cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustainable distributed biodiesel manufacturing under uncertainty: An interval-parameter-programming-based approach

Biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative fuel, can be produced using different types of feedstock and processing technologies. However, how to strategically plan for sustainable biodiesel manufacturing in large geographical region is very challenging, mainly because of technical/non-technical complexity, economic, various environmental and social concerns, and data and information uncertainty. In this paper, we introduce an interval-parameter-programming (IPP)-based strategic planning methodology. By this methodology, the sustainability performance of biodiesel manufacturing technologies and processes can be assessed systematically, and the IPP-based optimization can then generate optimal strategies for sustainable distributed biodiesel manufacturing under uncertainty. The efficacy of the introduced methodology is demonstrated by a sophisticated case study.
Engineering Plastics from Lignin. 22. Cure of Lignin Based Epoxy Resins

Abstract The kinetic cure parameters-activation energy, pre-Arrhenius factor, and reaction order-for three lignin copolymer epoxides were determined by multiple heating rate dynamic DSC experiments in accordance with the procedure of Ozawa and Doyle. The three epoxides differed in degree of polyether chain extension (and thereby in lignin content) and in molecular weight. Exothermic cure reactions were observed over a temperature range of between 100 and 240°C. Activation energy, pre-Arrhenius constant, and reaction order ranged between 53 and 66 kJ/mol, 10,000 and 440,000, and 1.21 and 1.28, respectively. Lignin content and molecular weight differences had surprisingly little effect on cure performance. This suggests that there are no steric or mobility obstacles to cure. Whereas the activation energy of the cure reaction is similar to that of commercial epoxy resins (i.e., approximately 60 kJ/mol), the reaction order of the n-th order reaction ranges from 1.21 to 1.28 instead of the expected value of 2....
Development of parameters of multinomial logit models

The use of multinomial logit models for predicting mode-choice decisions for urban travel has gained prominence in recent years. The prime advantage of these models lies in their ability to allocate travel demand among many modes at the same time, as opposed to the traditional binary mode-choice models developed in the early sixties. A major impediment to the increased use of logit models is the absence of a structured and welldocumented process that the analyst may follow in order to develop the model in its entirety. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic procedure for calibrating and validating logit models through an efficient use of available data base. A case-study application is also presented to demonstrate the applicability of the method.
Pediatric implications in bioterrorism part I: Physiologic and psychosocial differences

Children are physically and psychologically different from adults and require care modified to meet their needs. In the event of a bioterrorism attack, the child's stage of development can help or hinder his or her response to bioterrorist material. This Part 1 of a series of articles addresses the differences found in children and how health care providers can alter interventions to avoid causing further harm.
Thermopower in high magnetic fields: Electron-phonon mass enhancement

We calculate the adiabatic thermopower in a high magnetic field. Continuing our previous work, we derive a many-body transport equation including the magnetic field and derive the high-field conductivity tensor $\stackrel{}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}$. The transport equation is derived by both the Keldysh and the Kadanoff-Baym nonequilibrium formulation of many-body systems. The results published by Opsal, Thaler, and Bass are confirmed to a certain extent. Electron-phonon mass enhancement is present in the adiabatic thermopower in high magnetic fields.
Intraoperative dehiscence of a rectus muscle: Report of two cases

i ntraoperative dehiscence of a rectus muscle is an unusual complication of strabismus and retinal surgery) -3 It results from separation of an extraocular muscle at the muscle-tendon junction during surgical manipulation. Prompt recog-nition and management of this complication is necessary to minimize the risk of serious ocular motility disturbances. We report two patients with this complication.
Familial Aggregation of Factors Associated with Coronary Heart Disease

In the course of an epidemiological study covering an entire community, Tecumseh, Michigan, the familial aggregation of various levels of four variables associated with coronary heart disease-serum cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, relative weight, and blood glucose after a standard load-was assessed quantitatively by determining the relative frequencies of high, intermediate, and low levels of the variables for several familial combinations. High, intermediate, and low levels for each variable were defined in terms of quintiles (highest, middle three, lowest, respectively) of the distribution of the variable specific for age and sex. Parents and their children and siblings were compared. There was a striking resemblance between children and their fathers and mothers for all the four variables under study, as well as for height which was used as a frame of reference. The degree of resemblance between parents and children was approximately the same at the three levels-"low," "intermediate," and "high"-...
Effects of Putative Hydroxylated Thalidomide Metabolites on Blood Vessel Density in the Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay and on Tumor and Endothelial Cell Proliferation

