cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophage Infection: Which End of the SP82G Genome Goes in First?

The transfer of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from bacteriophage SP82G to its host may be halted by chilling but is affected little by chloramphenicol, actinomycin D, or cyanide. The order of entry of markers on the phage genome was determined by halting the transfer of DNA at intervals, removing the untransferred DNA by blending, and assaying for the presence of markers in the blended complexes. Markers on the phage genome are transferred in a linear, polar fashion consistent with the previously determined genetic and physical maps. Those markers concerned with early functions enter first, and the rate of transfer is temperature dependent.
Integration Innovation: Launching the Library into a Course Management System

In higher education, courses are commonly delivered through or supported by an online course management system (CMS). Unfortunately, there is typically little integration between the CMS and online library resources, making discovery and use of library tools for coursework a difficult task for both instructors and students. This paper reports how one group at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities examined the educational technology used in courses and then identified a method to efficiently integrate library resources with existing course technologies. The group developed a plan for a library course page system that automatically generates a page populated with relevant library resources for each class. The page is included by default in the CMS and is able to be integrated into other technologies. The creation and early stages of implementation of the library course page system are discussed, as well as future directions.
Flowcharting with Excel

In this article we present a method for teaching the art of flowcharting to graduate and undergraduate business students using Microsoft Excel. Although the focus is on the academic environment, se...
Fatigue effects on the timing performance of well-practiced subjects.

Abstract In an attempt to extend the laws of fatigue to the performance of highly practiced subjects, 24 college males were trained for four days (50 trials/day) on a coincident timing task prior to manipulation of the fatigue variable. On day 5, motor performance was immediately preceded by either local fatigue (static exercise), general fatigue (treadmill running), or no fatigue. Increased variable error was found for both local and general fatigue subjects as compared with controls on the first block of five trials following fatigue. However, by block 2 this difference had diminished. A constant error analysis on the first and second postfatigue trials revealed transitory overshooting of the criterion timing response for local fatigue subjects and undershooting for general fatigue subjects. The results suggested that local and general fatigue may alter the timing mechanism in different ways and that both are sources of at least transient decrements in the performance of well-practiced subjects.
Remarks at 2012 AASWG Symposium

In this brief statement, made at the 34th Annual Symposium in Garden City, Long Island in June 2012, the author thanks the members of AASWG for naming an annual invitational address in her honor. Her remarks make it clear that this will probably be the last time she attends a symposium of the organization she and her two cherished colleagues formed in 1978.
Stem Cells, Adult

Stem cells are responsible for providing a source of differentiated cells in adult tissues that undergo renewal or repair. Considerable progress has been made recently in the identification and characterization of stem cells in adults. They have been the focus of intense interest because of their potential therapeutic use in restoring form and function to damaged tissues. Stem cells in postnatal animals have been identified in specific locales, but another promising and less well-characterized population of stem cells are circulating cells derived from the bone marrow (BMDC). Advances in nuclear transplantation and the observed plasticity of gene expression and phenotype reported in multiple phyla, show that adult cells, including derivatives of HSCs, have a remarkable capacity to be reprogrammed. Irrespective of the mechanism by which reprogramming occurs, fusion or differentiation in response to the microenvironment, the potential for new gene expression patterns by BMDC (bone marrow–derived cell) progeny in recipient tissues holds promise for developing cellular therapies for both proliferative and postmitotic tissues. Keywords: Bone Marrow–Derived Cell; Cloning; Heterokaryon; Programming; Reprogramming
The reaction of [Pt(dien)Br]+ with a series of pyridine derivatives

Abstract The rate of substitution of bromide in [Pt(dien)Br] + by a series of pyridine derivatives was found to be governed primarily by steric properties of the entering group. There was no general relationship between this rate and the basicity of the entering group. A more complete analysis of the proposed mechanism of such reactions is given and it is shown that the two term rate law, commonly used to describe such reactions, may be only an approximation.
Differential enhancement of sister-chromatid exchange frequencies by α-naphthoflavone in cultured lymphocytes from smokers and non-smokers

Summary The sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency was assessed in peripheral lymphocytes from 4 smokers and 8 non-smokers in the absence or presence of α-naphthoflavone (ANF) in the culture media. ANF produced a concentration-dependent increase in the frequency of SCEs in smoking individuals. At an ANF concentration of 11 μg/ml, average SCE levels were 54% and 13% above the baseline levels in smokers and non-smokers, respectively. The ANF-enhanced increase in the SCE frequency ranged from 3.12 to 5.72 among smokers, and from 0 to 1.96 among the non-smokers. No significant difference in the mean SCE baseline levels between smokers and non-smokers was detected. The mechanism responsible for the enhanced frequency of SCEs in smokers following in vitro exposure to ANF is not clear, but may reflect changes in metabolic activation/deactivation or increased sensitivity to genetic effects of ANF.
Dog model of therapeutic ketosis induced by oral administration of R,S-1,3-butanediol diacetoacetate.

