cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms of murine Fcϵ RII/CD23 regulation

Abstract The low affinity receptor for IgE (Feϵ RII or CD23), expressed primarily on mouse B cells, is known to be upregulated by interleukin-4 (IL-4) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Feϵ RII expression is superinduced when the IL-4 is combined with cell activation. In order to explore the molecular regulation of Feϵ RII expression, mouse B cell lines were screened to develop a cell line model. The B cell lymphoma, A20.1, was found to behave in a manner similar to mouse B cells in that Feϵ RII levels are very low on cells cultured in media alone ( 105/cell). The steady state mRNA levels for Fcϵ RII corresponded to the level of cell surface expression. Transcription assays indicated that the Fcϵ RII level increases could be explained entirely by increased transcription rates. The A20.1 cell line was subsequently used to analyse the Fcϵ RII promoter. Nested deletion analysis of the 1.3 kB 5' of the mouse Fcϵ RII transcription start site, using CAT reporter plasmids transfected into A20.1 cells, identified major elements activating the Fcϵ RII promoter within 250 bp of the transcription start site. Constructs containing greater than 250 bp of 5' sequence showed significantly reduced CAT activity suggesting negative regulatory regions. Coincident with the restricted tissue expression of murine Fcϵ RII, the promoter was B cell specific in that little CAT expression was seen in fibroblast, mast cells or T cell lines. Expression was seen, however, in both mouse and human B cell lines. Finally, the promoter was analysed for response to IL-4. Stimulation with IL-4 plus LPS resulted in only a modest increase in CAT activity (~2-fold), in contrast to transcription assays, where increases approximated that seen at the cell surface. Thus, the IL-4 response must also require sequences distal to the regions examined.
Mortality Risk in Children with Epilepsy

The mortality in a cohort of 472 children (aged 1 month to 16 years) with epilepsy, newly diagnosed between 1988 and 1992, was compared in a multicenter study with that in the same age group in the general population in the Netherlands.
Present and future of neurosurgery training and education.

Multiple challenges are faced by educators and trainees. These challenges are multidimensional and pertain to a scenario in which trainees have to become in a short period of time competent technical neurosurgeons, while at the same time conscious of economic and professional factors that will influence their practice. It is the duty of societies and leading educators to come together in developing continental methods of training aimed towards “organised learning”. The goal should strictly be the education of our residents, not just the utilisation of their manpower for a number of years.
First Cosmological Constraint on the Effective Theory of Dark Matter-Proton Interactions

We obtain the first cosmological constraints on interactions between dark matter and protons within the formalism of nonrelativistic effective field theory developed for direct detection. For each interaction operator in the effective theory, parametrized by different powers of the relative velocity of the incoming particles, we use the Planck 2015 cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature, polarization, and lensing anisotropy to set upper limits on the scattering cross section for all dark matter masses above 15 keV. We find that for interactions associated with a stronger dependence on velocity dark matter and baryons stay thermally coupled for longer, but the interaction strengths are suppressed at the low temperatures relevant for Planck observations and are thus less constrained. At the same time, cross sections with stronger velocity dependencies are more constrained in the limit of small dark matter mass. In all cases, the effect of dark matter-proton scattering is most prominent on small scales in the CMB power spectra and in the matter power spectrum, and we thus expect substantial improvement over the current limits with data from ground-based CMB experiments and galaxy surveys.
Enriching classroom learning through a microblogging-supported activity:

Researchers have recognized the role that microblogging tools play in enhancing the effectiveness of communication and interaction in the classroom. However, few studies have specifically examined ...
Application of Huffman data compression algorithm in hashing computation

Cryptography is the art of protecting information by encrypting the original message into unreadable format. A cryptographic hash function is a hash function which takes an arbitrary length of text message as input and converts that text into a fixed length of encrypted characters which is infeasible to invert. The values returned by hash function are called as message digest or simply hash values. Because of its versatility, hash functions are used in many applications such as message authentication, digital signatures, and password hashing[2]. The purpose of this study is to apply Huffman data compression algorithm to the SHA1 hash function in cryptography. Huffman data compression algorithm is an optimal compression or prefix algorithm where the frequencies of the letters are used to compress the data [1]. An integrated approach is applied to achieve new compressed hash function by integrating Huffman compressed codes in the core functionality of hashing computation of the original hash function.
Tetrel Bonding as a Vehicle for Strong and Selective Anion Binding.

