cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flavanone silibinin treatment attenuates nitrogen mustard-induced toxic effects in mouse skin.

Currently, there is no effective antidote to prevent skin injuries by sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM), which are vesicating agents with potential relevance to chemical warfare, terrorist attacks, or industrial/laboratory accidents. Our earlier report has demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin, a natural flavanone, in reversing monofunctional alkylating SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-induced toxic effects in mouse skin. To translate this effect to a bifunctional alkylating vesicant, herein, efficacy studies were carried out with NM. Topical application of silibinin (1 or 2 mg) 30 min after NM exposure on the dorsal skin of male SKH-1 hairless mice significantly decreased NM-induced toxic lesions at 24, 72 or 120 h post-exposure. Specifically, silibinin treatment resulted in dose-dependent reduction of NM-induced increase in epidermal thickness, dead and denuded epidermis, parakeratosis and microvesication. Higher silibinin dose also caused a 79% and 51%reversal in NM-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and COX-2 levels, respectively. Furthermore, silibinin completely prevented NM-induced H2A.X phosphorylation, indicating reversal of DNA damage which could be an oxidative DNA damage as evidenced by high levels of 8-oxodG in NM-exposed mouse skin that was significantly reversed by silibinin. Together, these findings suggest that attenuation of NM-induced skin injury by silibinin is duemore » to its effects on the pathways associated with DNA damage, inflammation, vesication and oxidative stress. In conclusion, results presented here support the optimization of silibinin as an effective treatment of skin injury by vesicants. - Highlights: • Silibinin treatment attenuated nitrogen mustard (NM)-induced skin injury. • Silibinin affects pathways associated with DNA damage, inflammation and vesication. • The efficacy of silibinin could also be associated with oxidative stress. • These results support testing and optimization of silibinin against SM-induced skin injury.« less
Combining a frequency-scanned antenna and a short-pulse radar for 2-D imaging

A frequency-scanned microstrip leaky wave antenna (MLWA) is combined with a short-pulse radar to achieve real-time range-azimuth imaging of a scene. The antenna is designed to have a narrow scanning beam across the bandwidth of the radar. The direction-finding capability is verified through measurement and full-wave simulation. An imaging algorithm based on the short-time Fourier transform is developed. Line-of-sight and through-wall images of a moving human are presented to demonstrate the performance of the system.
Label removal from deteriorated leather-bound books

AbstractThis research on label removal from leather was inspired by a real-life circumstance in a library where similar pressure-sensitive labels had been applied to the covers of a series of eighteenth-century leather-bound books. The challenge was to develop a protocol for safely removing the unwanted labels that could be carried out by non-specialists outside of a laboratory without causing damage to the historic bindings. The adhesive was analysed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solubility tests. The degraded sheepskin was characterized by its follicle pattern, shrinkage temperature, spot tests and surface pH. A selection of mechanical and solvent-based techniques was evaluated, including removal with a scalpel, solvent gels, solvent poultices, solvent chambers and changes in temperature. The best results occurred when the paper label was thinned, followed by a cellulose fibre poultice with ethyl acetate applied to the thinned backing.
Concise way of expressing the physicogeometric content of the gravitational field equations.

It is observed that the Einstein field equations ${R}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$-(1/2)${\mathrm{Rg}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$=8\ensuremath{\pi}${\mathrm{GT}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ are equivalent to the physicogeometric statement: A local spherical region of radius r containing energy with moment of inertia I has the physical volume V(r)=(4\ensuremath{\pi}/3)(${r}^{3}$+GI) in an associated free-falling frame of reference.
Parallel Processing Of Images In Real Time

A theoretical background of image and geometrical transformations is introduced. Digital signal processing techniques as applied to image processing are discussed. The problems associated with real-time image processing are presented. A distributed system employing multiprocessors to process data in parallel is described.
Further Psychometric Examination of the Tourette’s Disorder Scales

The Tourette's Disorder Scales (Shytle et al., 2003) are parent- (Tourette's Disorder Scales-Parent Rated; TODS-PR) and clinician-rated (Tourette's Disorder Scales-Clinician Rated; TODS-CR) measures that assess tics, obsessions, compulsions, inattention, hyperactivity, aggression, and emotional disturbances among children with tics. Although the TODS-PR/CR are being increasingly used in clinical trials, relatively little psychometric data have been reported. Subjects were 44 children and adolescents recruited in a university tic specialty clinic. Families were administered the TODS-CR and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Completion of the TODS-PR and Child Behavior Checklist were counterbalanced. Results indicated adequate to excellent internal consistency for the TODS-PR/CR scores. Excellent inter-rater agreement and convergent and divergent validity was found. These results provide further psychometric support for the TODS-PR and TODS-CR.
Miniaturized cavity-backed dual-polarized slot antenna

