cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highlights of Discoveries for δ Scuti Variable Stars From the Kepler Era

The NASA Kepler mission (2009-2018) left a legacy of data and discoveries, finding thousands of exoplanets, and also obtaining high-precision long time-series data on hundreds of thousands of stars, including many types of pulsating variables. Here we highlight a few of the ongoing discoveries from Kepler data for delta Scuti pulsating variables, which are core hydrogen-burning stars of about twice the mass of the Sun. We discuss many unsolved problems surrounding the properties of the variability in these stars, and the progress enabled by Kepler data in using pulsations to infer their interior structure, a field of research known as asteroseismology.
Recognition and repair of oxidatively generated DNA lesions in plasmid DNA by a facilitated diffusion mechanism.

The oxidatively generated genotoxic spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) lesions are well-known substrates of the base excision repair (BER) pathway initiated by the bifunctional DNA glycosylase NEIL1. In this work, we reported that the excision kinetics of the single Sp lesions site-specifically embedded in the covalently closed circular DNA plasmids (contour length 2686 base pairs) by NEIL1 are biphasic under single-turnover conditions ([NEIL1] ≫ [SpDNApl]) in contrast with monophasic excision kinetics of the same lesions embedded in147-mer Sp-modified DNA duplexes. Under conditions of a large excess of plasmid DNA base pairs over NEIL1 molecules, the kinetics of excision of Sp lesions are biphasic in nature, exhibiting an initial burst phase, followed by a slower rate of formation of excision products The burst phase is associated with NEIL1-DNA plasmid complexes, while the slow kinetic phase is attributed to the dissociation of non-specific NEIL1-DNA complexes. The amplitude of the burst phase is limited because of the competing non-specific binding of NEIL1 to unmodified DNA sequences flanking the lesion. A numerical analysis of the incision kinetics yielded a value of φ ≍ 0.03 for the fraction of NEIL1 encounters with plasmid molecules that result in the excision of the Sp lesion, and a characteristic dissociation time of non-specific NEIL1-DNA complexes (τ-ns ≍ 8 s). The estimated average DNA translocation distance of NEIL1 is ∼80 base pairs. This estimate suggests that facilitated diffusion enhances the probability that NEIL1 can locate its substrate embedded in an excess of unmodified plasmid DNA nucleotides by a factor of ∼10.
Taxes, Incentives, and Economic Growth: Assessing the Impact of Pro-business Taxes on U.S. State Economies

State fiscal policy frequently focuses on stimulating a healthy business environment with the assumption that this is linked with long-term economic growth. The conventional wisdom is that a state’s tax rates are negatively correlated with economic development, prompting states to decrease business-targeted taxes to stimulate the economy. Surprisingly, however, very few studies have documented the long-term effects of these tax policies on different facets of the state economy and overall business atmosphere. In short, we do not know how the level of business taxation actually affects the economies of states. Using panel data for all 50 U.S. states from 1977 to 2005, this article examines the impact of state business taxes on the overall economic position of the state, specifically looking at their effect on economic development and business growth. With an elaborate set of controls, the article finds that state business tax cuts have little to no positive impact on gross state product, job creation, personal income, poverty rates, and business establishments.
A Prophet Has Appeared: The Rise of Islam through Christian and Jewish Eyes

Stephen Shoemaker’s most recent book is a collection of Christian and Jewish sources, almost all of which come from the seventh century, that help to shed light on the development of what would bec...
Outcomes of adults with lymphoma treated with nonmyeloablative TLI-ATG and radiation boost to high risk or residual disease before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

We evaluated the impact on survival of antithymocyte globulin conditioning (TLI-ATG) with radiation (RT) boost to high risk or residual disease before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) for adults with lymphoma (excluding mycosis fungoides and low-grade NHL other than SLL/CLL). Of 251 evaluable patients, 36 received an RT boost within 3 months of allo-HCT at our institution from 2001 to 2016. At the time of TLI-ATG, patients who received boost vs no boost had a lower rate of CR (11% vs 47%, p = 0.0003), higher rates of bulky disease (22% vs 4%, p < 0.0001), extranodal disease (39% vs 5%, p < 0.0001), and positive PET (75% vs 28%, p < 0.00001). In the boost group, the median (range) largest axial lesion diameter was 5.2 cm (1.8-22.3). Median follow-up was 50.2 months (range: 1-196). There was no significant difference in OS, time to recurrence, or time to graft failure with vs without boost. A trend toward higher percent donor CD3+ chimerism was seen with vs without boost (p = 0.0819). The worst boost-related toxicity was grade 2 dermatitis. RT boost may help successfully mitigate the risk of high risk or clinically evident residual disease in adults with lymphoma undergoing allo-HCT.
Impact Properties of Shock-Strengthened Type 316 Stainless Steel

