cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correction to: Synthesis of fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) through the mild thermal treatment of agro-industrial residues assisted by γ-alumina

Carbon deposits are well known to cover the γ-alumina surface when exposed to high temperatures in the presence of carbonaceous feedstocks by means of coking and/or fouling mechanisms. Herein, it is demonstrated that this phenomenon, which is extremely undesirable when γ-alumina is used as a catalyst or an adsorbent material, can be successfully exploited for the production of fluorescent carbon-based quantum nanodots (CQDs) under mild conditions of temperatures (250–300 °C) and time (30 min) by using residual biomasses as a carbon source. Specifically, four agro-industrial residues including sugar beet pulp (SBP), grape marc, tomato peels and seeds, and olive pomace have been successfully tested for the synthesis of biomass-based CQDs. Different techniques including UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been applied for the characterization of the as-prepared SBP-based CQDs. Results highlight that the obtained carbon dots exhibit excellent solubility in both water and organic media. In addition, TEM investigations show that such nanoparticles disclose a rather uniform spherical morphology and a narrow size distribution in the range of 2–4 nm. The typical excitation dependent PL emission behavior of carbon-based quantum dots was also observed by PL analysis. Unlike other currently available bottom-up synthesis routes, a high-value by-product is obtained during the synthesis of biomass-based CQDs assisted by γ-Al2O3, i.e., the residual thermally treated biomass, which can be further valorized as a high-quality solid biofuel exhibiting a lower oxygen-to-carbon ratio and, hence, a higher calorific value than the parent biomass. The innovative finding of the present work is that a catalyst can be used to produce CQDs from the volatile matter that is driven off the biomass by heating, which opens up new possibilities of valorization for the off-gas substream coming from other biomass conversion process, like for example slow pyrolysis and carbonization.
Is Body Mass Index Related to the Progression of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance to Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy that is universally preceded by Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). Obesity is the only known modifiable risk factor for the development of MM, though it is unclear if this is due to increased MGUS incidence or transition of MGUS to MM. In an effort to better understand how obesity may influence the progression of MGUS to MM, we analyzed patient data from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods: The VHA database was used to identify patients diagnosed with MGUS between October 1, 1999 and December 31, 2009 using ICD-9 code 273.1. Data was obtained on patient demographics, myeloma direct treatments, weight, height, and other clinical characteristics. Transition to MM was identified using two occurrences of ICD-9 code 203.0 or use of myeloma directed therapy within six months of a single use of ICD-9 code 203.0. Additionally, two investigators reviewed patient records to confirm the diagnosis and verify the diagnosis date. The World Health Organization (WHO) Body Mass Index (BMI) classification (normal-weight: 18.5≤BMI 30) was utilized to categorize BMI. Weight recorded closest to the MGUS diagnosis date was used for BMI calculations. Multivariate survival analysis (controlling for sex, race, BMI, marital status, estimated household income level, modified Charlson co-morbidity score, and creatinine level) was conducted by parametric accelerated failure time left-censored analysis with Weibull-modeled survival time. Results: There were 9,430 unique MGUS patients identified in the VHA database. Progression to MM was noted in 501 (5.3%) patients overall, with a frequency of 98/2139 (4.6%), 236/3932 (6.0%), and 167/3359 (5.0%) of the normal weight, overweight and obese BMI groups, respectively. Survival analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in progression from MGUS to MM in overweight and obese patients compared to normal-weight patients. After controlling for other variables, multivariate analysis demonstrated that obese (HR: 1.53; 95% CI 1.19-1.98) and overweight (HR: 1.45; 95% CI 1.14-1.84) patients were at increased risk of progression from MGUS to MM. Black patients (HR: 1.78; 95% CI 1.46-2.17) were also at increased risk of progression to MM. Conclusions: Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance who are overweight or obese at the time of MGUS diagnosis are at increased risk of progression to Multiple Myeloma compared to normal weight counterparts. Also the data is suggestive that an obese BMI is associated with a higher risk of progression to MM compared to being overweight. Elevated BMI is a modifiable risk factor for progression of MGUS to MM and weight loss is a potential strategy to decrease the risk of progression. Disclosures Carson:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Consider Going Decaf: An Intentional Caffeine Overdose in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and is the most utilized drug in the world. An estimated 89% of U.S. citizens and 80% of people worldwide consume caffeine on a regular basis. The prevalence of caffeine supplementation by individuals has been increasing in body-weight regulation (e.g., weight loss, body building). When used in excessive amounts it can precipitate serious health consequences, including death. Given this, and the ease of accessibility, caffeine has been seen in intentional overdose. However, suicide attempts via caffeine overdose are rare. In 2017, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 3765 cases of caffeine overdose, of which 650 were intentional and none resulted in death from caffeine alone. An ingestion of 5 g (80–100 mg/kg) is likely to prove fatal. Case Reports We present the case of a suicide attempt via caffeine with a reported 20-g overdose, which would be an estimated blood caffeine level of 427.1 mg/L. The patient was given activated charcoal and treated for symptomatic tachycardia and diaphoresis. He was ultimately evaluated by Psychiatry and was discharged home with no adverse outcomes from his intentional overdose. We also examine the physiology of the potential adverse effects of caffeine use and the current literature related to caffeine overdoses. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Caffeine is consumed by billions of individuals globally. It is rarely associated with death, but can cause a variety of adverse effects including tachydysrhythmias, hypokalemia, seizures, and rhabdomyolysis. Caffeine overdoses should be treated immediately with activated charcoal if within the appropriate timeframe of 1–2 h post-ingestion, and special attention should be given to the cardiovascular effects of caffeine, as tachydysrhythmias may prove fatal.
Best Practices: CT-Guided Percutaneous Sampling of Vertebral Discitis-Osteomyelitis and Technical Factors Maximizing Biopsy Yield

