cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic profiling of opioid peptides in canine pituitary and selected brain regions using HPLC with a radioreceptor assay detector.

A combination of gradient reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP/HPLC) with a radioreceptor assay detector that uses two ligands is used to obtain effectively the metabolic profile of endogenous receptoractive opioid peptides in the canine pituitary and in seven selected brain regions including the hypothalamus, caudate nucleus, mid-brain, amygdala, thalamus, pons-medulla, and the hippocampus. Gradient RP/HPLC separates a mixture of endogenous peptides over a wide range of hydrophobicities. A novel opioid preparation from canine limbic system synaptosomes is utilized in a radioreceptorassay screen; tritiated etorphine (ET) or D-2ala, D-5leu-leucine enkephalin (DADL) is used as the competitively displaced ligand. This receptor-rich preparation contains several receptor types, and thus serves well as a screen with the required low level of specificity. Subsequent analysis with other detectors of high specificity (MS, RIA) will follow this screen in other studies. Etorphine interacts with several of the opioid peptide-preferring receptors, whereas DADL is more specific towards the delta receptor that preferentially binds the smaller pentapeptides of the enkephalin family. The highest amount of peptide receptor activity found in this study is in the pituitary tissue, a smaller amount in the hypothalamus and caudate nucleus, and still lower amounts in the other five brain tissue extracts. This variation in peptide concentration most probably reflects three separate factors that operate in this biologic system: differential tissue-specific processing patterns of the large peptide precursors; distribution of the three opioid peptide systems; and the receptor preparation and the radioligand used in the assay. The structures of the receptoractive compounds in each RP/HPLC peak await mass spectrometric confirmation.
Genome-wide association of 10 horticultural traits with expressed sequence tag-derived SNP markers in a collection of lettuce lines

Abstract Genetic diversity, population structure, and genome-wide marker-trait association analyses were conducted on a special collection of 298 homozygous lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) lines. Each of these lines was derived from a single plant that had been genotyped with 384 SNP markers using LSGermOPA. They included 122 butterhead, 53 romaine, 63 crisphead, 53 leaf and 7 stem types. Genetic diversity among these plants was assessed by pairwise comparison based on 322 high-quality SNP markers selected from 384 SNPs. Only 258 unique genotypes were identified among the 298 lines because 26 pairs or small groups (a total of 66 lines) shared identical genotypes. The average genetic similarity coefficient (GS) among these unique genotypes was 63.9% with a range of 40.6% to 99.8%. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the genotypic data. The most likely number of populations was estimated to be two or six. Association analysis between the 322 SNP markers and 10 phenotypic traits using the 258 homozygous lines was performed by three different methods: single factor analysis, general linear model analysis, and mixed linear model analysis. Nine significant marker-trait associations (SMTAs) were detected at P
A single-bead decode strategy using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and a new photolabile linker: 3-Amino-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propionic acid

A new linker that employs a photosensitive 3-amino-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propionyl functionality (ANP-resin) has been developed for the preparation of C-terminal carboxamides. A wide range of carboxamides were prepared and identified using the ANP-resin and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. A single bead containing tripeptide Fmoc-Asp-Arg(Tos)-Val-NH2 was isolated, photocleaved and the peptide was characterized by tandem mass spectrometry, thereby verifying a library decode strategy that avoids complex tagging procedures.
Difficult treatment issues in sarcoidosis

The management of sarcoidosis includes several crucial decisions. Not all patients with sarcoidosis need treatment. At least a third of patients will never be treated. It is unclear whether asymptomatic patients ever need therapy, even if they have extensive lung disease. One reason that clinicians are reluctant to start therapy is that many patients who are started on corticosteroids have a difficult time getting off therapy, even after 2 years. In the chronic patient, alternatives to corticosteroids have been developed. These include drugs such as methotrexate, azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine. These agents have been the standard second line of therapy for patients with chronic disease. However, these drugs do not always work. In addition, they are associated with their own toxicities. Another group of sarcoidosis patients have also emerged. These are the refractory patients, who have progressive disease whilst on therapy. For these patients, new agents such as thalidomide and the monoclonal antibodies to tumour necrosis factor have been occasionally helpful. This paper reviews several important issues in the management of sarcoidosis.
Enhancement of angiogenesis by bFGF in mandibular bone graft healing in the rabbit

The effectiveness of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as an in vivo angiogenic factor was evaluated in autogeneic bone grafts to the rabbit mandible. Block cortical grafts harvested from the ilium were implanted into sites in the mandibular ramus or body. The basic fibroblast growth factor was continuously introduced over a period of 14 days through subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Increased vascularity, as assessed by vessel number and depth of penetration into the grafts, was noted at 10 days postoperatively in the bFGF stimulated side as compared to contralateral control grafts. At the fourteenth postoperative day, bFGF administration was discontinued and a decrease in angiogenesis was noted over the ensuing 2 weeks so that after 1 postoperative month, little difference could be detected between the stimulated and nonstimulated grafts. Assessment of osseous healing at the 1 month postoperative interval using triple fluorochrome labeling did not reveal evidence of accelerated osteogenesis on the previously stimulated side.
Defining population problems: Using topic models for cross-national comparison of disciplinary development

