cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of nontarget microorganisms from food washes to anti-Salmonella and anti-E. coli O157 immunomagnetic beads: minimizing the errors of random sampling in extreme dilute systems

For most applications, 3–5 observations, or samplings (n), are utilized to estimate total aerobic plate count in an average population (μ) that is greater than about 50 cells, or colony forming units (CFU), per sampled volume. We have chosen to utilize a 6 × 6 drop plate method for bacterial colony selection because it offers the means to rapidly perform all requisite dilutions in a 96-well format and plate these dilutions on solid media using minimal materials. Besides traditional quantitative purposes, we also need to select colonies which are well-separated from each other for the purpose of bacterial identification. To achieve this goal using the drop plate format requires the utilization of very dilute solutions (μ < 10 CFUs per sampled drop). At such low CFU densities the sampling error becomes problematic. To address this issue we produced both observed and computer-generated colony count data and divided a large sample of individual counts randomly into N subsamples each with n = 2–24 observations (N × n = 360). From these data we calculated the average total mean-normalized (\(\overline{x} _{{{\text{tot}}}} \), n = 360) deviation of the total standard deviation (stot) from each jth subsample’s estimate (sj), which we call Δ. When either observed or computer-generated Δ values were analyzed as a function of \(\overline{x} _{{{\text{tot}}}} \), a set of relationships (\({ \propto {\root { - 2} \of {\overline{x} _{{{\rm{tot}}}} } }}\)) were generated which appeared to converge at an n of about 18 observations. This finding was verified analytically at even lower CFU concentrations (\(\overline{x} _{{{\text{tot}}}} \sim 1 - 10{\text{\ CFUs\ per\ observation}}\)). Additional experiments using the drop plate format and n = 18 samplings were performed on food samples along with most probable number (MPN) analyses and it was found that the two enumeration methods did not differ significantly.
Optimum Gurney flap height determination for “lost-lift” recovery in compressible dynamic stall control

Abstract A variable droop leading edge (VDLE) airfoil was successfully used to control compressible dynamic stall and its associated adverse pitching moment variations. But, the price for this success was a 10% loss of lift. A Gurney flap was then attached normally to the airfoil pressure surface at its trailing edge to recover this “lost-lift”. Gurney flaps are seldom used in compressible flow environment, especially when large angles of attack changes are involved. So, it became necessary to find the optimum flap height that worked satisfactorily for all helicopter retreating blade flow conditions of interest. Parametric experimental studies of airfoil relative performance data with three separate Gurney flaps ( 0.01 c – 0.03 c height) indicated that a 1%-chord height flap was the most satisfactory. Even though the appropriate Gurney flap height was thus established, a post-experiment analysis of the ensemble averaged airfoil unsteady canonical pressure distributions offered an explanation for the observed success of the 1% Gurney flap. Based on the findings, it is suggested that canonical pressures could serve as a new parameter that can be used for the determination of the Gurney flap height and minimize the experimental effort.
Emotional distress in patients with retinal disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of, and potential risk factors for, emotional distress among patients with retinal disease. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Cases consisted of 86 consecutive patients at Wilmer Eye Institute Retinal Vascular Center. Fifty-one controls with normal visual acuity and no known ocular disease were frequency-matched to the cases by age, sex, and race. Subjects were interviewed using the Community Disability Scale, a functional status questionnaire, and the General Health Questionnaire, a questionnaire assessing emotional distress. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable (General Health Questionnaire score 4 or greater and less than 10) or definite (General Health Questionnaire score 10 or greater) emotional distress was 59.3% among ophthalmic patients and 2.0% among controls. There were significant relationships between emotional distress, as assessed by General Health Questionnaire score, and degree of 1) visual impairment, as assessed by weighted bilateral average logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR), and 2) functional impairment, as assessed by Community Disability Scale score (P = .001). Univariate analyses identified significant predictors of emotional distress: shorter duration of ocular disease (P = .019), worse visual acuity (P = .001), increased systemic comorbidities (P = .001), and increased functional impairment (P < .001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrates that worse visual acuity, increased systemic comorbidities, and shorter duration of ocular disease each explain over 10% of the variability in General Health Questionnaire score (r2 = 0.15, 0.12, and 0.11, respectively). Addition of Community Disability Scale score to the regression model eliminates the significance of visual acuity and systemic comorbidities; Community Disability Scale score explains nearly 30% of the variability in emotional distress, as assessed by General Health Questionnaire score (r2 = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Emotional distress is prevalent among patients with retinal disease; potential risk factors for emotional distress among such patients include shorter duration of ocular disease, worse visual acuity, increased systemic comorbidities, and increased functional impairment.
Wild mynahs mimic wild primates

THE remarkable accuracy with which captive hill mynahs (Gracula religiosa) mimic human speech and other sounds is well known1. How this ability functions in nature was entirely speculative until Bertram2 conducted an extensive field study of hill mynahs in India. Bertram2 found that hill mynahs in India imitate the calls of other hill mynahs, but never heard a wild mynah imitate another species.
Windowless gas targets for neutron production

