cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between chronic organochlorine exposure and immunotoxicity in the round stingray (Urobatis halleri).

Chronic organochlorine (OC) exposure has been shown to cause immune impairment in numerous vertebrate species. To determine if elasmobranchs exhibited compromised immunity due to high OC contamination along the coastal mainland of southern California, innate immune function was compared in round stingrays (Urobatis halleri) collected from the mainland and Santa Catalina Island. Proliferation and phagocytosis of peripheral blood, splenic, and epigonal leukocytes were assessed. Percent phagocytosis and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were evaluated by quantifying % leukocytes positive for, and relative amounts of ingested fluorescent E. coli BioParticles. Total cell proliferation differed between sites, with mainland rays having a higher cell concentration in whole blood. ∑PCB load explained significantly higher % phagocytosis in blood of mainland rays, while ∑PCB and ∑pesticide loads described increased splenic % phagocytosis and MFI in the mainland population. Data provides evidence of strong OC-correlated immunostimulation; however, other site-specific environmental variables may be contributing to the observed effects.
The prostate cancer prevention trial risk calculator 2.0 performs equally for standard biopsy and MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy.

The prostate cancer prevention trial risk calculator 2.0 performs equally for standard biopsy and MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy
From Guantánamo to Syria: The Extraterritorial Rights of Immigrants in the Age of 'Extreme Vetting'

This Article examines for the first time in scholarly literature whether and to what extent extraterritorial constitutional jurisprudence applies to immigration law. In particular, it explores whether non-detained immigrants and refugees outside the territorial boundaries of the United States can claim constitutional protection to challenge immigration policies and orders. The Supreme Court’s recent willingness to reconsider the limits of the political branches’ “plenary power” over immigration law and policy, coupled with the Court’s recent extension of the Constitution to certain classes of extraterritorial non-citizens, suggests that a future role may exist for extraterritorial jurisprudence to inform constitutional immigration law. Using the Trump Administration’s inchoate doctrine of “extreme vetting” as a case study, this Article explores how and in what circumstances the Court might make available avenues for constitutional challenge to immigrants residing abroad. It concludes by proposing a unified theory for extraterritorial constitutional immigration jurisprudence.
Towards PII-based Multiparty Access Control for Photo Sharing in Online Social Networks

The privacy control models of current Online Social Networks (OSNs) are biased towards the content owners' policy settings. Additionally, those privacy policy settings are too coarse-grained to allow users to control access to individual portions of information that is related to them. Especially, in a shared photo in OSNs, there can exist multiple Personally Identifiable Information (PII) items belonging to a user appearing in the photo, which can compromise the privacy of the user if viewed by others. However, current OSNs do not provide users any means to control access to their individual PII items. As a result, there exists a gap between the level of control that current OSNs can provide to their users and the privacy expectations of the users. In this paper, we propose an approach to facilitate collaborative control of individual PII items for photo sharing over OSNs, where we shift our focus from entire photo level control to the control of individual PII items within shared photos. We formulate a PII-based multiparty access control model to fulfill the need for collaborative access control of PII items, along with a policy specification scheme and a policy enforcement mechanism. We also discuss a proof-of-concept prototype of our approach as part of an application in Facebook and provide system evaluation and usability study of our methodology.
Building Community Capacity for Food and Agricultural Justice: Lessons from the Cuban Permaculture Movement

Researchers and activists located around the world often look to Cuba—which experienced a massive transition to small-scale, low-input agriculture in the 1990s–2000s—as a case study in sustainable agriculture adaptation. Their analyses tend to highlight external political-economic conditions, and the state policies and programs that they prompted, as the factors driving the spread of diversified, low-input farming practices. Based on 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this chapter argues that localized work by grassroots and non-state organizations to increase autonomy and agency has been an equally important compliment to these structural factors in the ongoing process of Cuban agricultural transformation. Specifically, it analyzes the practices and philosophies of the permaculture network of the Cuban Fundacion Antonio Nunez Jimenez de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (FANJ) in order to provide lessons for US-based and international scholars and activists on how to build “community capacity” and “skillful disclosure” for food sovereignty and justice.
Recycled concrete aggregate as road base: Leaching constituents and neutralization by soil Interactions and dilution.

