated defects or tears which present as bulges in the vaginal walls without downward linear descent (prolapse); (4) it uses a one-page reporting form and a one-page checklist and vaginal profile; (5) it can be done easily in both the supine and the standing positions; (6) it requires simple instruments and a disposable measuring tape available in most office settings; (7) it includes urethral hypermobility in its reporting scheme; (8) it includes cervical length, perineal descent and other measurements in its reporting scheme; and (9) it is similar enough to the POPQ system that easy conversion to, and integration with, the POPQ reporting form and vaginal profile is possible. Prospective trials testing the validity of this system and comparing it with the POPQ system for validity, reliability, reproducibility, test–retest analysis, and interobserver and intraobserver variance are warranted.
Imaging in immunocompetent children who have pneumonia.

This article discusses the common clinical scenarios regarding otherwise healthy children who develop suspected pneumonia in which imaging becomes an issue. The following topics are covered concerning the roles of imagingin the management of pneumonia: evaluation for possible pneumonia, determination of a specific etiologic agent, exclusion of other pathology, evaluation of the child who has failure of pneumonia to clear, and evaluation of complications related to pneumonia.
Laboratory investigation of portland cement concrete containing recycled asphalt pavements

Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is the removed and/or reprocessed pavement material containing asphalt and aggregate. The use of RAP in asphalt pavement has become a common practice in the construction of new, and reconstruction of old, hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. But little research has been done to examine the potential of incorporating RAP into concrete. Since RAP contains asphalt, it is very likely that the toughness of concrete made with RAP could be improved. In the present study, the mechanical properties of RAP-incorporated Portland cement concrete were investigated through laboratory experiments. Two types of RAP (coarse and fine RAP) materials were considered. The results from this study indicated that RAP could be incorporated into Portland cement concrete without any modification to the conventional equipment or procedures. Without any treatment, there was a systematic reduction in the compressive and split tensile strengths with the incorporation RAP in concrete. Notably, the energy absorbing toughness for the RAP incorporated concrete has been significantly improved.
Hypertension and the Hmong community: using the health belief model for health promotion.

Hmong Americans are a minority population with a hypertensive health problem that is often undiagnosed and not medically managed. Vulnerable populations, such as ethnic minorities, are susceptible to poor health because of their unique perception of disease and treatment. Healthy People 2010 has goals that include promoting quality of life and eliminating health disparities. The Health Belief Model recognizes an individual’s perceived susceptibility to disease, perceived severity of disease, perceived benefits of certain behaviors in reducing disease, and perceived barriers, such as cost, to preventive action. Nurses and other health care professionals are in a unique position to promote health in these vulnerable populations by using the Health Belief Model. Health promotion includes identifying barriers, empowering individuals through knowledge, as well as encouraging and educating positive health behaviors.
Diagenesis of Upper Cretaceous Chalks from North Sea, England and Northern Ireland: ABSTRACT

Cores of chalks from the Ekofisk field in the North Sea have been compared with outcrop samples of the "Upper Chalk" in southern England, Yorkshire, and Northern Ireland. Techniques used included petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and isotope and trace-element geochemistry. Although all of the chalks appear to have shared a similar initial composition, End_Page 803------------------------------ subsequent variation in degree and type of diagensis have yielded a remarkable range of ultimate lithologies. The Chalk of Northern Ireland is extremely hard (porosities of 1-10%), has oxygen isotopic values averaging -5.60^pmil, has low Sr concentrations and shows equant, blocky calcite micrite. Samples from Yorkshire have porosities of 18%, oxygen isotopes of about -4.00^pmil, and moderately extensive blocky calcite. Chalks from southern England (Dover, Thanet, Brighton) are very soft (porosities of about 43%), yield oxygen isotope values around -2.88^pmil, and show relatively slight recrystallization to blocky calcite. The Ekofisk chalk has an average porosity of 30% with oxygen isotope values averaging -0.42^pmil, high Sr concentration, traces of dolomitization, and common rounded crystal shapes. These diagenetic variations appear related to the extent of freshwater diagenesis. Areas of continuing subsidence (North Sea basin) were not exposed to fresh water; cementation there was a function of burial depth and associated pressure solution-reprecipitation of calcite in marine or brine waters. In areas of increasing uplift (generally greatest near basin margins), progressively greater freshwater input brought about increasing diagenetic alteration of lithologic and petrophysical characteristics. These diagenetic facies are petrographically, as well as geochemically, recognizable. End_of_Article - Last_Page 804------------
The Global Distribution of Atmospheric Eddy Length Scales