Vertebral discitis-osteomyelitis is an infection of the intervertebral disk and vertebral bodies that may extend to adjacent paraspinal and epidural soft tissues. Its incidence is increasing, likel...
Using Discursive Psychology to Understand Everyday Interactions in Special Education and Mental Health Care Settings

This chapter offers a response to Chapters 3 and 5 within the volume. The chapter offers key insights into how practitioners might take up the insights of DP analyses. In doing so, the author points to future directions for DP and disability, posing several critical questions.
An age-adjusted trend test for the tumor incidence rate for multiple-sacrifice experiments.

The nonparametric age-adjusted test proposed by Kodell and Ahn (1) for assessing doserelated trend with respect to the tumor incidence rate in animal experiments is extended from the case of multiple sacrifices to the case of a single (terminal) sacrifice. The tumor incidence rate is made identifiable for time intervals preceding the final time interval by assuming constant proportionality of the tumor prevalences in live and dead animals. Information on cause of death is not required. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to assess size and power of the test.
Structure and Function in Nucleic Acids: Mutagenesis

The biological functions of nucleic acids depend on their conformations; we will discuss one example: the mechanism of mutation in DNA. A mutation occurs when a base pair in DNA is substituted for another one, or when one or more base pairs are added or deleted. A base pair substitution can change one amino acid into another, it can change an amino acid into a stop signal which aborts protein synthesis, it can affect the control of replication, transcription or translation, or it can be a silent mutation which has no apparent effect. One or two base pair additions or deletions can lead to frame-shift mutations. Because the reading frame is altered, a frame-shift mutation does not change just one amino acid. It will change all the amino acids coded by the base sequence which follows the frame-shift. There are many causes of mutations and many steps in the mechanism of mutagenesis. We will concentrate on the steps which, through an error in replication of one strand, produce a heteroduplex which then is replicated to form a mutant duplex. We have synthesized oligonucleotides with base mismatches (1,2) to assess the thermodynamic stability of heteroduplexes and to determine their conformations. The structure and stability of the heteroduplex will affect the probability that an error in replicating a strand occurs, and the probability that the error is repaired before correct replication of this mutant strand occurs.
3 Wise, Winsome, or Weird? Mechanisms of Sperm Storage in Female Animals

Publisher Summary To fully appreciate the impact of sperm storage on animal biology, it is important to understand how animals deliver sperm to storage locations, how they maintain sperm viability, and how they regulate the release of stored sperm. The mechanisms of sperm storage are diverse. This chapter highlights some recurring themes and recounts some examples seen in insects, birds, mammals, and other animals. Storage of sperm by mated females is an important component of animal reproduction. The study of mechanisms that govern sperm storage is useful not only for improved understanding of cell transport, targeting, and communication but to clarify the forces that shape sexual selection and ecology. The tools of light and electron microscopy have been invaluable for establishing the existence of female sperm storage and for describing the organs and the arrangement of sperm within them. The identification of the specific molecules that mediate sperm storage will improve the understanding of the ways that males and females contribute to the sequestration of sperm in defined areas and may clarify how sperm can be kept viable and then released in a predictable fashion for use in fertilization. The present understanding of the mechanisms of sperm storage is based on detailed observation of anatomy and mating behavior.
A VLSI implementation of an interface for a dual protocol high speed active bus

A new multiple bus architecture with an active backplane has been developed. The authors examine the existing data transfer protocol for part of the architecture, then develop the complete data transfer protocol for the whole architecture. They also prove the feasibility of bridging a system using this new bus-based architecture to an existing system which uses a different communication network. As an example of this capability, an implementation of a bridge chip for the AN/AYK-14(V) military airborne computer system bus is described. >
Technique for enumeration of heterotrophic and phototrophic nanoplankton, using epifluorescence microscopy, and comparison with other procedures