A novel compact dual-polarized slot antenna is proposed and implemented. It is a cavity-backed antenna realized by the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The slot is meandered in order to miniaturize the antenna size and the SIW cavity is used to enhance the antenna gain and radiation efficiency. Good dual polarization performance is achieved and demonstrated by good isolation between the two ports and small envelope correlation efficient. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated data. The proposed antenna exhibits a small size and is able to provide a good efficiency and polarization diversity performance.
Reading Success in the Secondary Classroom

Serious reading problems exist among adolescent learners, as evidenced by declining national reading scores and increased dropout rates. Teachers can reverse this downward spiral by using the scaffolded reading experience (SRE) in their instruction. SRE is an organizational framework that secondary teachers may use to integrate the reading process into their content. SRE targets 2 instructional elements: techniques and strategies. Techniques are actions the teacher takes to ensure appropriate prereading, reading, and postreading instruction. Strategies, such as list-group-label (H. Taba, 1967), story pyramid, and summarizing, are tools that students use to comprehend information. In this article, the authors describe pedagogical techniques and instructional strategies used in SRE and give practical suggestions for achieving reading success in the secondary classroom.
Structure elucidation of platelet activating factor derived from human neutrophils.

Platelet activating factor (PAF)★ synthesized by human neutrophils challenged by opsonized zymosan or calcium ionophore was isolated from cells and buffer using Bligh and Dyer extraction following the addition of tracer amounts of tritiated-PAF. The extract was subjected to TLC separation of phospholipid classes, followed by reverse phase HPLC for molecular species separation. All fractions were measured for radioactivity, biological activity and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. While the radioactive tracer PAF could be separated into three molecular species, PAF biological activity eluted as a single component which was characterized as 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine. The lack of molecular species heterogeneity of PAF produced in response to stimuli implies a higher degree of control of biosynthesis than previously suspected.
An ABC Transporter Controls Export of a Drosophila Germ Cell Attractant

Directed cell migration, which is critical for embryonic development, leukocyte trafficking, and cell metastasis, depends on chemoattraction. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase regulates the production of an attractant for Drosophila germ cells that may itself be geranylated. Chemoattractants are commonly secreted through a classical, signal peptide-dependent pathway, but a geranyl-modified attractant would require an alternative pathway. In budding yeast, pheromones produced by a-cells are farnesylated and secreted in a signal peptide-independent manner, requiring the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter Ste6p. Here we show that Drosophila germ cell migration uses a similar pathway, demonstrating that invertebrate germ cells, like yeast cells, are attracted to lipid-modified peptides. Components of this unconventional export pathway are highly conserved, suggesting that this pathway may control the production of similarly modified chemoattractants in organisms ranging from yeast to humans.
Mixed-Alkali Effect in the Dilute Foreign-Alkali Region. Failure of the Strong Electrolyte/Cationic Interaction Model

Electrical conductivity and relaxation data were measured for glasses of composition 0.242[XK2O+(1-X)Na2O]-0.758SiO2 from 25° to 205°C and in the dilute Na+ ion composition range X= 0.9 to 1. The decrease in electrical conductivity σ when the majority alkali K+ is replaced with the foreign alkali Na+ is most rapid in the very dilute range X= 0.98 to 1 and becomes less rapid at larger Na+ contents. The electric field relaxation times agree well with the single-alkali mechanical relaxation times. The electric field relaxation function becomes more exponential with increasing foreign alkali content, indicating a corresponding decrease in the concentration of mobile ions. Attempts to account for the decrease in σ with increasing foreign alkali content by assuming that the single-alkali glass is a strong electrolyte and that the foreign alkali complexes with and immobilizes the majority alkali were unsuccessful. Calculated values of the number of majority alkali ions complexed by a foreign-alkali ion were unreasonably large.
Patient education based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for a patient with persistent low back pain: a case report.

