cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studying Chemistry in Micro-compartments by Separating Droplet Generation from Ionization

Recent studies show that reactions inside micron-sized compartments (e.g., droplets, emulsions) can proceed at significantly accelerated rates and with different mechanisms compared to the same reactions in a macroscopic container. Many of these studies use electrospray ionization (ESI) to both generate droplets and to quantify, via mass spectrometry (MS), droplet reaction kinetics. The highly charged and rapidly evaporating droplets produced in ESI make it difficult to examine precisely the underlying cause for droplet-induced rate enhancements. Additionally, interpretation of the spectra from ESI-MS can be complicated by gas-phase ion-molecule and clustering reactions. Here, we use an approach where droplet generation is separated from ionization, in order to decouple the multiple possible sources of acceleration and to examine more closely the potential role of gas-phase chemistry. The production of sugar phosphates from the reaction of phosphoric acid with simple sugars (a reaction that does not occur in bulk solution but has recently been reported to occur in droplets) is measured using this approach to compare reactivity in droplets (i.e., with compartments) with that in the gas phase (i.e., without compartments). The same product ions that have been previously assigned to in droplet reactions are observed with and without compartmentalization. These results suggest that in some cases, gas-phase processes in the ionization region can potentially complicate the quantification and interpretation of accelerated reactions in droplets using ESI-MS (or one of its variants). In such cases, contributions from in-droplet chemistry cannot be ruled out, but we demonstrate that gas-phase processes can be a significant (and possibly dominant) reaction pathway. We suggest that future studies of rate acceleration in droplets be modified to better assess the potential for non-droplet-related processes.
Population Stereotypes for Objects and Representations: Response Tendencies for Interacting With Everyday Objects and Interfaces.

Objective:The objective of the study is to replicate and extend population stereotypes from a broad range of users for display-control relations of common interfaces using pictures/images of the ob...
Clinical and molecular characterization of novel deletions causing epsilon gamma delta beta thalassemia: Report of two cases.

Abstract Epsilon gamma delta beta (eγδβ)0 - thalassemia is a very rare disorder that results from large deletions in the β-globin gene cluster which abolish all regional globin chain gene expression from that allele. Since it is an exceedingly rare cause of neonatal anemia and is not detected by routine newborn screening, it is usually not suspected clinically and commonly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In this study, we describe two patients diagnosed in our hospital with (eγδβ)0-thalassemia based on the results obtained from DNA microarray analysis of their peripheral blood. The first patient of mixed European descent presented as a neonate with microcytic hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia and hypothermia, and was found to have a 2.2 Mb loss that included the entire β-globin gene cluster and the locus control region (LCR). The second patient, also of mixed European descent, presented in the neonatal period with anemia, thrombocytopenia and cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis, and was found to have a 59 kb loss that included the β-globin LCR, HBE1, HBG1, and HBG2 genes. Both cases highlight the importance of recognizing the clinical features of (eγδβ)0-thalassemia and implementing appropriate testing to clarify the diagnosis and manage the condition.
CILIA AND MUCOCILIARY CLEARANCE

Mucociliary clearance is an innate defense mechanism that protects the pulmonary system from the harmful consequences of inhaled agents, including those of biological, chemical, and physical nature. Ciliated cells, which line the surface epithelium of the airways, provide the force necessary for mucociliary clearance by the coordinated beating of their cilia. These highly specialized cells are therefore critical to the health and function of the pulmonary system. In this article, the basic biology of ciliated cells and the structure of the cilium are described. Their function and interaction with other components of the mucociliary system and the importance of mucociliary clearance to respiratory disease are discussed.
Efficient Synthesis of Geminal-Dialkyl Dienes for Olefin Metathesis Polymerization

A robust synthesis of gem-dialkyl acyclic diene monomers has been developed. This route is scalable, flexible, and biorenewable, allowing for the production of a wide range of diene monomers of dif...
The Continuous-Time Linear Quadratic Regulator Problem

We turn now to the continuous-time linear quadratic regulator problem(s). Recall from §26 that the finite time horizon problem is to choose u: [0, t1) →R m so as to minimize $$J_{{0^1}}^t = \int\limits_0^{{t_1}} {{u^T}} \left( t \right)u\left( t \right) + {y^T}\left( t \right)y\left( t \right)dt + {x^T}\left( {{t_1}} \right)Qx\left( {{t_1}} \right),$$ subject to $$J_0^\infty = \int\limits_0^\infty {{u^T}} \left( t \right)u\left( t \right) + {y^T}\left( t \right)y\left( t \right)dt.$$ whereas the infinite-time or stationary version of the problem is to find u:[0, ∞) → R m which minimizes $$J_0^\infty = \int\limits_0^\infty {{u^T}} \left( t \right)u\left( t \right) + {y^T}\left( t\right)y\left( t \right)dt.$$
Landscape genomics of Quercus lobata reveals genes involved in local climate adaptation at multiple spatial scales

