cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective learning impairment of delayed reinforcement autoshaped behavior caused by low doses of trimethyltin.

The organometal neurotoxin trimethyltin (TMT), induces impaired learning and memory for various tasks. However, administration is also associated with other “non-specific” behavioral changes which may be responsible for effects on conditioned behaviors. To determine if TMT treatment causes a specific learning impairment, three experiments were done using variations of a delay of reinforcement autoshaping task in which rats learn to associate the presentation and retraction of a lever with the delivery of a food pellet reinforcer. No significant effects of TMT treatment were found with a short (4 s) delay of reinforcement, indicating that rats were motivated and had the sensorimotor capacity for learning. When the delay was increased to 6 s, 3.0 or 6.0 mg TMT/kg produced dose-related reductions in behaviors directed towards the lever. Performance of a group given 7.5 mg TMT/kg, while still impaired relative to controls, appeared to be better than the performance of groups given lower doses. This paradoxical effect was investigated with a latent inhibition paradigm, in which rats were pre-exposed to the Skinner boxes for several sessions without delivery of food reinforcement. Control rats showed retardation of autoshaping when food reinforcement was subsequently introduced. Rats given 7.5 mg TMT/kg exhibited elevated levels of lever responding during pre-exposure and autoshaping sessions. The results indicate that 7.5 mg TMT/kg produces learning impairments which are confounded by hyperreactivity to the environment and an inability to suppress behavior toward irrelevant stimuli. In contrast, low doses of TMT cause learning impairments which are not confounded by hyperreactivity, and may prove to be useful models for studying specific associational dysfunctions.
Confidence Intervals for a Normal Coefficient of Variation

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the small-sample distribution of a class of approximate pivotal quantities for a normal coefficient of variation that contains the approximations of McKay, David, the “naive” approximate interval obtained by dividing the usual confidence interval on the standard deviation by the sample mean, and a new interval closely related to McKay. For any approximation in this class, a series is given for e(t) the difference between the cdf's of the approximate pivot and the reference distribution. Let κ denote the population coefficient of variation. For McKay, David, and the “naive” interval e(t) = O(κ2), while for the new procedure e(t) = O(κ4).
Asymmetric grain distribution in phthalocyanine thin films

Many electronic and optical properties of organic thin films depend on the precise morphology of grains. Iron phthalocyanine thin films are grown on sapphire substrates at different temperatures to study the effect of grain growth kinematics and to experimentally quantify the grain size distribution in organic thin films. The grain size is measured with an atomic force microscope and the data is processed and analyzed with well-known image segmentation algorithms. For relevant statistics, over 3000 grains are evaluated for each sample. The data show pronounced asymmetric grain growth with increasing deposition temperature from almost spherical grains at room temperature to elongated needlelike shapes at $260\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\text{C}$. The average size along the major axis increases from 35 to 200 nm and along the minor axis from 25 to 90 nm. The distribution is almost symmetric at low-deposition temperatures, but becomes lognormal at higher temperatures. Strikingly, the major axis and minor axis of the elliptically shaped grains have different distributions at all temperatures due to the planar asymmetry of the molecule.
A scintillation proximity assay for rna detection.

A homogeneous scintillation proximity assay (SPA) for detection of RNA transcripts is described. 3H-labeled RNA transcripts are hybridized in solution to biotinylated oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), which are then bound by streptavidin-coated, scintillant-embedded beads. Only bound 3H-labeled RNA transcripts are brought in close enough proximity to stimulate light emission from the beads. The results from this novel homogeneous assay correlated well with those obtained using the traditional filter-binding methods to measure RNA polymerase activity. The assay has been miniaturized to a 384-well format compatible with automated high-throughput screening. This SPA method has also been successfully used to probe RNA-accessible sites to hybridization, and thus should provide a useful tool for selecting effective antisense ODNs in antisense research.
Phylogenetic, ecological, and ontogenetic factors influencing the biochemical structure of the blubber of odontocetes

To explore ecological, phylogenetic, and developmental factors affecting the structure of blubber in Odontocetes (toothed whales), lipid composition of this specialized adipose tissue was determined in 260 specimens (30 species representing all families except the river dolphins), most of which were collected between 1995 and 2005, from all over the world. In most odontocetes, blubber contained primarily triacylglycerols; the blubber of beaked and sperm whales was dominated by wax esters (WE), exhibiting ontogenetic patterns of deposition. WEs may represent an adaptation to deep diving for marine mammals that do not rely on blubber for stored energy. Fatty acid (FA) composition was stratified through blubber depth, with higher concentrations of dietary FA in the inner and endogenous FA in the outer layers of the blubber. Stratification can be considered a characteristic feature of odontocetes, and is likely the result of differential metabolism through the blubber. Small body size appears to constrain blubber lipid content to be high. Thermal habitat also represents an important selective pressure for blubber composition. Species inhabiting colder waters exhibited both higher lipid content and increased FA stratification in blubber, compared to species from warm/tropical habitats. The isolation of mobilization to inner blubber may permit metabolic enzymes to function without limitation by lower temperatures. The variation in composition and distribution of blubber lipids in odontocetes suggests that different species may have evolved slightly diverse arrays of secondary functions for this specialized tissue as adaptations for specific ecological niches.
What recourse? Liability for managed-care decisions and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Should managed-care organizations be accountable to patients injured by the company's negligence or wrongdoing? The general rule is that all organizations, including managed-care organizations, are...
Regression-like analysis of birth interval sequences

