cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techno-economic and uncertainty analysis of in situ and ex situ fast pyrolysis for biofuel production

This study evaluates the techno-economic uncertainty in cost estimates for two emerging technologies for biofuel production: in situ and ex situ catalytic pyrolysis. The probability distributions for the minimum fuel-selling price (MFSP) indicate that in situ catalytic pyrolysis has an expected MFSP of $1.11 per liter with a standard deviation of 0.29, while the ex situ catalytic pyrolysis has a similar MFSP with a smaller deviation ($1.13 per liter and 0.21 respectively). These results suggest that a biorefinery based on ex situ catalytic pyrolysis could have a lower techno-economic uncertainty than in situ pyrolysis compensating for a slightly higher MFSP cost estimate. Analysis of how each parameter affects the NPV indicates that internal rate of return, feedstock price, total project investment, electricity price, biochar yield and bio-oil yield are parameters which have substantial impact on the MFSP for both in situ and ex situ catalytic pyrolysis.
Crowdsourcing Transcription Beyond Mechanical Turk

While much work has studied crowdsourced transcription via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, we are not familiar with any prior cross-platform analysis of crowdsourcing service providers for transcription. We present a qualitative and quantitative analysis of eight such providers: 1-888-Type-It-Up, 3Play Media, Transcription Hub, CastingWords, Rev, TranscribeMe, Quicktate, and SpeakerText. We also provide comparative evaluation vs. three transcribers from oDesk. Spontanteous speech used in our experiments is drawn from USC-SFI MALACH collection of oral history interviews. After informally evaluating pilot transcripts from all providers, our formal evaluation measures word error rate (WER) over 10-minute segments from six interviews transcribed by three service providers and the three oDesk transcribers. We report the WER obtained in each case, and more generally assess tradeoffs among the quality, cost, risk and effort of alternative crowd-based transcription options.
Host–microbe interactions that shape the pathogenesis of Acinetobacter baumannii infection

Summary Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that has emerged as a prevalent source of nosocomial infections, most frequently causing ventilator-associated pneumonia. The emergence of pan-drug resistant strains magnifies the problem by reducing viable treatment options and effectively increasing the mortality rate associated with Acinetobacter infections. In light of this rising threat, research on A. baumannii epidemiology, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenesis is accelerating. The recent development of both in vitro and in vivo models has enabled studies probing the host–Acinetobacter interface. Bacterial genetic screens and comparative genomic studies have led to the identification of several A. baumannii virulence factors. Additionally, investigations into host defence mechanisms using animal models or cell culture have provided insight into the innate immune response to infection. This review highlights some of the key attributes of A. baumannii virulence with an emphasis on bacterial interactions with the innate immune system.
Product Operator Formalism

The product operator formalism provides a convenient and powerful framework for analyzing NMR pulse sequences. Its appeal arises from the ability to bridge the gap between the classical vector picture and the density matrix formalism. Once product operator rules are established, it is possible to analyze pulse sequences without any knowledge of quantum mechanics, while retaining the intuitive appeal of the classical vector model. It works best for a collection of spin 1/2 nuclei with weak J-coupling. The operator rules, and their applications to several simple sequences are reviewed here. Keywords: product operator formalism; density matrix; spin echoes; J-coupling; INEPT; COSY; HSQC
Effect of Metallurgical Treatments on AC Losses of Nb3Sn Produced By Solid State Diffusion

The ac loss of a type II superconductor at 60 Hz is one of the most important properties that determines the feasibility of using this material in superconducting ac power transmission lines. The superconductor Nb3Sn is of interest for this application primarily because of its high superconducting transition temperature Tc ≅18 K), high critical field, and high critical current density[1,2] These properties of Nb3Sn offer the advantage of operating at a higher temperature and of handling some of the faults in the superconductor provided that the losses under typical operating conditions (~8 K, 500 rms A/cm) are acceptable (~10 µ W/cm2)[1].
Adapting multimedia for diverse student learning styles

Multimedia can accommodate diverse learning styles. By giving students different ways to learn material, we hope to attract more novices, especially women and minorities, to computer science. We designed a user interface that is independent of both book metaphors and familiar web browsers. It supplies sound and animation for sensory learners, while letting verbal learners disable sound or switch altogether to a JUST THE FACTS mode. Interactive materials include learner-controlled simulations of algorithms, links to programs that students can try immediately after learning related concepts and before exercises that make sure the learner has studied the programs, constructive exercises in which students build programs or models by dragging pieces into place, and inquiry-based exercises in which students learn by doing research, using the web.
Five Windows into Africa

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: McNaughton Patrick, John H. Hanson, dele jegede, Ruth M. Stone and N. Brian Winchester Year: 2000 Details: 2 CD-ROMs + 8 pages Publisher: Indiana University Press Prices: $39.95 US
From Midges to Spiders: Mercury Biotransport in Riparian Zones Near the Buffalo River Area of Concern (AOC), USA

