cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human metapneumovirus infection in the United States: clinical manifestations associated with a newly emerging respiratory infection in children.

Objective. Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, a newly identified human respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), was reported by investigators in the Netherlands. We sought to determine whether hMPV was circulating in our community and to determine the clinical features associated with hMPV infection. Methods. Respiratory specimens from children who were younger than 5 years and had a negative result for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1 to 3, and adenovirus by direct fluorescent antibody test were screened for hMPV by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Samples were collected from October 30, 2001, to February 28, 2002. Results. Of the 296 patients screened, 19 (6.4%) had evidence of hMPV infection. hMPV was identified in patients with either upper or lower respiratory tract infection or both. Clinical manifestations included wheezing, hypoxia, and abnormal findings on chest radiographs (eg, focal infiltrates, peribronchial cuffing). Nosocomial infection occurred in at least 1 patient. Conclusions. hMPV is circulating in the United States and is associated with respiratory tract disease in patients with respiratory illnesses not caused by respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, parainfluenza viruses, and adenovirus. Additional studies are required to define the epidemiology and the extent of disease in the general population caused by hMPV.
Fe II uptake of enterochromaffin Biochemical and histochemical study of the ferrous ion uptake reaction in relation to enterochromaffin cells and mast cells

Summary Formaldehyde precipitates of noradrenaline, DOPAmine, tryptamine and serotonin were prepared by exposing 1 mmol amounts 24 h in 1 M formaldehyde. Other amines yielded no precipitates. The precipitates are washed in 3 changes of distilled water by centrifugation and resuspension. The washed precipitates are then suspended in 10m M ferrouc chloride or sulfate (or ferric chloride in some tests) for 2 h at 60 °C, recentrifuged and rewashed as before in 3 changes of distilled water and then reacted 15 min in 1 % potassium ferricyanide (K 3 Fe(CN) 6 ) in 0.06 N HCl to form Turnbull's blue. Deep blue and blue-green precipitates were obtained with DOPAmine and noradrenaline respectively, yellowish green with serotonin and brownish-yellow with tryptamine. Of the substances tested DOPAmine and noradrenaline gave the best Turnbull's blue reactions, in agreement with the histochemical reaction. Noradrenaline islets of the glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde fixed adrenal differ considerably from enterochromaffin cells (EC) in a number of azo coupling reactions, making DOPAmine the more probable reaetant in enterochromaffin. Further studies on the histochemical reaction confirmed the engendering of Tuksbuli's blue reactions by both ferrous and ferric salts. Rat mast cells produced a definite though weaker Turnbull's blue reaction with freshly prepared FeCl 2 but not with FeCl 3 . The ferric ferricyanide reaction sometimes reported as positive for rat mast cells is considered dubious because the reaction seen in relatively very few of the numerous mast cells seen in controls and because the greenish-blue seen in these was often equaled or surpassed by the similar color seen in some striated muscle fibers in the same section. This reaction is strongly positive in enterochromaffin cells. The findings support the view that enterochromaffin is not serotonin, but more probably dopamine or a similar catecholamine. Ferrous ion uptake reactions are found also in cartilage, colonic mucin, gastric mucin and other locations. These, like the mast cell reaction resist acetylation and oxidation but are prevented by methylation. The reaction of EC, noradrenalin, melanin, neuromelanin are prevented by acetylation and by oxidation but not by methylation. The mast cell reaction is assigned to heparin, not 5-hydroxytryptamine.
Incorporating Low Hydraulic Conductivity in a Numerical Model for Predicting Air-Water Interfacial Area in Wet Unsaturated Particulate Porous Media

A numerical model to calculate the air-water interfacial area in wet unsaturated particulate systems is modified to take account of the low hydraulic conductivity experienced by real systems at low relative water saturations. The original model is based on simulated annealing and random swapping of air and water elements in the system to achieve a global energy minimum. In the modified model a limitation is placed on the separation distance between swapped elements. The modified model represents real systems well at low water saturations but is actually inferior to the original model at high water saturations. This fact suggests a transition in system behavior at intermediate saturations that is not accounted for by the calculated hydraulic conductivities. The role of hydraulic conductivity in achieving system equilibrium is discussed.
Medications for the treatment of cocaine addiction: Emerging candidates

Today, there are promising candidates for the treatment of cocaine addition in humans. Based upon clinical research, at least three different neurotransmitter systems appear to be involved in cocaine addition: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and dopamine (DA). Medications that have shown efficacy in placebo-controlled double-blind randomized controlled trials include: baclofen, topiramate, modafinil, and disulfiram (Phase IIa, single-site). These medications effect the neurotransmitter brain systems detailed above. Phase IIb trials are in progress.
Distributed structural dynamics control of flexible manipulators—II. Distributed sensor and active electromechanical actuator

Abstract Structural oscillation of lightweight robot arms can degrade the accuracy and precision of a robot's high-demanding performance. This paper is the second of two on vibration control of elastic or flexible robot structure. The proposed electromechanical device has both sensing and control capabilities. Effects of active damping treatment on elastic robot arms are discussed. The proposed active distributed sensor and controller is a layer, or multi-layer, of piezoelectric polymer directly attached to the flexible component which is required to be monitored and controlled. By utilizing direct and converse piezoelectric characteristics, respectively, the integrated piezeoelectric sensor/controller can monitor the vibration due to induced mechanical stress/strain in the polymer; and it can also actively and directly constrain the undesirable vibration of flexible component by injecting high voltages. Experimental results and finite element simulations of the electromechanical sensor/actuator are presented and discussed.
Considering the effects of gender in child-robot interaction studies: comment on Srinivasan, et Al. (2013).