Abstract The content of academic journals provides insight into disciplinary boundaries and priorities. This paper uses correlated topic modeling (CTM), an innovative approach to textual analysis, for a cross-national comparison of the development of research agendas in the discipline of demography. Using articles from leading demographic journals from 1946 to 2005, CTM shows how the set of concepts relevant to the study of fertility was defined differently in France and Great Britain. Results indicate that demographic research agendas reflected both cultural and institutional differences that shaped different understandings of fertility decline. While British demography focused on high-fertility contexts, French demography focused on lower-fertility contexts. This difference reflects national intellectual traditions shaped by larger cultural discourses: the dominance of demographic transition theory and fears of overpopulation in Britain versus the co-existence in France of a second salient model, a theory of demographic “revolution” with sustained low fertility leading to depopulation. Relationships between expert concerns and broader public concerns are then examined in the British case by comparing journal publications to mass-media coverage of fertility and population issues. This comparison shows that British academic demography passed over some policy-relevant population issues, such as discussions of immigrant fertility, that were featured in the popular press.
Optimization of cellobiose dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase production by cellulose-degrading cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The effect of succinate, acetate, and phosphate on the production of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH), cellobiose: quinone oxidoreductase (CBQase), β-glucosidase, and protease by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in media containing cotton linters, filterpaper, microcrystalline cellulose, or acid-treated cellulose was investigated. The succinate medium,with an initial pH of 4.5 and with cotton linters as the cellulose source, has been demonstrated to yield the highest levels of CDH (141 U/l) and β-glucosidase (237 U/l), and the lowest levels of CBQase (53 U/l). The optimized culture conditions identified here permit isolation of milligram quantities of CDH and β-glucosidase from P. chrysosporium.
Synthesis of aromatic amines using allyl azide

Abstract Aromatic amines are conveniently prepared in good yields by reaction of aromatic Grignard and lithium reagents with allyl azide, followed by hydrolysis.
Costs of coloniality and the effect of colony size on reproductive success in purple martins

We measured how fighting, mate-guarding, ectoparasitism, and annual reproductive success varied with colony size in Purple Martins (Progne subis) in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, in 1997. Fights bird -1 hr -1 changed significantly with colony size, peaking in intermediate-sized colonies. Intensity of mate-guarding by males increased significantly with colony size. Ectoparasitism of nestlings by the martin mite (Dermanyssus prognephilus) increased significantly with colony size, but nestling body mass declined with mite load only for broods of six nestlings. Reproductive success did not vary significantly with colony size. Purple Martin colonies probably do not routinely reach large enough sizes for the costs of fighting or ectoparasitism to be important. These birds apparently do not experience direct benefits of coloniality, and groups likely form in response to limited nesting sites. The pattern in reproductive success suggests that Purple Martin colonies represent ideal free distributions of birds with respect to resource availability in each habitat patch, and mean fitness of birds in different patches is similar.
Differential sensitivity of DNA replication and repair in permeable Escherichia coli exposed to various monofunctional methylating or ethylating agents.

Escherichia coli cells made permeable to deoxynucleoside triphosphates by brief treatment with toluene (permeablized) were used to measure the effect of the following chemical alkylating agents on either DNA replication or DNA repair synthesis: methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and N-ethyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (ENNG). Replication of DNA in this pseudo-in vivo system was completely inhibited 10–15 min after exposure to MMS at concentrations of 5 mM or higher or to MNU or MNNG at concentrations of 1 mM or higher. The ethyl derivatives of the alkylating agents were less inhibitory than their corresponding methyl derivatives, and inhibition of DNA replication occurred in the following order: EMS < ENNG < ENU. Maximum inhibition of DNA replication by all of the alkylating agents tested except EMS occurred at a concentration of 20 mM or lower. The extent of replication in cells exposed to EMS continued to decrease with concentrations of EMS up to 100 mM (the highest concentration tested). The experiments in which the inhibition of DNA replication by MMS, MNU, or MNNG was measured were repeated under similar assay conditions except that a density label was included and the DNA was banded in CsCl gradients. The bulk of the newly synthesized DNA from the untreated cells was found to be of the replicative (semi-conservative) type. The amount of replicative DNA decreased with increasing concentration of methylating agent in a manner similar to that observed in the incorporation experiments. Polymerase I (Pol I)-directed DNA repair synthesis induced by X-irradiation of permeablized cells was assayed under conditions that blocked the activity of DNA polymerases II and III. Exposure of cells to MNNG or ENNG at a concentration of 20 mM resulted in reductions in Pol I activity of 40 and 30%, respectively, compared with untreated controls. ENU was slightly inhibitory to Pol I activity, while MMS, EMS, and MNU all caused some enhancement of Pol I activity. These data show that DNA replication in a pseudo-in vivo bacterial system is particularly sensitive to the actions of known chemical mutagens, whereas DNA repair carried out by the Pol I repair enzyme is much less sensitive and in some cases apparently unaffected by such treatment. Possible mechanisms for this differential effect on DNA metabolism and its correlation with current theories of chemically induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis are discussed.
The complex of xylan and iodine: the induction and detection of nanoscale order

