cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE IDEA OF LATIN AMERICAN UNITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PERIPHERAL MIDDLE SCHOOL POETS

This research shows how a group of students from a middle school in one of the poorest and violent neighborhoods in Guadalajara, Mexico, make poems to express how they experience and signify the idea of Latin American unity in light of non-Western, perspectives. Drawing from Latin American philosophers such as Simon Rodriguez and Ramon Xirau, the method of this study draws from poetic images to construct theoretical arguments in education to analyze the poems produced by the students as active creators of Latin American epistemology in education. The findings suggest that the students as peripheral poets can enrich the foundations of critical pedagogy for Latin American unity. Of particular interest is the way in which the students challenge the distinction between colonialism and coloniality of power. This paper aims to show how Western critical pedagogy can be enriched by taking into account thinkers on education from the “Third World.”
Ultrathin Amorphous Silica Membrane Enhances Proton Transfer across Solid-to-Solid Interfaces of Stacked Metal Oxide Nanolayers while Blocking Oxygen

Author(s): Jo, WJ; Katsoukis, G; Frei, H | Abstract: A large jump of proton transfer rates across solid-to-solid interfaces by inserting an ultrathin amorphous silica layer into stacked metal oxide nanolayers is discovered using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS). The triple stacked nanolayers of Co3O4, SiO2, and TiO2 prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) enable a proton flux of 2400 ± 60 s−1 nm−2 (pH 4, room temperature), while a single TiO2 (5 nm) layer exhibits a threefold lower flux of 830 s−1 nm−2. Based on FT-IRRAS measurements, this remarkable enhancement is proposed to originate from the sandwiched silica layer forming interfacial SiOTi and SiOCo linkages to TiO2 and Co3O4 nanolayers, respectively, with the O bridges providing fast H+ hopping pathways across the solid-to-solid interfaces. Together with the complete O2 impermeability of a 2 nm ALD-grown SiO2 layer, the high flux for proton transport across multi-stack metal oxide layers opens up the integration of incompatible catalytic environments to form functional nanoscale assemblies such as artificial photosystems for CO2 reduction by H2O.
Influence of the artificial sodium saccharin sweetener Sucram(R) on the microbial community composition in the rumen content and attached to the rumen epithelium in dairy cattle: A pilot study

The products of rumen microbial fermentations are considered essential for animal growth and performance. Changes in these microbial communities can have major effects on animal growth and performance. Saccharin-based artificial sweeteners can be included in livestock diets to increase palatability and encourage feed intake. Despite the importance of the rumen microbial fermentation, little or no research is available regarding how saccharin-based artificial sweeteners affect rumen content and rumen epithelial microbial communities. The aim of this study was to identify changes in both the rumen content and rumen epithelial microbial communities in response to the supplementation of Sucram(R), a sodium-saccharin-based sweetener (Pancosma S.A./ADM Groups, Rolle, Switzerland) during standard, non-stress conditions using 16SrRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The rumen epithelial and rumen content microbiota of five Holstein-Friesian milking dairy cattle were compared before (baseline, BL) and after a 28-day supplementation of Sucram(R). Illumina MiSeq-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted, and community analysis revealed significant changes in the abundance of specific phylotypes when comparing BL to Sucram(R) experimental groups. Sucram(R) did not have a significant effect on overall rumen microbial community structure between experimental groups. Statistically significant changes in microbial community composition following Sucram(R) supplementation were observed most consistently across a number of bacterial taxa in the rumen epithelium, while fewer changes were seen in the rumen content. Predicted genomic potentials of several significantly different OTUs were mined for genes related to feed efficiency and saccharin degradation. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) classified as Prevotella and Sharpea were significantly (p<0.05) increased in samples supplemented with Sucram(R), whereas a reduction in abundance was seen for OTUs classified as Treponema, Leptospiraceae, Ruminococcus and methanogenic archaea. This is the first study to report an effect of Sucram(R) on ruminant microbial communities, suggesting possible beneficial impacts of Sucram(R) on animal health and performance that may extend beyond increasing feed palatability.
Quantifying turbulence model uncertainty in Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of a pin-fin array. Part 1: flow field

Abstract The assumptions that form the basis for Reynolds stress closure models have been formulated by considering canonical flows. As a result, the accuracy of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations can deteriorate significantly when modeling complex flows, and engineering applications would benefit from methods that can quantify the corresponding uncertainty in the predictions. This paper analyzes the performance of a previously proposed turbulence model uncertainty quantification (UQ) framework for simulations of flow through a pin-fin array. The method is a physics-based, data-free, interval approach that perturbs the Reynolds stress tensor shape towards the three limiting realizable states of anisotropy. The performance of the method is evaluated by determining whether large-eddy simulation results for the quantities of interest are encompassed by the intervals predicted by the UQ method. The results demonstrate that perturbing the stress shapes towards the one-component or two-component limit generally enhances the momentum transport between the bulk flow and wake regions, whereas perturbations towards the three-component limit suppress this transport. For quantities of interest that depend on the mean velocity and pressure field this results in predictions for uncertainty intervals that encompass the reference solution. For the turbulence kinetic energy the method fails to predict an adequate upper bound in regions with larger-scale turbulent structures, and it predicts overly conservative bounds in the pin stagnation regions. Based on these results several suggestions for improving the framework are made.
The Influence of Turbulence on Subcooled Nucleate Pool Boiling