The effect of shock strengthening on impact properties of Type 316 stainless steel at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 650°C (1202°F) was established by utilizing the instrumented Charpy impact test. It was found that the total impact energy absorbed progressively decreases with increasing shocking pressure. The dynamic yield strength (o d y ) was increased by increasing the shocking pressures for all testing temperatures. This trend is expected because the static yield strength (σ s y ) was also found to increase with increasing shocking pressure. However, the ratio of dynamic-yield to static-yield strengths (measure of strain-rate sensitivity) was found to decrease with increasing shocking pressure.
Microglia enhance β‐amyloid peptide‐induced toxicity in cortical and mesencephalic neurons by producing reactive oxygen species

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the toxicity of beta-amyloid (Abeta) on primary cortical and mesencephalic neurons cultured with and without microglia in order to determine the mechanism underlying microglia-mediated Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. Incubation of cortical or mesencephalic neuron-enriched and mixed neuron-glia cultures with Abeta(1-42) over the concentration range 0.1-6.0 microm caused concentration-dependent neurotoxicity. High concentrations of Abeta (6.0 microm for cortex and 1.5-2.0 microm for mesencephalon) directly injured neurons in neuron-enriched cultures. In contrast, lower concentrations of Abeta (1.0-3.0 microm for cortex and 0.25-1.0 microm for mesencephalon) caused significant neurotoxicity in mixed neuron-glia cultures, but not in neuron- enriched cultures. Several lines of evidence indicated that microglia mediated the potentiated neurotoxicity of Abeta, including the observations that low concentrations of Abeta activated microglia morphologically in neuron-glia cultures and that addition of microglia to cortical neuron-glia cultures enhanced Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. To search for the mechanism underlying the microglia-mediated effects, several proinflammatory factors were examined in neuron-glia cultures. Low doses of Abeta significantly increased the production of superoxide anions, but not of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta or nitric oxide. Catalase and superoxide dismutase significantly protected neurons from Abeta toxicity in the presence of microglia. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity by diphenyleneiodonium also prevented Abeta-induced neurotoxicity in neuron-glia mixed cultures. The role of NADPH oxidase-generated superoxide in mediating Abeta-induced neurotoxicity was further substantiated by a study which showed that Abeta caused less of a decrease in dopamine uptake in mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures from NADPH oxidase-deficient mutant mice than in that from wild-type controls. This study demonstrates that one of the mechanisms by which microglia can enhance the neurotoxicity of Abeta is via the production of reactive oxygen species.
A role for the H4 subunit of vaccinia RNA polymerase in transcription initiation at a viral early promoter.

The vaccinia virus H4 gene encodes an essential subunit of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase holoenzyme encapsidated within virus particles (Ahn, B., and Moss, B. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 3536-3540; Kane, E. M., and Shuman, S. (1992) J. Virol. 66, 5752-5762). The role of this protein in transcription of viral early genes was revealed by the effects of affinity-purified anti-H4 antibody on discrete phases of the early transcription reaction in vitro. Anti-H4 specifically prevented the synthesis of a 21-nucleotide nascent RNA chain but had no impact on elongation of the 21-mer RNA by preassembled ternary complexes. Inhibition of initiation but not elongation was also observed with affinity-purified anti-D6 antibody directed against the 70-kDa subunit of the vaccinia early transcription initiation factor (ETF). Native gel mobility-shift assays showed that anti-H4 prevented the NTP-dependent recruitment of RNA polymerase to the preinitiation complex of ETF bound at the early promoter. Two species of ternary complexes could be resolved by native gel electrophoresis. Addition of anti-H4 to preformed complexes elicited a supershift of both ternary species but not of the preinitiation complex. Supeshift by anti-D6 revealed that the more rapidly migrating species of ternary complex did not contain immunoreactive ETF. Loss of ETF from the ternary complex was time-dependent. Thus, whereas the H4 protein was a stable constituent of the elongation complex, ETF was dissociable. We suggest that H4 functions as a molecular bridge to ETF and thereby allows specific recognition of early promoters by the core RNA polymerase. H4 is unlike bacterial sigma factor in that it remains bound to polymerase after the elongation complex is established.
First results from the Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter on the New Horizons mission

[1] The Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter (SDC) onboard the New Horizons mission is an impact-based dust detector designed to map the size and spatial variability of the interplanetary dust population throughout the solar system. SDC consists of fourteen permanently polarized polyvinylidene fluoride detectors that register a charge upon impact by hypervelocity dust grains. SDC can resolve the masses of grains with 10−12 < m < 10−9 g and measurements to date extend from 2.6 to 15.5 AU. SDC dust flux measurements taken inside the orbit of Jupiter are compared to previous measurements by the Ulysses and Galileo dust detectors to validate the instrument. Measurements taken outside Jupiter's orbit, spanning 6.8 AU to 15.5 AU, are also reported and compared with measurements by the Pioneer 10 and 11 meteoroid detectors and the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave instruments.
An Adaptive Association Test for Multiple Phenotypes with GWAS Summary Statistics