A new method is described that uses the fluorochrome primulin and epifluorescence microscopy for the enumeration of heterotrophic and phototrophic nanoplankton (2 to 20 μm). Phototrophic microorganisms are distinguished from heterotrophs by the red autofluorescence of chlorophyll a. Separate filter sets are used which allow visualization of the primulin-stained nanoplankton without masking chlorophyll a fluorescence, thus allowing easy recognition of phototrophic cells. Comparison with existing epifluorescence techniques for counting heterotrophic and phototrophic nanoplankton shows that primulin provides more accurate counts of these populations than the fluorescein isothiocyanate or proflavine techniques. Accuracy is comparable to that with the acridine orange technique, but this method requires only one filter preparation for the enumeration of both phototrophic and heterotrophic populations. Images
Liquid crystalline polymers containing mesogenic units based on half-disc and rod-like moieties

The synthesis and characterization of the hemiphasmidic monomers 4-{3,4,5-tri-[S(-)-2-methylbutan-1-yloxy] benzoate}-4'-(10-undecenoate)biphenyl (13), 4-[3,4,5-tri-(n-pentan-1-yloxy) benzoate]-4'-(10-undecenoate)biphenyl (14), 4-[3,4,5-tri-(n-dodecan-1-yloxy) benzoate]-4'-(10-undecenoate)biphenyl (15), 4-[3,4,5-tri-(n-dodecan-1-yloxy) benzoate]-4'-(10-undecen-1-yloxy)biphenyl (16) and of the polymethylsiloxanes derived from them (i.e. 17, 18, 19, and 20) are described. Monomers 13 to 16 are only crystalline. Polymer 17 is crystalline, 18 displays an unidentified mesophase, while 19, and 20 exhibit enantiotropic, most probably hexagonal columnar phasmidic mesophases.
Detection and characterization of a glycoprotein encoded by the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat gene.

Abstract Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is a retrovirus that causes mammary tumors in susceptible mice. MMTV contains a unique open reading frame (ORF) in the unique 3' region of the proviral long terminal repeat (LTR) with the potential to encode a 36-kDa protein. However, the ORF gene product has not been detected in murine mammary tissues or cell lines. We utilized the baculovirus expression vector system to generate large amounts of the ORF protein. Putative ORF gene products of 36 and 45 kDa were detected as unique proteins in extracts of insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus (LTR-ORF BV), and the identities of these proteins as viral gene products were confirmed immunologically. Antipeptide antisera were generated in rabbits against peptides chosen from computer-predicted hydrophilic regions of the ORF coding sequence. These antisera reacted specifically by immunoprecipitation and by immunoblot with the proteins expressed in LTR-ORF BV-infected insect cells, as well as with MMTV LTR ORF in vitro translation products. Polyclonal antisera were raised against two putative ORF protein species partially purified from insect cells. These sera specifically immunoprecipitated viral protein products translated in vitro. In vitro translation of MMTV LTR ORF transcripts in the presence of canine pancreatic microsomal membranes generated a higher-molecular-weight ORF gene product, indicating that the ORF protein is modified by N-linked glycosylation. This glycosylated ORF product comigrated with the larger ORF protein species produced in infected insect cells. The gp45 product was metabolically labeled with [3H] mannose, [3H] galactose, and [3H] N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in insect cells, whereas this incorporation was inhibited in the presence of tunicamycin. Digestion of gp45 with endoglycosidase H yielded the lower-molecular-weight ORF protein p36. These observations suggest that the ORF glycoprotein contains hybrid N-linked oligosaccharides. Demonstration of the modified nature of the ORF gene product will facilitate characterization of ORF protein expression in murine tissues.
Path planning for a multiple robot system

This paper presents three heuristic algorithms that specify paths for a team of randomly placed robots to search a predefined area. The approaches are: a random movement with limited pre-path planning, a territorial claim with complete pre-path planning, and an expiring territorial claim with limited pre-path planning. The algorithms were simulated using Matlab and evaluated on the following criteria: total distance traversed by all robots, time of completion, uniformity of distribution of distance traveled among robots, and improvement from a single robot.
Introduction: How to Use this Book

As starlier, the purpose of this book is to help graduate students who wish to learn something about algebraic cryptanalysis, or researchers from either other branches of cryptography, computer algebra, or finite fields who may wish to try their hand at code-breaking.
Approximating power system dynamics and energy functions by quasi-gradient models