AbstractThe correlation lengths of vorticity anomalies from temporal averages are examined in the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis dataset. It is shown that, in the annual mean, eddies in the Southern Hemisphere are significantly larger than those in the Northern Hemisphere. The eddy vorticity lengths exhibit a strong seasonal cycle, with the largest scales occurring in the winter season. The maximum zonal eddy lengths closely follow the contours of the strong upper-level winds, while the maximum meridional lengths are found in jet exit regions and in the stratosphere.
Investigating the relevance of sponsored results for web ecommerce queries

Are sponsored links, the primary business model for Web search engines, providing Web consumers with relevant results? This research addresses this issue by investigating the relevance of sponsored and non-sponsored links for ecommerce queries from the major search engines. The results show that average relevance ratings for sponsored and non-sponsored links are virtually the same, although the relevance ratings for sponsored links are statistically higher. We used 108 ecommerce queries and 8,256 retrieved links for these queries from three major Web search engines, Google, MSN, and Yahoo!. We present the implications for Web search engines and sponsored search as a long-term business model as well as a mechanism for finding relevant information for searchers.
Hyperketonemia (ketosis), oxidative stress and type 1 diabetes

Abstract The long-term complications of diabetes are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the type 1 diabetic population and remain a major public health issue. Hyperglycemia is one of the major risk factors in the development of vascular complications. A growing body of evidence indicates that hyperglycemia leads to increased oxidative stress and monocyte and endothelial cell dysfunction. In addition to hyperglycemia, type 1 diabetic patients frequently experience ketosis (hyperketonemia). The blood concentration of ketone bodies reaches higher than 25mM in diabetics with severe ketosis. Traditionally, clinical practice has considered hypertketonemia to be present only in type 1 diabetic patients. Newer data indicate that diabetic ketoaciosis or hyperketonemia co-exists with hyperglycemia among older type 2 diabetic patients and in African Americans and other minority groups with type 2 diabetes. This review will focus on the role of hyperketonemia in the etiology of oxidative stress in diabetic patients. The data presented here illustrate that the ketone body acetoacetate (AA) can generate superoxide radicals and cause increases in oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction. The data included in this review demonstrate that blood levels of markers of oxidative stress are elevated in hyperketonemic patients compared with those of normoketonemic diabetic patients. Thus, both in vitro and in vivo research indicate that ketosis can generate oxygen radicals and result in excess cellular oxidative stress in type 1 diabetic patients. Elevated oxidative stress levels in ketotic patients can play a significant role in the development of vascular inflammation and contribute to the increased incidence of vascular disease and complications associated with type 1 diabetes.
NMR Studies of Heat-Induced Transitions in Structure and Cation Binding Environments of a Strontium-Saturated Swelling Mica

In this work, we combine 27Al, 29Si, 19F, and 23Na magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to characterize the structure and interlayer cation environments in a strontium-saturated member of the swelling mica family before and after a heat-induced collapse of the interlayer space. The 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR demonstrate that the sample consists mainly of swelling mica, though the composition does not match the ideal structural formula. Aluminum NMR also shows that a portion of the aluminum shifts from a tetrahedral to an octahedral coordination environment upon heating. Changes in the 29Si and 19F NMR after heating are consistent with a structural rearrangement of the tetrahedral sheet to permit the binding of larger cations in the ditrigonal cavity. The 23Na MAS NMR results indicate the presence of three unique sodium environments before and after heating. The heat-invariant resonance is consistent with the presence of sodium carbonate. The other two resonances are associated with interlayer sodium and reflect a migration of sodium to a dominantly anhydrous ditrigonal binding structure with heating. Quantitative elemental analysis and NMR data presented here suggest strontium is bound deep within the ditrigonal cavity of the collapsed micas.
Genetic characterization of a polymorphic murine cell-surface glycoprotein.

