cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons from coal fly ash

Abstract The objective of this work is to compare various extraction and quantitation techniques for the determination of adsorbed polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on coal ash. Aliquots of a `clean' fly ash from coal combustion doped with four PAHs have been extracted, using three solvents, three methods and three GC/MS programs. Factorial analysis shows solvent to exert the greatest primary effect: CH 2 Cl 2 >toluene>> o -xylene. Highest recoveries were obtained using the reflux slurry extraction procedure with CH 2 Cl 2 and a relatively fast (20°/min) temperature ramp to 310°. With both CH 2 Cl 2 and toluene solvents, ultrasonic assisted extraction affords the best repeatability.
Structural Analysis of 4-Pheny Lcyclopentene from Natural Abundance Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Shieldings, Multiplicities, and Coupling Constants

Abstract The thermal rearrangement of vinycyclopropane to cyclopentene is a well-known homogeneous unimolecular reaction.1 For the parent hydrocarbon, the isomerization process can occur through initial cleavage of either of two equivalent cyclopropane ring bonds (1–2 or 1–3). Vinylcyclopropanes with substituents at C-2 do not possess equivalent ring bonds and, therefore, may in prinicple lead to C-4 (1–2 cleavage)and/or C-3 (1–3 cleavage) substituted cyclopentenes. The presence of one phenyl substituent on the three-membered ring exerts a powerful directing effect on the rearrangement: Gas-phase thermolysis of 2-phenylvinylcyclopropane2 (1) at 220–270°C leads cleanly to one phenylcyclopentene isomer.3,4 The structure of this thermolysis product haspreviously been assigned as 4-phenylcyclopentene (2) on the basis of a potassium permanganate oxidation to β-phenylglutaric acid rather than the α-isomer.3 4-Phenylcyclopentene (2) apparently has also been prepared in the palladium acetatecatalyzed reaction bet...
Phase retrieval in crystallography and optics

Phase problems occur in many scientific disciplines, particularly those involving remote sensing using a wave field. Although there has been much interest in phase retrieval in optics and in imaging in general over the past decade, phase retrieval has a much longer history in x-ray crystallography, and a variety of powerful and practical techniques have been developed. The nature of crystallography means that crystallographic phase problems are distinct from those in other imaging contexts, but there are a number of commonalities. Here the principles of phase retrieval in crystallography are outlined and are compared and contrasted with phase retrieval in general imaging. Uniqueness results are discussed, but the emphasis is on phase-retrieval algorithms and areas in which results in one discipline have, and may, contribute to the other.
Rapid induction of a hyperciliated phenotype in zinc‐arrested sea urchin embryos by theophylline

Zinc ions, present since fertilization, will arrest embryos of the sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla at the hatched blastula stage, but such embryos lack long cilia, the usual characteristic of animalized embryos. Eventually these embryos will express a minimal long cilia phenotype, with a mean population 1.5 times that of control blastulae. At any point from the time of hatching up until control complete gastrulation, theophylline added to zinc-arrested embryos will induce a hyperciliated phenotype with a mean population length nearly 3 times that of control blastulae. The elongation of cilia is immediate and significantly exceeds the rate of normal ciliary regeneration. Initially requiring the presence of theophylline, the hyperciliated phenotype becomes stable as control embryos begin gastrulation and, when deciliated, the induced embryos will regenerate hyperlong cilia in the absence of theophylline. The time dependence for both induction and phenotype stability would suggest that certain timing mechanisms are still operative in zinc-arrested embryos. This inducible system should facilitate studies of length control during ciliary elongation and regeneration.
Survival benefit with an implanted defibrillator in relation to mortality risk in chronic coronary heart disease

Although improved patient survival has been reported in several randomized trials with the implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, 1.0 as a function of the number of risk factors present. Defibrillator therapy was associated with a progressive reduction in the hazard ratio <1.0 (improved survival) at each increased level of mortality risk. Patients at the highest mortality risk (all 3 risk factors; hazard ratio 4.33) achieved the largest mortality reduction (hazard ratio 0.20) from defibrillator therapy. In patients with chronic coronary heart disease, the magnitude of the survival benefit from the implanted defibrillator is directly related to the severity of cardiac dysfunction and its associated mortality risk.
Introduction to Molecular Genetics

The application of molecular techniques to genetic problems continues to result in remarkable advances in understanding of the etiology of genetic diseases, benign variations in phenotype [the appearance, rather than the genetic composition (genotype) of the individual], carrier detection, and prenatal diagnosis. Most of the progress has been in conditions inherited in simple Mendelian fashion (that is, single gene defects) and generally when the mutation has been in the coding region of the gene. What follows is designed to give a basic understanding of molecular genetics as it applies to cancer.
Information in a two-stage adaptive optimal design

Abstract In adaptive optimal designs, each stage uses a locally optimal design evaluated at the maximum likelihood estimates derived using cumulative data from all prior stages. This dependency on prior stages affects Fisher's information, the asymptotic covariance matrix of the maximum likelihood estimates. Fisher's information is motivated for use in adaptive designs with small samples by deriving the Cramer–Rao lower bound for such experiments. Then the usefulness of Fisher's information is shown from both a design and an analysis perspective. From a design perspective, the locally optimal stage one sample size is defined in terms of Fisher's information and a procedure to approximate it is suggested. From an analysis perspective, Fisher's information is compared to a commonly used information measure derived by ignoring the stage dependencies and to the observed information. To make the analysis explicit, a two stage design with fixed first stage is examined in the context of a general nonlinear regression model.
Phase II evaluation of recombinant interferon alpha and BCNU in recurrent glioma.