Employing a family of generalized linear models for the gamma distribution, the structure of birth interval data derived from three historical populations is examined. The relative importance of such factors as current age, parity of the mother, and duration of marriage in determining the length of succeeding intervals is investigated. The results suggest that the three data sets have a common, rather simple structure and various applications of such empirical models are considered.
Temperature and pH effect on the microbial reductive transformation of pentachloronitrobenzene.

The effect of pH and temperature on the microbial reductive transformation of pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB), an organochlorine fungicide, was investigated with a mixed fermentative/methanogenic culture developed from a contaminated estuarine sediment. Culture series were incubated at a temperature range from 4 to 45 °C at pH 6.9 ± 0.1 and at a pH range from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 7.6 ± 0.1 at 22 °C. Significant differences were observed in terms of biotransformation rate, extent, and products as a function of temperature. Incubation at different pH values resulted in differences in biotransformation rate and extent, but not in terms of products formed. PCNB (3 μM) was transformed to pentachloroaniline (PCA) in all culture series. However, sequential dechlorination of PCA was observed only at a temperature range from 4 to 35 °C and at a pH range from 6.2 ± 0.1 to 7.6 ± 0.1. The highest PCA dechlorination rate was observed at 22 °C and at pH 7.6 ± 0.1. The effect of temperature on the PCA dechlorination rate was mod...
Effect of Various Agents in Alleviating the Toxicity of Tannic Acid for Chickens

Abstract FULLER et al. (1967) were able to reduce the growth depressing effects for chickens of 1% dietary tannic acid by supplementing the diet with methionine, choline (or betaine) or arginine (or ornithine), and completely overcome the adverse effect of 0.5% dietary tannic acid with these supplements. This combination of methyl donors and arginine was found to be only partially effective against 1% dietary tannic acid but more effective against digallic acid by Rayudu et al. (1970). Dollahite and Camp (1962) found calcium hydroxide to alleviate tannic acid toxicity in rabbits. Also, tannic acid can be complexed and inactivated from its solution in in vitro conditions by polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) (Boudet, 1965), and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoleate (Tween 80) (Zanobini et al., 1967). It was desired to test these polymers, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3 and Na2 CO3 in case these could overcome tannic acid toxicity for chickens. As tannic acid was…
Protective immunity of Nile tilapia against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis post-immunization with live theronts and sonicated trophonts

Two immunization trials were conducted to evaluate host protection of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). Immunizations were done with live theronts or sonicated trophonts by bath immersion and intraperitoneal (IP) injection. The immunized fish were challenged with theronts 21 days post-immunization in trial I and 180 days post-immunization in trial II. The serum anti-Ich antibody and cumulative mortalities of tilapia were determined after theront challenge. Serum anti-Ich antibody was significantly higher (P<0.05) in tilapia immunized with live theronts by immersion or IP injection or with sonicated trophonts administered by IP injection than tilapia immunized with sonicated trophonts by immersion, with bovine serum albumin by IP injection, or non-immunized controls. Host protection was acquired in fish immunized with live theronts by immersion or IP injection. Tilapia immunized with sonicated trophonts by IP injection were partially protected with a 57-77% survival in both trials. At 180 days post-immunization, serum antibody titers had declined in immunized fish yet they were still able to survive challenge. The protection appears not to be solely depending on serum antibody response against Ich.
Imputing gene expression from selectively reduced probe sets

The probe selection for imputation (PSI) approach accurately imputes global gene expression profiles from a small subset of probes that it chooses based on a training set of full profiles, allowing many more combinatorial experiments to be performed given the same resources. Measuring complete gene expression profiles for a large number of experiments is costly. We propose an approach in which a small subset of probes is selected based on a preliminary set of full expression profiles. In subsequent experiments, only the subset is measured, and the missing values are imputed. We developed several algorithms to simultaneously select probes and impute missing values, and we demonstrate that these 'probe selection for imputation' (PSI) algorithms can successfully reconstruct missing gene expression values in a wide variety of applications, as evaluated using multiple metrics of biological importance. We analyze the performance of PSI methods under varying conditions, provide guidelines for choosing the optimal method based on the experimental setting, and indicate how to estimate imputation accuracy. Finally, we apply our approach to a large-scale study of immune system variation.
Experimental determination of the magneto-optic constants of rare-earth transition-metal alloys