Understanding how the environment shapes genetic variation provides critical insight about the evolution of local adaptation in natural populations. At multiple spatial scales and multiple geographic contexts within a single species, such information could address a number of fundamental questions about the scale of local adaptation and whether or not the same loci are involved at different spatial scales or geographic contexts. We used landscape genomic approaches from three local elevational transects and rangewide sampling to (a) identify genetic variation underlying local adaptation to environmental gradients in the California endemic oak, Quercus lobata; (b) examine whether putatively adaptive SNPs show signatures of selection at multiple spatial scales; and (c) map putatively adaptive variation to assess the scale and pattern of local adaptation. Of over 10 k single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated with genotyping-by-sequencing, we found signatures of natural selection by climate or local environment at over 600 SNPs (536 loci), some at multiple spatial scales across multiple analyses. Candidate SNPs identified with gene-environment tests (LFMM) at the rangewide scale also showed elevated associations with climate variables compared to the background at both rangewide and elevational transect scales with gradient forest analysis. Some loci overlap with those detected in other oak species, raising the question of whether the same loci might be involved in local climate adaptation in different congeneric species that inhabit different geographic contexts. Mapping landscape patterns of adaptive versus background genetic variation identified regions of marked local adaptation and suggests nonlinear association of candidate SNPs and environmental variables. Taken together, our results offer robust evidence for novel candidate genes for local climate adaptation at multiple spatial scales.
Syntax-Guided Quantifier Instantiation

This paper presents a novel approach for quantifier instantiation in Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) that leverages syntax-guided synthesis (SyGuS) to choose instantiation terms. It targets quantified constraints over background theories such as (non)linear integer, reals and floating-point arithmetic, bit-vectors, and their combinations. Unlike previous approaches for quantifier instantiation in these domains which rely on theory-specific strategies, the new approach can be applied to any (combined) theory, when provided with a grammar for instantiation terms for all sorts in the theory. We implement syntax-guided instantiation in the SMT solver CVC4, leveraging its support for enumerative SyGuS. Our experiments demonstrate the versatility of the approach, showing that it is competitive with or exceeds the performance of state-of-the-art solvers on a range of background theories.
The Evolution of Mentalizing in Humans and Other Primates

Mentalizing, or theory of mind, is the ability to infer the mental states, such as desires and beliefs, that motivate others’ actions. Mentalizing is fundamental to human social life, underpinning many of the forms of communication, cooperation, and culture that are likely unique to our species. But how did human mentalizing evolve? Comparative experiments with humans and other primates suggest that theory of mind has deep phylogenetic roots: its most basic foundations appear to be shared widely among primates while more sophisticated precursors are found only in our closer relatives, suggesting that they may have been present only in more recent common ancestors. Of course, still other features of human theory of mind have evolved uniquely in the human lineage, in the past 6–9 million years since we diverged from the other apes. Inter- and intra-specific studies suggest that mentalizing has likely evolved in response to the demands of competing and cooperating with others, with dietary and metabolic adaptations probably playing an important role as well. Future comparative work will continue to prove fruitful in determining exactly what it is about human mentalizing that makes us human and how it came to be.
Sensitivity Analysis of Activated Sludge Economics

At the outset of a design study for a waste treatment system some of the relationships of the critical parameters are not well defined. Construction of a model in mathematical forms will allow some definition. Sensitivity analysis of the parameters and input variable will help identify those causing significant change in costs. This paper used activated sludge as an example. The activated sludge process is described in statements covering effects of waste character treatment rates, and construction and operational costs. The sensitivity analysis is performed on a computer using first a substitution of values method and then a pair by pair graphic display of cost response to parameter changes, for parameters identified as critical. The results of such an approach should assist designers in the delineation of control factors which should receive more intensive investigation and research to achieve optimum economy of a waste water treatment system.
Very Low Frequency Sound Studied Using Multi-Element Seafloor Arrays

An array of eleven instruments was deployed on the seafloor in the central North Pacific in November, 1988 to record pressure fluctuations associated with ambient noise in the band from 0.001 to 1 Hz. The coherence varies with frequency and distance between pairs of instruments within the 95 km aperture array. A maximum likelihood technique has been used to calculate wavenumber and frequency spectra for various intervals within the data set. The pressure signals below 0.03 Hz propagate as surface gravity waves and appear to be derived from the coast. No coherence is found in the band between 0.03 and 0.05 Hz, except after major earthquakes along the Pacific rim, which generate long Rayleigh wave trains that are perfectly coherent across the entire array. The single frequency microseism peak between 0.06 and 0.1 Hz is evident as a band of high coherence. These waves propagate as fundamental mode Rayleigh waves with phase velocities near 4 km/s. Pressure fluctuations measured within the double frequency microseism peak are coherent only between the most closely spaced instruments (less than 10 km) and only up to a frequency of about 0.25 Hz. The wavenumber and frequency spectra show the energy in this band also propagates as fundamental mode Rayleigh waves, but with phase velocities near 1.5 km/s. Multiple source regions or directions of propagation are evident in both the single frequency and double frequency microseism peaks.
Cyber Crime: Security Under Scarce Resources