A windowless deuterium gas target has been constructed for either monoenergetic or white neutron production with a 900 KeV deuteron accelerator. The target is capable of operation at 100 mbar target pressure, and can admit a beam of 5 mm transverse extent. This target is further being modified by the inclusion of an intermittent valve arrangement to reduce the flow rates in the higher pressure stages. This valve should allow operation at up to 1000 mbar with low duty factor beams.
Individual and relationship factors associated with delinquency among throwaway adolescents

Abstract An estimated 2.18 million juveniles were arrested in 2007 for delinquent acts in the United States. Many studies have investigated delinquency in relation to specific groups, such as runaway adolescents. However, little is known concerning factors associated with delinquency among throwaway youth. Throwaway youth are those who have been forced to leave parental homes without alternative care arranged or those who are prevented from returning home. Informed by general strain theory that suggests individuals choose delinquency as a result of various levels of strain, it is hypothesized that individual and relationship strains would increase levels of delinquency among throwaway youth. Youth recruited for participation in the study were admitted to a county detention center due to family court mandate as a result of parents voluntarily relinquishing guardianship rights. One-hundred and seventy adolescents completed questionnaires that included several standardized self-report measures. The results of this study indicate that throwaway youth have higher levels of delinquency than the general population and appear to have both individual and relational strains that impact delinquency. Factors related to individual characteristics and relationships with peers and family may suggest future directions for practice, policy, and research of this particularly vulnerable population of delinquent, throwaway youth.
Phase II trial of infusional cyclophosphamide, idarubicin, and etoposide in poor prognosis non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The purpose of this study was to determine the complete response (CR) rate, failure-free survival (FFS), and overall survival (OS) of patients with poor-prognosis intermediate-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) after treatment with cyclophosphamide, idarubicin, and etoposide given as a continuous intravenous infusion (CIVI) over 96 hours (infusional CIE), including patients with relapsed/refractory disease and patients with no prior therapy but at least two poor-risk features by the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index. Forty-two patients with previously untreated NHL (N = 24) or relapsed/ refractory (N = 18) NHL received cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m 2 /d), idarubicin (2.5-3.0 mg/m 2 /d) and etoposide (60 mg/m 2 /d) given by a 96-hour CIVI every 3 weeks for a maximum of 8 cycles. All patients also received granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor. CR occurred in 10 of 24 patients (42%; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 22%, 62%) treated with CIE as first-line therapy, and in 3 of 18 patients (17%; 95% CI 20%, 32%) treated with CIE as second-line or greater therapy. One-year FFS and OS were 42% and 64%, respectively, in patients with no prior therapy, and 17% and 56% in patients with prior therapy. Severe (grade III) or life-threatening (grade IV) toxicity included leukopenia (59%), anemia (61%), thrombocytopenia (31%), and infection (10%). Two patients (4%) died due to treatment related infectious complications. It is unlikely that infusional CIE produces a CR rate more than about 60% in poor-risk patients with intermediate-grade NHL when used as first-line therapy, or more than about 30% in patients receiving the regimen as second-line therapy. Substitution of idarubicin for doxorubicin in this setting, therefore, is not associated with an improved response rate.
Minor prodiginine pigments from actinomadura madurae and actinomadura pelletieri

Five minor prodiginine pigments were isolated from Actinomadura madurae and A. pelletieri fermentations. Two of the pigments were shown to be methylcyclooctylprodiginine (7) and ethylcyclononylprodiginine (8). For the others, structures containing oxygen functions in the aliphatic chains (11, 12 and 13) were suggested.
Schwann cells upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor secondary to chronic nerve compression injury

To better understand the pathogenesis of chronic nerve compression injuries, we investigated the possibility that Schwann cell production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for the increased vascularity and Schwann cell proliferation associated with chronic nerve injury. In situ hybridization was used to evaluate VEGF mRNA production with immunohistochemistry to further localize the production of VEGF and its receptor proteins in an animal model of chronic nerve compression injury. VEGF mRNA and protein expression increased within Schwann cells as early as 2 weeks after compression and peaked by 1 month with a subsequent marked increase in the number of blood vessels. Thus, chronic nerve compression injury induces Schwann cells to increase VEGF production, which may be responsible for changes in neural vasculature secondary to chronic nerve compression injury. With a better understanding of these nerve injuries, more effective treatments may be developed to help patients with these impairments.
Latino students and libraries: a US Federal Grant Project Report

Purpose – This paper aims to describe how an academic library is using federal grant money to contribute to Latino student success by strengthening library collections, archives, and information competence.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the inequalities faced by US Latinos in higher education and how the Oviatt Library at California State University Northridge is addressing this through a project funded by a Hispanic‐Serving Institutions (HSI) Program grant from the US Department of Education. The grant project has three objectives: 1) Increase students' library use by expanding the library's collection of Latino‐related materials, library instruction program, and outreach; 2) Acquire and provide access to primary archival materials related to Latino individuals and organizations in the local community; and 3) Create and administer valid and reliable information competence assessment tools.Findings – Grant money can be an important tool for contributing to a library's ability to respond...
The requirement for flavine adenine dinucleotide in the formation of acetolactate by Salmonellatyphimurium extracts