The complex magnetooptic constants of rare-earth-transition-metal alloys have been determined from accurate measurements of the polar Kerr rotation of a series of samples of differing thicknesses, deposited on quartz coupons with protective overcoats, by least-squares fitting to the multilayer optical equations of the structure. Films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering from a Tb/sub 20/(Fe/sub 90/Co/sub 10/)/sub 80/ compound target. Rutherford backscattering analysis shows that the actual Tb content in the films is about 18.1%, and that the Ar content is less than 0.5%. The overcoats were Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, with a measured refractive index of 1.63, RF-diode sputtered from a compound target in the same system. Kerr rotation was measured at room temperature at 820-nm wavelength. Measurements made with and without the overcoat are presented and discussed. >
Single Wall Carbon Nanotube/Polyethylene Nanocomposites: Thermal and Electrical Conductivity

The thermal and electrical conductivities in nanocomposites of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and polyethylene (PE) are investigated in terms of SWNT loading, the degree of PE crystallinity, and the PE alignment. Isotropic SWNT/PE nanocomposites show a significant increase in thermal conductivity with increasing SWNT loading, having 1.8 and 3.5 W/mK at a SWNT volume fraction of φ ∼ 0.2 in low-density PE (LDPE) and high-density PE (HDPE), respectively. This increase in SWNT/HDPE is more than additive and suggests a reduction of the interfacial thermal resistance. Fitting the thermal conductivity data of the SWNT/HDPE nanocomposites with two models indicates that the thermal conductivity relies on a percolating SWNT network. Oriented SWNT/HDPE nanocomposites exhibit higher thermal conductivities, which are attributed primarily to the aligned PE matrix.
Hematological malignancy manifesting as ascites.

Background A 63-year-old Caucasian woman presented with intermittent, left-sided abdominal discomfort without other symptoms. Physical examination revealed massive splenomegaly and complete blood counts showed thrombocytopenia. Splenectomy was recommended but the patient declined. She was lost to follow-up twice but returned with tense ascites about 2 years after the initial presentation. Despite aggressive medical management, the ascites did not improve. Investigations Bone-marrow and liver biopsies, abdominal ultrasound, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, abdominal CT scan and peripheral blood smear. Diagnosis Primary splenic lymphoma with hepatic infiltration causing portal hypertension and ascites. Management Paracentesis, dietary sodium restriction and diuretics, splenectomy, splenorenal shunt and chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone).
Transdermally delivered peroxovanadium can lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.

The element vanadium can have insulin mimetic properties and therefore has been suggested as a possible therapeutic agent for treatment of diabetes. A series of peroxovanadium compounds that are more potent at lowering blood glucose levels than sodium metavanadate, sodium orthovanadate and vanadyl sulfate have recently been synthesized. These compounds probably will not be orally active so transdermal administration is a potential option. A patch containing either the peroxovanadium compound [VO(O2)2 1–10 phenanthroline], abbreviated bpV(phen), or placebo was placed on the back of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and was delivered either passively (16 h) or iontophoretically (0.5 mA/cm2 for 4 h). Blood samples were analyzed for glucose and vanadium levels. Mean blood glucose levels were 83±1% and 109±1% of the starting values for animals iontophoretically treated with bpV(phen) and vehicle, respectively. The compound’s insulin mimetic properties were evident within 60 min of current initiation. Blood glucose levels were reduced to 74±14% of the original level after 16 h of passive treatment. The compound was ineffective when fed to animals. Transdermal delivery of bpV(phen) resulted in significantly greater blood levels of vanadium than the orally delivered compound (P<0.05). Overall these experiments demonstrate that peroxovanadium delivered through the skin can lower blood glucose levels in rats. Further experiments are warranted to better characterize the nature of the response and to determine the potential for using these compounds in humans.
Leadership, nonfinancial, and financial outcomes : The case of community hospitals

ABSTRACT: For profit (FP) health care institutions are becoming more common, even dominant in many communities, and consumers and payers are demanding high‐quality services at reasonable and affordable costs. Hence, health care managers must find ways to provide services to meet these requirements. One of the motivations for conversions of health care institutions from not‐for‐profit (NFP) was the expectation that the profit motive would likely enhance the efficiency of the entire industry, because economic considerations suggest that market competition improves economic growth. This improvement comes from efficiency gains, lower prices, and enhanced quality. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationships among leadership, clinical quality, process quality, patient satisfaction, cost improvement, and hospital performance, using a 2006 survey sample of 313 for‐profit community hospitals. Results indicate significant positive impact of leadership on both clinical quality...
Antistaphylococcal Activity of CB-181963 (CAB-175), an Experimental Parenteral Cephalosporin