Tetrel atoms T (T = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) can engage in very strong noncovalent interactions with nucleophiles, which are commonly referred to as tetrel bonds. The ability of such bonds to bind various anions is assessed with a goal of designing an optimal receptor. The Sn atom seems to form the strongest bonds within the tetrel family. It is most effective in the context of a -SnF3 group and a further enhancement is observed when a positive charge is placed on the receptor. Connection of the -SnF3 group to either an imidazolium or triazolium provides a strong halide receptor, which can be improved if its point of attachment is changed from the C to an N atom of either ring. Aromaticity of the ring offers no advantage nor is a cyclic system superior to a simple alkyl amine of any chain length. Placing a pair of -SnF3 groups on a single molecule to form a bipodal dicationic receptor with two tetrel bonds enhances the binding, but falls short of a simple doubling. These two tetrel groups can be placed on opposite ends of an alkyl diamine chain of any length although SnF3+NH2(CH2)nNH2SnF3+ with n between 2 and 4 seems to offer the strongest halide binding. Of the various anions tested, OH− binds most strongly: OH− > F− > Cl− > Br− > I−. The binding energy of the larger NO3− and HCO3− anions is more dependent upon the charge of the receptor. This pattern translates into very strong selectivity of binding one anion over another. The tetrel-bonding receptors bind far more strongly to each anion than an equivalent number of K+ counterions, which leads to equilibrium ratios in favor of the former of many orders of magnitude.
The Radiation Sensitivity of Select Metal Chelate Polymers: Mechanistic Changes at Higher Energies

Our interest in the radiation sensitivity of heavy metal polymers was first sparked by the goal of enhanced miniaturization of integrated circuit (IC) chip features. As the features of IC chins get closer and closer together at the submicron level, microlithographic techniques must use higher energy photons (or electrons, etc.) than are currently used.1 Otherwise, diffraction effects by the photons which pass through adjacent features blur the features and allow short circuits. The thin organic polymer films, which are normally used as lithographic resists, suffer from an inability to absorb all of the higher energy radiation. The unabsorbed radiation backscatters from the oxide layer which is normally between the resist and the semiconductor.
On the Asymptotics of the Spin-Spin Autocorrelation Function In Stochastic Ising Models Near the Critical Temperature

The rate at which the spin-spin autocorrelation function goes to zero as the time goes to infinity in stochastic ISING models with ferro-magnetic interactions and attractive flip rates is investigated. It is first shown that if this rate is exponential then the exponent is the same as the gap between 0 and the rest of the spectrum of the infinitesimal generator as an operator on the L 2 space of the equilibrium measure. It is easy to get upper bounds on the gap in the spectrum. The best known such bounds are related to the susceptibility of the magnetization. In two dimensions the spin-spin autocorrelation function is investigated when the temperature is exactly at the critical temperature. The rate of convergence to 0 is no longer exponential in this case, and again we obtain only upper bounds. No lower bounds are known at any temperatures near the critical temperature.
Monoamine Transporter Pathologies

The monoamine neurotransmitters control a variety of functions including movement, appetite, mood, reward, and memory. The monoamine transporters are responsible for the termination of synaptic signaling by removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. Altered monoaminergic transporter function has been implicated in the pathology of disease states such as depression , anxiety , addiction, autism, Parkinson’s disease , and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review considers the mechanism of transporter action and regulation of transporter function. The implications of transporter polymorphisms are also addressed. Finally, a brief overview is presented that highlights important findings as well as existing problems that need to be considered in future studies.
Endobronchial Forceps–Assisted Removal of Gianturco Z-Stents from the Right Atrium

Endovascular treatment of malignant intrahepatic inferior vena cava stenosis involves venoplasty and stenting. Intravascular migration is a complication associated with stents. This technical report describes the retrieval of migrated intracardiac Gianturco Z-stents using rigid endobronchial forceps.
Increasing dental health-care utilisation for all: understanding individual factors and place factors in Hawaii.

Introduction: Dental service utilisation is an important global health problem. Studies report that when people are able to access oral health care, they are more likely to receive basic preventive services than emergency care. Previous studies also report that dental-care utilisation varies according to individual patient and place factors. However, studies on the interplay of individual and place factors are limited. This study investigated the associations of dental-care utilisation according to urban/rural setting and individual patient factors, such as demographic, health care, health behaviour and financial autonomy. Methods: The association of dental-care utilisation according to individual factors and place was investigated by analysing information obtained from the Hawaii Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a health-related telephone survey system that collects state data on US residents regarding their health-related risk behaviours, chronic health conditions and use of preventive services. Results: We found that health care, behaviours and financial autonomy were not substantially different between urban sites and rural sites in terms of the odds of dental-service utilisation. Our results showed that individual factors, such as financial autonomy, were more consistently associated with dental-service utilisation. Discussion: Financial autonomy, as well as socio-economic factors, need to be considered to improve dental-service utilisation in Hawaii.
Do Associations Between Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder Vary by Weight Status? Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III

