cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral hairy leukoplakia in patients without HIV: presentation of 2 new cases.

Objective We report 2 cases of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) in patients without HIV and present a comprehensive review of OHL in HIV-negative individuals. Study design Two cases of non-HIV-associated OHL are described. A PubMed search identified previously reported cases. The attributes of those cases were ascertained. Results OHL was confirmed in both of our cases. Both patients used inhaled steroids for pulmonary disorders, and were found to have depressed levels of immunoglobulin M. Additionally, 76 cases were identified in the literature. The condition occurred in association with various medical conditions, with the majority of patients on immunosuppressant medications (67 of 76). Systemic drugs were implicated most frequently. The condition has also been reported in healthy individuals (6 of 76). Conclusions Although thought of as an HIV/AIDS-associated condition, OHL can develop in patients without HIV, including healthy individuals. There is a strong correlation between the use of immunosuppressants and development of OHL in these patients.
Secular trends of atmospheric methane (CH4)

Abstract Due partly to human activities the present yearly emissions of CH 4 exceed the atmospheric sinks, thus leading to a 1.2–1.9% per year atmospheric increase in the concentration of CH 4 . New evidence based on studies of polar ice cores suggests that several hundred years ago the concentrations of CH 4 were perhaps only half of current values. These diverse findings are tied together in a single unified logistic model of atmospheric concentrations past, present and future. Using realistic growth rates of the sources of CH 4 caused by human activities, the model explains the concentrations and current growth rates. It also predicts that a doubling of CH 4 relative to present levels is possible given the long (9-year) atmospheric lifetime. Such increases of CH 4 concentrations may have already perturbed our global environment and may continue to do so in the future. The environmental effects include increased surface temperature of the earth, additional O 3 and CO in the clean non-urban atmosphere, depletions of tropospheric OH radicals, but perhaps also protection of the stratospheric ozone layer from destruction by man-made fluorocarbons.
Pronation can increase the pressure on the posterior interosseous nerve under the arcade of Frohse: a possible mechanism of palsy after two-incision repair for distal biceps rupture--clinical experience and a cadaveric investigation.

Summary Posterior interosseous nerve palsy is a recognized complication of 2-incision distal biceps tendon repair. We hypothesize that intraoperative forearm pronation can cause compression of the posterior interosseous nerve beneath the supinator and arcade of Frohse. Six human male cadaver upper extremities were dissected. Pressure on the posterior interosseous nerve beneath the arcade of Frohse and supinator was measured with a Swan-Ganz catheter connected to a pressure transducer. Pressure was significantly elevated in maximal pronation in all specimens with the elbow in both flexion and extension. Pressures at full pronation were significantly higher than pressures measured at 60° of pronation (5 ± 2 mm Hg in 60° of pronation and 90° of flexion, P P
Vibration Suppression of Structures Using Passive Shape Memory Alloy Energy Dissipation Devices

The paper presents a preliminary study on feasibility using shape memory alloy (SMA) passive devices for vibration suppression of building structures. A one-story prototype-building model is used. The structure is subjected to a base excitation and is strengthened by SMA diagonal bracing wires. Constitutive behavior of SMA wires used in the study was experimentally characterized to properly model the SMA super- or pseudoelastic material properties and results were compared with the numerical simulation based on theoretical SMA constitutive models by Lexcellent and Bourbon ((1996). Thermodynamical model of cyclic behavior of Ti-Ni and Cu-Zn-Al shape memory alloys under isothermal undulated tensile tests. Mechanics of Materials, 24: 59-73) and Brinson ((1993). One-dimensional constitutive behavior of shape memory alloys: Thermomechanical derivation with non-constant material functions and redefined martensite internal variable. Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 4: 229). The Single-degree-of-freedom structural system was also experimentally calibrated to determine the structural parameters. Both the experimentally calibrated structural model and SMA constitutive model were then employed in numerical simulation to predict dynamic response of the building structure with SMA bracing wires subjected to a base input and results showed a good agreement with experimental data. The results were also compared with both cases of conventional steel bracing wires and no bracing at all. The results showed that SMA passive devices may be effectively used to suppress vibration by introducing additional stiffness to shift the system natural frequency away from the resonance and/or providing additional energy dissipation by its superelastic hysteresis. The SMA damping is adaptive and is especially attractive for the case when the loading is random in nature. When an unexpected excitation causes excessive vibration, more energy will be dissipated through larger SMA superelastic hysteretic loops and therefore, the vibration will eventually be mitigated. Numerical simulation also showed that the SMA device dissipated more energy than the viscous damping in the case studied.
Denitrification capacity and denitrification potential of subsurface soils

Abstract Although numerous studies of denitrification in surface soils have been reported, few attempts have been made to study denitrifying activity in subsurface soils. We collected samples of four Iowa soil profiles to a depth of 3 m and measured their population of denitrifying bacteria and their capacity and potential for denitrification. Their denitrification capacity was assessed from their ability to reduce nitrate when incubated anaerobically (helium atmosphere) at 30°C for 72 hours after treatment with nitrate, and their denitrification potential was assessed from their corresponding ability when incubated anaerobically after treatment with both nitrate and organic carbon (as glucose). We found that the denitrification potentials of the subsurface samples studied greatly exceeded their denitrification capacities and that whereas both the population of denitrifying bacteria and the denitrification capacity of the samples decreased appreciably with depth in the profile, the denitrification potenti...
An asymmetrical lightly doped drain (LDD) self-aligned gate heterostructure field effect transistor