Study design Case report. Background Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for patients with persistent pain. Recent research indicates that physical therapists self-perceive a lack of knowledge, skills, and time to provide this intervention. The purpose of this case report is to describe how specific CBT strategies can be integrated with multimodal physical therapist management of a patient with persistent low back pain. Case description The patient was a 70-year-old female with activity limitations of walking, standing, and forward bending. Oswestry Disability Questionnaire score was 19/50 and Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire physical activity subscale was 23/24. The Low Back Activity Confidence Scale revealed 19%, 100%, and 84% for function, symptom self-regulation, and exercise, respectively. CBT-based patient education was provided in combination with manual therapy and exercise. CBT techniques included cognitive restructuring, goal setting, activity pacing, problem-solving strategies, graded exposure, encouraging exposure to pleasant experiences, and maintenance strategies. Outcomes The patient was discharged after 7 visits distributed over 21 weeks. Her Oswestry Disability Questionnaire score was reduced 10% and Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire physical activity subscale score reduced 48%. On the Low Back Activity Confidence Scale the patient's scores were 19%, 87%, and 94% for function, symptom self-regulation, and exercise, respectively. Discussion This case report describes the use of CBT techniques during patient education by a physical therapist. The patient demonstrated clinically measurable and significant improvements in disability. Improvements in both self-efficacy beliefs related to exercise and activity avoidance beliefs were associated with improvement in disability. Additional research is needed to determine best practices for CBT-based patient education by physical therapists. Level of evidence Therapy, level 4.
Clinical and radiological features of respiratory syncytial virus in solid organ transplant recipients: a single-center experience

: Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections range from upper respiratory illness to severe lower respiratory disease. There is no universally accepted treatment for RSV in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Methods Retrospective review of adult SOT patients with RSV infections, between January 2007 and December 2009, in a single transplant center was performed. Results During the 3-year period, a total of 24 adults developed RSV infection, including 12 (50%) SOT recipients (5 kidneys, 4 livers, and 3 lungs). Most cases were seen in 2009 during the influenza H1N1 pandemic, likely as a result of increased testing. In 83% of the cases, the diagnosis was based on RSV antigen detection, which was also used to follow subsequent shedding (mean duration: 20.6 days). Most of the cases presented with lower respiratory disease and required hospitalization. All the patients were on at least two classes of immunosuppressive drugs. We observed a lower lymphocyte count in patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Computed tomography was superior to chest x-ray in demonstrating pulmonary disease, with the most common findings being pulmonary nodules and ground-glass opacities. Novel radiographic findings were small cavities and pleural effusions. No co-infections were documented, and no mortality could be attributed to RSV. Inhaled or oral ribavirin was administered in 67% of the cases, with variations in the treatment regimens. Conclusion SOT recipients accounted for half of all adult cases of RSV at our institution. Type and length of treatment varied widely, and we cannot conclude that outcomes differed between treatments with oral or inhaled ribavirin. Current therapeutic management of RSV in SOT is empiric, and can be rather expensive and difficult, without clear evidence of effectiveness.
Development of a nondestructive compliance test for resilient denture liners.

Purpose Resilient denture liners are prescribed for patients who cannot adjust to hard-based dentures because of a thin mucosa or severe alveolar ridge resorption. A nondestructive test to evaluate compliance of new soft liner materials will be useful in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a nondestructive compliance testing technique designed to characterize long-term, silicone-based resilient denture liner materials. Materials and Methods Samples of thicknesses of 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, and 4.4 mm of 2 materials (MPDS-SL [Lai Laboratories, Inc, Burnsville, MN] and Molloplast-B [Buffalo Dental, New York, NY]) were assessed for compliance using a closed-loop servohydraulic testing system, applying a 3 lb force following a squarewave pattern; force and position values were recorded using a storage oscilloscope. The oscilloscope values were analyzed using computer software to determine compliance values. The effect of material thickness was examined by testing wedges of the 2 materials. Results The testing technique used showed that differing thicknesses had significantly different compliance values (p < .0001). In the materials used to evaluate the technique, MPDS-SL behaved more elastically than did Molloplast-B (p < .0001). Material thicknesses beyond 2.2 mm did not increase compliance, although MPDS-SL had a steeper thickness-compliance curve than Molloplast-B. Conclusions The method used to test compliance proved to be sufficiently sensitive to distinguish between 2 materials and between varying thicknesses. The sensitivity and nondestructive nature of this test show its suitability for clinical evaluation of resilient denture liners.
A novel denaturing heteroduplex tracking assay for genotypic prediction of HIV-1 tropism.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is characterized by sequence variability. The third variable region (V3) of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 plays a key role in determination of viral coreceptor usage (tropism) and pathogenesis. This report describes a novel denaturing heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA) to analyze the genetic variation of HIV-1 V3 DNA. It improved upon previous non-denaturing HTA approaches to distinguish HIV-1 CCR5 and CXCR4 tropic viruses in mixed populations. The modifications included the use of a single-stranded fluorescent probe based on the consensus V3 sequence of HIV-1 CCR5 tropic viruses, Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) “clamps” at both ends of heteroduplex DNA, and denaturing gel electrophoresis using Mutation Detection Enhancement (MDE®) as matrix. The analysis demonstrated that the LNA “clamps” increased its melting temperature (Tm) and the thermal stability of heteroduplex DNA. The partially denaturing gel used a defined concentration of formamide, and significantly induced mobility shifts of heteroduplex DNA that was dependent on the number and patterns of DNA mismatches and insertions/deletions. This new technique successfully detected tropisms of 53 HIV-1 V3 clones of known tropism, and was able to separate and detect multiple V3 DNA variants encoding tropisms for CCR5 or CXCR4 in a mixture. The assay had the sensitivity to detect 0.5% minority species. This method may be useful as a research tool for analysis of viral quasispecies and for genotypic prediction of HIV-1 tropism in clinical specimens.
Filtration, diffusion, and molecular sieving through porous cellulose membranes.