BACKGROUND Understanding whether the associations between alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) differ by weight status may be useful in screening for AUD in populations where obesity is common. We aimed to determine whether the associations between alcohol use and AUD differ by weight status. METHODS A total of 24,869 adult participants of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III with a body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2 who reported past-year alcohol use were included. The AUD and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-5 were administered to identify past-year AUD. Logistic regression was used to test the associations between weight status and levels and patterns of alcohol use with AUD; interactions between weight status and alcohol use variables in relation to AUD were examined. Analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS For males and females, the odds of AUD were higher with greater frequency of any alcohol use and heavy drinking, higher average quantity of drinks per drinking day, and past-year high-risk drinking. Among males, at the same average quantity of drinks per drinking day, frequency of heavy drinking, or presence of high-risk drinking, those with class 3 obesity had higher odds of AUD versus lower classes or no obesity (p for all interactions <0.01). Among females, at the same frequency of any alcohol use, those with healthy weight had the highest odds of AUD, while females with class 3 obesity had the lowest odds of AUD (p for interaction <0.001); interactions between weight status and other alcohol use variables were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The associations between some measures of alcohol use and AUD differed by weight status, with inconsistent results between males and females. Alcohol use thresholds typically used in AUD screening may be too high in males with class 3 obesity.
Decreased Binding Capacity of Central Angiotensin II Receptors Following Long-Term Administration of Angiotensin II

A substantial body of evidence supports the existence of a brain renin-angiotensin system in the rat. All the components of the renin-angiotensin system have been demonstrated in the brain.1 Although a primary physiological role for the brain renin-angiotensin system (BRS) has not been clearly defined, the evidence strongly suggests that it plays a part in controlling water balance in the rat. So, it has been suggested that a dysfunctioning BRS could contribute to hypertension.2 Therefore, an understanding of all aspects of the BRS is important. The aspect considered here was the regulation of central Ang II receptors after chronic infusion of Ang II into the brain. As chronic infusion of Ang II into the lateral ventricles alters water intake,3 salt intake,4 natriuresis,5 and blood pressure when given in high enough doses or in combination with a high sodium diet.6,7
Hearing and Quality of Life Over Time in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients: Observation Compared to Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

Objective To examine quality of life changes for patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) undergoing observation or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Study design Retrospective review. Setting Academic medical center. Patients Patients with VS who underwent observation or SRS and had at least two audiograms and Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) surveys, a quality of life survey for patients with VS. Interventions SRS or observation. Main outcome measures Pure-tone average (PTA), speech discrimination score (SDS), PANQOL score; controlling for tumor size, baseline hearing, and other factors. Results One hundred twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria: 89 underwent observation and 34 SRS. There was no significant difference in the rate of decline measured by PTA (PTA worsened at a rate of 0.25 dB/yr more in the observation group compared with the SRS group, p = 0.77) and SDS (SDS worsened at a rate of 2.1%/yr more in the SRS group compared with the observation group, p = 0.82). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated the SRS group had a higher probability to progress to class D hearing over observation (hazard ratio 7.1, p = 0.005). The rate of change of the SRS PANQOL scores was significantly improved in the total (p = 0.005) and hearing (p = 0.04) domain score compared with observation. However, both groups regress to a similar PANQOL total and hearing domain score over time. Conclusion PANQOL scores were higher at baseline in the observation group than in the SRS group. However, over time, PANQOL scores in the observation group decreased while PANQOL scores in the SRS group increased, resulting in PANQOL scores that were equivalent by the end of follow-up.
Race and Reactions to Negative Feedback: Examining the Effects of the “Angry Black Woman” Stereotype

The purpose of this study is to examine how angry reactions to negative performance feedback among women at work affect observer evaluations. Specifically, we argue that angry black women will rece...
Experimental characterization and constitutive modeling of polyurethanes for structural applications, accounting for damage, hysteresis, loading rate and long term effects

Abstract Polymers are highly customizable materials that present high potential for applications in the development of damage-resistant structural systems. Out of the various polymeric materials, polyurethanes combining high strength (2–3 times that of normal concrete) with high deformation capacity (~0.04 strain at yielding) have been recently considered in the development of damage resistant bridge columns. However, development of structural systems incorporating polyurethanes requires fundamental understanding of their mechanical properties under various loading conditions, as well as development of versatile constitutive models describing such responses. Compared to conventional structural materials, the response properties of polyurethanes include hysteresis, damage (softening), and rate dependence (viscosity) in the elastic and inelastic range. To address this challenge, this study: (i) conducts an experimental program to characterize the mechanical behavior of an amorphous thermoset polyurethane which has been (and is currently being) considered in structural applications, (ii) develops a softening viscoelastic viscoplastic uniaxial material model to simulate the observed response under various loading conditions, and (iii) develops a heuristic systematic procedure to estimate model parameters from test data. The loading conditions of the experimental program include: (a) monotonic/cyclic compression-only and tension-only loading at strain rates up to 0.1/s, (b) multi-step strain-controlled monotonic loading including constant deformation segments to quantify relaxation and capture the so-called equilibrium path, (c) cyclic combined tension-compression uniaxial loading, and (d) relaxation and creep compressive tests. The test results showed nonlinear rate dependence, asymmetric response in tension and compression, monotonic/cyclic damage, and hysteresis.
Fast analysis of caffeinated beverages using laser diode thermal desorption mass spectrometry (LDTD-MS/MS).