The complex of xylan and iodine and its formation in a solution of xylan, CaCl2, and I2+KI was investigated by UV/Vis, second-derivative UV/Vis, and Raman spectroscopy. The complex forms only at very high concentrations of CaCl2, suggesting that when the water available in the solution is not sufficient to fully hydrate the calcium cation the chelation with the hydroxyl groups of the xylan can occur. The electronic spectra indicate that iodine is present in the form of three linear polyiodides I9(3-), I11(3-), and I13(3-) structures, which the Raman spectra show to be linear aggregates of the I3- and I5- substructures. Iodide concentration has a significant influence on the relative population of I9(3-), I11(3-), and I13(3-), as well as I3- and I5-, which lead to changes in both the UV/Vis absorption maxima shifts and changes in the Raman spectra. The key difference between this system of complexes with the linear polyiodide aggregates and that of amylose is that the longest aggregate observed with the amylose system, the I15(3-) polyanion, is not observed with the xylans. This indicates that the ordered arrays in the xylan-iodine complex do not exceed 4 nm in length. It is not possible to conclude at this time whether the ordered segment of the xylan molecule is linear or helical. If it is linear the length of the longest ordered arrays would be eight xylose residues. The number would exceed eight if the xylan molecule were helically wound.
Measurement of linear stark interference in 199Hg.

We present measurements of Stark interference in the $6^{1}S_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6^{3}P_{1}$ transition in $^{199}\mathrm{Hg}$, a process whereby a static electric field $E$ mixes magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole couplings into an electric dipole transition, leading to $E$-linear energy shifts similar to those produced by a permanent atomic electric dipole moment (EDM). The measured interference amplitude, ${a}_{\mathrm{SI}}=({a}_{M1}+{a}_{E2})=(5.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}\text{ }\text{ }(\mathrm{kV}/\mathrm{cm}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, agrees with relativistic, many-body predictions and confirms that earlier central-field estimates are a factor of 10 too large. More importantly, this study validates the capability of the $^{199}\mathrm{Hg}$ EDM search apparatus to resolve nontrivial, controlled, and sub-nHz Larmor frequency shifts with EDM-like characteristics.
Seasonal change in precipitation, snowpack, snowmelt, soil water and streamwater chemistry, northern Michigan

We have studied weekly precipitation, snowpack, snowmelt, soil water and streamwater chemistry throughout winter for over a decade in a small (176 ha) northern Michigan watershed with high snowfall and vegetated by 60 to 80 year-old northern hardwoods. In this paper, we examine physical, chemical, and biological processes responsible for observed seasonal change in streamwater chemistry based upon intensive study during winter 1996-1997. The objective was to define the contributions made to winter and spring streamwater chemical concentration and flux by processes as snowmelt, over-winter forest floor and surface soil mineralization. immobilization, and exchange, and subsurface flowpath. The forest floor and soils were unfrozen beneath the snowpack which permitted most snowmelt to enter. Over-winter soil mineralization and other biological processes maintain shallow subsurface ion and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) reservoirs. Small, but steady, snowmelt throughout winter removed readily mobilized soil NO 3 - which resulted in high over-winter streamwater concentrations but little flux. Winter soil water levels and flowpaths were generally deep which increased soil water and streamwater base cation (C B ), HCO 3 - , and Si concentrations. Spring snowmelt increased soil water levels and removal of ions and DOC from the biologically active forest floor and shallow soils. The snowpack solute content was a minor component in determining streamwater ion concentration or flux during and following peak snowmelt. Exchangeable ions, weakly adsorbed anions, and DOC in the forest floor and surface soils dominated the chemical concentration and flux in soil water and streamwater. Following peak snowmelt, soil microbial immobilization and rapidly increased plant uptake of limiting nutrients removed nearly all available nitrogen from soil water and streamwater. During the growing season high evapotranspiration increased subsurface flowpath depth which in turn removed weathering products, especially C B , HCO 3 - , and Si, from deeper soils. Soil water was a major component in the hydrologic and chemical budgets.
Distributed line search via dynamic convex combinations