Angiogenesis, in particular anti-angiogenesis, is an area of particular therapeutic interest in cancer treatment. Several anti-angiogenic agents are in the final stages of clinical trials. One of these agents, thalidomide, best known for its teratogenic potential, is showing promise against several tumor types. Thalidomide has been shown previously to require bio-activation to exert its anti-angiogenic effect in isolated blood vessels and endothelial cells. In this work, we confirmed these findings using the in utero chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) system. In particular, the anti-angiogenic effect of thalidomide is significantly enhanced by activation by human but not by rat liver microsomes. We also showed in the CAM assay that hydroxylation of thalidomide at either the 1'- or 5-position retained anti-angiogenic activity whereas its hydroxylation at the 4-position led to an inactive compound. We further demonstrated that thalidomide shows weak anti-proliferative activity against MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in culture. Thalidomide showed slightly more anti-proliferative activity, however, against the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) types. Furthermore, incubation of thalidomide with human liver microsomes added no additional anti-proliferative effect in these cell types versus thalidomide given alone. Finally, we report that none of the thalidomide metabolites tested had any anti-proliferative effect against the breast or neuroblastoma cells, but do possess appreciable anti-proliferative activity against the endothelial cells. In summary, this work suggests that hydroxylated thalidomide analogs based on putative metabolites of the drug possess significant anti-angiogenic activity and that exploring further derivatives of these as potential anti-angiogenic agents warrants further merit.
Rab27a and MyoVa are the primary Mlph interactors regulating melanosome transport in melanocytes

Melanosome transport in melanocytes is a model system for the study of cytoskeletal regulation of intracellular transport. Melanophilin (Mlph) is a Rab27a- and myosin Va (MyoVa)-binding protein that regulates this process. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified MT plus-end binding protein (EB1) as a melanocyte-expressed Mlph-interacting protein. To address the role of EB1 versus Rab27a and MyoVa interactions in Mlph targeting and function, we used siRNA and Mlph mutations to specifically disrupt each interaction in cultured melanocytes. Using the Mlph R35W mutant that blocks Mlph-Rab27a interaction and Rab27a siRNA we show this interaction is required for melanosome targeting and stability of Mlph. Mutants and siRNA that affect Mlph-MyoVa and Mlph-EB1 interactions reveal that while neither MyoVa nor EB1 affect Mlph targeting to melanosomes, MyoVa but not EB1 interaction is required for transport of melanosomes to peripheral dendrites. We propose that Mlph is targeted to and/or stabilised on melanosomes by Rab27a, and then recruits MyoVa, which provides additional stability to the complex and allows melanosomes to transfer from MT to actin-based transport and achieve peripheral distribution. EB1 appears to be non-essential to this process in cultured melanocytes, which suggests that it plays a redundant role and/or is required for melanocyte/keratinocyte contacts and melanosome transfer.
Battery-Joralemon Street Tunnel

The construction of the Battery-Joralemon Street Tunnel is described. Built between 1903 and 1907, it was the first subway tunnel placed in service under the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Both heading-and-bench rock tunneling and pressurized shield soft-soil tunneling techniques were used. Loss of control of the tunneling shield in partially saturated sands caused variations in alignment that made portions of the tunnel nonfunctional. Approximately 3,000 ft of the tunnel had to be reconstructed to enable subway cars to use the tunnel safely. Additionally, due to concerns regarding the stability of the tunnel in the soft soils, piles were installed under the tunnel to bedrock. The project was a crucible for subway contractors and engineers of the Rapid Transit Commission, especially Clifford M. Holland. His experience on the Joralemon Street Tunnel enabled him to efficiently and safely complete four other East River subway tunnels after the Dual System Agreement of March 1913.
A Case Study: An ACT Stress Management Group in a University Counseling Center

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) stress management group in a college counseling center setting. This study explored (a) the effectiveness of ACT in increasing participants’ ability to tolerate distress, which directly affects their ability to function in a stressful college setting; (b) the effectiveness of ACT in decreasing participants’ level of experiential avoidance, which directly affects their willingness to engage in their day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and social interactions; and (c) the impact of ACT treatment on anxiety symptoms traditionally targeted in cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions. The results of this initial investigation show promising support for the prediction that an ACT Stress Management Group would significantly reduce participants’ level of experiential avoidance and increase their ability to tolerate distress.
How Not to ‘Go Blue'