A rapid method for quantitative caffeine analysis in carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and liquid dietary supplement products was developed based on the direct sample introduction technique of laser diode thermal desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation with tandem mass spectrometry (LDTD-MS/MS). Product samples were diluted with a mixture of methanol, water, and d3-caffeine internal standard. Sample aliquots were filtered, spotted on a metal-lined LDTD microtitre plate, dried, and thermally desorbed for subsequent ionisation and analysis by MS/MS analysis. Each sample required a 6 s desorption, and sample-to-sample analysis time of less than 30 s per sample. Caffeine yielded a linear calibration curve over the range 0.5-100 μg mL-1 (R2 > 0.995). Caffeine recoveries from fortified samples ranged from 97% to 107% with 0.998) with the regulatory standard HPLC-UV method (AOAC Official Method 979.08).
Using Areal Composition of Riparian Vegetation Communities to Identify Thresholds in Prairie Streams

Riparian areas often have multiple plant communities that may change rapidly due to seasonal hydrological shifts, and variation of those plant communities may not necessarily indicate transitioning ecological status. Thus, while plant communities are often used to assess land ecological status in upland systems, applying that principle to riparian systems may not be appropriate. Geomorphic parameters may be better indicators of a transition in ecological status, but they cannot be understood separately from plant community dynamics. This research assessed stream geomorphology and riparian plant communities along 34 reaches of 8 streams in North Dakota. The area of three plant community components (PCCs) associated within riparian complexes were mapped, and stream cross-section and longitudinal profile data were collected to classify Rosgen stream channels into stable (E and C channels), stabilizing (B channels), and unstable (F and G channels) states. The area of PCC1, the community nearest the stream bank consisting of wetland obligate species, was similar among stable and unstable streams, but PCC2 and PCC3, transitional plant communities, had greater area along stable reaches than along unstable reaches. Thus, the proportion of PCC1 in stable reaches was much lower (≈25%) than in unstable reaches (≈75%). Entrenchment ratio was the only stream parameter that was a good predictor of PCC areas, likely due to its relationship with floodplain connectivity. These findings may be valuable in developing riparian complex ecological site descriptions, specifically identifying potential thresholds between the unstable and stable states.
First-line chemotherapy versus chemoradiation for resectable distal esophageal adenocarcinoma.

331Background: Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that both neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiation (CRT) convey survival benefit as compared to upfront surgery in patients w...
High tidal volume ventilation is associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia in acute cervical spinal cord injury.

Context/Objective: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death after acute spinal cord injury (SCI). High tidal volume ventilation (HVtV) is used in SCI rehabilitation centers to overcome hypoventilati...
Central limit theorem and its ramifications

This chapter discusses the central limit theorem and its ramifications. The name central limit theorem refers to a result that asserts the convergence in dist. of a normed sum of r.v.'s, ( S n — a n )/ b n , to the unit normal d.f. Φ. It is assumed that the r.v.'s in each row are independent, but those in different rows may be arbitrarily dependent and they may be defined on different probability spaces without any relation to one another. In dealing with the double array, it is essential to impose a hypothesis that individual terms in the sum are negligible in comparison with the sum itself. This arose from the assumption that small errors accumulate to cause probabilistically predictable random mass phenomena. The Liapounov's form of the central limit theorem involving the third moment by a typical use of the ch.f is presented in the chapter. A special case concerning bounded r.v.'s is also deduced in the chapter.
Precocious reproductive development (Neoteny) by larvae of a primitive termiteZootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen)

In the absence of a functional reproductive pair, neotenic moults began during the third to fourth weeks after isolation of larvae from a parent colony, and continued until the 9th to 10th weeks in those groups where the new neotenics were not removed. New neotenics could be distinguished from larvae within one to three days after the moult by several morphological features. The presence of a single soldier in replicate groups of larvae did not influence neotenic development, but replicate groups composed entirely of brachypterous larvae produced fewer neotenics than did groups composed of apterous larvae. Similar numbers of neotenics developed in replicate groups of apterous larvae isolated from the same parent colony although the rate of development differend between the groups. This difference was insignificant when the number of male and female larvae in each replicate was equal. This finding was apparently the result of the fact that female larvae moulted into neotenics earlier and in greater numbers than male larvae.
No Silver Lining: Evaluating the Need for Consistent and Appropriate Functionality Assessments Among the Increasing and Incarcerated Elderly Population:

