cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of PCDD/Fs from oxidation of 2-monochlorophenol over an Fe2O3/silica surface.

The role of iron in surface-mediated formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) from 2-chlorophenol (2-MCP) was investigated over the temperature range of 200–550 C under oxidative conditions. In order to compare and contrast with previous work on copper and ferric oxide-mediated pyrolysis of 2-MCP, identical reaction conditions were maintained (50 ppm 2-MCP, model fly-ash particles containing 5% Fe2O3 on silica). Observed products included dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD), 1monochlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1-MCDD), dibenzofuran (DF), 4,6-dichlorodibenzofuran (4,6-DCDF), 2,4and 2,6-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, quinone, catechol, chloro-o-quinone, chlorocatechol and polychlorinated benzenes. Yields of DD and 1-MCDD were 2 and 5 times higher than under pyolysis conditions, respectively. Although 4,6-DCDF was the major PCDD/F product formed with a yield that was 2.5� greater than under pyrolysis, the yield of non-chlorinated DF, which was the dominant PCDD/F product under pyrolysis, decreased by a factor of 3. Furthermore, the � 2� higher yield of PCDDs under oxidative conditions resulted in a PCDD to PCDF ratio of 0.75 compared to a relatively low ratio of 0.39 previously observed under pyrolytic conditions.
Psychosocial predictors of interictal depression

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to attempt to determine whether some of the psychosocial complications associated with epilepsy are predictive of interictal depression. A wide variety of psychosocial, neuroepilepsy, and medication variables were assessed and related to self-reported depressive symptomatology in a sample of 102 adults with epilepsy. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that four variables were predictive of increased depression: increased stressful life events, poor adjustment to seizures, financial stress, and female gender. The methodological limitations of this correlational approach and the need for a prospective longitudinal investigation are discussed.
Pediatric negative appendectomy rate: trend, predictors, and differentials.

Background Appendectomy is one of the most commonly performed emergency operations in children. The diagnosis of appendicitis can be quite challenging, particularly in children. We set out to determine the accuracy of diagnosis of appendicitis by analyzing the trends in the negative appendectomy rate (NAR) using a national database. Materials and Methods Analysis of the Kids Inpatient Database (KID) was performed for the years 2000, 2003, and 2006 on children with appendectomy, excluding incidental appendectomies. Children ( Results An estimated 250,783 appendectomies met the inclusion criteria. The NAR was 6.7%. Length of stay (LOS) was longer in NA versus PA (7 versus 3 d, P 10 y, P Conclusions Younger age, female gender, Black ethnicity and rural hospitals are independent predictors of NA. These factors can be incorporated into diagnostic algorithms to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of appendicitis in children.
Protein Preservation and Ruminal Degradation of Ensiled Forage Treated with Heat, Formic Acid, Ammonia, or Microbial Inoculant

The objectives of this study were to determine whether treatment of forage with heat would reduce proteolysis during subsequent fermentation. In Experiment 1, direct-cut barley forage and alfalfa were untreated, microwaved, or steamed and then ensiled in laboratory silos as wilted forages. Silages of microwaved or steamed forage showed a marked increase in N bound to neutral detergent fiber and in the recovery of protein; however, alfalfa silages also had high pH values and concentrations of butyric acid. In Experiment 2, steam heating was compared with formic acid and NH3 treatments for the prevention of proteolysis in alfalfa silages. Silage of steamed alfalfa had a greater amount of N bound to neutral detergent fiber and greater recovery of protein than did control silage or silages of forage treated with formic acid or NH3. Silage of steamed forage had lower pH values than did silages of wilted, direct-cut, or control forage. Microbial innoculant added to steamed forage increased the recovery of protein. Silage of steamed forage had less aerobic stability than did silage of direct-cut forage. Ruminal degradability of crude protein (CP) and organic matter of silage from both experiments was evaluated. Degradability of CP was 8 to 26 percentage units lower in silages of microwaved or steamed forage in Experiment 1 than in silage of unheated forage because of slower degradation rates, but all had similar undegraded CP after incubation for 72 h. In Experiment 2, wilting, steam, formic acid, and NH3 treatments affected CP degradability similarly, but CP degradability was decreased when compared with silage of direct-cut forage without treatment.
Cluster-Based Fast Distributed Consensus

In this paper, we propose cluster-based distributed averaging algorithms in forms of fixed iteration and random gossiping. Nodes within a cluster maintain the same value via broadcasting by the cluster-head, and information exchange occurs between neighboring clusters. Clustering essentially allows nodes in neighboring clusters to be joined, hence the resultant graph is well-connected and the algorithm converges much faster. Moreover, since the number of clusters is much smaller than the number of nodes, the communication and computation burden of the consensus algorithm is significantly reduced.
COMPARISON OF USING MID-INFRARED SPECTRA VERSUS THEIR FOURIER TRANSFORMS FOR THE PREDICTION OF PROPERTIES OF ORGANIC CHEMICALS