This paper considers multi-agent systems seeking to optimize a convex aggregate function. We assume that the gradient of this function is distributed, meaning that each agent can compute its corresponding partial derivative with state information about its neighbors and itself only. In such scenarios, the discrete-time implementation of the gradient descent method poses the fundamental challenge of determining appropriate agent stepsizes that guarantee the monotonic evolution of the objective function. We provide a distributed algorithmic solution to this problem based on the aggregation of agent stepsizes via adaptive convex combinations. Simulations illustrate our results.
An update on treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

With the aging of the population, the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease will grow, increasing the burden on individuals and society. While ameliorating symptoms, the currently available treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration do not halt progression or cure the illness. This article discusses recent data on treatment strategies targeting amyloid and tau pathology. Novel therapeutic strategies such as inhibitors of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), potential mitochondrial modification with Dimebon, anti-inflammatory approaches, and cholesterol-lowering agents are also reviewed. An update on results from pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic prevention trials is provided.
Functional analysis of two lebocin-related proteins from Manduca sexta.

Insects produce a group of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to microbial infections. Most AMPs are synthesized as inactive precursors/pro-proteins and require proteolytic processing to generate small active peptides. Here we report identification and functional analysis of two lebocin-related proteins (Leb-B and Leb-C) from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. The mRNA levels of Leb-B and Leb-C increased significantly in larval fat body and hemocytes after injection of Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Western blotting using rabbit polyclonal antibody to Leb-B showed accumulation of large protein(s) and small peptide(s) in larval hemolymph after microbial injection. This result and the presence of RXXR motifs in the deduced amino acid sequences led to our postulation that Leb-B/C may be inactive precursors that are processed in larval hemolymph to generate short active peptides. To test this hypothesis, we expressed and purified full-length and various fragments of Leb-B and Leb-C as thioredoxin (TRX) fusion proteins. We found that fusion proteins could be cleaved by induced larval plasma, and the cleavage sites were determined by protein sequencing. Antibacterial activity of peptide fragments was also verified using synthetic peptides, and active M. sexta lebocin peptides were located at the N-termini of Leb-B/C, which are different from Bombyx mori lebocins 1–4 that are located close to the C-termini. In addition, we found that synthetic Leb-B22–48 peptide not only had higher antibacterial activity but also caused agglutination of E. coli cells. Our results provide valuable information for studying processing of lebocin precursors in lepidopteran insects.
FT-IR Studies of Acetylacetonates in Supercritical CO2 Using a Capillary Cell at Pressures up to 3.1 kbar

The keto−enol equilibria of the β-diketones acetylacetone, trifluoroacetylacetone, and hexafluoroacetylacetone were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in a novel high-pressure capillary cell. Acetylacetone and its fluorinated analogues were studied as neat liquid and as supercritical CO2 solutions at pressures up to 3.1 kbar. The keto form was found to be favored at high pressure and low temperature. The change in partial molar volume and enthalpy between the keto and enol forms was determined for the acetylacetone and trifluoroacetylacetone. Under all conditions studied, only the enol form of hexafluoroacetylacetone was observed. Based on the thermodynamic data obtained, there appears to be no advantage gained in conducting metal extractions at high pressures and low temperatures using acetylacetone or trifluoroacetylacetone.
Ethanethiol Decomposition Pathways on MoS2(0001)

The reactivity of thiophene (C4H4S) and ethanethiol (CH3CH2SH) has been studied with TDS on the MoS2(0001) surface. No catalytic activity was detected for thiophene adsorption on MoS2(0001); however, ethanethiol decomposed into ethylene and hydrogen sulfide on the same surface. Ethanethiol is hypothesized to dissociatively adsorb as a thioethoxy surface species, which undergoes hydride elimination to give ethylene. Hydrogen sulfide is formed via hydrogen combination with lattice or adsorbed sulfur. Ethanethiol is thought to adsorb at catalytically active defect sites on the MoS2 basal plane, which are most likely coordinately unsaturated Mo+VI cations. The proposed mechanism is analgous to those observed between thiols and molybdenum/cobalt/sulfur (Cp2Mo2Co2S3(CO)4) clusters. The difference in reactivity between the thiol and aromatic organosulfur compound on MoS2 is thought to occur because of the difference in the C−S bond strengths in thiophene and ethanethiol.
Simulation of traffic flow using electrical network parameters