Background Information: The first 24 hours after surgery is a high risk period for respiratory depression secondary to opioid administration. Hypoventilation and collapse of alveolar tissue is common in the PACU setting. Pulse oximetry is commonly used to assess oxygenation, but not ventilation. It does not measure the build-up of CO2. Pulse oximetry is not a good tool to detect hypoventilation in patients receiving supplemental oxygen. Oxygen therapy can mask hypoventilation. Objectives of Project: To identify patients with respiratory depression in the PACU so as to allow reduction in opioid dosing, addition of non-opioid adjunct analgesia or the use of regional analgesia Process of implementation: At least every hour, PACU nurse will perform a 5 minute room air PaO2 test. The patient is removed from supplemental oxygen for 5 minutes to determine PaO2 on room air. At any point during those 5 minutes, the oxygen will be re-applied if PaO2 falls below 90%. This is a simple test to identify patients with hypoventilation. Statement of successful practice: Hypoventilation is identified in the PACUbefore thepatient is transferred to the in-patient unit. Nurses are promoting use of stir-up regime and inspirometer therapy. Several adjunct therapies are utilized in the PACU to alleviate pain including the use of Acetaminophen, Ketorolac, Ibuprofen, and peripheral nerve blocks. Implications for Advancing Perianesthesia Nursing: PACU nurses are able to provide safer patient care by early identification of patients with respiratory depression. Patients and families can be taught the importance of inspirometer therapy and deep breathing/coughing in the prevention of respiratory complications.
Artemisinin: an alternative treatment for oral cancer

Artemisinin (AR), a sesquiterpene lactone, is a widely used antimalarial drug with minimal or no toxic side effects. Recently, additional uses for AR were discovered, including anticancer treatment for a number of in vitro cancer models. It is therefore possible that AR can kill human oral cancer cells through apoptosis. Using an HPV 16 immortalized/transformed human oral epithelial (IHOK) cell line, we evaluated the effect of AR and 5FU, a known chemotherapy agent. Using TUNEL, immunohistochemistry (IHS) markers, and flow cytometry techniques, we investigated the mechanism by which AR kills IHOK cells. Dose response was performed for optimal concentrations and time. A 400 μmol/L concentration over a 48-hour period yielded the optimal results. The results of TUNEL showed that AR-treated IHOK cells were over 80% strongly positive cells, while 5FU-treated cells were less than 20% positive. The majority of AR-treated cells maintained their integrity whereas 5FU-treated cells were mostly necrotic. The IHS markers demonstrated strong positive staining with Bax, p53, CD40, and CD40L in AR-treated cells and negative with Bcl2. 5FU-treated cells demonstrated a profile similar to AR but with less intensity. Control cells exhibited focal positive staining with all 5 antibodies. Cell cycle by flow cytometry results showed that cells treated with AR demonstrated a slight, but not statistically significant, increase in S phase: 21% compared to the control rate of 16%. 5FU-treated cells, however, demonstrated a significant increase in S phase of 45%. In conclusion, our results indicate that AR kills transformed oral epithelial cells and does so through apoptosis with no toxicity while 5FU kills mostly through toxicity. We therefore suggest that artemisinin may be useful as an alternative treatment for oral cancer.
When, Where, and How We Vote: Does it Matter?

Objectives. In this article, we explore the different ways Americans exercise their right to vote on Election Day and how these alternatives shape the voter’s experience. Methods. Our study draws on data collected from exit polls with Election Day voters in the 2008 Colorado presidential election. Colorado is unique among the 50 states in that it affords it voters the widest array of voting options, both before and on Election Day, and thus provides an ideal setting for testing our hypotheses. Results. We find voting places that are more accessible and open (i.e., voters can vote at more than one location on Election Day) significantly enhance voter performance and evaluation. In several instances, this finding is attenuated for infrequent voters. Conclusions. There are valuable lessons regarding the centralization and location of polling places that could be applied to precinct voting models. Counties might concentrate more attention on adequately equipping polling locations, particularly having a sufficient number of quality poll workers to assist voters with check-in and the voting system. Where,when,andhowAmericanvoterscasttheirballotshasbecomehighly variable.Wedonotallvoteonthesameday,wevoteatahostofdifferentplaces, and we use a cornucopia of different types of voting equipment ranging from paper ballots to sophisticated electronic voting machines. Does this matter? In this article, we explore the different ways Americans exercise their right to vote and how these alternatives shape the voter’s experience. Our focus is on howthealternativewayswevoteeffectsatisfactionwithvotingtechnology,the places at which we vote, the number of races voters ballot in, voter confidence that their ballot will be counted accurately, and the time voters spend waiting to vote. Our study draws on data collected from exit polls with Election Day voters in the 2008 Colorado presidential election. 1 Colorado is unique among
Evaluation of the white-coat effect in cats.