✓ The goal of this study was to determine the antitumor activity and toxicity of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) plus recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-a) in patients with recurrent glioma. As single agents, both BCNU and IFN-α can cause tumor regression in patients with recurrent glioma. In vitro studies suggest synergy between the two agents. Thirty-five patients in whom computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) evidence was obtained of progressive astrocytoma, oligoastrocytoma, or oligodendroglioma received recombinant IFN-α2a (12 × 106 U/m2 intramuscularly) on Days 1 through 3 and BCNU (150 mg/m2 intravenously) on Day 3 of each 6-week cycle. All patients had tumor progression despite radiation therapy and had received no prior chemotherapy. Response was assessed by CT or MR evidence and by neurological examination while the patients were on a regimen of stable or decreasing doses of corticosteroids. All patients could be evaluated for response and toxicity. Twenty-nine percen...
Category Size Effects Revisited: Frequency and Masked Priming Effects in Semantic Categorization.

Previous work indicates that semantic categorization decisions for nonexemplars (e.g., deciding that TURBAN is not an animal name) are faster for high-frequency words than low-frequency words. However, there is evidence that this result might depend on category size. When narrow categories are used (e.g., Months, Numbers), there is no frequency effect for nonexemplars. This result is confirmed, and is explained in terms of a category search model, which allows a "No" decision to be generated without access to the lexical entry for the target word. This explains the absence of a frequency effect, but not the presence of a strong masked repetition priming effect, which is assumed to have a lexical source. It is shown that this effect may not be lexical, since nonwords also show similar priming. Both of these priming effects disappear when a larger category is used. This pattern of results is explained on the assumption that category search is only possible with small categories, and that tentative category decisions are generated for the unconsciously perceived prime, which leads to a marked response congruence effect.
Light Influenced Movement of the Starfish Asteras Forbesi (Desor)

1. The light attraction movements of the common starfish (Asterias forbesi) were studied to find possible relationships between attraction and light type. 2. In these experiments the starfish moved to any light area from a contrasting dark area. 3. Starfish attraction to a light or light area did not appear to depend on either a high or low light intensity. 4. Starfish attraction to light was most direct in the case of the flashing light when no conflict with beam patterns or reflections occurred.
Radiation-induced carcinoma of the hand

Radiation injury to the hands, although not common, does occur. The usual treatment of a patient with radiation-induced malignancy is radical excision followed by a full-thickness skin graft.
Irrelevant Aversive Stimulation as an Activator of an Appetitional Response: A Replication

Few investigators have succeeded in demonstrating the validity of Hull's original generalized drive hypothesis (1943). And methodologies have varied widely. Within one design, an appetitional response is first established under one set of motivating conditions; its strength subsequently assessed under a different set. Thus, Miller (1948) showed that rats, trained hungry to respond appropriately for food on an elevated T-maze, would continue to do so during extinction when satiated but "goaded" by electric shock administered at the start. Webb and Goodman (1958) taught hungry rats to depress one of ruro bars to secure food. During an extinction series that followed upon satiation, they were tested, first in the absence of, and then in the presence of, mild aversive stimulation effected by flooding the compartment with 4/' in. of water. Ss manifested an increase in frequency of bar-pressing and reliably favored the formerly food-reinforced bar. The present note reports a successful attempt to replicate, undertaken upon the conviction that the WebbGoodman study is one of the few compelling demonstrations seen in the literature. Since we follou~ed their procedure closely, details need not be repeated here.' We Found the following. During the first 5-min. satiation period, 13 Ss yielded a mean of 3.1 "correct" bar responses, a mean of 1.5 neutral bar responses. During the second 5-min. period (waterescape), these Ss yielded a mean of 9.7 "correct" bar responses, a mean of 5.4 neutral bar responses. A distribution of individual scores (D), reflecting the net gain during waterescape of "correct" bar responses over neutral bar responses was arrived at by the following formula: D = (Number of "correct" responses during water-escape - Number of neutral bar responses during water-escape) - (Number of "correct" responses during first satiation period - Number of neutral bar responses during first satiation period). Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed-rank tesr indicated significance at the .05 level (one rail). During water-escape, 10 of the 13 Ss responded predominantly to the "correct" bar. By binomial tesr, this would be expected by chance less than 5 times in 100. In comparison, during the first 5-min. pe~iod, only 5 of the 13 responded predominantly to the "correct" bar, an outcome readily attributed to chance.
The price of uniformity: language, family and personality adjustment in the immigrant second generation