Abstract The efficacy of simulation of deterministic traffic flow with electrical network parameters is examined. First the car-following model is described and then compared to both lumped and distributed parameter electrical networks. New models are then introduced for use in simulating steady-state and transient-flow conditions. The strengths and weaknesses of the results of a simple PCAP computer run performed on illustrative problem situations are described.
Anemia and its treatment and outcomes in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common comorbidity with HIV. Before the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, anemia was found to be associated with decreased survival. This study examined the prevalence of anemia since HAART's availability and the associations between anemia treatments and survival. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Anemia prevalence in a cohort of HIV-infected persons was described. In a smaller cohort of HIV-infected anemic patients, survival was modeled with a time-dependent proportional hazards regression model adjusting for CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, plasma HIV RNA concentration load, hemoglobin (Hb) level, and other factors. RESULTS: Anemia (Hb level < 10.5 g/dL, or physician diagnosis) decreased from 13 to 5 percent (p < 0.05) in 1996 through 2001. Anemia prevalence was highest (24-35%) and did not decrease among patients with CD4 count less than 100 cells per mL. In total, 216 severely anemic HIV-infected individuals (mean Hb level, 8.1 g/dL) followed for a median of 13 months had a 37-percent mortality rate. Of these, 22 percent were untreated (13% mortality rate), 42 percent received transfusion alone (52% mortality), 12 percent received epoetin alfa alone (19% mortality), and 24 percent received both (47% mortality). Transfusion was associated with a threefold excess mortality risk, but epoetin alfa prescription was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia decreased in the HAART era, and transfusion was positively associated with risk of death, suggesting limiting use of transfusions in nonemergency situations.
The effects of mental dysfunction on nursing home care

Many of the residents of nursing homes have mental health problems. These can be expected to affect the quantity of nursing care they require. Analysis of 285 nursing home residents, most of whom had moderate behavioral problems, reveals that their mental health characteristics can be summarized in terms of three factors: cognition, affect and aggressiveness. Cognitive deficits significantly increase the quantity of basic nursing services patients require. Negative affect increases the amount of psychosocial care received. The results of the analysis are interpreted as indicating that nursing home reimbursement systems should account for moderate as well as severe mental illness.
Thermal expansion of amorphous Zr \(\)Al \(\)Cu \(\)Ni \(\) in the vicinity of the glass transition

The thermal expansion of non-crystalline Zr65Al7.5Cu17.5 Ni10 has been studied in the range of the glass transition and in the undercooled liquid using a dilatometric device. The measuring technique used permits reliable experimental results up to 40 K above the glass transition temperature. The linear thermal expansion coefficient obtained is almost constant in the glassy state with a value of . It discontinuously increases at the glass transition temperature yielding a value of in the undercooled liquid. The results are compared with specific heat measurements of the amorphous material in this temperature range and are interpreted in the framework of a cluster model.
The Globalization of Economic Production and International Migration An Empirical Analysis of Undocumented Mexican Migration to the United States

This article empirically investigates the relationship between the globalization of economic production and international migration by focusing on the case of Mexico. We describe undocumented Mexican migration to the US in the context of global economic restructuring and review previous studies. We then apply a multilevel modeling technique to retrospective data gathered by the Mexican Migration Project in order to test whether the density of manufacturing operations in Mexican communities explains variation in individuals' odds of making an undocumented migration to the US in the previous five years. The analysis indicates that higher densities of manufacturing operations are associated with lower odds of undocumented migration, net of controls. Moreover, this effect is stronger in Mexican communities located in northern border states. We discuss the findings in the context of previous research and elaborate on potential future research directions.
Identification and Adaptive Control of Change-Point ARX Models Via Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filters

By proper choice of proposal distributions for importance sampling and of resampling schemes for sequentially updating the importance weights, we address the problem of on-line identification and adaptive control of autoregressive models with exogenous inputs (ARX models) with Markov parameter jumps. Particle filters that can be implemented online via parallel recursions are developed by making use of explicit formulas of the posterior means of the time-varying parameters. Theoretical analysis and simulation studies show improvements of this approach over conventional methods
User Modelling for Intent Prediction in Information Analysis

User modelling is a key element in successfully assisting intelligence analysts who must gather information and make decisions without being overloaded by the massive amounts of data available on a daily basis most of which are irrelevant. Furthermore, with user modelling, we can predict the goals and intentions of the analyst in order to better serve their information seeking tasks by providing better re-organization and presentation of data as well as pro-actively retrieve novel and relevant information as it arises. Our goal is to provide a dynamic user model of an analyst and work with him as he goes about his daily tasks.
Stimuli eliciting foodcalling in domestic chickens

Abstract In some avian species, chicks' vocalizations are believed to be the chief means by which a maternal response is elicited, although little quantitative data exist. This study examined the relative effectiveness of visual vs. auditory cues in evoking foodcalling in domestic chickens ( Gallus gallus ). The sound of chicks' distress calls elicited approximately four times as much foodcalling as did the sight of a silent chick; this call occurred significantly more in darkness than in light. The results confirm earlier suggestions that the “food call” is actually a separation call not exclusively associated with the presence of food.
Parameter and configuration optimization of flotation circuits, part II. A new approach

Abstract This paper extends the flowsheet optimization algorithm given by Yingling (Int. J. Miner. Process., 29: 149–174) for application to parameter and configuration optimization of froth flotation circuits. The procedure uses individual cell models and optimizes bank interconnection configuration, number of cells per bank, and cell design and control parameters. The designer has flexibility in whether to consider split stream interconnections among the banks or whether to restrict the design to single stream interconnections. Experience with the procedure suggests that if the designer formulates an initial network superstructure that provides for adequate residence time in the various banks of the circuit, solutions involving split stream interconnections will seldom be optimum.
Dual linker with a reference cleavage site for information rich analysis of polymer-supported transformations