Abstract Acetohydroxy acid synthetase catalyzes the formation of acetolactate and acetohydroxybutyrate, the first and second intermediates in the biosynthesis of valine and isoleucine, respectively ( Umbarger and Brown, 1958 , Leavitt and Umbarger, 1961 ). Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) and Mg++ were early recognized as cofactors in both reactions. In addition, studies with extracts of Escherichia coli revealed the requirement for an unidentified factor which was present in boiled extracts ( Leavitt, 1961 , Leavitt, 1964 ). More recently, using Salmonella typhimurium extracts, it was observed that the unknown factor was also required for maximal sensitivity to endproduct inhibition by valine ( Bauerle et al. 1964 ). In this paper, the isolation of the factor from bakers yeast and its identification as flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) are described.
An Investigation of the Relationship between the V(hrv), VS, and hrH Antigens

The data from this investigation show that the anti-VS sera studied cannot be separated into anti-hrv (anti-V) and anti-hrH specificities. The antibody specificity is singular and is directed against an antigenic determinant present on VS positive red blood cells. That some anti-VS sera appear to have a separable specificity may be due to the incomplete absorption of those antisera. It was shown that V-, VS+ red blood cells adsorb more anti-VS than do those that are V+, VS+. Several absorption of anti-VS serum with V+, VS+ red blood cells may remove enough of the antibody that the absorbed serum will no longer (visibly) react with V+, VS+ red blood cells, though the same absorbed serum will react with V-, VS+ red blood cells. That this is not a separable specificity can be demonstrated by subsequent absorption to exhaustion of the same serum with V+, VS+ red blood cells. Testing of the original Hernandez serum comfirmed that it defines the antigenic specificity, hrH. The relationship of hrH to VS may be similar to the relationship of the Rh0 (D) antigen to the antigens of the Rh0 (D) mosaic.
[3H]Yohimbine binding to human platelet membranes: evidence for high and low affinity binding sites with negative cooperativity.

Abstract Evidence is presented that [3H]yohimbine binding to human platelet does not follow the simple mass action kinetics. Although [3H]yohimbine binding was saturable and stereospecific, Scatchard analysis of the equilibrium binding data produced a curvilinear plot. Competitive displacement of [3H]yohimbine from the binding sites by unlabeled yohimbine and other α2-antagonists produced shallow inhibition curves. Further, the apparent Hill coefficients of equilibrium binding and competitive displacement data were found to be less than unity. Factors such as binding to nonreceptor sites or to α1-adrenoceptors, dopamine receptors, or 5-HT receptors that may explain the curvilinear curve were excluded. The rank order of potency for inhibiting [3H]yohimbine was rauwolscine > yohimbine > phentolamine > clonidine ⋙ prazosin, suggesting that the binding sites had the characteristics of α2-adrenoreceptors. The affinity of the α2-antagonist for the receptor was enhanced by Na+ but not by guanine nucleotide, suggesting that the binding of the antagonist is modulated only by Na+. Graphic analysis of the specific binding data resulted in two components: one with high affinity and low capacity sites, and second with low affinity and high capacity sites. The experiments on dissociation kinetics, however, suggest that the observed deviation of [3H]yohimbine binding from the simple mass action kinetics is most likely due to negative cooperative interactions among α2-adrenoceptor sites.
Development of an innovative method for analyzing the presence of environmental sustainability themes and an ecological paradigm in science content standards

Abstract An iterative process for developing a method for analyzing Florida's K-12 Next Generation Sunshine State Standards science content was described. For this study, the researchers developed an innovative approach for analyzing the presence of environmental sustainability themes and an ecological paradigm within science content standards. The findings illustrate that detecting ecological thinking within the content standards is a complex and unwieldy process, even when the coders are experts in the content area. Despite this limitation, our expert coders rated the standards document with an overall agreement of 81%. Future research was discussed in terms of how our method could be used to further stakeholders’ understanding about how and to what extent ecological thinking is covered within science content standards.
The Catalytic Situation in the Violence Equation1

This paper discusses views of violence that point to situational impingements on the aggressor as precipitants of his or her aggression. The view (situational determinism) is illustrated through excerpts from a trial that was concerned with police responsibility for incidents of police-citizen violence. The excerpts high-light the exonerating and antipsychological corollaries of the situational view and its emphasis on victim-related variables. This deterministic scenario (violence situation) is contrasted with an interpersonal emphasis (violence transaction) and an offender-centered perspective (violence opportunity). In contrast to the latter's emphasis on aggressor motivation, situational determinism implies the generic motivation ("normalcy") of aggression. As a corollary, the view rejects the possibility of introducing deescalating options into evolving violence transactions.
Implementing a comprehensive, 24-hour emergency department pharmacy program.