Riparian communities can receive environmental contaminants from adjacent aquatic ‘donor’ habitats. We investigated mercury biotransport from aquatic to terrestrial habitats via aquatic insect emergence and uptake by riparian spiders at sites within and upstream of the Buffalo River Area of Concern (AOC), a site with known sediment Hg contamination. Mercury concentration in emerging midges was roughly 10× less than contaminated sediment levels with the AOC, but biomagnification factors from midges to spiders ranged from 2.0 to 2.65 between sites. There was a significantly negative body mass:total mercury relationship in spiders (p < 0.001), indicating that mercury depuration is rapid or tissue dilution occurs in these riparian predators. Spiders contained significantly more mercury than their midge prey and spiders upstream of the AOC had higher mercury concentrations than spiders from within the AOC. Collectively, these data indicate that riparian spiders can be good mercury sentinels in urban environments, and that riparian communities upstream from the AOC may be at greater risk to mercury than has been previously considered.
Drug Interactions in Palliative Care

Purpose This review of drug interactions in palliative care examines the relevant literature in this area and summarizes the information on interactions of drugs, nutrients, and natural products that are used in the palliative care setting. Particular emphasis is placed on describing the newer information on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system and the interactions of opioids, antidepressants, and the antitussive, dextromethorphan. Methods We performed a search of the MEDLINE database of the time period from 1966 until April 1998, using medical subject headings such as the names of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other relevant medications in palliative care. Literature reviewed included both human and animal articles as well as non-English literature. Bibliographies of these articles and the personal libraries of several palliative care specialists were reviewed. Software developed by The Medical Letter-The Drug Interaction Program was also used. Results Drug interactions can be categorized in several ways. Drug-drug interactions are the most well known and can be kinetic, dynamic, or pharmaceutical. Pharmacokinetic interactions can involve CYP 2D6, which acts on drugs such as codeine and is responsible for its conversion to morphine. Poor metabolizers, either genotypic or due to phenocopying, are at risk for undertreatment if not recognized. Pharmacodynamic interactions with dextromethorphan may produce serotonin syndrome. Conclusion Drug interactions are important in palliative care as in other aspects of medicine. These interactions are similar to those seen in other areas of medical care but have significant consequences in pain management. Failure to recognize these interactions can lead to either overdosing or undertreatment.
Thoracic complications of dental surgical procedures: hazards of the dental drill.

Abstract case reports: Dental surgical procedures occasionally result in intrathoracic complications that may subsequently be encountered by clinicians. We report four patients with such complications, including pneumomediastinum, fatal descending necrotizing mediastinitis, and Lemierre's syndrome. In each of these patients, the commonly used dental handpiece with exhausted air directed to the working drill point was an important, but unrecognized, predisposition to their intrathoracic complication. conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the spectrum of these problems and, in particular, of the potential hazards of pressurized nonsterile air blown into open surgical sites by the dental drill.
Serum Xylosyltransferase 1 Level Increases during Early Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis in Mice with High Bone Forming Potential

Increased proteoglycan (PG) synthesis is essential for the stimulation of cartilage repair processes that take place during the reversible phase of osteoarthritis (OA). In articular cartilage, xylosyltransferase 1 (Xylt1) is the key enzyme that initiates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain synthesis by transferring the first sugar residue to the PG core protein. Biological activity of PGs is closely linked to GAG biosynthesis since their polyanionic nature directly contributes to the proper hydration and elastic properties of the cartilage tissue present at the articular interface. The aim of this study was to investigate whether variations in the level of Xylt1 present in serum can be used to predict OA disease progression. The influence of bone forming activity on the systemic release of this enzyme was addressed by experimentally-inducing OA in mice of two different genetic backgrounds that were previously characterized for their distinct bone metabolism: C57BL/6J (B6, high bone remodelers) or C3H/HeJ (C3H, high bone formers). Serum was collected after medial meniscectomy or sham surgeries in young adult mice of these two strains over a period of 3.5months at which point knee histopathology was assessed. A significant increase in serum Xylt1 levels observed shortly after meniscectomy positively correlated with severe cartilage damage evaluated by histological assessment at later time points in mice of the C3H background. In contrast, no temporal regulation of Xylt1 level was found between meniscectomies and control surgeries in B6 mice, which developed OA at a slower rate. Additionally, longitudinal evaluation of the serum levels of other markers of cartilage/bone metabolism (C1,2C, osteocalcin) did not reveal any association with late knee damages. Our results strongly support the idea that serum Xylt1 has a clinical value for monitoring risk of OA progression in young adults with high bone forming potential. Ultimately, the understanding of posttraumatic mechanisms regulating PG synthesis and their modification by GAG will be essential so that interventions that stimulate cartilage regrowth can be undertaken prior to irreversible destruction of the joint tissue. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Osteoarthritis".
Free Fatty Acids (FFA) Promote Neutrophll Granule Release and Integrin Expression. • 1812