Among 265 methicillin-susceptible and -resistant staphylococci, CB-181963 (CAB-175) had a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration of 2 microg/ml and a 90% minimum inhibitory concentration of 4 microg/ml. All strains except two vancomycin-resistant S. aureus and 5 vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus strains were also susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin, and all were susceptible to linezolid, ranbezolid, tigecycline, and quinupristin-dalfopristin. Most methicillin-resistant strains were levofloxacin resistant. CB-181963 was bactericidal against all six methicillin-resistant strains at four times the MIC after 24 h.
An Investigation Into Credit Card Debt Among College Students

It is no surprise that the amount of credit card debt and outstanding loan balances of college students is increasing every year. College students are heavily targeted by credit companies through the use of e-mail, campus booths, and standard mail. The reason for these solicitations is because of the soaring expense levels of college students and the potential that such a large group has to add profits to the issuing firm. Marketers are interested in credit card usage of students to determine the best methods for gaining market share in this emergent market. Credit card and loan usage patterns of college students are investigated.
Geometric Measures of Poincare Plots for the Detection of Small Sympathovagal Shifts

The Poincare plot has been a nonlinear tool for the analysis of heart rate variability. However, due to a lack of tools to quantitatively characterize the plots, the Poincare plot has been used visually only. One of the problems with a Poincare plot of a large number of R-R intervals has been the outliers. These make the plots much larger than they should be while contributing relatively little from a density point of view. By concentrating on the central R-R pairs the outliers can be ignored. A contour that includes 90% of the R-R pairs is used. The mean R-R values, the histogram and the 90% contour are used to characterize the Poincare plots. Holter recordings from 4 hours of night sleep during normal and mild hyperglycaemic episodes will be compared using the new set of tools.
Variable Selection for Motor Cortical Control of Directions

In our previous work, a non-stereotypical brain machine interface system was implemented with freely-moving rats, and a nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used to map neural signals in the rats' motor cortices onto a set of discrete classes of directions (left and right). In this paper, we provide a comprehensive analysis about the selection of neurons and temporal parameters, which is critical to the success of the system. We also show that pre-processing by principal component analysis (PCA) can reduce dimensions and improve accuracy
Return to the Taung cave paradigm.

Objectives The Taung hominin fossil was recovered in 1924 during quarry operations in the tufa formations of the Buxton Limeworks. Reconstructions of the depositional environment of the juvenile Australopithecus skull have concentrated on the types of caves that form within the tufa. Hopley et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 151 (2013) 316–324) proposed a new model in which the pink carbonate deposits, in which many of the Taung fossils are found, formed as open terrestrial pedogenic deposits. The objective here is to challenge that notion. Materials and Methods Observations of the depositional environments at Taung are based upon the University of the Witwatersrand paleontological excavations at the Buxton Limeworks from 1988 to 1993, and subsequent laboratory analysis of the fossils and sediments. Results Hopley et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 151 (2013) 316–324) conflate numerous distinct outcroppings of the pink carbonates as a single “unit.” The excavations revealed numerous fossiliferous deposits that differ greatly in taphonomic origins and formation processes, and that cannot be considered a “unit” despite the commonality of pink carbonates. There are deposits that fit the model proposed by Hopley et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 151 (2013) 316–324), but they are not the ones that yielded the most significant fossils. Discussion Most of the fossiliferous deposits, including those most likely to have yielded the Taung hominin, are best reconstructed as being of karst origins. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:348–351, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reading disability in adjudicated youth: Prevalence rates, current models, traditional and innovative treatments

This paper reviews current literature from two distinct but overlapping domains: juvenile delinquency (JD) and reading disability (RD). In light of the substantial evidence that RD is both associated with, and causally involved in JD, it is alarming how little extant research has systematically investigated remediation strategies for use in the juvenile corrections system. The paper begins with a definition and a review of approaches for conceptualizing JD. RD is placed within the context of a large domain of risk factors for JD. We then define RD and introduce studies that establish the link between RD and JD, and give estimates of its prevalence within the JD population. We discuss briefly the role of attentional problems in mediating the relationship between RD and JD, before exploring the tenets and some limitations of common theories of RD. This is followed by a brief review of the literature that has begun to investigate the efficacy of various reading remediation approaches within the juvenile detention setting. We conclude by previewing some promising new research employing computer-based training and highlight recommendations for future research on RD in the JD population.
Capture Dynamics of Coaxial Magnetic Brakes