The diagnosis and management of systemic hypertension in cats requires a reliable method for measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) in clinical patients. Unfortunately, the setting of a clinical practice and the act of measuring BP might raise BP and heart rate (HR), an effect referred to as the white-coat effect in human patients. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a white-coat effect was experienced by cats. Radiotelemetric implants were used to measure BP and HR in 13 conscious cats in a research colony while undisturbed in their cages and while subjected to simulated visits to a veterinarian's office. The white-coat effect was taken to be the difference between the overall 24-hour average value for parameters of BP and HR and the corresponding value during the simulated office visit. A white-coat effect was observed in cats. In healthy cats, the systolic BP measured during the examination period of the simulated office visit exceeded the 24-hour average systolic BP by 17.6+/-1.5 mm Hg. However, marked heterogeneity occurred in the pattern and magnitude of the increase in systolic BP above the 24-hour baseline and the increase varied between 75.3 and -27.2 mm Hg for the healthy cats. Variation in response to the simulated office visit was observed among cats and among visits by the same cat. During an office visit, the magnitude of the white-coat effect tended to decrease, but not disappear, over time. The magnitude of the white-coat effect varied when cats were subjected to 5 repeat office visits, but did not diminish in the group as a whole. The mean increase in systolic BP during the examination (22.3+/-0.9 mm Hg) was greater (P < .05) in cats with renal insufficiency. Although the heterogeneity of response expected from companion animals might be greater than that observed in these colony cats, these results indicate that veterinarians should carefully consider the white-coat effect in evaluation of BP in cats. A quiet, undisturbed environment and adequate time for acclimation should be included in the standard protocol for measurements of BP. Because of day-to-day variation in the white-coat effect in individual cats, multiple serial measurements following a standard protocol should provide the best estimate of BP in cats.
Bilinear generalized predictive control using the thyristor-controlled series-capacitor

Bilinear time-series generalized predictive control using a thyristor-controlled series-capacitor is proposed for power systems subjected to large faults. Simulation results indicate that bilinear self-tuning control using a thyristor-controlled series-capacitor is capable of increasing the region of stability, and providing good damping to a single machine infinite bus power system. The authors evaluate two signals-generator armature current and generator speed, for feedback implementation of the self-tuning controller. >
Venous hypertension in the newborn infant associated with delayed clamping of the umbilical cord.

Summary The mean umbilical vein pressure of 31 normal infants 5 to 89 hours of age was 92.2 mm of normal saline ± 12.8 mm (S.D.). Venous pressure was not influenced by age or birth weight. Continuous recordings of umbilical rein pressure were made on 11 infants whose umbilical cords were clamped at the time of delivery, and on 20 infants whose cords were clamped several minutes after delivery. The highest pressure recorded in the early-clamped group was 120 mm; 2 of the 11 infants had this pressure. Seventeen of the 20 late-clamped infants had levels of venous pressure repeatedly in excess of 120 mm during the first 30–60 minutes of life with return to the normal range at varying rates. Possible effects of a placental transfusion sufficiently large to raise venous pressure on the clinical status of the newborn infant have been discussed briefly.
Shiga Toxin Is Transported from the Endoplasmic Reticulum following Interaction with the Luminal Chaperone HEDJ/ERdj3

Shiga toxin (Stx) follows a complex intracellular pathway in order to kill susceptible cells. After binding to cell surface glycolipids, the toxin is internalized and trafficked in retrograde fashion to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). From the ER lumen, the toxin must gain access to the cytoplasm, where it enzymatically inactivates the 28S rRNA, inhibiting protein synthesis. The host molecules involved in this pathway and the mechanisms utilized by the toxin to access the cytoplasm from the ER are largely unknown. We found that Stx is capable of energy-dependent transport across the ER lumen, as has recently been demonstrated for the cholera and ricin toxins. Genetic screening for molecules involved in Shiga toxin trafficking yielded a cDNA encoding a prematurely truncated protein. Characterization of this cDNA revealed that it encodes a novel Hsp40 chaperone, designated HEDJ or ERdj3, localized to the ER lumen, where it interacts with BiP, a molecule known to be involved in protein retrotranslocation out of the ER. We demonstrated that within the ER lumen Stx interacts with HEDJ and other chaperones known to be involved in retrotranslocation of proteins across the ER membrane. Moreover, sequential immunoprecipitation revealed that Shiga toxin was present in a complex that included HEDJ and Sec61, the translocon through which proteins are retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm. These findings suggest that HEDJ is a component of the ER quality control system and that Stx utilizes HEDJ and other ER-localized chaperones for transport from the ER lumen to the cytosol.
Optimal and robust shockwave detection and estimation

We consider detection and estimation of aeroacoustic shockwaves generated by supersonic projectiles. The shockwave is an N-shaped acoustic wave. The optimal detection/estimation scheme is considered based on an additive white Gaussian noise model. The introduction of an invertible linear transformation, such as the Fourier transform or the wavelet transform, does not improve detection performance under this model. However, if unknown interference and/or model mismatch is present, linear transforms may be of use. In addition, they may significantly reduce complexity at the cost of sub-optimality. We consider the use of the wavelet transform as a means of detecting the very fast rise and fall times of the shockwave, resulting in a l-D edge detection problem. This method is effective at moderate to high SNR and is robust with respect to unknown environmental interference that will generally not exhibit singularities as sharp as the N-wave edges.
The relation between ethnic group attachment and prosocial tendencies: The mediating role of cultural values