Despite a recent decrease in the U.S. prison population, the proportion of offenders who might classify as elderly has increased exponentially during the same period—the likes of which have created...
Charge carrier pairing can impart efficient reduction efficiency to core/shell quantum dots: applications for chemical sensing.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are bright fluorophores that have significant utility for imaging and sensing applications. Core QDs are often employed in chemosensing via redox processes that modulates their fluorescence in the presence of an analyte. However, such particles lack robust surface passivation and generally contain a sizable portion of nonfluorescent QDs, which is detrimental to the detection limit. We investigated an approach to “turn on” non-fluorescent core QDs by lightly overcoating them with a thin shell of a higher bandgap semiconductor. The shell augments the population of sensing chromophores and increases the emission lifetime; however, it simultaneously mollifies redox processes that are responsible for analyte sensitivity to begin with. This balancing act was successfully applied to enhance the sensitivity of CdZnS/ZnS QDs towards 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Unexpectedly, it was found that CdZnS/ZnS QDs with very thick shells retained substantial sensitivity to TNT. This observation may be due to close coupling of the reduced substrate with the QD hole that is enabled by the near-degeneracy of holes in the core CdZnS and ZnS shell. The ability of core/shell QDs to retain substantial reducing power may have implications for other applications that can benefit from the enhanced stability of robust core/shell nanomaterials.
Non-Declarative Sentences and the Theory of Definite Descriptions

This paper shows that Russell’s theory of descriptions gives the wrong semantics for definite descriptions occurring in questions and imperatives. Depending on how that theory is applied, it either assigns nonsense to perfectly meaningful questions and assertions or it assigns meanings that diverge from the actual semantics of such sentences, even after all pragmaticand contextual variables are allowed for. Given that Russell’s theory is wrong for questions and assertions, it must be wrong for assertoric statements; for the semantics of ‘the phi’ obviously doesn’t vary depending on whether it occurs in a question or an assertion or a command.
The Effect and Implications of Acculturation on Diabetes Control in a Heterogenous Population of Asian Americans

Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. As a result, it is important to understand the impact of their immigration and acculturation on diabetes control. Although there is a positive association between acculturation and diabetes control, this discussion is complicated by the fact that the ‘Asian American’ race/ethnicity encompasses a wide variety of populations with known differences in diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Furthermore, lifestyle and educational interventions have been only modestly successful in Asian immigrants. Actions need to be taken to ensure less acculturated Asian immigrants have health insurance and are routinely getting access to diabetes and hypertension screenings to avoid late diagnosis.
Modulation of immunosuppressant drug treatment to improve SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy in mice

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically demonstrated the need for improved vaccination strategies and therapeutic responses to combat infectious diseases. However, the efficacy of vaccines has not yet been demonstrated in combination with commonly used immunosuppressive drug regimens. We sought to determine how common pharmaceutical drugs used in autoimmune disorders can alter immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccination. We treated mice with five immunosuppressant drugs (cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, methotrexate, methylprednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil), each with various mechanisms of action prior to and following immunization with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We assessed the functionality of antibody responses to spike protein and compared immune cell populations in mice that received no treatment with those that received continuous or temporarily suspended immune suppressive therapy. All tested immunosuppressants significantly reduced the antibody titers in serum and functional antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in immunized mice. Temporarily halting selected immunosuppressants (methylprednisolone and methotrexate, but not cyclophosphamide) improved antibody responses significantly. Through proof-of-principle experiments utilizing a mouse model, we demonstrated that immune suppression in autoimmune disorders through pharmaceutical treatments may impair vaccine response to SARS-CoV-2, and temporary suspension of immunosuppressant treatment may be necessary to mount an effective antibody vaccine response. This work provides feasibility for future clinical assessment of the impact of immunosuppressants on vaccine efficacy in humans.
A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid (Platanthera praeclara) on the Sheyenne National Grassland, North Dakota, USA