Purpose. The implementation of a comprehensive, 24-hour emergency department pharmacy program (EDPP) is described. Summary. An EDPP was created at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System to address deficiencies identified by the pharmacy service within the ED, including medication tracking, documentation of doses administered, and formulary management. The documentation system used in the EDPP, including a computerized spreadsheet and documentation cards, allowed the activities of the ED pharmacists to be tracked on a 24-hour basis. This type of data collection allowed us to evaluate the impact of the program based on the quality of patient care delivered as well as cost. During the initial six-month implementation period, the ED pharmacists recorded 9,568 interventions. The information from these interventions was used to assess the safety components and to estimate the cost avoidance of their activities. A staff satisfaction survey was also created to assess the pharmacist’s impact on providers and nurses, as well as its effect on workflow within the ED. Among the many benefits realized, the EDPP improved the quality of patient care, decreased medication errors and patient wait times, improved the medication reconciliation process, enhanced formulary management, ensured prospective medication order review, and increased overall patient safety, as evidenced by the documented interventions and staff satisfaction survey. The projected cost savings for the medical center during the first year of EDPP implementation was calculated as $1,691,185. Conclusion. A tertiary care teaching hospital successfully implemented a 24-hour, comprehensive ED pharmacy service that enhanced the efficiency and delivery of patient care and resulted in significant cost savings.
Export and Trimerization Pathways of Maltoporin Overlap in the Inner Membrane of Escherichia coli

The production of functional porins involves multiple steps including: export of precursor polypeptides from the cytoplasm, assembly of monomers into trimers, and stabilization of trimers by association with lipopolysaccharide. In this report, a late export/assembly intermediate of the maltoporin (LamB) is found in the inner membrane of Escherichia coli using cell fractionation studies. This processed intermediate is transiently associated with a unique Triton X-100-insoluble subfraction of the inner membrane. The kinetics of appearance and solubility characteristics of this intermediate correspond to those of the metastable trimer form of LamB, suggesting that the export and assembly pathways overlap in the inner membrane prior to final localization in the bulk outer membrane.
Ancient HLA genes from 7,500-year-old archaeological remains

In the past decade there has been increasing interest in cloning DNA from ancient and preserved tissues. Most studies, however, have focused on mitochondrial or chloroplast genes, present at hundreds to thousands of copies per cell compared with one or two for each nuclear gene. With a probe containing Alu repeat sequences, Paabo isolated a 3.4-kilobase DNA fragment from a 2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy which was subsequently shown to contain an intron of the nuclear gene HLA-DQA (ref. 11). Here we report a more targeted approach to the characterization of nuclear genes from archaeological specimens. The Windover pond of central Florida has provided skeletal and soft tissue remains from 165 humans, radiocarbon-dated to be 6,990-8,130 years old. Using DNA obtained from one individual we have characterized segments from six nuclear genes: that for beta 2-microglobulin and five members of the class I HLA heavy chain gene family. Distinctive patterns of nucleotide substitution in the cloned heavy chain gene segments permit tentative assignment of the HLA-A,B type of the ancient individual.
The calcium-sensing receptor and its interacting proteins

Seven membrane-spanning, or G protein-coupled receptors were originally thought to act through het-erotrimeric G proteins that in turn activate intracellular enzymes or ion channels, creating relatively simple, linear signalling pathways. Although this basic model remains true in that this family does act via a relatively small number of G proteins, these signalling systems are considerably more complex because the receptors interact with or are located near additional proteins that are often unique to a receptor or subset of receptors. These additional proteins give receptors their unique signalling ‘personalities’. The extracellular Ca-sensing receptor (CaR) signals via Gαi, Gαq and Gα12/13, but its effects in vivo demonstrate that the signalling pathways controlled by these subunits are not sufficient to explain all its biologic effects. Additional structural or signalling proteins that interact with the CaR may explain its behaviour more fully. Although the CaR is less well studied in this respect than other receptors, several CaR-interacting proteins such as filamin, a potential scaffolding protein, receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) and potassium channels may contribute to the unique characteristics of the CaR. The CaR also appears to interact with additional proteins common to other G protein-coupled receptors such as arrestins, G protein receptor kinases, protein kinase C, caveolin and proteins in the ubiquitination pathway. These proteins probably represent a few initial members of CaR-based signalling complex. These and other proteins may not all be associated with the CaR in all tissues, but they form the basis for understanding the complete nature of CaR signalling.
178 PIGTAIL CATHETER TECHNIQUE REDUCES TRAUMA OF CHEST TUBE PLACEMENT