Summary.—Using a pretest-posttest design, Srinivasan, et al. (2013) found that a period of interaction between children and an Isobot humanoid robot improved performance on standardized measures of imitation, planning, and execution of motor behaviors. The authors conducted their study with 15 typically developing children (9 boys, 6 girls) and 1 boy with autism. All participants were between the ages of 4 and 7 years. While considerations of gender expectations, norms, and appearance are now considered critical to social interactions between humans and robots by most researchers in the field of human-robot interactions, Srinivasan et al. did not consider these effects. This paper proposes that gender could have significant effects on the results of future work conducted in this area.
Planning Literacy Environments for Diverse Preschoolers.

licia has been teaching preschool children with disabilities for a number of years and she always takes a special interest in promoting literacy for all of the children in her classroom. This requires a great deal of creativity to meet the diverse needs of the learners, but she is committed to making children’s literature accessible and meaningful for all children. Alicia knows that her students will gain an important foundation for literacy long before they are able to identify letters and letter sounds. Next year will be somewhat different as she will be teaming with Meghan, the pre-K teacher, in an inclusive preschool program. As she reflects on their classroom, Alicia begins thinking of all of the things that she and Meghan will need to consider in setting up their classroom learning environment so that all children can participate meaningfully. Emergent literacy
Calculations of Hailstone Growth and Trajectories in a Simple Cloud Model

Abstract A hailstone model is developed which simulates both wet and dry hailstone growth and partial or complete melting as the hailstone falls to the ground. The simulation is obtained by a consideration of the mass and heat budgets of the hailstone as a function of its size and of the environmental conditions. Competition among hailstone embryos is not treated in this model. The hailstone model has been run in over 50 versions of a one-dimensional, time-dependent cloud model to derive estimates of maximum hailstone size from a wide variety of convective storms. The model suggests that hailstone diameter at the ground is determined closely by the strongest updraft encountered by the stone and the temperature at that level. In the model, most hailstones spend some time above the maximum updraft and significant growth occurs during descent from that level to the freezing level. A comparison of model predictions to hailstone observations in the Rapid City area during 1968 and 1969 shows fair agreement. The...
Glycoprotein K Specified by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Is Expressed on Virions as a Golgi Complex-Dependent Glycosylated Species and Functions in Virion Entry

To facilitate detection of glycoprotein K (gK) specified by herpes simplex virus, a 12-amino-acid epitope tag was inserted within gK domain III. Recombinant virus gKprotC-DIII, expressing the tagged gK, was isolated. This virus formed wild-type plaques and replicated as efficiently as the wild-type KOS virus in Vero cells. Anti-protein C MAb detected high-mannose and Golgi complex-dependent glycosylated gK within cells as well as on purified virions. The gK-null virus DeltagK (gK(-/-)) entered Vero cells substantially more slowly than the wild-type KOS (gK(+/+)), while DeltagK virus grown in complementing VK302 cells (gK(-/+)) entered with entry kinetics similar to those of the KOS virus.
Viability of Claviceps africana Spores Ingested by Adult Corn Earworm Moths, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

A study was conducted in College Station, TX, to determine the viability of Claviceps africana spores in the digestive tract of adult corn earworm moths, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Both sexes were exposed to ergot-infected sorghum panicles for 30 min, and spores were recovered from excreta of the moths at 24-, 48-, and 72-h intervals after feeding. Recovered spores were quantified, and viability was determined by the germination rate of macroconidia. Nearly a 100-fold greater concentration of spores was recovered from female excreta at the three time intervals compared with male excreta. Concentration of spores in female and male excreta was greatest at 24 h, with a significant reduction at the later time intervals. Spore germination rates for both sexes were greater at 24 h, with survival being significantly reduced at the 72-h interval. Spores in female excreta survived longer than those from male excreta. Spore survival over time was significantly reduced in male excreta. Spore concentration and survival were greater from female excreta, which is key, because egg-laying activities on sorghum panicles intensify during flowering, and this source of ergot spores could contribute to the spread of the disease. This study demonstrates that corn earworm moths can internally carry viable ergot spores for several days and can act as primary dispersal agents for the fungus. This is important because contaminated moths migrating from areas in Mexico and southern Texas where ergot is endemic could transmit and spread the disease to other sorghum growing regions of the United States.
Transmission of the image signal with the use of a multimode fiber

