cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coded multidimensional pulse amplitude modulation for ultra-high-speed optical transmission

We propose a coded N-dimensional pulse-amplitude modulation (ND-PAM) suitable for ultra-high-speed serial optical transport. The polarization-multiplexed-ND-PAM significantly outperforms corresponding polarization-multiplexed-QAM counterpart in terms of OSNR sensitivity (> 4 dB at symbol rate 31.25 GS/s), while enabling beyond 400 Gb/s transmission.
Improving adolescent preventive care in community health centers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate implementation of the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) in Community and Migrant Health Centers (CMHCs). DESIGN: Before and after comparison of health center policy, clinician and adolescent self-report, and chart reviews in 5 CMHCs. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one preintervention and 80 one-year postintervention providers and 318 preintervention and 331 postintervention 14- to 19- year-old adolescent patients being seen for well visits at 5 CMHCs. INTERVENTION: Health center staff were trained to implement GAPS and were provided resource materials, patient questionnaires, and clinician manuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Delivery of and receipt of preventive services and perceived access to care. RESULTS: CMHC systems changes were related to stronger leadership commitment to adolescent care. Providers reported high levels of preventive services delivery before and after guideline implementation. After guideline implementation, adolescents reported increases in having discussed prevention content with providers in 19 of 31 content areas, including increased discussion of physical or sexual abuse (10% before to 22% after), sexual orientation (13% to 27%), fighting (6% to 21%), peer relations (37% to 52%), suicide (7% to 22%), eating disorders (11% to 28%), weapons (5% to 22%), depression (16% to 34%), smokeless tobacco (10% to 29%), and immunizations (19% to 48%). Adolescents were also more likely to report knowing where to get reproductive or mental health services and were more likely to have received health education materials. Implementation also increased documentation of recommended screening and counseling in 51 of 79 specific content areas assessed in chart reviews. CONCLUSION: Implementing GAPS increased the receipt of preventive services at these health centers. Adolescents received more comprehensive screening and counseling, more health education materials, and had greater access to care after implementation. GAPS implementation may help improve the quality of care for adolescents. Language: en
Characterization of protein G expressed by human group C and G streptococci

Abstract Treatment of human group C and G streptococci with cyanogen bromide results in solubilization of surface protein G molecules. Strain to strain variation in the quantity, molecular weight, and functional activity of protein G extracted from representative group C and G isolates led to the identification of five structurally and functionally distinct forms of the protein. These forms included molecules containing: (i) 3 albumin and 3 igG binding domains; (ii) 3 albumin and 2 IgG binding domains; (iii) 2 albumin and 2 IgG binding domains; (iv) 0 albumin and 3 IgG binding domains; and (v) 0 albumin and 2 IgG binding domains. Only a single form of protein G was expressed by each streptococcal isolate and this was found to be a stable characteristic for that strain.
The modeling of inelastic composite materials with the transformation field analysis

This paper examines several aspects of numerical implementation of the transformation field analysis (TFA) method in applications to inelastic composite materials. In its general form, the method can accommodate any uniform overall loading path, inelastic constitutive equations, and micromechanical model. The response of a selected model to thermomechanical loads and local inelastic or transformation strains is found through mechanical transformation influence functions, which reflect the chosen microgeometry and the elastic response of the phases. Application of the transformation field analysis to elastic-plastic fibrous composites considers a unit cell model and incremental plasticity constitutive equations. For moderate mesh subdivisions of the unit cell, TFA proved to be more efficient than the finite-element method.
Evolutionary and systematic relationships in the flagellate order Trichomonadida Kirby.

SYNOPSIS. Discussion of the systematic relationships and of the evolutionary trends among the 4 families, Monocerco-monadidae, Devescovinidae, Calonymphidae, and Trichomonadidae of the order Trichomonadida includes a consideration of 8 subfamilies, 3 of them new. The genera of Devescovinidae and Calonymphidae, all of which are limited in their distribution to lower termites, are not considered; those of Monocercomonadidae and Trichomonadidae are discussed in the light of the information pertaining to their structure, morphogenesis, distribution, and host-parasite relationship. Diagnoses are given for 6 subfamilies and 14 genera belonging to the latter two families, which are diagnosed also. Type genera are designated for each family and subfamily that is discussed, and type species are designated for each of the 14 genera. A complete synonymy is presented for each type species. Two new species, one of Monocercomonas and another of Tritrichomonas are named and diagnosed. The paper includes a key to all the families and subfamilies of the order and to the genera of Monocercomonadidae and Trichomonadidae.
Plasma transforming growth factor β1 as a predictor of radiation pneumonitis