Abstract We have built partial least squares (PLS) models for predicting values for 4 properties of 40 structurally-diverse organic esters based on 2 regions of the mid-infrared gas-phase spectra, 3700-2700 and 1850-745 cm −1 . The 4 properties are octanol/water distribution, water solubility, molecular volume and index of refraction. Under leave-one-out cross-validation analysis, these models produce error (root mean square deviation divided by the parameter value range) on the order of 6–11% using 5–10 PLS factors. For comparison, we have built models based on a judiciously selected region of the Fourier transforms (i.e., interferograms) of these spectra. Under leave-one-out cross-validation, the interferogram-based models exhibit lower error, about 4–9%, which is, on average, an improvement of about 30%. However, for true independent predictions, our results indicate that improvements only on the order of 10% are to be expected. Furthermore, the optimum interferogram models require considerably more PLS factors, about 16–21. For 2 of the properties, the optimum region of the interferogram for this application was about 50 points that included the centerburst; for the other two properties, a region removed by a few data points from the centerburst was selected. Also, using a spectrum-based model for activity coefficients of these same esters in 1-butanol, we demonstrate the possibility of interpreting qualitatively the first PLS weight loading vector in order to provide insights into process mechanisms subsequent to building an empirical model for predicting process parameters. Our investigations and observations are presented as a step toward developing a spectroscopy-based method for predicting parameters and probing activity mechanisms for environmentally-important chemical fate processes whose mechanisms and pathways are not well understood.
Privacy in enterprise identity federation – policies for Liberty 2 single sign on

Abstract Cross-domain identity management is gaining significant interest in industry. A well-known example is the Liberty Alliance's specifications for single sign on of web users across different enterprises. The Liberty Alliance stresses that account linking is voluntary for the users and that privacy is an important consideration. We evaluate the privacy of these specifications in detail. We point out some ambiguities and propose a concrete privacy policy together with a few changes to the Liberty processing rules. Our analysis demonstrates that identity-management policies need detailed advance planning even in a limited context. Identity management, federation, single sign on, privacy, pseudonyms, user tracking.
Mapping small-scale along-front structure using ADCP acoustic backscatter range-bin data

A quasi-three-dimensional view of a scallop-shaped river plume front is derived using acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) backscatter measurements recorded in individual range bins. The data show that the scallops consist of broad troughs of plume water separated by narrow cusps of ambient water and have an along-front wavelength of about 13 m. Having this view across such an inhomogeneous region is helpful in interpreting the corresponding ADCP velocity measurements, so that an examination of just those ADCP profiles made in the ambient water shows the expected strong sinking motion, which reaches about 25 cm s−1 at 1–2-m depth.
Wage flexibility and economic performance : evidence across industrial countries

This paper provides new empirical evidence on the degree of nominal wage flexibility in a sample of nineteen industrial countries. Across countries, aggregate uncertainty increases the degree of wage flexibility in the face of various shocks. Wage flexibility stabilizes fluctuations in real output and guarantees workers a higher real standard of living in response to aggregate demand shocks. Wage flexibility in response to energy price shocks guarantees workers higher real wages without exacerbating price inflation or output contraction. Nominal wage inflation decreases in response to productivity shocks, reinforcing output expansion.
Comorbidities, sphincterotomy, and balloon dilation predict post-ERCP adverse events in PSC patients: operator experience is protective.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease. Interventional ERCP improves survival in PSC patients. To describe the frequency and risk factors for post-ERCP adverse events in patients with PSC via multivariate analysis. Retrospective cohort study included patients with a diagnosis of PSC who underwent ERCP at academic institutions between February 2000 and October 2009. Demographis, co-morbid conditions, antibiotic use, cannulation method, ERCP maneuvers and 30-day post-ERCP adverse events were collected. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. A total of 185 procedures were performed on 75 PSC patients (58 M,17 F). Seven endoscopists performed ERCPs. Comorbidies included ulcerative colitis (44%, n = 33), Crohn’s disease (12%, n = 9 patients), Cirrhosis (8%, n = 6 patients) and autoimmune hepatitis (2.7%, n = 2). Cannulation was achieved using dye-free guidewire cannulation techniques in 139/185 procedures (76%) and with contrast-based techniques in 46/185 procedures (24%). Thirty-day post-ERCP adverse events included post-ERCP pancreatitis (5%, n = 9, cholangitis (1%, n = 2), acute cholecystitis (0.5%, n = 1), stent occlusion (0.5%, n = 1), stent migration (0.5%, n = 1), and bile leak (0.5%, n = 1). In the multivariate analysis, associations with specific endoscopists who performed the procedure (P = 0.01), biliary dilation (P = 0.02), sphincterotomy (P = 0.03), presence of cirrhosis (P = 0.05), Crohn’s disease (P < 0.001), and autoimmune hepatitis (P < 0.001) significantly predicted a complication following ERCP. Gender, stenting during procedure, presence of a dominant stricture, and cholangitis were not predictive for post-ERCP adverse events. Factors predicting 30-day post-ERCP adverse events included certain co-morbid conditions, the endoscopist ERCP volume, maneuvers during ERCP including dilation and sphincterotomy. Stenting was not associated with adverse events.
Tergal modifications associated with abdominal glandular cells in the Blattaria.