In Vol. 38, No. 2, November 20, 1954, page 226, in Equation 2, there is an error in the sign of the last term in the denominator of the logarithm. The equation should read as follows:— See PDF for Equation
Environmental effects of the determination of molecular dipole moments by stark spectroscopy

Abstract From the orientational Stark splitting in the absorption spectra of parafluoroaniline, the apparent change in dipole moment between the ground state and the first excited singlet state of this molecule isolated in a durene host crystal was found to be about 100% larger than the value reported for the vapor phase. Possible reasons for this difference are given.
Nlz belongs to a family of zinc-finger-containing repressors and controls segmental gene expression in the zebrafish hindbrain

The zebrafish nlz gene has a rostral expression limit at the presumptive rhombomere (r) 3/r4 boundary during gastrula stages, and its expression progressively expands rostrally to encompass both r3 and r2 by segmentation stages, suggesting a role for nlz in hindbrain development. We find that Nlz is a nuclear protein that associates with the corepressor Groucho, suggesting that Nlz acts to repress transcription. Consistent with a role as a repressor, misexpression of nlz causes a loss of gene expression in the rostral hindbrain, likely due to ectopic nlz acting prematurely in this domain, and this repression is accompanied by a partial expansion in the expression domains of r4-specific genes. To interfere with endogenous nlz function, we generated a form of nlz that lacks the Groucho binding site and demonstrate that this construct has a dominant negative effect. We find that interfering with endogenous Nlz function promotes the expansion of r5 and, to a lesser extent, r3 gene expression into r4, leading to a reduction in the size of r4. We conclude that Nlz is a transcriptional repressor that controls segmental gene expression in the hindbrain. Lastly, we identify additional nlz-related genes, suggesting that Nlz belongs to a family of zinc-finger proteins.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: Measurement of the Current Density at Microscopic Redox-Active Sites on Titanium

Absolute values of the current density at microscopic electroactive sites on polycrystalline Ti electrodes have been measured with a scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM). The active sites on the oxide-film-coated Ti electrode have radii ranging from 3.3 to 28.6 μm and are randomly distributed at a surface density of ∼180 sites/cm2. Localized current densities as large as 0.14 A/cm2 are observed for the oxidation of Br- in aqueous solution, approximately 4 orders of magnitude larger than the average current density based on the geometrical area of the electrode. Quantitative analysis of large-area SECM images demonstrates that at least ∼65% of the total current during Br- oxidation is associated with sites that occupy a minuscule fraction (0.01−0.1%) of the total exposed electrode area. The SECM data also suggest that the rate of Br- oxidation approaches the diffusion-limited value at sites having radii less than ∼10 μm; a precipitous decrease in the electron-transfer rate is observed at electroactiv...
Hyperthyroidism and Hyperparathyroidism in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abnormal conditions of the thyroid and parathyroid in the guinea pig appear in the English-language scientific literature on an emerging basis. Although true descriptions of abnormal thyroid and parathyroid anatomy or morphology are not new findings, the clinical condition of abnormal thyroid or parathyroid function seems to be a more common observation by clinicians in recent years. This article is an overview of general clinical conditions and adequate diagnosis, and offers treatment options.
Inactivation of desoxyribonuclease I by X-rays IV. Changes in amino acid composition and ultraviolet light absorption induced by ionizing radiation

Abstract 1. 1. Significant changes in the amino acid composition of DNase I were observed after exposure of the enzyme to irradiation. Radiation-induced deamination appears to be the most important factor in the production of this change. 2. 2. Exposure to large doses of ionizing radiation resulted in a significant change in the ultraviolet spectrum of DNase I. Although the absorption at 250 mμ increased linearly with radiation dose, the enzyme activity decreased exponentially. 3. 3. These studies indicate that large doses of ionizing radiations sufficient to destroy the enzymic properties of this protein did not bring about an equally extensive change in the amino acid composition.
Maternal characteristics associated with vaccination of young children.