Abstract The Western Prairie Fringed Orchid ( Platanthera praeclara ) is a threatened species found on the Sheyenne National Grassland (SNG) in southeast North Dakota, USA. The SNG is subject to management for multiple uses including biodiversity conservation, livestock grazing and recreation. Therefore, there is a need for the development of indicators of suitable orchid habitat. The orchids are continuously monitored, but understanding of the relationship between landscape properties and orchid locations is limited. In this study data that characterize topography, moisture, and groundwater were used to construct indicators of landscape suitability and an overall Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for the orchid. A LiDAR-derived DEM and groundwater well observations were used to develop landscape indicators. The Topographic Wetness Index (TWI: a measure of moisture on the landscape), the Topographic Position Index (TPI: a measure of position on the landscape), and the distance to groundwater (DTG: a measure of the distance from the land surface to the groundwater surface) provided the best set of indicators of orchid habitat. Point-based field observations of orchid occurrence were used to develop Orchid Suitability Metrics (OSMs) that identified the range of indicator values most strongly associated with orchids. These OSMs were used to define year by year suitability zones for each indicator that were combined to create the HSI. Comparison of orchid locations with groundwater elevations showed that orchids occurred on average 0.98 ± 0.39 (2 σ ) m above the water table. TWI and TPI demonstrated that orchids occur near flow paths and areas of lower elevation than their surroundings. HSI values of 0.67 and above were associated with 89.8% of all orchid observations used in the analysis. The landscape indicators, OSM concept and HSI could be generally applied to monitoring and conservation management of orchid habitat and the concept may be applicable to other valued species with similar niche properties.
Ultrafine particle infiltration into passenger vehicles. Part I: Experimental evidence

Abstract Previous studies have reported ultrafine particle (UFP) infiltration to the in-cabin microenvironment; however, no systematic measurements have been conducted showing where and under what conditions infiltration occurs. This study examined the automotive envelope leakage and UFP infiltration. We measured the differential pressures between the cabin and the potential leakage area on the surface of 11 passenger vehicles of different models/makers. To identify location of infiltration, UFP concentrations were concurrently measured inside and outside the vehicles as well as near the rear trunks. This study found that UFP infiltration primarily occurs through the rear trunk leakage under recirculation (RC) mode. Under RC mode, aerodynamic effects of a moving vehicle made the surface pressure on the side doors lower (i.e., exfiltration) than the cabin pressure, but higher (i.e., infiltration) on the rear trunk. The UFP concentrations measured near the rear trunks were 2–9 folds higher than inside vehicles. The magnitude of pressure differences increased at higher driving speeds. Under outdoor air (OA) mode, the infiltration was rarely observed because of the fan-controlled cabin pressurization. These data provide the first experimental evidence showing that UFP infiltration into passenger vehicles is location-specific and driving-speed-dependent.
An Organophosphorus Detoxifying Enzyme Unique to Squid

Three tissues or components of the squid — nerve, hepatopancreas and saliva — contain high levels of an enzyme that hydrolyzes the P-X bond of a group of compounds popularly termed nerve gases, where -X is fluoride or cyanide. The history of this particular enzyme has little to do with the squid. That came later.
A 45-GHz Si/SiGe 256-QAM transmitter with digital predistortion

The operation of a 45-GHz, Silicon/Silicon Germanium transmitter chipset including a 2×2 power amplifier (PA) array and an I/Q modulator with digital predistortion (DPD) linearization is demonstrated. The 2×2 PA array is implemented in a 45-nm SOI CMOS process and feeds a 2×2 antenna array implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB). The I/Q modulator is implemented in a 120-nm SiGe BiCMOS process where the LO input and RF output are also wire-bonded to a PCB and is programmed through an FPGA to compensate I/Q imbalance and LO leakage. The Si/SiGe transmitter chipset achieves 2.67% EVM at 9.375-MS/s symbol rate with 256-QAM, and 3.68% EVM at 25-MS/s symbol rate with 64-QAM. It produces an average EIRP of 28.6 dBm and consumes 1.7 W from the PA and 322 mW from the I/Q modulator after DPD.
Chapter 60 Evaluating Social Programs with Endogenous Program Placement and Selection of the Treated

Abstract This chapter considers methods for evaluating the impact of social programs in the presence of nonrandom program placement or program selection. It first presents the evaluation problem as a missing data problem and then considers various solutions proposed in the statistics and econometrics literature. For ex post evaluation, the following estimation methods are discussed: traditional regression methods, matching, control function methods, instrumental variable and local instrumental variable (LIV) methods, and regression-discontinuity. Alternative estimators are described along with their identifying assumptions, the behavioral implications of those assumptions, and the data requirements for implementation. The chapter also considers methods for ex ante evaluation, which can be used to assess the effects of programs prior to their implementation, for example, in trying to design a program that achieves some desired outcomes for a given cost. Throughout the chapter, numerous examples from the development literature illustrate applications of the different estimation methods and highlight factors affecting estimator performance.
Poor performance of BACTEC NR 730 blood culture system in early detection of Neisseria meningitidis.