Tergal abdominal modifications of 30 species of Blattaria (Dictyoptera) were studied by means of histological scanning electron microscopy techniques. Despite marked anatomical diversity of the glands, only a few basic types of cells are present. Male tergal glands which are involved in sexual behavior generally have glandular cells filled with electron transparent vacuoles (type 3a) and those with dense myeloid secretion (type 3b); in addition some have large cells without ducts, not in contact with the cuticle and surrounded by other cells (type 2). External setae, usually associated with these structures, are mechano-receptors or mechano-chemoreceptors. Glands not involved in courtship (e.g., defensive glands) usually have large glandular cells with a ductule that reaches the end apparatus secreted by the glandular cell itself (Type 3) but lack types 2, 3a, and 3b. Species which do not have distinctive tergal modifications may have concentrations of microscopic pores or openings associated with glandular cells on certain segments. The chemistry of the secretions produced by tergal glands is unknown for most species. This paper emphasizes the need for behavioral and biochemical studies to elucidate the biological significance of cockroach tergal glands.
Time dependency of the action of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-interferon-γ-induced neuronal cell death in murine primary neuron-glia co-cultures

We investigated the time-dependency of the action of nitric oxide (NO) on glia-mediated neuronal cell death. Cortical neuron–glia co-cultures were treated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon γ (LPS/IFNγ). The production of NO was first detectable 9 h after the exposure to LPS/IFNγ and increased for up to 48 h. A significant neuronal cell death was observed 36–48 h after treatment with LPS/IFNγ. The NO generated at the initial stage of NO synthesis (about 12 h) following exposure to LPS/IFNγ was found to be critical for LPS/IFNγ-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, the rate of NO production at the initial stage of NO synthesis was correlated linearly with the extent of neuronal cell death. These findings suggest that the maximal rate of NO synthesis, instead of the accumulated NO2− level, is a sensitive index for predicting endotoxin-induced cytotoxicity.
Young age and outcome for women with early-stage invasive breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Patients with invasive breast carcinoma who are ages 35–40 years or younger at the time of diagnosis have been found in several studies to have worse prognosis and higher local failure rates after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) compared with older patients. However, it is uncertain whether specific clinical, pathologic, or treatment factors affect these results, or whether mastectomy yields a better outcome. METHODS Articles addressing how patient age at the time of diagnosis affects treatment outcome were identified through the MEDLINE and CancerLit databases and the reference lists of relevant articles. RESULTS Young age was found to remain an independent risk factor for worse outcome after either BCT or mastectomy. Limited evidence did not demonstrate a superior outcome with mastectomy compared with BCT. Recent studies of BCT still reported young age to be associated with higher local recurrence rates compared with that for older patients, but their interpretation was hampered by inadequate margin assessment for ductal carcinoma in situ. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been found to improve local control rates substantially for young patients after BCT. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, there are insufficient data to determine whether young patients have superior long-term outcome if treated by mastectomy compared with BCT, or whether having truly uninvolved margins abrogates their increased risk of local failure after BCT. When meticulous attention is given to surgical techniques and margin status, it appears that young age at the time of diagnosis need not be a contraindication to BCT. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Investor Reactions to Diversity Reputation Signals

The present research study provides new evidence regarding the nature of investor reactions to signals of a reputation for diversity. Employing event study methodology, we track returns for firms listed on DiversityInc.'s Top 50 Companies for Diversity over a five-year period. We find support for our hypothesis that the market will respond positively to the announcement of a firm's inclusion on the list. Counter to our second hypothesis, we find that market reaction is more positive for manufacturing firms than for service firms. This study provides practical evidence that a firm's investment in diversity and quality diversity management techniques will be recognized and rewarded by the market. In addition, we have added to the current literature by examining one specific component of social performance (diversity management) and its relationship with market valuation in an effort to better understand the construct as a whole.
Preparation and properties of phosphomannomutase from baker's yeast.