Cyber crime covers a wide range of activities that includes theft, fraud and harassment; stealing valuable intellectual property as part of industrial espionage; committing financial fraud and credit card theft; and disrupting internet services for ideological goals (“hacktivism”). The crimes target both firms and consumers, and while they rarely result in physical harm or property damage, there can still be severe consequences. This paper frames the topic as a discussion of two markets: one of information security, occupied by victims (e.g., firms and consumers), and one of threats, where buyers and sellers of malicious software and stolen information trade their goods.
A simplified method for determining radiochemical purity of N-13 ammonia injection

372 Objectives: To develop a simple, rapid method to determine radiochemical purity (RCP) of N-13 ammonia injection using a solid phase extraction (SPE) method. Methods: Side-by-side comparative RCP tests were performed on 12 lots of N-13 ammonia injection, using a newly developed SPE based cationic exchange resin method and a HPLC method. The HPLC method utilized a Dionex CS12A column eluted with 20mM methane sulfonic acid. In-line conductivity and sodium iodide detectors were used. The SPE method was performed using a cation exchange column (Waters Accell™ Plus CM Sep-Pak®) primed with water and eluted sequentially with 3 mL of water and 3 mL of 2M CaCl2. N-13 ammonia is eluted with the calcium chloride solution. Radioactivity measurements of both eluates and the Sep-Pak® cartridge were performed in a CRC®-15 PET dose calibrator. Additionally, 11 samples of N-13 ammonia injection were spiked with unreacted N-13 NOX (0.9-14.7%) and assayed using the SPE method. Results: RCP (mean ± s.d., n=12) values were 99.27% ± 0.32% and 99.70% ± 0.28% for the SPE and HPLC methods, respectively. A paired t-test performed on these data shows no significant difference (P Conclusions: The SPE method is an acceptable method for the rapid determination of radiochemical purity in N-13 ammonia using readily available equipment and materials.
Bilateral theca lutein cysts of the ovary in a case of erythroblastosis; presentation of a case.

Abstract The presence of large bilateral theca lutein cysts in pregnancy not associated with hydatidiform mole is apparently very rare, only 2 cases having been previously reported in the medical literature. A case of our own occurring at the Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo is added. In 2 of these 3 cases, fetal hydrops (before the Rh era) was reported; in our case fetal hydrops together with proved erythroblastosis due to Rh incompatibility was present. A theory is proposed correlating the anatomic findings in hydatidiform moles and in cases of erythroblastosis (persistence of the cytotrophoblastic layer which may be the site of gonadotropic hormone production).
Collaborative multiagent Gaussian inference in a dynamic environment using belief propagation

The problem of multiagent Gaussian inference in a dynamic environment, also known as distributed Kalman filtering, is formulated into the framework of message passing algorithms. Upon generalizing the derivation of the standard Kalman filter to the distributed case, we propose novel solutions that outperform current state of the art techniques.
Randomized trial of therapeutic group by teleconference

BACKGROUND: The effects of a therapeutic group by teleconference for African American women with breast cancer have not been documented, although the benefits of therapeutic groups for European women are well established. African American women with breast cancer may experience social disconnection, a sense of being cut off from partners, family, and friends because of side effects of treatment and fatalistic beliefs about cancer. A therapeutic group by teleconference may counteract these problems and improve social connection. METHODS: A randomized trial design stratified by treatment type was used. Data were collected at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 16 weeks from baseline. Repeated-measures, fixed-factor analyses of covariance were used for each outcome. The between-subject factors were group and replicate set, and the within-subject factor was time. Physical well being and educational level differed significantly between the 2 groups at baseline and were used as covariates. RESULTS: The mixed-model analysis of the outcome variables revealed significant changes over time for knowledge (P ≤ .001), with higher scores on knowledge observed for the control group. Group-by-time interactions were observed for fatalism (P = .0276), fear (P = .0163), and social connection (P = .0174) as measured by the Social Well Being subscale from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Breast Cancer Version. No group-by-time interaction was observed for social connection as measured by the Social Support Questionnaire. Social connection measured with the Social Well Being subscale improved significantly in the intervention group, whereas fatalism and fear significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the authors documented the benefits of a therapeutic group by teleconference, a novel way to provide support for African American women with breast cancer. Further research should include a behavioral outcome, such as treatment adherence. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Quasi-phasematched interactions: materials, devices, and applications

In this talk, I will discuss fabrication and application of quasi phase matched (QPM) devices in ferroelectrics, techniques specific to QPM interactions such as engineering the amplitude and phase of nonlinear interactions with aperiodic QPM gratings, novel applications of QPM interactions in areas such as communications and quantum optics, and extension of QPM techniques to iii-v and ii-vi semiconductors.
Alaska Native Mortality Rates and Trends