Two schemes of the image acquisition through a multimode fiber are suggested. Both are based on the assumption that the input-to-output propagation Green function is stabilized by some or other technique. In both schemes the object is characterized by the transverse distribution of reflection pattern, and the reflected signal is to be collected by a photodetector for further computer processing. The applications for endoscopy are discussed.
COMBINED PRODUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING FOR A MULTIPLE‐PRODUCT, SINGLE‐ MACHINE PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Traditionally, the problems of equipment maintenance scheduling and production scheduling in a multi-product environment have been treated independently. In this paper, we develop a Markov decision process model that simultaneously determines maintenance and production schedules for a multiple-product, single-machine production system, accounting for the fact that equipment condition can affect the yield of different product types differently. The problem was motivated by an application in semiconductor manufacturing. After examining structural properties of the optimal policy, we compare the combined method to an approach often used in practice. In the nearly 6,000 test problems studied, the reward from the combined method was an average of more than 25 percent greater than the reward from the traditional method.
Smectic-C ``chevron,'' a planar liquid-crystal defect: Implications for the surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid-crystal geometry

The recent discovery of ``chevron'' structured smectic-C (SC) layers in surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid-crystal (SSFLC) cells [T. P. Rieker, N. A. Clark, G. S. Smith, D. S. Parmar, E. B. Sirota, and C. R. Safinya, Phys. Rev. Lett. 59, 2568 (1987)] enables the understanding of many commonly observed features of SSFLC director and layer structure. We present the full three-dimensional layer structure of zigzag walls, the predominant SSFLC defect, which we find to mediate change in chevron direction. We show that stabilization of the director field in SC chevron cells occurs at the chevron interface, so that SC chevron cells behave as two nearly independent cells optically and electrically in series.
979 ANTÍBODIES TO COW'S MILK PROTEIN IN NEWBORN INFANTS

Although many infants with clinical manifestations of milk allergy demonstrate antibodies (AB) against cow's milk protein (CMP), the development of the immune response to CMP in normal infants is not known. We have determined the IgG and IgE AB response to CMPs (B-lactoglobulin,o-lactalbumin, and o-casein) using a modified ELISA procedure with human serum albumin as a negative control. Sera were screened at dilutions of 1:5 for IgE and 1:1000 for IgG antibodies. Sera were obtained during the first 24 hrs and at either 4 wks (11 infants) or 8 wks (13 infants) postnatal age from healthy term infants (n = 24) (BW 3342 ± 438g)(M ± SO). 13/24 infants received bottle (BO) feedings, 8 both breast (BR) and BO, and 3 were exclusively BR fed. Of the infants screened at 4 wks, 4/11 demonstrated a rise in IgG and IgE CMP AB (p=NS), while at 8 wks, 11/13 had significantly increased CMP AB responses (plt;.0001). Among the 15 AB+ infants, 13 had an increase in both IgG and IgE titers, 1 had only an IgG and 1 an IgE response. There was no evident relationship between feeding practice (BR, BO, BR/BO) and the development of CMP AB, although 2/3 infants exclusively BR fed were AB negative. Thus, a significant number of infants exposed to CMP develop IgG and IgE antibody responses by 2 months postnatal age. The formation of AB may be a manifestation of a normal immune response to CMP rather than an early indicator of allergy in newborn infants.
A Methodology for Linking Customer Acquisition to Customer Retention

Abstract Customer acquisition and retention are not independent processes. However, because of data limitations, customer management decisions are frequently based only on an analysis of acquired customers. This analysis shows that these decisions can be biased and misleading. The author presents a modeling approach that estimates the length of a customer’s lifetime and adjusts for this bias. Using the model, the author shows the financial impact of not accounting for the effect of acquisition on customer retention.
The Prevalence of Barrett's Esophagus in Patients with Chronic Peptic Esophageal Strictures

Both Barrett's esophagus and peptic stricture of the esophagus are consequences of chronic reflux esophagitis. Barrett's esophagus appears to be a premalignant condition, and continued histologic surveillance for dysplasia and carcinoma has been recommended for affected patients. While patients with peptic esophageal strictures and persistent reflux are at risk for the development of Barrett's epithelium, such patients often do not receive continued histologic surveillance if Barrett's epithelium is not identified on the initial endoscopic evaluation. Using endoscopic and peroral aspiration biopsy techniques, we studied the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in 25 patients with chronic peptic esophageal strictures in whom Barrett's epithelium had not been identified did not have Barrett's esophagus was found to have an undifferentiated esophageal carcinoma. We conclude that patients with chronic peptic esophageal strictures frequently have Barrett's esophagus. A program of continued histologic surveillance seems advisable for such patients.
Conversion: multi-version concurrency control for main memory segments