Abstract Experiments are performed to study the influence of turbulence (root-mean-square velocity, urms = 0 m/s, 0.013 m/s, 0.026 m/s and 0.038 m/s) on nucleate boiling heat transfer using thin nichrome wires within dodecane layer. Nucleate boiling curves under each turbulent condition are analyzed with corresponding bubble behaviors on the wire. Overall, the heat transfer is enhanced with the increase of turbulence, which is supported by measurements and analysis of bubble departure frequency (BDF), critical heat flux (CHF), and bubble departure size. BDF increases with turbulence strength, while bubble departure size decreases. CHF is increased by 6%. Turbulence also alters the bubble behaviors: sweeping stage, bouncing and merging stage, hanging stage, and film boiling stage show unique bubble behaviors influencing the heat transfer characteristics.
Discrimination and Quantitation of Biologically Relevant Carboxylate Anions Using A [Dye•PAMAM] Complex.

Carboxylate anions are analytical targets with environmental and biological relevance, whose detection is often challenging in aqueous solutions. We describe a method for discrimination and quantitation of carboxylates in water buffered to pH 7.4 based on their differential interaction with a supramolecular fluorescent sensor, self-assembled from readily available building blocks. A fifth-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM G5), bound to organic fluorophores (calcein or pyranine) through noncovalent interactions, forms a [dye•PAMAM] complex responsive to interaction with carboxylates. The observed changes in absorbance, and in fluorescence emission and anisotropy, were interpreted through linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to differentiate 10 structurally similar carboxylates with a limit of discrimination around 100 μM. The relationship between the analytes’ chemical structures and the system’s response was also elucidated. This insight allowed us to extend the system’s capabilities to the simultaneous identification of the nature and concentration of unknown analytes, with excellent structural identification results and good concentration recovery, an uncommon feat for a pattern-based sensing system.
Implementation of Magnetic Resonance Safety Program for Radiation Oncology.

Abstract During the last decade, radiation oncology departments have integrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, procedures, and expertise into their practices. MRI safety is an important consideration because a large percentage of patients receiving radiation therapy have histories of multiple surgeries and implanted devices. However, MRI safety guidelines and workflows were traditionally designed for radiology departments. This report presents an MR safety program designed for a radiation oncology department to address its specific needs.
Removal of Alkyl Sulfonates Using DABCO

During the route development of a midstage clinical candidate, we were challenged with a presence of alkyl sulfonates, which were identified as potential genotoxic impurities in our active pharmace...
Including the nonlinear medium's dispersion in frequency-resolved optical gating

When we measure something, we unavoidably change it, and ultrashort laser pulse measurement is a perfect example. When we measure a pulse, the measurement itself affects the pulse's shape. All ultrashort pulse measurement techniques use a nonlinear medium, and this medium's dispersion changes the shape of the pulse as it propagates. For many years, pulse measurers worried obsessively about group-velocity mismatch (GVM), which limited crystal thickness to as little as 5 microns. New frequency-resolved-optical-gating (FROG) variations, such as GRENOUILLE and crystal-angle dithering, either take advantage of GVM effects or avoid them completely, allowing the use of a nonlinear medium more than an order of magnitude thicker than that allowed by GVM considerations. Because nonlinear-optical efficiency scales with thickness, these techniques are considerably more sensitive. On the other hand, the use of such thick crystals allows a usually smaller dispersion effect, group-velocity dispersion (GVD), formerly negligible in all cases, to potentially yield pulse distortions. Fortunately, as we show here, in FROG, we can take advantage of our knowledge of the dispersion and the generality and versatility of the FROG algorithm to precisely remove these adverse effects in angle-dithered FROG and GRENOUILLE devices. This will allow these convenient techniques to measure ever shorter and ever weaker pulses.
In-situ FT-IR spectroscopic study of bisulfate and sulfate adsorption on platinum electrodes: Part 1. Sulfuric acid

Abstract The adsorption of bisulfate and sulfate ions on Pt in sulfuric acid has been studied by observing their asymmetric S-O stretching vibrations using potential difference Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. It has been found that the two anions are coadsorbed over the potential range studied. A rather clear band of the bending mode of water was observed in the same spectra. This has been attributed to water molecules weakly bonded to the surface through H in the hydrogen region and O in the oxygen region. The band intensity ratio of sulfate against bisulfate ions is much larger than the calculated activity ratio in 0.5 M sulfuric acid solution, although the intensity ratio becomes closer to the calculated activity ratio in 0.05 M sulfuric acid. A large frequency shift with potential of 100 cm−1/V is observed for the adsorbed bisulfate ions in the double layer potential region, while the frequency shift is much smaller for sulfate ions. In the oxide formation region above 0.85 V (RHE), the sulfate ions appear to be replaced by bisulfate ions; this is interpreted as resulting from the formation of a hydrogen bond between HSO−4 and the negatively charged oxygen atoms which are present on the Pt surface.
Placidyl® Poisoning or Withdrawal?