Abstract Two dual linker systems with specific reference cleavage sites were designed and synthesized to accelerate and simplify development and optimization of reaction conditions for solid-phase synthesis. The dual linker allows simple evaluation of cleavage rate of polymer-supported compounds from the linker and, at the same time, ensures that all resin-bound components are cleaved from the solid support. The dual linker 4 was assembled from two Wang linkers connected by a three carbon spacer. The linker 9 was synthesized using the PAL and HMPB linkers.
Comparison of Skin Hooks and Foley Catheters for Immediate Tissue Expansion

BACKGROUND. Immediate tissue expansion has been reported to expand skin sufficiently to permit primary closure of large facial defects up to 5 cm in diameter. OBJECTIVE. We wished to evaluate and compare skin hooks with foley catheters in producing tissue expansion. METHODS. Seven patients with post-Mohs surgery defects measuring 3.0 to 5.5 cm in diameter and located on scalp, temple, or forehead skin were treated with immediate tissue expansion. RESULTS. Immediate tissue expansion provided a 16 to 36% increase in the tissue available for closure, over and above what was achieved by undermining alone. In each case, adequate stretching of skin was achieved to permit primary closure relatively easily, which was not possible with undermining alone. Skin hooks were found to be equivalent to foley catheters in their ability to produce tissue expansion. At the one year follow-up visit, some spreading of the scar was noted, ranging from 1 to 7 mm, which appears in part to be related to the degree to which the skin was expanded. CONCLUSION. These findings support the concept that immediate tissue expansion is a separate and distinct process from undermining, which provides additional tissue for reconstructive surgery.
Commentary: Involving Families in Psychological Interventions in Pediatric Psychology: Critical Needs and Dilemmas

doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsi056 Advance Access publication March 3, 2005 Journal of Pediatric Psychology vol. 30 no. 8 © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oupjournals.org Commentary: Involving Families in Psychological Interventions in Pediatric Psychology: Critical Needs and Dilemmas
Stable isotopes reveal different patterns of inter‐crop dispersal in two ladybeetle species

1. Dispersal plays a key role in structuring the local population densities of many insect species, yet the movement patterns across the landscape of most species are poorly understood. By measuring the stable isotope of carbon (δ13C) from multiple tissues, a novel approach applied to field-collected insects, we were able to infer differences in movement patterns of two species of mobile generalist insect predators. 2. Coccinella septempunctata L (7-spot ladybeetle) and Harmonia axyridis Pallas (multicoloured Asian ladybeetle) were collected in agricultural habitats in 2003 and 2004, and were assayed for δ13C in the elytra (slow turnover) and fat/reproductive tissues (fast turnover). δ13C values were used to infer diet use of C3 versus C4 crops. 3. Coccinella septempunctata was relatively more faithful to a particular habitat and tended to stay in alfalfa and soybean (C3-based photosynthetic crops) over long periods during the summer. This contrasts with H. axyridis which showed isotopic evidence consistent with frequent late-season movement between C3 and C4 crops such as corn in the landscape. 4. These differing patterns suggest that in the late summer season H. axyridis individuals traverse the environment more extensively and utilise broadly dispersed aphid resources, whereas C. septempunctata adults are more specialised on alfalfa and soybean crops.
Identification of antimicrobial activity among FDA-approved drugs for combating Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium chelonae

Methods: In this study, we screened 1040 FDA-approved drugs against M. abscessus and M. chelonae. Results: Of the drugs screened, 32 compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with an MIC ≤ 8m g/L, against M. chelonae, while only 7 compounds showed such activity against M. abscessus. Notably, neostigmine bromide and cinnarizine exhibited highly significant antimicrobial activity against M. chelonae, but had little potency against M. abscessus. Metronidazole and puromycin were the only drugs that acted equipotently against both strains, in decreasing order of effectiveness. Conclusions: The dearth of identified compounds active against M. abscessus exemplifies its ability to resist drugs as well as the resilience of rapidly growing NTM. Repurposing of approved drugs is a viable alternative to de novo drug discovery and development.
A Study of Write Margin of Spin Torque Transfer Magnetic Random Access Memory Technology