Abstract Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) is often used as a replacement for natural aggregate in road construction activities because of its excellent mechanical properties, and this trend should increase as more transportation departments include RCA in specifications and design manuals. Concerns raised by some engineers and contractors include impacts from leachate generated by RCA, both from transport of metals to water sources and the impact of a high pH leachate on corrosion of underlying metal drainage pipes. In this study, RCA collected from various regions of Florida exhibited pH ranging from 10.5 to 12.3. Concentrations of Al, Ba, Cr, Fe, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, and Sr measured using batch leaching tests exceeded applicable risk-based thresholds on at least some occasions, but the concentrations measured suggest that risk to water supplies should be controlled because of dilution and attenuation. Two mechanisms of pH neutralization were evaluated. Soil acidity plays a role, but laboratory testing and chemical modeling found that at higher liquid-to-solid ratios the acidity is exhausted. If high pH leachate did reach groundwater, chemical modeling indicated that groundwater dilution and carbonation would mitigate groundwater pH effects.
Bayesian function optimization with adaptive discretization

In this paper, the problem of maximizing a blackbox function f : X → R is studied in the Bayesian framework with a Gaussian Process (GP) prior. In particular, a new algorithm for this problem is proposed, and high probability bounds on its simple and cumulative regret are established. The query point selection rule in most existing methods involves an exhaustive search over an increasingly fine sequence of uniform discretizations of X. The proposed algorithm, in contrast, adaptively refines X which leads to a lower computational complexity, particularly for high dimensional X. In addition to the computational gains, sufficient conditions are identified under which the regret bounds of the new algorithm improve upon the known results. Finally an extension of the algorithm to the case of contextual bandits is proposed, and high probability bounds on the contextual regret are presented.
Impact of extreme drought and incentive programs on flooded agriculture and wetlands in California's Central Valley.

Background Between 2013 and 2015, a large part of the western United States, including the Central Valley of California, sustained an extreme drought. The Central Valley is recognized as a region of hemispheric importance for waterbirds, which use flooded agriculture and wetlands as habitat. Thus, the impact of drought on the distribution of surface water needed to be assessed to understand the effects on waterbird habitat availability. Methods We used remote sensing data to quantify the impact of the recent extreme drought on the timing and extent of waterbird habitat during the non-breeding season (July-May) by examining open water in agriculture (rice, corn, and other crops) and managed wetlands across the Central Valley. We assessed the influence of habitat incentive programs, particularly The Nature Conservancy's BirdReturns and The Natural Resources Conservation Service's Waterbird Habitat Enhancement Program (WHEP), at offsetting habitat loss related to drought. Results Overall, we found statistically significant declines in open water in post-harvest agriculture (45-80% declines) and in managed wetlands (39-60% declines) during the 2013-2015 drought compared to non-drought years during the period of 2000-2011. Crops associated with the San Joaquin Basin, specifically corn, as well as wetlands in that part of the Central Valley exhibited larger reductions in open water than rice and wetlands in the Sacramento Valley. Semi-permanent wetlands on protected lands had significantly lower (39-49%) open water in the drought years than those on non-protected lands while seasonal wetlands on protected lands had higher amounts of open water. A large fraction of the daily open water in rice during certain times of the year, particularly in the fall for BirdReturns (61%) and the winter for WHEP (100%), may have been provided through incentive programs which underscores the contribution of these programs. However, further assessment is needed to know how much the incentive programs directly offset the impact of drought in post-harvest rice by influencing water management or simply supplemented funding for activities that might have been done regardless. Discussion Our landscape analysis documents the significant impacts of the recent extreme drought on freshwater wetland habitats in the Central Valley, the benefits of incentive programs, and the value of using satellite data to track surface water and waterbird habitats. More research is needed to understand subsequent impacts on the freshwater dependent species that rely on these systems and how incentive programs can most strategically support vulnerable species during future extreme drought.
Do Men Produce Higher Quality Ejaculates When Primed With Thoughts of Partner Infidelity

Sperm competition theory can be used to generate the hypothesis that men alter the quality of their ejaculates as a function of sperm competition risk. Using a repeated measures experimental design, we investigated whether men produce a higher quality ejaculate when primed with cues to sperm competition (i.e., imagined partner infidelity) relative to a control prime. Men (n = 45) submitted two masturbatory ejaculates—one ejaculate sample for each condition (i.e., sperm competition and control conditions). Ejaculates were assessed on 17 clinical parameters. The results did not support the hypothesis: Men did not produce higher quality ejaculates in the sperm competition condition relative to the control condition. Despite the null results of the current research, there is evidence for psychological and physiological adaptations to sperm competition in humans. We discuss methodological limitations that may have produced the null results and present methodological suggestions for research on human sperm comp...
Robust Tracking Control of Quadrotors Based on Differential Flatness: Simulations and Experiments

We introduce a new exponentially convergent trajectory tracking control law based on the fully nonlinear quadrotor model subject to unknown disturbances and modeling uncertainties. The approach takes advantage of the system's differential flatness property to relate the second time derivative of linear accelerations (snap) to the roll and pitch moments. Using these model-based relations, the closed-loop system is transformed to follow an exponentially stable error dynamics that are robust to unknown disturbances and uncertainties bounded on a compact set. It is proven that the control law exponentially stabilizes the position and yaw tracking errors, while the roll and pitch angle tracking errors are ultimately bounded. Simulations and experimental results under windy conditions and without disturbance estimation, demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the approach.
Utility of optical heterodyne displacement sensing and laser ultrasonics as in situ process control diagnostic for additive manufacturing