Abstract Purpose: To investigate prospectively the utility of plasma transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) as a marker for the development of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients with lung cancer treated with curative intent are reported herein. Plasma TGFβ1 samples were obtained before, weekly during, and at each follow-up after radiation therapy (RT). TGFβ1 was extracted using an acid/ethanol method. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify plasma TGFβ1 concentrations. The TGFβ1 level at the end of RT was considered “normal” if it was both ≤ 7.5 ng/ml and less than the pretreatment value. All patients were followed for at least 6 months, unless symptomatic pneumonitis developed sooner. Pneumonitis was defined by National Cancer Institute (NCI) common toxicity criteria. Results: Fifteen of the 73 patients (21%) developed symptomatic pneumonitis and the remaining 58 (79%) did not. A normal plasma TGFβ1 by the end of RT, as defined above, was more common in patients who did not develop pneumonitis. A return of the plasma TGFβ1 to normal accurately identified patients who would not develop pneumonitis with both a sensitivity and positive predictive value of 90%. Conclusion: Plasma TGFβ1 levels appear to be a useful means to identify patients at low risk for the development of pneumonitis from thoracic RT. Thus, monitoring of plasma TGFβ1 levels may identify candidates for dose escalation studies in the treatment of lung cancer.
White-light interferometric microscopy for wafer defect inspection

White-light imaging systems are free of laser-speckle. Thus, they offer high sensitivity for optical defect metrology, especially when used with interferometry based quantitative phase imaging. This can be a potential solution for wafer inspection beyond the 9 nm node. Recently, we built a white-light epi-illumination diffraction phase microscopy (epi-wDPM) for wafer defect inspection. The system is also equipped with an XYZ scanning stage and real-time processing. Preliminary results have demonstrated detection of 15 nm by 90 nm in a 9 nm node densely patterned wafer with bright-field imaging. Currently, we are implementing phase imaging with epi-wDPM for additional sensitivity.
Strategies for Treating Elementary School-Age Children Who Stutter: An Integrative Approach

The speech-language pathologist plays a critical role in the treatment of the elementary school-age child who stutters. The purpose of this article is to describe a model of service delivery for th...
Processing of incomplete measurement data in computed tomography

Conventional approaches to computed tomography involve scanning the entire cross section and producing an image whose spatial and density resolution is uniform over its entire area. If the extent of each scan is restricted to the width of the lesion being investigated, then the x-ray dose is reduced, but a set of incomplete "truncated" projections is measured. Conversely, projections are "hollow" when their inner parts cannot be measured, e.g., when there is a metallic object within the body cross section. We present procedures for preprocessing incomplete projections so that images can be reconstructed from them using the convolution/back projection method.
TIMI Risk Index and the Benefit of Enoxaparin in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the cause of death, risk of nonfatal complications, and relative outcomes with an enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin strategy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction stratified using the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Risk Index (TRI). Methods We evaluated 30-day outcomes in 19,941 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolysis and unfractionated heparin or enoxaparin. Patients were categorized on the basis of prespecified ranges of the TRI [heart rate×(age/10) 2 /systolic blood pressure]. Results There was a strongly graded increase in 30-day mortality with increasing TRI (1.2%-20.7%, P P Conclusions The TRI was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality in a broad population, with a positive association with the risk of death due to mechanical complications and an inverse association with deaths due to recurrent ischemia. The enoxaparin strategy was superior to unfractionated heparin in a majority of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, except for the group at the highest risk for severe mechanical complications, in whom the 2 anticoagulant strategies showed similar results.
Compressibility Effects in Turbulent Subsonic Jets

The behavior of compressible turbulent jets issuing in still air in the absence of shock waves has been investigated at three different subsonic Mach numbers, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9. Helium, nitrogen and krypton gases were used to generate the jet flows and investigate the density effects on the structure of turbulence. Particle Image Velocimetry and high-frequency response pressure transducers were used to obtain velocity, Mach number inside the flow field. The decay of the Mach number at the centerline of the axisymmetric jets increases with increasing the initial Mach number at the exit of the flow for all jets. The decay of mean velocity at the centerline of the jets is also higher at higher exit Mach numbers. However, the velocity non-dimensionalized by the exit velocity seems to decrease faster at low exit Mach numbers suggesting a reduced mixing with increasing the exit flow Mach numbers. Helium jets were found to have the largest spreading rate among the three different gas jets used in the present investigation, while krypton had the lowest spreading rate. Total pressure fluctuations appear to decrease with increasing exit flow Mach numbers. Unusually high turbulence intensities were measured in helium jets issuing in still air.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Manufacturing and Analysis of 3-D Woven Sandwich Composite Under Compressive Loading With Acoustic Emission Monitoring