Abstract A high-fat, almost carbohydrate-free diet is used in children with intractable epilepsy to help control seizures by inducing a permanent state of ketosis. Esters of ketone bodies have been previously studied for their potential as parenteral and enteral nutrients. We tested in conscious dogs whether ketosis could be induced by repeated ingestion of R,S -1,3-butanediol diacetoacetate with or without carbohydrates. This ester is a water-soluble precursor of ketone bodies. Two constraints were imposed on this preclinical study: The rate of ester administration was limited to one half of the daily caloric requirement and to one half of the capacity of the liver to oxidize butanediol derived from ester hydrolysis. Under these conditions, the level of ketosis achieved in this dog model (0.8 mM) was lower than the level measured in children whose seizures were controlled by the ketogenic diet (1–3 mM). However, because humans may have a lower capacity for ketone body utilization than dogs, the doses of R,S -butanediol diacetoacetate used in the present study might induce higher average ketone body concentrations in humans than in dogs.
Update on fibroblast growth factor 23 in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. Presence of CKD predisposes individuals to high risks of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Disordered phosphate homeostasis with elevated circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is an early and pervasive complication of CKD. CKD is likely the most common cause of chronically elevated FGF23 levels, and the clinical condition in which levels are most markedly elevated. Although increases in FGF23 levels help maintain serum phosphate in the normal range in CKD, prospective studies in populations of pre-dialysis CKD, incident and prevalent ESRD, and kidney transplant recipients demonstrate that elevated FGF23 levels are independently associated with progression of CKD and development of cardiovascular events and mortality. It was originally thought that these observations were driven by elevated FGF23 levels acting as a highly sensitive biomarker of toxicity due to phosphate. However, FGF23 itself has now been shown to mediate ‘off-target,' direct, end-organ toxicity in the heart, which suggests that elevated FGF23 levels may be a novel mechanism of adverse outcomes in CKD. This report reviews recent advances in FGF23 biology relevant to CKD, the classical effects of FGF23 on mineral homeostasis, and the studies that established FGF23 excess as a biomarker and novel mechanism of cardiovascular disease. The report concludes with a critical review of the effects of different therapeutic strategies targeting FGF23 reduction and how these might be leveraged in a future randomized trial aimed at improving outcomes in CKD.
The Optical Properties and Stability of GE and Sn-Doped TEOx Films

The optical properties and the thermal stability of Ge and Sn doped TeOx films prepared by coevaporating TeO2, Te, Ge and Sn are reported. These films are amorphous as-deposited and crystalline Te appears after annealing at, e.g., 100 to 250°C. As expected, the addition of Ge and Sn increases the absorption of the TeOx films at the wavelength of interest (e.g., 830 nm). However, the thermal stability of (TeO1.1)1−xGex (x=0 to ∼0.7) films is found to decrease with increasing x initially, starting to increase with increasing x only after x reaches a value between 0.3 and 0.4. These results differ from those reported previously for Ge and Sn-doped TeOx films and from those observed for Te-Ge alloy films. Interpretations of these results based on a solid state reaction between TeO2 and Ge or Sn during deposition are presented and discussed.
Capital flows and exchange rates: recent Korean and Taiwanese experience and challenges

Abstract We first study the characteristics of the financial crisis and its impacts on Taiwanese and Korean economies. We have examined 22 macroeconomic fundamentals, such as GDP, inflation rates, government budget, trade balance, external debt, money supply, and ratios of average monthly imports and cumulative inward portfolio investment to international reserves, and compared with an extensive data set of the two countries. The comparisons point out that the macrofundamentals of both countries are basically the same, except the international finance sector. After defining currency crisis and banking crisis, the causes of crises are identified as the nominal exchange rates and the short-term external debt-to-international reserves ratios. In view of this, we use cointegration and causality tests to examine the relationship between these two time series. We have found a unidirectional causality from the short-term debt ratio to the exchange rate for Korea, but no causality between the two for Taiwan. The paper ends with some discussions on the lessons and challenges from the experience of the two countries.
Tax reform: Chasing the elusive dream

The paper provides a bird's-eye view of the long and arduous task of reforming the federal individual income tax. As a starting point for reviewing the major reforms, the authors evaluate Secretary Simon's criteria that underlie his contention that the “tax system was badly in need of a thorough overhaul.” Principles that should guide tax reforms are spelled out. Conflicts that arise with the application of these principles are highlighted. An examination of reform efforts in light of the principles and criteria set in the Treasury Department's Blue Prints for Tax Reform forms the basis for evaluating reforms enacted over the period 1978–2001. The review suggests that we are partway towards achieving the tax man's dream of equity, efficiency, and simplicity. “The task of comprehensive reform is monumental in its dimension and far reaching in itspotential impact on our economic well-being.” [William E. Simon, 1977, p. 11]
A protocol for determining the surface free energy of dental materials