We study the problem of testing for single marker-multiple phenotype associations based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics without access to individual-level genotype and phenotype data. For most published GWASs, because obtaining summary data is substantially easier than accessing individual-level phenotype and genotype data, while often multiple correlated traits have been collected, the problem studied here has become increasingly important. We propose a powerful adaptive test and compare its performance with some existing tests. We illustrate its applications to analyses of a meta-analyzed GWAS dataset with three blood lipid traits and another with sex-stratified anthropometric traits, and further demonstrate its potential power gain over some existing methods through realistic simulation studies. We start from the situation with only one set of (possibly meta-analyzed) genome-wide summary statistics, then extend the method to meta-analysis of multiple sets of genome-wide summary statistics, each from one GWAS. We expect the proposed test to be useful in practice as more powerful than or complementary to existing methods.
The many substrates and functions of ATM.

As its name suggests, the ATM ? 'ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated' ? gene is responsible for the rare disorder ataxia-telangiectasia. Patients show various abnormalities, mainly in their responses to DNA damage, but also in other cellular processes. Although it is hard to understand how a single gene product is involved in so many physiological processes, a clear picture is starting to emerge. online summary
Development of a Streptavidin-Conjugated Single-Chain Antibody That Binds Bacillus cereus Spores

Control of microorganisms such as Bacillus cereus spores is critical to ensure the safety and a long shelf life of foods. A bifunctional single chain antibody has been developed for detection and binding of B. cereus T spores. The genes that encode B. cereus T spore single-chain antibody and streptavidin were connected for use in immunoassays and immobilization of the recombinant antibodies. A truncated streptavidin, which is smaller than but has biotin binding ability similar to that of streptavidin, was used as the affinity domain because of its high and specific affinity with biotin. The fusion protein gene was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with the T7 RNA polymerase-T7 promoter expression system. Immunoblotting revealed an antigen specificity similar to that of its parent native monoclonal antibody. The single-chain antibody-streptavidin fusion protein can be used in an immunoassay of B. cereus spores by applying a biotinylated enzyme detection system. The recombinant antibodies were immobilized on biotinylated magnetic beads by taking advantage of the strong biotin-streptavidin affinity. Various liquids were artificially contaminated with 5 x 10(4) B. cereus spores per ml. Greater than 90% of the B. cereus spores in phosphate buffer or 37% of the spores in whole milk were tightly bound and removed from the liquid phase by the immunomagnetic beads.
The approach to equilibrium in the ultracentrifuge when the concentration of the solute molecules at one end of the cell is negligible

The equation of MASON and WEAVER for the sedimentation in a position-independent field of force can be solved in closed form when the concentration of the solute at one end of the cell is negligibly small. The initial distribution of the solute is approximated by a simple exponential expression. The solution of the problem is used to estimate the time needed to approach equilibrium to within about 1%. It is found that this time can be reduced considerably by centrifuging in two steps, the first at high speed and the second at the lower speed at which the equilibrium is to be examined. In a typical case, for which a numerical calculation is carried out, it turns out that the time is reduced by a factor of about 3. Die Gleichung von MASON und WEAVER fur die Sedimentation in einem vom Radius unabhangigen Kraftfeld ist in geschlossener Form losbar, wenn die Konzentration der Losung an einem Zellenende vernachlassigbar klein ist. Die Anfangsverteilung des Gelosten wird durch eine einfache Exponentialfunktion ermittelt. Die Losung dieses Problems wird benutzt, um die Zeit zu bestimmen, die notig ist, um das Gleichgewicht bis auf 1% anzunahern. Die Zeit kann durch Zentrifugieren in zwei Stufen betrachtlich verringert werden. Man zentrifugiert zunachst bei hoher, dann bei niedriger Geschwindigkeit, bei welcher das Gleichgewicht untersucht werden soll. In einem typischen Fall, fur den eine numerische Berechnung ausgefuhrt wird, zeigt es sich, das die Zeit um den Faktor 3 verringert wird.
Simulation and parametric study of a novel multi-spray emitter for ESI–MS applications

In this work, we propose a novel carbon nanofiber (CNF) emitter for electrospray ionization (ESI)–mass spectrometry (MS) applications. The proposed emitter comprises an array of CNFs around the orifice of a microscale capillary. The electrospray ionization process is simulated using a CFD code based on Taylor–Melcher leaky-dielectric formulations for solving the electrohydrodynamics and volume-of-fluid (VOF) method for tracking the interface. The code is validated for a conventional multiple electrospray emitter and then applied to simulate the CNF emitter model. The modeling results show that under steady state condition, individual cone-jets are established around each of the CNFs resulting in an array of electrosprays. The approach being taken to fabricate the CNF emitter is briefly discussed. Effects of geometrical parameters including aspect ratio of CNFs, total number of CNFs and distribution pattern of the CNFs on the electrospray performance are studied. The influence of operating parameters such as flow rate, potential difference and physical properties of the solvent on the electrospray behavior is thoroughly investigated. The spray current, ‘onset’ potential and jet diameter are correlated with total number and distribution of CNFs and physical properties of the liquid. The correlation results are compared with the available results in the literature. Higher spray current and lower jet diameter indicate that the device can perform equivalent to nanospray emitters while using a micro-scale orifice. This allows higher sample throughput and eliminates potential clogging problem inherent in nano-capillaries.
Generalized Multilevel Functional Regression

