cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Nanopore Approach for Analysis of Caspase-7 Activity in Cell Lysates

Caspases are an important protease family that coordinate inflammation and programmed cell death. Two closely related caspases, caspase-3 and caspase-7, exhibit largely overlapping substrate specificities. Assessing their proteolytic activities individually has therefore proven extremely challenging. Here, we constructed an outer membrane protein G (OmpG) nanopore with a caspase substrate sequence DEVDG grafted into one of the OmpG loops. Cleavage of the substrate sequence in the nanopore by caspase-7 generated a characteristic signal in the current recording of the OmpG nanopore that allowed the determination of the activity of caspase-7 in Escherichia coli cell lysates. Our approach may provide a framework for the activity-based profiling of proteases that share highly similar substrate specificity spectrums.
Effect of delayed mating on reproductive performance of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae): Presentation

With the ban of methyl bromide and the many problems associated with the use of other synthetic chemicals, current research have focused on non-chemical alternatives and integrated pest management approach for the control of stored product insect pests. Mating disruption is one technique being investigated for its effect on stored product insects. In this study, we determined the effect of age at mating on the reproductive rate and longevity of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae). We disrupted the mating approach by delaying the insects from mating for different time periods in days. Same age virgin male and female cigarette beetles were paired to mate soon after emergence (0 d old), or delayed from mating for 1–14 d. In another experiment, we maintained the age of the male at 0 d old and varied the age of the female from 0– 14 d old and vice versa. Insects were observed daily for longevity and F1 progeny was recorded 7–10 weeks after mating pairs were put together. Progeny production generally decreased with age of adults at mating. The number of F1 progeny produced by same age adults varied from 10 per female to 59 per female. Similarly, the number of progeny decreased the longer one sex was delayed from mating. Findings from this study may provide information for the development of mating disruption techniques that can delay mating and may be effective in keeping populations of L. serricorne below levels that would warrant a control action.
"Healthy"/"Unhealthy" Food Brands Influence Health, Calorie, and Price Ratings of Food.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effect of healthy or unhealthy food brands on consumer ratings of a food's perceived healthfulness, caloric content, and estimated price. Methods Using a crossover design, 35 adults aged 18–25 years scored a variety of healthy and unhealthy foods paired with “healthy” or “unhealthy” brands or with no brand present, on their healthfulness, caloric content, and estimated price. For each outcome measure, ANOVA was used to evaluate the effect of brand condition on healthy and unhealthy foods. Results Pairing an unhealthy food with a “healthy brand” led to increased ratings of healthfulness (P Conclusions and Implications These findings extend previous research showing that brands may influence perceptions of food products. Future studies are needed to understand the implications of pairing healthy foods with “unhealthy brands” on actual food intake.
Juvenile xanthogranulomas: Examining single, multiple, and extracutaneous presentations.

Background Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis characterized by yellowish papules in the skin. JXGs most often occur in infancy or early childhood and are typically solitary and asymptomatic, often regressing after several years. While JXGs predominantly occur on the skin, extracutaneous JXGs also exist. Aims In this paper, we review the literature on single, multiple, and visceral JXGs and provide recommendations on monitoring and work-up. Materials & methods A literature review was conducted with the PubMed database using selective search terms for single, multiple, ocular, and visceral lesions as well as NF1/JMML. Results / discussion JXG is typically a self-limited disorder if lesions are cutaneous and singular. While rare, JXGs may manifest as multiple and extracutaneous lesions. Further screening and referral to specialists may be warranted in these cases based on age and extent of involvement. Conclusion Our review demonstrates common presentations of single, multiple, and extracutaneous lesions in addition to those that occur with NF1 and JMML. We suggest patients be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a dermatologist and referred to specialists as appropriate.
Maternal parenting styles and ecological momentary assessment of maternal feeding practices and child food intake across middle childhood to early adolescence

Background Maternal parenting styles are salient trait-based factors associated with pediatric obesity risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal associations of maternal parenting styles and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) measures of maternal feeding practices and child food intake across middle childhood to early adolescence. Methods Mother-child dyads (n = 186; M baseline child age = 10.03 ± 0.89) enrolled in a six-wave bi-annual longitudinal study. At baseline, mothers completed a self-report measure of parenting styles. At each of the six waves, mothers and children completed EMA prompts of parenting practices and food intake, respectively, for eight days. Results Children of mothers who reported a more permissive style consumed more pastries/sweets. Children of mothers who reported a more authoritative style decreased likelihood of pastry/sweets consumption with age, and children of mothers who reported a less authoritative style increased likelihood of pastry/sweets consumption with age. The likelihood of fruit/vegetable consumption decreased with age among children of mothers who reported a more authoritarian style, and the likelihood increased among children of mothers with a less authoritarian style. Mothers who either reported a more authoritarian style or a less authoritative style were more likely to report using food as a reward. Discussion Results highlight the importance of maternal parenting styles in relation to child food intake and instrumental feeding.
Enhancement of cell proliferation and motility of mammalian cells grown in co-culture with Pichia pastoris expressing recombinant human FGF-2