Composite sandwich panel with 3-d woven fabric preform were manufactured through a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The 3-d sandwich fabric preform known as Parabeam, consist of two bi-directional woven E-glass fabric surfaces, which are inter connected mechanically with several vertical woven piles. Parabeam provides a new type of sandwich composite that possess several multifunctional benefits in addition to light weight, bending stiffness and core skin debonding resistance advantages. After consolidation of the panels, polyurethane foam was injected into the core. Conventional sandwich panels were also fabricated with precast polyurethane foam and E-glass face sheet for comparison with the Parabeam sandwich. Edge wise compression tests were conducted and the corresponding acoustic emission (AE) responses were monitored by an advance AE system. Piezoelectric sensor was used to detect the AE signals. On the basis AE signals, the damage source of the specimen were identified, and classified. Furthermore, cracking size were estimated and used to determine the delamination events among the AE signals. Consequently, the AE signals were correlated to the load-displacement curve in the time domain in order to elucidate the types of damage in the specimen. Details of the manufacturing process, the compression tests, and the analysis of the AE signals are presented in this paper.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
CO oxidation over Pd and Cu catalysts III. Reduced Al2O3-supported Pd

CO oxidation by O2 over Pd was studied between 300 and 450 K and at relatively high partial pressures (up to 100 Torr CO and 180 Torr O2). As the temperature increased, the apparent activation energy increased, the pressure dependency on CO changed from near 0 to −1, and above 50 Torr the O2 dependency increased from 0.2 to 0.7. Below 400 K a first-order O2 dependence was observed at lower O2 pressures. IR spectra were obtained under steady-state reaction conditions to monitor the CO species present on the Pd surface. The spectra were consistent with the negative-order dependence on CO and higher rates were observed when the surface concentration of CO decreased, and they also provided evidence for compressed layers of CO below 400 K. At the higher O2 pressures employed, a normal Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model appears applicable in the regime above 400 K, whereas a reaction between CO and O atoms at the perimeters of their respective islands seems more appropriate below 400 K. The rate parameters derived from the two rate equations are extremely consistent with this transformation as the activation energy of the rate-determining step shifted from 15 kcal/mole in the island regime to 23 kcal/mole in the normal L-H regime, in agreement with the shift from 14 to 25 kcal/mole reported by Engel and Ertl on a Pd(111) surface. Furthermore, the heats of adsorption derived from the KCO and KO values in the L-H rate expression are similar to Qad values reported on nearly saturated Pd surfaces, while the values obtained from the island rate expression are lower, which is expected if compression occurs. Under conditions where O2 adsorption appeared to be the slow step, this elementary step appeared to remain nonactivated.
Stimulation of murine B cells by the combination of calcium ionophore plus phorbol ester

Abstract The ability of calcium ionophore and phorbol ester to stimulate entry into S phase was assessed during short-term cultures of murine B cells extensively depleted of T cells. Neither ionomycin alone nor PMA alone stimulated DNA synthesis. However, the combination of ionomycin plus PMA acted in synergy to induce initiation of DNA synthesis in murine B cells. A role for protein kinase C was implied by the inability of 4 α-phorbol didecanoate to reproduce the effects of PMA. The combination of ionomycin plus PMA also stimulated DNA synthesis in xid -defective B cells.
Optimal involvement in multiple environmental projects under budgetary constraints

Environmental companies bidding on multiple projects are presented with the opportunity for diversification in several areas of the environmental market but, also, with the risk of exposure to uncertain events that can result in major financial loss and/or make the company liable to future claims. Accordingly, each corporation determines its maximum financial involvement in a project by evaluating a project's risk characteristics. Further, a company usually takes a global perspective on the total amount it is prepared to lose without compromising its operational viability. This frequently translates into taking less than 100% working interest in a contract and having to determine the combination of working interests for the projects that satisfy both the financial constraints to risk and the requirement to maximize the total profit. This study provides a procedure that can be easily implemented numerically to quantitatively assess the participation in a number of projects under exponential and parabolic utility models. In particular, the parabolic utility model lends itself to analytic expressions for the working interests. Application of the method is illustrated in the case of three projects arranged at an increasing order of expected return, tolerance to risk, uncertainty, and potential to financial loss. Depending on the global risk tolerance, a greater interest is taken in the least uncertain (but least profitable) project, riskier projects considered only after full participation has been achieved in safer projects.
WRKY75 transcription factor is a modulator of phosphate acquisition and root development in Arabidopsis