Objective. Mothers can be instrumental in gaining access to vaccination services for their children. This study examines maternal characteristics associated with vaccination in US preschool children. Methods. We analyzed data from 21 212 children aged 19 to 35 months in the National Immunization Survey. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify maternal characteristics associated with completion of all recommended vaccinations in these children. Results. Factors most strongly associated with undervaccination included having mothers who were black; had less than a high school education; were divorced, separated, or widowed; had multiple children; were eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) but not participating; or had incomes below 50% of the federal poverty level. Conclusion. Because most mothers play an important role in their children’s vaccination, it is important to address maternal concerns and barriers when developing public health interventions for promoting childhood vaccinations. Encouraging eligible women and their children to participate in the WIC program and providing support and encouragement for immunization to mothers with multiple children may improve early childhood vaccination coverage.
Coevolving Strategies for General Game Playing

The General Game Playing Competition (Genesereth et al., 2005) poses a unique challenge for artificial intelligence. To be successful, a player must learn to play well in a limited number of example games encoded in first-order logic and then generalize its game play to previously unseen games with entirely different rules. Because good opponents are usually not available, learning algorithms must come up with plausible opponent strategies in order to benchmark performance. One approach to simultaneously learning all player strategies is coevolution. This paper presents a coevolutionary approach using neuroevolution of augmenting topologies to evolve populations of game state evaluators. This approach is tested on a sample of games from the General Game Playing Competition and shown to be effective: It allows the algorithm designer to minimize the amount of domain knowledge built into the system, which leads to more general game play and allows modeling opponent strategies efficiently. Furthermore, the general game playing domain proves to be a powerful tool for developing and testing coevolutionary methods
Progress towards the solid-state all-optical streak camera

We report progress towards the development of an ultrafast optical beam deflector enabling the single-shot recording of optical signals with near ps resolution at high dynamic range (103−105).
African-American Women in the Professoriate: Addressing Social Exclusion and Scholarly Marginalization through Mentoring

African-American women and other underrepresented faculty members often report experiences of social exclusion and scholarly marginalization in mainstream institutions of higher education. This lack of inclusion challenges their retention and hinders them from becoming productive members of the professoriate, positioning them at a disadvantage for achieving tenure and promotion. In this article, mentoring is conceptualized as socialization and examined as a strategy for addressing social exclusion and scholarly marginalization as associated with the advancement of African-American women faculty in academe. Highlighting traditional and nontraditional mentoring initiatives and formal and informal networks, the discussion features the idea of a broad, flexible network of support. In addition, recommendations from the existing literature are offered for mentors, mentees, and academic department chairs to facilitate effective mentoring strategies.
Acentric and Centric Interpenetrations of an Anionic Framework Mediated by Cation Sizes: The Alkali-Metal Tin(II) Benzenedicarboxylates A2Sn2(bdc)3(H2O)x (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs)

A series of alkali-metal tin benzenedicarboxylates A2Sn2(bdc)3(H2O)x, A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, in single crystal forms have been synthesized by using a hydrothermal technique. The compounds all have ...
Natural: A Benchmark, Not a Bias

I expect that most scholars, citizens, and policymakers would agree with the prevous paragraph. But, particularly in arenas where heated disagreements are possible (that is, nearly everything), crafting policies in the public interest is hardly straightforward. With regard to natural resource policy, why has policymaking seemed to grow increasingly contentious, even litigious? Why do some people argue that “natural” is a bias, instead of a simple descriptor? I contend that focusing on the “natural,” including concepts such as biological integrity and health, provides evidence-supported benchmarks for understanding the consequences of natural resource policy options. Such benchmarks are essential for choosing policy options that are in line with today’s laws. Further, in defining benchmarks of “natural,” I find that scientific evidence supports maintaining or restoring native species. Finally, I believe that efforts to exclude natural scientists who support natural benchmarks from discussions of policy, under the guise of avoiding biased “personal policy preferences,” is shortsighted and counter to the public interest.
A Prospective Study of Integrated Outpatient Treatment for Substance-Abusing Schizophrenic Patients

Forty-seven psychiatric inpatients with concurrent RDC-diag-nosed schizophrenia and psychoactive substance use disorders were randomly assigned to one of two outpatient treatment programs: 1) integrated psychiatric and substance abuse treatment; or 2) non-integrated treatment. Patients abused cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana, with over two-thirds using all three drugs. At 4 months, 16 of 23 patients (69.6%) in integrated treatment remained in treatment vs. 9 of 24 (3 7.5%) in the nonintegrated treatment. Rehospitalization did not differ between groups, but treatment nonstarters had significantly more days in the hospital than those who began treatment. At 8 months, addiction and psychiatric severity decreased significantly for patients remaining in treatment. Engagement in integrated outpatient treatment may decrease rehospitalization, and lessen psychiatric and substance abuse severity.
Designing Application-Specific Neural Networks Using the Genetic Algorithm