Many studies examining the biological function of recombinant proteins and their effects on the physiology of mammalian cells stipulate that the proteins be purified before being used as therapeutic agents. In this study, we explored the possibility of using unpurified recombinant proteins to treat mammalian cells. The recombinant protein was used directly from the expression source and the biological function was compared to purified commercially available, equivalent protein. The model for this purpose was recombinant FGF-2, expressed by Pichia pastoris, which was used to treat the murine fibroblast cell line, NIH/3T3. We generated a P. pastoris strain (yHL11) that constitutively secreted a biologically active recombinant FGF-2 protein containing an N-terminal c-myc epitope (Myc-FGF-2). Myc-FGF-2 was then used without purification either a) in the form of conditioned mammalian cell culture medium or b) during co-cultures of yHL11 with NIH/3T3 to induce higher proliferation and motility of NIH/3T3 cells. The effects of Myc-FGF-2 on cell physiology were comparable to commercially available FGF-2. To our knowledge, this is the first time the physiology of cultured mammalian cells had been successfully altered with a recombinant protein secreted by P. pastoris while the two species shared the same medium and culture conditions. Our data demonstrated the biological activity of unpurified recombinant FGF-2 on NIH/3T3 cells and provided a foundation for directly using unpurified recombinant proteins expressed by P. pastoris with mammalian cells, potentially as wound-healing therapeutics.
Twelve Angry (White) Men: The Constitutionality of the Statement of Principles

This paper analyzes the constitutionality of the Law Society of Ontario’s (now repealed) Statement of Principles requirement. First, this paper conducts a statutory analysis of the requirement. It explains how the requirement merely obligated that licensees acknowledge extant professional and human rights obligations, rather than creating novel obligations. Second, this paper conducts a theoretical analysis of the requirement. It applies a critical race theory lens to unveil the ways in which liberty claims relating to free speech obscured how significant resistance to the requirement’s modest obligation was galvanized by opposition to diversity and denial of systemic racism. Third, this paper conducts a constitutional analysis of the requirement. It explains why the requirement did not violate freedom of conscience or freedom of expression. In contrast with prior scholarship, this paper argues that the Statement of Principles requirement failed every stage of the legal test that designates state activity as compelled speech. Specifically, the requirement failed to compel an expression with non-trivial meaning (Step 1) and failed to control free expression in Canada, when such control is properly construed through a purposive rather than colloquial lens (Step 2). This paper concludes by noting how the requirement’s self-drafted structure provided an innovative opportunity for licensees to reflect on their perhaps unwitting participation in systemic racism.
Entanglement, Renormalization and Effective Field Theories

We develop the idea that renormalization, decoupling of heavy particle effects from low energy physics and the construction of effective field theories are intimately linked to the momentum space entanglement of disparate modes of an interacting quantum field theory. Using unitary transformations to decouple these modes at the perturbative level, we show in a scalar field theoretical model with light and heavy fields, how renormalization may be consistently implemented and how the low energy effective field theory can be constructed. We also obtain a renormalization group equation in this framework and apply it to the scalar field theoretical model.
Linear Equations Modulo 2 and the L1 Diameter of Convex Bodies

We design a randomized polynomial time algorithm which, given a 3-tensor of real numbers A={aijk}ij,k=1 n such that for all i,j,kisin{1,...,n} we have aijk=aikj=akji=ajik=akij=akji and aiik=aijj=aiji=0, computes a number Alg(A) which satisfies with probability at least 1/2, Omega(radic(logn/n))ldrmaxxisin{-1,1} n Sigmai,j,k=1 naijkxixjxklesAlg(A)lesmaxxisin{-1,1} n Sigmai,j,k=1 naijkxixjxk. On the other hand, we show via a simple reduction from a result of Hastad and Venkatesh that under the assumption NPnsubeDTIME(n(logn) O(1)),for every epsiv>0 there is no algorithm that approximates maxxisin{-1,1} n Sigmai,j,k=1 naijkxixjxk within a factor of 2(logn)t-epsiv in time 2(logn) O(1). Our algorithm is based on a reduction to the problem of computing the diameter of a convex body in Rn with respect to the L1 norm. We show that it is possible to do so up to a multiplicative error of O(radic(n/logn)), while no randomized polynomial time algorithm can achieve accuracy O(radic(n/logn)). This resolves a question posed by Brieden, Gritzmann, Kantian, Klee, Lovasz and Simonos. We apply our new algorithm improve the algorithm of Hastad and Venkatesh or the Max-E3-Lin-2 problem. Given an over-determined system epsiv of N linear equations modulo 2 in nlesN Boolean variables, such that in each equation appear only three distinct variables, the goal is to approximate in polynomial time the maximum number of satisfiable equations in epsiv minus N/2 (i.e. we subtract the expected number of satisfied equations in a random assignment). Hastad and Venkatesh obtained an algorithm which approximates this value up to a factor of O(radicN). We obtain a O(radic(n/logn)) approximation algorithm. By relating this problem to the refutation problem for random 3-CNF formulas we give evidence that obtaining a significant improvement over this approximation factor is likely to be difficult.
The Measurement of the Irregularity of Urbanized Areas