Power systems models that possess a well-defined Lyapunov function frequently share the following structure: the normal form of their system state equations may be expressed as a constant matrix multiplying the gradient of a scalar function of state. This structure has previously been labeled as quasi-gradient and the scalar function shown to be a natural Lyapunov function for the system. Unfortunately, as detailed load/network representations or control loops are added to the model, the quasi-gradient structure if often lost. An approach is proposed for defining energy functions for models lacking the quasi-gradient structure. A modified Lyapunov function is derived for the quasi-gradient with the property that its derivative along trajectories of the system is a strictly negative definite quadratic form. This in turn guarantees that the property of the Lyapunov function being nonincreasing along trajectories is preserved for certain perturbations in the vector field. In particular, this property is shown to be preserved under the condition that transfer conductances are perturbed within a sufficiently small ball about zero. >
Magnetic resonance elastography of liver in healthy asians: Normal liver stiffness quantification and reproducibility assessment

Purpose To determine normal liver stiffness values evaluated with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in healthy normal Asian volunteers and assess its reproducibility. Materials and Methods Liver stiffness was evaluated with MRE in 41 healthy Asians (23 females, 18 males; mean age, 41.8 years, and mean body mass index [BMI], 23.4 kg/m2) on a 1.5T clinical scanner. The correlations between mean liver stiffness and age, gender, BMI, and fat fraction percentage of the liver were studied. Another 12 volunteers underwent liver MRE exams on two separate days 4–6 weeks apart under similar conditions for reproducibility assessment. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed and within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) of stiffness was estimated. Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of liver stiffness in normal healthy Asian subjects was 2.09 ± 0.22 kPa (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04–2.15 kPa; range 1.68–2.48 kPa). The mean liver stiffness did not significantly correlate with age, gender, BMI, or fat content of the liver. The ICC for mean liver stiffness was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.78–0.96) and CV ranged from 2.2%–11.4%. Conclusion The liver stiffness in normal Asians is not affected by age, gender, BMI, or fat content. Liver stiffness with MRE is highly reproducible. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:1–8. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating an icon of population persistence: the Devil's Hole pupfish.

The Devil's Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis has iconic status among conservation biologists because it is one of the World's most vulnerable species. Furthermore, C. diabolis is the most widely cited example of a persistent, small, isolated vertebrate population; a chronic exception to the rule that small populations do not persist long in isolation. It is widely asserted that this species has persisted in small numbers (less than 400 adults) for 10 000–20 000 years, but this assertion has never been evaluated. Here, we analyse the time series of count data for this species, and we estimate time to coalescence from microsatellite data to evaluate this hypothesis. We conclude that mean time to extinction is approximately 360–2900 years (median 410–1800), with less than a 2.1% probability of persisting 10 000 years. Median times to coalescence varied from 217 to 2530 years, but all five approximations had wide credible intervals. Our analyses suggest that Devil's Hole pupfish colonized this pool well after the Pleistocene Lakes receded, probably within the last few hundred to few thousand years; this could have occurred through human intervention.
The application of fourier transform infrared transmission spectroscopy to the study of model and natural membranes

Fourier transform infrared transmission spectroscopy is presented as a technique with great potential for the study of aqueous membrane preparations. The methodology of sample preparation, spectra recording and data reduction is outlined. Spectral parameters are derived from FT-IR difference spectra which provide an extremely sensitive means to monitor the temperature-dependent behavior of individual vibrational modes in model and natural membranes.
The Current State of Knowledge on Age, Sex, and Their Interactions on Clinical Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes occur with increasing age. Sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics exist and persist at older age. The issue for the clinician is how to best treat the older patient with currently available knowledge. This communication highlights age- and sex-related differences in pharmacokinetics that should influence clinical practice and prescribing guidelines to optimize clinical responses. The most compelling data for sex-specific medication dosing guidelines for older patients are related to volume of distribution differences, or size differences, between the sexes and to differences in glomerular filtration rates.
Overview and Assessment of Antarctic Ice-Sheet Mass Balance Estimates: 1992–2009

Mass balance estimates for the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) in the 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and in more recent reports lie between approximately +50 to −250 Gt/year for 1992 to 2009. The 300 Gt/year range is approximately 15% of the annual mass input and 0.8 mm/year Sea Level Equivalent (SLE). Two estimates from radar altimeter measurements of elevation change by European Remote-sensing Satellites (ERS) (+28 and −31 Gt/year) lie in the upper part, whereas estimates from the Input-minus-Output Method (IOM) and the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) lie in the lower part (−40 to −246 Gt/year). We compare the various estimates, discuss the methodology used, and critically assess the results. We also modify the IOM estimate using (1) an alternate extrapolation to estimate the discharge from the non-observed 15% of the periphery, and (2) substitution of input from a field data compilation for input from an atmospheric model in 6% of area. The modified IOM estimate reduces the loss from 136 Gt/year to 13 Gt/year. Two ERS-based estimates, the modified IOM, and a GRACE-based estimate for observations within 1992–2005 lie in a narrowed range of +27 to −40 Gt/year, which is about 3% of the annual mass input and only 0.2 mm/year SLE. Our preferred estimate for 1992–2001 is −47 Gt/year for West Antarctica, +16 Gt/year for East Antarctica, and −31 Gt/year overall (+0.1 mm/year SLE), not including part of the Antarctic Peninsula (1.07% of the AIS area). Although recent reports of large and increasing rates of mass loss with time from GRACE-based studies cite agreement with IOM results, our evaluation does not support that conclusion.
Quantification of Resistance of Grain Boundaries to Short-Fatigue Crack Growth in Three Dimensions in High-Strength Al Alloys