An in situ process control monitor is presented by way of experimental results and simulations, which utilizes a pulsed laser ultrasonic source as a probe and an optical heterodyne displacement meter as a sensor. The intent is for a process control system that operates in near real time, is nonintrusive, and in situ: A necessary requirement for a serial manufacturing technology such as additive manufacturing (AM). We show that the diagnostic approach has utility in characterizing the local temperature, the area of the heat-affected zone, and the surface roughness (Ra ∼ 0.4 μm). We further demonstrate that it can be used to identify solitary defects (i.e., holes) on the order of 10 to 20 μm in diameter. Moreover, the technique shows promise in measuring properties of materials with features that have a small radius of curvature. We present results for a thin wire of ∼650 μm in diameter. By applying multiple pairs of probe–sensor systems, the diagnostic could also measure the local cooling rate on the scale of 1 μs. Finally, while an obvious application is used in AM technology, then all optical diagnostics could be applied to other manufacturing technologies.
Magnetohydrodynamic and plasma turbulence

Turbulence remains one of the most puzzling phenomena in classical fluid mechanics. Although some insight has been gained into the mechanism of this “par excellence” non-linear phenomenon, a complete theory is still lacking even for the simplest case, namely, homogeneous isotropic turbulent motion of an incompressible and electrically non-conducting fluid. The energy transfer from the larger scale to the smaller scale eddies still remains the central question and quite recent theoretical works seem to be still preoccupied with it.
Gas Chromatography of Estrogens and Other Steroids from Endocrine Tissues

A simple and satisfactory method has been developed for the extraction, partial purification and separation by GLC of many steroids synthesized from endocrine tissueso The method was developed to aid our studies on the mechanisms of the regulation of biosynthesis of estrogens, androgens and progesterones from human, rat, and cow ovaries, and from human placenta. Since steroids are synthesized in our m vitro incubation systems of endocrine tissues in microgram quantities, extensive purification of the steroid extracts before GLC was not found to be necessary» The methods have been described previously (1, 2). Additional modifications and further studies on the biosynthesis of steroids are described here.
Foreclosed: Mortgage Servicing and the Hidden Architecture of Homeownership in America

In Foreclosed, Christopher K. Odinet gives voice to the stories of homeowners that have been neglected, particularly those facing foreclosure and deep financial distress. The book reveals the powerful and often invisible mortgage servicing industry, the tremendous discretionary power it wields over the housing lives of most Americans, and the servicing problems that still persist today. In doing so, it unveils a quiet and dangerous market shift in mortgage servicing - namely, an ongoing move toward a shadow banking sector where regulation is weak - that threatens the stability of our housing finance system. Ultimately, the book demonstrates how the law does not afford homeowners the protection most think and how regulation of these mortgage middlemen remains weak. Foreclosed should be read by anyone concerned with the state of housing and home ownership in the United States.
Future directions for spectroscopy at the Spallation Neutron Source

Abstract Inelastic neutron scattering (spectroscopy) is in high demand to further our understanding of energy and condensed matter. This article highlights some of the developments, which may be anticipated for the coming decade and beyond, of the inelastic instrument suite at the Spallation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge.
An Adaptive Island Evolutionary Algorithm for the berth scheduling problem

Increasing volumes of the seaborne containerized trade put additional pressure on marine container terminal operators. Long congestion periods have been reported at certain marine container terminals due to inability of the infrastructure to serve the growing demand, increasing number of megaships, port disruptions, and other factors. In order to alleviate congestion and avoid potential cargo delivery delays to the end customers, marine container terminal operators have to enhance the efficiency of their operations. This study focuses on improving the seaside operations at marine container terminals. A new Adaptive Island Evolutionary Algorithm is proposed for the berth scheduling problem, aiming to minimize the total weighted service cost of vessels. The developed algorithm simultaneously executes separate Evolutionary Algorithms in parallel on its islands and exchanges individuals between the islands based on an adaptive mechanism, which allows more efficient exploration of the problem search space. A set of extensive computational experiments indicate that the optimality gaps of the Adaptive Island Evolutionary Algorithm do not exceed 1.93% for the considered small-size problem instances. Furthermore, the proposed solution algorithm was compared against the other state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms and exhibited statistically significant improvements in terms of the objective function values.
Δ Production and the spin dependence of thepp total cross section

The general features of the spin dependence of the totalpp cross section for laboratory momenta ≧1 GeV/c may be accounted for by considering theπ- andρ-meson-exchange contributions toNΔ andΔΔ production.
Many Mouths: The Politics of Food in Britain from the Workhouse to the Welfare State