A measure of the irregularity of the boundaries of Urbanized Areas is presented. This irregularity is related to the extent of scattered development and urban sprawl. For all 486 Urbanized Areas in 2010, the index, ranging from 0 to 100, had a mean of 79 (very irregular) with the majority of areas clustering near this value. The distribution was skewed to the left with a smaller number of areas having index values approaching and even going below 50. Larger areas tended to have somewhat higher levels of irregularity. Urbanized Areas in the Northeast and South had the highest average irregularity while those in the West were lowest. For some large urban areas, the largest Urbanized Area does not encompass the full extent of what should be considered the urban area. A set of 59 large urban areas consisting of 1 or more Urbanized Areas is the focus of further analysis. The same patterns emerged with high irregularity, the distribution skewed toward the less irregular areas, and higher irregularity for areas in the Northeast and lower for those in the West. Irregularity increased with the land area of the urban area and was lower for areas growing more rapidly and for areas subject to barriers to the expansion of urban development. Population density was lower in more irregular areas and in a simple model, the irregularity index and population accounted for 2/3 of the variation in density.
Quantum Conditional Probabilities and New Measures of Quantum Information

We use a novel form of quantum conditional probability to define new measures of quantum information in a dynamical context. We explore relationships between our new quantities and standard measures of quantum information such as von Neumann entropy. These quantities allow us to find new proofs of some standard results in quantum information theory, such as the concavity of von Neumann entropy and Holevo's theorem. The existence of an underlying probability distribution helps to shed some light on the conceptual underpinnings of these results.
Photon Detection Experiments with Thinned CCDs

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the photon detection experiments with thinned CCDs. It describes results of a program to develop high speed photon noise limited astronomical imaging techniques using CCDs. CCD imaging in the direct optical input mode is quite useful, and has important applications in astronomy. In order to investigate CCD-Digicon photoelectron imaging characteristics without being subject to complications and expense due to phototube processing, a demountable Digicon system was utilized during the fall of 1977. The general CCD system that has been developed shows promise of being a powerful tool, particularly with the potential addition of fast external memory. The demountable Digicon tests have shown the viability of single photoelectron imaging with CCDs, and, along with the computer simulation studies mentioned in the chapter, provide valuable insights into the construction of future systems. The CCD/image tube system has also demonstrated single photon sensitivity and has shown that with care it can be a respectable high speed photon noise limited astronomical instrument.
Photosensitized reaction of polyribonucleotides

It had previously been shown that the primary effect of the photosensitized oxidation of DNA and RNA was the preferential destruction of the guanine residue. With synthetic polyribonucleotides, absorbance changes occur only in those polymers which contain guanine. The capacity of guanine-containing polyribonucleotides to direct either the incorporation of amino acids into polypeptides orthe specific binding of amino acyl S-RNA's to ribosomes is altered during irradiation. After irradiation of poly UG, the activities mediated in the amino acid-incorporating system by either a combination of guanine and uracil residues or by uracil residues alone are depressed, indicating that the destruction of a guanine residue affects the continuity of coding to the same extent. Irradiation of poly UG does not affect the binding of phenylalanyl S-RNA, but markedly inhibits the binding of valyl-S-RNA. The enzyme RNase T 1 which is specific for guanine residues cannot attack bonds in poly UG adjacent to the product(s) of photosensitization. Nor can the amino acid-incorporating system introduce any new amino acid after irradiation. Thus the products of photo-oxidation cannot be recognized by specific complementing sites, either on the enzyme or in the amino acid-incorporating system.
Khovanov Homology and Conway Mutation

We present an easy example of mutant links with different Khovanov homology. The existence of such an example is important because it shows that Khovanov homology cannot be defined with a skein rule similar to the skein relation for the Jones polynomial.
Selective separations by reactive ion exchange: Part 4. Preconcentration of cadmium and zinc by in situ precipitation as hexacyanoferrate(II) salts on gel and macroporous ion-exchange resins

Abstract The in situ precipitation of traces of cadmium(II) and zinc(II) ions as hexacyanoferrates from aqueous matrices was studied on conventional polystyrene gel and macroporous cation- and anion-exchange resins. Coprecipitation with each other or with copper(II) ions present in binary cation resins or in solution, and the influence of added nonprecipitating ions of the same charge type such as magnesium(II) were investigated. Microporous (gel) cation exchangers gave reasonable recoveries and macroporous cation exchangers gave very good recoveries; but macroporous anion exchangers performed best, suggesting macroporous hexacyanoferrate(II) resin as an ideal phase for collection/preconcentration of traces of Cu 2+ , Cd 2+ , Zn 2+ , and possibly Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Pb 2+ from waters. As expected, very low yields were obtained with conventional anion exchange resin in the hexacyanoferrate form. Uniform distribution of Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Cd 2+ over macroporous anion-exchange resin phases were established by means of electron probe scans and taken as evidence for the formation of a uniform, well-developed precipitate layer covering the entire resin particle surface.
Modeling multiple plant sourcing decisions