In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the accumulation of neutrophils (PMN) within the pulmonary vasculature and alveolar interstitium may be key pathogenic events. Injection of FFA into experimental animals duplicates many of the symptoms of ARDS, including pulmonary accumulation of PMN. We earlier found that micromolar amounts of FFA such as 16:0, 18:0 and 18:1 promote the release of PMN primary granule contents and PMN-mediated killing of mammalian cells. PMN accumulation in tissues requires their primary adherence to vascular endothelial cells and one possible mediator is theβ2 integrin, CD11b/CD18. We now report that exposure of isolated human PMN to oleic acid (OA; 80 μM) causes rapid (beginning within 30-60 sec) and substantial (up to 10-fold) upregulation of surface CD11b/CD18, much of this in the `high affinity' state (as measured by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies LM2/1 and CBRM1/5). FFA-mediated upregulation is more pronounced at lower pH (6.6-6.9) and at lower pH exceeds that triggered by phorbol myristate acetate. Similar upregulation occurs in whole blood but higher concentrations of OA are required to overcome FFA binding by albumin. OA also triggers PMN aggregation and enhances ≈3-5 fold attachment of PMN to fibrin(ogen) coated surfaces and confluent cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, both blocked by neutrophil inhibitory factor and anti-CD11b/CD18 monoclonal antibody. OA (and other FFA) may cause this effect through acting as a (cell cytoplasm acidifying) protonophore; OA methyl ester has no effect on integrin expression and `clamping' intracellular pH by addition of the ionophore, FCCP suppresses OA-mediated upregulation of CD11b/CD18. We conclude that micromolar amounts of FFA act as potent agonists of PMN aggregation and adherence to vascular endothelium. These results suggest one possible mechanism for the promotion, by FFA, of pro-inflammatory and tissue damaging effects of PMN, and may help explain the etiology of so-called fat embolism wherein trauma-induced release of fatty material, from adipose tissue or bone marrow, causes pulmonary PMN sequestration which may eventuate in the development of ARDS.
Genes controlling the metabolic switch in hibernating mammals.

Hibernating mammals have the ability to decrease their metabolic rate and survive up to 6 months without food in an inactive state where body temperatures approach 0°C. In hibernating 13-lined ground squirrels ( Spermophilus tridecemlineatus ), oxygen consumption holds at 1/30 to 1/50 of the aroused condition and heart rates are as low as 3–10 beats/min, compared with 200–300 beats/min when the animal is active. This seasonal adaptation requires a metabolic shift away from the oxidation of carbohydrates and towards the combustion of stored fatty acids as the primary source of energy. A key element in this fuel switch is the differential expression of the gene encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoenzyme 4. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoenzyme 4 inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase and thus minimizes carbohydrate oxidation by preventing the flow of glycolytic products into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Hibernators also exploit the low-temperature activity of PTL (pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase) in both heart and white adipose tissue. Lipolytic activity at body temperatures associated with hibernation was examined using recombinant ground squirrel and human PTL expressed in yeast. Enzymes from both humans and ground squirrel displayed high activity at temperatures as low as 0°C and showed Q 10=1.2–1.5 over the temperature range 37–7°C. These studies indicate that low-temperature lipolysis is a general property of PTL and does not require protein modifications unique to mammalian cells and/or the hibernating state. Abbreviations: PDK4, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoenzyme 4; PTL, pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase; WAT, white adipose tissue
Geographic variation in dynamics of an annual plant with a seed bank

Summary 1. Most population dynamics studies are geographically restricted, yet species ranges are large. We performed multiyear roadside surveys of the sunflower, Helianthus annuus, at two locations that differ in precipitation (eastern Kansas, KS; western Nebraska, NE). Our goals were to (i) document if there was geographic variation in dynamics and evaluate the role of habitat variables and the landscape matrix; (ii) determine the likely amount of occupiable habitat and (iii) explore the role of seed banks in dynamics. 2. Geographical variation: Occupancy and mean numbers of plants per occupied roadside unit were generally higher in NE than KS. Sunflower abundance was linearly related to spring precipita tion in NE but not in KS. Soil disturbance was associated with increased occupancy and apparent colonization, and reduced apparent extinction. Variation in the landscape adjacent to roads had a larger effect on occupancy in KS than in NE. In KS, smaller populations were more prone to appar ent extinction; NE results were more variable. Note that we refer to 'apparent' colonization or extinction because seed banks may persist even when above-ground plants are absent. 3. Occupiable habitat: 25% of the roadside was never occupied by sunflowers in KS, despite sur veying for 6 years. An asymptotic limit to occupancy in NE was not apparent, but fewer years were surveyed. 4. Seed banks: Seed banks appear prevalent. The strongest evidence comes from a year following a spring drought in NE, when 100s to 1000s of plants were found in units that lacked plants the year before. 5. Synthesis. We found both geographical similarities (role of soil disturbance, seed banks) and dif ferences (response to rainfall variation, importance of landscape matrix) in sunflower dynamics. Our work suggests that for appropriate species (including many weedy and invasive plants), repli cate roadside surveys are an efficient way to evaluate geographic variation in dynamics, the land scape matrix and habitat characteristics across a broad geographic area. Such data help bridge the gap between broad-scale distributional studies and small experimental plot studies, and provide
Yarnold's Criterion and Minimum Sample Size