In a coaxial magnetic brake, the changing field produced by movement of a solenoidal magnet induces a current in the wall of a conductive tube. The interaction of the field and current leads to a repulsive force that slows the motion of the magnet. We have tested the performance of this type of brake by firing a projectile carrying a permanent magnet into an aluminum tube. The results were compared to a model based on published theoretical results. The model was then used to predict braking distance for speeds and masses of interest in hypervelocity research, and it was found that brakes incorporating presently available superconducting materials are capable of stopping projectiles in practical distances. In addition, a new means of centering the projectile in the catch tube is presented, accompanied by a calculation of the centering force on the projectile, and high-speed photographs showing the alignment of a projectile with the brake tube.
Spin characterization and control over the regime of radiation-induced zero-resistance states

Over the regime of the radiation-induced zero-resistance states and associated oscillatory magnetoresistance, we propose a low-magnetic-field analog of quantum-Hall-limit techniques for the electrical detection of electron spin and nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamical nuclear polarization via electron spin resonance, and electrical characterization of the nuclear spin polarization via the Overhauser shift. In addition, beats observed in the radiation-induced oscillatory magnetoresistance are developed into a method to measure and control the zero-field spin splitting due to the Bychkov-Rashba and bulk inversion asymmetry terms in the high-mobility GaAs-AlGaAs system.
Nuclear Factor-κB/Rel Is Apoptogenic in Cytokine Withdrawal-induced Programmed Cell Death

In the complex microenvironment where they evolve, developing cells undergo rapid programmed cell death (PCD) when cytokines that support them become limiting. The transcriptional mechanisms of cytokine-withdrawal apoptosis are poorly understood. In this report, we used early B-lymphocyte tissue culture and transgenic cells to demonstrate that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) promotes apoptosis during cytokine withdrawal-induced PCD. In the progenitor B lymphocyte model FL5.12, whereas NF-κB has an antiapoptotic function in response to tumor necrosis factor-α, cytokine withdrawal causes nuclear translocation of NF-κB/cRel, where it is apoptogenic. Inhibition of NF-κB activation delays cytokine withdrawal-induced PCD in both FL5.12 and transgenic early B cells. Additionally, reconstituting a bone marrow microenvironment ex vivo abrogates the differential apoptotic pattern between control and transgenic early B cells.
The Internet: privacy, censorship, the first amendment, and transnational communications; what's at stake?

This paper examines some of the problems under debate concerning the Internet. Included in the discussion are concerns over privacy issues, obscenity, pornography, and child pornography, the protection of minors from undesirable material on the Internet, and who has ultimate responsibility for the content and regulation of the Internet. Legal issues are examined along with a brief discussion on current regulatory laws. Alternatives to broad regulatory laws are examined with respect to communication and social concerns.
"I like to take my own sweet time" Case Study of a Child with Naming-Speed Deficits and Reading Disabilities

Three types of dyslexic readers exist, according to the Double-Deficit Hypothesis: those with (a) a single phonological deficit, (b) a single naming-speed deficit, or (c) a combination of deficits. Although there is considerable information about phonologically based reading disabilities, there is insufficient information about poor readers who have intact phonological skills but severe naming-speed problems. This case is the first in-depth study of a reading disabled student with a profound single naming-speed deficit. Through an analysis of the student's performance on a variety of educational and neuropsychological tasks, we explore how the single naming-speed pattern of disruption affects reading performance, and whether this performance is consistent with theoretical assumptions regarding the role of naming speed in reading. We also describe a theoretically based reading program (RAVE-O) designed to address deficits in processing speed and fluency. Through pre/posttest analysis, we discuss whether th...
Absorption and emission properties of photonic crystals and metamaterials

We study the emission and absorption properties of photonic crystals and metamaterials using Comsol Multiphysics and Ansoft HFSS as simulation tools. We calculate the emission properties of metallic designs using drude model and the results illustrate that an appropriate termination of the surface of the metallic structure can significantly increase the absorption and therefore the thermal emissivity. We investigate the spontaneous emission rate modifications that occur for emitters inside two-dimensional photonic crystals and find the isotropic and directional emissions with respect to different frequencies as we have expected.
Results of magnetic measurements and field integral compensation for the elliptical multipole wiggler

A prototype of the Elliptical Multipole Wiggler (EMW) has been assembled, tested and tuned at the APS. This prototype has a period of 160 mm with 7 poles for the hybrid structure and 10 poles for the electromagnet part of the EMW. The hybrid structure of the EMW produces a vertical magnetic field of 0.83 T with K/sub y/=12 for a gap of 27 mm, and the electromagnetic structure provides a horizontal field change up to 100 Hz with a maximum field of 0.12 T (I=0.6 kA, K/sub x/=1.6). The current pulse has a trapezium-type shape with a switching time to change the current polarity of about 2 ms. The measurements and tuning were done for direct current (DC) mode and alternating current (AC) mode. Fine adjustment during the test at the NSLS X-ray ring using the BPMs and active correction system allowed to achieve about 1 /spl mu/m of beam distortion. It corresponds to the peak-to-peak variations during the time less than /spl plusmn/0.5 G-cm and /spl plusmn/100 G-cm/sup 2/ of the first and second horizontal field integrals respectively.
A process-based model for methane emission from flooded rice paddy systems