Based on the previous three-dimensional (3-D) crystallographic model for short-fatigue crack propagation through grain boundaries, the resistance of a grain boundary to the crack growth was quantified as a Weibull-type function of the twist component of crack plane deflection across the boundary. The effective driving force for the crack at a grain boundary was quantified as the applied driving force minus the resistance. This allowed the quantification of variation in growth rate at different grain boundaries along the crack front. The model could simulate satisfactorily that the crack front at the grain boundaries with high twist angle indeed was lagged behind those with low twist angle and that the crack growth rate on the surface varied significantly. The model was also used to predict short-fatigue crack growth statistically in different textures, showing potential application to texture design of alloys. Subsequent work still needs to be done to incorporate other factors, such as the tilt angle and Schmidt factor, into the model to render a more accurate simulation.
Experiments and Modeling of the Magneto-Mechanical Response of Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys

Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) are relatively new materials that exhibit a magnetic shape memory effect as a result of the rearrangement of martensitic variants under the influence of magnetic fields. Due to the MSMAs newness there is limited understanding of their magneto-mechanical behavior. This work presents experimental and modeling results of MSMAs for cases in which the material is loaded and unloaded in uniaxial compression in the presence of a constant magnetic field. The experiments are performed with the magnetic field applied perpendicular and at an angle to the mechanical loading axis. During the loading and unloading process, the evolution of the magnetic flux density is monitored to assess the potential of these materials for power harvesting applications. The modeling is based on the thermodynamic approach proposed by Kiefer and Lagoudas [1]. This model was modified and calibrated to reproduce material response under biaxial constant magnetic field and variable uni-axial compressive stress. Comparing the experimental and simulated results, one can recognize that further work is needed to improve the model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Agreement among feighner, RDC and DSM III criteria for alcoholism

Three sets of diagnostic criteria for alcoholism, Feighner criteria, Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC), and DSM III criteria, were examined to determine the concordance among them. The alcohol section of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), which provides information allowing for diagnoses by all three sets of criteria, was administered to 484 blue collar workers. Overall, there was substantial agreement among the diagnostic systems, with 86% of the men receiving the same diagnosis by all three systems. However, more detailed analyses indicated that approximately one quarter of those receiving a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence according to DSM III were not diagnosed as alcoholic by Feighner criteria. It was suggested that this discrepancy was due to DSM III criteria (as represented in the DIS) diagnosing heavy drinkers with no attendant problems as alcoholic.
Open Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Open fractures of the lower extremity cover a wide gamut of injuries ranging from the mangled, pulseless leg necessitating amputation to the more innocuous pinhole open wounds associated with simple fracture patterns. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate care can make a dramatic difference in decreasing complication rates and improving ultimate outcomes. Principles of management of open fractures have been created with the main goal of decreasing infection rates, while providing for stabilization of the bone and soft tissue injury.
Stable induction of a 51K cellular protein in neuronal cells surviving herpes simplex virus type 1 infection.

Abstract A series of survivor cell lines derived by infection of B103 rat neuroma cells with active wild-type herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (M. Levine, A. L. Goldin, and J. C. Glorioso, J. Virol. 35, 203–210 (1980)) has been isolated. The survivor cells produced no infectious virus, yet they continued to react with HSV-1 antiserum for over 100 cell generations following the initial infection. The reactivity of the survivor cells with HSV-1 antiserum is characterized as being due to expression of a 51K protein. The 51K protein reacted with antiserum prepared against HSV-1 virions and was not detectable in the parental B103 cells. A protein of the same molecular weight was seen in productively infected B103 and HEL cells. The protein detected in the survivor cells comigrated with that seen in the infected cells on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, indicating that they represent similar proteins. Despite the presence of the 51K protein reactive with HSV-1 antiserum, the survivor cells contain no detectable HSV-1 DNA sequences. They do contain DNA sequences which cross-hybridize with HSV-1 DNA, but similar cross-hybridizing sequences were also present in the parental B103 cells. No hybridizing polysomal, polyadenylated RNA species were present in the survivor cells that were not present in the parental B103 cells when probed with the cross-hybridizing HSV-1 restriction fragments. Therefore, the 51K protein evidently represents a cellular protein induced by the HSV-1 infection.
Stock market volatility and the information content of stock index options