This compelling study explores food programs initiated by the British government across two centuries, from the workhouses of the 1830s to the post-war Welfare State. Challenging the assumption that state ideologies and practices were progressive and based primarily on scientific advances in nutrition, Nadja Durbach examines the political, economic, social and cultural circumstances that led the state to feed some of its subjects, but not others. Durbach follows food policies from their conception to their implementation through case studies involving paupers, prisoners, famine victims, POWs, schoolchildren, wartime civilians and pregnant women. She explores what government food meant to those who devised, executed, used, and sometimes refused, these social services. Many Mouths seeks to understand the social, economic, and political theories that influenced these feeding schemes, within their changing historical contexts. It thus offers fresh insights into how both the administrators and the intended recipients of government food programs realized, interpreted, and made meaning out of these exchanges, and the complex relationship between the body, the state and the citizen.
Effects of sevoflurane on serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels after regional myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in immature rabbits in vivo

Objective To investigate the effects of sevoflurane on serum cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels in immature rabbits heart in vivo after regional myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Methods Twenty-four immature rabbits (one to two weeks old and weighting 290- 375 g) were randomly divided into three groups (8 animals each group) : control group (C); ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R) and evoflurane and ischemia-reperfusion group (S). The animals were anesthetized with intramuscular injection of ketamine (80 mg/kg). Chest was opened and heart was exposed. Left coronary artery was temporarily occluded 1 mm inferior to left auricle for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. Myocardial ischemia was confirmed by decoloration of apex. In group C, heart was exposed but loft coronary artery was not occluded. In group I/R, left coronary artery was occluded for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. In group S, sevoflurane was inbreathed during operation, ischemia and reperfusion. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 120 min reperfusion. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of ischemia (T0), 30 min of ischemia (T1) and 120 min of reperfusion for determination of serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA). Myocardinm was obtained for histological examination. Results The serum IL-6 level in group S was lower than those in group I/R [ (66.07±24.12) pg/μl,(200.37±93.07) pg/μl](P 0.05).Microscopic examination showed that there were less destructive changes of myocardium in group S than those in group I/R. Conclusion Sevoflurane can attenuate the increase of serum IL-6 level during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in immature rabbit in vivo, so it may have protection on immature myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Key words: Myocardial reperfusion injury; Sevoflurane; Rabbit; Immature
An investigation of Dirofilaria immitis infection and its effects on mosquito wingbeat frequencies

Abstract Each mosquito species has a different wingbeat frequency by which they attract mates. With just a brief recording (
An Analysis of 15 Journals' Literacy Content, 2007-2016.

In this content analysis, a research team examined the articles in 15 journals published over a span of 10 years to obtain an overview of the current field of literacy. Researchers coded the topics...
miR-92a promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by directly targeting PIK3R1.

Objective To clarify the role of miR-92a in regulating the malignant progression of cervical cancer and its specific molecular mechanism. Methods qRT-PCR was used to detect the differential expression of miR-92a in cervical cancer and adjacent tissues. The effects of overexpression of miR-92a on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HeLa and SiHa cells were tested. Luciferase assays and rescue experiments were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of miR-92a on its downstream gene PIK3R1 and their interaction in the progression of cervical cancer. Results miR-92a was significantly up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues. Overexpression of miR-92a significantly increased the ability of cervical cancer cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade. PIK3R1 was identified as a downstream gene of miR-92a. In cervical cancer tissues, PIK3R1 was found to be down-regulated and negatively correlated with the level of miR-92a. Overexpression of PIK3R1 reversed the promotional effect of overexpressed miR-92a on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer. Conclusion miR-92a is up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues. miR-92a promotes the malignant development of cervical cancer by negatively regulating PIK3R1.
Sexual Differentiation: Normal and Abnormal

Publisher Summary The undifferentiated gonad is formed from three sources—(1) coelomic epithelium, (2) underlying mesenchyme, and (3) primordial germ cells. The primordial germ cells develop into spermatogonia in the male and ova in the female; the sex cords become either seminiferous tubules or primary ovarian follicles; and the mesenchymal cells form either the Leydig cells or the theca and stromal cells in the female. Ovarian development from the undifferentiated gonad does not begin until approximately 50 days of gestation. The external genitalia, like the gonad, develop from common primordia: urogenital tubercle, urogenital swellings, and urogenital folds. Testicular differentiation occurs between the seventh and eighth week of intrauterine life. This chapter describes incomplete forms of androgen insensitivity. The known etiologic causes for male pseudohermaphroditism or incomplete masculinization can be divided into three basic categories—(1) the disorders of testicular differentiation and development, (2) the disorders of testicular function, and (3) the disorders of function at the androgen-dependent target areas.
Neurotrophin-based strategies for neuroprotection.