OBJECTIVES: This article compared mortality data (1999-2003) for Alaska Natives (AN), U.S. white residents (USW), and Alaska white residents (AKW), and examined changes in mortality rates from 1979 to 2003. METHODS: We used SEERStat software from the National Cancer Institute to calculate age-adjusted mortality rates. RESULTS: The AN all-cause mortality rate was 40% higher (rate ratio [RR]=1.4) than the rate for both the USW and AKW populations. Based on comparisons with USW, the largest disparities in AN mortality were found for unintentional injuries (RR=3.0), suicide (RR=3.1), and homicide (RR=4.4). Disparities were also found for eight of the 10 leading causes of death, including cancer (AN/USW RR=1.3), cerebrovascular disease (RR=1.3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR=1.4), pneumonia/influenza (RR=1.6), and chronic liver disease (RR=2.0). In contrast, the mortality rate for heart disease among AN was significantly lower (RR=0.9) than for USW, and lower-though not significantly lower-for diabetes. Findings were quite similar when rates for AN were compared with AKW. AKW also had high rates of unintentional injury mortality and suicide compared with USW, but the magnitude of the difference was much less for AKW. From 1979 to 2003, mortality rates among AN declined 16% for all causes, similar to the USW decline of 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring mortality rates and their trends is essential not only to understand the health status of a population but also to target areas for prevention and evaluate the impact of policy change or the effect of interventions over time. Language: en
Clock-delayed domino for adder and combinational logic design

An innovative dynamic logic family, clock-delayed (CD) domino, was developed to provide gates with either inverting or non-inverting outputs, and the high speed and layout compactness of dynamic logic. The characteristics of CD domino are demonstrated in two carry lookahead adder designs and three MCNC combinational logic benchmark circuits. The CD domino designs are compared to designs using static CMOS and standard domino logic. A circuit design tool was developed to automate the design of CD domino circuits. Simulations show a 32-bit CD domino adder comprised of four 8-bit full adders to be 30% faster than a 32-bit standard domino adder, anal a 32-bit CD domino adder comprised of a single 32-bit full adder to be 45% faster. In the combinational logic benchmark circuits, complex inverting and non-inverting gates were used to implement C1355, C3540, and b9. The CD domino circuits were 22%, 43% and 34% faster than their static CMOS counterparts of C1355, C3540 and b9, respectively.
Computer and network infrastructure of the National Spherical Torus Experiment

The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) began acquiring data in February 1999. From the beginning it utilized a heterogeneous collection of computer platforms for control, data acquisition, analysis and. security. Computer processing, data acquisition and storage, and network capacity have been subsequently increased. The variety of platforms used for data acquisition and analysis, as well as the number of protocols used on the Ethernet, have also increased. Network capacity has been added to support a growing load of Ethernet-based data acquisition hardware, to handle increased firewall traffic, and to provide bandwidth for visualization of analysis results. Networked video provides broadcast views of the control room and meetings. Four-party video conferencing in the control room allows communication among the members of the national team.
Preclouding in Mixed Micellar Solutions

Intermediate phase behavior (preclouding) in micellar solutions of Triton X-114 containing a minor proportion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been investigated. Solutions with a low SDS content were found to cloud in the conventional manner, with slightly elevated cloud points. Solutions with higher proportions of SDS exhibited preclouding, involving the formation of a stable colloidal suspension, before macroscopic clouding set in at a much higher temperature. Solutions with intermediate amounts of SDS showed alternating phase behavior, clouding after initial heating, then preclouding at a higher temperature, and eventually clouding after still further heating. The evolution of aggregate sizes was monitored by photon correlation spectroscopy, which showed that two major populations existed in preclouded suspensions. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements of a perylene probe were used to construct Perrin plots, which were nonlinear, indicating anomalous viscosity changes during the preclouding process. ...
EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF THE THEORY OF THE THERMAL-DIFFUSION COLUMN.

The accuracy of the Jones and Furry theory of the thermal‐diffusion column was tested in an extensive series of 20Ne–22Ne separation experiments. The experiments covered a range of cold‐wall to hot‐wall radius ratios from 2.95 to 20 and a range of hot‐wall temperatures from 108° to 815°C. Measured column transport coefficients were compared to theoretical values based on the measured transport properties of neon. The average ratio of the experimentally determined initial transport coefficient to the value calculated from theory was 0.899±0.047; the similar average ratio for the convective remixing coefficient was 1.18±0.129; and the average ratio for the diffusive remixing coefficient was 0.963±0.056.
High-frequency time-dependent breakdown of SiO/sub 2/

The time-dependent dielectric breakdown of thin oxides (8.6-11 nm) are compared under DC, pulse, and bipolar pulse conditions for frequencies up to 4 MHz. Lifetime under unipolar pulse conditions does not deviate largely from that under DC conditions; however, lifetime under bipolar stress conditions increases by a factor of 40 to 100 at frequencies above 10 kHz. The field accelerations of breakdown time are similar for DC and pulse stressing. >
Symbiotic systems: Exploiting human creativity