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency limits plant growth and development, resulting in adaptive stress responses. Among the molecular determinants of Pi stress responses, transcription factors play a critical role in regulating adaptive mechanisms. WRKY75 is one of several transcription factors induced during Pi deprivation. In this study, we evaluated the role of the WRKY75 transcription factor in regulating Pi starvation responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). WRKY75 was found to be nuclear localized and induced differentially in the plant during Pi deficiency. Suppression of WRKY75 expression through RNAi silencing resulted in early accumulation of anthocyanin, indicating that the RNAi plants were more susceptible to Pi stress. Further analysis revealed that the expression of several genes involved in Pi starvation responses, including phosphatases, Mt4/TPS1-like genes, and high-affinity Pi transporters, was decreased when WRKY75 was suppressed. Consequently, Pi uptake of the mutant plant was also decreased during Pi starvation. In addition, when WRKY75 expression was suppressed, lateral root length and number, as well as root hair number, were significantly increased. However, changes in the root architecture were obvious under both Pi-sufficient and Pi-deficient conditions. This indicates that the regulatory effect of WRKY75 on root architecture could be independent of the Pi status of the plant. Together, these results suggest that WRKY75 is a modulator of Pi starvation responses as well as root development. WRKY75 is the first member of the WRKY transcription factor family reported to be involved in regulating a nutrient starvation response and root development.
Hybrid molecular probe for nucleic acid analysis in biological samples.

The ability to detect changes in gene expression, especially in real-time and with sensitivity sufficient enough to monitor small variations in a single-cell, will have considerable value in biomedical research and applications. Out of the many available molecular probes for intracellular monitoring of nucleic acids, molecular beacon (MB) is the most frequently used probe with the advantages of high sensitivity and selectivity. However, any processes in which the MB stem-loop structure is broken will result in a restoration of the fluorescence in MB. This brings in a few possibilities for false positive signal such as nuclease degradation, protein binding, thermodynamic fluctuation, solution composition variations (such as pH, salt concentration) and sticky-end pairing. These unwanted processes do exist inside living cells, making nucleic acid monitoring inside living cells difficult. We have designed and synthesized a hybrid molecular probe (HMP) for intracellular nucleic acid monitoring to overcome thes...
Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and stroke in the elderly

Objective Since publication in 1995 of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) trial of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) for acute ischemic stroke, the benefit and frequency of use of IV tPA in the elderly have remained uncertain.
Charged fusions for selective recovery of beta-galactosidase from cell extract using hollow fiber ion-exchange membrane adsorption.

We explored the use of charged fusions for selective recovery of β-galactosidase from cell extract using a low-cost, easily scaled, fast, charge-based separation technique—ion exchange on hollow fiber ion-exchange membranes (HFIEMs). The additional charges carried by a series of anionic fusion tails allowed selective binding and release of β-galactosidase from Escherichia coli cell extract using the HFIEM cartridge. The purification factors increased with fusion length. The β-galactosidase was recovered in active form. For the longest fusion studied, more than sixfold enrichment in specific activity was attained. The specific activity of the recovered fraction is comparable with that of commercial wild-type β-galactosidase and affinity-purified fusion protein. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Abstract 1356: The Hinge (linker) region of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) peptide sequence can act as Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met inhibitor

The central domain interface of the HGF referred to as the hinge region is critical for proper ligand (HGF) dimerization and activation. A peptide sequence representing the hinge region acts as a hinge region mimic, by binding directly to HGF and blocking its dimerization. Ligand dimerization is a critical step in activating the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway. And the interference of this unique structure with HGF dimerization translates into inhibition of HGF-dependent signaling, proliferation, and scattering in multiple cell types at concentrations reaching down into the picomolar range. Not only was the hinge peptide sequence capable of inhibiting HGF in-vitro, but it also showed anti-c-Met/anti-cancer activity in an in-vivo study. As expected, it significantly suppresses pulmonary colonization by B16-F10 murine melanoma cells (in C57BL/6 mice), which are characterized by an overactive HGF/c-Met system. This leads to the conclusion that the hinge peptide sequence exerts its anti-cancerous activity through interfering with the HGF/c-Met system, and that more effective HGF/c-Met antagonists can be designed using the hinge region peptide as the parent compound template. The project was funded by Autzen foundation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1356. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1356
Synthesis and thermal expansion of NaGe2P3O12

NaGe2P3O12 which belongs to [NZP]—a family of low thermal expansion materials, was synthesized by solid state reaction method. An attempt was made to produce glass-ceramic of NaGe2P3O12 because of its low melting behavior. Bulk thermal expansions of sintered and glass samples of NaGe2P3O12 were measured and found quite high. A glass-ceramic with single crystalline phase of NaGe2P3O12 could not be produced.
How Can Community Colleges Better Serve Low-Income Single-Mother Students? Lessons From the For-Profit Sector

Low-income single-mother students are disproportionately choosing to attend for-profit schools over community colleges when pursuing associate’s degrees and subbaccalaureate certificates. For-profit schools offer single mothers juggling school, employment, and family the benefits of accelerated degree programs along with enhanced convenience and streamlined student services. Community colleges can become a more appealing and feasible option for low-income single-mother students by adopting some of these characteristics while concurrently advertising their relative affordability and high level of academic rigor.
Using prostate-specific antigen to eliminate unnecessary diagnostic tests: Significant worldwide economic implications