Abstract A partially purified yeast enzyme is described which catalyzes specifically the conversion of α-mannose-1-phosphate to mannos-6-phosphate. This enzyme has been named phosphomannomutase. The enzyme is inactive in the absence of α-glucose-1,6-diphosphate or α-mannose-1,6-diphosphate. The apparent Michaelis constant of either coenzyme is approximately 1.5·10−4M. Evidence is presented that phosphomannomutase is distinct from phosphoglucomutase.
In situ Raman monitoring of low-temperature synthesis of YAG from different starting materials

Abstract Low-temperature formation of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) from different starting materials, i.e., alkoxide–acetate, nitrates, and hydroxides by homogeneous precipitation, has been monitored up to 1200°C using in situ Raman spectroscopy. YAG was formed at relatively low temperature around 800°C by the alkoxide method, but at 1100°C by the nitrate and the hydroxide methods. Formation of an intermediate hexagonal YAlO 3 phase was observed for the oxide powders prepared by the latter two methods at about 1000–1100°C, which hindered the lower temperature formation of YAG phase. Additional Raman and X-ray diffraction investigation revealed the presence of impurities and the difference of local homogeneity in the oxide powders prepared by the different methods. Highly homogeneous powders obtained by the alkoxide method enabled the direct and low temperature formation of YAG.
Acne. A new approach to an old problem

Summary A new, practical, and simple therapeutic regimen for acne vulgaris is described. Simple dietary discrimination and local skin therapy with a cream which is used as a wash and shampoo has been found effective in the treatment of most cases of acne vulgaris of the comedo-papular type. The regimen is also a valuable adjunct in severe cystic acne requiring additional individualized therapy.
Preliminary work to classify the disturbance events recorded by phasor measurement units

With increasing use of phasor measurement units in power system, an enormous amount of data is being stored in phasor data concentrators (PDCs). PDCs have the capability to store disturbance files separately. Over a period of time, the number of such disturbance files keeps increasing. However, these files are not really mined for data and mapped to actual events that may have caused the disturbance. This paper uses actual disturbance files from a PDC in the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) system that collects data from four PMUs, and shows how the data needs to be preprocessed before it can be used. It also evaluates the performance of a feature extraction and classifier tool on some limited data files that store data for known disturbances logged by PNM. Based on these initial results, effectiveness of the classifier tool is evaluated, and future work is proposed that may ultimately lead to real time identification of disturbance events immediately after the disturbance files are created.
Bulk flow model for multislice magnetic resonance imaging sequences with phantom validation.

A simple conceptual model for describing the effects of one‐dimensional bulk flow on image intensities is presented and validated using a multislice imaging sequence specific to one vendor. The model allows quantitative estimates of echo amplitudes versus velocity by using the equation of motion to follow the pulse history of fluid volumes influenced by the readout pulse for any slice of interest. Each affected volume is divided into equal elemental components and the state of each component is computed at discrete times in a pulse position‐timing diagram until readout occurs. The final amplitude for the composite volume is determined by the signed summation of each of the elemental components. Validation of the quantitative model was performed by imaging a rotating bulk flow phantom centered at each of the slices of a multislice, partial saturation, spin‐echo sequence. Effects due to rf field inhomogeneities were normalized by dividing the results of the dynamic scans by the corresponding static one. The results presented here are relatively insensitive to odd‐echo dephasing (even echo rephasing).
Lipid Bilayers on Polyacrylamide Brushes for Inclusion of Membrane Proteins

The ability of neutral polymer cushions to support neutral lipid bilayers for the incorporation of mobile transmembrane proteins was investigated. Polyacrylamide brush layers were grown on fused silica using atom-transfer radical polymerization to provide polymer layers of 2.5-, 5- and 10-nm thickness. Lipid bilayers composed of POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) were formed by vesicle fusion onto bare fused silica and onto each of the polyacrylamide layers. Bilayer fluidity was assessed by the diffusion of a probe, NBD-labeled phosphatidylcholine, using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. A transmembrane protein, the human delta-opioid receptor, was inserted into each lipid bilayer, and its ability to bind a synthetic ligand, DPDPE, cyclic[2-d-penicillamine, 5-d-penicillamine]enkephalin, was detected using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy by labeling this ligand with a rhodamine dye. The transmembrane protein was observed to bind the ligand for all bilayers tested. The protein's electrophoretic mobility was probed by monitoring the fluorescence from the bound ligand. The 5-nm polyacrylamide thickness gave the fastest diffusion for the fluorescent lipid probe (D(1) = 2.0(+/-1.2) x 10(-7) and D(2) = 1.2(+/-0.5) x 10(-6) cm(2)/s) and also the largest electrophoretic mobility for the transmembrane protein (3 x 10(-8) cm(2)/V.s). The optimum in polymer thickness is suggested to be a tradeoff between decoupling from the substrate and increasing roughness of the polymer surface.
Finite difference approximations for the determination of dynamic instability

Approximate forms of the vorticity and thermal equations are linearized and combined to yield a second-order partial differential equation for the amplitude of harmonic perturbations. Finite-difference approximations for the derivatives yield a homogeneous system of algebraic equations; and the condition that its determinants vanish for a non-trivial solution yields the “frequency” equation, which may be solved to give the phase velocities of the harmonic waves. Solutions are obtained for zonal currents in which the wind varies vertically and horizonally and for a variety of conditions with respect to grid distances, latitude and current width. Generally speaking, the computations showed that decreasing the latitude and shear and increasing the static stability were all destabilizing influences, not without some exceptions, however. In addition, very short waves were found to be stable; however, instability was found for very long waves, including a retrogressive unstable mode. Moreover, multiple unstable modes were found for many wavelengths. Calculations based on actual observations of the jet stream in December show it to be dynamically unstable, both baroclinically and barotropically, with one mode of maximum instability at a wavelength of about 3000 to 4000 km and a secondary maximum at about 10,000 km. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1963.tb01381.x
Nanoelectrode-Gated Detection of Individual Molecules with Potential for Rapid DNA Sequencing