Studies suggest that Mexican–American youths who feel attached to their ethnic group engage in more prosocial behaviors. However, the psychological mechanisms that account for this association are not clear. Drawing on social identity and self-categorization theories, we examined whether the association between ethnic group attachment and tendencies to engage in six distinct types of prosocial behaviors was mediated by familism and Mainstream American values among Mexican American youths. Ethnic group attachment, familism, Mainstream American values, and prosocial tendencies were assessed among 207 Mexican–American early adolescents using an interview format. Latent variable path models showed that ethnic group attachment was associated with greater tendencies to engage in compliant, emotional, dire, and anonymous helping, and that each of these associations was at least partially mediated by greater familism values. Mainstream American values were related to greater tendencies to engage in public prosocial behavior and less altruistic behavior, but did not mediate the associations between ethnic group attachment and prosocial tendencies. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are addressed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The loop-gap resonator. II. Controlled return flux three-loop, two-gap microwave resonators for ENDOR and ESR spectroscopy

Abstract In a previous paper ( I, W. Froncisz and J. S. Hyde, J. Magn. Reson. 47 , 515 (1982) ), one-loop, multigap microwave resonators were described with emphasis on applications to ESR spectroscopy. In the present paper, n -loop, m -gap resonators are introduced, where there are n parallel loops with a shared gap connecting adjacent loops, there being ( n − 1) = m gaps in all, and an analysis of three-loop, two-gap resonators is presented. Calculations of resonant frequencies are compared with experiment. The structure exhibits two resonant modes, a fundamental mode where magnetic flux is excluded from the central loop, and a higher frequency mode in which flux links all three loops. This latter mode is used for ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. The sample fills the central loop with a filling factor of about 0.4, and one side loop is used for inductive coupling. A 25% tuning range can be achieved by introduction of a metallic conductor into the intense magnetic field of the other side loop. Lines of magnetic flux are well controlled in the three-loop, two-gap resonator, permitting juxtaposition of radiofrequency coils suitable for ENDOR without interference between the coils and the microwave fields.
2010 international workshop on foundations of object-oriented languages (FOOL'10): SPLASH/OOPSLA'10 workshop summary

The search for sound principles for object-oriented languages has given rise to much work during the past two decades, leading to a better understanding of the key concepts of object-oriented languages and to important developments in type theory, semantics, program verification, and program development. Submissions for this event are invited in the general area of foundations of object-oriented languages, including but not limited to language semantics, type systems, program analysis and verification, programming calculi, concurrent and distributed languages, database languages, and language-based security.
Content-Level conformance testing: an information mapping case study

Content-level conformance testing is a key to achieving interoperable data exchange among applications deployed across collaborating, yet independent enterprises. In this paper, we identify four types of content-level conformance tests to support interoperable data exchange: document-verification tests, information-mapping tests, transaction-behavior tests, and scenario-based tests. We describe in substantial detail our experience with information-mapping tests within an industrial B2B integration effort. We review different approaches to information-mapping conformance verification including logical consistency checking, human-computer interaction, and event-based checking. We adopt the human-computer interaction approach and describe a test-case generation methodology. The methodology details modeling, test requirements specification, abstract test-case definition, and, ultimately, executable test-case generation. Lastly, we provide experimental results of applying our methodology in the context of an automotive industry development of data exchange standard for interoperable inventory visibility applications.
Coexistence and function of glutamate receptor subtypes in the horizontal cells of the tiger salamander retina.

Effects of the major glutamate receptor agonists, kainate (KA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA), quisqualate (QA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), L-α-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (L-AP4), and trans-l-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) on horizontal cells (HCs) were studied in superfused larval tiger salamander retina. 20 μM of KA, AMPA, and QA mimicked the action of 3 mM glutamate in the absence and presence of 1 mM Co2+-20 μM 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) blocked the actions of KA and AMPA, but not those of QA and glutamate, indicative of the existence of CNQX-resistant QA receptors in the tiger salamander HCs. Prolonged application of ACPD hyperpolarized the HCs and enhanced the light responses, probably by shifting the resting HC voltage (Er) to a more hyperpolarized position. It is possible that the KA, AMPA, and CNQX-resistant QA receptors are involved in mediating the postsynaptic light responses in HCs, and ACPD receptors are involved in sensitivity adjustment of the HC responses.
Isolation of microsatellite loci from the endangered plant Galium catalinense subspecies acrispum (Rubiaceae).

Galium catalinense subspecies acrispum (Rubiaceae) is a state-endangered perennial shrub endemic to San Clemente Island. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from G. catalinense ssp. acrispum. These loci show high levels of variability, averaging 6.5 alleles per locus and an expected heterozygosity of 0.550. One locus exhibited significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.01) and one pair of loci exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium.
Attentional deficit in the siblings of schizophrenics.