Although computers have become increasingly powerful in the solution of large and complex problems, and will continue to do so, there remains a class of problem in which the human capabilities of creativity and visualization are necessary for the development of good solutions. For example, an industrial engineer may be able to see instantly the flaw in a particular factory layout, and may also visualize a good alternative solution, but a computer would perform a lengthy sequential search for the flaw, and might never find the good alternative. Symbiotic systems are defined, which combine a human domain expert with a computer component designed to support the human's creative visualization capability. Each successful application described herein required a unique approach.
Fast-responsive optical fiber relative-humidity sensor

We present here a very fast, responsive fiber optic relative humidity (RH) sensor. The sensor was obtained by coating a thin PVA/CoCl2 film on the core of a plastic cladding fiber; the film was deposited after removing the cladding of the fiber. The sensor response is very fast even to a slight change in relative humidity and has a good dynamical range. The sensor is quite repeatable and fully reversible. The performance of the sensor was compared against a commercially available relative humidity sensor and was found to be sensitive to RH ranging from 3 to 90%. The sensor developed was found to be faster than the commercially available sensor in the higher humidity range. The time stability of the sensor has also been checked and was found suitable for a long term monitoring application. The sensor should be quite useful for monitoring RH in harsh industrial environments.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Immediate Effects of Intravenous Endotoxin on Serotonin Concentrations and Blood Platelets

Adult mongrel dogs were given a lethal dose of E. Coli endotoxin by rapid intravenous injection. Total serotonin levels in the serum fell rapidly, with the concentration in the portal vein and pulmonary artery significantly exceeding that in the femoral artery within the first minute after injection. Small rises in plasma serotonin were found in some of the animals. These changes were coincident with a sharp fall in the number of circulating platelets, with striking changes in platelet morphology, and with the initial fall in blood pressure.
Dust and sea surface temperature forcing of the 1930s “Dust Bowl” drought

[1] Droughts over the central United States (US) are modulated by sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the eastern tropical Pacific. Many models, however, are unable to reproduce the severity and spatial pattern of the “Dust Bowl” drought of the 1930s with SST forcing alone. We force an atmosphere general circulation model with 1930s SSTs and model-generated dust emission from the Great Plains region. The SSTs alone force a drought over the US similar to observations, but with a weaker precipitation anomaly that is centered too far south. Inclusion of dust radiative forcing, centered over the area of observed wind erosion, increases the intensity of the drought and shifts its center northward. While our conclusions are tempered by limited quantitative observations of the dust aerosol load and soil erosion during this period, our study suggests that unprecedented atmospheric dust loading over the continental US exacerbated the “Dust Bowl” drought.
Innovative approaches to teaching clinical pharmacology: problems of an emerging curriculum.

The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology is publishing an educational series dealing with Innovative Teaching programs in Clinical Pharmacology. Claire M. Lathers, PhD, FCP, and Alphonse J. Ingenito, PhD, FCP, are coediting this series of articles. Two articles have been published to date. The first is coauthored by AJ Ingenito, CM Lathers, and HJ Burford, and is entitled “Instruction in Clinical Pharmacology: Changes in the Wind” (J Clin Pharmacol 1989;29:7–17) and the second was written by CM Lathers and CM Smith and is entitled “Teaching Clinical Pharmacology: Coordination with Medical Pharmacology Courses” (J Clin Pharmacol 1989;29:581–597). The third article, “Incorporation of Clinical Pharmacology into the Fourth Year of the Medical Curriculum: Teaching Clinical Pharmacology Without a Clinical Pharmacologist,” (J Clin Pharmacol 1990;30:1065–1073) was written by Patricia Williams, PhD at Eastern Virginia Medical School. The fourth article (in press) written by Duncan E. Hutcheon, MD, FCP of UMDNJ in Newark, and Hoda Wadie El-Gawly, MD, PhD, from the University of Suez, describes a computer-based problem-solving system in clinical pharmacology. A system that isn't innovating is a system that is dying. In the long run, the innovators are the ones who rescue all human ventures from death by decay. So value them. You don't have to be one yourself, but you should be a friend of the innovators around you. And if you don't have any around you, you had better import some.
Trafficking and signaling by fatty-acylated and prenylated proteins

A wide variety of signaling proteins are modified by covalently linked fatty acids and/or prenyl groups. These hydrophobic moieties, which include myristate, palmitate, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl, are more than just fat: they provide distinct information that modulates the specificity and efficiency of signal transduction. Recent studies show that lipid modification influences the movement of a signaling protein within the cell and its final destination. Protein lipidation can also confer reversible association with membranes and other signaling proteins. These findings provide new insights into the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms that regulate membrane targeting, trafficking and signaling by lipid-modified proteins.
A nonlocal variational formulation of the equations of radiative transport

Abstract A coordinate invariant formulation and a nonlocal variational principle are obtained for the radiative transport equation. Problems with normal scattering kernels are shown to lead to both space and time inversion invariance relations between the transport function and its formal adjoint. The relations for non-normal kernels are also obtained.
Drug Interactions with Valproic Acid