As the 21st century approaches, it is necessary for urologists worldwide to diagnose and stage malignancies in a cost-effective manner. With the recent advances in the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), it is now possible to avoid many time-consuming, expensive, and invasive procedures that have been commonplace in the past. PSA has replaced transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) as a first-line diagnostic test for evaluating men for early, curable prostate cancer. In older men, the use of age-specific reference ranges for serum PSA can significantly decrease the number of prostate biopsies that are routinely performed. With regard to staging procedures, PSA can now be used successfully to eliminate the bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in 30% of men with clinically localized disease and the radionuclide bone scan in 40% of patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. In the discussion that follows, the use of serum PSA in the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer will be discussed. In addition, the economic benefit achieved through proper use of this tumor marker will be reviewed.
Chlamydia trachomatis inclusion membrane protein CT850 interacts with the dynein light chain DYNLT1 (Tctex1).

Chlamydia trachomatis actively subverts the minus-end directed microtubule motor, dynein, to traffic along microtubule tracks to the Microtubule Organizing Center (MTOC) where it remains within a membrane bound replicative vacuole for the duration of its intracellular development. Unlike most substrates of the dynein motor, disruption of the dynactin cargo-linking complex by over-expression of the p50 dynamitin subunit does not inhibit C. trachomatis transport. A requirement for chlamydial protein synthesis to initiate this process suggests that a chlamydial product supersedes a requirement for p50 dynamitin. A yeast 2-hybrid system was used to screen the chlamydia inclusion membrane protein CT850 against a HeLa cell cDNA library and identified an interaction with the dynein light chain DYNLT1 (Tctex1). This interaction was at least partially dependent upon an (R/K-R/K-X-X-R/K) motif that is characteristic of DYNLT1 binding domains. CT850 expressed ectopically in HeLa cells localized at the MTOC and this localization is similarly dependent upon the predicted DYNLT1 binding domain. Furthermore, DYNLT1 is enriched at focal concentrations of CT850 on the chlamydial inclusion membrane that are known to interact with dynein and microtubules. Depletion of DYNLT1 disrupts the characteristic association of the inclusion membrane with centrosomes. Collectively, the results suggest that CT850 interacts with DYNLT1 to promote appropriate positioning of the inclusion at the MTOC.
Spectrum Analysis Relevant to Indian Monsoon

Recent investigations on Indian monsoon by the method of spectrum analysis are reviewed from the viewpoint of various aspects of its application. The assessment is also made on their results and discussions. Through these processes, it emerged that there exist at least two kinds of quasi-periodic variations in the summer monsoonal fluctuation over India and adjacent regions. One appears as a spectral peak around the 5-day period and another is around the 15-day period.
High-energy characterization of multilayers for hard x-ray astronomy

We report the results obtained during the second phase of a program which consists of comparing the performance of different multilayer material combinations. These coatings will be used to extend the bandpass of current hard X-ray optics toward 100 keV, an order of magnitude higher than present technology. The materials studied here are W/Si, Pt/C, and W/C. A comparison of the performance of depth graded multilayers of these different materials at energies 30-80 keV was undertaken. Specular reflectivity data were acquired at 30-80 keV using the X17B1 beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source. Reflectivity versus energy plots showed a high enough reflectivity for the bandpass of interest at grazing angles typical for hard x-ray telescope mirror shells. The next phase of our program will continue with similar high-energy pencil beam measurements on multilayer coated telescope prototype shells.
Photo-activated luminescence of CdSe quantum dot monolayers

We show that the luminescence from CdSe quantum dot monolayers can be strongly influenced by the interaction of water molecules adsorbed on the surface. Light-induced alterations in the surface states following adsorption of water, results in quasi-reversible luminescence changes in the quantum dot. The excitonic QY increases by a factor of 20 during the first 200 s of illumination in air (post vacuum) and then steadily decreases to a level 6 times that of the vacuum reference after 5000 s. The exciton emission exhibits an exponential blue shift of nearly 16 nm (60 meV) over 1 h of illumination. During this time, the line width decreases by 10% during the first 100 s and then slowly increases to 96% of the vacuum reference line width after 5000 s. Our model suggests that water molecules adsorbed on the surface of the quantum dot act to passivate surface traps, which results in increased luminescence, similar to an effect well-known for bulk CdSe surfaces. In addition, adsorbed water molecules act to oxidi...
Effects of Salinity Stress on Survival, Metabolism, Limb Regeneration, and Ecdysis in UCA pugnax

Abstract Estuarine intertidal zones are characterized by variable salinity regimes due to seasonal and daily fluctuations. Salt-marsh inhabitants, such as the mud fiddler crab Uca pugnax, are physiologically adapted to this habitat. Crustacean growth and development are energy demanding and sensitive hormonal processes which are susceptible to natural stressors. This study investigated physiological and metabolic changes in the molt cycle of U. pugnax in response to different salinity levels by assessing the survival, respiration, and post-molt tissue protein and carbohydrate content. Crabs were subjected to a limb regeneration and ecdysis challenge under four different salinity regimes. For the study, a limb was removed and its regenerative growth was photographed every two days. After ecdysis, crabs were dissected, and the tissues collected were analyzed for their protein and carbohydrate contents. Crabs held at 60 and 75 ppt seawater showed 100% mortality. Crabs at 60 ppt did not undergo basal limb gro...
Thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in children.