In the November issue of Pediatrics, Rumack and Walravens reported a case of ethchlorvynol (Placidyl) withdrawal in a neonate.1 A careful reading of their report led me to a diagnostic conclusion somewhat at variance with theirs. Based on the data presented, I would propose that their infant was suffering the effects of ethchlorvynol poisoning (i.e., toxicity) rather than withdrawal. The reported CNS depression and jitteriness correspond as well to intoxication symptoms of this drug as they do to possible withdrawal symptomatology.2
Wicked decision problems in remote health care: telemedicine as a tool for sensemaking

Health care providers often face different types of problems than uncertainty-those involving wicked decision problems. Whereas uncertainty reduction requires increased information processing capabilities, wicked decision problems require both increased information processing and sensemaking capabilities. Sensemaking is about interpreting and deriving meaning from multiple, conflicting cues. Case studies of three teleconsultation projects utilized for both sensemaking and information processing are presented. In addition to impacting the cost and quality of care provided in remote areas, telemedicine networks utilized to reduce uncertainty may experience lower utilization rates, while telemedicine utilized to address wicked decision problems may experience increased utilization rates.
Reversibility of Steroid Δ-Isomerase II. THE REACTION SEQUENCE IN THE CONVERSION OF ANDROST-4-ENE-3,17-DIONE TO 3β-HY-DROXYANDROST-5-EN-17-ONE BY SHEEP ADRENAL MICROSOMES

Abstract When large quantities of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione were incubated with reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide and an acetone powder of sheep adrenal microsomes, 3β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one and its Δ5 isomer were isolated and crystallized as their benzoates. The melting points and infrared spectra were in agreement with those of the corresponding standards. A similar incubation of unlabeled androst-5-ene-3,17-dione produced 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one in good yield. Since incubation of 3β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one-3α-3H yielded nonradioactive 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, it was concluded that the isomerase did not act on the allylic alcohol. 3β-Hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one-3α-3H and -3α-H were incubated simultaneously in the presence of diphosphopyridine nucleotide and an acetone powder of sheep adrenal microsomes for varying times. There was no measurable difference in the rates of oxidation of these two allylic alcohols.
Nathaniel Borenstein: Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME)

Nathaniel Borenstein describes how mail evolved from plaintext to multimedia. The first Web extra at http://youtu.be/LOUqh5xw99w is a video interview in which author Charles Severance speaks with Nathaniel Borenstein about how email evolved from plaintext to multimedia. The second Web extra at http://youtu.be/U0u4AOx6dd4 is an audio recording of author Charles Severance reading his Computing Conversations column, in which he discusses his interview with Nathaniel Borenstein about how email evolved from plaintext to multimedia.
Optimum Fire Resistance of Structures

The influence of various significant parameters on the required structural fire protection of buildings is examined. In particular, the influence of the probability of the occurrence of fire, the size of the building, and the variation of fire loads and fire resistance of structures are considered. Expressions are given for the probability of failure of structures by fire and the fire loss expectation. By balancing costs and benefits, using probabilistic criteria, the justifiable fire protection measures in buildings can be determined in a rational way. It may be expected, therefore, that with information obtained in this way optimum fire protection measures can be determined more accurately than will be possible by present methods, which are entirely based on judgment and experience. How close the optimum measures can be approached depends to a large extent on the accuracy with which the values of the parameters that determine these measures are known.
Characterization of high-power lithium-ion cells during constant current cycling: Part I. Cycle performance and electrochemical diagnostics

Twelve-cm{sup 2} pouch type lithium-ion cells were assembled with graphite anodes, LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.15}Al{sub 0.05}O{sub 2} cathodes and 1M LiPF{sub 6}/EC/DEC electrolyte. These pouch cells were cycled at different depths of discharge (100 percent and 70 percent DOD) at room temperature to investigate cycle performance and pulse power capability. The capacity loss and power fade of the cells cycled over 100 percent DOD was significantly faster than the cell cycled over 70 percent DOD. The overall cell impedance increased with cycling, although the ohmic resistance from the electrolyte was almost constant. From electrochemical analysis of each electrode after cycling, structural and/or impedance changes in the cathode are responsible for most of the capacity and power fade, not the consumption of cycleable Li from side-reactions.
On the surface energy budget of sea ice