Abstract Objective . The purpose of this study was to develop a standard methodology for measuring the surface free energy (SFE), and its component parts, of dental biomaterials. Methods . The contact angle of each of four samples of two materials—low density polyethylene and poly(methyl methacrylate)—was measured three times in each of six liquids (1-bromonaphthalene, diiodomethane, ethylene glycol, formamide, glycerol and distilled water). Critical surface tension estimates were obtained from Zisman plots. Data were then analyzed by the least-squares method to estimate the components of SFE. Estimates were also made for each of 12 liquid triplets, and by maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. Results . The use of liquid triplets could yield misleading estimates of the components of SFE. A testing protocol is suggested in which multiple test liquids are used, and multiple methods of statistical analyses employed. Significance . SFE is important, in that high SFE is desirable when adhesion is required, but undesirable if plaque resistance is needed. Methodology that avoids some of the limitations of existing studies has been proposed.
A determination of the low work function planes of LaB6

A study of the temperature and orientation dependence of the field ion and electron emission and the average work function for a LaB6 emitter have been carried out between 77 and 1800 K. These results indicate that the (310) surface is thermally stable and has the lowest work function of any single crystal plane of LaB6. This result is confirmed by field emission retarding potential (FERP) work function (φ) measurements at 300 K which gives φ (310) = 2.50 eV. The results show that the relative orientation dependence of the room temperature work function is φ (310) < φ (210) < φ (100) < φ (110) < φ (111) < φ (211). This ordering is in accordance with the relative dipole contribution to the work function when surface reconstruction is included. The orientation dependence of the field electron emission is sensitive to field evaporation, thermal equilibration, and carbon contamination.
Computational Diversions: The Return of the Spherical Turtle

Two years ago in this column (time flies!), I discussed the idea of programming a Logo turtle to move about the surface of a sphere. This was an idea explored at length in Abelson and diSessa’s (1980) book Turtle Geometry, and it’s a fun way of introducing many of the seemingly strange ideas of non-Euclidean geometry. In that earlier column, I described a still-embryonic programming system that permitted spherical turtle programs to be drawn on the giant spherical screen, ‘‘Science on a Sphere’’, produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The column closed with a photograph of a Logo ‘‘flower’’ drawn on the giant sphere at our local Fiske Planetarium here in Boulder, and I’ve brought back that photograph as Fig. 1 for this column: the flower was a thankyou gift of sorts for Hal Abelson and Andrea diSessa in honor of their remarkable and timeless book. This essay returns to the topic of spherical turtle geometry, but in a more participatory spirit. As of this writing, we now have a Web-accessible programming interface for the spherical turtle, programmed by Antranig Basman and Michelle Redick at the University of Colorado; that’s just a formal, academic way of saying that you, the reader, can now bring up a working spherical turtle interface and write programs for it. (I could refer to the system as a ‘‘spherical Logo interface’’, but that would be inaccurate—since, as you’ll see if you play with the system, the language only has some superficial similarities to Logo.) The spherical programming system is available through the beautiful website created by Dr. Sherry Hsi and her colleagues at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California. Here’s how you can access the system: first, go to the website www.mathsphere.org, and then follow the ‘‘Tools’’ link to get the current web address of the spherical programming interface.; currently, that interface is available at: http://mathsphere.org/mos-client/ client.html.
Conrad's anarchist professor: An undiscovered source

(1977). Conrad's anarchist professor: An undiscovered source. Labor History: Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 397-402.
Success Factors and Decision Issues for High-Occupancy Vehicle Facilities

Factors affecting success of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are explored. An earlier study was conducted to support future HOV choices in Chicago, which has no such facilities, in part because of concerns about risks and possible negative outcomes. HOV facility performance characteristics were assembled and updated. Comparisons of closed and operating HOV lanes, as well as case studies, highlighted the importance of HOV lane utilization as a success factor and suggested 800 to 1,000 HOVs per lane-hour as typical of the success-failure boundary. A number of key factors in the HOV planning and decision process were explored. HOV lanes were found to be generally favorable for transit; flexibility of access restrictions (such as occupancy requirements and tolling options) makes it feasible to assure acceptable lane utilization levels; HOV2+ seems to be the access restriction most feasible in typical markets; evidence on formation of new carpools is mixed (this question warrants more study); lane addition ...
Rehabilitation Techniques to Maximize Spasticity Management

Improvement in functional skills is typically a goal of spasticity management. Spasticity management alone will improve the positive signs of the upper motor neuron syndrome without functional change. In this review, we demonstrate that a variety of therapy modalities are required to facilitate these improvements and impact the negative signs of the upper motor neuron syndrome. The evidence for neuromuscular electrical stimulation, surface electromyography training, serial casting, body weight–supported treadmill training, constraint-induced movement therapy, strengthening, and endurance training is reviewed as it relates to spasticity management.
Effects of dietary vitamin E and high supplementation of vitamin C on plasma glucose and cholesterol levels