Abstract A simple procedure for establishing minimum sample size in X 2 goodness-of-fit tests is presented. Samples of this size will automatically satisfy Yarnold's criterion.
Effects of nucleotides possessing a 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate on adrenal steroidogenesis☆

Abstract In addition to adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, uridine, cytidine, guanosine and inosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphates were found to stimulate corticosterone production by rat adrenals in vitro. Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate containing deoxyribose in place of ribose was also active. The physiological role, if any, that these additional cyclic nucleotides play in the regulation of adrenocortical function remains to be determined.
INTRAINDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN LEVELS OF WRITTEN LANGUAGE

Intraindividual differences across different levels or units of written language — the word, the sentence, and the paragraph — in sequencing the elements of written language were examined in intermediate‐grade children. Both Experiment 1 (N = 72 good readers) and Experiment 2 (N = 102 readers of varying ability) confirmed the main hypothesis that performance at the word level does not predict performance at the sentence or paragraph levels and that performance at the sentence level does not predict performance at the paragraph level. The hypothesis was confirmed for both an expressive, production task and a receptive, metalinguistic judgment task. A secondary hypothesis, tested only in Experiment 2, that metalinguistic judgment and production are related was supported at the word and sentence (but not paragraph) levels of language in intermediate‐grade writers. Results have implications for (a) individualized educational programming that takes into account the developing writer's profile of levels of writ...
Xenobiotic metabolism by isolated pulmonary cells

L'etude du metabolisme des medicaments et de la teneur en cytochrome P450 des cellules pulmonaires isolees dans differentes especes montre 1 repartition differentielle de ces isozymes
Particle size effect on phase and magnetic properties of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract Polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles are hi-tech materials with ample applications in the field of biomedicine for the treatment of cancer and targeted drug delivery. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of FeCl2 solution with sodium borohydride and coated with amine-terminated polyethylene glycol (aPEG). By varying the concentration of the reactants, the particle size and the crystallinity of the particles were varied. The particle size was found to increase from 6 to 20 nm and the structure becomes amorphous-like with increase in the molar concentration of the reactant. The magnetization at 1 T field (M1T) for all samples is > 45 emu/g while the coercivity is in the range of 100–350 Oe. When the ethanol-suspended particles are subjected to an alternating magnetic field of 4 Oe at 500 kHz, the temperature is increased to a maximum normalized temperature (3.8 °C/mg) with decreasing particle size.
Dissolution Rate of Cholesterol in Monooctanoin

Monooctanoin is used clinically for dissolution of common bile duct cholesterol gallstones. A number of factors influencing the dissolution rate of cholesterol monohydrate in this solvent were investigated. Water increased cholesterol dissolution rate in a manner inconsistent with previous solubility measurements. Dissolution rate increased approximately 50% in the presence of 10 to 15% water in monooctanoin. Further studies on viscosity, the effect of polymers and temperature showed that the solvent viscosity had a dominating influence on dissolution rate. This was thought to be caused by the interaction of cholesterol with the solvent in the dissolving surface layer which caused a decrease in the diffusion coefficient (and dissolution rate) of cholesterol. Reducing viscosity and increasing temperature were identified as possible approaches for increasing cholesterol gallstone dissolution rate in monooctanoin.
The Analysis of Likert Scales Using State Multipoles: An Application of Quantum Methods to Behavioral Sciences Data

Though ubiquitous, Likert scaling’s traditional mode of analysis is often unable to uncover all of the valid information in a data set. Here, the authors discuss a solution to this problem based on...
Is cortisol metabolized as it dissociates from glucocorticoid receptors in thymus cells

Abstract To investigate the possibility that metabolic transformations of a steroid hormone are associated with its release from nuclear receptors, rat thymus cells were incubated with [ 3 H]-cortisol at 37°C to form nuclear glucocorticoid-receptor complexes. Then, by means of successive timed dilutions with buffer at 37°C, the receptor-bound radioactivity was isolated after it had been allowed to dissociate from the receptors and leave the intact cells under physiological conditions. Analysis of this radioactivity showed that it consisted of essentially pure [ 3 H]-cortisol. It is therefore concluded that no metabolic transformation is necessary for or accompanies the release of Cortisol from the nuclear glucocorticoid receptors of thymus cells.
How Do Second Language Learners Build Syntactic Structure

Understanding the mechanisms learners use to process target language input is crucial to developing a complete model of both first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition. If adult L2 learners are found to process the target language with mechanisms that differ from those used by child L1 learners and adult native speakers, what implications might this have for the developing grammar? Clahsen and Felser review evidence that appears to point to such differences, generalizing their findings under a shallow structure hypothesis about how adult learners process input in L2.
Goodbye Warts, Hello Vitiligo: Candida Antigen‐Induced Depigmentation