Neurotrophins activate a number of signaling pathways relevant to neuroprotection; however, their poor pharmacological properties and their pleiotropic effects resulting from interaction with the p75 NTR -Trk-sortilin three-receptor signaling system limit therapeutic application. While local application of neurotrophin proteins addresses some of the pharmacological challenges, selective targeting of neurotrophin receptors might allow for more selective application of neurotrophin receptor signaling modulation. Recent studies have supported the feasibility of developing non-peptidyl small molecules that mimic specific domains of neurotrophins and modulate signaling of specific neurotrophin receptors. The expression of p75 NTR by populations of neurons most vulnerable in Alzheimer's disease and the linkage of p75 NTR signaling to aberrant signaling mechanisms occurring in this disorder, point to potential applications for p75 NTR -based small molecule strategies. Small molecules targeted to p75 NTR in the settings of neurodegenerative disease and other forms of neural injury might serve to inhibit death signaling, block proNGF-mediated degenerative signaling and minimize deleterious effects promoted by pharmacologically upregulated Trk signaling. 1. Neurotrophins and their receptors
Education and the Status of Women and Some Anthropological Miscellanies

In this chapter, we shall be discussing chiefly Kames’s views on education. Two other topics will also be treated here — his views on the role and status of women and some anthropological miscellanies. While not without some bearing on one another, these topics are grouped here largely for reasons of convenience.
SYSTEM STUDIES FOR A QUASI-STEADY-STATE ADVANCED PHYSICS TOKAMAK

Parametric studies were conducted using the Fusion Engineering Design Center (FEDC) Tokamak Systems Code to investigate the impact of variation in physics parameters and technology limits on the performance and cost of a low q{sub {psi}}, high beta, quasi-steady-state tokamak for the prupose of fusion engineering experimentation. The features and characteristics chosen from each study were embodied into a single Advanced Physics Tokamak design for which a self-consistent set of parameters was generated and a value of capital cost was estimated.
Waste not, want not?: the relationship between manufacturers' adoption of innovative workplace management and pollution prevention practices

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the relationships between a manufacturing facilities' adoption of innovative pollution prevention techniques (i.e., source reduction and recycling) and of innovative workplace management practices (e.g., TQM, R&D, worker teams, etc.). It specifically evaluates whether facilities that are innovative in their manufacturing are also innovative in environmental practices.
Thermal injury-induced immunosuppression in mice: The role of macrophage-derived reactive nitrogen intermediates

Macrophages (Mphi) have been implicated in the suppression of lymphocyte function following thermal injury. Splenocytes isolated from C57BL/ 6NCR female mice 4-7 days after thermal injury displayed suppressed proliferative responses to Concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high levels of reactive nitrogen intermediate (RNI) production. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine restored ConA responses but not LPS responses. Surprisingly, ConA-stimulated interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production was increased in splenocytes from injured mice. IFN-gamma contributed to the RNI-mediated immunosuppression as antibodies against IFN-gamma reduced RNI production and immunosuppression. ConA-stimulated co-cultures of splenic Mphi from injured mice and normal splenocytes produced high levels of RNI only under conditions of cellular contact and splenic Mphi from injured mice were capable of suppressing normal splenocytes responses in co-culture. These results indicate that Mphi activity and specifically RNI production contribute to the suppression of T lymphocyte function after thermal injury.
Economic differences in direct and indirect costs between people with epilepsy and without epilepsy

OBJECTIVE:: To provide generalizable estimates of economic burden in epilepsy and nonepilepsy populations and a comprehensive accounting for employment-based lost productivity associated with epilepsy in current US health care systems as compared with other chronic diseases. RESEARCH DESIGN:: We use the nationally representative data source (Medical Expenditure Panel Survey) from 1998 to 2009 to create a retrospective cohort of people diagnosed with epilepsy by a health professional and a comparison cohort of people with no epilepsy. MEASURES:: Health care utilization and direct costs for all components of treatment, including prescription medications, wages, employment, educational attainment, family income, and lost productivity were outcomes. RESULTS:: We observed economic disparities associated with epilepsy in the United States despite high rates of modern treatments (89% on anticonvulsant therapies). Only 42% of the people with epilepsy over age 18 reported employment compared with 70% of people with no epilepsy; among those, people with epilepsy reported missing an average of 12 days of work because of illness or injury as compared with 4 days in the nonepilepsy cohort. Holding other variables constant, people with epilepsy had a loss of productivity of $9504 in 2011 dollars compared with people with no epilepsy. In comparison, diabetes was associated with annual average lost productivity valued at $3358 and depression at $3182. CONCLUSIONS:: Lost wage-based productivity associated with epilepsy was nearly equal to combined wage losses associated with diabetes, depression, anxiety, and asthma together. To evaluate societal burden of illness, results illustrate the importance of indirect costs in addition to treated prevalence and direct medical costs. Language: en
Sensitivity of unlined canal seepage to hydraulic properties of polyacrylamide-treated soil.