As described in the preceding paper, monoclonal antibodies have been raised by immunization of rats with mouse hematopoietic cells which detect a major cell-surface glycoprotein (Mr=95 000) of mouse bone-marrow cells of the granulocytic series. While most of the monoclonal antibodies detect this molecule on bone-marrow and spleen cells of all mouse strains, two antibodies recognize alternative allelic forms of the molecule. One alloantigen is expressed in all the remaining inbred strains examined. The alloantigens are codominantly expressed on the cells of F1 mice. Backcrosses of DBA/2 and C57BL/6 with F1 mice (B6D2F1) confirmed that a single genetic locus is involved in the expression of the two antigenic forms and demonstrated linkage to Ly-m11 which has previously been mapped to mouse chromosome 2. These genetic mapping experiments and the biochemical properties of the glycoprotein suggested that it might be identical to a glycoprotein first identified on murine fibroblasts by Hughes and August and designated Pgp-1. This has been firmly established by exchange of monoclonal antibody reagents and sequential immunoprecipitations.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of synthetic opal: A chemically bonded ceramic

Among chemically bonded ceramics (i.e., those not utilizing thermally activated diffusion for bonding) the French synthetic opal gilsonite provides an excellent existence theorem. By using optical, scanning, and electron microscopy techniques and x-ray, chemical, and differential thermal analyses, it is shown for the first time that the synthetic opal is composed of two separate phases: noncrystalline silica and crystalline (tetragonal) zirconia balls. The zirconia balls with sizes ranging from 7-50 nm appear to be present in an extraordinary regular “lattice” in the void spaces of the silica “balls” of mean size 200 nm. A comparison of the fracture toughness, Kic, data for the gilsonite and natural opal shows that the former is significantly tougher than the latter. The KIC values for gilsonite fall between those of the Corning 0337 Glass Ceramic and Wesgo Al-500 alumina, showing that surprisingly tough ceramics can be made near room temperature by resorting to chemical bonding.
Two Dimensional Effects in the Lubrication of the Cam-Tappet Contact

The cam-tappet contact experiences very high loads and the lubrication conditions are Elasto-Hydrodynamic (EHD). In EHD lubrication the oil film thickness (OFT) is mainly determined by the entrainment speed of the oil and the oil viscosity. Under the high load present in the cam-tappet contact the OFT reaches very small values in the order of magnitude of a fraction of one micrometer and asperity contacts cannot be avoided. In this situation the friction force has two components, a boundary and a viscous one, and non-Newtonian behavior of the oil prevails. The friction force is determined by the rheological properties of the oil and the geometry of the contact (combined radius of curvature, cam width and combined asperity of the rubbing surfaces). For valve trains with bucket type tappets, the mechanism is design to rotate the tappet during engine operation. In this situation, both the entrainment speed and the radius of curvature are varying along the contact line determining variations in the OFT and, consequently, variations in the contribution of the boundary friction component. Based on a simulation model that considers the tappet spin under the action of the friction force between cam and tappet, and the friction force between tappet and its bore, the entrainment speeds and their directions were calculated along the contact line. It was found that the boundary friction component reaches a maximum value at the inner edge of the cam, at the beginning of the valve-closing event. Because the boundary component of the friction force is mainly responsible for wear, an increased wear of this region should occur. Visual inspection of a used camshaft seems to confirm this finding.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Association of Gamma Interferon and Interleukin-17 Production in Intestinal CD4+ T Cells with Protection against Rotavirus Shedding in Mice Intranasally Immunized with VP6 and the Adjuvant LT(R192G)

Mucosal immunization of mice with chimeric, Escherichia coli-expressed VP6, the protein that comprises the intermediate capsid layer of the rotavirus particle, together with attenuated E. coli heat-labile toxin LT(R192G) as an adjuvant, reduces fecal shedding of rotavirus antigen by >95% after murine rotavirus challenge, and the only lymphocytes required for protection are CD4+ T cells. Because these cells produce cytokines with antiviral properties, the cytokines whose expression is upregulated in intestinal memory CD4+ T cells immediately after rotavirus challenge of VP6/LT(R192G)-immunized mice may be directly or indirectly responsible for the rapid suppression of rotavirus shedding. This study was designed to identify which cytokines are significantly upregulated in intestinal effector sites and secondary lymphoid tissues of intranasally immunized BALB/c mice after challenge with murine rotavirus strain EDIM. Initially, this was done by using microarray analysis to quantify mRNAs for 96 murine common cytokines. With this procedure, the synthesis of mRNAs for gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) was found to be temporarily upregulated in intestinal lymphoid cells of VP6/LT(R192G)-immunized mice at 12 h after rotavirus challenge. These cytokines were also produced in CD4+ T cells obtained from intestinal sites specific to VP6/LT(R192G)-immunized mice after in vitro exposure to VP6 as determined by intracellular cytokine staining and secretion of cytokines. Although genetically modified mice that lack receptors for either IFN-gamma or IL-17 remained protected after immunization, these results provide suggestive evidence that these cytokines may play direct or indirect roles in protection against rotavirus after mucosal immunization of mice with VP6/LT(R192G).
Rheology and dynamics of particles in viscoelastic media