Depigmentation after the use of topical immune modulators is a rare but reported event. Herein we present what is to our knowledge the first case of vitiligo at a site of Candida antigen injection.
ENAMEL BONDING WITH SELF‐ETCH RESINS

Resin adhesion has revolutionized restorative dentistry because it allows conservative preparations and bonding of various substrates to the tooth structure. Until recently all adhesive systems used an etching agent prior to the priming and bonding steps. Despite excellent clinical and laboratory test results for these three-step systems, simplified adhesive systems were desired and consequently developed to reduce the number of steps during the bonding procedure. Currently there are essentially two philosophies of simplification: the total-etch systems, with a separate etchant and a primer/adhesive; and the self-etching systems, which combine etching and priming in one bottle and have a separate adhesive agent or which combine all three steps in a single solution and application. Unfortunately, despite simplification of bonding products, technique sensitivity, substrate variability, and concerns about enamel bonds have increased. This Critical Appraisal addresses a primary concern about self-etching primers: enamel bonding.
Synthesis And Biological Activity of Borane Phosphonate DNA

Abstract Borane phosphonate oligodeoxyribonucleotides are synthesized from 5′-O-[benzhydroxybis(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl]-2′-deoxyribonucleoside-3′-O-methylphosphoramidites. The exocyclic amine functions of adenine, guanine, and cytosine are protected with trimethoxytrityl, and thymine is unprotected. Using these synthons and under standard conditions via activation with S-ethylthiotetrazole, condensations on a highly crosslinked polystyrene support are in excess of 99%. Following the complete synthesis of the oligodeoxyribonucleotide phosphite triester, oxidation with THF·BH3 yields the oligodeoxyribonucleotide borane phosphonate. Further treatment with 80% aqueous acetic acid followed by disodium 2-carbamoyl-2-cyanoethylene-1,1-dithiolate removes trimethoxytrityl from the 2′-deoxyribonucleoside bases and the methyl protecting group from the internucleotide phosphate triester, respectively. Cleavage from the support with ammonium hydroxide and purification by reverse phase HPLC affords the pure oligodeoxy...
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Cross-Reacting Antigen in Monocyte-Derived Macrophages from the Pigeon

The binding of fibrinogen to its receptor on mammalian platelets and avian thrombocytes has been extensively studied; and the receptors, composed of glycoproteins IIb and IIIa, have been characterized in both systems. Recently, monocytes have been implicated in the thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis, and in both the avian and human systems this appears to be through a procoagulant activity which leads to fibrinogen polymerization. Although fibrin polymerization by avian monocytes has been reported, the receptor for fibrinogen on these cells has not been reported previously. The present study describes the presence of glycoprotein IIb- and IIIa-like proteins in avian macrophages and correlates the localization of these glycoproteins with regions to which fibrinogen binds. Through the use of immunofluorescence light microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy in conjunction with monospecific, polyclonal antibodies, GPIIb and GPIIIa cross-reacting antigens were identified on membranes of monocyte/macrophages cultured from White Carneau pigeons. A specific concentration of the antigens was found on membrane ruffles and microvilli, sites to which FITC-labeled fibrinogen also bound. Interaction of the antibodies with pigeon macrophages was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with cultured cells. Immunoblotting of membranes isolated from pigeon monocyte/macrophages identified a protein of 132,000 M(r) that was recognized by anti-GPIIb and a protein of 114,000 M(r) that was recognized by anti-GPIIIa. These pigeon monocyte glycoproteins comigrated with glycoproteins IIb and IIIa isolated from human platelets.
A Double Squeeze on the Middle Class

This paper examines how consumer debt impacts middle-class households. Interest payments on this debt reduce spendable income and household living standards. We argue that it is necessary to account for interest payments on consumer debt when measuring income inequality and the size of the middle class, and then estimate the impact of doing this using the Survey of Consumer Finances datasets since the 1980s. We find that both greater income inequality and rising interest payments on past debt are squeezing the middle class, with interest becoming more important in the 2000s. We conclude with some policy proposals to aid middle-class households.
Changes in the responses of cerebellar nuclear neurons associated with the climbing fiber response of Purkinje cells.