Chest tube placement for drainage of pleural fluid or evacuation of pneumothorax is often traumatic and may injure the underlying lung. In 11 infants and children (age range 4 days to 6 yrs, including 32 and 36 wk prematures), satisfactory drainage was achieved using 40 cm long, taper tipped, 8.3 Fr. pigtail catheters with six .050” holes positioned in the plane of the pigtail curve, catheters previously modified for percutaneous pericardiocentesis (Cook PCS830G-Lock). For placement, the thorax and pleura were punctured with an 18 gauge needle. A curved .038” guidewire was introduced and the needle withdrawn. The puncture site was enlarged by passing an 8 Fr. dilator along the wire, penetrating the chest wall to a depth of about 1”. The catheter was then advanced over the guidewire, positioned in the pleura, and Luer-locked to a negative pressure, closed drainage system. In all, 16 catheters were placed, 6 for effusions (2 chylous and 2 purulent), 2 for collections of hyperalimentation fluid, and 8 for pneumothoraces. Catheters drained for an average of 5.4 days (range 1 to 20 days). In only 4 cases were supplementary drainage procedures required. In one instance, air entered the thorax on removal of the catheter. There were no other complications, either of placement, or of prolonged use. Insertion is facilitated by the tapered tip of the catheter. Safety is enhanced by wire guidance of the tube, and by the curves of the wire and of the pigtail. Pigtail drainage of pleural fluid or air is simple, safe, and effective, and is less traumatic than standard chest tube placement.
Premixed Edge-Flames in Spatially-Varying Straining Flows

Flames subject to temporally and spatially uniform hydrodynamic strain are frequently used to model the local interactions of flame fronts with turbulent flow fields (Williams, 1985; Peters, 1986; Bradley, 1992). The applicability of laminar flamelet models in strongly turbulent flows have been questioned recently (Shay and Ronney, 1998) because in turbulent flows the strain rate (sigma) changes at rates comparable to sigma itself and the scale over which the flame front curvature and sigma changes is comparable to the curvature scale itself. Therefore quasi-static, local models of turbulent strain and curvature effects on laminar flamelets may not be accurate under conditions where the strain and curvature effects are most significant. The purpose of this study is to examine flames in spatially-varying strain and compare their properties to those of uniformly strained flames.
Parameter uncertainty in the Sandia Array Performance Model for flat-plate crystaline silicon modules

The Sandia Array Performance Model (SAPM) [1] describes the power performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules under variable irradiance and temperature conditions. Model parameters are estimated by regressions involving measured module voltage and current, module and air temperature, and solar irradiance. Measurements are made under test conditions chosen to isolate subsets of parameters and which improve the quality of the regression estimates. Uncertainty in model parameters results from uncertainty in each measurement as well as from the number of measurements. Uncertainty in model parameters can be propagated through the model to determine its effect on model output. In this paper we summarize the process for estimating uncertainty in model parameters for flat-plate, crystalline silicon (cSi) modules from measurements, present example results, and illustrate the effect of parameter uncertainty on model output. Finally, we comment on how analysis of parameter uncertainty can inform model developers about the presence and impacts of model uncertainty.
Testing network-based intrusion detection signatures using mutant exploits

Misuse-based intrusion detection systems rely on models of attacks to identify the manifestation of intrusive behavior. Therefore, the ability of these systems to reliably detect attacks is strongly affected by the quality of their models, which are often called "signatures." A perfect model would be able to detect all the instances of an attack without making mistakes, that is, it would produce a 100% detection rate with 0 false alarms. Unfortunately, writing good models (or good signatures) is hard. Attacks that exploit a specific vulnerability may do so in completely different ways, and writing models that take into account all possible variations is very difficult. For this reason, it would be beneficial to have testing tools that are able to evaluate the "goodness" of detection signatures. This work describes a technique to test and evaluate misuse detection models in the case of network-based intrusion detection systems. The testing technique is based on a mechanism that generates a large number of variations of an exploit by applying mutant operators to an exploit template. These mutant exploits are then run against a victim host protected by a network-based intrusion detection system. The results of the systems in detecting these variations provide a quantitative basis for the evaluation of the quality of the corresponding detection model.
Forb, Insect, and Soil Response to Burning and Mowing Wyoming Big Sagebrush in Greater Sage-Grouse Breeding Habitat

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisiatridentatawyomingensis A. t. Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) communities provide structure and forbs and insects needed by greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) for growth and survival. We evaluated forb, insect, and soil responses at six mowed and 19 prescribed burned sites compared to 25, paired and untreated reference sites. Sites were classified by treatment type, soil type, season, and decade of treatment (sites burned during 1990–1999 and sites burned or mowed during 2000–2006). Our objective was to evaluate differences in ten habitat attributes known to influence sage-grouse nesting and brood rearing to compare responses among treatment scenarios. Contrary to desired outcomes, treating Wyoming big sagebrush through prescribed burning or mowing may not stimulate cover or increase nutrition in food forbs, or increase insect abundance or indicators of soil quality compared with reference sites. In some cases, prescribed burning showed positive results compared with mowing such as greater forb crude protein content (%), ant (Hymenoptera; no./trap), beetle (Coleoptera/no./trap), and grasshopper abundance (Orthoptera; no./sweep), and total (%) soil carbon and nitrogen, but of these attributes, only grasshopper abundance was enhanced at burned sites compared with reference sites in 2008. Mowing did not promote a statistically significant increase in sage-grouse nesting or early brood-rearing habitat attributes such as cover or nutritional quality of food forbs, or counts of ants, beetles, or grasshoppers compared with reference sites.
Cobalt porphyrin-catalyzed alkane oxidations using dioxygen as oxidant