Both primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax are significant clinical problems in the pediatric population. The majority of these patients will require active therapy, initially with a tube thoracostomy. Patients in whom primary therapy fails or patients with recurrent or bilateral pneumothoraces will require more aggressive, surgical, treatment. Thoracoscopy provides a minimally invasive technique that reproduces all of the traditional open surgical procedures used for treatment of pneumothorax with less morbidity. Chemical and mechanical pleurodesis, partial pleurectomy, and bleb resection may all be achieved by thoracoscopic techniques. These procedures may be performed under local or general anesthesia and require two or three thoracoscopic ports. In most reported series, the incidence of recurrent pneumothorax appears to be slightly higher after thoracoscopic treatment than after open treatment, especially in patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Between 1985 and 1997, we performed...
The magnetic ion-mass spectrometer on Atmosphere Explorer

The magnetic ion-mass spectrometer is designed to measure the abundances of the ambient positive ions in the ionosphere. It will be calibrated in flight against the retarding-potential analyzer and the cylindrical electrostatic probe to give absolute concentration data for the ion species detected. These parameters can be measured to approximately plus or minus 10% in well-behaved regions where concentrations are above 1000/cu cm. However, in highly structured polar regions, some degradation in accuracy may be expected. Three mass ranges, covered simultaneously by the scan of the instrument, 1 to 4, 4 to 16, and 16 to 64 amu, permit measurement of the entire mass range, 1 to 64 amu, in 1 sec in the main (peaks) mode. An alternate mode, analog-long, will extend the mass range to 90 amu with a 9-sec period.
“I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew I was American”: A critical discourse analysis of a dialogic speech event

Abstract Unpacking a dialogic speech event that took place in an ESOL teacher education class, this article explores an instance of struggle over ascribed, commonsense meanings that include some U.S. Americans and exclude others. The incident—what Fairclough (1992) has called a “moment of crisis”—turned out to be a powerful, transformative experience in which the notion of what it means to “be American” was problematized, deconstructed, and reconstructed to add diverse ethnicities to the White majority. Dialogic instances such as the one showcased confirm the potential of crucial questions, polarizing issues, and moments of conflict for pushing the boundaries of dialogue among participants in the classroom. By providing a step-by-step critical discourse analysis of the structure of a dialogic speech event, this article seeks to offer a contribution that illustrates, examines, and models dialogic practices associated with preparing ESOL pre-service teachers.
The transmission of excitation from the membrane to actomyosin

The impressed field, “Window Field” (WF), due to a half-wave action potential on a muscle fiber, has been calculated on the basis of potential theory. It has been shown that in spite of the small intensity of the field, its integrated action can transfer the energy needed to induce, contraction from the membrane to the interior of the fiber. The energy of polarization has been found to be sufficient to exceed the energy of, thermal agitation on that length of fiber, which can be identified as the length of a sarcomere. The changes of ion concentration, caused by the WF, if calculated on the assumption of the semipermeability of theZ membranes, was found to be equal to the changes necessary to induce contraction of actomyosinin vitro.
Technoeconomic evaluation of bio-based styrene production by engineered Escherichia coli.

Styrene is an important commodity chemical used in polymers and resins, and is typically produced from the petrochemical feedstocks benzene and ethylene. Styrene has recently been produced biosynthetically for the first time using engineered Escherichia coli, and this bio-based route may represent a lower energy and renewable alternative to petroleum-derived styrene. However, the economics of such an approach has not yet been investigated. Using an early-stage technoeconomic evaluation tool, a preliminary economic analysis of bio-based styrene from C6-sugar feedstock has been conducted. Owing to styrene’s limited water solubility, it was assumed that the resulting fermentation broth would spontaneously form two immiscible liquid phases that could subsequently be decanted. Assuming current C6 sugar prices and industrially achievable biokinetic parameter values (e.g., product yield, specific growth rate), commercial-scale bio-based styrene has a minimum estimated selling price (MESP) of 1.90 USD kg−1 which is in the range of current styrene prices. A Monte Carlo analysis revealed a potentially large (0.45 USD kg−1) standard deviation in the MESP, while a sensitivity analysis showed feedstock price and overall yield as primary drivers of MESP.
Integration of a high-Q spiral inductor into an existing digital CMOS backend