The surface energy budget was investigated during a cruise through the pack ice in the Southern Ocean. The time of observation was close to mid-summer. Some of the more important findings were: The mean albedo varied from 11% for open water to 59% for 10/10 ice cover. Hourly values span the range from 6% (open water) to 76% (total ice cover). The net heat flux into the ocean (B) was on average 109 W m -2 . If this energy were used solely for melting of sea ice, 30 mm could be melted each day. For low surface albedos (ice concentration below 7/10), the net radiation increased with decreasing cloudiness. However, the opposite was the case for a high surface albedo. The last point shows the importance of clouds on the surface energy budget. Not only should their presence or absence be known but also the reflectivity of the underlying surface, as it might change the net radiation in opposite ways.
Control system design and small-signal analysis of a phase-shift-controlled series-resonant inverter for induction heating

A phase-shift-controlled series-resonant inverter operating at zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) is used as the power supply for an induction heating system. This system has two control loops: the phase-shift control loop regulates the output power; and the frequency control loop ensures ZVS for all load conditions. The design and implementation of these control loops are explained. The complete closed-loop small-signal model is obtained using the extended describing function method. The model predictions are compared with experimental data measured from a lab prototype. >
HMM-based audio-visual speech recognition integrating geometric- and appearance-based visual features

A good front end for visual feature extraction is an important element of audio-visual speech recognition systems. We propose a new visual feature representation that combines both geometric- and pixel-based features. Using our previously developed contour-based lip-tracking algorithm, geometric features including the height and width of the lips are automatically extracted. Lip boundary tracking allows accurate determination of a region of interest from which we construct pixel-based features that are robust to variation in scale and translation. Motivated by computational considerations, we selected a subset of the pixels in the center of the inner mouth area that was found to capture sufficient details of the appearance of the teeth and tongue for assisting in the discrimination of spoken words. We show the advantage of the combination of these visual features for visual-only and audio-visual speech recognition of isolated digits.
American Indian Art and Literature Today: survivance and tragic wisdom

Gerald Vizenor, a member of the Chippewa tribe (Anishnaabe), White Earth Reservation (Minnesota), offers some reflections on the theme of ‘American Indian Art and Literature Today: Survivance and T...
The effect of low-dose aspirin on the decreased risk of development of dyspepsia and gastrointestinal ulcers associated to cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and ulcers associated to the use of low-dose aspirin (ASA) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) treated with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) drugs, to clarify the controversy in the literature. METHODS: Using a longitudinal databank, a prospective study using Cox proportional hazards models was performed in patients receiving COX-2 therapy for RA or OA to examine the effect of ASA on GI events. In 4 separate analyses patients reported dyspeptic symptoms and GI ulcers at semiannual intervals for up to 3 years. Ulcers were validated by review of medical records. RESULTS: Among 4240 patients taking COX-2-specific inhibitors, with no ulcer at study start, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios for the effect of ASA on the development of epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea, and ulcers, without these previous events, were 1.11 (95% CI 0.97-1.29), 1.00 (95% CI 0.88-1.15), 1.32 (95% CI 1.13-1.54), and 1.27 (95% CI 0.78-2.05). The use of a propensity score to account for the risk of ASA prescription showed an even lower effect of ASA among all GI variables. This risk occurs within the setting of no prior GI symptoms or GI events, and independently of the use of proton pump inhibitors, other GI drugs, other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, prednisone, or methotrexate. CONCLUSION: In actual practice, the use of low-dose ASA has a small effect on the risk of developing dyspeptic symptoms in a group of patients with rheumatic disease.
Alkaline phosphatase activity in chronic streptozotocin-induced insulin deficiency in the rat: Effect of insulin replacement

Abstract Alterations in circulating alkaline phosphatase have been described in both man and the experimental animal with chronic insulin deficiency. We evaluated plasma and tissue alkaline phosphatase levels in freely-fed control, streptozotocin-induced diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats, seven weeks after the induction of diabetes. Circulating alkaline phosphatase activity was markedly elevated in the insulin deficient animal ( p p p
Altered functional connectivity of the default mode network in diffuse gliomas measured with pseudo-resting state fMRI

The purpose of the current study was to explore whether brain tumors disrupt the integrity of the default mode network (DMN), a well-characterized resting-state fMRI network. We evaluated whether tumor grade, volume, post-surgical/clinical status, or location decreased the functional connectivity within the DMN in patients with gliomas. Task-based fMRI data was obtained from 68 diffuse glioma patients and 12 healthy volunteers. Pseudo-resting state fMRI data was calculated from task-based fMRI data using standard techniques. Data was preprocessed and DMN integrity was compared across WHO grade, tumor volume surgical status (new vs. recurrent tumors), age, and KPS using univariate and multivariate linear models. WHO grade was the most significant predictor of DMN integrity (P = 0.004), whereas T2 hyperintense lesion volume was not a predictor (P = 0.154). DMN integrity was lower in high-grade (WHO III–IV) compared with low-grade (WHO II) patients (P = 0.020). Tumors in the left parietal lobe showed a more impaired DMN compared with tumors in the frontal lobe, while tumors within and outside the network nodes did not differ significantly. Results suggest higher tumor grade along with prior surgery and/or treatment cause the largest reduction in DMN functional connectivity in patients with primary gliomas, and that tumor location has an impact on connectivity.
Reactions of chromium(IV)