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Rice paddy soils release approximately 15-20% of total methane emitted to the atmosphere. A process- based methane emission model was developed for rice paddy systems that highlights plant mediated methane transport. Sequential utilization of alternative electron acceptors such as oxygen, nitrate, Mn(IV), Fe(III) and sulfate in flooded soils is included and permits examina- tion of the effects of fertilizer application and field drainage on methane emissions. Acetate and hydrogen, two representative electron donors produced from the biologically mediated decomposition of solid organic matter, are assumed to be the substrates driving the electron transfer processes. Effects of temperature on reaction kinetics and diffusion processes are based on empirical relationships observed in the laboratory and field. Other processes con- sidered include the exudation of organic carbon and radial release of oxygen from roots, the infiltration flow induced by plant transpiration, the growth dynamics of rice plants, the verti- cal distribution of soil organic carbon and root biomass, dieback of roots, and loss of gaseous species through ebullition. The performance of the model is evaluated using methane flux data collected in Chongqing and Sichuan, China. Model simulations reveal that although hybrid rice cultivars are several times more efficient in mediating methane transport than traditional tall cultivars at seedling stage, the development of methane transport capacity over the growing season leads to a relatively small difference in total seasonal methane flux (∼15%) among fields planted with tall and hybrid cultivars. Application of nitrate fertil- izer at a rate of 64 kg N/ha (about 50% of total nitrogen applied at the Chongqing site) could reduce methane emission by 7%. By converting both iron and manganese to oxidized forms, pre-season drainage is found to be able to reduce methane emissions by 8-10%. A 1-week drainage of a rice field during the growing season could further reduce the methane emis- sion by 22-23% and might be a very promising methane-emission mitigation technique, since such drainage practices can also conserve water and improve rice yields. This model will be implemented on a national scale to establish national methane emission invento- ries and to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of various mitigation options that could vary from site to site.
Decrease in Ventricular and Sulcal Size After Death

Fifty-one intact corpses were examined with the EMI head scanner from 1½–52 hours after death; 15 of these had antemortem CT scans. Seven had sequential postmortem CT scans. CT scans and autopsy findings for lateral ventricular size and sulcal width were compared. The lateral ventricular size generally, and the sulcal width occasionally, became smaller after death, though the decrease was usually mild. This decrease was demonstrated not only on antemortem and postmortem sequential CT scans, but on postmortem sequential CT scans alone as well.
Validity of physician-reported hospitalized infections in a US arthritis registry

Objective. In safety studies, events reported as infections may be misclassified and, therefore, affect the validity of estimated risks associated with biologic agents. Using data from the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America (CORRONA), we evaluated hospitalized infection reports contributed by rheumatologists to establish their validity. Methods. All patients hospitalized with infections from 2002 to 2007 reported to CORRONA were examined and compared with information from hospital discharge summaries and other confirmatory data. Infectious episodes were classified by two physicians as confirmed, empirically treated, possible or unlikely. Results. Of 562 reported hospitalized infectious episodes, 9% were classified as unlikely and had minimal or no supporting evidence for infection, leaving 509 hospitalized infectious episodes. Of these, 53% of the infectious episodes were classified as confirmed, 15% empirically treated and 32% possible. The confirmation status of infectious episodes for younger or biologic-exposed participants was similar to older and biologic-unexposed participants. Conclusion. More than two-thirds of hospitalized infections reported by rheumatologists were confirmed or had evidence that the physician was treating an infection. In almost all cases, there was at least modest evidence for an infection. Future studies should consider case definitions for infections or sensitivity analyses, or both, regarding the certainty of an infection to account for possible misclassification and reduce bias.
A unified approach for sensitivity design of PID controllers in the frequency domain

In this paper a graphical technique is introduced for finding all continuous-time and discrete-time proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers that satisfy an H∞ sensitivity constraint of an arbitrary order transfer function with time delay. These problems can be solved by finding all achievable PID controllers that simultaneously stabilize the closed-loop characteristic polynomial and satisfy constraints defined by a set of related complex polynomials. A key advantage of this procedure is that it only depends on the frequency response of the system. The delta operator is used to describe the controllers, because it not only possesses numerical properties superior to the discrete-time shift operator, but also converges to the continuous-time controller as the sampling period approaches zero. A unified approach allows us to use the same procedure for discrete-time and continuous-time H∞ sensitivity design of PID controllers.
Prospective implementation of correction for guessing in oral and maxillofacial pathology multiple-choice examinations: did student performance improve?