Abstract In a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and water, cobalt(II) porphyrin complexes catalyze the oxidation of alkanes by dioxygen. Carbon monoxide is required as a coreductant for the oxidations to proceed. While the turnover rates are slow, the system displays unusual selectivity in that primary CH bonds are more reactive than the weaker secondary CH bonds or CH bonds α to an alcohol functionality.
Cleaning Random d -Regular Graphs with Brooms

A model for cleaning a graph with brushes was recently introduced. Let α = (v 1, v 2, . . . , v n ) be a permutation of the vertices of G; for each vertex v i let $${N^+(v_i)=\{j: v_j v_i \in E {\rm and} j>\,i\}}$$ and $${N^-(v_i)=\{j: v_j v_i \in E {\rm and} j<\,i\}}$$; finally let $${b_{\alpha}(G)=\sum_{i=1}^n {\rm max}\{|N^+(v_i)|-|N^-(v_i)|,0\}}$$. The Broom number is given by B(G) = max α b α (G). We consider the Broom number of d-regular graphs, focusing on the asymptotic number for random d-regular graphs. Various lower and upper bounds are proposed. To get an asymptotically almost sure lower bound we use a degree-greedy algorithm to clean a random d-regular graph on n vertices (with dn even) and analyze it using the differential equations method (for fixed d). We further show that for any d-regular graph on n vertices there is a cleaning sequence such at least n(d + 1)/4 brushes are needed to clean a graph using this sequence. For an asymptotically almost sure upper bound, the pairing model is used to show that at most $${n(d+2\sqrt{d \ln 2})/4}$$ brushes can be used when a random d-regular graph is cleaned. This implies that for fixed large d, the Broom number of a random d-regular graph on n vertices is asymptotically almost surely $${\frac{n}{4}(d+\Theta(\sqrt{d}))}$$.
A Serial Murderer Learns to Regain Volition by Recognizing the Aura of His Partial Seizures of “Limbic Psychotic Trigger Reaction”

A shy serial murderer, a social loner with past head injuries and previous petit mal seizures, surrendered voluntarily after 25 years. All his homicides had been unplanned, motiveless, and committed with flat affect and during a fleeting psychosis. Both onset and cessation of the symptomatology were sudden and had progressed in three phases, implicating seizures. After recognizing the fatal meaning of his "premonition signs" (his visual aura), he was able to flee immediately and permanently from two poten- tial further victims. His flight had also removed the impact of his individualized external trigger stimuli (demands for closeness), which previously had revived past similar stresses. Because such external stimuli are necessary for seizure kindling, the apparent seizure- aborting effect of their removed impact supports a hypothesis of seizure kindling. Previ- ously, 16 similar homicidal cases had been proposed as limbic psychotic trigger reaction. Furthermore, the volitional abortion of a seizure was not followed by an alternative psycho- sis or forced normalization.
Surface area measurement of platinum/rhenium/alumina: I. Stoichiometry of hydrogen-oxygen chemisorptions and titrations

Abstract The stoichiometry of H2 and O2 adsorption by Pt Al 2 O 3 , Re Al 2 O 3 , and Pt/Re/Al2O3 has been studied. The gas uptakes of the monometallic catalysts were used to predict the expected uptakes by the Pt/Re/Al2O3 catalyst assuming no interaction between the two metals. A significant decrease in H2 chemisorption and an increase in titratable O2 in the bimetallic, compared to that expected for no metal interaction, suggest alloy formation in the Pt/Re/Al2O3 catalyst. A stoichiometry for H2 and O2 chemisorption and titration by Pt/Re/Al2O3 consistent with these observations is proposed.
Assessing the impact of cost control strategies on Swedish physicians’ practice behaviour

Examines trends among Swedish physicians since the introduction of internal market reforms in the delivery of health care and assesses the impact of the use of a performance‐based reimbursement system on the practice of medicine. Explores the views of physicians with the use of the DRG system. The research data came from a mailed survey of physicians randomly selected from three major hospitals in Stockholm. Questionnaires were mailed between May 2001‐July 2001 to 100 physicians in active practice and the response rate was 46 per cent. The results suggest that these measures have affected the way physicians practice medicine. Physicians have become more cost‐conscious than before and most were less likely to recommend the profession to immediate family members. These findings are consistent with studies conducted by Forsberg on the impact of financial incentives on Swedish physicians. While some general dissatisfaction with working conditions was noted, most of the respondents were supportive of the reform measures initiated in Sweden.
Group closures of partial transformations

Let \(X\) be an infinite set, \(f\) a partial one-to-one transformation of \(X\), and \(H\) a normal subgroup of GX, the group of all permutations of \(X\). We investigate when \(H\) is equal to \(G_{ }\). That is, we are interested when \(H\) is the full group of normalizers of the semigroup of transformations on \(X\) generated by conjugates of \(f\) by elements of \(H\).
Not all biofluids are created equal: chewing over salivary diagnostics and the epigenome.