High-molecular-weight, anionic, linear polyacrylamide (PAM) is being evaluated as a means of sealing unlined water delivery canals to reduce seepage losses. In this study, we investigated water seepage loss reduction by using a two-layer one-dimensional steady-state conceptual model. The objectives of this study were twofold: (i) to examine the effectiveness and implications of a PAM-treated thin layer at the bottom of the water delivery canal in reducing water seepage loss, and (ii) to investigate the sensitivity of seepage reduction to the hydraulic parameters of both the untreated and PAM-treated thin layer. We incorporated laboratory-measured saturated soil hydraulic conductivity results into the model to examine the seepage ratio of PAM-treated vs. untreated soils and the sensitivity of the seepage ratio. In cases where PAM applications and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) treatment were effective, the uncertainty in the soil hydraulic parameter (sorptive number) α ratio of the PAM-treated soil layer over the original soil had a signifi cant impact on the uncertainty in the seepage ratio. For cases where the seepage ratio was insensitive to PAM and SSC treatment, the α ratio of the treated soil layer over the original soil layer was not signifi cant. For a canal underlain by coarse-textured material, uncertainty in the α ratio is propagated to the uncertainty in the seepage ratio and augmented more signifi cantly, while for relatively fi netextured sand (refl ected in the small α values used in this study) the uncertainty propagation and augmentation are relatively gradual. For coarse-textured sand, small uncertainty in the α ratio can lead to large uncertainty in the prediction of the seepage ratio.
Daily and photoperiod variations of basal and stress-induced corticosterone concentrations in house sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Corticosterone concentrations were measured in captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and found to vary both daily and with different photoperiods. Basal corticosterone was highest during the dark hours of the daily cycle and lowest during the light hours. This trend remained constant when the birds were held on short-day and long-day light cycles, and while the birds were undergoing a prebasic molt. At all times, corticosterone concentrations significantly increased in response to the stress of handling and restraint. Stress-induced corticosterone concentrations, however, only reflected a daily rhythm when the birds were held on short-days. Furthermore, even though mean basal corticosterone concentrations were equivalent over the short-day, long-day, and molt, total corticosterone output in response to stress was lower in molting birds, especially at night. Therefore, these data indicate that captive house sparrows modulate corticosterone in daily cycles that change in response to photoperiod.
Phase I dose escalation of doxorubicin chemotherapy in tumor-bearing equidae.

Background There is no information on the use of doxorubicin in horses with tumors. Objective To determine dose-limiting toxicosis (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of doxorubicin in tumor-bearing horses. Animals Seventeen horses with 34 localized or multicentric advanced tumors. Methods Two-stage dose-ranging design involving intrapatient and interpatient dose escalation. Treatment protocol included 6 treatment cycles given at 3-week intervals with dosages ranging from 40 to 85 mg/m2. Clinical signs, hematologic, and nonhematologic changes were evaluated. Results Total doses ranged from 1,127 to 2,900 mg in 12 horses that completed the assigned treatment protocols. The MTD was 75 mg/m2. Hypersensitivity reactions and neutropenia were dose limiting. Hypersensitivity was dose-dependent but schedule invariant. Neutropenia was dose- and cycle-dependent but dose-escalation schedule invariant. Cardiotoxicity was not observed. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance The recommended dosage of doxorubicin to treat horses is 70 mg/m2 given at 3-week intervals as single agent. Adjunctive treatment with antihistamines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended to control hypersensitivity.
Cytochrome P-450 purified to apparent homogeneity from phenobarbital-induced rabbit liver microsomes: catalytic activity and other properties.

Cytochrome P-450 was purified to a content of over 17 nmoles per mg of protein from liver microsomes of phenobarbital-treated rabbits by fractionation with polyethylene glycol 6000, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and hydroxylapatite column chromatography in the presence of Renex 690, a nonionic detergent. The purified preparation exhibited a single polypeptide band (molecular weight, 49,000 daltons) when submitted to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cytochromes P-420 and b5 and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase were absent. The reconstituted system containing purified cytochrome P-450, reductase, and phosphatidylcholine catalyzed the hydroxylation of benzphetamine, cyclohexane, aniline, and laurate.
DNA fiber replication of chromosomes of pea root cells terminating S.

Abstract Autoradiographic analysis of chromosomal DNA fiber replication was used to measure the distance between initiation points of adjacent replicons and the rate of fiber growth during cessation of proliferation that results from carbohydrate starvation of pea root meristem cells. The rate of fiber growth at 23 °C decreased from 34 μm/h/fork at 3 h to less than 2 μm/h/fork at 24 h of starvation. The distance between initiation points, i.e., the average replicon size, was 36–38 μm in starved cells terminating S. Replenishment of carbohydrate was accompanied by an increase in the rate of fiber growth and larger replicons.
Atomic force microscopy imaging of TiO2 surfaces active for C-C bond formation reactions in ultrahigh vacuum