We present Conversion, a multi-version concurrency control system for main memory segments. Like the familiar Subversion version control system for files, Conversion provides isolation between processes that each operate on their own working copy. A process retrieves and merges any changes committed to the trunk by calling update(), and a call to commit() pushes any local changes to the trunk.Conversion operations are fast, starting at a few microseconds and growing linearly (by less than 1 μs) with the number of modified pages. This is achieved by leveraging virtual memory hardware, and efficient data structures for keeping track of which pages of memory were modified since the last update. Such extremely low-latency operations make Conversion well suited to a wide variety of concurrent applications. Below, in addition to a micro-benchmark and comparative evaluation, we retrofit Dthreads [28] with a Conversion-based memory model as a case study. This resulted in a speedup (up to 1.75x) for several benchmark programs and reduced the memory management code for Dthreads by 80%.
Comparison of two ESI-MS based H/D exchange methods for extracting protein folding energies

In this report, the model proteins staphylococcal nuclease and ubiquitin were used to test the applicability of two new hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HX) electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) methods for estimating protein folding energies. Both methods use the H/D exchange of globally protected amide protons (amide protons which are buried in the hydrophobic core) to elucidate protein folding energies. One method is a kinetic-based method and the other is equilibrium-based. The first method, the HX ESI-MS kinetic-based approach is conceptually identical to SUPREX (stability of unpurified proteins from rates of H/D exchange) method but is based on ESI-MS rather than MALDI-MS (matrix assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry). This method employs the time-dependence of H/D exchange using various denaturant concentrations to extract folding energies. Like SUPREX, this approach requires the assumption of EX2 exchange kinetics. The second method, which we call a protein equilibrium population snapshot (PEPS) by HX ESI-MS uses data collected only for a single time point (usually the shortest possible) to obtain a snapshot of the open and closed populations of the protein. The PEPS approach requires few assumptions in the derivation of the equations used for calculation of the folding energies. The extraction of folding energies from mass spectral data is simple and straightforward. The PEPS method is applicable for proteins that follow either EX1 or EX2 HX mechanisms. In our experiments the kinetic-based method produced less accurate ΔGH2O and mGdHCl values for wild-type staphylococcal nuclease and mutants undergoing H/D exchange by EX1, as would be expected. Better results were obtained for ubiquitin which undergoes HX by an EX2 mechanism. Using the PEPS method we obtained ΔGH2O and mGdHCl values that were in good agreement with literature values for both staphylococcal nuclease (EX1) and ubiquitin (EX2). We also show that the observation of straight lines in linear extrapolation method (LEM) plots is not a reliable indicator of the validity of the data obtained using the LEM approach.
Filarial parasites contain a ras homolog of the TC4/ran/Spi1 family

We have isolated and characterized a gene encoding a novel GTP-binding protein of the GTPase superfamily in the filarial parasites Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cloned molecule has ∼ 30% overall homology to ras proteins and ∼ 90% homology to the ‘ras-like’ nuclear proteins TC4, ran and Spi1. Rabbit antisera to bacterially expressed filarial protein detect a 24-22 kDa doublet in extracts of adult B. malayi and mature microfilariae, which is absent from immature microfilariae,. Increased expression of the native parasite protein occurs when worms are cultured in the presence of epidermal growth factor.
Metamorphosis of the feeding mechanism in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum): the ontogeny of cranial muscle mass

Most previous research on metamorphosis of the musculoskeletal system in vertebrates has focused on the transformation of the skeleton. In this paper we focus on the transformation of the muscles of the head during metamorphosis in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) in order (1) to provide new data on changes in myology during ontogeny, and (2) to aid in interpreting previous data on the metamorphosis of function in the head of salamanders. The physiological cross-sectional area of nine head muscles was calculated by measuring fibre angles, fibre lengths, and muscle mass in two samples of tiger salamanders obtained just before and just after metamorphosis. The major mouth-opening muscles (rectus cervicis and depressor mandibulae) exhibit a significant decrease in estimated maximum tetanic tension (MTT) across metamorphosis of about 36%. The jaw-closing muscles (adductor mandibulae internus and externus) and the head-lifting muscles (epaxials) also decrease in MTT but not significantly. The muscles associated with tongue projection during feeding on land (the subarcualis rectus I, geniohyoideus, interhyoideus and intermandibularis) all show a slight increase in MTT at metamorphosis. Metamorphic transformation of feeding behaviour in Ambystoma tigrinum involves changes in performance, the design of skeletal elements, changes in muscle force-generating capability, and changes in hydrodynamic design from unidirectional flow in larvae to bidirectional flow during aquatic feeding after metamorphosis. Although muscle activity patterns during aquatic feeding do not change across metamorphosis, tongue-based terrestrial feeding involves a suite of novel muscle activity patterns, morphological characters acquired at metamorphosis, and a metamorphic increase in the masses of muscles important in tongue projection.
A simple procedure for removal of Triton X-100 from protein samples.