We introduce Generalized Multilevel Functional Linear Models (GMFLMs), a novel statistical framework for regression models where exposure has a multilevel functional structure. We show that GMFLMs are, in fact, generalized multilevel mixed models. Thus, GMFLMs can be analyzed using the mixed effects inferential machinery and can be generalized within a well-researched statistical framework. We propose and compare two methods for inference: (1) a two-stage frequentist approach; and (2) a joint Bayesian analysis. Our methods are motivated by and applied to the Sleep Heart Health Study, the largest community cohort study of sleep. However, our methods are general and easy to apply to a wide spectrum of emerging biological and medical datasets. Supplemental materials for this article are available online.
Neurocognitive and Behavioral Outcomes of Younger Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Age Five

Later-born siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are at increased risk for ASD as well as qualitatively similar traits not meeting clinical cutoffs for the disorder. This study examined age five neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes of 39 younger siblings of children with ASD (Sibs-ASD) and 22 younger siblings of typically developing children (Sibs-TD) previously assessed in a longitudinal investigation starting in the second year of life. There were few group differences between Sibs-TD and Sibs-ASD on global measures of IQ, language, or behavior problems. Sibs-ASD did show vulnerabilities on measures of executive functioning, social cognition, and repetitive behaviors. These results highlight the importance of following sibling risk groups over an extended time period and employing measures targeting broader aspects of development.
Protein phosphatase activity in acetylcholine receptor-enriched membranes.

Abstract Phosphorylation of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) ∗ has been demonstrated in AChR-enriched membranes prepared from the electric organ of Torpedo californica . In this report we show that the same AChR-enriched membrane fraction also contains phosphoprotein phosphatase activity which dephosphorylates both the endogenous AChR and exogenous phosphorylated casein. Release of [32P] PO4 from phosphorylated casein was shown to be inhibited by F− as well as GTP. cAMP and cGMP were without effect. Dephosphorylation of the membrane-bound AChR was also inhibited by F−. This phosphorylation-dephosphorylation mechanism may play a role in mediating the function of the AChR at the synapse.
Cross‐sector collaboration: management decision and change model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine critically private (for profit), public and not‐for‐profit sector management strategies with a focus to assess and enhance organizational capacity building through cross‐sector collaboration. This topic is considered from both a contemporary and an evolutionary perspective.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on research from secondary sources.Findings – This paper identifies barriers to collaboration and measures for effectively creating organizational change to build cross‐sector capacity.Research limitations/implications – While considerable literature exists on organizational change, none includes the need for cross‐sector collaboration to increase management capability to move beyond current economic, social and market development capacity. This study addresses this gap.Practical implications – The adoption of management practices to understand values across sectors will improve effectiveness of organizations across sectors. These recomme...
Opening Space for H2 Storage: Cointercalation of Graphite with Lithium and Small Organic Molecules

Cointercalation of graphite with lithium and organic molecules, such as benzene and tetrahydrofuran (THF), is studied using first-principles calculations. The molecules play an important role in expanding the interlayer graphene distance to $\ensuremath{\sim}7.7\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$. The increased space permits multiple ${\text{H}}_{2}$ species to be bound to Li cations with a binding energy of 10\char21{}22 kJ/mol. Furthermore, in the interstitial area free of Li cations, the negative charge in the graphene sheets enhances the ${\text{H}}_{2}$ binding energy to $\ensuremath{\sim}9\text{ }\text{kJ}/\text{mol}$ through electrostatic attraction. In order to restrain nucleation of lithium hydrides, the densest Li array is determined to be a ${\text{Li}}_{4}(\text{THF}){\text{C}}_{72}$ structure, which absorbs $3.4\text{ }\text{wt}\text{ }%$ hydrogen molecules reversibly. Cointercalation offers an experimentally accessible approach to designing optimized hydrogen storage materials that have not been investigated previously.
Cotton leafperforator1 and pink bollworm2: Effects on yields of ‘deltapine 16’ and ‘PIMA S‐4‘ in’ field cages3

Abstract Timed releases of cotton leafperforator, Bucculatrix thurberiella Busck, into field cages of cotton, Gossypium spp., showed that this insect is capable of causing heavy damage to a cotton crop if infestations are established early in the season. Pink bollworms, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), released into cages caused severe reductions in yield. Although the pressure of both species produced even greater losses, the effects were not totally additive.
Electronic, quasiharmonic, and anharmonic entropies of transition metals.