Valproic acid undergoes drug-drug interactions with most of the commonly used anticonvulsants. Since it possesses a wide range of indications, concomitant use with other anticonvulsants, and hence interactions, are not infrequent. Many of these interactions are reciprocal and may have important therapeutic consequences. Valproate acts as a protein binding displacer and/or metabolic inhibitor with respect to a number of other anticonvulsants (phenobarbitone, primidone, phenytoin). Inhibition of metabolism would, in most instances, result in a decrease of the dose requirements of the affected drugs. Valproate is a low clearance drug primarily eliminated by metabolism. Its metabolism is highly inducible by some of the major anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin). Valproate is also highly protein bound in plasma and thus is displaced by salicylates and free fatty acids. However, displacement alone, unlike induced metabolism, should not affect the drug's dose-response relationship.
Toxicity of sodium fluoride to the postnatally developing rat kidney

The adult rat kidney is an important target organ for sodium fluoride; however, the toxicity of fluoride to the developing kidney is unknown. This study examined renal function following NaF exposure during the first 4 weeks after birth. Sprague-Dawley rats received a single ip injection of 0, 30, or 48 mg/kg NaF on postnatal Day 1, 8, 15, or 29. Alterations in renal function, histology, and morphology were determined 24, 48, and 120 hr after exposure. Measurements of renal function included urine volume, osmolality, the ability to concentrate urine during water deprivation, urinary pH, and chloride content. Rats were then sacrificed and their kidneys processed for observation by light microscopy. Some minor alterations in renal function were observed in the three youngest age groups after NaF exposure. These changes included decreased body weight after treatment with 30 or 48 mg/kg NaF but increased kidney-body weight ratio in the 48 mg/kg group on Day 1; decreased urinary pH in both dose groups after treatment on Day 1 or 8; increased urinary volume 120 hr after treatment on Day 8; and decreased chloride excretion in the 48 mg/kg group 24 hr after injection on Day 1. None of these effects was severe. In contrast to these results, marked renal toxicity was observed in postweaning rats treated on Day 29. The NaF exposure resulted in increased kidney weight and kidney/body weight ratio, profound diuresis, decreased urinary osmolality, and decreased ability to concentrate urine during water deprivation. Urinary chloride excretion was decreased for the first 2 days after NaF exposure, then increased in water-deprived rats 120 hr after treatment. Glucosuria and hematuria were present for 2 days after treatment with 48 mg/kg. Histological lesions were apparent in the proximal tubules of the treated Day 29 rats. Thus, the kidney of the suckling rat is largely unresponsive to NaF toxicity. Renal sensitivity increases abruptly after weaning in the Day 29 rat.
Spectral interference measurement of nonlinear pulse propagation dynamics in optical fibers.

Ultrafast pulse shaping and ultrafast pulse spectral phase-retrieval techniques are used in the spectral interference measurement of nonlinear pulse propagation dynamics in dispersion-shifted optical fiber. Nonlinear responses in both amplitude profile and phase profile of the pulses at zero-dispersion wavelength as well as at nonzero-dispersion wavelength are directly measured. A numerical simulation that uses a third-oder-dispersion-included nonlinear Schrodinger equation gives excellent agreement with the experimental data.
The roles of axes of symmetry in orientation illusions

The lines of a surrounding figure can induce illusory distortion in the apparent orientation of an enclosed line. The axes of symmetry of the figure have been implicated in this distortion. A series of experiments showed generally that the effects are attributable to the axes of bilateral symmetry rather than to less restrictively defined axes of topological symmetry, although those axes may produce other illusory effects. Furthermore, the distortions affect the whole line rather than only parts of it. These results are consistent with interactions of the lines in the orientation rather than position domain. It is suggested that axes of symmetry may play an important role in pattern recognition.
Relationships among HIV infection, metabolic risk factors, and left ventricular structure and function.

Abstract Our objective was to determine if the presence of metabolic complications (MC) conveyed an additional risk for left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in people with HIV. HIV+ and HIV− men and women were categorized into four groups: (1) HIV+ with MC (43±7 years, n=64), (2) HIV+ without MC (42±7 years, n=59), (3) HIV− with MC (44±8 years, n=37), or (4) HIV− controls without MC (42±8 years, n=41). All participants underwent two-dimensional (2-D), Doppler, and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Overall, the prevalence of systolic dysfunction (15 vs. 4%, p=0.02) and LV hypertrophy (9 vs. 1%, p=0.03) was greater in HIV+ than in HIV− participants. Participants with MC had a greater prevalence of LV hypertrophy (10% vs. 1%). Early mitral annular velocity during diastole was significantly (p<0.005) lower in groups with MC (HIV+/MC+: 11.6±2.3, HIV−/MC+: 12.0±2.3 vs. HIV+/MC−: 12.4±2.3, HIV−/MC−: 13.1±2.4 cm/s) and tended to be lower in groups with HIV (p=0.10). However, there was no interaction effect of HIV and...
Conceptualizing Environmental Refugees in Education: A Transformative Language-Learning Framework