Previous studies of the information content of the implied volatilities from the prices of call options have used a cross-sectional regression approach. This paper compares the information content of the implied volatilities from call options on the S&P 100 index to GARCH (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity) and Exponential GARCH models of conditional volatility. By adding the implied volatility to GARCH and EGARCH models as an exogenous variable, the within-sample incremental information content of implied volatilities can be examined using a likelihood ratio test of several nested models for conditional volatility. The out-of-sample predictive content of these models is also examined by regressing ex post volatility on the implied volatilities and the forecasts from GARCH and EGARCH models.
An asymmetric synthesis of (+)-kjellmanianone

Abstract Racemic and asymmetric syntheses of kjellmanianone, a novel cyclopentenoid antibiotic, are described.
Influence of surface conditions on silicon planar transistor current gain

A detailed and systematic experimental investigation of surface effects on hFE has been carried out in especially designed and fabricated transistors. A metal electrode over the oxide protecting the E-B junction has been incorporated and used to modify surface potentials in that region in a controlled manner. In diffused base transistors, surface changes affect the base current, IB, while no change in collector current IC is observed, leading to variations in hFE IC/IB. For base surface doping < 3 × 1018 atoms/cm3, a minimum hFE occurs when the base surface reaches a near intrinsic condition. hFE recovers partially or fully when the surface is inverted depending on the area of inversion and bulk lifetime near the surface. This type of variation in hFE is shown to be due to surface recombination dependence on surface potential and is significant only at low current levels of device operation. Surface recombination through a single level generation-recombination center has been analyzed using Shockley-Read-Hall statistics and compared with the experimental results and is shown that the main features can be explained satisfactorily with this simple analysis. When surface doping exceeds 4 × 1018 atoms/cm3, tunnel current conduction occurs upon surface inversion between the inversion layer and adjoining bulk. This causes severe degradation in hFE both at low and high current levels of operation even for small areas of inversion. When the emitter surface is depleted and inverted, hFE decreases monotonically. The tunnel current in the inversion region is shown to be a significant cause of such decrease in hFE. In lightly doped epitaxially grown base transistors, both IC and IB increase when the base surface is inverted and a case is presented where hFE actually improves during such change.
A sequential stochastic passenger screening problem for aviation security

Designing effective aviation security systems has become a problem of national concern. Since September 11th, 2001 passenger screening systems have become an important component in the design and operation of aviation security systems. This paper introduces the Sequential Stochastic Passenger Screening Problem (SSPSP), which allows passengers to be optimally assigned (in real-time) to aviation security resources. Passengers are classified as either selectees or non-selectees, with screening procedures in place for each such class. Passengers arrive sequentially, and a prescreening system determines each passenger's perceived risk level, which becomes known upon check-in. The objective of SSPSP is to use the passengers' perceived risk levels to determine the optimal policy for screening passengers that maximizes the expected number of true alarms, subject to capacity and assignment constraints. SSPSP is formulated as a Markov decision process, and an optimal policy is found using dynamic programming. Sever...
Molecular properties of local anesthetics: the crystal structure of procaine hydrochloride.

Abstract The crystal structure of procaine hydrochloride has been determined from three-dimensional diffractometer data. Structural similarities with acetylcholine and other molecules active in the cholinergic system suggests a common membrane receptor.
Subjective symptomatology and cognitive performance at high altitude.

Further standardization of the General High Altitude Questionnaire (GHAQ) for use in quantifying the severity of Acute Mountain Sickness is described. The results show, as did an earlier study, the questionnaire reliably reflects changes in symptom severity. The amount of decrement on a number of psychomotor tasks was directly related to the degree of severity of the subjective symptomatology of Acute Mountain Sickness. The results also showed several conceptually clear symptom clusters of the GHAQ that appear to reflect different states of subjective symptomatology.
Fragment size in single fracture — a review of theory and experiment

Abstract The theoretical development of Gilvarry for the distribution of fragment size in single fracture is reviewed, for the three- and two-dimensional cases. The physical model is based on the Griffith theory of brittle strength. On this basis, the results follow directly by strict application of the laws of probability to the three types of flaws (volume, facial, and edge) that contribute to fragmentation. A rigorous derivation of forms of the empirical Rosin-Rammler and Schuhmann equations emerges. Experimental results of Gilvarry and Bergstrom , and of Gilvarry , are discussed for three-and two-dimensional size distributions, obtained under conditions simulating single fracture. The findings confirm the existence of distinct phenomena corresponding to the presence of the three hypothesized types of flaws. In general, excellent agreement between theory and experiment is found.
Challenges in detecting gamma-rays from dark matter annihilations in the galactic center