For transition metals at temperatures to melting, the electronic entropy is calculated from linear muffin-tin orbital electronic densities of states (using both the atomic-sphere approximation as well as a full potential), the quasiharmonic entropy is calculated from neutron-scattering data, and the anharmonic entropy is then extracted from the measured entropy. The electronic entropy is large, and is strongly nonlinear in temperature, as a result of both the volume dependence and energy dependence of the electronic density of states. The anharmonic entropy is small and apparently negative for V, Nb, Ta, Pd, and Pt, but is large and positive for Cr, Mo, and W. For Ni, the anharmonic plus magnetic entropy is determined accurately, and the magnetic entropy is estimated. For Ti and Zr, the total lattice-dynamic entropy is accurately given by the quasiharmonic formula with temperature-dependent renormalized phonon frequencies, in both hcp and bcc phases.
Expired nitric oxide and airway obstruction in asthma patients with an acute exacerbation.

Expired nitric oxide (eNO) is a marker of airway inflammation that is increased in asthma. The present study was undertaken to examine the clinical utility of eNO as an aid in the assessment of asthma in the emergency department (ED). Fifty-two adult patients with acute asthma, 53 age- and sex-matched controls, and eight patients with stable asthma were enrolled. Subjects performed spirometry, their eosinophil counts and serum total IgE were measured, and a sample of mixed VC expirate was collected for measurement of NO. Mixed expired NO was 8.2 ± 0.5 ppb in controls, 8.8 ± 1.5 ppb in patients with stable asthma, and 15.0 ± 1.0 ppb in patients with acute asthma. A significant difference in eNO was observed in patients with acute asthma and controls (p < 0.001). Twenty-three of the 52 patients with acute asthma versus two of 53 controls had an eNO ⩾ 15 ppb (p < 0.001). Expired NO concentration correlated with FEV1% (r = − 0.42, p < 0.001) and with the peripheral blood eosinophil count (r = 0.34, p < 0.00...
A “free volume” model of permeation of gas and liquid mixtures through polymeric membranes

Abstract A recent “free volume” model of gas permeation (3) has been extended to the transport of gas mixtures through nonporous polymeric membranes. The present model assumes that the rates of transport of the components of a mixture depend on the free volume of the gas-polymer system, and that the effect of these components on the free volume is additive. The latter assumption limits the model to relatively dilute systems, with total penetrant concentrations of perhaps less than 0·2 volume-fraction. The prediction of permeation fluxes and permeability coefficients requires the knowledge of specified free-volume parameters which can be determined from measurements of diffusion coefficients and viscosities of the pure penetrant-polymer systems. When the systems are sufficiently dilute to obey Henry's law, the permeability coefficients for the components of a gas mixture can be predicted using only permeability measurements with the pure components. The extended free-volume model can be applied also to the permeation of liquid mixtures. The theoretical predictions are compared with the results of several experimental studies, and the potential usefulness and limitations of the model are discussed.
Ongoing deficits in resident training for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract Patient preference has driven the adoption of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques and altered surgical practice. MIS training in surgical residency programs must teach new skill sets with steep learning curves to enable residents to master key procedures. Because no nationally recognized MIS curriculum exists, this study asked experts in MIS which laparoscopic procedures should be taught and how many cases are required for competency. Expert recommendations were compared to the number of cases actually performed by residents (Residency Review Committee [RRC] data). A detailed survey was sent nationwide to all surgical residency programs (academic and private) known to offer training in MIS and/or have a leader in the field. The response rate was approximately 52%. RRC data were obtained from the resident statistics summary report for 1998–1999. Experts identified core procedures for MIS training and consistently voiced the opinion that to become competent, residents need to perform these procedures many more times than the RRC data indicate they currently do. At present, American surgical residency programs do not meet the suggested MIS case range or volume required for competency. Residency programs need to be restructured to incorporate sufficient exposure to core MIS procedures. More expert faculty must be recruited to train residents to meet the increasing demand for laparoscopy. ( J Gastrointest Surg 2002;6:501–509.)
Response to Nicol: ET – phone the pain clinic

We thank Gary R. Strichartz for helpful comments provided during the preparation of this response.
Effect of feed impurity on the design and control of a ternary two-recycle process

This paper studies both the steady-state design aspects and the dynamic controllability aspects of processes in which a fresh feed stream contains significant impurities. The ternary process with t...
On the prewellorderings associated with the directed systems of mice

Working under $AD$, we investigate the length of prewellorderings given by the iterates of $\mathcal{M}_{2k+1}$, which is the minimal proper class mouse with $2k+1$ many Woodin cardinals. In particular, we answer some questions from [4] (the discussion of the questions appears in the last section of [2]).
Costs of Adequacy and Reliability of Electric Power

Placing a dollar value on electric service reliability causing the disruption of critical social services and the inconveniences to businesses and individuals is nothing new to the electric power industry. The value the customers place on electric service reliability has been studied by utilities and others. This paper provides an overview and reviews the findings of a few such studies and compares the results.
Estimates of Seasonal Mean Temperature, Using Persistence between Seasons