Abstract A simple procedure is described for removal of Triton X-100 from protein samples by adsorption of the detergent on a commercial copolymer in bead form. The concentration of detergent can be lowered to approximately 0.01% with no loss or dilution of protein.
Energy Measurement Studies for CO2 Measurement with a Coherent Doppler Lidar System

The accurate measurement of energy in the application of lidar system for CO2 measurement is critical. Different techniques of energy estimation in the online and offline pulses are investigated for post processing of lidar returns. The cornerstone of the techniques is the accurate estimation of the spectrum of lidar signal and background noise. Since the background noise is not the ideal white Gaussian noise, simple average level estimation of noise level is not well fit in the energy estimation of lidar signal and noise. A brief review of the methods is presented in this paper.
Phase partitioning and epitaxy of Zr(Al)O2 thin films on cubic zirconia substrates

Thin films of ZrO2-Al2O3 were grown on cubic-Zr(Y)O2 substrates by a liquid precursor route. Phase formation and epitaxy of these films was studied as a function of heat-treatment temperature and time. The following sequence of phases was observed in these thin films: Precursor → t-(Zr,Al)O2 → t-(Zr,Al)O2 + γ-(Al,Zr)2O3 → m-ZrO2 + α-Al2O3 Observations strongly suggest that the epitaxial process initiated before the metastable, single phase t-(Zr, Al)O2 partitioned to t-(Zr, Al)O2 + γ-(Al, Zr)2O3. Observations at 1400 °C show that, after the γ to α transformation, α-Al2O3, grains develop an elongated, prismatic morphology and an epitaxial relation with the underlying and surrounding m-ZrO2. The phase that is chemically and structurally similar to the substrate, in this case t-(Zr,Al)O2, or m-ZrO2, forms an epitaxial layer between the substrate and isolated, prismatic grains of heteroepitaxial α-Al2O3.
Carvedilol or sustained-release metoprolol for congestive heart failure: a comparative effectiveness analysis.

Background: Relative effectiveness of carvedilol and metoprolol succinate has never been compared in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods and Results: From January 1998 to December 2008, 3,716 consecutive patients with ejection fraction (EF) #40%, initiated and maintained on carvedilol or metoprolol succinate, were enrolled and followed until June 2010. The primary end point was all-cause mortality, and the secondary end points were readmissions from HF and follow up EFs at 1, 3, and 5 years. HF etiology (ischemic or nonischemic) was a significant effect modifier, and separate analysis was performed for these subcohorts. Compared with those on carvedilol, patients on metoprolol succinate were less likely to experience mortality in the ischemic HF cohort (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43e0.66) but were more likely to die in the nonischemic HF cohort (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10e1.28). Follow-up EF was similar by type of beta-blocker used in both ischemic and nonischemic HF cohorts. Furthermore, no significant difference was noted in the incidence of HF hospitalizations by beta-blocker type used in both ischemic and nonischemic HF cohorts. Conclusions: Metoprolol succinate was associated with an improved survival in patients with ischemic HF, and carvedilol was associated with an improved survival in patients with nonischemic HF. (J Cardiac Fail 2012;18:919e924)
A distance learning approach to teaching management science and statistics

Although there is no universal approach for offering distance learning courses over the Internet, nonetheless distance learning has emerged as a formidable way to offer instruction for many types of courses. One approach that has been successfully used for teaching introductory statistics and management science/operations research courses in a College ofBusiness is discussed.
Structure and dynamics of shock-induced nanobubble collapse in water.

Shock-induced collapse of nanobubbles in water is investigated with molecular dynamics simulations based on a reactive force field. We observe a focused jet at the onset of bubble shrinkage and a secondary shock wave upon bubble collapse. The jet length scales linearly with the nanobubble radius, as observed in experiments on micron-to-millimeter size bubbles. Shock induces dramatic structural changes, including an ice-VII-like structural motif at a particle velocity of 1k m=s. The incipient ice VII formation and the calculated Hugoniot curve are in good agreement with experimental results.
Sedimentology and paleoecology of the Lower Member of the Lower Triassic (Smithian-Spathian) Union Wash Formation, east-central California

Most paleoecological and paleobiologic studies of the postextinction interval following the end-Permian crisis have been focused on rocks deposited in shallow shelf, open marine settings. Lower Triassic marginal marine environments have not been examined closely but represent a crucial piece of the postextinction puzzle since they provide an end member to which studies of open marine environments can be compared. The Lower Member of the Lower Triassic (Smithian-Spathian) Union Wash Formation is a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic succession deposited in environments ranging from intertidal to lagoonal and provides a glimpse into Early Triassic marginal marine settings and faunas. Fossil components of the member are dominated by echinoid spines and debris, which are interpreted to represent a parautochthonous fossil assemblage concentrated primarily in tidal-dominated distributary channels and as grain-rich mouth bars. This Early Triassic echinoid assemblage affords an opportunity to examine the paleoecology of echinoids during the postextinction interval and to speculate about how the extinction and recovery relate to long-term paleobiological trends. Echinoids of the Lower Member of the Union Wash Formation inhabited environments very proximal to the intertidal zone, and this distribution may have provided a survival mechanism in the wake of the end-Permian mass extinction by allowing echinoids to avoid shelfal stresses such as shallow-water anoxia and euxinia. These shallow-water echinoid forms would likely seed the diversification of all later echinoid taxa, and indeed, all later shelfal and deep-sea echinoids can be traced back to post-Paleozoic shallow-water forebears.
Looking ahead: Science requirements for the U.S./International Space Station