During an 8-month period at Children's Hospital, Oakland, Calif., a 9% rate for positive blood culture for children with Neisseria meningitidis meningitis was identified. The blood culture system used in each case was the BACTEC NR 730. This rate seemed significantly lower than previous rates (33 to 55%) (P.R. Dodge and M.N. Swartz, N. Engl. J. Med. 272:1003-1010, 1965; A.L. Hoyne and R.H. Brown, Ann. Intern. Med. 28:248-259, 1948; S. Levin and M.B. Painter, Ann. Intern. Med. 64:1049-1057, 1966). The low rate prompted our study. With 14 test strains, anaerobic and aerobic BACTEC bottles were evaluated for their ability to support and detect the growth of N. meningitidis. Sodium polyanetholesufonate (SPS) and inoculum size, two factors thought to affect the growth of N. meningitidis, were controlled for by use of bottles with and without SPS and by inoculum sizes simulating the magnitudes of bacteremia previously described for children infected with N. meningitidis (L.J. La Scolea, Jr., D. Dryja, T.D. Sullivan, L. Mosovich, N. Ellerstein, and E. Neter, J. Clin. Microbiol. 13:478-482, 1981). BACTEC failed to detect growth in aerobic bottles after 6 h of incubation, while 76 of 80 bottles (95%) showed growth when subcultured. At 24 h, BACTEC detected growth in only 29 of 80 bottles (36%); when subcultured, all 80 cultures grew confluently. At 48 h, BACTEC detected growth in the remaining 53 bottles. BACTEC failed to detect growth in anaerobic bottles at 6 h and at 1, 2, 4, and 5 days of incubation despite growth in subculture. Subcultures from bottles with tryptic soy broth with and without SPS showed growth in 63 to 76 bottles in 6 h and in all bottles after 24 h. The presence of SPS in BACTEC bottles had no effect on growth detection. On the basis of these studies and our clinical experience, we find the NR 730 system to be insensitive and unsuitable for detection of N.meningitidis in </= 24h. However, all test strains were detected after 48h.
Religious Heterogamy and Relationship Stability: A Comparison of Married and Cohabiting Unions

Many studies have explored dynamics within religiously heterogamous marriages, but little is known about religiously heterogamous cohabiting unions. Using data from the Fragile Families Study, this study examines the influence of religious heterogamy on union stability among married and cohabiting couples. Results suggest that religious heterogamy is more common in cohabiting unions than marriages. Results also suggest that cohabiting unions are more likely to dissolve than marriages, and the risk of separation is higher for religiously heterogamous cohabiting unions (especially those in which one partner is religious and the other is not) than religiously heterogamous marriages. Finally, there is evidence showing that some religiously heterogamous cohabiting couples have a higher risk of relationship dissolution than religious heterogamous married couples due to lower relationship quality. Overall, this study extends the religion and family literature by showing that religious differences may lead to greater instability for cohabiting relationships than marriages.
Scheduling maintenance operations which cause age-dependent failure rate changes

We consider optimization of schedules for maintenance or repairs, in order to minimize long term average operating cost or to maximize availability. The novelty here is that the failure rate after a maintenance operation is a function of the system's previously expended lifetime. This generalizes earlier work by others on the simpler case where the future rate depends only on the number of previous repairs, but not on the times when they took place. The underlying lifetime distributions are assumed to have the Weibull form and two classes of maintenance strategies are considered. The first case optimizes a set of successive maintenance intervals T1, T2, ..., TN, and the number N, where a replacement by a new system is made at \(t_N = \mathop \sum \limits_{i = 1}^N T_i\). We show among other results, that the optimal times Ti exist and are ordered as T1≥T2>...≥TN.
Reconfigurable memory bus systems using multi-Gbps/pin CDMA I/O transceivers

This paper presents a new multiple access bus interface for re-configurable memory systems based on Code-Division-Multiple-Access (CDMA) techniques. It features multiple I/O access by using a multi-level signaling with source synchronous clocking. New CDMA I/O transceivers capable of re-configuring multiple accesses with high bus concurrency, low bus latency and low channel power consumption are proposed and evaluated. A maximum data rate of 2.0 Gbps/pin has been achieved using a 0.18-um CMOS process and a supply voltage of 1.8 V.
Solving Hidden Number Problem with One Bit Oracle and Advice

In the Hidden Number Problem (HNP), the goal is to find a hidden number s, when given p, g and access to an oracle that on query a returns the k most significant bits of $s\cdot g^a \bmod p$. We present an algorithm solving HNP, when given an advice depending only on p and g; the running time and advice length are polynomial in logp. This algorithm improves over prior HNP algorithms in achieving: (1) optimal number of bits k ? 1 (compared with k ? ?(loglogp)); (2) robustness to random noise; and (3) handling a wide family of predicates on top of the most significant bit. As a central tool we present an algorithm that, given oracle access to a function f over ${\mathbb Z}_N$, outputs all the significant Fourier coefficients of f (i.e., those occupying, say, at least 1% of the energy). This algorithm improves over prior works in being: Local. Its running time is polynomial in logN and $L_1(\widehat f)$ (for $L_1(\widehat f)$ the sum of f's Fourier coefficients, in absolute value). Universal. For any N,t, the same oracle queries are asked for all functions f over ${\mathbb Z}_N$ s.t. $L_1(\widehat f)\le t$. Robust. The algorithm succeeds with high probability even if the oracle to f is corrupted by random noise.
US Chaplain Corps Recruiting: Ideas to Boost Deficiencies with Recruiting and Assessing of Chaplains