Abstract We have tested three methods of estimating the level of a coming season's mean temperature at a station where the statistical association between two selected seasons is as high as one can expect in extratropical regions. The methods are contingency tables, regression equations, and the use of the last few decades if there is a trend at the station which will separate the mean of these decades a fair distance from the long-term mean. A moderate amount of skill was achieved, but the degree of seasonal association in our test case was exceptionally high, and generally these methods will provide only a small improvement over a probability based on knowing only the observed frequency distribution.
In vitro Wear of Aged Composite Restorative Materials

Wear characteristics of aged and unaged composite restorative materials were compared using single-pass sliding. There were differences in wear track widths, tangential forces, and surface failure classifications between aged and unaged composites. Changes in surface wear characteristics upon aging were attributed to surface degradation in the composite materials.
Ultrasonic devulcanization of rubber vulcanizates. II. Simulation and experiment

The simulation results based on the devulcanization model presented in Part I of this study are described for devulcanization of SBR vulcanizates. The vulcanizates are conveyed by a single-screw extruder to a thin gap between a stationary die and a vibrating horn. Gapwise velocity, temperature, and shear-rate distributions along the die length are calculated. Predictions of the model for changes of various structural characteristics including gel fraction, fraction of various broken bonds, rate of their breakup, and void formation along die length are given. Devulcanization energy consumption and energy dissipated by ultrasonic waves are calculated. Comparison of these energies indicates that the devulcanization energy represents only a small fraction of the dissipated energy. The predicted results for gel fraction, crosslink density, die characteristics, and “mixing cup” temperature are compared with the experimental data. These predicted results are found to be only in qualitative agreement with experimental observations. The theoretical and experimental results indicate that the rubber is partially devulcanized and the devulcanization process is accompanied by some degradation of the macromolecular chains. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Separation of long RNA by agarose-formaldehyde gel electrophoresis

We describe a method to facilitate electrophoretic separation of high-molecular-weight RNA species, such as ribosomal RNAs and their precursors, on agarose-formaldehyde gels. Two alternative "pK-matched" buffer systems were substituted for the traditionally used Mops-based conductive medium. The key advantages include shortened run times, a 5-fold reduction in formaldehyde concentration, a significantly improved resolution of long RNAs, and consistency in separation. The new procedure has a streamlined work flow that helps to minimize errors and is broadly applicable to agarose gel electrophoresis of RNA samples and their subsequent analysis by Northern blotting.
Library portal images that positively influence their users' perception of the portal

This paper provides an example of how visual information – the images used on academic library Web portals (ALWPs) – transforms users' perceptions of, and preference for, the portal. As a result of the information derived from this research the manner in which visual information is presented in ALWPs may be transformed. The study reported here compared the effect that high-image-pertinent (HIP) academic library portals and low-image-pertinent (LIP) academic library portals have on the users' preference for one portal over the other. One hundred undergraduate students searched for the answers to two ten-question information retrieval exercises using matched-pairs of HIP and LIP academic library portals. The exercises were constructed of questions similar to those asked at an academic library's reference desk. Data collected and statistically analyzed included: the scores from the information retrieval exercises, the time to complete the information retrieval exercises, the mouse-clicks used to complete the information retrieval exercises and the users' stated portal preference. The HIP portals outperformed the LIP portals and the subjects preferred the HIP portals to the LIP portals in 3 out of 4 measures of performance and preference.
Coronary death and myocardial infarction among Hispanics in the Northern Manhattan Study: exploring the Hispanic paradox.

Purpose Prior studies have reported that Hispanics have lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality despite a higher burden of risk factors. We examined whether Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a lower risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) coronary death (CD) and vascular death. Methods A total of 2671 participants in the Northern Manhattan Study without clinical CVD were prospectively evaluated. Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of race–ethnicity with nonfatal MI, CD, and vascular death after adjusting for demographic and CVD risk factors. Results Mean age was 68.8 (10.4) years; 52.8% were Hispanic (88% Caribbean-Hispanic). Hispanics were more likely to have hypertension (73.1% vs. 62.2%, p < .001) and diabetes (22.0% vs. 13.3%, p < .001), and less likely to perform any physical activity (50.1% vs. 69.2%, p < .001) compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW). During a mean 10 years of follow-up there were 154 nonfatal MIs, 186 CD, and 386 vascular deaths. In fully adjusted models, Hispanics had a lower risk of CD (adjusted HR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21–0.60), and vascular death (adjusted HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43–0.89), but not nonfatal MI (adjusted HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.56–1.60) when compared to NHW. Conclusions We found a “Hispanic paradox” for coronary and vascular deaths, but not nonfatal MI.
Coke and Byproduct Formation during 1,2-Dichloroethane Pyrolysis in a Laboratory Tubular Reactor

A laboratory quartz tube reactor apparatus was used to study coke and byproduct formation in 1,2-dichloroethane, also known as ethylene dichloride (EDC), pyrolysis. The effects of metal coupons, feed purity, and temperature on the amount of coke deposited and exit gas-phase compositions were analyzed. Coke formation on nickel, chromium, iron, and stainless steel metal coupons was investigated by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and ion-coupled plasma atomic adsorption spectroscopy. Based on scanning electron micrographs, different metals have little effect on the nature of coke formed, and it appears that coke is formed by tar droplet formation in the gas phase with subsequent impingement on surfaces. FeCl2 formation and migration along the reactor accompanied coke formation on the metal coupons. It was determined that the presence of metals coupons increases EDC conversion as well as coke formation. Two distinct types of coke are formed: hard coke is formed in the hot zo...
Reframing the framework: toward fair inclusion of pregnant women as participants in research.