Purpose This article describes progress to date in the characterization of the salivary epigenome and considers the importance of previous work in the salivary microbiome, proteome, endocrine analytes, genome, and transcriptome.
Hybrid Organic−Inorganic Solids That Show Shape Selectivity

Hybrid organic−inorganic solids featuring millimolar/gram concentrations of intracrystalline organic moieties and shape-selectivity are synthesized. Pure-silica zeolite beta crystals are coated with zirconia and treated in aqueous sodium hydroxide to create defects and mesoporosity within the crystalline structure. Aminopropyl organic groups are subsequently grafted onto the generated intracrystalline silanol groups. After grafting, characterization data indicate a high organic concentration localized primarily within the intracrystalline voids. Specifically, thermogravimetric analysis shows an organic loading of 0.7 mmol of NH_2/g, ^(29)Si solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra display a quantitative decrease in Q^3 silicon atoms with a corresponding resharpening of the Q^4 resonances, and N_2 adsorption data show a decrease in micropore volume to 0.10 cm^3/g. Knoevenagel condensation reactions are catalyzed by the aminopropyl-functionalized materials using differently sized aldehydes and the results show that the zirconia-protected functionalized solid have shape selective properties.
An easy and economical method to prepare cells for cytologic analyses.

Abstract A crucial step in any cytology application begins with the placement of cells on slides in a manner that provides good preservation of cell morphology. Commercial cytocentrifuges are the most commonly used devices for this purpose. However, there are instances when these devices are cither not available or not applicable. We devised an easy and economical alternative method to prepare cells for cytologic analysis. The device (cytograv) was easily assembled from common laboratory and office supplies, and produced cell preparations of similar quality as those produced with a cytocentrifuge (cytospin-3). Cellular analyses of biological fluids is one of the most common applications for these kinds of devices. The cytograv device was successfully employed in the identification and verification of a PMN isolation procedure from whole blood. The cytograv device was also successfully used to quantitate increases in the number of PMNs in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid recovered from mice treated with increasing doses of paraquat. These two examples illustrate some of the many possible uses of the cytograv device to provide high-quality preparations for cytologic analyses.
Limits on thermal plasma in the lobes of the radio galaxies 3C 79 and 3C 379.1

An account is given of dual-frequency VLA polarimetric observations of the radio galaxies 3C 79 and 3C 379.1. The observations show remarkably small Faraday rotation gradients across most or all of both sources. The measured rms difference between the 6 and 20 cm polarization position angles is as low as 2 deg for portions of 3C 379.1. The upper limits to the thermal density are approximately 4 x 10 to the -5 per cubic centimeter for both radio galaxies.
Artificial Polypeptide Scaffold for Protein Immobilization

An artificial polypeptide scaffold composed of surface anchor and protein capture domains was designed and expressed in vivo. By using a mutant E. coli phenylalanyl−tRNA synthetase, the photoreactive amino acid para-azidophenylalanine was incorporated into the surface anchor domain. Octyltrichlorosilane-treated surfaces were functionalized with this polypeptide by spin coating and photocrosslinking. The resulting protein films were shown to immobilize recombinant proteins through association of coiled coil heterodimer.
The role of circulating immune complexes and biocompatibility of staphylococcal protein A immunoadsorption in mitomycin C-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome

Mitomycin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a life-threatening complication of this therapy, and increased levels of circulating immune complexes and hypocomplementemia have been found in some patients. We further characterize the role of immune complexes in mitomycin-HUS by showing that removal of these complexes by immunoadsorption with staphylococcal protein A columns correlates with temporal improvement in the microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in this disorder. Two immune complexes bound to the protein A column were identified: an 11S platelet-aggregating protein and a 15S non-platelet-aggregating protein. In addition, the patient had anaphylactoid reactions at the onset of immunoadsorption similar to first-use dialysis reactions that correlated with increases in complement 3a and 5a, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor levels. This case suggests that platelet-aggregating and complement-fixing circulating immune complexes are, in part, a proximate cause for mitomycin C-induced HUS. Therapy for mitomycin (HUS) with protein A columns should continue until circulating immune complexes reach undetectable levels and serum complement levels return to the normal range.
Oligo-Miocene mafic intrusions of the San Juan Volcanic Field, southwestern Colorado, and their relationship to voluminous, caldera-forming magmas