With the recent trend of company acquisitions and mergers, it is likely that the company that results from a merger will own multiple facilities with overlapping manufacturing capabilities. By shifting the production of parts to different plants, capacity can be better utilized, and the overall cost to the company can be reduced. This paper addresses the sourcing decisions of allocating parts to several internal facilities or to an external supplier. This multiple-plant sourcing problem (MPSP) is modeled as a multiple-choice multidimensional knapsack problem that considers the capacity of each facility and the costs associated with supplying a part at each facility and externally. We present results from an analysis of two-, three-, and four-facility MPSP models and find that the two-facility model is the most difficult to solve. Additionally, we model extensions that incorporate allocating a part to more than one facility with various inventory strategies, and consider how these extensions affect the sou...
Discovery of MK-1220: A Macrocyclic Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A Protease with Improved Preclinical Plasma Exposure

The discovery of MK-1220 is reported along with the development of a series of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors containing a P2 to P4 macrocyclic constraint with improved preclinical pharmacokinetics. Optimization of the P2 heterocycle substitution pattern as well as the P3 amino acid led to compounds with greatly improved plasma exposure following oral dosing in both rats and dogs while maintaining excellent enzyme potency and cellular activity. These studies led to the identification of MK-1220.
Platelet Adhesion to Native Type I Collagen Fibrils ROLE OF GPVI IN DIVALENT CATION-DEPENDENT AND -INDEPENDENT ADHESION AND THROMBOXANE A2 GENERATION

Abstract Three glycoproteins (GPs), namely GPIa-IIa, GPVI, and GPIV, have been recently implicated in platelet-collagen adhesive interactions. We have employed antibodies to these GPs to investigate further their role in platelet adhesion to immobilized monomeric and polymeric fibrillar collagen under static conditions in the presence and the absence of Mg2+. In the presence of Mg2+, each antibody inhibited platelet adhesion to fibrillar collagen from 70 to 85%, especially during the early phase (<15 min), but the inhibitory effects diminished dramatically to 25% or less by 60 min. Combination of anti-GPVI with anti-GPIa-IIa antibodies completely inhibited platelet adhesion at 60 min. Anti-GPIV and anti-GPIa-IIa or anti-GPVI antibodies in combinations were more effective in inhibiting adhesion than was anti-GPIa-IIa or anti-GPVI alone. In the absence of Mg2+, anti-GPVI completely inhibited adhesion at 60 min, while anti-GPIV antibody inhibited adhesion by about 50% and minimal effects were seen with anti-GPIa-IIa, suggesting that GPIa-IIa does not play a significant role in the divalent cation-independent platelet adhesion to immobilized fibrillar collagen. Under either divalent cation-dependent or -independent conditions, platelets adhered to fibrillar collagen were able to secrete contents of both α-granules and dense granules and generate thromboxane A2(TXA2), but platelets adhering to acid soluble monomeric collagen neither secreted their granular contents nor generated TXA2. Although anti-GPVI antibodies were not able to inhibit Mg2+-dependent adhesion, they completely inhibited TXA2 generation under both divalent cation-dependent and -independent conditions. With the other antibodies, TXA2 generation corresponded with the amount of adhesion observed. These results suggest that GPVI is directly associated with the TXA2 generating system during platelet-collagen interaction.
PhotoNet+: outlier-resilient coverage maximization in visual sensing applications

This demonstration illustrates a service for collection and delivery of images, in participatory camera networks, to maximize coverage while removing outliers (i.e., irrelevant images). Images, such as those taken by smart-phone users, represent an important and growing modality in social sensing applications. They can be used, for instance, to document occurrences of interest in participatory sensing campaigns, such as instances of graffiti on campus or invasive species in a park. In applications with a significant number of participants, the number of images collected may be very large. A key problem becomes one of data triage to reduce the number of images delivered to a manageable count, without missing important ones. In prior work, the authors presented a service, called PhotoNet [2], that reduces redundancy among delivered images by maximizing diversity. The current work significantly extends our previous effort by recognizing that diversity maximization often leads to selection of outliers; images that are visually different but not necessarily relevant, which in fact reduces the quality of the delivered image pool. We demonstrate a new prioritization technique that maximizes diversity among delivered pictures, while also reducing outliers.
561 DIETARY CALCIUM AND BLOOD LEAD IN 3513 ONE TO ELEVEN YEAR OLD BLACK AND WHITE CHILDREN: THE NHANES II STUDY