TiO{sub 2}(001) single crystal surfaces active for a variety of different chemistries were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). C-C bond forming reactions previously identified on these surfaces include carboxylic acid ketonization, aldol condensation, reductive carbonyl coupling, and alkyne cyclotrimerization. The surfaces were prepared in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and examined by AFM in air. Surfaces examined included the (011)-faceted surface, (114)-faceted surface, and argon-ion-bombarded surfaces, as well as the mechanically polished single-crystal surface prior to treatment in UHV. The one unifying feature of all the images was their extreme flatness. Root-mean-square roughnesses were routinely less than 10 {Angstrom} in 500 x 500 nm scans. These same scans showed the surfaces to have surface areas exceeding that of an ideal flat surface by no more than 1.2%. Images of the polished surface revealed a variety of surface features, including polishing scratches and particle-like features. The argon-ion-bombarded surface and the faceted surfaces were composed of large flat plateaus ranging in size from 21 to 75 nm. The size of the plateaus was essentially the same for the ion bombarded surface and the (011)-faceted surface. The (114)-faceted surfaced exhibited slightly smaller plateau regions than the other surfaces. The images indicate that argon-ion bombardment,more » while disordering the surface and causing significant composition changes, does not lead to observable morphological changes on this scale. The relative uniformity of the surfaces examined is consistent with the selectivity of carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions that have been shown to take place on these surfaces. The images also reveal how the surface topography on the scale of the plateau structures observed is only slightly changed during the transformation of the surface unit cell structure from the (011)- to the (114)-faceted surface. 29 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.« less
The carboxyl activation of glycine in extracts of Photobacterium fischeri.

Abstract A glycine-activating enzyme, as measured by hydroxamic acid formation, has been purified 17-fold from extracts of Photobacterium fischeri. The enzyme catalyzes a reaction between ATP, glycine, and hydroxylamine, involving the carboxyl activation of glycine, as revealed by the formation of glycylhydroxamate, ADP, and Pi. Data illustrating the properties and characteristics of the enzyme are presented. The mechanism of glycine activation is discussed in connection with other known mechanisms of amino acid activation.
Abelian avalanches and Tutte polynomials

Abstract We introduce a class of deterministic lattice models of failure, Abelian avalanche (AA) models, with continuous phase variables, similar to discrete Abelian sandpile (ASP) models. We investigate analytically the structure of the phase space and statistical properties of avalanches in these models. We show that the distributions of avalanches in AA and ASP models with the same redistribution matrix and loading rate are identical. For an AA model on a graph, statistics of avalanches is linked to Tutte polynomials associated with this graph and its subgraphs. In the general case, statistics of avalanches is linked to an analog of a Tutte polynomial defined for any symmetric matrix.
The Pedagogical Value and the Interdisciplinary Nature of Inductive Processes in Forming Generalizations: Reflections from the Classroom.

The tendency to generalize from specific experiences leading to new, more abstract concepts is a natural aspect of human thought. Generalizations are the end result of an inductive process that begins with the identification of similarities in seemingly disparate situations. It is the existence of such generalizations that makes it possible for us to understand each other and the world around us. It is pedagogically weak to present generalizations to students and expect them to know how and when to apply them. On the other hand if students experience the inductive process in classrooms and discover generalizations, they are likely to remember and use this process when tackling other problems. The authors illustrate the pedagogical value of such an approach and the interdisciplinary nature of the inductive process by reflecting on teaching practices in English literature and mathematics in a high school classroom. In particular the authors reflect on how the inductive process was applied to four short stories and four problem-solving situations, which resulted in high school students arriving at generalizations that characterized the stories and the problems. A conceptual model that illustrates how inductive processes facilitate generalizations in the classroom is presented.
Ergodicity in the polymorphous coherent-potential approximation

The mathematical theory of ergodicity is used to clarify the derivation of the polymorphous coherent potential approximation presented in a recent publication.
Appraisal of biaxial strength testing

Abstract Three biaxial strength tests (ring-on-ring, piston-on-3 ball, and ball-on-ring) were evaluated using finite element analysis. Although in all three tests some uncertainties exist regarding the calculation of fracture stresses from the analytical equation, if fracture occurs within the loading ring, the ring-on-ring loading is thought to give the most accurate measure of strength. In addition, it was found that specimen shape (square vs. circular) had no effect on the stress distribution within the supports and that the stress at the edge of the specimen was less than 10% of the maximum stress for an overhang greater than about 40%. Fracture strength measurements on soda-lime glass gave support to these finite element results.
Studying the Temperature Effect During the High-Pressure Phase Transformation of Silicon via Indentations