Abstract Previous studies demonstrated that climbing fiber activity produces a short-term increase in the responsiveness of Purkinje cells to mossy fiber inputs. This led to the hypothesis that there are concomitant alterations in the discharge of cerebellar nuclear neurons. This series of experiments was initiated to test this hypothesis in simultaneously recorded Purkinje cell-nuclear cell pairs in related regions of the cerebellar cortex and nuclei. In decerebrate cats 50 pairs of Purkinje cells and nuclear neurons were identified and simultaneously recorded during spontaneous activity and during peripheral inputs. Auto-correlograms of nuclear cell activity and cross-correlograms of the simple spike and nuclear cell activity triggered on the occurrence of spontaneous complex spikes demonstrated little correlation between these events and the discharge of nuclear neurons. To examine the effect of evoked climbing fiber inputs on the Purkinje cell simple spike and nuclear cell responses, square wave mechanical stimuli which modulated the discharge of both cells of a pair were applied to the forepaw. A separation technique was used to construct one histogram illustrating the responses of the nuclear neuron and Purkinje cell in trials in which the peripheral stimulus evoked a climbing fiber input to the Purkinje cell and another histogram showing their responses in trials in which no climbing fiber input was activated. Using this separation technique it was shown that the amplitude of most Purkinje cell responses increased by 120–1200% in trials in which climbing fiber inputs were activated. The response amplitude of 68% of the nuclear cells was modified for these pairs. Most changes in nuclear cell responses were increases ranging from 120–220%. These changes were felt to reflect the action of many Purkinje cells converging on the isolated nuclear neuron. The modulation of the nuclear neuron was not due only to the effect of the related Purkinje cell, since the gain change of the Purkinje cell and nuclear cell of each pair was not correlated (r = 0.01). The discussion of these findings emphasizes that the increased responses of the nuclear cell are most likely produced by the intracortical action of the climbing fiber system on the responsiveness of Purkinje cells to mossy fiber inputs. Climbing fiber collateral input to nuclear neurons also may contribute to the changes in the nuclear cell responses observed in these experiments.
Extreme health sensing: the challenges, technologies, and strategies for active health sustainment of military personnel during training and combat missions

Military personnel are often asked to accomplish rigorous missions in extremes of climate, terrain, and terrestrial altitude. Personal protective clothing and individual equipment such as body armor or chemical biological suits and excessive equipment loads, exacerbate the physiological strain. Health, over even short mission durations, can easily be compromised. Measuring and acting upon health information can provide a means to dynamically manage both health and mission goals. However, the measurement of health state in austere military environments is challenging; (1) body worn sensors must be of minimal weight and size, consume little power, and be comfortable and unobtrusive enough for prolonged wear; (2) health states are not directly measureable and must be estimated; (3) sensor measurements are prone to noise, artifact, and failure. Given these constraints we examine current successful ambulatory physiological status monitoring technologies, review maturing sensors that may provide key health state insights in the future, and discuss unconventional analytical techniques that optimize health, mission goals, and doctrine from the perspective of thermal work strain assessment and management.
Safe Syringe Disposal is Related to Safe Syringe Access among HIV-positive Injection Drug Users

We evaluated the effect of syringe acquisition on syringe disposal among HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs) in Baltimore, New York City, and San Francisco (N = 680; mean age 42 years, 62% male, 59% African-American, 21% Hispanic, 12% White). Independent predictors of safe disposal were acquiring syringes through a safe source and ever visiting a syringe exchange program. Weaker predictors included living in San Francisco, living in the area longer, less frequent binge drinking, injecting with an HIV+ partner, peer norms supporting safe injection, and self-empowerment. Independent predictors of safe “handling”—both acquiring and disposing of syringes safely—also included being from New York and being older. HIV-positive IDUs who obtain syringes from a safe source are more likely to safely dispose; peer norms contribute to both acquisition and disposal. Interventions to improve disposal should include expanding sites of safe syringe acquisition while enhancing disposal messages, alternatives, and convenience.
A Fundamental Classification of Atomization Processes

Abstract : A device-independent framework to classify and describe atomization is developed. This framework divides atomizers into various classes based on the geometry of the liquid prior to breakup. These classes are general enough to encompass the vast majority of existent atomizers while still describing important aspects of the atomization physics. Across these classes a limited number of atomization regimes exist which are grouped based on the magnitude and rate of the atomization processes. Existent literature is reviewed to show how it fits into the current construction of five classes (jet, sheet, film, prompt and blob) and three mode (bulk fluid, mixed and surface). This framework also clarifies the underlying physics of the atomization process. This process consists of the initiation and growth of a disturbance followed by its breakdown. Several categories of disturbance initiation and disturbance breakdown are described supported by examples from the literature.
Electron microscopy of solubilized Acholeplasma laidlawii membrane proteins reaggregated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae glycolipids.

Abstract 1. 1. The purified glycolipid haptens of Mycoplasma pneumoniae were reaggregated with Acholeplasma laidlawii membrane proteins. The process consisted of the solubilization of lipid-depleted A. laidlawii membranes and M. pneumoniae glycolipids in 20 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate, and dialysis of the solution separately or in mixtures against 20 mM Mg2+. 2. 2. The reaggregated material collected by centrifugation of the dialyzed solution of lipid-depleted A. laidlawii membrane proteins consisted of amorphous clumps, while the reaggregated M. pneumoniae glycolipids consisted of “myelin-like” globules and sheets composed of lamellae with a mean center-to-center distance of 37 A. The reaggregated material of a mixture of lipid-depleted A. laidlawii membrane proteins and M. pneumoniae glycolipids contained, in addition to the amorphous clumps representing reaggregated proteins and the “myelin-like” structures representing reaggregated glycolipids, also long membranous sheets having a triple-layered structure with a mean center-to-center distance of the dense lines of 54 A. The appearance and dimensions are closely similar to those of the original or reagregated A. laidlawii membranes. 3. 3. It is suggested that these membrane-like structures are formed by the association of A. laidlawii membrane protein and M. pneumoniae glycolipids, and that these “hybrid” structures are responsible for the increased antigenicity of the reaggregated glycolipids.
Chondromyxoid fibroma of the first metatarsal bone