A standard correction for random guessing on multiple-choice examinations was implemented prospectively in an Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology course for second-year dental students. The correction was a weighted scoring formula for points awarded for correct answers, incorrect answers, and unanswered questions such that the expected gain in the multiple-choice examination score due to random guessing was zero. An equally weighted combination of four examinations using equal numbers of short-answer questions and multiple-choice questions was used for student evaluation. Scores on both types of examinations, after implementation of the correction for guessing on the multiple-choice component (academic year 2005–06), were compared with the previous year (academic year 2004–05) when correction for guessing was not used for student evaluation but was investigated retrospectively. Academically, the two classes were comparable as indicated by the grade distributions in a General Pathology course taken immediately prior to the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology course. Agreement between scores on short-answer examinations and multiple-choice examinations was improved in the 2005–06 class compared with the 2004–05 class. Importantly, the test score means were higher on both the short-answer and multiple-choice examinations in the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology course, and the standard deviations were significantly smaller in 2005–06 compared to 2004–05; these differences reflected an upward shift in the lower part of the grade distributions to higher grades in 2005–06. Furthermore, when students were classified by their grade in the General Pathology course, students receiving a C (numerical grade of 70–79 percent) in General Pathology had significantly improved performance in the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology course in 2005–06, relative to 2004–05, on both short-answer and multiple-choice examinations representing an aptitude-treatment interaction. We interpret this improved performance as a response to a higher expectation imposed on the 2005–06 students by the prospective implementation of correction for guessing.
Multiplexed Evaluation of a Cell-Based Assay for the Detection of Antidrug Neutralizing Antibodies to Panitumumab in Human Serum Using Automated Fluorescent Microscopy

The method described here employs a high-content cell-based assay format for the detection of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antagonistic antibody to the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in human serum (screening assay). A specificity assay was also developed and qualified to confirm that the neutralizing activity was attributable to the presence of NAbs and not due to serum interference (serum interference assay). The ArrayScan IV HCS reader was used for the measurement of tyrosine phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and STAT-1 redistribution between the cytoplasm and nucleus in the human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431. Assay conditions were developed by (1) optimizing the response of the A431 cells to recombinant human EGF in pooled human serum, (2) evaluating the ability of panitumumab to inhibit the EGF response, and (3) assessing the assay’s sensitivity for detecting a positive control affinity purified rabbit polyclonal anti-panitumumab antibody. Panitumumab dosedependently inhibited 4 ng/mL EGF, and the positive control antibody showed a dose-dependent neutralization of 50 ng/mL panitumumab. The experiments indicated that in comparison to STAT-1 translocation, EGFR phosphorylation was the optimal endpoint for the screening and serum interference assays. Assay cut points were derived for the screening and serum interference assays by obtaining normalized ratios of mean fluorescence intensity values obtained with EGFR phosphorylation by testing sera from healthy human donor sera. The assay sensitivity was determined to be 0.125 µg/mL for the positive control antibody. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2010:644-652) Key w ords: epidermal growth factor, neutralizing antibody detection, multiplexed cell-based assay, high content analysis
FR waves: A second fault-guided mode with implications for fault property studies

Previous work has shown that earthquake S-waves can become fault zone guided-waves. We present observational evidence for a second type of earthquake-generated, fault-guided seismic wave, apparently involving coupled P- and S-waves. Our data are from a fault located in igneous rocks in Owens Valley, California. In analogy to standard Love and Rayleigh waves, we suggest that purely S-type modes be indicated on seismograms by F L and the new coupled P- and S-type by F R . Since F R waves are sensitive to both the local P- and S-wave velocities, their presence implies unique conditions in and near the fault. Modeling of our seismograms suggests a differential reduction in these velocities, with a larger change in bulk modulus than in shear modulus. We propose that this reduction is due to unsaturated fractures within the core of the fault. We view F R waves as a new tool for detecting and characterizing highly fractured fault zones, providing important information on the relation of earthquakes and subsurface fluid conduits.
Biology of Pentalonia nigronervosa (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on Banana Using Different Rearing Methods

The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, is present worldwide where banana (Musa spp.) is grown. It is the vector of Banana bunchy top virus (Nanoviridae, Babuvirus), the etiological agent of banana bunchy top disease, currently the most important constraint for banana producers in Hawaii. P. nigronervosa is not well studied, and effects of temperature on its growth and reproduction are unknown. We studied the longevity and fecundity of one clone of banana aphid on different types of plant materials to determine an effective method to study the insect in the laboratory. We found that insects performed better unconfined on plantlets, followed by leaf midrib cuttings. We also conducted complete life table studies with P. nigronervosa on banana leaf midrib cuttings at 20, 25, and 30 degrees C, with a photoperiod of 12:12. Intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R0), doubling time (DT), nymphal mortality, and mean offspring per female all showed maximal rates at 25 degrees C. Population growth was studied on whole banana plantlets as well, and growth rates were also highest at 25 degrees C. We found r to be greater when aphids were reared on intact banana plantlets than on cuttings. Our results show the importance of comparing insect rearing methods for studies such as life tables.
Evaporative heat losses of infants with congenital heart disease.