We examine the process of linguistic adaptation among children of immigrants and the extent to which distinct language types exist between foreign monolingualism and a full transition to English. While complete linguistic assimilation remains the normative outcome and is widely perceived as desirable, we examine alternative theories holding that selective rather than full acculturation is a preferable alternative for immigrant children and their families. For this purpose we contrast effects of fluent bilingualism, indicative of selective acculturation, with other types of linguistic adaptation on various measures of family conflict, solidarity and personality. The data come from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study [CILS], which have been used in several previous studies of the second generation. We use this data-set to test new hypotheses on the interactive effects of parental and children's knowledge of English on family relations and personality outcomes and to examine the effects of gender d...
An evaluation of the surgical management of melanoma of the brain

Thirty-two patients with histologically proved metastatic malignant melanoma of the brain were evaluated. Intracranial surgery was performed in 19 and was considered not indicated in 13 patients. Following intracranial surgery, satisfactory improvement in neurologic deficits was observed in 14 (74%) patients. The median survival after occurrence of brain metastases was 5–6 months (1 – 15 months) for the surgical group; and for the nonsurgical group, patients with multiple brain metastases and multiple visceral involvement did not survive beyond a median of 1 month (range 0.5–6 months). Intratumor hemorrhage with substantial intracerebral hematoma was present in 7 (41%) out of 17 craniotomies. The overall incidence of intratumor hemorrhage found at autopsy was 59% for the entire series. Among ail the cases with intratumor hemorrhage, only 2 patients who received chemotherapy after craniotomy developed thrombocytopenia with fatal intracranial hemorrhage. The latter cause-and-effect correlation could not be assessed in the other patients. As a result of this retrospective study, we have observed that patients with malignant melanoma and evidence of single brain metastasis without multiple visceral involvement seemed to benefit more from palliative surgery. Moreover, intratumor hemorrhage was a frequent occurrence and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with malignant melanoma and rapid deterioration of neurologic deficits.
The orbiting deep space relay station - A study report

This paper is an interim report on a study being carried out to assess the requirements for tracking and communications with deep-space probes in the post-1985 time frame and to evaluate approaches to meeting those requirements. The orbiting deep-space relay station (ODSRS) is one approach to meeting those requirements that appears to have some significant advantages over ground-based stations. A detailed conceptual design of an ODSRS is compared with other tracking and communications system configuration options. The comparison includes a life-cycle cost analysis as well as operations and performance capabilities. Reported results of the study to date include a preliminary assessment of post-1985 requirements, a discussion of planned ODSRS system capabilities as well as of tracking and communications system advantages and problems that are peculiar to an OSDRS, a look at the current status of the conceptual design of the ODSRS, and a summary of the plan for the remainder of the study.
Non-binding site modulation of G protein-coupled receptor signalling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are by far the most successful drug targets yet known, due to their key role in cellular communication. Historically, these drugs bind to the same site at which the endogenous agonist interacts. However, as the details of cell signalling are clarified, it is becoming apparent that there are many other sites at which GPCR signalling can be modulated. Furthermore, the emerging ability to block protein-protein interactions with small molecules means that these sites are now also viable therapeutic targets. Potential points of therapeutic intervention of GPCR signalling are at the level of the G protein, where the activities of both a and βγ subunits could be controlled; at multiple effectors such as the adenylyl cyclases, phospholipases and phosphodiesterases; at regulatory proteins such as the regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins or receptor kinases; or at the mitogenic pathways, which offer many sites for intervention. By targeting these sites, perhaps just ...
Nuclear Factor-κB Suppressive and Inhibitor-κB Stimulatory Effects of Troglitazone in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence of an Antiinflammatory Action?1

It has been shown recently that troglitazone exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, in vitro, and in experimental animals. To test these properties in humans, we investigated the effect of troglitazone on the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-κB and its inhibitory protein IκB in mononuclear cells (MNC) and plasma soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and C-reactive protein. We also examined the effect of troglitazone on reactive oxygen species generation, p47phox subunit expression, 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE), 13-HODE, o-tyrosine, and m-tyrosine in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Seven obese patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with troglitazone (400 mg/day) for 4 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals. Nuclear factor-κB binding activity in MNC nuclear extracts was significantly inhibited after troglitazone treatment at week 1 and continued to be inhibited up to week 4. On the ...
Higher-order finite-difference pseudopotential method: An application to diatomic molecules