A study of attentional deficit in the relatives of schizophrenics and in a matched control group is reported, in which the relatives are found to have poorer scores on a vigilance test and on a choice reaction time test. It is concluded that this deficit points to one of the primary symptoms of schizophrenia, and suggestions for further research are made
Metamorphism of Pelitic Schists: Reaction Relations of Chloritoid and Staurolite

Microprobe analyses have been made of the minerals in schist samples from 14 different localities, which contain both chloritoid and staurolite. The relative Mg/Fe ratios are: garnet core Ctd / (Mg/Fe) stl ranges from about 1.0 to 1.5, (Mn/Fe) Ctd /(Zn/Fe) Stl is near 1.0, and (Zn/Fe) Ctd /(Zn/Fe) Stl ranges from 0.5 to 0.005. The partition data are used to construct pseudobinary T-X sections for the chloritoid-cordierite and garnet-chlorite joins of the Al 2 O 3 -K 2 O-FeO-MgO-SiO 2 -H 2 O system. Chloritoid + staurolite assemblages tend to contain either biotite or chlorite, indicating that the garnet-chlorite-muscovite join may break at either higher or lower metamorphic grade than the breakdown of chloritoid. Consequently, two alternative reaction sequences are possible with quartz and muscovite in excess. or
Statistically downscaled projections of snow/rain partitioning for Alaska

Adaptation planning in Alaska, as in other snowy parts of the world, will require snow projections, yet snow is a challenging variable to measure, simulate and downscale. Here we describe the construction and evaluation of 771-m-resolution gridded historical and statistically downscaled projections of snow/rain partitioning for the state of Alaska at decadal temporal resolution. The method developed here uses observational data to describe the relationship between average monthly temperature and the fraction of wet days in that month receiving snow, the snow-day fraction. Regionally and seasonally specific equations were developed to accommodate variability in synoptic scale climatology of rain and snow events. These equations were then applied to gridded decadal temperature data and projections. The gridded products provide a reasonable characterization of snow-day fraction throughout the state. However, there are local deviations from the regional relationships, particularly in the topographically complex areas ringing the Gulf of Alaska and Cook Inlet. When applied to questions about changing precipitation regimes in northern, western and south-eastern Alaska, these data demonstrate the potential for marked changes from snow-dominated to mixed precipitation regimes and also exhibit a wide range of potential future conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfate Recognition by Persistent Crystalline Capsules with Rigidified Hydrogen-Bonding Cavities

electivity is a fundamental property of pervasive importance in chemistry and biology as reflected in phenomena as diverse as membrane transport, catalysis, sensing, adsorption, complexation, and crystallization. Although the key principles of complementarity and preorganization governing the binding interactions underlying such phenomena were delineated long ago, truly profound selectivity has proven elusive by design in part because synthetic molecular architectures are neither maximally complementary for binding target species nor sufficiently rigid. Even if a host molecule possesses a high degree of complementarity for a guest species, it all too often can distort its structure or even rearrange its conformation altogether to accommodate competing guests. One approach taken by researchers to overcome this challenge has been to devise extremely rigid molecules that bind species within complementary cavities. Although examples have been reported to demonstrate the principle, such cases are not generally of practical utility, because of inefficient synthesis and often poor kinetics. Alternatively, flexible building blocks can be employed, but then the challenge becomes one of locking them in place. Taking a cue from natural binding agents that derive their rigidity from a network of molecular interactions, especially hydrogen bonding, we present herein an example of a crystalline, self-assembled capsule thatmore » binds sulfate by a highly complementary array of rigidified hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). Although covalent or self-assembled capsules have been previously employed as anion hosts, they typically lack the strict combination of complementarity and rigidity required for high selectivity. Furthermore, the available structural data for these systems is either restricted to a limited number of anions of similar size and shape, or varies significantly from one anion to another, which hampers the rationalization of the observed selectivity. We have been employing crystalline host environments functionalized with anion-coordinating groups as a means to obtain maximal three-dimensional complementarity and rigidity. In the present study, we focused on the problem of sulfate recognition and separation, motivated by its high relevance to environmental remediation and nuclear waste cleanup.« less
Mechanics-based modeling of bending and torsion in active cannulas