Atmospheric Cerenkov Telescopes, including HESS and MAGIC, have detected a spectrum of gamma-rays from the galactic center region which extends from $\ensuremath{\sim}200\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ or lower, to at least $\ensuremath{\sim}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$. Although the source of this radiation is not yet known, the spectrum appears to behave as a simple power-law, which is not the expectation for gamma-rays generated through the annihilation of dark matter particles. If instead we conclude that the source of these gamma-rays is astrophysical in origin, this spectrum will constitute a background for future dark matter searches using gamma-rays from this region. In this paper we study how this background will affect the prospects for experiments such as GLAST to detect dark matter in the galactic center. We find that only a narrow range of dark matter annihilation rates are potentially observable by GLAST given this newly discovered background and considering current constraints from EGRET and HESS. We also find that a detection of line emission, while not completely ruled out, is only possible for a very narrow range of dark matter models and halo profiles.
The ‘transnational’ as methodology: transnationalizing Chinese film studies through the example of The Love Parade and its Chinese remakes

AbstractThis essay critiques unreflective celebration of transnational Chinese cinema and proposes the ‘transnational’ as methodology. By examining the dual modes of address in a Hong Kong remake of a Lubitsch musical comedy, I demonstrate the importance of scrutinizing border politics and the ‘foreignization’ of Chinese cinema in its transnational production and reception.
Interband Four-Wave Mixing in Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers With ASE-Enhanced Gain Recovery

We study, theoretically and experimentally, interband four-wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifiers whose gain recovery is accelerated by amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). Across a broad range of wavelength shifts, we observe a considerable increase (over 20 dB) in the conversion efficiency, and a corresponding increase in the optical SNR (over 12 dB), as the device current is increased from 100 to 500 mA. For input pump powers below 1 mW, gain recovery in our device is dominated by internal ASE. Higher pump power levels reduce the conversion efficiency because of the pump-induced gain saturation near the output end. We show that wavelength shifts of up to 25 nm are possible, while maintaining a >;10% conversion efficiency and a high optical SNR (>;25 dB). A major advantage of our scheme is that the use of relatively low pump powers (<; 1 mW) reduces the electrical power consumption for such wavelength converters by more than a factor of 10. We discuss in detail the issue of optimum pump and signal powers. Our study is useful for realizing energy-efficient, modulation-format transparent, wavelength converters for optical networks.
Licit and illicit in rhetorical appeals

(1978). Licit and illicit in rhetorical appeals. Western Journal of Speech Communication: Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 222-230.
Single-Well “Push−Pull” Partitioning Tracer Test for NAPL Detection in the Subsurface

Previous environmental applications of partitioning tracer tests to detect and quantify nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contamination in the subsurface have been limited to well-to-well tests. However, theory and numerical modeling suggests that single-well injection-extraction ("push-pull") partitioning tracer tests can also potentially detect and quantify NAPL contamination. In this type of test, retardation factors for injected partitioning tracers are estimated from the increase in apparent dispersion observed in extraction-phase breakthrough curves in the presence of NAPL. A series of laboratory push-pull tests was conducted in physical aquifer models (PAMs) packed with natural aquifer sediment prepared with and without the presence of trichloroethene (TCE) NAPL. Field tests were conducted in an aquifer contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbon NAPL. Injected test solutions contained a suite of partitioning and conservative (nonpartitioning) alcohol tracers. Laboratory push-pull partitioning tracer tests were able to detect and quantify sorption of partitioning tracers to aquifer sediment (in the absence of NAPL) and to detect NAPL when it was present. NAPL saturations computed from estimated retardation factors bracketed those computed from known volumes of emplaced NAPL in the sediment pack. However, numerical modeling with assumed homogeneous NAPL distribution and linear equilibrium partitioning of tracers between aqueous and NAPL phases was unable to reproduce all features of observed breakthrough curves. Excavation of the sediment pack after all tests indicated that a portion of the emplaced NAPL had sunk to the bottom of the PAM invalidating the modeling assumption of homogeneous NAPL distribution. Moreover, the apparent dispersion in extraction-phase breakthrough curves decreased when the injection-extraction pumping rate was decreased, suggesting that mass transfer limitations existed during laboratory tests. Field push-pull partitioning tracer tests were able to detect NAPL in a portion of the aquifer known to contain NAPL; computed NAPL saturations were comparble to those obtained from sediment coring and the results of a partitioning interwell tracer test conducted in the same location. This study clearly demonstrates that the single-well partitioning tracer test can detect NAPL under both laboratory and field conditions. However, additional research is needed to verify the ability of the test to quantify NAPL saturations.
Gametogenesis and radiation effects in the cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopa.