Whether, and to what degree, dietary calcium is inversely associated with blood lead levels was examined in 3,513 one to eleven year old black and white children from the NHANES II survey. The data analysis took into account the sampling weights and the stratified design of the NHANES II survey. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in black than in white children, while in contrast, white children had significantly higher dietary calcium intake. In a multiple regression analysis, race (black) and sex (male) were positively associated with blood lead - (p<0.0001 for both). The lower the family income and the more urban the family residence, the higher blood levels were (p<.0001, <.02). Height was Inversely associated with blood lead (p<0.0001); dietary calcium intake was significantly and inversely associated with blood lead (p=0.025). Given the relative imprecision of the 24-hour dietary recall as a tool to quantitate calcium intake, and the relative precision of the other explanatory variables for blood lead including race, sex, poverty class, urban class and height, the finding that dietary calcium was significantly inversely associated with blood lead levels was all the more marked. The most direct strategy for prevention of childhood lead poisoning involves primary prevention to reduce exposure. However, increasing calcium intake might have value in secondary prevention of relative and absolute lead intoxication, particularly in low income black and white urban dwellers.
Database for sensorineural hearing loss

We are creating a bank of EBV immortalized lymphoblast cells and extracted DNA taken from the blood of deaf children and their relatives, in order to study the molecular basis of hereditary deafness. We have established a corresponding database for sensorineural hearing loss that records clinical data for each entered specimen. The purpose of this paper is to present the content and design of the computerized relational database. The data model is designed first to identify known etiologies of deafness, either acquired or syndromic, and then to characterize the clinical features of the deaf individual, and both their affected and non-affected family members. The application operates in a graphical environment of visual prompts and message panels. The database is organized by sections which record demographic data, presenting complaints, otologic history, birth and perinatal history, developmental history, symptoms of chronic airway obstruction, family history, neurologic history, congenital infections, hospitalizations and surgical history, medication history, vestibular findings, audiometry, radiology, medical conditions and syndromes and physical examination. The database was developed on a commercially available software product. Our database is presented as a model for use by other clinicians and investigators.
Analysis of metal-matrix composite structures—II. Laminate analyses

Abstract Effective lamina and laminate constitutive relations based on the Aboudi micromechanics theory were presented in Part I of this paper. In this part the laminate constitutive relations are incorporated into a first-order shear deformation plate theory. The resulting boundary value problem is solved by utilizing the finite element method. Computational aspects of the numerical solution, such as the temporal integration of the inelastic strains and the spatial integration of bending moments are also addressed. Numerical results of the nonlinear response of metal matrix composites subjected to extensional and bending loads are presented. Experimental data from available literature are in good agreement with the numerical results.
Behavioral and physiological effects of cocaine in humans following triazolam.

Abstract Rationale: Cocaine abuse represents a significant public health problem. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists may attenuate the behavioral effects of cocaine and may be effective pharmacotherapies for cocaine abuse and dependence. Objectives: The aim of this experiment was to determine the combined effects of oral cocaine (0 and 300 mg) and triazolam (0 and 0.5 mg), a GABAA modulator, in 10 individuals with recent histories of cocaine use. Methods: Volunteers received each of the four possible drug combinations in mixed order. Drug effects were assessed using a battery of subject-rated drug-effect questionnaires and physiological indices. Results: Cocaine alone produced prototypical stimulant-like subject-rated drug effects (e.g., increased ratings of High, Like Drug, and Willing to Take Drug Again). Triazolam alone produced sedative-like effects (e.g., increased scores on the Pentobarbital, Chlorpromazine, Alcohol Group [PCAG] scale of the Addiction Research Center Inventory [ARCI]). Triazolam pretreatment did not significantly attenuate the subject-rated effects of cocaine. Conclusions: While the results of this study do not support the utility of GABAA modulators as pharmacotherapies for cocaine abuse, future research should test other benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam) using more sophisticated methods (e.g., dose–response curves for the drugs alone and in combination) and behavioral arrangements (e.g., drug discrimination).
Trace Elements in Coalbed Methane Produced Water Interacting with Semi-Arid Ephemeral Stream Channels

The objective of this study was to examine the chemistry of trace elements in coalbed methane (CBM) discharge water reacting with semi-arid ephemeral stream channels in Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The study area consisted of two ephemeral streams, Burger Draw and Sue Draw. These streams are tributaries to the perennial Powder River, Wyoming. Samples were collected bimonthly from three CBM discharge points and seven channel locations in Burger Draw and Sue Draw. Samples were also collected bimonthly from the Powder River above and below the confluence of Burger Draw. Before sample collection, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and turbidity were measured in the field. Samples were transported to the laboratory and analyzed for dissolved trace elements including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and fluoride (F). Results suggest pH of discharge water was 7.1 and increased significantly in the downstream channel of Burger Draw to 8.84 before joined with the Powder River. Temperature of CBM produced water at discharge points ranged between 20.3 and 22.7 ∘C. Before discharge, DO concentrations of CBM produced water were between 1.42 and 1.5 mg/L. No significant differences in temperature, DO, and turbidity were found between Burger Draw flow and Powder River flow. However, significant differences were found within the sampling period in temperature and turbidity in flow of Burger Draw. The temperature, DO, and turbidity were all significantly different in Powder River within the sampling period. The CBM discharge water consisted of higher concentrations of F, Fe and B compared to other components. Significant changes were observed for Fe, Mn, and As; and seasonally for B. Dissolved Fe and Mn decreased, while As and Se increased in downstream channel flow. These findings will be useful in proper management of CBM produced water in semi-arid environments.
A formulation of the finite element method by domain decomposition