Active cannulas are meso-scale continuum robots, enabling dexterity in diameters from hundreds of microns to tens of centimeters. Constructed from telescoping, concentric, precurved, superelastic tubes, they exhibit ldquosnake-likerdquo dexterity with a form factor similar to a needle, making them well-suited for applications in minimally invasive surgery. Such applications are facilitated by an accurate kinematic model. The accuracy of prior models has been limited by the assumption of infinite torsional rigidity beyond initial straight transmissions. In this paper, we consider both bending and torsion, describing the total elastic energy stored in two curved concentric tubes. We apply relevant constraints to reduce the energy integral to a classical variational form, in terms of a single unknown function relating tube torsion angles. We then determine the function that minimizes the stored energy analytically, which yields the shape of the active cannula. Experiments demonstrate that this framework can be used predict the shape of a 3-link active cannula more accurately than previous models, reducing tip error by 72% over a bending-only model, and 35% over a model that includes only transmissional torsional. An implication of our work is that the general shape of an active cannula not piecewise constant curvature (as basic assumptions of previous models have implied), but that under certain conditions it may approximate piecewise constant curvature.
Response of a Gall-Forming Guild (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) to Stressed and Vigorous Prairie Roses

Two general hypotheses that describe the relationship between plant quality and host-plant preference of insect herbivores are the plant-stress and plant-vigor hypotheses. We examined the response of a gall-forming guild of insect herbivores associated with prairie rose, Rosa arkansana Porter (Rosaceae), to experimental manipulations of plant stress (addition of NaCl) and vigor (addition of nitrogen; NH4NO3). The most common members of the gall-forming guild on roses are Diplolepis ignota Osten Sacken, D. nodulosa Beutenmuller, and D. rosaefolii Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). The repeated application of nitrogen throughout the growing season to prairie plots resulted in significantly higher plant nitrogen levels and plant growth rates. Both low and high NaCl additions caused leaves to turn yellow and wilt, but reductions in rose growth rates or xylem water potentials with NaCl additions were not statistically significant. All three members of the cynipid guild responded similarly to nitrogen and NaCl additions to rose plots. Incidence of occurrence and density within a plot decreased with increasing nitrogen or NaCl, but the decline associated with increasing NaCl was not significant for any of the cynipids. Neither the plant-vigor hypothesis (higher abundance on fast-growing, vigorous plants) nor the plant-stress hypothesis (higher abundance on physiologically stressed plants) was supported by this study. For cynipids, there is growing evidence that larvae perform best on plant tissues low in nitrogen (less vigorous plants). Agricultural runoff, of which nitrogen is an important constituent, may be significantly altering cynipid distributions and their interactions with other members of the tall-grass prairie ecosystem.
Neurologic aspects of plasma cell disorders.

Plasma cell disorders make up a broad spectrum of diseases that are characterized by the appearance of an abnormal clone of plasma cells, which typically manifests as a production of monoclonal immunoglobulin protein (monoclonal gammopathy). The overproduction of plasma cells and subsequent monoclonal gammopathy may be malignant or a premalignant process. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is an example of a benign process with a malignant potential. Multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome, and AL amyloidosis (immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis) are examples of malignant plasma cell disorders which require treatment. Neurologic manifestations of an underlying plasma cell disorder can be variable and typically challenging to treat. They can range from mild symptoms resulting from therapy to treat the disorder to clinically significant and life-threatening complications related to the disease itself. The peripheral nervous system is more commonly affected than the central nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy is a frequent manifestation and is associated with all of the plasma cell disorders (MGUS, multiple myeloma, POEMS syndrome, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and AL amyloidosis) with notable differences in the signs and symptoms among the different groups. Examples of central nervous system manifestations include spinal cord pathology, such as spinal cord compression from vertebral collapse or plasmacytoma. Intracranial involvement is rare but can occur from brain parenchyma infiltration, leptomeningeal involvement, and tumor-like lesions, such as amyloidoma in AL amyloidosis and plasmacytoma in multiple myeloma. Encephalopathy can occur due to metabolic disturbances related to the underlying plasma cell disorder, including hypercalcemia and uremia in multiple myeloma and hyperviscosity in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Included in this chapter is a detailed discussion of the various plasma cell disorders and their spectrum of neurologic manifestations.
AAA Construction: A Family Business in Crisis

This case demonstrates the difficulties encountered by small family businesses when the founder passes away without having properly prepared for succession. AAA Construction was a company held together for over thirty-six years by a family patriarch, Jack Hudson. His choice of his grandson to succeed him was obvious. However, there were serious questions about whether David Robbins up to the task.
Profiles of Two Side-By-Side Jets with Different Momentum Ratios in a Cross Flow

−k turbulence model. The experimental measurements were performed using a double hot wire probe in X formation. The distance between the two side-by-side jets was two-jet diameter and the jets’ nozzles were flush with the surface within the turbulent boundary layer. The investigations were carried out at a cross flow free stream mean velocity of 4.65 m/sec. The ratios of jet to cross flow momentums for the first jet, rj1, was 3.3 and for the second jet, rj2, were 6.6 and 13.2. The Reynolds numbers based on jet diameter were nearly 6200 for the first jet and 12,400 and 24,800 for the second jet. Investigations were carried out at two different planes of x/d = 1 and 5. In addition, the trajectories and other turbulence statistics were obtained along axial midplanes of the two jets and the axial mid-plane between the two jets up to x/d=15. Here x is the streamwise direction along the cross flow and d is the inside diameter of the jet nozzle. Results indicate reduced rate of penetration and axial vorticity for the variable momentum jets when compared with similar side-by-side jets with constant momentums.
Faculty Use of Instructional Technology in the University Classroom