Abstract Weanling male Sprague Dawley rats were fed ad libitum a purified basal diet free of vitamins E and C. In Experiment I (4 weeks), 24 rats were divided into four groups with 2×2 factorial design. They were supplemented with 0 or 45 IU/kg diet of vitamin E, and O or 2.0 g/kg diet of vitamin C. In Experiment II (16 weeks), 36 rats were divided into six groups with 2×3 factorial design. Vitamin E was supplemented at the level of O or 45 IU/kg diet, and vitamin C was supplemented at the level of O, 1.5, or 3.0 g/kg diet, respectively. Plasma glucose level and cholesterol level were determined in both experiments. The plasma levels of glucose and cholesterol were significantly and negatively correlated. Plasma glucose level was significantly increased and plasma cholesterol level significantly decreased by the high supplementation of vitamin C with or without vitamin E in the diet. Vitamin E deficiency decreased plasma glucose level and increased plasma cholesterol level significantly with or without vitamin C supplementation. The groups with adequate level of vitamin E (45 IU/kg diet) and no vitamin C showed moderate plasma glucose and cholesterol levels.
Laser interferometry for measurement of displacement in hostile enviroment and in real time

The conventional methods of measuring displacement and strain are severely taxed especially when long-term stability is needed in a situation involving temperatures above 1000 degrees Celsius. Optical techniques are attractive for measurements in these difficult situations because of their remote, non-contacting and non-destructive capability. The objective of this study was to develop a speckle based laser interferometry system to evaluate whole field out-of-plane deformation of a very small region (less than 1 mm) of an object at elevated temperatures in real time. The optical system (1) was capable of measuring very small displacements in a small area; (2) was used at high temperatures; and (3) was able to take 250 frames per second. A long distance microscope was used in the system in order to focus onto very small areas on the object and a high-speed camera to take real-time measurements. A CO2 laser was employed to irradiate a circular thin aluminum oxide plate (object) locally and to generate local deformation as well as a crater. Laser radiation with the power density exceeding the critical power density qc produces melting and plasma. The plasma appears as a very bright spot and it reduces speckles that give information about surface deformation of the object. As a result, the bright spot limits deformation measurement with the designed laser interferometry system. Some preliminary quantitative data on the form of images and deformation profiles will be presented. The laser interferometry system designed is significant because very small out-of-plane deformations from a small region were measured in real-time with up to 250 frames per second although the object's temperature was locally very high (approximately 2000 degrees Celsius).© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perceptual similarities and minimal phonemic differences.

Given a single distinctive-feature disparity from a stimulus to each member of a pair of response consonants, different degrees of closeness between the stimulus and response consonants were tested...
DENSITY EFFECT IN IONIZATION ENERGY LOSS OF CHARGED PARTICLES

A more rigorous justification is given for the statement made by Aage Bohr that for an incident particle of relativistic velocity, the electrostatic effect of the surrounding electrons is negligible and the main factor in the screening is due to the electromagnetic interactions which limit the impact parameter to a value $\frac{c}{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$, where $\ensuremath{\Omega}={(\frac{4\ensuremath{\pi}n{e}^{2}}{m})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ and $n$ is the electron density in the medium.
Infected honeybee foragers incur a higher loss in efficiency than in the rate of energetic gain

Parasites, by altering the nutritional and energetic state of their hosts, can significantly alter their foraging behaviour. In honeybees, an infection with Nosema ceranae has been shown to lower the energetic state of individual bees, bringing about changes in behaviours associated with foraging. Comparing the foraging trip times, hive times in between trips, and the crop contents of uninfected and infected foragers as they depart on foraging trips and return from them, this study examined how any differences in these variables influence alternative foraging currencies. The results show that infected bees take longer foraging trips, spend shorter time in the hive between successive trips and bring back less sugar from each trip. These changes have a stronger adverse effect on their efficiency of energetic gain as compared with their rate of energetic gain, which has important implications for individual and colony life history.
Atomic imaging and modeling of H2O2(g) surface passivation, functionalization, and atomic layer deposition nucleation on the Ge(100) surface

Passivation, functionalization, and atomic layer deposition nucleation via H2O2(g) and trimethylaluminum (TMA) dosing was studied on the clean Ge(100) surface at the atomic level using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Chemical analysis of the surface was performed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while the bonding of the precursors to the substrate was modeled with density functional theory (DFT). At room temperature, a saturation dose of H2O2(g) produces a monolayer of a mixture of –OH or –O species bonded to the surface. STS confirms that H2O2(g) dosing eliminates half-filled dangling bonds on the clean Ge(100) surface. Saturation of the H2O2(g) dosed Ge(100) surface with TMA followed by a 200 °C anneal produces an ordered monolayer of thermally stable Ge–O–Al bonds. DFT models and STM simulations provide a consistent model of the bonding configuration of the H2O2(g) and TMA dosed surfaces. STS verifies the TMA/H2O2/Ge surface has an unpinned Fermi le...
Regulatory GTP-binding proteins: emerging concepts on their role in cell function.