Key design parameters of 64 Mb STT-MRAM at 90-nm technology node are discussed. A design point was developed with adequate TMR for fast read operation, enough energy barrier for data retention and against read disturbs, a write voltage satisfying the long term reliability against dielectric breakdown and a write bit error rate below 10-9. A direct experimental method was developed to determine the data retention lifetime that avoids the discrepancy in the energy barrier values obtained with spin current- and field-driven switching measurements. Other parameters detrimental to write margins such as backhopping and the existence of a low breakdown population are discussed. At low bit-error regime, new phenomenon emerges, suggestive of a bifurcation of switching modes. The dependence of the bifurcated switching threshold on write pulse width, operating temperature, junction dimensions and external field were studied. These show bifurcated switching to be strongly influenced by thermal fluctuation related to the spatially inhomogeneous free layer magnetization. An external field along easy axis direction assisting switching was shown to be effective for significantly reducing the percentage of MTJs showing bifurcated switching.
Interaction of two laser fields with a three-level molecular system

The rate of absorption and emission of radiation is calculated for two laser fields interacting with a homogeneously broadened, three-level molecular system. The time-dependent Schrodinger equation is used in the density matrix formalism and the laser fields are treated classically. The laser fields, at frequencies ω p and ω s , are off resonance by δ p and δ s , respectively, such that |\delta_{p}|, |\delta_{s}| \ll \omega_{p}, \omega_{s} . Analytic expressions are derived for the imaginary part of the electric susceptibility, \chi"(\omega_{p}) and \chi"(\omega_{s}) . The present work differs from previous calculations in that the laser fields may have arbitrary values of field strength and each field may be on or off resonance. A discussion is presented of the properties of the solutions for \chi"(\omega_{p}) and \chi"(\omega_{s}) , for both strong and weak laser fields, based on computer evaluation of the general analytic expressions. It is shown that the solutions may be divided into single-photon and two-photon, or Raman, contributions. Conditions for optimizing dI(\omega_{s})/dz and the photon conversion efficiency are derived. These results may be applied to analyzing the pulsed, optically pumped submillimeter laser and to studying two-photon absorption in a gas.
Bacterial recovery and recycling of tellurium from tellurium-containing compounds by Pseudoalteromonas sp. EPR3.

Aims Tellurium-based devices, such as photovoltaic (PV) modules and thermoelectric generators, are expected to play an increasing role in renewable energy technologies. Tellurium, however, is one of the scarcest elements in the earth's crust, and current production and recycling methods are inefficient and use toxic chemicals. This study demonstrates an alternative, bacterially mediated tellurium recovery process. Methods and Results We show that the hydrothermal vent microbe Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain EPR3 can convert tellurium from a wide variety of compounds, industrial sources and devices into metallic tellurium and a gaseous tellurium species. These compounds include metallic tellurium (Te0), tellurite (TeO32−), copper autoclave slime, tellurium dioxide (TeO2), tellurium-based PV material (cadmium telluride, CdTe) and tellurium-based thermoelectric material (bismuth telluride, Bi2Te3). Experimentally, this was achieved by incubating these tellurium sources with the EPR3 in both solid and liquid media. Conclusions Despite the fact that many of these tellurium compounds are considered insoluble in aqueous solution, they can nonetheless be transformed by EPR3, suggesting the existence of a steady state soluble tellurium concentration during tellurium transformation. Significance and Impact of the Study These experiments provide insights into the processes of tellurium precipitation and volatilization by bacteria, and their implications on tellurium production and recycling.
Movement and population size of American shad near a low-head lock and dam

Abstract We investigated the population size and the proportion of the population of American shad Alosa sapidissima that passed through the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, a low-head lock and dam on the Savannah River in South Carolina and Georgia. We fitted 110 American shad with radio transmitters in 2001 and 2002. All but two fish moved downstream after transmitter implantation. In 2001, a smaller proportion of American shad implanted with radio transmitters earlier in the season returned to the dam than fish released later. Of the fish that returned to the dam, over 50% in 2001 and 9% in 2002 passed through the lock and continued migrating upstream. In both years, the modal daily movement distance was less than 1 km. Movements greater than 5 km/d were generally associated with fish rapidly returning upstream after their initial downstream movement. Continuous diel monitoring indicated that movements greater than 0.1 km/h were more frequent at night than during the day. In both years, American shad w...
Learning through Doing: Preservice Teacher Training in Historical Inquiry through Oral History Projects

Due to the marginalization of social studies in the elementary school, many students are being slighted in social studies instruction resulting in deficits in content knowledge. Although rarely addressed, another unintended consequence of the marginalization of elementary social studies is the lack of preservice teachers' exposure to exemplary instructional strategies. As a teacher educator concerned with adequately preparing preservice teachers, it was necessary to provide opportunities for them to experience exemplary social studies teaching, particularly historical inquiry, that was missing from the field settings. Collecting oral histories provides an active and personal learning experience that integrates other disciplines, an important component in today's high stakes testing environment focusing mainly on reading and math. This paper describes the rationale for choosing oral history as an instructional methodology for preservice teachers as well as the many variations of oral history projects implemented in an undergraduate social studies methods course. In addition, there are many examples of the projects that were created and a step-by-step guide describing the implementation of an oral history project.
A Trellis Connectivity Analysis of Random Linear Network Coding with Buffering