Micro-laser assisted machining (μ-LAM) is a novel micro/nano machining technique developed for ductile mode machining of ceramics and semiconductors. Ductile mode material removal is possible in a nominally brittle material due to the high-pressure phase transformation (HPPT) phenomenon during the machining process. This study isolates the pressure and temperature effect in the μ-LAM process. The μ-LAM process is unique whereby the pressure and temperature effect occur concurrently leading to the material removal process. The effect of temperature and thermal softening is studied via indentation tests using a cutting tool. In the precisely controlled indentation tests, laser heating is applied at various stages to determine the phase (i.e. atmospheric Si-I phase or high pressure phases that benefits most from the thermal softening effect. The indentation depths are measured and compared for each condition to identify the enhanced ductility of the nominally brittle material caused by the laser irradiation.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Using Dialindex for the identification of online databases relevant to urban and regional planning

Urban and regional planning is a multidisciplinary field. It encompasses issues such as growth management, transportation planning, housing, zoning, historic preservation, community development, fiscal policies, taxation and environmental impact.
Expanding the medicinal chemistry toolbox: stereospecific generation of methyl group-containing propylene linkers

Use of alkyl substituted propylene linkers as a strategy for fine-tuning the biological activity of medicinal agents requires ready access to these substrates. Herein, a general strategy is described for stereospecifically generating 18 chiral mono- and di-methylpropylene linkers. All twelve vicinal 1,2-propylene targets were generated from methyl-3-hydroxybutanoate and all 1,3-disubstituted targets from pentane-2,4-diol.
Pressure control system for electrospinning process

Electrospinning is used to produce micro- and nano-sized synthetic fibers through the use of electrostatic forces. Commercially, viable production of fibers requires high throughput of uniform fibers that are free of defects. To achieve greater control over the process variables that affect the fiber formation, a scalable closed loop control system that can maintain a constant pressure at the capillary tip was designed and tested. Two sensing technologies, infrared and ultrasonic, were used and compared for their ability to detect the height of polymer solution in the electrospinning fluid container. The air pressure above the solution was measured with a pressure transducer and adjusted through a controllable syringe pump. The closed loop electrospinning system was successful at controlling and maintaining a constant pressure at the capillary tip to within 2% of the specified pressure continuously. The controlled pressure at the capillary tip showed a strong correlation to fiber diameter and uniformity for polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethane/DMF-based fibers. However the control system was less effective to control fiber diameter for polyethylene oxide/Water-based fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Can CT eliminate the initial portable lateral cervical spine radiograph in the multiple trauma patient? A review of 200 cases

Purpose: This investigation examines whether there is a continued role for the initial screening lateral portable radiograph in patients whose cervical spine is “cleared” by a CT examination. Methods: A retrospective review of 200 multiple trauma patients suspected of cervical spine injury (CSI) was performed. All patients had a screening lateral portable cervical spine radiograph (LPCSR) followed by cervical spine CT (CSCT). All scans were helical and included coronal and sagittal reformations. Reports of both examinations were compared for all patients. For those patients with signs of acute CSI, the two reports were compared to determine whether the LPCSR contained any information affecting patient outcome that was not detected by CSCT. Results: The CSCT showed no signs of acute CSI injury in 190 patients. Ten CSCT scans showed signs of fracture. In these 10 patients, the screening LPSCR showed signs of fracture in 1 patient, question of fracture in 2 patients, and no fracture in 7 patients. No LPCSR demonstrated significant information not seen on the accompanying CSCT. No LPSCR showed a finding that altered patient management prior to CSCT. Conclusion: The data suggest that an initial LPCSR is unnecessary if the patient is having a screening CSCT.
Recent advances in the pathophysiology of nephrolithiasis

Over the past 10 years, major progress has been made in the pathogenesis of uric acid and calcium stones. These advances have led to our further understanding of a pathogenetic link between uric acid nephrolithiasis and the metabolic syndrome, the role of Oxalobacter formigenes in calcium oxalate stone formation, oxalate transport in Slc26a6-null mice, the potential pathogenetic role of Randall's plaque as a precursor for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, and the role of renal tubular crystal retention. With these advances, we may target the development of novel drugs including (1) insulin sensitizers; (2) probiotic therapy with O. formigenes, recombinant enzymes, or engineered bacteria; (3) treatments that involve the upregulation of intestinal luminal oxalate secretion by increasing anion transporter activity (Slc26a6), luminally active nonabsorbed agents, or oxalate binders; and (4) drugs that prevent the formation of Randall's plaque and/or renal tubular crystal adhesions.
Capture reactions on C-14 in nonstandard big bang nucleosynthesis

Nonstandard big bang nucleosynthesis leads to the production of C-14. The further reaction path depends on the depletion of C-14 by either photon, alpha, or neutron capture reactions. The nucleus C-14 is of particular importance in these scenarios because it forms a bottleneck for the production of heavier nuclei A greater than 14. The reaction rates of all three capture reactions at big bang conditions are discussed, and it is shown that the resulting reaction path, leading to the production of heavier elements, is dominated by the (p, gamma) and (n, gamma) rates, contrary to earlier suggestions. 24 refs.