We present a general and systematic method for neural network design based on the genetic algorithm. The technique works in conjunction with network learning rules, addressing aspects of the network's gross architecture, connectivity, and learning rule parameters. Networks can be optimized for various application-specific criteria, such as learning speed, generalilation, robustness and connectivity. The approach is model-independent. We describe a prototype system, NeuroGENESYS, that employs the backpropagation learning rule. Experiments on several small problems have been conducted. In each case, NeuroGENESYS has produced networks that perform significantly better than the randomly generated networks of its initial population. The computational feasibility of our approach is discussed.
Presence of Wild-Type and Attenuated Salmonella enterica Strains in Brain Tissues following Inoculation of Mice by Different Routes

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Typhimurium vaccine candidates elicit significant immune responses in mice by intranasal (i.n.) immunization. Because of the proximity of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone, we were concerned that Salmonella bacteria delivered i.n. might access the brain. Accordingly, wild-type and attenuated (by single and double mutations) strains of S. enterica serovars Typhimurium and Typhi were recovered at low numbers initially from the olfactory lobe and then from the brain for 3 to 4 days after i.n. immunization. This was independent of invA gene function. Although the presence of bacteria in blood 1 to 3 h after i.n. inoculation was sometimes observed, this was infrequent compared to the frequency of bacteria detected in brain tissues. In confirmation of recent observations by Wickham et al. (M. E. Wickham, N. F. Brown, J. Provias, B. B. Finlay, and B. K. Coombes, BMC Infect. Dis. 7:65, 2007) that oral inoculation with wild-type S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strains lead to bacteria in blood with subsequent colonization of brain tissues with neurological symptoms of disease, we found similar results by using the i.n. and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes of inoculation for wild-type but not for attenuated strains of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. In contrast, a highly modified attenuated S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain was not present in brain tissues when administered at higher doses by the oral, i.n., and i.p. routes than the wild-type strain even though the presence of bacteria in blood was detectable 1 to 3 h after inoculation by each of the three routes. Our results indicate that i.n. and possibly even oral delivery of live Salmonella vaccines may be unsafe although it is possible to reduce this risk by appropriate genetic modifications.
Passive optical remote sensing of river channel morphology and in-stream habitat: Physical basis and feasibility

Successful monitoring of ecologically significant, vulnerable fluvial systems will require improved quantitative techniques for mapping channelmorphologyandin-streamhabitat.Inthisstudy,weassesstheabilityofremotesensingtocontributetotheseobjectivesby(1)describing the underlying radiative transfer processes, drawing uponresearch conducted in shallowmarine environments; (2) modeling the effectsofwater depth, substrate type, suspended sediment concentration, and surface turbulence; (3) quantifying the limitations imposed by finite detector sensitivity and linear quantization; and (4) evaluating two depth retrieval algorithms using simulated and field-measured spectra and archival imagery. The degree to which variations in depth and substrate can be resolved depends on bottom albedo and water column optical properties, and scattering by suspended sediment obscures substrate spectral features and reduces the resolution of depth estimates. Converting continuous radiance signals to discrete digital numbers implies that depth estimates take the form of contour intervals that become wider as depth increases andasbottomalbedoanddetector sensitivity decrease.Ourresults indicatethatasimplebandratio canprovideanimage-derived variable thatis stronglylinearlyrelatedtowaterdepthacrossabroadrangeofstreamconditions.Thistechniqueoutperformedthelineartransformmethodused
Formulation and validation of simulated data for the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)

Models for synthesizing radiance measurements by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) are described. Synthetic radiances have been generated for developing and testing data processing algorithms. The radiances are calculated from geophysical states derived from weather forecasts and climatology using the AIRS rapid transmission algorithm. The data contain horizontal variability at the spatial resolution of AIRS from the surface and cloud fields. This is needed to test retrieval algorithms under partially cloudy conditions. The surface variability is added using vegetation and International Geosphere Biosphere Programme surface type maps, while cloud variability is added randomly. The radiances are spectrally averaged to create High Resolution Infrared Sounder (HIRS) data, and this is compared with actual HIRS2 data on the NOAA 14 satellite. The simulated data under-represent high-altitude equatorial cirrus clouds and have too much local variability. They agree in the mean to within 1-4 K, and global standard deviation agrees to better than 2 K. Simulated data have been a valuable tool for developing retrieval algorithms and studying error characteristics and will continue to be so after launch.
RELATION OF INTELLIGENCE TO EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAISE AND REPROOF AS REINFORCERS FOR FOURTH-GRADERS.