Abstract During the next eight years the United States, European countries within the European Space Agency, Canada, and Japan will engage in the design and construction of facilities included in the current conceptual design of the U.S./International Space Station. The object will be to build a manned space facility capable of supporting scientific research, technological development, and commercial operations. This paper is directed towards an overview of the essential requirements for successful scientific use of the Space Station. Because specific supporting technologies will change so drastically before heavy use can begin, it is important to discuss the most fundamental aspects of user requirements; namely, (1) What are the characteristics of a remote, manned space facility that can promote first rate scientific use? (2) What does it take to achieve such a facility, and (3) What guidelines can be given such that once the facility is in operation it attracts the best possible scientific talent?
Dynamic scheduling in parallel answer set programming solvers

The paper describes an experimental analysis of dynamic scheduling strategies for a novel logic programming paradigm---Answer Set Programming. The work identifies a collection of policies to classify variations of centralized and decentralized scheduling schemes, and develops adaptive solutions in the context of a decentralized dynamic scheduling. The resulting techniques have been integrated in a state-of-the-art parallel solver, with excellent performance results.
Hyperglycaemia-induced superoxide production decreases eNOS expression via AP-1 activation in aortic endothelial cells

Hyperglycaemia is a primary cause of vascular complications in diabetes. A hallmark of these vascular complications is endothelial cell dysfunction, which is partly due to the reduced production of nitric oxide. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity by acute and chronic elevated glucose. Human aortic endothelial cells were cultured in 5.5 mmol/l (NG) or 25 mmol/l glucose (HG) for 4 h, 1 day, 3 days or 7 days. Mouse aortic endothelial cells were freshly isolated from C57BL/6J control and diabetic db/db mice. The expression and activity of eNOS were measured using quantitative PCR and nitrite measurements respectively. The binding of activator protein-1 (AP-1) to DNA in nuclear extracts was determined using electrophoretic mobility-shift assays. Acute exposure (4 h) of human aortic endothelial cells to 25 mmol/l glucose moderately increased eNOS activity and eNOS mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, chronic exposure to elevated glucose (25 mmol/l for 7 days) reduced total nitrite levels (46% reduction), levels of eNOS mRNA (46% reduction) and eNOS protein (65% reduction). In addition, AP-1 DNA binding activity was increased in chronic HG-cultured human aortic endothelial cells, and this effect was reduced by the specific inhibition of reactive oxygen species production through the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Mutation of AP-1 sites in the human eNOS promoter reversed the effects of HG. Compared with C57BL/6J control mice, eNOS mRNA levels in diabetic db/db mouse aortic endothelial cells were reduced by 60%. This decrease was reversed by the overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase using an adenoviral construct. In diabetes, the expression and activity of eNOS is regulated through glucose-mediated mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species and activation of the oxidative stress transcription factor AP-1.
Noncovalently functionalized poly(norbornene)s possessing both hydrogen bonding and coulombic interactions

Random copolymers containing both hydrogen bonding and charged ionic sites have been synthesized by the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene monomers containing either an ionic quaternary ammonium group or a 2,6-diaminopyridine functionality. All copolymers were functionalized subsequently via self-assembly using hydrogen bonding and Coulombic interactions. The hydrogen bonding interactions between 2,6-diaminopyridine and N-butylthymine were studied in the presence of the ionic quaternary ammonium group and its subsequent self-assembly with three different charged anionic species to investigate the influence of the Coulombic interactions on the strength of hydrogen bonding. It was found that hydrogen bonding was independent of the nature and presence of the Coulombic interactions. These results prove that the studied hydrogen bonding interactions are orthogonal to the Coulombic interactions and that both interactions can be used independently of each other in the same system to noncovalent...
The influence of physiological processes on tuber yield of potato clones ( Solanum tuberosum L.): Stomatal diffusive resistance, stomatal conductance, gross photosynthetic rate, leaf canopy, tissue nutrient levels, and tuber enzyme activities

Field measurements of stomatal diffusive resistance (DR), stomatal conductance (SC), gross photosynthesis (PG), visual leaf index (VLI), petiole nutrient levels (%P, %K, NO3−N), and tuber enzyme activities (ADPG pyrophosphorylase) were recorded during 1978 and 79 using 17 and 19 potato clones, respectively (Solanum tuberosum L.). Many clones differed significantly in DR, SC, and PG. One clone (A6948-4) had significantly greater SC and PG rates than all other clones. The measurements of DR, SC, PG, and %K would appear to have limited value for rapid and extensive selection within potato breeding programs. Correlations are highly variable one season to the next, and several such physiological measurements would have to be combined to provide useful data for selection purposes. However, since measurements of DR, SC, and PG varied significantly and were apparent determinants of tuber yield for some clones, such measurements have potential value for selecting clones to be used as parents in genetic crosses.
Evaluating porous-layer open-tubular capillaries as vapor preconcentrators in a microanalytical system