A spiral inductor is integrated into an existing CMOS triple layer backend process. To obtain a high quality factor `Q' for the inductor the existing one micron thick metal 3 process was replaced by a three micron thick metal process. The necessary process modifications to integrate this thicker metal process are presented.
Somatic gene mutations in vivo as indicated by the 6-thioguanine-resistant T-lymphocytes in human blood

Abstract The clonal and the autoradiographic assays for 6-thioguanine-resistant (TGr) T-lymphocytes (T-Lys) in human blood are reviewed. Studies of TGr colonies recovered from clonal assays show that the mutant T-Lys (i) are either helper (T4) or suppressor (T8) cells, (ii) poses stable TGr phenotype, (iii) are deficient in hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), and (iv) have structural alterations in the hprt gene. TGr T-Ly mutant frequencies (Mfs) determined by clonal assays are of the order of 10−6−10−5 for normal adults. Autoradiographically determined variant frequencies (Vfs) are also in this range for normal adults when lymphocytes are cryopreserved before study to remove ‘phenocopies’. Cancer exposed to potentially mutagenic treatments have elevated TGr T-Ly Vfs. Comparative clonal and autoradiographic assays of the same blood samples give generally similar results when allowances are made for potential sources of error in each assay. The TGr T-Ly system is presented for human specific-locus mutagenicity monitoring.
Help!: Prevalence and disposition of psycho-social problems in the hospital emergency unit

A study was undertaken of the incidence and nature of psycho-social problems in the general hospital emergency unit, since this facility has become a major general health resource for the community, but is still uncertain about the breadth of its responsibilities. Psychiatric evaluations indicate that more than three quarters of the patients have significant psycho-social problems. Although the patient, attending physician, and psychiatrist agree that these are more likely to be severe than are physical problems, the former two tend to overlook them in favor of coexisting physical problems; the physician especially ignores social problems. The psychiatrist's sensitivity to more covert problems and social problems seems related to his attention to the broad background and functioning of the patient. Only the most overt and severe psychosocial problems receive specialized help either in the emergency unit or via referral to other specialized agencies. Some suggestions are offered for changes in policy, staff education, staffing and equipping, and inter-agency coordination and resource development to help the emergency unit fulfill its responsibilities to the psycho-social health needs of the community.
Extended clomiphene citrate (CC) and prednisone for the treatment of chronic anovulation resistant to CC alone

Abstract Objective: To evaluate effectiveness and safety of a regimen of extended clomiphene citrate (CC) and prednisone for patients who fail treatment with CC alone. Design: Retrospective observational analysis. Setting: University-based tertiary infertility center. Patient(s): Twenty-four anovulatory patients who failed to ovulate after CC 150 mg administered for 5 days. Intervention(s): Treatment consisted of CC given on cycle days 3 through 9 (extended) at a starting dose of 100 to 150 mg/d. Additionally, patients were given prednisone 5 mg orally each night throughout the cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ovulation was confirmed by luteal serum P. Pregnancy was confirmed by rising hCG levels and transvaginal ultrasound. Result(s): A total of 60 cycles were available for review. Forty-four of these cycles were ovulatory (73%) and 11 patients (46%) conceived on this therapy. Logistic (two-parameter) pregnancy occurrence over time (cycles) revealed a maximum pregnancy probability of 0.66 and a cycle fecundity of 0.36. No complications of therapy were noted. Conclusion(s): Clomiphene citrate-resistant anovulatory patients have high rates of ovulation and pregnancy after treatment with extended CC and prednisone. This therapy offers a potential reduction in cost and risk and should be considered in this group of patients before gonadotropin stimulation or surgery.
The transport of pteridines in CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastic cells.

The transport routes used by CCRF-CEM human lymphoblastoid cells for the influx and efflux of unconjugated pteridines were analyzed using [3H]6-hydroxy-methylpterin as a model compound. Influx proceeds by a mechanism that exhibits a Km of 66.7 μM and a Vmax of 0.077 nmol/min per mg cellular protein. The process is somewhat sensitive to metabolic inhibitors, particularly uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, and is significantly affected by the presence of other pteridines in the extracellular medium. The results suggest that pterins with either no 6-substituent (pterin) or those with methyl, hydroxyl, or formyl groups in this position, which exhibit Ki values between 25 and 77 μM, may share the same pathway for uptake. 6-Carboxypterin exhibits low affinity for the system (Ki>500 μM), as do 7-substituted and 6,7-disubstituted derivatives and compounds with larger groups at the 6-position, such as neopterin and biopterin (Ki= 250–300 μM). Efflux of [3H]6-hydroxymethylpterin occurs rapidly and can proceed by at least two routes. The first, comprising approximately 50% of total efflux, is inhibited by extracellular pterins and exhibits similar properties to the uptake system in both its pattern of sensitivity to metabolic inhibitors and its specificity for pteridine structure. The route by which the remaining efflux occurs is relatively insensitive to metabolic inhibition. Adenine significantly inhibits 6-hydroxymethylpterin influx and efflux (Ki=10.6 μM for uptake) but does not appear to share the same transport system. Similarly, methotrexate and folic acid exhibit little affinity for the unconjugated pteridine transport routes.
Response-outcome contingency: Behavioral and judgmental effects of appetitive and aversive outcomes with college students