We present a prescription for performing electronic-structure calculations without the explicit use of a basis. Our prescription combines a higher-order finite-difference method with ab initio pseudopotentials. In contrast to methods that combine a plane-wave basis with pseudopotentials, our calculations are performed completely in real space. No artifacts such as supercell geometries need be introduced for localized systems. Although this approach is easier to implement than one that employs a plane-wave basis, no loss of accuracy occurs. We apply this method to calculate the structural and electronic properties of several diatomic molecules: ${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and CO.
Natural killing and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity: characterization of effector cells by E-rosetting and monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract Recent investigations have indicated that the OKM1 hybridoma monoclonal antibody reactive with cells of the myelomonocytic series identifies a subpopulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) which mediate natural and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, it was not clear whether this OKM1 + group was heterogeneous with regard to cytotoxic function or the presence of receptors for sheep erythrocytes. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to further define the phenotype of the ADCC effector cell and natural killer (NK) cell using a combination of reactivity with hybridoma antibodies and separation of subsets by sheep erythrocyte rosette (E + ) formation. Furthermore, the phenotypes of the NK population were assessed directly by performing two-color immunofluorescent staining on tumor cell conjugates. These studies led to the following conclusions: (1) that NK activity is mediated by both E + OKM1 + and E − OKM1 + cells; the E + OKT3 + cell possessed essentially no ADCC or NK activity; (2) that E + OKM1 + cells mediated more NK activity on a per cell basis than E − OKM1 + cells; this was verified by separating OKM1 + cells on a cell sorter into E + and E − with the OKT11 monoclonal antibody (anti-E-receptor antibody); (3) that E + OKM1 + cells mediated both ADCC and NK activity; (4) that the phenotypes of PBMNC forming tumor cell conjugates were (a) OKM1 + (both E-receptor positive and negative) and (b) OKM1 − E-receptor positive.
Acoustic phonon engineering in coated cylindrical nanowires

We have theoretically investigated the effect of a coating made of the elastically dissimilar material on the acoustic phonon properties of semiconductor nanowires. It is shown that the acoustic impedance mismatch at the interface between the nanowire and the barrier coating affects dramatically the phonon spectra and group velocities in the nanowires. Coatings made of materials with a small sound velocity lead to compression of the phonon energy spectrum and strong reduction of the phonon group velocities. The coatings made of materials with a high sound velocity have opposite effect. Our calculations reveal substantial re-distribution of the elastic deformations in coated nanowires, which results in modification of the phonon transport properties, and corresponding changes in thermal and electrical conduction. We argue that tuning of the coated nanowire material parameters and the barrier layer thickness can be used for engineering the transport properties in such nanostructures.
Effect of the turbulent atmosphere on the autocovariance function for a speckle field generated by a laser beam with random pointing error

An analytic formulation for the speckle-intensity autocovariance function generated by a laser beam with random pointing error is developed. The analysis utilizes the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and includes the effects of atmospheric turbulence on propagation of the misaligned laser beam to a diffuse target and on propagation of the speckle field back to the receiver. The main object of the development is to estimate the effects of deterministic and random pointing errors of the illuminating source on the statistics of the received intensity. In addition, methods for numerical evaluation of the autocovariance function are discussed, and some numerical results are shown. It is found that the autocovariance can be substantially increased above its vacuum value by the atmospheric turbulence.
Cryoablation of stellate ganglia and atrial arrhythmia in ambulatory dogs with pacing-induced heart failure

Background There is an association between autonomic nerve discharges and atrial arrhythmias (including bradycardia and tachycardia) in ambulatory dogs with pacing-induced heart failure (HF). Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that stellate ganglia ablation can reduce the incidence of atrial arrhythmias in a canine model of pacing-induced HF. Methods Cryoablation of the caudal half of the left and right stellate ganglia and T2–T4 thoracic sympathetic ganglia was performed in six dogs (experimental group). Left upper stellate ganglia nerve activity, vagal nerve activity, and electrocardiogram were continuously recorded using an implanted radiotransmitter. Results After 2 weeks of baseline recording, rapid right ventricular pacing (28 ± 4 days) was used to induce HF. The control group (N = 6) underwent the same procedures except for cryoablation. The experimental group had no episodes of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia ( P P = .0097) reduced prolonged (>3 seconds) sinus pause episodes from 5 ± 6 to 0 on day 1, from 250 ± 424 to 11 ± 11 on day 7, and from 123 ± 206 to 30 ± 33 on day 14 after induction of HF. In the experimental group only, vagal nerve activity may occur alone without concomitant stellate ganglia nerve activity. However, these isolated vagal nerve activity episodes did not result in prolonged sinus pause. Histologic studies confirmed successful cryoablation of the caudal half of the stellate ganglia. Conclusion Cryoablation of bilateral stellate and T2–T4 thoracic ganglia significantly reduced paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and prolonged sinus pause episodes induced by sympathetic discharges in dogs with pacing-induced HF.
Erratum to “Bargaining in Legislatures over Particularistic and Collective Goods” American Political Science Review 101(1): 79–92.