Abstract Measuring environmental concentrations of organic vapors with microfabricated chemical sensors or sensor arrays often requires a means to enrich collected samples prior to detection. With such an application in mind, a preliminary evaluation is described of two porous-layer open tubular (PLOT) capillary traps as vapor preconcentrators for a series of vapors. Short (1-cm) sections of commercial PLOT-Q and PLOT-S capillary having wall coatings of styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer and vinylpyridine–divinylbenzene copolymer, respectively, are fitted with a metal sleeve for rapid thermal desorption of preconcentrated vapor samples, and tested using a downstream 97-MHz polyisobutylene-coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. Calibrated responses to vapors of 2-butanone (MEK), trichloroethylene (TCE), toluene, and m -xylene are collected with and without preconcentration. Dimethylmethylphosphonate could not be efficiently desorbed from either PLOT trap. For the remaining vapors, increases in sensitivity of 3–9-fold are achieved by preconcentrating and analyzing just 1 ml of sample air. Calculated limits of detection (LOD) range from 1–8 ppm. Differences in sensitivities are observed between the PLOT-Q and PLOT-S sampling trains for MEK and TCE. A theoretical model of penetration yields limiting values of flow rate and trap dimensions. Measured 10%-breakthrough times at 1 ml/min ranged from ∼1 to 6 min and, for PLOT-Q, are ≥ modeled values obtained using the modified Wheeler equation. The implications of the results for the design and operation of microanalytical systems for vapor analytes are discussed.
Effects of precursor concentration and acidic sulfate in aqueous glyoxal - OH radical oxidation and implications for secondary organic aerosol

Previous experiments demonstrated that aqueous OH radical oxidation of glyoxal yields low-volatility compounds. When this chemistry takes place in clouds and fogs, followed by droplet evaporation (or if it occurs in aerosol water), the products are expected to remain partially in the particle phase, forming secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Acidic sulfate exists ubiquitously in atmospheric water and has been shown to enhance SOA formation through aerosol phase reactions. In this work, we investigate how starting concentrations of glyoxal (30-3000 microM) and the presence of acidic sulfate (0-840 microM) affect product formation in the aqueous reaction between glyoxal and OH radical. The oxalic acid yield decreased with increasing precursor concentrations, and the presence of sulfuric acid did not alter oxalic acid concentrations significantly. A dilute aqueous chemistry model successfully reproduced oxalic acid concentrations, when the experiment was performed at cloud-relevant concentrations (glyoxal <300 microM), but predictions deviated from measurements at increasing concentrations. Results elucidate similarities and differences in aqueous glyoxal chemistry in clouds and in wet aerosols. They validate for the first time the accuracy of model predictions at cloud-relevant concentrations. These results suggest that cloud processing of glyoxal could be an important source of SOA.
Atypical MRI features in soft-tissue arteriovenous malformation: a novel imaging appearance with radiologic-pathologic correlation

The absence of a discrete mass, surrounding signal abnormality and solid enhancement are imaging features that have traditionally been used to differentiate soft-tissue arteriovenous malformations from vascular tumors on MRI. We have observed that these findings are not uncommon in arteriovenous malformations, which may lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. To estimate the frequency of atypical MRI features in soft-tissue arteriovenous malformations and assess their relationship to lesion size, location, tissue type involved and vascular architecture. Medical records, MRI and histopathology were reviewed in consecutive patients with soft-tissue arteriovenous malformations in a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic. Arteriovenous malformations were divided into those with and without atypical MRI findings (perilesional T2 signal abnormality, enhancement and/or a soft-tissue mass). Lesion location, size, tissue involved and vascular architecture were also compared between groups. Tissue stains were reviewed in available biopsy or resection specimens to assess relationships between MRI findings and histopathology. Thirty patients with treatment-naive arteriovenous malformations were included. Fifteen lesions demonstrated atypical MRI. There was no difference in age, gender, lesion size or involved body part between the groups. However, more than half of the atypical lesions demonstrated multicompartmental involvement, and tiny intralesional flow voids were more common in atypical arteriovenous malformations. Histopathology also differed in atypical cases, showing densely packed endothelial cells with connective tissue architectural distortion and edema. Arteriovenous malformations may exhibit features of a vascular tumor on MRI, particularly when multicompartmental and/or containing tiny internal vessels. These features are important to consider in suspected fast-flow vascular malformations and may have implications with respect to their treatment.
Use of a Helium-Oxygen Mixture to Facilitate Ventilation During Bronchoscopy Through a Laryngeal Mask Airway

Purpose: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy may be performed in infants and children for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In infants and children, general anesthesia may be used to facili...
Experimental fatigue life investigation of cylindrical thrust chambers