Abstract Chromium(IV) is a reactive intermediate in most systems involving reduction of chromium (VI) to chromium(III). Insight concerning its reactions and reactivity may be obtained by examining variable stoichiometries in cases where reducing agents capable of either one or two equivalent initial steps are employed and by examination of inert Cr(III) products resulting from the direct reduction of Cr(IV) by one equivalent reducing agents. Results give fairly clear, albeit indirect, evidence for the following reactions of Cr(IV) in aqueous acid solutions. 2 Cr(IV) → Cr(III) + Cr(V) Disproportionation Cr(IV) + Cr(VI) → 2 Cr(V) Oxidation Cr(IV) + e − → Cr(III) Reduction Cr(IV) + n L → Cr L n Coordination.
Metacommunity Structure Along Resource and Disturbance Gradients in Everglades Wetlands

We evaluated metacommunity hypotheses of landscape arrangement (indicative of dispersal limitation) and environmental gradients (hydroperiod and nutrients) in structuring macroinvertebrate and fish communities in the southern Everglades. We used samples collected at sites from the eastern boundary of the southern Everglades and from Shark River Slough, to evaluate the role of these factors in metacommunity structure. We used eigenfunction spatial analysis to model community structure among sites and distance-based redundancy analysis to partition the variability in communities between spatial and environmental filters. For most animal communities, hydrological parameters had a greater influence on structure than nutrient enrichment, however both had large effects. The influence of spatial effects indicative of dispersal limitation was weak and only periphyton infauna appeared to be limited by regional dispersal. At the landscape scale, communities were well-mixed, but strongly influenced by hydrology. Local-scale species dominance was influenced by water-permanence and nutrient enrichment. Nutrient enrichment is limited to water inflow points associated with canals, which may explain its impact in this data set. Hydroperiod and nutrient enrichment are controlled by water managers; our analysis indicates that the decisions they make have strong effects on the communities at the base of the Everglades food web.
Feedback amplification of a plane shear layer by impingement on a downstream body

Abstract The interaction of a plane shear layer with a thin flat plate located on the centerline of a shear layer has been investigated experimentally. The shear layer velocity ratio is 0·375, and its Reynolds number is ΔU θ 0 v = 625 . It is found that disturbances from the vicinity of the disturbing plate leading edge feed back into the initial disturbance field of the shear layer to alter significantly its amplitude, increasing it at certain frequencies and suppressing it at other frequencies by negative feedback. An analytical model is developed for the linear stability region of the shear layer in which the system is treated as a closed-loop, frequency-dependent amplifier with wavelength selection according to a phase condition.
Effects of polychlorinated dibenzofurans on compounds in hepatic DNA of female Sprague-Dawley rats: structure dependence and mechanistic considerations.

Previous work indicated that covalent age-dependent DNA modifications of endogenous origin termed I-compounds may represent useful biomarkers for tumor promotion/carcinogenesis, as various tumor promoters/carcinogens, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and phenobarbital, reduce rat I-compound levels in liver, the target organ. The present study addressed the question as to whether polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), which are related to TCDD and its congeners with regard to their toxic and biochemical properties, would also affect hepatic I-compound patterns and levels, and whether such effects would be chemical structure-dependent. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated once a week with a single dose (100 μg/kg) of 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF), 1,2,4,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, or 2,3,4,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,4,6,7,8-HeCDF) for 4 weeks and liver DNA was analyzed at the end of the last week by 32P-postlabeling assay. No carcinogen-DNA adducts were detected; however, levels of both non-polar and polar I-compounds were reduced in a structure-dependent manner. Potencies increased in the order, control (100%, 122 modifications in 109 DNA nucleotides = 1,2,4,7,8-PeCDF (104%) <1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF (80%) <2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (61%) and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HeCDF (61%). Structure-activity relationships for total I-compounds, therefore, paralleled those reported for Ah receptor agonist activity, i.e., compounds that exhibit high cytosolic Ah receptor binding affinities and are also potent inducers of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity (1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HeCDF) were active, while 1,2,4,7,8-PeCDF, which is a less potent Ah receptor agonist, was inactive. Polar I-compounds responded to a greater extent than did non-polar ones and, in general, individual I-compounds were affected differentially, thus decreased formation or increased removal of I-compounds played a role in the observed effects of the toxins on DNA. It is proposed that Ah receptor-mediated enzyme induction, particularly of cytochrome P450, is involved in reduced hepatic I-compound formation and that subnormal I-compound levels may contribute to tumor promotion.
Detection of human respiration using square-wave modulated electromagnetic impulses