Abstract Chondromyxoid fibroma in the metatarsal bone is extremely rare. A case of a patient with a chondromyxoid fibroma of the first metatarsal bone treated with curettage and bone grafting is presented.
Suppression of T-Cell Expansion by Melanoma is Exerted on Resting Cells

Background Immunotherapeutic cancer protocols often rely on the ability to promote proliferative expansion of tumor-specific T-cell, but the influence of cancer on in vivo T-cell expansion remains largely undefined.
Peanut butter jelly

A tropical reef is divided between two groups of jellyfish swimming among the coral and historical wreckage. As a boat passing by drops trash overboard, the gelatinous dwellers discover a treasure they cannot resist.
Comparison of the Reinforcing Effects of Cocaine and Cocaine/Heroin Combinations under Progressive Ratio and Choice Schedules in Rats

The co-use of cocaine and heroin is relatively common, with a growing clinical and preclinical literature dedicated to investigating the factors underlying the phenomenon. Specifically, several studies have compared the reinforcing effects of the coadministration of cocaine and heroin, referred to commonly as 'speedball', to either drug alone. The present study assessed whether addition of heroin to a wide range of cocaine doses produces reinforcing effects greater than cocaine alone using both a progressive ratio (PR) schedule and a choice procedure. Patterns of coadministration of cocaine and heroin offered simultaneously were also assessed using double-lumen cannulas. Under the PR schedule, speedball combinations across a range of doses (0.38-3.0 mg/kg/inf cocaine+1.5-48 microg/kg/inf heroin) did not support higher break points than cocaine alone. When cocaine and heroin were made available concurrently (ie on two separate levers), rats self-administered cocaine exclusively. Using a choice procedure, however, a preference was demonstrated for some speedball combinations (eg 0.18 mg/kg/inf cocaine+50 microg/kg/inf heroin; 0.38 mg/kg/inf cocaine+50 microg/kg/inf heroin) over cocaine alone (0.75 mg/kg/inf). So while results obtained using the PR schedule do not support the hypothesis that speedball combinations are more reinforcing than cocaine alone, data from the choice procedure do support this hypothesis. These apparently discrepant results demonstrate that these models are measuring different aspects of drug reinforcement, and suggest that choice procedures in rats provide a useful tool to study speedball self-administration.
INVITATIONS TO RESEARCH IN ENDOCRINOLOGY

Among the permanent satisfactions in the life of an investigator are the habit of looking forward towards the next steps in the progress of discovery, and an optimistic faith that the progress of discovery is of prime importance for securing control of natural events, especially when these events have a high degree of significance for the welfare of our fellow beings.Such are the central interests of those who are pioneering in the unexplored territory of internal secretions.There is no doubt of the value of more knowledge in this new territory.The endocrine organs play an essential role in fundamental processes—in the growth of the body, in the development of the nervous system, in the orderly succession of physiological states resulting in reproduction, in the mobilizing of the forces of the organism for physical struggle, and in the rate and character of the chemical changes occurring in the metabolic overturn.
DETERMINANTS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE UNITED STATES: The Role of Foreign Direct Investment

Given the continuing growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States, there is a growing interest in examining its impact on the rate of economic growth. The immense literature on economic growth in the United States is composed of studies that concentrate on measuring the domestic variables that affect U.S. economic growth. However, the impact of foreign direct investment on the economic growth of the United States has not received the attention that is deserves. The purpose of this study is: (1) to examine the determinants of economic growth in the United States over time, and (2) to see if there is any time-series support for the FDI-led growth hypothesis in the United States. To achieve these goals the study uses a model that is based on the postulates of de Mello. Employing a 40-year period of annual data, the model is estimated by using the Beach Mackinnon technique which corrects for autocorrelation. The estimation results suggest the following conclusions: 1. The major determinants ...
Extraordinary transmission from high-gain nanoaperture antennas

a negative tone resist and concentric rings are defined using EBL. A 100-nm-thick Al film is then deposited on top of the HSQ and ITO, also using e-beam evaporation. Finally, the bowtie aperture is formed using focused ion beam milling. To investigate the performance of the antenna, we fabricated several similar structures with different grating periodicity. Prior to fabrication we used the frequency-domain finite-element method 14 to optimize the bowtie aperture dimensions along with the spacing and width of the rings of the grating. The antenna is illuminated with a normally incident plane wave. The width of the metal is taken as larger than the width of the slot in HSQ wn, with wn,e=wn +75 nm, with the profile shown in Fig. 1. The electrical permittivity of SiO2 and Al at =632.8 nm are taken to be =2.12 Ref. 15 and =56.1+j20.9, 16 respectively. The ITO film is modeled using =3.76+j0.04 17 . We choose r0 =387.5 nm and wn=200 nm except for the center post which is fixed at w 0 =100 nm see Fig. 1c. The outline dimension of the bowtie aperture is kept constant at a=b =350. The spot size is determined by the gap in the ridge aperture, g. Due to the current profile of the ion beam, there is a taper to the aperture gap which measures 80‐90 nm at
Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of NO2 Reactions on CaCO3 (101̅4) Surfaces in Humid Environments