Abstract The last few years have evidenced a tremendous expansion in our appreciation of the role of regulatory GTP-binding proteins in cellular activation. The availability of cholera and pertussis toxins to detect G proteins as well as methodological advances in the study of cellular function has afforded the opportunity to examine G protein participation in many cellular events. Regulation of adenylyl cyclase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase by G proteins has been demonstrated. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate specific phospholipase C activity appears to be subject to G protein control. G proteins regulate inward K+ and Ca2+ channels through a mechanism which may be independent of effects on the above mentioned enzymes. Certainly, the number of G proteins which have been identified from sequencing of complementary DNA affords the potential for G protein involvement in many cellular events. Only three G proteins have however been isolated and functionally characterized, Gs, Gi and transducin. Whether all the functions of these proteins have been identified remains to be seen.
Prognosis and survival with extranodal Hodgkin's disease

Abstract The survival of 117 patients with stage IV Hodgkin's disease (Rye classification) has been retrospectively studied. Median survival from diagnosis of the entire group was 39 months, with 3, 5, 10, and 15 yr survivals of 53 per cent, 36 per cent, 13 per cent and 6 per cent respectively. The thirty-three patients not presenting until stage IV had significantly the best long-term survival. The data show that (1) stage IV Hodgkin's disease represents a heterogenity of disease pattern; (2) in an individual patient the disease progresses at a fairly constant rate, both before and after the development of extra-lymphatic spread; (3) survival with stage IV Hodgkin's appears to depend on the degree of dissemination of the extra-lymphatic spread; patients with only one focus of extra-lymphatic disease, with or without regional lymph node involvement, are likely to survive for many years, in contrast to those with truly disseminated disease. The validity and necessity of subclassifications of stage IV disease is thereby strongly supported.
Resolution of two factors required in the Q-beta-RNA polymerase reaction.

THE Escherichia coli bacteriophage Qβ contains RNA as its genetic component. Qβ-RNA can be synthesized in vitro in the reaction catalysed by the Qβ-RNA polymerase isolated from Qβ infected E. coli1. The synthesis of infectious Qβ-RNA requires, in addition to the polymerase, the phage RNA to serve as template, ribonucleoside tri-phosphate substrates, Mg++, and a factor fraction obtained from both infected and uninfected E. coli2. Previous studies with the factor have suggested that it acts on Qβ-RNA at some early step in the reaction2. Although an association of the enzyme and Qβ-RNA occurs in the absence of this factor3, synthesis of the complementary minus strand is not detected. The requirement for this agent in the reaction seems to bear a quantitative relationship to Qβ-RNA but not to enzyme2. The factor fraction, furthermore, is not required for enzyme activity when synthetic polymers4, minus strands or other RNA molecules3 are used as template. These results suggest that the role of factor is to promote a step in the reaction occurring after association of the enzyme with Qβ-RNA, but before nucleotide polymerization.
Talent identification and development in the arts: An artistic/educational dialogue

With the growing interest in artistic ways of knowing, now is an opportune time for artists and educators to begin a constructive dialogue that establishes a new direction of development for the education of youth with special talents in the arts. This dialogue needs to begin with a mutual understanding of the fundamentals of artistic talent. Through collaborative efforts, educator and artist can develop effective means to seek out potential talent, determine ways to develop talent in the arts for all students, and guarantee opportunities for students with exceptional talent to reach their full potential.
Biosorption of Pb2+ by original and protonated citrus peels: Equilibrium, kinetics, and mechanism

Abstract Biosorption can be an efficient low-cost process to remove toxic heavy metals from wastewater. This study investigated the uptake of Pb 2+ by processed orange peels, a pectin-rich byproduct of the fruit juice industry. Potentiometric titrations showed a significantly higher negative surface charge of protonated peels compared to original peels, with acidic groups around pH 4, 6, and 10. FTIR spectra of peels were similar to those of pectin. The carboxylic group peak shifted from 1636 to 1645 cm −1 after Pb 2+ binding, indicated the involvement of carboxyl groups in Pb 2 binding. Depending on the particle size, equilibrium was achieved in 30 min to 2 h. The first-order model was inferior to second- or third-order models. The obtained rate constants were much higher for smaller particles, while the capacity was similar for all sizes. Low pH, increased ionic strength, or competing co-ions reduced Pb 2+ binding at low sorbent dosages, but at high sorbent dosages removal remained above 90%. The Pb 2+ uptake at 300 ppm was 2 mmol/g (40% of the dry weight). Due to high uptake, favorable kinetics and good stability, citrus peel biosorbents hold high promise for industrial applications.
A Tunable Vibration Isolator Using a Magnetorheological Elastomer With a Field Induced Modulus Bias

Magnetorheological Elastomers (MRE) are composed of a ferromagnetic filler, micron sized iron particles, in an elastomer matrix. When a magnetic field is applied to an MRE, the iron particles develop a dipole interaction energy, which results in the material displaying a field dependent modulus. MRE materials have received attention in the last decade due in part to their potential application in semi-active vibration isolators. However, compared to MR fluid dampers, few applications of MRE materials have been developed, and no commercial devices are available. This paper describes the development of an MRE based isolator. Unique to this design is the introduction of a field induced modulus bias via a permanent magnet, which can be offset with a current input to the electromagnetic control coil. If the field bias is not significant enough to saturate the iron particles then an appropriately directed input current can also further increase the field induced modulus. Such a Biased Magnetorheological Elastomer (B-MRE) could be useful for applications where the designer wishes to decrease the system stiffness, something that has not been addressed by other MRE based devices.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Thromboembolic disease prophylaxis in patients with hip fracture: a multimodal approach.