Environmental refugees are increasing worldwide. Consequently, a theoretical framework is necessary for conceptualizing them in education. This article breaks new ground by providing such a framework in education, in general, and bilingual–bicultural education, in particular. The framework is grounded in O'Sullivan's (1999, 2002) transformative learning theory and Goulah's (e.g., 2006, 2007a, 2007b, 2008, 2009a, 2009b, in press) applications of it to language education, and it conceptualizes environmental refugees' sociocultural and sociopolitical experiences with a focus on maintaining their native languages and cultural practices and empowering them in their relocated areas. This article also presents the cultivation of planetary spatial literacies as an example in praxis of the proposed transformative bilingual–bicultural approach based on the framework. This approach is offered not only as a means of maintaining environmental refugees' native languages and cultural practices, but also as a means of pr...
Defining Early Morbidity of Radical Cystectomy for Patients with Bladder Cancer Using a Standardized Reporting Methodology

Abstract Background Reporting methodology is highly variable and nonstandardized, yet surgical outcomes are utilized in clinical trial design and evaluation of healthcare provider performance. Objective We sought to define the type, incidence, and severity of early postoperative morbidities following radical cystectomy (RC) using a standardized reporting methodology. Design, setting, and participants Between 1995 and 2005, 1142 consecutive RCs were entered into a prospective complication database and retrospectively reviewed for accuracy. All patients underwent RC/urinary diversion by high-volume fellowship-trained urologic oncologists. Measurements All complications within 90 d of surgery were analyzed and graded according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center complication grading system. Complications were defined and stratified into 11 specific categories. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to define predictors of complications. Results and limitations Sixty-four percent (735/1142) of patients experienced a complication within 90 d of surgery. Among patients experiencing a complication, 67% experienced a complication during the operative hospital admission and 58% following discharge. Overall, the highest grade of complication was grade 0 in 36% ( n =407), grade 1–2 in 51% ( n =582), and grade 3–5 in 13% ( n =153). Gastrointestinal complications were most common (29%), followed by infectious complications (25%) and wound-related complications (15%). The 30-d mortality rate was 1.5%. Conclusions Surgical morbidity following RC is significant and, when strict reporting guidelines are incorporated, higher than previously published. Accurate reporting of postoperative complications after RC is essential for counseling patients, combined modality treatment planning, clinical trial design, and assessment of surgical success.
Phthiriasis palpebrarum infection: a concern for child abuse.

Abstract Background Pediculosis capitis is a common parasitic infestation, whereas phthiriasis palpebrarum is an uncommon infection due to Phthirus pubis (pubic lice) inoculating the eyelashes and surrounding tissues of the eye. Emergency physicians should recognize the causes of this uncommon disease. Cases of phthiriasis palpebrarum should trigger the clinician to consider the potential for child abuse when suspected or when social history dictates the risk for abuse. Objective A case of a pediculosis capitis and phthiriasis palpebrarum coinfection in a 4-year-old girl is presented, which was suspicious for child abuse given the patient's social history. Diagnosis, treatment, and need for vigilance when encountering cases of phthiriasis palpebrarum, especially in young children, are discussed herein. Case Report A 4-year-old girl presented with swelling and redness around her eyes. The girl had recurrent head lice infestations, however, on the day of presentation the mother noted lice appeared on the girl's eyelashes and eyelids. Head lice typically do not infect the eyes, and given the different morphology of the lice on the patient's head and eyes, a diagnosis of phthiriasis palpebrarum was made. Because phthiriasis pubis infection of the eyelids may represent sexual abuse, especially in children, child protective services was notified to ensure patient safety. Conclusions Pediatric phthiriasis palpebrarum can represent child abuse, and the origins of this infection need to be carefully discerned. A thorough history can provide information to assess whether further action is needed and, if in doubt, social services should be contacted to ensure child safety.
Direct boundary integral equations for elastodynamics in 3-D half-spaces

Vector boundary integral equations (BIE's) based on Somigliana's integral formula are presented with Stokes' (full-space) and Lamb's (half-space) fundamental tensors (Green's functions), for radiation and scattering of time-harmonic elastic waves by bodies embedded in or laying on the surface of a three-dimensional homogeneous, isotropic, linear-elastic half-space. Numerical work is based on BIEs free from principal-value integrals. Whereas the Stokes'-tensor BIE requires discretization of the infinite half-space surface, all discretization is confined to (finite) surfaces of the body when Lamb's tensors are used. The nonuniqueness of the integral equation solution at fictitious eigenfrequencies is addressed. Numerical results are presented for a rigid circular footing, a rigid hemispherical foundation and a fully embedded spherical cavity.
Using a Decision Support Framework to Evaluate Forecasts

The paper examines the relationship between statistical measures of forecast accuracy and decision support for determining the most useful forecast method. A decision framework is examined with forecasts used to guide trading decisions of a hog producer, buyer and speculator in the hog market. Out-of-sample forecasts from various models are evaluated using mean square error and returns from trading decisions under risk-efficiency criteria. The results emphasize the importance of evaluating forecasts within specific decision-making situations.
Steroid hormone biotransformation and xenobiotic induction of hepatic steroid metabolizing enzymes