A systematic nanoelectrode-gated electron-tunneling molecular-detection concept with potential for rapid DNA sequencing has recently been invented at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). A DNA molecule is a polymer that typically contains four different types of nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) on its phosphate-deoxyribose chain. According to the nanoelectrode-gated molecular-detection concept, it should be possible to obtain genetic sequence information by probing through a DNA molecule base by base at a nanometer scale, as if looking at a strip of movie film. The nanoscale reading of DNA sequences is envisioned to take place at a nanogap (gate) defined by a pair of nanoelectrode tips as a DNA molecule moves through the gate base by base. The rationale is that sample molecules, such as the four different nucleotide bases, each with a distinct chemical composition and structure, should produce a specific perturbation effect on the tunneling electron beam across the two nanoelectrode tips. A sample molecule could thus be detected when it enters the gate. This nanoscience-based approach could lead to a new DNA sequencing technology that could be thousands of times faster than the current technology (Sanger’s “dideoxy” protocol-based capillary electrophoresis systems). Both computational and experimental studies are underway at ORNL towards demonstrating this nanotechnology concept.
Transferability of a Stochastic Toll Plaza Computer Model

Transferability of the TPSIM toll plaza microsimulation computer model to other toll plazas was explored with 3 days of data collected between 1994 and 2000 at Dean Plaza, an Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) toll plaza. TPSIM is a discrete-event stochastic microscopic simulation model that has been previously validated at the 95% confidence level with data from OOCEA's busiest toll plaza, Holland East Plaza. This model has the capability to accurately model virtually any toll plaza scenario. To apply this model to another toll plaza, a calibration procedure is necessary. To identify the modifications necessary to the input parameters, over 400 simulation runs with the 3 selected days from Dean Plaza were compared and statistically analyzed for accuracy. An experimental design was outlined and followed to accurately account for each trial simulation run during the calibration process. The service time was determined to have the most significant impact on the simulation model in much the same manner as it does in the field. The measures of effectiveness (MOEs) chosen to evaluate TPSIM were throughput, average queuing delay, maximum queuing delay, and total queuing delay. At the 95% confidence level, no significant difference was found in the comparison of field and simulated MOE values for all 3 days. Comparison of the Holland East and Dean Plaza results indicates that the TPSIM simulation model is transferable to another toll plaza with different configurations.
Diffusion of Decafluoropentane in Amorphous Glassy Perfluorodioxole Copolymer by Pulse Field Gradient NMR Spectroscopy

Pulse field gradient diffusion measurements were made on the decafluoropentane molecule, CF3CHFCHFCF2CF3, in the copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole (BDD). The proton spectrum consisted of two overlapping line shapes, and the decay of the echo amplitude with increasing gradient required the use of two apparent diffusion constants. The two apparent diffusion constants differed by 1.5−3 orders of magnitude depending on the length of time over which diffusion occurred. Both apparent diffusion constants were also functions of the diffusion time, indicating the presence of structure in this system that obstructs the translational motion of the penetrant molecules. The slower diffusion process ranged from 10-8 to 10-10 cm2 s-1, while the faster diffusion process ranged from 10-6 to 10-8 cm2 s-1. The product of the slower diffusion constant and the diffusion time was constant within experimental error, which is typical of restricted diffusion. Assuming a s...
Investigation of transition metal oxides by ultrasonic microscopy

Abstract Ultrasonic microscopy is now well established in non-destructive testing and has become a versatile method for investigating solid materials. It may serve both as imaging technique for large scale inspection of sample homogeneity and also as measuring device for a local determination of elastic properties. Our investigations of single crystalline vanadium dioxide nicely demonstrate this capability of flexible use and are exemplary for the beneficial effect of ultrasonic microscopy on materials research, in general. Here we focus on three different subjects: the detection of odd phases in as-grown single crystals, the inspection of structural transformations accompanying the metal–insulator transition and the investigation of elastic properties performed on small crystallites.
Analysis of transfer excitation collisions of S13+ with He

Abstract A complete analysis of the transfer excitation (TE) process is attempted for the collision system S 13+ + He in the energy range E L = 5–250 MeV. Three different excitation modes are treated; (a) the nonresonant TE (NTE) at 5–100 MeV, in which the target He core excites the projectile S and one of the target electrons is transferred to S, (b) the resonant TE (RTE) at 60–200 MeV, in which one of the target electrons simultaneously excites the projectile as it is captured, and (c) the uncorrelated TE (UTE) at 150–250 MeV in which two electrons in the target are involved separately in the collisional excitation and transfer. Preliminary result is in fair agreement with experimental data.
Anacroneuria of Trinidad and Tobago (Plecoptera: Perlidae)