The symmetric, stationary subgame-perfect Nash equilibrium in Volden and Wiseman (2007) is characterized by cutpoints between regions of purely collective, mixed, and purely particularistic bud get allocations. The cutpoints in our published arti cle were derived by finding conditions under which the proposer receives a higher utility in one region than in another. However, a stationary equilibrium requires that the proposer would not unilaterally of fer a different type of proposal, given that all other players continue to play their present strategies.1 Re analyzing the game in this way, we find that the qualitative nature of the equilibrium for the closed rule and open-rule games is unchanged, although the cutpoint cxmp between the mixed and particu laristic parts of the equilibrium must be altered as follows:
Overcoming “Overcoming Metaphysics Through Logical Analysis of Language” Through Logical Analysis of Language

Summary Carnap tried to overcome metaphysics through a distinction between empirical and conceptual truths. The distinction has since been challenged, but not on the basis of a systematic logical analysis of language. It is suggested here that the logical theory of identifiability based on the author's interrogative model will provide the tools for such a systematic analysis. As an example of what the model can do, a criticism is offered of Quine's and Chomsky's implicit assumption that language learning is based on atomistic (quantifier-free) “answers” (input). Resume Carnap a essaye de depasser la metaphysique par une distinction entre des verites empiriques et des verites conceptuelles. Cette distinction a ensuite ete contestee, mais non sur la base ?une analyse systematique du langage. On suggere ici que la theorie logique de ľidentifiabilite basee sur le modele interrogatif de ľauteur fournira les outils ?une telle analyse systematique. Comme exemple de ce que peut faire ce modele, on presente une critique de la supposition implicite de Quine et de Chomsky selon laquelle ľapprentissage du langage repose sur des ≫reponses≪ (input) atomiques (sans quantificateurs). Zusammenfassung Carnap versuchte Metaphysik durch eine Unterscheidung zwischen empirischen und konzep-tuellen Wahrheiten zu iiberwinden. Seither wurde die Unterscheidung immer wieder angegriffen, jedoch nicht auf der Basis einer systematischen logischen Analyse der Sprache. In vorliegendem Artikel wird vorgeschlagen, dass eine logische Theorie der Identifizierbarkeit, welche auf dem Frage-Antwort-Modell des Autors grilndet, die Instrumente fur eine solche logische Analyse bereitstellt. Als Beispiel dafiir, was das Modell leisten kann, dient eine Kritik an Quines und Chomskys impliziter Voraussetzung, dass das Erlernen von Sprache auf atomaren (quantoren-freien) ≫Antworten≪ aufbaut (Input).
Improved Algorithm for Tolerance-Based Stiffness Optimization of Machining Fixtures

Current fixture design methods rely extensively on heuristics and lack a formal engineering approach to determine the necessary stiffness, dimensions, etc. This paper presents a model for stiffness optimization of machining fixtures based on the tolerance limit specified for the machined part surface. Specifically, the model allows systematic determination of the optimum fixture stiffness needed to keep the contribution of fixture deflection to the machined feature tolerance within a designer-specified level. Based on the stiffness optimization model presented here, the optimum dimensions of the fixture elements can also be determined. The model development relies on rigid body analysis methods, contact mechanics principles, and consideration of bulk elasticity of the fixture. The model is generic enough to be used for the design of dedicated or flexible fixtures consisting of mechanical elements. Two examples, one involving a pin-array type flexible fixture and another involving a dedicated fixture, are presented to illustrate the applicability of the model.
Water quality modeling in the watershed-based approach for waste load allocations

The conventional method for waste load allocations (WLA) employs spatial-differentiation, considering individual point sources, and temporal-integration, using a constant flow, typically 7Q10 low flow. This paper presents a watershed-based seasonal management approach, in which non-point source as well as point sources are incorporated, seasonal design flows are used for water quality analysis, and WLA are performend in a watershed scale. The strategy for surface water quality modeling in the watershed-based approach is described. The concept of seasonal discharge management is discussed and suggested for the watershed-based approach. A case study using the method for the Des Moines River, Iowa, USA is conducted. Modeling considerations and procedure are presented. The significance of non-point source pollutant load and its impact on water quality of the river is evaluated by analyzing field data. A water quality model is selected and validated against field measurements. The model is applied to projections of future water quality situations under different watershed management and water quality control scenarios with respect to river flow and pollutant loading rate.
Putting Social Media in Its Place: A Curatorial Theory for Media’s Noisy Social Worlds

The quest to make sense of media’s impact—what it does to us—dominates communication theories and popular discourse about media. But the impulse to collar, cultivate, domesticate, or measure the im...
A NEW SPECIES OF GLASS FROG (CENTROLENIDAE: COCHRANELLA) FROM THE LOWLANDS OF NORTHWESTERN ECUADOR, WITH COMMENTS ON THE COCHRANELLA GRANULOSA GROUP