In this study, alternating current (AC) mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with phase imaging and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate the effect of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) adsorption on calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (1014) surfaces at 296 K in the presence of relative humidity (RH). At 70% RH, CaCO3 (1014) surfaces undergo rapid formation of a metastable amorphous calcium carbonate layer, which in turn serves as a substrate for recrystallization of a nonhydrated calcite phase, presumably vaterite. The adsorption of nitrogen dioxide changes the surface properties of CaCO3 (1014) and the mechanism for formation of new phases. In particular, the first calcite nucleation layer serves as a source of material for further island growth; when it is depleted, there is no change in total volume of nitrocalcite, Ca(NO3)2, particles formed whereas the total number of particles decreases. This indicates that these particles are mobile and coalesce. Phase imaging combined with force c...
Enzyme design by chemical modification of protein scaffolds

Covalent modification methods allow an almost unlimited range of functionality to be introduced into proteins. In concert with genetic techniques, chemical strategies have had significant impact in the field of enzyme design. Major recent developments include introducing catalytic activity into inactive proteins, modifying the selectivity and/or reactivity of existing enzymes and designing novel enzyme-based biosensors. New chemical methods promise to further increase the range of functionality that can be incorporated into proteins. These results suggest that semi-synthetic methods will play a key role in the development of future biocatalysts.
X-ray Absorption Studies of Vanadium Valence and Local Environment in Borosilicate Waste Glasses

XANES and EXAFS data were collected and analyzed to characterize vanadium in borosilicate glasses used for immobilization of sulfur-containing nuclear wastes. Earlier studies suggested that adding vanadium to the melt improves sulfur solubility. Data are presented for a variety of borosilicate glasses, some containing sulfur and some sulfur-free, that have V2O5 concentrations as high as 12 wt%, and for crystalline vanadium sulfide, silicate, and oxide standards. The data for all glasses investigated indicate that most or all vanadium has a+5 valence and is tetrahedrally coordinated by oxygen atoms. Both XANES and EXAFS also show that glasses synthesized under reducing conditions can have pentacoordinated V+4 populations up to approximately 20 to 25% of all vanadium present with the remainder being V+5O4. There is no evidence from XANES or EXAFS of V-S bonds in any of the glasses investigated.
Effect of dermorphin and morphine on the sympathetic and cardiovascular system of the pithed rat.

Dermorphin is a recently discovered opioid peptide which is unique in having a D-amino acid in its sequence. Dermorphin binding sites have been shown in central and peripheral organs and central administered dermorphin produces profound autonomic responses. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of intravenous dermorphin on heart rate and blood pressure of the pithed rat in basal condition and in response to controlled sympathetic stimulation. Also, since dermorphin is a selective mu-receptor agonist, its effects were compared to morphine, an opiate selective for mu receptors. Dermorphin (0.0001-10 mumol/kg, i.v) or morphine (1-10 mg/kg) had no effect on basal heart rate or blood pressure and failed to modify sympatho-adreno-medullary evoked pressor and tachycardic responses. Furthermore, dermorphin or morphine did not affect the increase in plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine in response to spinal cord stimulation. It is concluded that the dermorphin and morphine have no direct peripheral effects on heart rate or blood vessel tone nor do these mu-receptor agonists have any effect on norepinephrine and epinephrine release from the sympathetic nerves and the adrenal medulla in the rat.
Impact of electronic data interchange technology on quality improvement and inventory reduction programs: A field study

Abstract Despite the impressive growth in the use of EDI technology by US manufacturing companies, there is a paucity of research examining the impacts of this technology on manufacturing performance. We systematically investigate the effects of routine and exception EDI transactions on the quality improvement and inventory reduction programs of 65 outside processors employed by LTV Steel, one of the major steel producers in the US. Our results provide evidence for the favorable impacts in firms using routine EDI transactions. Performance improves with higher quality and lower inventory. We also find quality improving with lower levels of inventory. The analysis supports the hypothesis that firms using routine EDI transactions achieve synchronized manufacturing for JIT environments, while those with EDI exception transactions are able to mitigate the negative impacts of process uncertainties as a result of timely information. Furthermore, the interactions between the quality improvement and inventory reduction programs magnify the beneficial impact of EDI transactions.