A technique for monitoring human respiration utilizing square-wave modulated electromagnetic impulses is presented. Lung volume changes associated with human respiration alter the time-amplitude spectrum of a reflected electromagnetic impulse, while the Brillouin-precursor associated with impulse propagation through dispersive media enables detection through otherwise opaque barriers. Results of numerical simulations and experiments are presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 339–343, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10759
The effects of inversion asymmetry on subband structures in GaSb-InAs-GaSb quantum wells

Abstract We report an experimental study of a group of InAs-GaSb quantum wells which show finite ground subband energy splitting even in the absence of an external magnetic field. The origin of this zero-field splitting is identified as due primarily to the surface electric field mediated spin-orbit interaction. The InAs bulk structural asymmetry effects are ruled out by studying the QW thickness dependence of the splitting. We also determined the spin splitting as a function of magnetic field up to 15 T by using the tilted field technique.
Analyzing and evaluating business process by the Distance reachable matrix

The Authors present a new approach of finding out unreasonable activity loops. The approach was named as DRM (distance reachable matrix) which introduced distances into reachable matrix and could show activity loops and distances directly in elements of the matrix. The definition, operating rules of DRM and others related to DRM were described in this paper. At the end, the approach was applied to a practical process, the loops and distances were found out quickly. The approach provided a new resolution to the BPR (business process reengineering).
Tongues and Cymbals: Contextualizing 1 Corinthians 13:1:

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul's message is one of unity. The key to understanding Paul's metaphor of the cymbal in 1 Corinthians 13:1 lies in knowing that within the biblical traditi...
Evaluation of an Extended School Day Program for African American Males in the Context of Single Gender Schooling and Schoolwide Reform: A Case for Extending the School Day for African American Males

This article presents the results of the 2nd-year evaluation of an after-school program designed for an extended school day program serving African American middle school students in the city of Baltimore, Maryland (ACCESS-West). This study describes the effects of schoolwide reform especially as it relates to single-gender schools, educating African American males, and extending the school day. The ACCESS-West program goals included improving academic achievement, improving student attitude toward school, decreasing chronic truancy and absenteeism, and increasing parental engagement and involvement. Second-year results reveal that three of the four goals were met but that the interplay between schoolwide reform and implementing the extended-day program had mixed effects on the program. Staffing and administrational changes and high percentages of special needs students adversely affected the program and results. Dedication, commitment, and implementation positively contributed to the outcomes of the 2nd-...
Combining PN Spread Spectrum with an Adaptive Array

Combining spread spectrum and adaptive arrays offers enhanced interference-resistance for future communication systems. The novel method pursued here uses identical programmable pseudo-noise matched filters followed by a sampled-matrix-inversion spatial algorithm using pre-formed steering vectors. This method potentially has full processing gain during the acquisition phase of tactical systems. Theoretical computer calculations for various interference conditions with a 4-element linear array indicate that one gets a near-optimum SNR pattern if one uses the largest of 4 or 5 apriori steering vectors. A simulation experiment resulted in an output SNR that was within 2.6 dB of optimum. Emerging LSI devices and array processors will make powerful approaches such as this feasible in the future.
A clinician's perspective on laboratory utilization management

Abstract Background Excessive laboratory utilization is a common problem in the hospital setting. Physicians control up to 80% of healthcare costs and wield great influence. Methods This review article describes reasons for overutilization of labs and recommends interventional strategies to change clinician ordering behavior. Results Powerful factors exist that encourage overutilization, including fear of missing a diagnosis, provider inexperience, peer pressure, financial rewards, practice inertia, and fear of legal punishment. Features of automated order entry, such as bundling and “daily until discontinued” options contribute to wasteful ordering behavior. Conclusion The most successful and long-lasting interventions are multi-faceted and have included a combination of education, feedback and audit, and administrative changes. The support of senior physicians and top administration is critical to the success of any initiative and ideally, interventions should be original from a multi-disciplinary committee of respected individuals.
Inertial stochastic dynamics. II. Influence of inertia on slow kinetic processes of supercoiled DNA