With recent recognition of the need for data about how to treat illness during pregnancy has come appreciation of the myriad challenges to responsibly conducting research involving pregnant women. ...
BILL E. KUNKLE INTERDISCIPLINARY BEEF SYMPOSIUM: Overlapping physiological responses and endocrine biomarkers that are indicative of stress responsiveness and immune function in beef cattle

Acknowledgment that modern livestock production systems impose stress on animals has been accepted by the scientific community and producers. As the economic burden has increased for livestock producers, expectations for animal performance have increased, thus placing more strain on the entire production system. Whether or not periodic exposure to stress within the production system jeopardizes the well-being of animals continues to be an area of debate largely because of the inability to accurately quantify the magnitude and severity of the stress response on other biological systems. Adding to the confusion is the fact that activation of the stress axis can be both beneficial and detrimental to the body depending on the duration of the stress response and the frequency at which an animal is exposed to stressful stimuli. Few would argue that continuous long-term stress inhibits livestock productivity and overall well-being. Less clear is whether or not occasional exposure to acute stress jeopardizes the productivity and well-being of livestock. To fully appreciate the complexity associated with activation of the stress axis and the overall biological impact on the body, one must delve deep into the scientific literature and examine the science in an unbiased manner. It is imperative to appreciate and understand that activation of the stress axis is an essential survival mechanism necessary to maintain homeostasis during biologically challenging times. Acute activation of the stress axis leads to repartitioning of energy to organs and tissues essential for coping with stress, redirection of blood flow from the peripheral to large muscle groups, decreased digestive function, and priming of the immune system to prepare for subsequent infections. Conversely, chronic activation of the stress axis disrupts digestive function, causes catabolism of muscle and adipose tissue, and suppresses overall immune function, thus making an animal more susceptible to disease. But what parameters are needed to distinguish periods of acute stress from those of chronic stress, and what biological markers are the best indicators of "stress" in an animal? Although there are a plethora of physiological responses and endocrine biomarkers that can be quantified, an integrative tool that has been readily embraced by scientists and producers as an effective and efficient indicator of the duration and magnitude of stress that an animal is experiencing has yet to be identified.
Rifampin and Pseudomembranous Colitis

Isolates of toxigenic Clostridium difficile, the most frequent cause of antibioticassociated pseudomembranous colitis, are almost always highly susceptible to rifampin. However, resistant isolates exist and have been associated with colitis in both hamsters and humans given rifampin. Rifampin is rarely implicated in the disease in humans; only six cases have been documented, all in elderly patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis. At least three of these patients had liver disease, and all six had also received one or more other antimicrobial agents. The only isolate of C. difficile from these patients that was studied was resistant to rifampin. The colitis was usually mild and responsive to discontinuation of treatment with rifampin or to oral treatment with vancomycin. Pseudomembranous colitis is an uncommon but
Complete Quantification of Group A and Group B Soyasaponins in Soybeans

A combination of high-pressure extraction and preparative chromatography was used to purify the group A and group B soyasaponins from soy germ for use as analytical standards and for use in biological assays. A standardized sample preparation and extraction method was developed for the analysis of phytochemicals found in soy and processed soy products, which is reproducible in other laboratories. The extracts can be analyzed with standard liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography methods to identify and quantitate the group A and group B forms of the soy saponins, as well as the soy isoflavones. Complete saponin analysis of the extracts prepared from soy germ (hypocots), hulls, and cotyledons shows that a significant portion of the saponins is concentrated in the germ. The germ contains nearly all of the group A soyasaponins, while the group B soyasaponins are nearly equally distributed between the germ and the cotyledons. The hulls contain little of either isoflavones or saponins. Whole (full fat) soybeans grown on a tract in central Illinois in 2003 contain approximately 4-6% saponins on a weight basis, of which about one-fifth or less of the total saponin content are group A soyasaponins; the balance is group B soyasaponins.
Validity of questionnaires for assessing dysfunctional cognitions in bulimia nervosa