S TUDIES OF WATER BALANCE and of the relationships of insensible losses to the mechanism for temperature control have received long and extensive attention in the medical literature. Rowntree (1), in an historical review of the subject in 1922, referred to the work of S. Sanctorius. Sanctorius, a friend of Gahileo, ap�)arCnthy used balance techniques in 1614 to conchide that a proportion of the daily intake of water was lost through skin and lung. While the 1)asic principles involved in the present study were described over 350 years ago the methods are still applicable to important problems of cuirent interest. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of congenital heart disease on water balance and temperature control of infants and the related effects on their gmowthi failure. Infants ill with congenital heart disease
Isolation of Polysaccharides from Gram-Negative Bacteria

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the isolation of polysaccharides from Gram-negative bacteria. The isolation procedures have been used with aerobacter aerogenes strains A3 and NCTC 243. Strains A3 and NCTC 243 are capsulate organisms. Strain A3 is a mutant of strain A3, which produces the same extracellular polysaccharide as strain A3 but sloughs it off into the growth medium to form slime, leaving acapsulate cells. In contrast to the capsulate organisms, the slime-forming organism produces a very viscous liquid culture from which cells are collected with difficulty. The capsulate cells on the other hand centrifuge out readily but form very loosely packed cell pastes; therefore, supernatants must be decanted carefully to avoid loss of cells. Precipitated polysaccharides are dried as well by successive washing with 95% ethanol, 99% ethanol, and ether.
Case Study: Interoperability in Business Supply Chain

As stated in previous chapters, globalization has become a major trend in today’s business environment and has led to the explosion in the amount of information shared among business partners. As a program/project manager, you need to understand an increasing need of data sharing in heterogeneous business environment that may cause serious interoperability issues during business transaction. In this chapter, you will see how the semantic technology can be exploited to achieve interoperability in globally heterogeneous business supply chains, especially when empowered by the Web service technology. In particular, this chapter presents a semantic gateway demonstrator that shows how semantic technologies, such as, XML, RDF, rule-based RDF transformation, and Web services work together to address the interoperability issues, using a real data exchange example between an engineered container manufacturer and a transportation company. You will also learn about the Web service composition, an enabling technology to construct dynamic and adaptive virtual enterprise by facilitating the RDF document translation in a large scale. In Chap. 7, using the RFID case study, we have already discussed about how those technology integration preparations steps in Chap. 5 and project management tasks in Chap. 6 have been applied. We do not repeat in this chapter and instead, we emphasize the technical aspects to show how a real business problem can be resolved using a technology.
The rhetoric of political comedy: A tragedy?

This essay wades into the controversy surrounding Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show. Although some scholars have pointed up its constructive impact, others find it a harbinger of cynicism, superficiality, and excessive partisanship. This study offers a content analysis of Daily Show transcripts focused on social protest, and of a philosophical interview with Jon Stewart conducted by Rolling Stone magazine. Results show Stewart avoiding traditional forms of ideology, featuring desultory politics, stressing personal over group interactions, and embracing several dialectical choices— ideas vs. behavior, politicians vs. the electorate, and comedians vs. reporters. When the data are viewed as a whole, Stewart’s all-seeing, all-knowing rhetoric is identified as problematic, as is his lonely model of public life. Both make it hard to hold out hope for political solutions and that seems especially true for young people. While none of the foregoing claims can be considered definitive, they present new questions about The Daily Show’s impact on our life and times.
Can We Group Storage? Statistical Techniques to Identify Predictive Groupings in Storage System Accesses

Storing large amounts of data for different users has become the new normal in a modern distributed cloud storage environment. Storing data successfully requires a balance of availability, reliability, cost, and performance. Typically, systems design for this balance with minimal information about the data that will pass through them. We propose a series of methods to derive groupings from data that have predictive value, informing layout decisions for data on disk.Unlike previous grouping work, we focus on dynamically identifying groupings in data that can be gathered from active systems in real time with minimal impact using spatiotemporal locality. We outline several techniques we have developed and discuss how we select particular techniques for particular workloads and application domains. Our statistical and machine-learning-based grouping algorithms answer questions such as “What can a grouping be based on?” and “Is a given grouping meaningful for a given application?” We design our models to be flexible and require minimal domain information so that our results are as broadly applicable as possible. We intend for this work to provide a launchpad for future specialized system design using groupings in combination with caching policies and architectural distinctions such as tiered storage to create the next generation of scalable storage systems.