We apply our new algorithms presented in the companion paper (LTID: long-time-step inertial dynamics, IBD: inertial Brownian dynamics) for mass-dependent Langevin dynamics (LD) with hydrodynamics, as well as the standard Brownian dynamical (BD) propagator, to study the thermal fluctuations of supercoiled DNA minicircles. Our DNA model accounts for twisting, bending, and salt-screened electrostatic interactions. Though inertial relaxation times are on the order of picoseconds, much slower kinetic processes are affected by the Brownian (noninertial) approximation typically employed. By comparing results of LTID and IBD to those generated using the standard (BD) algorithm, we find that the equilibrium fluctuations in writhing number, Wr, and radius of gyration, Rg, are influenced by mass-dependent terms. The autocorrelation functions for these quantities differ between the BD simulations and the inertial LD simulations by as much as 10%. In contrast, when the nonequilibrium process of relaxation from a pertu...
Where do ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and intraoperative cholangiography fit in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis? A decision analysis model.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The role of ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is controversial. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) are modalities for bile duct visualization that could lower costs and prevent ERCP-related complications. We analyzed costs and examined the cost-effectiveness of these modalities to define their role in ABP. METHODS: A decision analysis model of ABP was constructed. The strategies evaluated were 1) ERCP, 2) MRCP followed by ERCP if positive for common bile duct stones (CBDS) or if biliary sepsis ensued, 3) EUS followed by ERCP if positive or if biliary sepsis ensued, and 4) observation with intraoperative cholangiography at the time of cholecystectomy with ERCP only if biliary sepsis ensued. We compared costs and performed cost-effectiveness analysis between strategies at probabilities of CBDS ranging from 0% to 100%. The outcome measures were total costs and costs per ABP death prevented. RESULTS: At probabilities of CBDS 58%, respectively. In terms of cost-effectiveness, at probabilities of CBDS of 7–45%, EUS is the most cost-effective alternative, and at a probability of >45% ERCP is the most cost-effective option. CONCLUSIONS: Total costs and cost-effectiveness ratios of these strategies in patients with ABP are highly dependent on the probability of CBDS.
Effect of Liquid Oil on the Distribution and Reactivity of a Hydrophobic Solute in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

The performance of solid lipid nanoparticles is often modified by the addition of small amounts of liquid oil. The effects of added liquid lipid (tetradecane, C14) on the distribution and reactivity of the spin probe 4-phenyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-imidazoline-1-oxyl nitroxide (PTMIO) in solid lipid nanoparticles (eicosane, C20) were investigated as a function of storage time and temperature. Emulsions prepared with blends of C14:C20 (100 % C14, 90 % C20, 99 % C20, and 100 % C20) and stabilized by sodium caseinate (1 wt%) were stored at 21.5 °C or 5 °C for 5 or 24 h prior to EPR analyses. In the liquid C14 droplets the PTMIO partitioned between the droplet and aqueous phases (70 and 30 %, respectively) independent of storage conditions. However, the proportion of probe in droplets decreased with increasing crystalline C20 concentration. The fraction of PTMIO in droplets containing C20 decreased in the following sequence: 5 h at room temperature >24 h at room temperature >24 h at refrigerated temperature and was lower in droplets with a higher proportion of C20. The residual PTMIO in semicrystalline droplets has higher polarity and lower mobility than PTMIO in liquid oil droplets suggesting it is in a layer surrounding the crystalline lipid core, and partly immobilized by interaction with the surface layer. The model of PTMIO distribution was consistent with the kinetics of PTMIO reduction by aqueous ascorbate ions.
Placental growth factor attenuates suppression of erythroid colony formation by interferon

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family and is associated with inflammation and with pathologic angiogenesis. PlGF is released from marrow erythroid cells, and serum PlGF concentrations have been reported to distinguish sickle cell patients from healthy controls. We observed that erythroid colony forming units (CFU-Es) from homozygous sickle cell (SS) patients are less sensitive to inhibition by rhγIFN than those from healthy controls, and the contribution of PlGF to this process was evaluated. At 10–1000-pg/mL concentrations, PlGF neither inhibits nor enhances CFU-E colony formation, and no differences were observed between the responses of SS patients or healthy controls. rhPlGF 100 pg/mL reversed the inhibitory effects of rhγIFN on CFU-E colony formation. rhPlGF significantly attenuated rhγIFN induction of the Fas ligand in an erythroid cell line (HCD57). Both HCD57 cells and CD36+ human marrow cells express Flt-1, which is a receptor for PlGF. A neutralizing antibody against Flt-1 partially attenuated the IFN-protective effect of rhPlGF, although this effect was not statistically significant. In conclusion, increased PlGF concentrations in the marrow of SS patients may protect erythroid progenitors from cytokine-induced inhibition of colony formation, and it may be a mechanism by which erythropoiesis in sickle cell disease is preserved despite concurrent inflammation.
Expected benefits of information security investments