Abstract In two experiments, positive, negative, and zero response-outcome contingencies were responded to and rated by college students under a free-operant procedure. In Experiment 1, outcomes were either neutral or were associated with point gain. In Experiment 2, subjects were administered different outcome treatments: neutral outcomes, outcomes associated with money gain, or outcomes associated with money loss. In both experiments, subjects' judgments of response-outcome contingency and their operant responses were each strong linear functions of Δ P , the difference between the probability of an outcome given a response and the probability of an outcome given no response. Appetitive and aversive outcomes produced opposite and symmetrical response patterns. In Experiment 1, no differences in ratings occurred with neutral or appetitive outcomes; however, in Experiment 2, more potent appetitve outcomes led to somewhat more extreme ratings than either neutral or aversive outcomes. Increasing outcome probability produced only a slight bias in ratings of noncontingent problems in Experiment 1 and no bias in Experiment 2. Contrary to predictions derived from an analysis of superstitious behavior, increasing outcome probability in noncontingent problems decreased operant responding when outcomes were appetitive and increased operant responding when outcomes were aversive. Trend analyses revealed that Δ P was superior to several other metrics in predicting subjects' estimates of contingency and the behavioral effects of contingency. Operant responding was in closer accord with matching predictions than with maximizing predictions.
The Role of Polymeric Micelles on Chemical Changes of Pretreated Corn Stover, Cellulase Structure, and Adsorption

Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is limited by rapid cellulase deactivation, consequently requiring large amounts of enzyme to maintain acceptable biomass conversion. In this study, a new approach to improve lignocellulose hydrolysis was investigated. Performing enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover (CS) in the presence of polymeric–surfactant micelles (PMs) was demonstrated to improve hydrolysis yield to a greater extent than using only surfactant micelles. Application of 2 % (w/w) of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) with casein, Tween-20, and Triton X-100 at levels above the critical micelle concentrations increased the hydrolysis yield of CS containing high-bound lignin (extrusion-pretreated) by up to 87.8, 11.7, and 7.5 %, respectively. These PMs were not effective during enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass lacking lignin (Avicel) or alkali-pretreated CS (7.2 % lignin). The main reasons for the enhanced cellulase activity observed due to PEG-casein, PEG-Tween, and PEG-Triton were enhanced cellulase solubilization; reformation of α-helix substructure; and combination of induced cellulase solubilization, α-helix reformation, and chemical changes in the microstructure of biomass, respectively. Deformation of the cellulase substructure during hydrolysis of biomass and its subsequent reformation in the presence of surfactants were shown in this study for the first time. Chemical changes in the microstructure of biomass (e.g., lignin side changes, C–O bonds, and amorphous cellulose) were found to be another potential reason for the effectiveness of surfactants when they are incubated at above 6 g/L for 72 h with biomass.
Effects of Grind Size, Sucrose Concentration and Salt Concentration on Peanut Butter Texture

A 3 X 3 X 3 factorial design with three grinds (fine, medium and coarse), three salt concentrations (0, 0.6 and 1.2%) and three sucrose concentrations (0, 3 and 6%) was used in formulating peanut butters. Eleven sensory descriptive characteristics were examined, along with instrumental hardness, hesion and power law flow model constants. A consumer panel rated the peanut butter texture using a 9-point hedonic scale. Increased grind size decreased sensory smoothness, spreadability, adhesiveness and preference ratings, but increased instrumental hesion and hardness. Increased sucrose caused decreases in instrumental hesion and hardness, sensory adhesiveness and consumer texture ratings. Added salt increased the ease of swallowing, as well as consumer preference of texture.
Cerebellar vermis: essential for classically conditioned bradycardia in the rat

The effects of lesions of the cerebellar vermis on the acquisition of heart-rate conditioning in rats was examined. Lesions of the vermis severely attenuated the acquisition of conditioned bradycardic responses in a simple conditioning procedure in restrained rats. Importantly, the vermal lesions did not affect resting heart-rate, unconditioned heart-rate orienting responses to a tone stimulus or unconditioned heart-rate responses to the shock unconditioned stimulus. It is concluded that the cerebellar vermis is an essential component of a heart-rate conditioned response circuit in the rat. The similarities between these effects and those following manipulations of the amygdala are discussed.