Twenty-two cylindrical test sections of a cylindrical rocket thrust chamber were fabricated and 21 of them were cycled to failure to explore the failure mechanisms, determine the effects of wall temperature on cyclic life, and to rank the material life characteristics for comparison with results from isothermal tests of 12 alloys at 538 C. Cylinder liners were fabricated from OFHC copper, Amzirc, and NAR1loy-Z. Tests were conducted at a chamber pressure of 4.14 MW/sq m using hydrogen-oxygen propellants at an oxidant-fuel ratio of 6.0, which resulted in an average throat heat flux of 54 MW/sq m. The cylinders were cooled with liquid hydrogen at an average rate of 0.91 Kg/sec. All failures were characterized by a thinning of the cooling channel wall at the centerline and eventual failure by tensile rupture. Cyclic life rankings of the materials based on temperature do not agree with published rankings based on uniaxial, isothermal strain tests.
Evaluation of North Dakota's 4.75-mm Superpave Mixes for Thin Overlay Applications

Because of the decline in aggregate supplies and the need for durable and rut-resistant hot-mix asphalt (HMA), the use of surplus fine aggregates in 4.75-mm mixes could be beneficial for HMA producers, aggregate suppliers, and highway agencies. The primary focus of this paper is to describe the development of and evaluate 4.75-mm Superpave® mixes for use in thin overlays on non-Interstate highway pavements and maintenance applications. The asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) is used to examine the rut resistance of the 4.75-mm mixes. The acceptable APA rut depth was specified to be 9.5 mm. Because of the nature of the 4.75-mm mixes, the Superpave mix design was adjusted to avoid the production of mixes with excessive asphalt contents. A 6% air void design was crucial for the success of North Dakota's 4.75-mm mixes. The research study entailed four mix design cases involving two binders and two aggregate blends with different proportions of natural and crushed fines. Laboratory specimens were produced at 7.0% ...
FARM ADJUSTMENT AND THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

The problem of low income farms in Australia is examined in a dynamic context of overall farm adjustment. It is suggested that the pace of agricultural adjustment has been and is too slow, in the light of current and prospective market and cost trends. Consideration is given to both the case for, and the possibilities of, government action and the relationship of on?-farm adjustment to the adjustment needs of the economic and the social infrastructure on the agricultural sector.
Regulation of the adenylyl cyclase signaling system in various types of cultured endothelial cells

We studied the effects of modulators of the adenylyl cyclase pathway on the accumulation of cAMP in endothelial cells isolated from bovine aortas, pig pulmonary arteries, human umbilical veins, and human subcutaneous adipose microvessels. In addition to quantitative differences in the basal levels, cAMP stimulation in different endothelial cell types varied in sensitivity and magnitude in response to both the direct adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. Furthermore, the ubiquitous phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX differentially enhanced both the basal and the stimulated cAMP levels in the various cell types. Histamine caused an elevation of cAMP only in bovine aortic endothelial cells and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Treatment of the cells with cholera and pertussis toxins, which uniquely affect G-protein subunits, resulted in divergent elevation of cAMP in the various cells. Thus, in each cell type, a distinct profile of regulation of the cAMP levels was found. Our results suggest that the adenylyl cyclase signaling system in various types of endothelial cells can be differentially regulated at the levels of receptors, G-proteins, adenylyl cyclase, and phosphodiesterase.
Low energy tests of the standard model: the 12 GeV parity violation program at Jefferson Laboratory

We discuss the current status and prospects of an experimental program of parity-violating asymmetry measurements in the scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons off unpolarized fixed targets. In particular, we focus on those measurements where judicious choices of target species and kinematics allows the theoretical predictions to be made purely in terms of fundamental electroweak couplings with little theoretical uncertainty. If such asymmetries are measured with sufficient precision, they are sensitive to new physics at the TeV scale. After reviewing recent results, two new experimental initiatives called MOLLER and SoLID being designed for the Jefferson Laboratory 12 GeV upgrade are discussed.
Zonula Occludens-1 and -2 Are Cytosolic Scaffolds That Regulate the Assembly of Cellular Junctions

The integrity of the tight junction barrier in epithelial and endothelial cells is critical to human health, but we still lack a detailed mechanistic knowledge of how the barrier is formed during development or responds to pathological and pharmacological insults. This limits our understanding of barrier dysfunction in disease and slows the development of therapeutic strategies. Recent studies confirm the long-maintained but previously unsupported view that the zonula occludens (ZO) proteins ZO-1 and ZO-2 are critical determinants of barrier formation. However, ZO proteins can also be components of adherens junctions, and recent studies suggest that ZO proteins may also promote the assembly and function of these junctions during epithelial morphogenesis. We review these studies and outline several recent observations that suggest that one role of ZO proteins is to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics at cell junctions. Finally, we propose a model by which the functional activities of ZO proteins in the adherens junction and tight junction are differentiated by a novel regulatory motif known as the U6 or acidic motif.