Gametogenic development was followed, using histological sections, from emergence of the adult through diapause and oviposition. Some spermatozoa were mature at emergence, and the testes had mainly mature sperm upon entering diapause. Oocyte development did not begin until the subsequent spring after mating took place. Dosages as low as 500 roentgens of X-rays reduced egg production and viability. Complete loss of egg viability occurred when both sexes were irradiated with 5000 R of X-rays. Loss of egg production occurred with dosages above 5000 R. Spermatozoa were situated within the spermathecae up to and including dosages of 20,000 R to both sexes.
Frog Larvae Cloned from Nuclei of Pronephric Adenocarcinoma

Abstract Triploid nuclei of epithelial cell cultures derived from a viral induced frog pronephric carcinoma were injected into enucleated eggs of Rana pipiens . Formation of triploid post-neurulae and larvae free of tumors, attests to the genetic pluripotency and reversibility of nuclei from pronephric carcinoma.
An Evolutionary Approach to Understanding Violent Antisocial Behavior: Diagnostic Implications for a Dual-Process Etiology

ABSTRACT This article proposes an evolutionary theory for understanding the etiology of violent antisocial behavior. From this approach, aggressive behavior is understood as an evolutionary adaptation that has provided a selective advantage for members of the human species that demonstrated this trait. Similarly, aggression control is also viewed as an adaptive trait. Antisocial behavior is described as aggressive behavior that is excessive or uncontrolled and results from either of two pathways. Instrumental antisocial behavior may arise from genetic contributions to aggressive personality traits whereas reactive antisocial behavior may result from damage or deficiencies in a biological “impulse control devise.” Supporting evidence from behavioral genetic and other genetic research is presented and discussed in the context of gene-environment interaction. Diagnostic implications of this approach suggest that risk prediction techniques that rely specifically on antisocial personality traits may miss a sub...
The wave-induced boundary layer under long internal waves

The boundary layer formed under the footprint of an internal solitary wave is studied by numerical simulation for waves of depression in a two-layer model of the density stratification. The inviscid outer flow, in the perspective of boundary-layer theory, is based on an exact solution for the long wave-phase speed, yielding a family of fully nonlinear solitary wave solutions of the extended Korteweg–de Vries equation. The wave-induced boundary layer corresponding to this outer flow is then studied by means of simulation employing the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) formulation coupled with a turbulence closure model validated for wall-bounded flows. Boundary-layer characteristics are computed for an extensive range of environmental conditions and wave amplitudes. Boundary-layer transition, identified by monitoring the eddy viscosity, is correlated in terms of a boundary-layer Reynolds number. The frictional drag is evaluated for laminar, transitional, and turbulent cases, and correlations are presented for the friction coefficient plus relevant measures of the boundary-layer thickness.
Two packing problems on k -matroid trees

In this paper we consider two packing problems on k -matroid trees (a generalization of trees from graphs to hypergraphs). The first problem is to decompose the complete k -uniform hypergraph into k -matroid trees and the second problem is to generalize the famous Tree Packing Conjecture to k -uniform hypergraphs.
The squeal as an indicator of aggression in mice

Fighting behavior of paired male mice was observed while automatic recording equipment counted the squeals. A strong positive relationship was found between the squeals and other measures of fighting. The results are discussed in terms of the validity of squeals as a measure of aggression and the usefulness of the squeal measure and the advantages it provides, i.e., the possibility of continuous monitoring of fighting behavior, elimination of O effects, less handling of Ss, and use of a “home cage” type of environment.
Erectile preservation following radical prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, representing approximately 25% of all new cancer diagnoses in the USA. For clinically localized prostate cancer, the gold standard for therapy remains radical prostatectomy. One of the main adverse effects of this procedure is erectile dysfunction, which can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. There are several mechanisms of erectile dysfunction postprostatectomy, including arteriogenic, venogenic and neurogenic types, as well as the potentially heightened risk of postprostatectomy patients to develop Peyronie’s disease. The purpose of this review is to explain the various treatment options available, including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injections, intraurethral alprostadil suppositories, vacuum erection devices, and penile prostheses. The role of these therapies in an erectile-dysfunction-treatment function, as well as in penile rehabilitation, will be discussed. Finally, a review of research on novel therapies will also be presented. A comprehensive literature review was performed using the PubMed database. Articles were chosen based on topical relevance and assessed for methodology and major findings. There are data to support the use of each of the therapeutic options in both treatment and rehabilitative roles. More study is needed, however, specifically in regard to penile rehabilitation, to confirm its benefits, as well as to determine optimal rehabilitation protocols.
Crystallization of lithium borate glasses

The glass-forming ability and crystallization behaviour of lithium borate compositions, in the diborate to metaborate range, were studied. In particular, the nature and sequence of formation of crystalline phases and the tendency towards devitrification were investigated as functions of temperature, thermal history and batch composition. It was found that the sequence of crystalline phase formation was sensitive to all of the three latter factors, and it was observed that under certain conditions metastable defect structures of the metaborate can appear.