We describe a new species of Cochranella from the Montanas de Mache in the Choco Ecoregion of the lowlands of northwestern Ecuador. The new species is placed in the Cochranella granulosa group and can be distinguished from all other species of Cochranella by having: (1) white parietal and visceral peritonea; (2) a snout that is gradually inclined in lateral aspect; (3) conspicuous dermal folds, and large, white tubercles on ventrolateral edges of Finger IV, forearms, elbows, tarsi, Toe V, and heels; (4) fleshy, tuberculate, ∩-shaped cloacal fold; and (5) dorsum green with small yellow dots in life. The new species shares several characters with C. daidalea, C. resplendens, C. savagei and C. solitaria, including dermal folds with white tubercles on the arms and legs, snout gradually inclined in profile, and cloacal ornaments. Finally, we briefly discuss the characters that define the Cochranella granulosa group.
Ultrastructural Analysis of Sporulation in a Conditional Serine Protease Mutant of Bacillus subtilis

The morphological characteristics of wild-type Bacillus subtilis and a temperature-sensitive serine protease derivative have been observed during vegetative and sporulation time periods. At 30 C wild-type and mutant cells grow and sporulate identically. At 47.5 C wild-type and mutant cells grow identically, but the mutant cells are blocked at stage 0 or I in the sporulation sequence. Wild-type cells sporulate normally at 47.5 C.
Parameter estimation for fractional transport: A particle-tracking approach

[1] Space-fractional advection-dispersion models provide attractive alternatives to the classical advection-dispersion equation for model applications that exhibit early arrivals and plume skewness. This paper develops a flexible method for estimating the parameters of the fractional transport model on the basis of spatial plume snapshots or temporal breakthrough curve data. A particle-tracking approach provides error bars for the parameter estimates and a general method for model fitting and comparison via optimal weighted least squares. A simple model of concentration variance, based on the particle-tracking approach, identifies the optimal weights.
Effects of Experimentally Generated Bull Antisperm Antibodies on In Vitro Fertilization

To test the hypothesis that bull antisperm antibodies have the capacity to interfere with fertilization, antisperm antibodies were generated in three 13-mo-old Holstein bulls by auto-immunizing each bull with sperm three times. All bulls produced serum antisperm IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies. No serum antisperm IgA nor seminal plasma antisperm antibodies of any isotype could be detected by ELISA. Western blots were performed with immunopurified IgG1 and IgG2 from pre- and post-immunization sera from one test bull. Both post-immunization IgG1 and IgG2 recognized a 45-kDa sperm antigen. Serum samples from a normal bull stud population tested by ELISA had significantly higher levels of antisperm antibodies than did heifers. The bull stud serum samples giving the highest ELISA values differed from those of the immunized bulls in that their antisperm antibodies were of the IgM isotype only. Bull sperm were incubated with serum from the immunized and control bulls, then added to bovine oocytes in vitro. Incubation of sperm with post-immunization serum reduced in vitro fertilization rates (p < 0.01). This study demonstrated that antisperm IgG1 and IgG2 generated by sperm auto-immunizations reduced fertility in vitro, and therefore naturally occurring antisperm antibodies may affect fertility in bulls.
Pharmacists’ guide to infant formulas for term infants

Abstract Objective To provide pharmacists with the basic knowledge to counsel caregivers in appropriate infant formula selection and use. Summary Although the majority of infants are initially breast-fed, a transition to infant formula by the age of 6 months, either as a supplement or a replacement for human milk, is common in the United States. Manufacturers have capitalized on this growing demand for infant formulas to more closely mimic human milk by creating a variety of formulations. The mainstay of the formula market is iron-fortified cow's milk, which may have a distinct variation in carbohydrate, protein, and fat sources, depending on the manufacturer. Formulations are also available to match specific needs of the infant or family, including added rice for reflux, partially or extensively hydrolyzed for allergen sensitivity, or soy based for a vegan diet preference. Conclusion With an extensive array of infant formulas available, pharmacists and caregivers can be overwhelmed when selecting an appropriate product. However, with careful questioning and a basic knowledge of the available formulas, an initial selection can be provided to caregivers. In addition to assisting in infant formula selection, pharmacists should provide information on proper preparation, handling, and storage of the product.
Nitrogen and phosphorus interchange between sediments and overlying water of a wastewater retention pond

Nitrogen and P interchange between the sediments and the overlying water of a simulated retention pond used for wastewater treatment were evaluated under conditions of seasonal temperature fluctuations and varying physico-chemical conditions (exposing floodwater surface to daylight vs. dark and turbulent vs. quiscent floodwater). Natural sediment columns obtained from two types of field retention ponds were used. One type of retention pond consisted of calcareous clay loam sediment while the sediment of second retention pond contained organic soil. Nutrient interchange between sediments and the overlying water was measured once a month over a period of one year.
Mineral equilibria in the six-component seawater system, Na-K-Mg-Ca-SO4-Cl-H2O at 25°C. II: Compositions of the saturated solutions