Abstract With the advent of the high-speed multiprocessor computer, domain decomposition has become perhaps the major concept for dealing with large-scale problems and parallel computing. This paper presents a framework based upon domain decomposition for the finite element method. An innovative mathematical foundation for manipulating a procedure of domain decomposition and a new feature of the finite element method are developed. Examples are included.
Fixation of osteochondritis dissecans lesions using poly(l-lactic acid)/ poly(glycolic acid) copolymer bioabsorbable screws.

BackgroundMany osteochondritis dissecans lesion fixation techniques are effective. A new absorbable copolymer screw maybe suitable for this application.PurposeTo characterize the mechanical and in vitro absorption properties of a copolymer fixation screw and determine theclinical efficacy of using the screw to fix osteochondritis dissecans lesions.Study DesignCase series and laboratory study; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsSeven patients diagnosed with unstable, partially open osteochondritis dissecans lesions were treated withdebridement of the bed and fixation with 2.5-mm diameter screws made of Lacto Sorb copolymer; the patients were nonweightbearingfor 6 weeks. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was for 25 to 37 months. Biomechanical testing was performed in syntheticbone over a 12-week period on buffer-incubated specimens.ResultsSix of the 7 osteochondritis dissecans lesions healed clinically and radiographically; the osteochondritis dissecansfragment was removed from the seventh patient (unhealed). No...
An algorithm for computer simulation of undulators and wigglers

Abstract An algorithm for generating ray ensembles that simulate synchrotron radiation from magnetic insertion devices is described. The ray ensembles include polarization properties of emitted radiation and take into account the beam emittance parameters. The algorithm is applicable to a large class of magnetic insertion devices that meet general symmetry conditions. The general algorithm is supported by both formal derivation and comparison of computational results with published data. Questions of programming and computational economy are addressed and the essential similarities and differences with alternate studies are identified.
Bank runs, the deposit-currency ratio and the interest rate

Abstract This paper provides a model of an economy with a banking system which is subject to bank runs. The model is then used to explain the rise in short-term interest rates during bank runs and the fall in the deposit-currency ratio in anticipation of possible runs.
Considering “The Professional” in Communication Studies: Implications for Theory and Research Within and Beyond the Boundaries of Organizational Communication

This essay positions contemporary “professionalism” as a contested term and a nexus of important theoretical and practical concerns for communication scholars, including, for example, those engaged in the empirical, interpretive, and critical examinations of culture and the self. We advance communication-based understandings of the meanings and practices of professionalism as a complement to the predominantly sociological conceptions of the rise and place of the professional in modern industrialized societies. We are deliberately playful with the term professionalism in demonstrating the power of its ambiguity for reflecting, shaping, and indexing particular kinds of social relations and expectations for them. Part of our argument concerns the complex interplay of symbolism and materiality in the domains of interaction and artifacts surrounding “the professional,” and especially its embodiment in work and other settings. This brings us directly to an examination of the “intersectionality” of aspects of difference in the world of the professional (and by implication, the nonprofessional), including race, gender, and class, and to observe a broad-based cultural dialectic of the civilized and the primitive. Finally, we briefly consider extensions as relevant to domains of communication studies beyond the accustomed domain of organizational communication.
Dissolved organic carbon cycling in a subtropical seagrass-dominated lagoon

The cycling of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its significance to ecosystem metabolism was studied over a 16 mo period in a Thalassia testudinum dominated meadow. The benthos was usually net autotrophic (annual gross primary production to respiration ratio [P:R] = 1.3) while water column respiration (R) exceeded gross primary production (annual P:R = 0.3). Net fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the benthos primarily occurred in the light (0 to 18 mmol C m -2 d -1 ) and from seagrass-dominated areas, suggesting that release of DOC was mainly due to seagrass exudation. Net benthic DOC fluxes measured in the light were significantly correlated (p 50 %) of the DOC released from the benthos on a daily basis. Annual estimates of bacterioplankton C demand, based on water column R (∼8 mol C m -2 yr -1 ), represented >50% of the benthic NPP (∼14 mol C m -2 yr -1 ) These measurements indicate a stronger linkage between benthic and water column processes than previously believed, and it appears that water column heterotrophic processes are largely dependent upon seagrass exudation.
Comparison of behavioral effects of cathinone, amphetamine and apomorphine

Rats were trained to discriminate between the stimulus properties of 0.6 mg/kg ±-cathinone and its vehicle in a two-lever, food-motivated operant task. Once trained, rats showed a dose-related decrease in discriminative performance with lower cathinone doses and analysis of the dose-response curve indicated an ED50 of 0.24 mg/kg. Administration of 0.2–0.8 mg/kg d-amphetamine produced a pattern of responding similar to that observed with cathinone. The dose-response curve after d-amphetamine was shown to be parallel to that of cathinone and the ED50 generated was 0.21 mg/kg. Thus, cathinone was equi-potent to d-amphetamine in this behavioral paradigm. In contrast, administration of 0.16–0.32 mg/kg apomorphine produced intermediate results. The results suggest a common site and/or mechanism for action of ±-cathinone and d-amphetamine.
Mathematical Problem-Solving Performance of Eighth-Grade Programmers and Nonprogrammers.