Abstract The trigger(s) of ignimbrite flare-ups in continental environments and their connection to “high power” mantle-melting events are the subject of ongoing debate, often hampered by the relative scarcity of mantle-derived basalts compared to voluminous amounts of intermediate and silicic lavas, intrusions, and welded-tuffs. This study focused on locating and analyzing mafic magmas in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the largest erosional remnant of the Oligocene Southern Rocky Mountain ignimbrite flare-up. The “flare-up in” the San Juan Volcanic Field (SJVF) has several potential explanations including: crustal anatexis or MASH processes from either an asthenospheric “high power” melting event triggered by rifting and/or lithospheric delamination or a lithospheric mantle “high power” event caused by exposure of Farallon metasomatism to the underlying asthenosphere. The required volumes of crustal melt (a column 34–45 km tall over an area of 10,000 km2) and crustal heterogeneity disqualify anatexis as a source of the SJVF. Basalt and basaltic andesite magmas of the SJVF have eNd (−6 to −8) and 87Sr/86Sr (0.705–0.706), high Ba concentrations (750–1500 ppm) with low Rb/Zr (0.25–0.5) compatible with a lithospheric basalt MASH model. An OIB-like basalt source would require nearly twice the crustal assimilation (50%+) and MASH zone thickness (∼17 km) to produce the isotopic ratios of intermediate to silicic SJVF rocks and could not produce their elevated Ba concentrations. The location of the SJVF may be controlled by its maximum distance of magma capture and lateral transport or by the underlying lithospheric mantle.
Cytochemical observations on glucose-6-phosphatase, glucosan phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in chick liver cell cultures infected with Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract Cytochemical reactions specific for glucose-6-phosphatase, glucosan phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and α-glycero-phosphate dehydrogenase were observed in the epithelial cells and macrophages of chick liver cell cultures; α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity was observed also in the fibroblasts. Distribution of three of the enzymes was limited to the cytoplasm, their activity being localized primarily in cytoplasmic inclusions. Weak staining of the nuclei and strong staining of the nucleoli occurred in addition to the cytoplasmic reaction in cells treated for glucose-6-phosphatase. In cell cultures inoculated with Trichomonas vaginalis , the activity of three of the enzymes decreased progressively in the course of infection, but that of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase increased.
Impact of Primary User Interruptions on Data Traffic in Cognitive Radio Networks: Phantom Jam on Highway

The data traffic in cognitive radio subjected to the interruptions of primary users is studied. By incorporating the essential features of cognitive radio traffic, the traffic is modeled as a group of differential equations, similarly to that of vehicle traffics in highway. The stability of the traffic dynamics is analyzed and the corresponding implications on the cognitive radio design are discussed. Particularly, the small and temporary perturbations of primary user interruption may cause long term traffic jam. The traffic jam is essentially caused by the overreaction of traffic control and chain action of followers. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the conclusions of the analysis.
Retinoic acid receptor transcripts and effects of retinol and retinoic acid on glucagon secretion from rat islets and glucagon-secreting cell lines

Abstract Using intact rat islets, hamster In-R1-G9 cells, and mouse αTC-1 clone 9 transgenic tumoral glucagon-secreting cells, we determined the effects of retinol (ROH) and retinoic acid (RA) on glucagon secretion. Since vitamin A effects may be mediated through nuclear RA receptors (RARs) and cytoplasmic ROH- and RA-binding proteins (CRBP and CRABP), cells were also assayed for RARs, CRBP, and CRABP mRNA by Northern blot analyses. Islets and cells were cultured in 2.8 mmol/L glucose and vitamin A-deficient (A-def) medium or in different concentrations of ROH and RA. Using intact islets, RA 10 and 100 nmol/L inhibited glucagon secretion to approximately 60% of control levels. Using In-R1-G9 cells, ROH 0.175 to 5.0 μmol/L inhibited glucagon secretion to 60% to 83% of control levels, and RA 100 and 1,000 nmol/L inhibited glucagon secretion from 72% to 43% of control levels, respectively. Using uTC-1 cells, ROH 1.75 p mol/L inhibited glucagon secretion to 80% of control levels, and RA 1 to 100 nmol/L inhibited secretion from 83% to 68% of control levels. Inhibition of secretion was dose-dependent. RARa RNA transcripts were detected in αTC-1 and In-R1-G9 total RNA extracts; RARy transcripts were detected in αTC-1 cells. We conclude the following: (1) ROH and RA inhibit glucagon secretion in cultured rat islets and glucagon-secreting cell lines, and in cell lines the effect of RA is dose-dependent; (2) on a molar basis, RA is on the order of 10- to 100-fold more potent than ROH, a finding consistent with RA being the active metabolite of ROH at the c-cell level; and (3) this inhibition may be mediated through classic pathways of retinoid action involving nuclear RARs and gene expression of specific proteins.
Procurement allocation planning with multiple suppliers under competition

This paper examines a procurement planning scenario in which a firm wishes to obtain some quantity of a good from a set of capacitated suppliers whose products are interchangeable. The total cost to acquire the good from a supplier is a nondecreasing concave function of the amount of the product purchased, as a result of economies of scale and/or bulk discounts offered by the supplier. The problem of minimising the total cost incurred in obtaining the required amount of the good is NP-hard in itself, but further complicating the situation is the existence of a competing firm (or set of firms) with its own demand for the same input or good. The existence of such competition leads to a situation in which the first firm (the ‘leader’) must consider the actions of their competitor(s) (whom we model as a single ‘follower’) when minimising procurement cost, because the follower’s procurement amounts decrease the suppliers’ available capacity levels. To mitigate the effects of the follower’s actions, the leader ...