Abstract Using the solubility model developed by Harvie and Weare (1980), the stable mineral-solution assemblages for the six-component system Na-K-Mg-Ca-SO 4 -Cl-H 2 O and its constituent 5-, 4- and 3-component systems at 25°C have been defined. Invariant point maps have been constructed showing the connections by univariant lines. The solubility volumes for all 20 minerals considered are also illustrated. Of the 37 invariant points, only 3 have solutions which are Ca-rich; the remaining 34 can be plotted in the reciprocal system Na-K-Mg-SO 4 -Cl, which is similar to the seawater system, except that the restriction of halite saturation has been removed. Application of these results and implications for the evolution of major brine types are briefly discussed.
Increased Ascending Aortic Wall Stress in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valves

Background Patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are at increased risk of ascending aortic dilatation, dissection, and rupture. We hypothesized that ascending aortic wall stress may be increased in patients with BAV compared with patients with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). Methods Twenty patients with BAV and 20 patients with TAV underwent electrocardiogram-gated computed tomographic angiography. Patients were matched for diameter. The thoracic aorta was segmented, reconstructed, and triangulated to create a mesh. Utilizing a uniform pressure load of 120 mm Hg, and isotropic, incompressible, and linear elastic shell elements, finite element analysis was performed to predict 99th percentile wall stress. Results For patients with BAV and TAV, aortic root diameter was 4.0 ± 0.6 cm and 4.0 ± 0.6 cm ( p = 0.724), sinotubular junction diameter was 3.6 ± 0.8 cm and 3.6 ± 0.7 cm ( p = 0.736), and maximum ascending aortic diameter was 4.0 ± 0.8 cm and 4.1 ± 0.9 cm ( p = 0.849), respectively. The mean 99th percentile wall stress in the BAV group was greater than in the TAV group (0.54 ± 0.06 MPa vs 0.50 ± 0.09 MPa), though this did not reach statistical significance ( p = 0.090). When normalized by radius, the 99th percentile wall stress was greater in the BAV group (0.31 ± 0.06 MPa/cm vs 0.27 ± 0.03 MPa/cm, p = 0.013). Conclusions Patients with BAV, regardless of aortic diameter, have increased 99th percentile wall stress in the ascending aorta. Ascending aortic three-dimensional geometry may account in part for the increased propensity to aortic dilatation, rupture, and dissection in patients with BAV.
Alterations in CD4-Binding Regions of the MHC Class II Molecule I-Ek Do Not Impede CD4+ T Cell Development

The T cell coreceptors CD4 and CD8 enhance T cell responses to TCR signals by participating in complexes containing TCR, coreceptor, and MHC molecules. These ternary complexes are also hypothesized to play a seminal role during T cell development, although the precise timing, frequency, and consequences of TCR-coreceptor-MHC interactions during positive selection and lineage commitment remain unclear. To address these issues, we designed transgenic mice expressing mutant I-Ek molecules with reduced CD4-binding capability. These transgenic lines were crossed to three different lines of I-Ek-specific TCR transgenic mice, and the efficiency of production of CD4+ lineage cells in the doubly transgenic progeny was assessed. Surprisingly, replacing wild-type I-Ek molecules with these mutant molecules did not affect the production of CD4+CD8− thymocytes or CD4+ peripheral T cells expressing any of the three TCRs examined. These data, when considered together with other experiments addressing the role of coreceptor during development, suggest that not all MHC class II-specific thymocytes require optimal and simultaneous TCR-CD4-MHC interactions to mature. Alternatively, it is possible that these particular alterations of I-Ek do not disrupt the CD4-MHC interaction adequately, potentially indicating functional differences between I-A and I-E MHC class II molecules.
Oral health knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices of third grade school children.

Purpose: The aim of study was to investigate the oral health knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices of third grade school children in Harris County. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, oral health knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices of the children were investigated by means of a self-administered, bilingual questionnaire. Three calibrated examiners collected data on dental caries, periodontitis, and fluorosis of 1,031 school children. Results: Most children reported “fairly adequate” oral hygiene habits (58%) and oral health knowledge (48%), and “adequate” dietary patterns (59%). Children with inadequate oral health knowledge were twice as likely to have caries than children with adequate knowledge (OR= 2.05, 95% CI=1.29, 3.28). The mean combined DMFT/dft scores of children with inadequate knowledge were significantly higher than the mean for children with adequate knowledge (t= 2.6, P= 0.009). Conclusions: Results indicate a need to improve oral health knowledge and preventive practices among the study population. Because of the cross-sectional nature of the study, it is not possible to illustrate a cause-effect relationship between oral health education and prevalence of caries. (Pediatr Dent 22:395-400, 2000)
El juego de la red de difusión