Objectives:To assess if pneumatic compression in conjunction with chemoprophylaxis is an effective way to reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in orthopedic trauma patients sustaining fragility hip fractures.Design:Two hundred patients admitted to the authors' institution between May 1998 an
Basis of Selectivity of Triflusulfuron Methyl in Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris)

Abstract Triflusulfuron methyl (methyl 2-[[[[[4-(dimethylamino)-6-(2,2,2-triftuoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-3-methylbenzoate), formerly DPX-66037, is a new selective postemergence sulfonylurea herbicide for the control of annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses in sugar beets (Beta vulgaris). Similar to other sulfonylureas, the site of action of triflusulfuron methyl is acetolactate synthase (ALS), an enzyme in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. This herbicide is unique in this class in its safety on sugar beets, a crop that has often been used as an indicator of residual sulfonylureas in soil. We investigated the mechanism of selectivity by comparing the response of sugar beets with that of sensitive weeds (Brassica napus, Matricaria inodora, and Veronica persica) and a moderately tolerant weed (Chenopodium album). Studies of foliar uptake and in vitro inhibition of ALS across these species discount differential uptake or active site sensitivity as the basis for sugar beet tolerance to this herbicide. However, a good correlation between metabolism and plant tolerance does exist. Sugar beets metabolize triflusulfuron methyl very rapidly (half-life of 35 hr). The initial metabolism of triflusulfuron methyl in sugar beets involves nucleophilic attack by glutathione at the urea carbonyl group producing the S-carbamoyl glutathione conjugate plus 7-methylsaccharin and its free acid. The 2,6-disubstituted sulfonamide appears essential for this metabolism, but surprisingly even minor changes on the triazine ring have a profound effect on sugar beet tolerance. Although the data strongly suggest enzymatic involvement, attempts to determine if glutathione-S-transferase was involved proved inconclusive.
Mass spectrometry of synthetic oligopeptides N, O-permethylated, N-acetylated derivatives.

Mass spectra of a series of stable isotope derivatives aided a structure elucidation study of an amino acid amide (Tyr-NH2) and the following family of synthetic oligopeptides: Gly-Tyr-NH2, Gly-Gly-Tyr-NH2, Gln-Gly-Gly-Tyr-NH2, Gln-Gln-Gly-Gly-Tyr-NH2, Ala-Gln-Gln-Gly-Gly-Tyr-NH2, Ser-Ala-Gln-Gln-Gly-Gly-Tyr-NH2 and Lys-Ser-Ala-Gln-Gln-Gly-Gly-Tyr-NH2. This series of peptides was synthesized by classical methods. N,O-permethylated, N-acetylated derivatives were synthesized to provide sufficient volatility for mass spectrometry. Various combinations of stable isotope derivatives (CH3CO + CH3, CD3CO + CH3, CH3CO + CD3, CD3CO + CD3) confirmed proposed fragmentation pathways and corroborated hypothetical ion structures. This family of oligopeptides corresponds to the C-terminus of scotophobin.
The assessment of populations of soil-inhabiting invertebrates

Abstract Soil-inhabiting invertebrates are extremely diverse in form, differ greatly in size and numbers, and are often aggregated in horizontal and vertical distribution. Methods available for assessing populations are all based on representative samples. They include field counting, use of attractant traps or pitfall traps, and assessing numbers of invertebrates in soil samples. Invertebrates can be separated from soil either by wet or dry methods based on physical principles, or by dynamic methods which use stimuli to make them leave the samples. Physical methods of separation include hand sorting of soil, soil washing and flotation, elutriation in an upward flow of water, use of a technique which involves passing soil over plates covered with a grease film in which the invertebrates become embedded, and centrifuging soil samples in water or dense solutions so that invertebrates come to the surface. Dynamic methods suitable for most arthropods include the use of dry funnels with, high controlled temperature and moisture gradients, and wet-funnel methods which are used mainly for nematodes and echytraeid worms. Dry funnels which are easy to use are the most popular technique, but have the drawback that they do not extract eggs or resting stages. Wet funnels, which are more laborious, recover these stages, but also dead individuals. Flotation methods are best for sandy soils, whereas dry funnels are more efficient for peat or clay soils. For most soils, dry funnels are most efficient for the extraction of micro- and mesoarthropods, but flotation is usually preferable for macroarthropods.
Alcohol alters whole body composition, inhibits bone formation, and increases bone marrow adiposity in rats