Previous studies have proposed a practical network coding scheme for multicasting information in packet networks, which buffers received packets and outputs random linear mixtures of packets in the buffer. To analyze the performance of such a scheme, this paper introduces a continuous-time trellis, which models the packet transmissions in a practical asynchronous network. The continuous-time trellis represents an extension of a discrete-time trellis that was used in prior theoretical studies to model a synchronized network. The asymptotic throughput of the practical network coding scheme is characterized via an analysis of the asymptotic s?T connectivity in the trellis.
LARGE MONETARY INCENTIVES AND THEIR EFFECT ON MAIL SURVEY RESPONSE RATES

The effect of various large monetary incentives was examined in a mail survey of owners of small construction subcontracting companies. The sample was randomly divided into seven groups, each of which received either a different monetary amount enclosed with the first mailing ($1 cash, $5 cash, $5 check, $10 check, $20 check, or $40 check) or an offer of a $50 check to be sent once the questionnaire was returned. These groups were compared against each other and against a control group that did not receive an incentive. Three follow-up mailings were sent to the nonrespondents in each group. The results indicate that $1 significantly increased the response rate over the no incentive control condition regardless of the number of mailings. The response rate also increased significantly as the incentive amount increased from $1 to $5 and from $5 to $20. There was a nonsignificant difference in response rate between the $5 check and $5 cash groups. The promise of $50 did not result in a significantly higher response rate than the control group. Discussion includes a cost-benefit analysis of the incentives, as well as a section about the increased "favorability" of respondents toward the survey sponsor within the large incentive groups.
The effect of alcohol prohibition on alcohol consumption: evidence from drunkenness arrests

We examine the relationship between Prohibition and alcohol consumption using city-level drunkenness arrests. We find that Prohibition had a substantial short-term but little long-term impact. The implied pattern of alcohol consumption is similar to that suggested by cirrhosis. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Natural lithography nano-sphere texturing as antireflective layer on InP-based pin photodiodes

An antireflection coating was created for InP-based pin photodiodes using natural lithography with 100 nm-diameter SiO2 spheres. The surface showed a normal-incidence reflection of <5% for wavelengths from 900 to 2500 nm. Photodiodes with surface texturing showed an enhancement in quantum efficiency with no dark current degradation.
Reducing the Number of Options on Multiple-Choice Questions: Response Time, Psychometrics, and Standard Setting

Objectives Despite significant evidence supporting the use of three-option multiple-choice questions (MCQs), these are rarely used in written examinations for health professions students. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of reducing four- and five-option MCQs to three-option MCQs on response times, psychometric characteristics, and absolute standard setting judgements in a pharmacology examination administered to health professions students. Methods We administered two versions of a computerised examination containing 98 MCQs to 38 Year 2 medical students and 39 Year 3 pharmacy students. Four- and five-option MCQs were converted into three-option MCQs to create two versions of the examination. Differences in response time, item difficulty and discrimination, and reliability were evaluated. Medical and pharmacy faculty judges provided three-level Angoff (TLA) ratings for all MCQs for both versions of the examination to allow the assessment of differences in cut scores. Results Students answered three-option MCQs an average of 5 seconds faster than they answered four- and five-option MCQs (36 seconds versus 41 seconds; p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in item difficulty and discrimination, or test reliability. Overall, the cut scores generated for three-option MCQs using the TLA ratings were 8 percentage points higher (p = 0.04). Conclusions The use of three-option MCQs in a health professions examination resulted in a time saving equivalent to the completion of 16% more MCQs per 1-hour testing period, which may increase content validity and test score reliability, and minimise construct under-representation. The higher cut scores may result in higher failure rates if an absolute standard setting method, such as the TLA method, is used. The results from this study provide a cautious indication to health professions educators that using three-option MCQs does not threaten validity and may strengthen it by allowing additional MCQs to be tested in a fixed amount of testing time with no deleterious effect on the reliability of the test scores.
INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION AMONG INSECT PARASITOIDS: FIELD EXPERIMENTS WITH WHITEFLIES AS HOSTS IN COTTON

Manipulative field experiments assessing the importance of interspecific competition on the dynamics of parasitoid populations and the impact of multiple parasitoids on host populations are virtually absent from the ecological literature. We report findings from such experiments assessing competitive interactions among three species of parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) of the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), a pestiferous species of worldwide importance. The parasitoids used in the study (Encarsia pergandiella Howard, Eretmocerus mundus Mercet, and Encarsia formosa Gahan) encompass the range of life histories found within Aphelinidae, and they exhibit a high degree of niche overlap. The objectives of our studies were (1) to investigate the occurrence of interspecific competition among the whitefly parasitoids, (2) to quantify shifts in resource utilization patterns as influenced by experimental manipulations of the parasitoid assemblage, and (3) to ...