Two species of Anacroneuria occur on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. A. aroucana Kimmins, 1948, appears to be endemic to Trinidad while A. isleta sp. n., occurs on Tobago. Both A. isleta and A. aroucana appear to have sister species on the South American mainland.
Platelet biology – an overview

SUMMARY Understanding the biology of platelet is important for one to treat patients with acquired or inherited platelet disorders. Platelets provide primary hemostasis by performing five primary functions: adhesion, aggregation, secretion, and providing procoagulant surface and clot retraction. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms carrying out these functions has led to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of bleeding and the development of new approaches in treating patients with qualitative and quantitative platelet disorders. The purpose of this review is to provide a foundation for understanding the other papers in this publication on the treatment of platelet disorders.
Hailey-Hailey Disease—An Electron Microscopic Study

Eighteen lesions from four adult patients with Hailey-Hailey disease were biopsied and studied by electron microscopy. Both acantholysis and abnormal keratinization were seen occurring together or independently in basal, prickle, and granular cells, while only abnormal keratinization was seen in corneum cells. Acantholysis was manifested by bizarre microvillar changes (elongation, thinning, branching, clubbing, "quill-pen" constriction, and detachment) which seemed to precede widening of intercellular spaces and tonofilament-desmosome changes. Abnormal keratinization was represented by electron dense abnormally thickened bundles of tonofilaments; in basal cells these were straight or wavy; in prickle and granular cells they often appeared whorled. In corneum cells the persistance of tonofilaments and other cytoplasmic organelles signified abnormal keratinization. Neither acantholysis nor abnormal keratinization is a necessary prerequisite for the other, yet both events are probably explainable by a single gene defect. Thus far, the combination of bizarre microvillar changes and abnormal tonofilament configurations occurring in the same lesion is pathognomonic of Hailey-Hailey disease.
A New Estimate of the Local Interstellar Energy Density and Ionization Rate of Galactic Cosmic Cosmic Rays

Using data from the Voyager and Pioneer spacecraft at distances up to 60 AU from the Sun to help define the effects of solar modulation, we have made a new estimate of the local interstellar cosmic-ray spectra and the associated energy density and ionization rate. The energy density, including the low-energy electron contribution, is ~1.80 eV cm-3, equivalent energetically to that in a 7 μG magnetic field. The ionization rate from this same cosmic-ray population, including a significant contribution from low-energy electrons, is (3-4) × 10-17 s-1 (H atom). This is most likely a minimum value and is not too different from estimates of the typical ionization rate required to heat the interstellar medium and maintain the diffuse ionized gas range from (3-30) × 10-17 s-1 (H atom) as a function of locale in the Galaxy. This suggests that cosmic rays could be a significant contributor to interstellar heating. The cosmic-ray ionization rate will be more or less uniform throughout the Galactic disk and also perpendicular to the disk according to the scale height of cosmic rays which may be ~1 kpc, thus providing a source of ionization at high Z values. The recent observation of low-energy particle acceleration at the heliospheric termination shock, which produces local ionization rates comparable to those due to Galactic cosmic rays, raises the interesting possibility that "hot spots," where the ionization rate due to locally accelerated particles may exceed 10-16 s-1 (H atom), may occur near massive stars with more powerful stellar winds.
Influence of the type of operations on the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele

Abstract Background A genetic tendency to develop latex IgE responses in children with spina bifida has been suggested, but their degree of exposure to latex as well as the route and chronology for sensitization can be different from those of other children with multiple surgeries. The aim was to study the influence of the type of operation on the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele. Methods In 90 children with myelomeningocele operated with latex, data were collected about age, sex, family, and personal history of allergy, serum total IgE, presence of a ventricular-peritoneal (v-p) shunt, and number and duration of operations, classified as urological, orthopedic, on the v-p shunt, other neurosurgical, and others. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, using the presence of latex sensitization as dependent variable. Results Serum total IgE, the number of urological and of orthopedic operations were synergistic variables to predict latex sensitization, together with the presence of a v-p shunt, but not the number of operations performed on this device. This seems to play an adjuvant role in the process of sensitization. Conclusions Not only the number, but also the type of operations, namely, of urological and orthopedic nature, is important in the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele.
Taribavirin: a potential alternative to ribavirin

Pegylated interferon and ribavirin are currently the standard of care therapy for chronic hepatitis C. In the near future, protease inhibitors are likely to be part of a three-drug regimen with interferon and ribavirin. It is not yet clear if therapy duration will be shorter, but it appears that anemia will be more severe. Ribavirin has to date been proven indispensible as a member of the treatment regimen, despite the potentially dangerous side effect of anemia. Taribavirin (viramidine), a purine nucleoside analog, is a prodrug of ribavirin. In a Phase III registration trial, it failed to show adequate efficacy but did have significantly less anemia when compared with weight-adjusted ribavirin. The dosing of taribaivirin may have been the flaw of that study, and indeed interim results of a Phase IIb study currently underway appear to have better antiviral effects with weight-based dosing. Sustained viral response rates comparable to ribavirin in a larger prospective study will be needed to supplant the c...
Effect of the non-conserved N-terminus on the DNA binding activity of the yeast TATA binding protein