Normal reproductive development depends on the interplay of steroid hormones with their receptors at specific tissue sites. The concentrations of hormone ligands in the circulation and at target sites are maintained through coordinated regulation on steroid biosynthesis and degradation. Changed bioavailability of steroids, through alteration of steroidogenesis or biotransformation rates, leads to changes in endocrine function. Steroid hormones lose their receptor reactivity in most cases when they are bound to binding proteins, while metabolic conversion can result in either active or inactive metabolites. Hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and conjugation with glucuronide and sulfate are among the major hepatic pathways of steroid inactivation. The expression of these biotransformation enzymes can be induced by many xenobiotics. The barbiturate phenobarbital and the environmental toxicant 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) are among the well characterized inducers for the CYP 2B and 3A enzymes and selected conjugation enzymes. The induction of the steroid biotransformation enzymes is partly mediated through the activation of a group of nuclear receptors including the glucocorticoid receptor, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), the pregnane X receptor (PXR), and the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR). Drug or chemical-induced increases in hepatic enzyme activities are often a basis for drug-drug interactions that lead to enhanced elimination and reduced therapeutic efficacy of steroidal drugs. The effects of enzyme induction on endogenous steroid clearance, along with its possible consequence, are less well understood. While enzyme induction by xenobiotics may increase clearance of the endogenous steroid, regulatory mechanisms for steroid homeostasis may adapt and compensate for altered clearance.
Synthesis of P,N-Heterocycles from ω-Amino-H-Phosphinates: Conformationally Restricted α-Amino Acid Analogs

P,N-Heterocycles (3-hydroxy-1,3-azaphospholane and 3-hydroxy-1,3-azaphosphorinane-3-oxide) are synthesized in moderate yield from readily available ω-amino-H-phosphinates and aldehydes or ketones via an intramolecular Kabachnik−Fields reaction. The products are conformationally restricted phosphinic analogs of α-amino acids. The multigram-scale syntheses of the H2N(CH2)nPO2H2 phosphinic precursors (n = 1, 2, 3) and some derivatives are also described.
Visualization of Spray Dynamics in a Pilot Spray Dryer by Laser-Initiated Fluorescence

Spray dynamics were examined by means of laser-initiated fluorescence (LIF). These experiments reveal extensive and intermittent dynamic effects. The extent of spray intermittency is a strong function of the water flow rate. The area fraction occupied by the spray correlates (R2 = 0.81) with the ratio of water momentum input to air momentum input. The area fraction is also strongly affected by secondary air feeds or withdrawals. The measured spray field was compared with the predictions of the PSI-Cell model, a numerical, steady-state model that combines interactive heat, mass, and momentum transfer effects and a k − e representation of turbulence. The model predicts the basic shape of the spray and approximate internal conditions. Turbulent droplet dispersion and vortical structures resulting from the shear at the edge of the jet are likely causes of spray intermittency.
Neural-immune interactions--an evolutionary perspective

Efforts to understand how the immune system can influence nervous system function are hampered by the complexity of mammalian nervous and immune systems. The marine mollusc Aplysia californica has recently emerged as a useful model system to investigate cellular mechanisms underlying neural-immune interactions. Aplysia has a relatively simple, well-characterized nervous system that is accessible for intracellular recording. Moreover, it shares with mammals basic cellular defensive responses to non-self or wounded-self, i.e. the accumulation of numerous defense cells (hemocytes) around foreign objects or at injured sites. We have shown that the excitability of a population of nociceptive sensory neurons in Aplysia can be influenced by the presence of hemocytes close to their axons. These sensory neurons also show profound, long-lasting increases in their excitability following axonal injury. Hemocytes are attracted to injured sites on peripheral nerves, and we have developed an in vitro nervous system-hemocyte coculture system to demonstrate that hemocytes can also influence the expression of this injury-induced sensory hyperexcitability. Immunoreactive interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor have been identified in Aplysia. Preliminary in vitro studies showing that IL-1 can modulate the expression of injury-induced sensory hyperexcitability raise the interesting possibility that hemocyte-derived cytokine-like factors can modulate sensory neuron functioning. The relevance of this work to more phylogenetically advanced organisms is also discussed.
Terpene hydrocarbons from Psidium guajava

Abstract An extract of whole guava puree, after TLC and GLC, showed the presence of two monoterpenes and nine sesquiterpenes. β-Caryophyllene comprised 95% of this fraction. Possible significance of these hydrocarbons to natural insect attractants and to guava aroma is noted.
A Paradox of Voting: Cyclical Majorities and the Case of Muscle Shoals

Although social choice theorists have long recognized the theoretical possibility of cyclical majorities in democratic settings, it has been difficult to find a clear example of cyclical voting in ...
A tale of two knowledge‐sharing systems

Two knowledge‐sharing systems were deployed on the same platform within the same organization. One was more successful than the other. Interviews with users showed several factors related to work flow, collaboration practices, and the nature of the documents being shared that affected success. This paper describes the systems and then explores why they were used so differently.