Abstract Recent developments in the fundamental understanding of the rheology and dynamics of particles in viscoelastic media are reviewed. Suspensions of particles dispersed in a complex fluid matrix are central to applications in the area of coatings, pharmaceuticals, filled polymer melts, nanocomposites and biomaterials. Recent studies have established the range of validity of the generalized Stokes–Einstein equation to describe the relationship between the linear rheological behavior of the viscoelastic medium and the displacement of dispersed particles due to applied oscillatory or fluctuating forces. The extension of such microrheological methods to account for interactions between particle pairs is discussed. The scope for practical implementation of microrheology to characterize viscoelasticity in particle/complex fluid mixtures used in the aforementioned applications is assessed.
Hormonal effects on the acid mucopolysaccharide composition of the rat aorta.

Summary Both thyroidectomized and methimazole-treated rats had lower concentrations of the sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides in their aortas. This decrease could be prevented or reversed by the administration of thyroxine. The same observations were made in hypophysectomized rats, and it was concluded that the acid mucopolysaccharide (AMPS) changes were due to a lack of thyroid hormone rather than to any changes in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. On the other hand, growth hormone specifically increased the chondroitin sulfate concentration in hypophysectomized rats, and this proceeded independently from the action of thyroxine. Cortisone decreased the amounts of chondroitin sulfate in rat aorta, but it had no effect upon the other AMPS fractions. Estradiol and testosterone administration as well as adrenalectomy and gonadectomy had no effect upon the aortic AMPS, and it was concluded that the rat aorta is mainly dependent upon thyroid hormone for the maintenance of its AMPS composition. The administration of methimazole prevented the accumulation of chondroitin sulfate in the aortas of lathyritic rats. This suggests that hypothyroidism decreases the biosynthesis of aortic AMPS.
Studies of temporal change using radar interferometry

Decorrelation of the radar signals with time, which is indicative of changes in the surface occurring during the period of time spanned by the images, is examined. It is concluded that the decorrelation effects due to thermal noise can be easily evaluated and removed, while those due to slight angular changes between flight tracks are negligible. Spatial baseline and rotation-induced decorrelation can be derived using the Fourier transform of the impulse response intensity, and increases linearly with baseline or rotation in an ideal system. Empirical results confirm that as the baseline increases, the overall correlation decreases due to spatial baseline noise.
Factors Affecting the Decision to Seek Health Care: The Voice of Adolescents

Objective. To learn from teenagers why they do, or do not, seek preventive health care. Methods. A teen-centered methodology utilized focus groups, nominal group technique sessions, and surveys to allow adolescents to generate, prioritize, and explain their own responses. This article reports the qualitative explanations offered by youths in focus groups. In 21 groups, teenagers commented on the 15 factors that ninth graders in the School District of Philadelphia had determined most influenced their decision to seek care. Transcriptions were reviewed for consistent themes. Direct quotations are presented here to be representative of those themes. Results. Two key points emerged. First, adolescents are more concerned about provider characteristics than site or system characteristics. Second, they worry deeply about disease transmission in the health care setting. Teenagers suggest some simple steps that may produce significant inroads toward developing an effective working relationship with them. A few examples include: to alleviate anxiety of disease transmission, providers should wash hands and remove instruments from sterile packaging in front of patients; to reassure teenagers of competence, providers should keep diplomas and certificates displayed; and to alleviate perceptions of racism, sites should post signs that clearly explain why patients are sometimes seen out of order. Conclusions. Adolescents know what draws them to services and what offends them. This study documents, in the words of youths, the factors contributing to their decisions to seek care. The results allow health professionals who care for adolescents to consider what they do well and where change may be needed.
Job perceptions and turnover behavior of tenure-track accounting educators