Abstract We have studied the DNA binding activity of recombinant yeast TATA Binding Protein (TBP) with particular interest in the role played by the non-conserved N-terminal domain. By comparing the DNA binding activity of wild type yeast TBP with a mutant form of TBP that lacks the non-conserved N-terminal domain (TBP delta 57), we have determined that the N-terminus of TBP alters both the shape and the stability of the TBP-DNA complex. Measurements of the DNA bending angle indicate that the N-terminus enhances the bending of the DNA that is induced by TBP binding and greatly destabilizes the TBP-DNA complex during native gel electrophoresis. In solution, the N-terminus has only a slight effect on the equilibrium dissociation constant and the dissociation rate constant. However, the N-terminal domain reduces the association rate constant in a temperature dependent manner and increases the apparent activation energy of the TBP-DNA complex formation by 3 kcal/mole. These data suggest that a conformational change involving the N-terminus of TBP may be one of the isomerization steps in the formation of a stable TBP-DNA complex.
The release of energetic particles from the sun.

Development of a model to account for the release of solar cosmic rays from the sun. The solar atmosphere out to 3 to 5 solar radii above the photosphere is permeated with magnetic field lines which trap low-rigidity (less than or equal to 50 MV) flare particles. Plasma heated by the flare process disturbs the trapping field, and not until the disturbance reaches 3 to 5 solar radii can the low-rigidity flare particles have access to interplanetary space. If the plasma is not heated sufficiently to overcome the coronal field, flare particles are trapped efficiently. Subsequent leakage of these particles into interplanetary space forms corotating streams. Reference is made to satellite observations of solar electromagnetic radiation and charged particles.
High pressure effects on benzoic acid dimers: Vibrational spectroscopy

Abstract To understand pressure effects on dimer structure stability, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies were used to examine changes in H-bonded dimers of benzoic acid (BA). Experiments were performed on single crystals compressed to 33 GPa in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). Several changes in Raman spectra were observed in the range 6–8 GPa indicating modification in the dimer structure suggesting the lowering of molecular symmetry. Pressure increase above 15 GPa induced strong luminescence and a gradual change of the crystal color from white to yellow/brownish. FTIR measurements on the sample released from 33 GPa indicated formation of a new compound. It is proposed that molecules of this compound are composed of the hydroxyl group associated with alcohol, carbonyl group associated with ketone, and the sp3 hydrocarbon groups. This study demonstrates that sufficient high pressure compression and subsequent decompression can lead to significant changes in the H-bonded dimer structure, including the breaking of bonds and formation of new chemical compound.
Anatomy of a Community College Faculty Diversity Program

Diversifying the faculty in community colleges, especially with faculty of color, continues to be problematic as we move through the first decade of the 21st Century. National statistics show that overwhelmingly the faculty continues to be Caucasian, even at a time when more and more students are coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This seemingly intractable problem is particularly acute in California, where the majority of community college students are students of color, but not the faculty. A faculty diversity program that has been in existence for 17 years has made important progress in changing the situation in southern California. This comprehensive program recruits, trains, and places interns in 10 community colleges in cooperation with a regional university. The results of the program demonstrate that substantial numbers of faculty of color are being prepared by the program and that they are getting hired in community colleges as adjunct and full-time faculty. Community colleges can be and sho...
Synthesis and characterization of Cr4+-doped CaO–GeO2–Li2O–B2O3(Al2O3) transparent glass-ceramics

Abstract Synthesis and devitrification behavior of Cr-doped CaO–GeO 2 –Li 2 O–B 2 O 3 (Al 2 O 3 ) glasses have been studied. A range of glass compositions was found to yield transparent glass-ceramics after devitrification. The size of crystallites is below 1 μm. Glass-ceramic samples exhibit 1050–1600 nm broad-band emission with a maximum around 1260 nm, very similar to the emission of Cr 4+ :Ca 2 GeO 4 bulk crystals. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the structure of crystallites exhibiting near infrared emission in glass-ceramics may be assigned to Cr 4+ :Ca 2 GeO 4 with increased lattice parameters.
Intelligent Autonomous Robotics: A Robot Soccer Case Study

Robotics technology has recently advanced to the point of being widely accessible for relatively low-budget research, as well as for graduate, undergraduate, and even secondary and primary school education. This lecture provides an example of how to productively use a cutting-edge advanced robotics platform for education and research by providing a detailed case study with the Sony AIBO robot, a vision-based legged robot. The case study used for this lecture is the UT Austin Villa RoboCup Four-Legged Team. This lecture describes both the development process and the technical details of its end result. The main contributions of this lecture are (i) a roadmap for new classes and research groups interested in intelligent autonomous robotics who are starting from scratch with a new robot, and (ii) documentation of the algorithms behind our own approach on the AIBOs with the goal of making them accessible for use on other vision-based and/or legged robot platforms.
The effect of varying the concentrations and the lime-to-copper ratio of bordeaux mixture in potato spraying