Ninety lower-middle and upper-lower class fourth-grade students of high, medium, and low intelligence were divided into three verbal incentive treatment groups—praise, reproof, and no incentive. Each group was given two trials on a discrimination task, the incentive treatment being applied between trials. The major hypothesis, that there is an interaction between effectiveness of incentive and intelligence, was supported in previous research on high school juniors. But for these fourth graders, although the trend was in the predicted direction, there was no significant relationship between intelligence and effectiveness of verbal incentive. There was a significant difference for this age child, however, between the main effects, with praise being more effective than reproof or no incentive.
Assessing Consumer Preferences for Live Music

An exploratory study sought to measure preferences for live music performances to aid management of a performing arts auditorium at a large university in the effort to reverse a downward trend in student attendance. Data were collected from a sample of the target market segment and factor analysis revealed interpretable patterns of preferences both for types of music and performers.
Conductivity and scattering Q in GPR data: Example from the Ellenburger dolomite, central Texas

ABSTRACTTotal attenuation (Qt−1) in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data is a composite of intrinsic and scattering attenuations (Qin−1 and Qsc−1). For nonmagnetic materials, Qin−1 is a combination of the effects of real conductivity and dielectric relaxation. The attenuation for real conductivity >1.0 mS/m in the GPR frequency band is a function of frequency while the dielectric relaxation is frequency-independent. These frequency behaviors allow separation of the attenuation types by attributing and fitting the Qt−1 decay shape with frequency to the conductivity, and by attributing the magnitude of Qt−1 to the sum of conductivity and dielectric relaxation attenuations at each frequency. Total attenuation is calculated from GPR data using spectral ratios, and Qin−1 is obtained by fitting a smooth lower bound to Qt−1; the difference between Qt−1 and Qin−1 estimates the scattering contribution Qsc−1. Scatterer size spectra are evaluated using KA=1 for 2D, and KA=1.5 for 3D, propagation (where K is wavenumb...
Submacular Surgery for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The current focus of submacular surgical techniques is to remove large submacular hemorrhages or subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes with minimal iatrogenic injury to the native subretinal tissues. While the techniques and instrumentation are advancing rapidly, the visual results have been disappointing, Without a properly controlled prospective randomized clinical trial, submacular surgery cannot be recommended for either subfoveal choroidal neovascularization or submacular hemorrhage at the present time. The Submacular Surgery Trial will serve to show the natural history of large subfoveal choroidal neovascularization and submacular hemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to identify those patients who may benefit from current submacular surgical techniques.
Information Technology and Trader Competition in Financial Markets: Endogenous Liquidity

This note integrates the models of Dewan and Mendelson (1998) (DM) and Kyle (1985), extending the DM analysis of time-based competition in financial markets to the case of endogenous liquidity. The results enable us to examine the link between information technology investments, trading strategies, and liquidity.
Dimensions of Thought Flow in Everyday Life

To what extent are three criteria of daydreaming–as thought that is fanciful, stimulus-independent, or undirected–equivalent? How are these properties of thought flow distributed during everyday activity? Students (N = 29) carrying a beeper described properties of their consciousness on a total of 1425 occasions by means of a Thought-Sampling Questionnaire, anxiety and depression measures, and activity report forms. Intrasubject analyses of thought variables identified eight orthogonal factors, including Visual Modality, Auditory Modality, Operantness (directedness), Attentiveness to External Stimulation, Controllability, Strangeness (fancifulness/bizarreness), Past Time Orientation, and Future Time Orientation. Most thought samples contained some interior monologue, largely independent of other variables. Thought properties were uncorrelated with affective variables, frustration of goals, and impulses to drink alcohol. Factors for individual differences differed sharply from the intrasubject results, wit...
Reactor Dynamics from Monte Carlo Calculations

Point kinetics models are commonly used to evaluate certain accident scenarios for nuclear reactors which, along with other safety analyses, provide the basis for the design of the reactor control and safety systems. However, the validity of the point kinetics models is a relevant issue if the results of these safety analyses are to be credible. Rod oscillator experiments have been performed in the past to determine reactor kinetics parameters. Other techniques such as varying coolant temperature or flow rate have been employed to change the reactivity of a reactor to investigate the kinetic behavior of a reactor core. Although these methods provide a direct measure of the reactor transfer function, they require a reactor perturbation. Noise techniques have been applied for over 40 years to determine reactor parameters. Analyses of the measured noise statistics (auto-or crosspower spectral densities) provide quantities that are directly related to the reactor transfer function. The early work by de Hoffman and Courant and Wallace analyzed neutron fluctuations for reactors operating at zero power. The number of neutrons from fission fluctuates about an average value that results in local variations in the neutron flux. The distance a neutron travels between collisions is random and results in stochastic fluctuations of the neutron population. The type of neutron event (fission, absorption, etc.,) is also random and results in momentary fluctuations in the neutron flux. In 1958, Moore suggested that measurements of the fission rate autocorrelation of a reactor operating at steady state could be used to determine the reactor transfer function. An application of this technique was performed by Conn in 1959 at Argonne National Laboratory. Cohn measured the autocorrelation of an ionization chamber output to obtain the reactor transfer function and performed a least squares fit to the transfer function to obtain a value of Similar analyses have also been performed at other facilities. The use of these techniques to estimate reactor parameters led to the development of stochastic models to study the fluctuations in the neutron populations. These theories modeled the probabilities of various neutron events in the reactor and obtained the moments of these probability
EDA I: Continuous and Categorical Data