The new methods of communication provided by technology and the impact of the Internet have changed our economy from the “Industrial Age” into the “Information Age” and have transformed higher educ...
Research on the Relationship between Eye Movements and Website Design Elements

By taking four interaction tasks(i.e.,browsing,searching,finding and login)in group purchasing website as research object,this paper makes a research on the relationship between interaction design elements and eye movement indexes based on theories of user experience,kansei engineering and interaction design.Firstly,four representative group buying websites are selected by multi-dimension scaling analysis and clustering analysis,and the interaction design elements are extracted by the method of morphological analysis.Secondly,the eye movement index data and emotional experience data are gathered and the indexes are selected which can reflect user'emotional experience.Finally,by encoding the interaction design elements through Quantification Theory I,relationship models between the interaction design elements and eye movement indexes with different interaction tasks are built by using the PLS method and tested.Some suggestions of combination of design elements are offered for improving the user experience.
Analysis of Presenting Symptoms in Prostatism

A prospective evaluation was done of 84 patients who were selected for transurethral prostatectomy based on the presenting symptoms and findings at cystoscopy. In addition, urodynamic studies were performed but the results were not made available to the urologist who selected the patients for surgery. Postoperative symptom analysis and repeat urodynamic examinations were done at 3 months in 68 patients and at 12 months in 50. There was no significant association between irritative symptoms and uninhibited detrusor contractions. Furthermore, no associations were identified between obstructive symptoms and infravesical obstruction as defined by urodynamic criteria. The study failed to identify a need for routine invasive urodynamic investigation of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Do proficiency testing participants learn from their mistakes? Experience from the EXCEL throat culture module.

○ Context.-Participation in proficiency testing is required under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. Although the primary purpose of this testing is evaluation of current laboratory performance, a major secondary benefit of such testing is postulated to be progressive improvement in laboratory performance over time as laboratories learn from their previous experiences and feedback. Objective.-To test the hypothesis that a secondary result of proficiency testing is improvement over time of laboratory performance. Design.-The performance of participants in a large proficiency testing program (EXCEL), designed for clinic and office laboratories, on a specific problematic competence, the ability to differentiate group A streptococcus from group C streptococci, was monitored during a 6-year period (1996-2001) for changes in participant performance. Interventions.-With each testing cycle, feedback on performance relative to peers and an educational discussion analyzing performance and suggesting best practices was submitted to participants. Results.-Despite consistent feedback, there was no significant change in participant performance throughout the period studied. Conclusions.-In a large, stable proficiency testing program, a significant throat culture competence, which demonstrated less than optimal performance, did not improve over time, suggesting that current utilization of proficiency testing results in laboratory improvement programs is suboptimal.
The effect of long-term imipramine treatment on carbon dioxide-induced anxiety in panic disorder patients

The authors examined whether long-term treatment with imipramine would decrease CO2-induced anxiety in 10 patients with panic disorder. The patients underwent CO2 testing after single-blind placebo testing and again after imipramine treatment. Scores on self-rated visual analog mood scales and panic attack symptom scales showed that the anxiogenic effects of CO2 were significantly reduced during long-term imipramine treatment. These results suggest that the mechanisms underlying CO2-induced anxiety may be similar to those involved in the pathophysiology of panic disorder.
Regulation of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors by MAPK/ERK in Neurons.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1 and mGluR5 subtypes) are regulated by protein kinases. A recent focus is mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). A proto-typic subclass of MAPKs, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), is densely expressed in adult brain postmitotic neurons. This kinase resides in not only the cytoplasm around the nucleus, also the neuronal peripheral structures such as synapses. Recombinant ERK2 binds to C terminal tails of mGluR1a in vitro and native ERK1/2 forms complexes with mGluR1/5 in neurons in vivo . Association of ERK with mGluR1/5 enables the kinase to phosphorylate mGluR1/5 at a cluster of serine sites in the distal C terminus, including a serine residue within the Homer binding site. The ERK-mediated phosphorylation of mGluR1/5 promotes surface expression of mGluR1a in cerebellar neurons. ERK also regulates mGluR1/5 signaling and functions. Among different functional outputs surveyed, ERK exerts an output-specific role in either potentiating or inhibiting their activities. In sum, synaptic group I mGluRs are sufficient substrates of MAPK/ERK. Phosphorylation of mGluR1/5 by ERK has a significant impact on subcellular expression and function of phospho-modified receptors. Journal of Nature and Science (JNSCI), 2(12):e268, 2016