Objective This research investigated the validity of the Bulimic Cognitive Distortions Scale and the Mizes Anorectic Cognitions Questionnaire. The ability of these questionnaires to discriminate among individuals with bulimia, restrained eaters, and normals was also investigated. Method Scores on these retrospective self-report questionnaires were compared to cognitions assessed via in vivo thought-sampling. Cognitions of 15 women with bulimia nervosa, 15 restrained eaters, and 15 non-eating disordered women were assessed. Results Results indicated that both the BCDS and the MAC successfully discriminated among individuals with bulimia, restrained eaters, and normals, and adequately measured in vivo attitudes and beliefs associated with food and eating, weight and body-image, and low self-efficacy. Discussion These findings support the continued use of both the BCDS and the MAC. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 27: 464–470, 2000.
The Effect of Sodium Intake on Angiotensin Content of the Rat Adrenal Gland

To determine whether dietary sodium intake modifies the generation of adrenal-produced angiotensins and/ or their relative proportions, Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a low (0.02%), normal (0.4%), or high (1.5%) sodium intake for 5 days. The animals were then killed by decapitation at 0900 h, and their adrenal glands were removed and dissected into two parts: capsular tissue, containing the zona glomerulosa (ZG), and the decapsulated adrenal gland. The tissue was frozen in liquid nitrogen and extracted, and the individual angiotensins [angiotensin-II (All), angiotensin-III (AIII), angiotensin-I (AI), and Des-Asp-angiotensin-I (Des-Asp-AI)] were separated by HPLC and quantitated by RIA. On a normal sodium intake, the molar contents of the four angiotensins were similar in ZG, ranging from 3.1–6.6 pmol/g, although All was present in a 60–70% higher concentration than AIII. In the decapsulated adrenal, the concentrations of the various angiotensins were again similar, but the absolute levels (per g t...
Impact of geographic disparity on liver allocation for hepatocellular cancer in the United States

Background & Aims Liver allocation for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is undergoing constant re-evaluation in the United States, but the impact of geographic differences in organ access has not been examined. Methods From February 28th, 2002 until November 20th, 2009, 9730 adult patients with T2 HCC and 326 Beyond Milan HCC patients were studied using the UNOS database. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated and log-rank tests were used to test for differences in survival curves. Results Length of waiting time and presence/absence of loco-regional therapy in T2 HCC patients did not significantly impact transplant recipient ( p =0.65) and graft survival ( p =0.74) (Fig. 1B). Regions with median waiting times >6months performed more loco-regional therapy (Fig. 1D) and had significantly higher waiting list dropout rates (Regions 1: p =0.01; 5: p p p =0.37, and graft p =0.72 survival) (Fig. 1C). The Beyond Milan cohort had significantly greater dropout/death ( p =0.007) and a worse overall survival trend ( p =0.11) (Fig. 1C). Conclusions Analysis of the UNOS database shows inhomogeneous access to liver transplantation in the United States. Regions with longer waiting times had significantly higher T2 HCC dropout rates (Table 2), and used more loco-regional therapy (Fig. 1D). Conversely, T2 HCC patients had uniform liver transplant outcomes despite geographic differences (Fig. 2). Beyond Milan HCC patients showed significantly greater dropout/death ( p =0.007) and a worse overall survival trend in an intent-to-treat analysis ( p =0.11) (Fig. 1C).
Symbiosis in the Larger Foraminiferan Sorites marginalis (with Notes on Archaias spp.)

SYNOPSIS. It was demonstrated with the aid of light and electron microscope studies that Sorites marginalis (Lamarck) harbors zooxanthellae. The hosts were scraped from Thalassia testudinum Konig growing in Key Largo Sound (Florida, U.S.A.) and immediately preserved in appropriate fixatives. Zooxanthellae were distributed unevenly throughout all the chamberlets; only a few symbiotes were found in the embryonic chambers and the inner or outer chambers, but the intermediate chambers were packed with symbiotes. The outer chambers contained many food vacuoles in addition to symbiotes. Some zooxanthellae might have been in the process of degeneration or digestion. The symbiotes were found to have a typical dinoflagellate nucleus, a single large lobate cortical chloroplast with one stalked pyrenoid, an accumulation body, and many starch granules. The nonmotile stage of the zooxanthella was similar, but perhaps not identical, to Symbiodinium microadriaticum Freudenthal from various hosts. The foraminiferan host is heterokaryotic with hundreds of generative (small) nuclei and scores of vegetative (large) nuclei. Most of the generative nuclei were found in the embryonic apparatus and the inner chambers. Most of the vegetative nuclei were found in the inner and outer chambers.
Boundary Friction of Textile Yarns

A method and apparatus for determining the boundary friction of textile fibers are described. Mineral oil and oleic acid are shown to be ineffective boundary lubricants for "Dacron," 1 nylon, acetate, rayon, and polyacrylonitrile fibers. Stearic acid and n-octadecylamine reduced the boundary friction compared to that of the clean fibers. Polyacrylic acid grafted to nylon gave low boundary friction when treated with n-octa decylamine. Oleic acid formed an elective boundary film on chrome which gave low friction when rubbed by various textile fibers and was stable at temperatures up to 160° C. Lubricants had no effect on the boundary friction of "Teflon." 2 These results are interpreted in terms of adsorption of the lubricants on the rubbing surfaces.