Additional experiments for 1933 confirmed previous results that maximum yields were obtained, for western New York with Russet Rural potatoes by the use of approximately 75 pounds of copper sulfate, per acre per season, in the form of bordeaux mixture applied at 400 pounds pressure.
Evaluating Child Behavior Change in Natural Settings Exploring Alternative Strategies for Data Collection

Documenting change in young children receiving special education services requires the appropriate use of data collection methods. Asking the right questions and matching the data collection proced...
Facilitation of variable interval performance by intermittent conditioned reinforcement

Three rats were placed on either multiple or mixed schedules of VI 2 min. primary reinforcement. Conditioned reinforcement was superimposed in one of two components on a VI 30 sec. schedule. Response rates in these components increased above response rates in the components without the added schedule of conditioned reinforcement.
A Dopaminergic Gene Cluster in the Prefrontal Cortex Predicts Performance Indicative of General Intelligence in Genetically Heterogeneous Mice

Background Genetically heterogeneous mice express a trait that is qualitatively and psychometrically analogous to general intelligence in humans, and as in humans, this trait co-varies with the processing efficacy of working memory (including its dependence on selective attention). Dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been established to play a critical role in animals' performance in both working memory and selective attention tasks. Owing to this role of the PFC in the regulation of working memory, here we compared PFC gene expression profiles of 60 genetically diverse CD-1 mice that exhibited a wide range of general learning abilities (i.e., aggregate performance across five diverse learning tasks). Methodology/Principal Findings Animals' general cognitive abilities were first determined based on their aggregate performance across a battery of five diverse learning tasks. With a procedure designed to minimize false positive identifications, analysis of gene expression microarrays (comprised of ≈25,000 genes) identified a small number (<20) of genes that were differentially expressed across animals that exhibited fast and slow aggregate learning abilities. Of these genes, one functional cluster was identified, and this cluster (Darpp-32, Drd1a, and Rgs9) is an established modulator of dopamine signaling. Subsequent quantitative PCR found that expression of these dopaminegic genes plus one vascular gene (Nudt6) were significantly correlated with individual animal's general cognitive performance. Conclusions/Significance These results indicate that D1-mediated dopamine signaling in the PFC, possibly through its modulation of working memory, is predictive of general cognitive abilities. Furthermore, these results provide the first direct evidence of specific molecular pathways that might potentially regulate general intelligence.
Inhibition of intestinal tumors by curcumin is associated with changes in the intestinal immune cell profile.

Abstract Background. The C57BL/6J-Min/+ (Min/+) mouse bears a germline mutation in Apc and is therefore a model for familial adenomatous polyposis and sporadic colorectal cancer. Min/+ intestinal mucosa exhibits a marked tendency for spontaneous adenoma formation. Curcumin is a phenolic antioxidant known for its antitumor and immune modulatory functions in vitro. Curcumin prevents adenoma formation in Min/+ mice, through a mechanism that may be related to its immunomodulatory properties. Materials and methods. To study the relationship between intestinal immunity and curcumin-induced antitumor response, we used immunohistochemistry to characterize the effect of curcumin treatment on resident intestinal immune effector cells in Min/+ mice. Results/conclusion. These results show that mucosal CD4 + T cells and B cells increase in animals treated with curcumin, suggesting that curcumin modulates lymphocyte-mediated immune functions.
Highlights from the 58th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology, March 28 to 31, 2009, Orlando, Florida

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND CORONARY STENTS Quality of Life With Stents Versus Surgery in Treatment of Multivessel and Left Main Coronary Artery Disease The SYNTAX investigators explored the quality of life and cost-effectiveness of the strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main or multivessel coronary artery disease in this international randomized study of over 1600 patients. The group had previously published the 1-year outcomes from the study, which demonstrated similar rates of death and myocardial infarction at 12 months, with increased rates of repeat revascularization for the patients treated with PCI. Dr David Cohen reported that although angina relief was slightly better with CABG than drug-eluting stents (DES) at 6 and 12 months, the differences were very small, and the overall costs (including hospitalization and rehabilitation) were significantly higher at 1 year for the patients treated with CABG. The 1-year cost-effectiveness (based on US health care costs) significantly favored PCI for patients with low and moderate levels of angiographic complexity; CABG was economically attractive for patients with the most severe angiographic complexity (SYNTAX score > 32). Another cost-effectiveness analysis of the SYNTAX patients is planned when the 5-year follow-up data become available, which should allow some insight into the longterm cost-effectiveness of CABG versus PCI for patients with both multivessel coronary artery disease as well as left main coronary artery disease.