The mathematical problem-solving processes used by 27 eighth graders who had studied BASIC programming for a semester were compared to those of 27 who had not. The programmers used more systematic approaches and reviewed their solutions more often than the nonprogrammers but did not make more use of equations or do more planning. Further, the groups did not differ in the number of correct answers to a set of five process problems or two written problem-solving tests.
Case-Control Differences in the Reliability of Reporting a History of Induced Abortion

The authors investigated the possibility that, in interview-based case-control studies, controls are more likely than cases to underreport a history of induced abortion. A case-control study was conducted in White women under 45 years of age who had given birth in Washington State during 1984-1994. The cases were women in three metropolitan counties of Washington State diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during 1984-1994; controls were selected through random digit dialing. A history of induced abortion among study participants was compared between interview data and information collected on the birth record of the last child to whom they gave birth (225 cases, 303 controls). Among women with a prior induced abortion recorded on the birth record, 14.0% of the 43 cases and 14.9% of the 47 controls did not report an induced abortion at interview (difference = -0.9%, 95% confidence interval of the difference: -15, 14). The authors' data do not suggest that controls are more reluctant to report a history of induced abortion than are women with breast cancer.
The control ot errors in infrared spectrophotometry—I the reduction of finite slit distortion by the method of ``pseudo-deconvolution''

Abstract Mathematical techniques for correcting spectra for the distortion resulting from the use of finite slit widths are discussed. Such methods have long been known, but have not hitherto been applied to sections of infrared band envelopes containing numerous overlapping bands. The availability of infrared spectrophotometers with digitized tape output justifies the re-examination of this problem. A computer-aided technique is described which eliminates much of the finite slit distortion from infrared spectra of condensed phase systems. The method works best for band systems with peak absorbances in the range 0.2–0.9 and slit width to half-band width ratios below 0.35. It will operate on extended ranges of the spectra with no limit to the total wavenumber span. The spectrometer is run at a normal scanning rate for a high-resolution grating spectrophotometer and a normal signal to noise ratio. Using a medium-sized computer the computing time is small and the operating time is largely controlled by the rate of data input and output. The corrected spectrum is presented as a conventional chart on an analog plotter in a format suitable for publication; typewriter listings of the corrected positions and intensities of the maxima are provided, as well as a tape record of the complete output data. The method is illustrated by its application to the spectrum of a steroid in carbon disulfide solution measured at nominal spectral slit widths of 3.0 and 1.5 cm −1 ; the gain in resolution is comparable with that obtained by halving the spectral slit width, without the corresponding fourfold diminution in the signal to noise ratio.
Assessment of functional status, low back disability, and use of diagnostic imaging in patients with low back pain and radiating leg pain

We analyzed data from outpatients with chronic low back pain (LBP) in the Veterans Health Study (n = 563) to examine the relationship between localized LBP intensity and radiating leg pain in assessing patient functional status, low back disability, and use of diagnostic imaging. Based on the localized LBP intensity, the study subjects were divided into tertiles (low, moderate, and high intensity). The study subjects were also stratified by the extent of radiating leg pain. Using analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis, we compared the relative importance of localized LBP intensity and radiating leg pain in explaining the variability in the means of the SF-36 scales and low back disability days, and in the proportion of patients who had used diagnostic imaging. The results of the study indicate that measures of localized LBP intensity and radiating leg pain contribute separately to the assessment of patient functional status, low back disability, and use of diagnostic imaging. These results suggest that localized LBP intensity and radiating leg pain may represent two different approaches in assessing back pain severity. Future epidemiological and health services research should consider both measures in assessing the impact of LBP on patient functional status, low back disability, and use of diagnostic imaging.
Spectroscopic and X-ray Diffraction Data on Three Novel Trimetallic Clusters from Thermally Promoted Ligand Substitution in the Tetrahedrane Clusters MeCCo2MoCp(CO)8 and PhCCo2Mo(η5-C5H4CHO)(CO)8