In this chapter, basic methods for exploratory data analysis are presented. The focus is on univariate and bivariate graphical techniques such as histograms, bar plots, and tables. Control flow using for loops is also introduced.
Bounty Hunters and the Public Interest — A Study of California Proposition 65

Adopted by California voters in 1986, Proposition 65 was a revolutionary measure in a number of respects. Although titled “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act,” the scope of the law was much broader than water pollution. The goal of the law was to protect Californians from exposure to cancer-causing substances and reproductive toxins. In addition to prohibiting introduction of such chemicals into the water, the law also required warnings so people could choose to avoid areas where they might come in contact with chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Immediately after passage, the new law required the state to compile a list of substances known to cause cancer and reproductive toxins. This list has now grown to nearly 900 different substances. Because the law mandates warnings that allow consumers to avoid exposure to these chemicals, backers of the measure argued that it would reduce the incidence of cancer and other health problems in California.
Investment Treaties between Developed States: The Dilemma of Dispute Resolution

This paper examines three basic models for resolving investment disputes between developed countries: (1) allowing investors to bring direct claims against host governments without exhausting their remedies in domestic courts as in NAFTA Chapter 11; (2) prohibiting direct investor claims and allowing only state-to-state dispute resolution as in the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement; and (3) allowing arbitration of direct investor claims only after exhaustion of domestic remedies as in the Hong Kong-U.K. Bilateral Investment Treaty. The paper argues that the third option is worth serious consideration.
Farid’s impossible “je”: Unequal access to flexible language in the queer Maghrebi French diaspora

In this essay, I analyze the speech acts of Farid, a thirty-six year old self-identified same-sex desiring man from my fieldwork, who recounts his trajectory from growing up in Algiers and his eventual migration as an adult to Angers and then Paris. I illustrate how his queer Maghrebi French story in the diaspora does not resonate significantly with the “coming out” (Provencher 2007) or “arrival” narratives (Schehr 2009) of other queer French speakers in the city. Moreover, his speech acts do not heavily echo the “flexible language” (Leap 2003) or the language of queer diasporic speakers analyzed in other contexts (Decena 2011, Manalansan 2003). Furthermore, unlike other queer Maghrebi French interlocutors — who exploit their artistic crafts such as photography, filmmaking, and creative writing to pioneer new scripts or “performative encounters” (Rosello 2005) between France and the Maghreb — Farid struggles to tell a coherent story as he remains caught between the teleologies of the Maghrebi family in Algiers on the one hand and neoliberalism and its concomitant homonormativity in “gay” Paris on the other. The linguistic dimensions of Farid’s impossible “je” [I] are evident in his use of statements that highlight the collective with the subject pronouns “we” and “they” as well as topic sentences that underscore subjects like “my family,” “the country,” and “my religion.” At the same time, he draws on fragmented and unstable identities in a series of disconnected “je” statements, often with conditional clauses and modality shifts that highlight flux instead of the ego-centered, liberated, and individual subject who must learn to say “je” assuredly in the indicative tense in the late modern era. At times, he remains an “impossible subject” in an “impossible location” (Raissiguier 2010) unable to find financial and emotional stability almost three years after leaving Algiers and arriving in France where he fails to imagine a “queer future” for himself. Hence, this study illustrates how the celebration of chaos and subversion (for example, Halberstam’s (2011) “queer art of failure”) is not always readily available to subjects like Farid, who have not (yet) acquired the “flexible language” or the economic and cultural capital in an urban setting.
Microscopic origin of the reduced thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires.

We designed nanowires with a tailored surface structure and composition and with specific core defects to investigate the microscopic origin of the reduced thermal conductivity of Si at the nanoscale. We considered a diameter (15 nm) comparable to that of systems fabricated in recent experiments and we computed the thermal conductivity using equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We found that the presence of a native oxide surface layer may account for a tenfold to $\ensuremath{\sim}30$-fold decrease in conductivity, with respect to bulk Si, depending on the level of roughness. However it is only the combination of core defects and surface ripples that enables a decrease close to 2 orders of magnitude, similar to that reported experimentally.