Abstract : This study explores the need for incentives for Navy Chaplain Corps recruiting and recommends changes in the existing incentive program and a potential change to the way the Navy accesses chaplains. Using data from three surveys conducted with seminarians, junior chaplains and senior chaplains, information on the efficacy of various programs was gathered and changes recommended, where deemed appropriate. Additionally, recruiting incentives and programs from the Army and Air Force were explored for possible inclusion in the Navy recruiting program. Findings indicate that changes in the recruiting incentive program may be warranted. While recruiting bonuses may seem attractive, they are not currently required, but may become instrumental in the future. A promising alternative to current recruiting is restructuring the way chaplain qualification is determined and the grade at which chaplains are accessed. Repayment of student loans as a recruitment option is only an incentive for those having incurred student loans. Other incentives for chaplains who engage in recruiting activities and provide viable candidates are also explored in this paper.
Allergic contact dermatitis at the application site of an electrosurgical earthing plate occurring in a windscreen repairer.

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; electrosurgical plate; (meth)acrylates, windscreen repair; occupational
Inherited cancers associated with the RET proto-oncogene

Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene have been identified in the constitutional DNA of patients with the inherited disorders multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and 2B and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. This review focuses on the discoveries over the past year that pointed to RET as a candidate gene, and on the nature and spectrum of what appear to be dominant mutations associated with an inherited predisposition to tumor development.
Influence of an artificial reef on the surrounding infaunal community

Artificial reefs have been constructed throughout the world, but their effects on adjacent soft-bottom communities are largely unknown. In December 1986, we investigated the influence of Pendleton Artificial Reef (PAR) in Southern California on the abundance of infauna in the surrounding sand bottom. PAR was constructed in 1980 of quarry rock placed in eight piles, or modules. The artificial reef altered the grain-size distribution of sediments around the reef; sediments close to the modules were coarser than those 10 or 20 m away from the modules. Densities of one of the two most common species, the polychaetePrionospio pygmaeus, were lower near the reef, perhaps due to foraging by reef-associated predators or because the habitat near the reef was less suitable. We found no evidence that foraging by reef-associated fishes caused a widespread reduction in infaunal densities near the reef, and in fact the other most common taxon,Spiophanes spp., had higher densities near the reef. The most conspicuous effect of the artificial reef concerned the tube-dwelling wormDiopatra ornata, which only occurred in close association with the modules. In addition, total infaunal density and the densities of decapods, echinoderms and sipunculids were higher withinD. ornata beds than outside the beds. These results indicate that the densities of some species were enhanced, and others depressed, around the reef, but that the overall effect of the artificial reef on the surrounding infauna was limited to a small area near the modules.
Metabolism of bis-methylthiotetrachlorobenzene in rats

Abstract Oral doses of bis-methylthiotetrachlorobenzene (bis-MTTCB) given to control rats and rats with cannulated bile ducts showed that at least 50% of the dose, although excreted mainly as bis-MTTCB in the feces, was metabolized. The metabolism involved replacement of one of the methylthio groups with glutathione, biliary excretion of the mercapturic acid pathway metabolites, and subsequent reformation of bis-MTTCB which is excreted with the feces.
A comparison of surface temperature derived from HCMM infrared measurements with field data

The satellite for the Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM) was launched on April 26, 1978. The HCMM had the objective to collect data in support of studies concerned with the feasibility of using infrared temperature data to compute the thermal inertia from the earth's surface. The HCMM radiometer had a channel for reflected radiation in the 0.5 to 1.1 micron waveband, and a channel for the infrared radiation in the 10.5 to 12.5 micron band. However, difficulties developed in connection with changes in the characteristics of the radiometer. The present investigation is concerned with a comparison of HCMM infrared temperatures with in situ data from the Mississippi River in the St. Louis, Missouri, area and with sea-surface temperatures collected in the Nantucket Shoals and Gulf of Mexico regions. It was found that, on the average, the difference between satellite in situ data was -4.6 C.
Neurohumoral effects of orphanin FQ/nociceptin: relevance to cardiovascular and renal function

Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin (OFQ/N) is a peptide whose structure resembles that of the endogenous opioid peptides (endorphins). OFQ/N and its receptor are distributed in neural tissue and brain regions involved in the regulation of pituitary hormone release. Functional studies have shown that this peptide evokes a unique pattern of cardiovascular and renal excretory responses. This review will focus on the neural and humoral effects of OFQ/N and how this peptide may participate in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function.