Ideally, decisions concerning investments of scarce resources in new or additional procedures and technologies that are expected to enhance information security will be informed by quantitative analyses. But security is notoriously hard to quantify, since absence of activity challenges us to establish whether lack of successful attacks is the result of good security or merely due to good luck. However, viewing security as the inverse of risk enables us to use computations of expected loss to develop a quantitative approach to measuring gains in security by measuring decreases in risk. In using such an approach, making decisions concerning investments in information security requires calculation of net benefits expected to result from the investment. Unfortunately, little data are available upon which to base an estimate of the probabilities required for developing the expected losses. This paper develops a mathematical approach to risk management based on Kaplan-Meier and Nelson-Aalen non-parametric estimators of the probability distributions needed for using the resulting quantitative risk management tools. Differences between the integrals of these estimators evaluated for enhanced and control groups of systems in an information infrastructure provide a metric for measuring increased security. When combined with an appropriate value function, the expected losses can be calculated and investments evaluated quantitatively in terms of actual enhancements to security.
Phase evolution in nanocrystalline silicon films: Hydrogen dilution and the cone kinetics model

Our cone kinetics model of heterogeneous thin film growth explains the evolution of the crystalline inclusions that form during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of silicon films. Various morphologies, including isolated crystallites and conical nanocrystalline formations, form during plasma-enhanced (PE) and other CVD techniques when isotropic growth is coupled with the point nucleation of a second phase with a higher growth rate. Cone angles are determined by the relative growth rates alone. By generalizing the physics of cone formation, we create a qualitative phase diagram that predicts film morphology from two factors during deposition: the relative amorphous and crystalline growth rates and the rate of crystallite nucleation. It is well known that both of these factors are influenced by the H-dilution of the film precursor gases. Analysis of the statistics of cone geometries and densities in published experimental data on PECVD-grown nanocrystalline silicon shows that the cone angle increases m...
Additional notes on requirements of captive whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus), with emphasis on ultraviolet radiation

Since 1972 we have maintained a colony of parthenogenetic Cnemidophorus exsanguis, which has reached the seventh generation in our laboratory. This paper reports improved husbandry techniques that allow maintenance of healthy, reproducing colonies of this and additional species of Cnemidophorus. In addition, aspects of the physiology of calcium regulation and metabolic bone disease are discussed in relation to the captive rearing of lizards through many generations.
Evidence that the src gene product of rous sarcoma virus is membrane associated

Abstract We have investigated the intracellular localization of the src phosphotransferase and of pp60src by cellular fractionation. Fractionation of cell lysates by differential centrifugation showed that both the phosphotransferase activity, measured using an immune complex assay, and pp60src cosedimented with particulate fractions enriched in cellular membranes. Upon further fractionation of particulate fractions by equilibrium centrifugation in discontinuous sucrose gradients the src phosphotransferase and pp60src fractionated in parallel with plasma membranes. The phosphotransferase activity remained associated with cellular membranes under conditions of high ionic strength or of high concentrations of divalent cation chelators further supporting a direct membrane association. The src phosphotransferase activity is higher in buffer containing only Triton X-100 detergent as compared to a more complicated detergent mixture, but under these assay conditions the pp60scr appears to undergo proteolysis to a 52K-dalton polypeptide (pp52src) which is active as a phosphotransferase. Pyrimidine triphosphates were shown to act as donors in the immune complex assay of src phosphotransferase activity. [γ-32P]CTP was about one-third as efficient as [γ-32P]ATP in serving as a donor. Both CTP and UTP were effective inhibitors of src phosphotransferase activity when either radiolabeled ATP or GTP were used as substrates. The ability of src to interact efficiently with both purine and pyrimidine triphosphates contrasts markedly with most well-studied protein kinases which have been shown to use almost exclusively purine triphosphates.
How do inhibitors and modifiers of individual enzymes affect steady-state fluxes and concentrations in metabolic systems?

Abstract By using metabolic control theory we show how one can calculate the effect on steady-state metabolite concentrations and steady-state fluxes of small amounts of inhibitors or activators of individual enzymes in a metabolic system of arbitrary complexity. It turns out that only limited knowledge of the kinetics of the enzymes in the systems, summarized in their “Elasticity Coefficients,” is needed. An example of an actual calculation is given.
When One Form is Between Two Others: An Application of Biorthogonal Analysis

SYNOPSIS. This essay presents a method for measuring the degree to which one biological outline form lies in between two others. The procedure does not measure forms separately, but rather compares pairs of tensors expressing D'Arcy Thompson's “Cartesian transformations” according to the biorthogonal formalism of Bookstein. In analogy with conventional methods, betweenness is computed as a similarity score, the cosine of a non- Euclidean angle between the tensors. The new quantities, size-betweenness and shapebetweenness, enable comparisons of form series against a priori orderings intra- and interspecifically
Ballistic Electrons in an Inhomogeneous Submicron Structure: Thermal and Contact Effects.

For a simple submicron semiconductor structure we have calculated exactly the electron distribution $f(v,x)$ within a relaxation-to-local-equilibrium assumption for the collision term of the Boltzmann equation. This is the first calculation of the electron distribution in an inhomogeneous semiconductor. Large applied voltages produce a substantial ballistic peak in $f(v,x)$. But at all voltages contact inhomogeneities and local heating (and cooling) produce an $I\ensuremath{-}V$ characteristic only weakly dependent on the scattering rate.