Chronic alcohol abuse is a risk factor for osteoporosis and sarcopenia, but the long-term effects of alcohol on the immature musculoskeletal system are less clear. The present investigation in growing rats was designed to determine the effects of alcohol consumption on body composition, muscle mass, and bone mass, architecture, and turnover. Few studies have focused on the long-term effects of drinking on bone and muscle during skeletal maturation. Alcohol was included in the diet of 4-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats (35% caloric intake) for 3 months. The controls were fed an isocaloric alcohol-free liquid diet ad libitum. A second study was performed in which the controls were pair-fed to the alcohol-fed animals. Compared to ad libitum-fed age-matched controls, alcohol-fed rats weighed less and had lower lean mass, fat mass, and percent body fat. In addition, they had lower slow- and fast-twitch muscle mass, lower total body bone mineral content and bone mineral density, and lower cancellous bone volume in the lumbar vertebra and proximal tibia. The effects of alcohol consumption on body composition were reduced when compared to the pair-fed control diet, indicating that caloric restriction was a comorbidity factor. In contrast, the effects of alcohol to decrease bone formation and serum leptin and IGF-I levels and to increase bone marrow adiposity appeared independent of caloric restriction. The skeletal abnormalities in growing alcohol-fed rats were due to a combination of effects specific to alcohol consumption and alcohol-induced caloric restriction.
Shaping the Kuiper belt size distribution by shattering large but strengthless bodies

The observed size distribution of Kuiper belt objects (KBOs)—small icy and rocky Solar System bodies orbiting beyond Neptune—is well described by a power law at large KBO sizes. However, recent work by Bernstein et al. (2004, Astron. J. 128, 1364–1390) indicates that the size distribution breaks and becomes shallower for KBOs smaller than about 70 km in size. Here we show that we expect such a break at KBO radius ∼40km since destructive collisions are frequent for smaller KBOs. Specifically, we assume that KBOs are gravity-dominated bodies with negligible material strength. This gives a power-law slope q ≃ 3 where the number N_(>r) of KBOs larger than a size r is given by N_(>r)∝r^(1−q); the break location follows from this slope through a self-consistent calculation. The existence of this break, the break's location, and the power-law slope we expect below the break are consistent with the findings of Bernstein et al. (2004, Astron. J. 128, 1364–1390). The agreement with observations indicates that KBOs as small as ∼40km are effectively strengthless.
Comparison of the effects of laminin and the polyornithine-binding neurite promoting factor from RN22 Schwannoma cells on neurite regeneration from cultured newborn and adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Abstract We have investigated the effects of two neurite promoting factors (NPFs) — laminin and the semipurified polyornithine-binding neurite promoting factor (PNPF-1) from RN 22 Schwannoma cells — on neurite regeneration from dissociated newborn and adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons during 24 and 48 h culture periods in the absence of exogenous neuronotrophic factors. Both laminin and PNPF, when used to pretreat the polyornithine substratum, significantly enhanced neurite recruitment from surviving newborn and adult DRG neurons as compared to an untreated polyornithine substratum. However, the responses of newborn neurons at saturating concentrations of laminin and PNPF were consistently greater (46% neurite-bearing cells at 24 h, 81% at 48 h) than those of adult neurons (14 and 45%, respectively). The responsive neurons of both newborn and adult DRG displayed extensive neuritic networks at 48 h. The ED 50 of laminin, or PNPF was 0.15–0.2 μg/ml for both newborn and adult neurons. The similarities in the responses of newborn and adult DRG neurons to NPFs validate the use of neurons from embryonic and newborn animals for the in vitro assays of NPFs that can be collected from injured and regenerating adult peripheral nervous tissues.
Pediatric adrenocortical neoplasms: can imaging reliably discriminate adenomas from carcinomas?

There is a paucity of literature describing and comparing the imaging features of adrenocortical adenomas and carcinomas in children and adolescents. To document the CT and MRI features of adrenocortical neoplasms in a pediatric population and to determine whether imaging findings (other than metastatic disease) can distinguish adenomas from carcinomas. We searched institutional medical records to identify pediatric patients with adrenocortical neoplasms. Pre-treatment CT and MRI examinations were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus, and pertinent imaging findings were documented. We also recorded relevant histopathological, demographic, clinical follow-up and survival data. We used the Student’s t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test to compare parametric and nonparametric continuous data, and the Fisher exact test to compare proportions. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to evaluate the diagnostic performances of tumor diameter and volume for discriminating carcinoma from adenoma. A P-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the adrenocortical lesions, 9 were adenomas, 15 were carcinomas, and 1 was of uncertain malignant potential. There were no differences in mean age, gender or sidedness between adenomas and carcinomas. Carcinomas were significantly larger than adenomas based on mean estimated volume (581 ml, range 16–2,101 vs. 54 ml, range 3–197 ml; P-value = 0.003; ROC area under the curve = 0.92) and mean maximum transverse plane diameter (9.9 cm, range 3.0–14.9 vs. 4.4 cm, range 1.9–8.2 cm; P-value = 0.0001; ROC area under the curve = 0.92). Carcinomas also were more heterogeneous than adenomas on post-contrast imaging (13/14 vs. 2/9; odds ratio [OR] = 45.5; P-value = 0.001). Six of 13 carcinomas and 1 of 8 adenomas contained calcification at CT (OR = 6.0; P-value = 0.17). Seven of 15 children with carcinomas exhibited metastatic disease at diagnosis, and three had inferior vena cava invasion. Median survival for carcinomas was 27 months. In our experience, pediatric adrenocortical carcinomas are larger, more heterogeneous, and more often calcified than adenomas, although there is overlap in their imaging appearances.
Adsorption and reaction of 1-epoxy-3-butene on Pt(111): implications for heterogeneous catalysis of unsaturated oxygenates.