Abstract This paper compares the job-related need fulfillment of academic accountants in 1994 with that reported nearly a quarter of a century earlier by Carpenter and Strawser (1971. A study of the job satisfaction of academic accountants. The Accounting Review (July), 46, 509-518). We also investigate whether job dissonance (dissatisfaction resulting from unmet needs) foreshadowed turnover of faculty respondents during the 2-year period following our survey. Results suggest that fulfillment for most job-related needs was lower for 1994 accounting educators than for their 1970 counterparts. Within the 1994 sample, certain perceptual differences were attributed to both race (black versus non-black) and gender. Regardless of demographics, however, reported job dissonance in 1994 was strongly associated with subsequent job turnover, particularly among assistant professors. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate job dissonance is arguably more important in today's environment than in 1994. Accounting faculty members today enjoy a greater number of opportunities and thus can more readily remove themselves from situations that create perceived job dissonance.
The applicability of Ada (R) to MIL-STD-1750A

Contrary to recently publicized concern in some DoD sectors, Texas Instruments believes that Ada is a suitable higher order language for the generation of real-time avionics application software on MIL-STD-1750A compatible computers. The perceived problems with using Ada generated programs on the 1750A are not unique to Ada, but also apply to JOVIAL and other high-order languages as well. These perceived problems have been based primarily on subjective, worst-case application scenarios, with no real basis in quantitative, empirical data. Recent analysis internal to Texas Instruments and within the SAE/AE9-E industry/government forum on Computer Architecture Standards have not identified any major shortcomings of the 1750A instruction-set architecture which will present a unique problem for Ada applications. The 1750A architecture has proven to be adequate for many HOL (especially JOVIAL) applications thusfar. The same techniques which have proven successful for applying JOVIAL/1750A to real-time avionics applications will also apply to Ada. These techniques involve an appropriate implementation of the compiler's run-time support model and the observance and enforcement of certain "programming-style" or "coding" methodologies by the application software designer. Furthermore, there is no real evidence to suggest that the techniques which have made JOVIAL usable for past/present real-time avionic applications of 1750A will not continue to apply to foreseeable applications of Ada and 1750A as well.
Energy efficiency of High Power Microwave systems

High Power Microwave (HPM) system efficiency has typically been calculated by dividing the peak output power by the peak input power or the input power at the time of the peak output power. This method is typically chosen over energy based calculations because of the difficulties in obtaining an accurate power envelope for certain HPM sources. Power based efficiency calculations have also traditionally excluded any sub-systems which can be highly inefficient. As HPM systems begin moving from lab to field operation the power based efficiencies calculations fall well short of accurately characterizing the complete system. Efficiency calculations should instead be based on energy, typically in the form of fuel or batteries, as they are the major limiting components of any mobile system.
A tyrosine-based signal regulates H-K-ATPase-mediated potassium reabsorption in the kidney

Isoforms of the H-K-ATPase participate in active K resorption in the renal collecting tubule. The cytoplasmic tail of the β-subunit of the gastric H-K-ATPase includes a 4 amino acid motif which is ...
Structured and tuned array generation (STAG) for high-performance random logic

Regularly structured design techniques can combat complexity on a variety of fronts. We present the Structured and Tuned Array Generation (STAG) design methodology, which provides a complete design solution from logic to layout for regularly structured circuits. The STAG circuit tuning constraints are a key component of the methodology. The tuning contraints first guide a SPICE-level tuner to a violation free region in the design space. Secondly, the tuning methodology provides flexibility for targeting a variety of design contraints and objectives. Design examples illustrate STAG's ability for fast turnaround time as well as for high performance and timing critical random logic.
The completion of a topological group

During the 1920's and 30's, two distinct theories of “completions” for topological spaces were being developed: the French school of mathematics was describing the familiar notion of “complete relative to a uniformity”, and the Russian school the less well-known idea of “absolutely closed”. The two agree precisely for compact spaces. The first part of this article describes these two notions of completeness; the remainder is a presentation of the interesting, but apparently unrecorded, fact that the two ideas coincide when put in the context of topological groups.
Effects of Smoothing on End-To-End Performance Guarantees for VBR Video

Integrated services networks have the framework needed to provide performance guarantees to multimedia traffic sources such as Variable Bit Rate (VBR) video. This paper investigates the effects of smoothing VBR traffic sources on their end-to-end delay bounds and on the achievable utilization inside the network. We provide a set of rules that determine if smoothing results in a net advantage to the source and use experiments with traces of MPEG-compressed video to quantify the effectiveness of smoothing in practical networking situations.