Es dificil encontrar herramientas de aprendizaje efectivas, entretenidas, realistas y asequibles. Al intentar explicar el analisis de redes y la difusion de la innovacion a los estudiantes, se me ocurrio que se podria disenar una actividad que los estudiantes pudieran hacer en clase para aprender los principios basicos. Por eso disene el juego de la red de difusion, facilmente adaptable, que es instructivo en las lecciones que ensena, y que puede llevarse a cabo de multiples formas.
Achievement and language proficiency of Latino students in dual language programmes: native English speakers, fluent English/previous ELLs, and current ELLs

Abstract This article examines the language proficiency and achievement outcomes of Latino students enrolled in a dual language programme who varied by language proficiency (Native English speakers, Current English Language Learners – ELLs, Fluent English Proficient/Previous ELLs). Most previous research has not disaggregated Latino students, especially ELLs. The purpose of this research is to examine the achievement and language proficiency of 732 Grade 4 to Grade 8 Latino students enrolled in a dual language programme who differed by language proficiency. Results show that these Latino student groups achieve at higher levels than their peers in English mainstream. Findings also indicated that the three groups vary in parent education, language proficiency in Spanish, and achievement as measured in Spanish and English. Further, Fluent English Proficient/Previous ELLs are the most Spanish proficient and bilingual, achieve at higher levels in English and Spanish, and close the achievement gap with native E...
Impact of Peripheral-Processor Interference on WCET Analysis of Real-Time Embedded Systems

The integration phase of real-time COTS-based systems is challenging. When multiple tasks run concurrently, the interference at the bus level between cache fetching activities and I/O peripheral transactions is significant and causes unpredictable behaviors: experimentally, we show that tasks can have computation time variance up to 46 percent in a typical embedded system. In this work, we present a theoretical framework able to model the interaction between CPU and peripherals contending for shared main memory through the Front Side Bus (FSB). We first show how to compute worst case execution time (WCET) for a task given a trace of its cache activity and given an upper bound function that models peripheral activities. Then, we show how the analysis can be extended to a multitasking environment assuming a restricted-preemption model. Finally, we introduce the novel idea of ?hardware server? as a means of controlling the unpredictable behavior of COTS peripheral components.
Comprehensive Battery Equivalent Circuit Based Model for Battery Management Application

This paper presents a comprehensive control oriented battery model. Described first is an equivalent circuit based battery model which captures particular battery characteristics of control interest. Then, the model categorizes the battery dynamics based on their different time constants (transient, long-term, life-time). This model uses a 2-D map representing the temperature and state-of-charge dependent model parameters. Also, the model uses new battery state-of-charge and state-of-health definitions that are more practical for a real battery management system. Battery testing and simulation on various types of batteries and use scenarios was completed to validate that the model is easy to parameterize, computationally efficient and of adequate accuracy.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Impact Fees and the Price of New Housing: An Empirical Study

Development exactions in the form of impact fees are being used increasingly by local governments to fund the cost of providing public services necessitated by growth and development. This paper presents the results of an empirical study designed to ascertain the extent to which impact fees are capitalized into the price of new, single-family dwellings. On June 3, 1974, the city of Dunedin, located in Pinellas County, Florida, began assessing impact fees of $1,150 against all new, single-family construction. Using data on 5,839 new home sales in Dunedin and three other cities in Pinellas County from 1971–1982, it was found that builders were able to pass forward the total cost of impact fees to new home buyers. However, the price differential due to impact fees for new dwellings in Dunedin compared to the price of new dwellings in the other three cities disappeared after approximately six years. This is explained by the nature of the fee structure in Dunedin, adjustments in factor costs, increases in the price of housing in competing cities, and unrealized expectations regarding the benefits to be provided by impact fee collections.
Crystal structure of an adenine bulge in the RNA chain of a DNA.RNA hybrid, d(CTCCTCTTC).r(gaagagagag).

Crystal structure of a DNA.RNA hybrid, d(CTCCTCTTC).r(gaagagagag), with an adenine bulge in the polypurine RNA strand was determined at 2.3 A resolution. The structure was solved by the molecular replacement method and refined to a final R-factor of 19.9% (Rfree 22.2%). The hybrid duplex crystallized in the space group I222 with unit cell dimensions, a = 46.66 A, b = 47.61 A and c = 54.05 A, and adopts the A-form conformation. All RNA and DNA sugars are in the C3'-endo conformation, the glycosyl angles in anti conformation and the majority of the C4'-C5' torsion angles in g+ except two trans angles, in conformity with the C3'-endo rigid nucleotide hypothesis. The adenine bulge is looped out and it is also in the anti C3'-endo conformation. The bulge is involved in a base-triple (C.g)*a interaction with the end base-pair (C9.g10) in the minor groove of a symmetry-related molecule. The 2' hydroxyl group of g15 is hydrogen bonded to O2P and O5' of g17, skipping the bulged adenine a16 and stabilizing the sugar-phosphate backbone of the hybrid. The hydrogen bonding and the backbone conformation at the bulged adenine site is very similar to that found in the crystal structure of a protein-RNA complex.