The reaction between the ethylidyne-substituted cluster MeCCo2MoCp(CO)8 (1) and the diphosphine ligand 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)maleic anhydride (bma) in refluxing CH2Cl2 has been investigated and found to afford the new mixed-metal clusters MeCCo2MoCp(CO)6[trans-2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)succinic anhydride] (2) and Co2MoCp(CO)5[μ-C(Me)C=C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)](μ-PPh2) (3), with the latter cluster representing the principal reaction product. Refluxing 1 with bma in either 1,2-dichloroethane or toluene yields only 3. The tetrahedrane cluster PhCCo2Mo(η5-C5H4CHO)(CO)8 (4), which contains a formyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ring, has also been examined with added bma in refluxing CH2Cl2 and found to give only Co2Mo(η5-C5H4CHO)(CO)5[μ-C(Ph)C=C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)](μ-PPh2) (5). All three products have been isolated and characterized spectroscopically in solution, and each molecular structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Cluster 2 contains a bridging diphosphine ligand with a succinic anhydride ring that results from the formal reduction of the maleic anhydride platform of the bma ligand, while clusters 3 and 5 each exhibit triangular Co2Mo cores, whose one face is capped by a 6e- C(R)C=C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O) [where R = Me (3), Ph (5)] ligand. The observed substitution products are discussed as a function of the capping carbyne group, ancillary polyene ligand, and related derivatives prepared by our groups. Thermolysis of the mixed-metal cluster MeCCo2MoCp(CO)8 (1) with bma in CH2Cl2 furnishes the new clusters MeCCo2MoCp(CO)6[trans-2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)succinic anhydride] (2) and Co2MoCp(CO)5[μ-C(Me)C=C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)](μ-PPh2) (3) as the minor and major products, respectively. The reaction between bma and the related benzylidyne-capped cluster PhCCo2Mo(η5-C5H4CHO)(CO)8 (4), which contains a formyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ring, has also been examined and found to afford only Co2Mo(η5-C5H4CHO)(CO)5[μ-C(Ph)C=C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)](μ-PPh2) (5) in moderate yield.
Minimax estimators that shift towards a hypersphere for location vectors of spherically symmetric distributions

Abstract Let X be a p -dimensional random vector with density f (‖ X − θ ‖) where θ is an unknown location vector. For p ≥ 3, conditions on f are given for which there exist minimax estimators θ( X ) satisfying ‖ Xt ‖ · ‖θ( X ) − X ‖ ≤ C , where C is a known constant depending on f . (The positive part estimator is among them.) The loss function is a nondecreasing concave function of ‖θ− θ‖ 2 . If θ is assumed likely to lie in a ball in R p , then minimax estimators are given which shrink from the observation X outside the ball in the direction of P ( X ) the closest point on the surface of the ball. The amount of shrinkage depends on the distance of X from the ball.
Exposure to parasites increases promiscuity in a freshwater snail

Under the Red Queen hypothesis, outcrossing can produce genetically variable progeny, which may be more resistant, on average, to locally adapted parasites. Mating with multiple partners may enhance this resistance by further increasing the genetic variation among offspring. We exposed Potamopyrgus antipodarum to the eggs of a sterilizing, trematode parasite and tested whether this altered mating behaviour. We found that exposure to parasites increased the number of snail mating pairs and the total number of different mating partners for both males and females. Thus, our results suggest that, in host populations under parasite-mediated selection, exposure to infective propagules increases the rate of mating and the number of mates.
Explanation of light induced ESR in a-Si:H; dangling bonds with a positive correlation energy☆

Abstract Light induced ESR (LESR) and photoluminescence measurements on doped and undoped a-Si:H are presented. From the temperature dependences it is shown that the same excited states are observed in both experiments. This result allows us to identify the origin of three LESR bands, and two luminescence transitions. From the data we also deduce that the primary defects in a-Si:H are dangling bonds with a positive correlation energy.
Analysis of the acute circulatory effects of guanethidine and bretylium.

The acute effects of guanethidine and bretylium on myocardial contractile force, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac out put were studied in normal dogs and cardiac denervated, myocardial catecholamine-depleted dogs. Right ventricular contractile force was measured by means of a Walton-Brodie strain-gauge arch. Cardiac output was measured by the dye-dilution technique. In normal dogs, guanethidine produced marked increases of myocardial contractile force, heart rate, cardiac output, and arterial pressure. In the cardiac-denervated dogs. guanethidine produced a small decrease in myocardial contractile force and a small increase in heart rate ; the cardiac output and pressor responses were also markedly reduced. Thus, it appears that sudden release of myocardial eateeholamines is largely responsible for the acute circulatory effects of guanethidine. In normal dogs, bretylium increased myoeardial contractile force, heart rate, cardiac output, and arterial pressure. In cardiac denervated dogs, the increase in contractile force produced by bretylium was essentially unchanged from the normal, but the heart rate was decreased, and the cardiac output response appeared slightly reduced. These data suggest that myocard ial catecholamine release plays a limited but definite role in the acute circulatory effects of bretylium. The negative inotropic effect of guanethidine and the negative chronotropic effect of bretylium in the denervated. amine-depleted heart suggest that these responses are direct effects of these drugs which are manifest only in the amine-depleted heart.