t: High-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to study the adsorption and reaction of 1-epoxy-3-butene (EpB) on Pt(111). These investigations were conducted to help elucidate mechanisms for improving olefin hydrogenation selectivity in reactions of unsaturated oxygenates. EpB dosed to Pt(111) at 91 K adsorbs molecularly on the surface through the vinyl group with apparent rehybridization to a di-σ-bound state. By 233 K, however, EpB undergoes epoxide ring opening to form an aldehyde intermediate, which further decomposes upon heating to yield gas phase products CO, H 2 , and propylene. Comparison of the HREELS and TPD data to experiments performed with 2-butenal (crotonaldehyde) shows that EpB and 2-butenal decompose through related pathways. However, the EpB-derived aldehyde intermediate clearly has a unique structure, features of which have been elucidated by DFT calculations. In conjunction with previous surface science studies of EpB chemistry, these results can help explain selectivity trends for reactions of EpB on Pt catalysts and bimetallic PtAg catalysts, with indications that the enhanced olefin hydrogenation selectivity of PtAg catalysts likely originates from a bifunctional effect.
Efficient scheduling of tasks without full use of processor resources

Abstract The nonpreemptive scheduling of a partially ordered set of tasks on a machine with m processors of different speeds is studied. Polynomial time algorithms are presented which benefit from selective non-use of slow processors. The performance of these heuristics is asymptotic to √ m times worse than optimal, whereas list schedules are unboundedly worse than optimal for any fixed value of m . The techniques of analyzing these schedules are used to obtain a bound on a large class of preemptive schedules.
Intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma: Primum non nocere

Objectives Intramucosal esophageal cancer treatment is evolving. Less-invasive therapies have emerged, necessitating review of safety, effectiveness, and determinants of long-term outcome after esophagectomy to clarify the role of this traditional, maximally invasive, and potentially harmful therapy. Methods From January 1983 to January 2011, 164 patients underwent esophagectomy alone for intramucosal adenocarcinoma. Cancers were subdivided by depth of invasion: lamina propria 50 (30%) and muscularis mucosa 114 (70%; inner 42 [26%], middle 16 [10%], and outer 56 [34%]). We assessed complications and esophagectomy-related mortality (safety) and cancer recurrence (effectiveness), and identified determinants of long-term outcomes. Results Barrett esophagus ( P = .005), larger cancers ( P P P P = .02) were associated with deeper cancers. One patient had regional lymph node metastases (0.6%). Seventy-five patients (46%) had complications. Seven of 9 deaths within 6 months were esophagectomy related, 6 from respiratory failure. Seven patients had recurrence, all within 4 years. Five-, 10-, and 15-year survivals were 82%, 69%, and 60%, respectively, which were similar to those of a matched general population. Determinants of late mortality were older age ( P = .004), poorer lung function ( P P = .04), postoperative pneumonia ( P = .06), cancer recurrence ( P P Conclusions Survival after esophagectomy for intramucosal adenocarcinoma is excellent, determined more by patient than cancer characteristics. Patient selection and respiratory function are crucial to minimize harm. Considering the outcome of emerging therapies, esophagectomy should be reserved for patients with a long intramucosal adenocarcinoma or those in whom endoscopic therapies fail or are inappropriate.
First-principles molecular dynamics study of the structure and dynamic behavior of liquid Li 4 BN 3 H 10

We have applied density-functional theory based ab initio molecular dynamics to examine ${\text{Li}}_{4}{\text{BN}}_{3}{\text{H}}_{10}$ at temperatures both above and below the experimental melting point. We examine the structure of the liquid, diffusivity, vibrational spectra and compare to both experimental data and analogous properties from solid-state calculations. We find the following: (1) the liquid state, like the solid state, is primarily a mixture of ${\text{Li}}^{+}$, ${\text{BH}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${\text{NH}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ with ionic interactions between the ${\text{BH}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\text{NH}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ anions and the ${\text{Li}}^{+}$ cations. (2) We observe the reaction of two amide anions exchanging hydrogen to form ammonia and an imide anion: $2{\text{NH}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\text{NH}}_{3}+{\text{NH}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}$. (3) The liquid demonstrates wide bond-angle distributions in the ${\text{BH}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\text{NH}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ units and thus these anionic units are not simply rigid complexes. (4) The ${\text{Li}}^{+}$ sublattice disorders before the anionic sublattices and the liquid exhibits very fast ${\text{Li}}^{+}$ diffusion. We calculate the activation energy and pre-exponential factor for ${\text{Li}}^{+}$ diffusivity in the liquid to be $\ensuremath{\sim}20\text{ }\text{kJ}/\text{mol}$ and $15\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}\text{ }{\text{cm}}^{2}/\text{s}$, respectively. (5) Finally, we find that the liquid contains the same generic types of vibrational modes as the solid, however the lower-frequency anionic vibration and rotation modes become more prominent with increasing temperature.