An asymmetrical LDD structure next to the gate was used to improve the breakdown voltages and short-channel characteristics (such as subthreshold currents, threshold voltage uniformity, and output conductance) of self-aligned gate heterostructure FETs (HFETs). This approach decreases impact ionization and increases the breakdown voltage. Previous approaches have created symmetrical lightly doped regions around the gate by using a sidewall spacer, which resulted in high source resistances and transconductance degradation, leading to a tradeoff in transconductance and breakdown voltage. In the LDD HFET, drain-to-source breakdown voltage increased from 4.5 to 12 V and drain-to-gate breakdown voltage improved from 8.8 to 25 V, while the transconductance remained unchanged at 250 mS/mm, as the length of the lightly doped region is varied from 0 to 1 mu m. Experimental data show that the LDD structure eliminates threshold voltage roll off and improves V/sub T/ uniformity across a 3-in. wafer at gate lengths of 0.55 mu m. Further analysis of the subthreshold characteristics and the threshold voltage sensitivity to drain bias shows that the LDD HFET is much less sensitive to drain bias than the conventional HFET. >
Temporal and spatial variation of perchlorate in streambed sediments: results from in-situ dialysis samplers.

The fate of perchlorate (ClO4−) in streambed sediments is becoming a concern due to the increasing number of groundwater and surface water contamination sites in the United States. Dialysis samplers were deployed at three sites over a period of 1 year to determine the vertical distribution of ClO4− in sediment pore water. Results indicated that the spatial and temporal ClO4− penetration into sediments could be affected by numerous factors, such as temperature, microbial degradation, ClO4− surface water concentration, and sediment physico-geological properties. In general, maximum ClO4− penetration into sediments at the studied sites was 30 cm below the sediment-water surface. The vertical sequential depletion of electron acceptors in sediments suggested that microbial reduction was responsible for ClO4− depletion in stream sediments. Biodegradation of ClO4− occurred over a seasonally variable active depth zone of 1–10 cm. Results implied that there was a rapid natural attenuation potential of perchlorate in saturated near-surface sediments.
Dissociation versus posttraumatic stress: cortisol and physiological correlates in adults highly exposed to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11

Nine months on average after the World Trade Center (WTC) attack, 21 highly exposed adults and 10 healthy controls without major exposure did not differ in cortisol and physiologic measures. Dissociation and posttraumatic stress symptoms were quantified in the exposed group. Dissociation was associated with greater peritraumatic dissociation and, marginally, childhood trauma, lower plasma cortisol levels at 08.00h, and blunted heart rate reactivity to psychosocial stress. Posttraumatic stress was associated with exposure, peritraumatic distress, and early posttraumatic stress, and marginally associated with peritraumatic dissociation; it was not associated with cortisol or physiologic measures. Urinary cortisol differed significantly in its relationship to dissociation versus posttraumatic stress. This small study emphasizes the importance of dissecting the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress versus dissociative traumatic responses.
Recombinant human alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor: towards therapeutic use.

Human alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor is a well-characterized protease inhibitor with a wide spectrum of anti-protease activity. Its major physiological role is inhibition of neutrophil elastase in the lungs, and its deficiency is associated with progressive ultimately fatal emphysema. Currently in the US, only plasma-derived human alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor is available for augmentation therapy, which appears to be insufficient to meet the anticipated clinical demand. Moreover, despite effective viral clearance steps in the manufacturing process, the potential risk of contamination with new and unknown pathogens still exists. In response, multiple efforts to develop recombinant versions of human alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, as an alternative to the plasma-derived protein, have been reported. Over the last two decades, various systems have been used to express the human gene for alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor. This paper reviews the recombinant versions of human alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor produced in various hosts, considers current major safety and efficacy issues regarding recombinant glycoproteins as potential therapeutics, and the factors that are impeding progress in this area1.
The predominant lymphocyte in most thymomas and in nonneoplastic thymus from patients with myasthenia gravis is the cortical thymocyte.

Abstract Cell suspensions prepared from 12 specimens of nonneoplastic thymus (6 normal and 6 from patients with myasthenia gravis) and from 17 thymomas were investigated with a panel of monoclonal antibodies. The great preponderance of thymocytes from the 12 nonneoplastic specimens and from 13 of the 17 thymomas (2 of 3 predominantly lymphocytic tumors and 11 of 12 mixed tumors) displayed the surface phenotype of cortical or common thymocytes. These cells formed rosettes with unsensitized sheep erythrocytes (E-rosettes) at both 4 and 37°C, and reacted with the following monoclonal antibodies: OKT1 (thymic and peripheral T cells), OKT6 (common thymocytes), OKT10 (replicating lymphoid cells), OKT11 (sheep cell receptor), and both OKT4 (inducerhelper T cells) and OKT8 (cytotoxic-suppressor T cells). Few B cells (lymphocytes with either immunoglobulin or Ia-like antigen on the cell surface), and few cells with receptors for transferrin and interleukin 2 were detected. Thymocytes from 3 of the 4 remaining thymomas (2 predominantly epithelial tumors and 1 mixed tumor) displayed surface marker characteristics of medullary thymocytes or peripheral T cells; i.e., they were reactive with OKT1, OKT3 (peripheral T cells), OKT11, and either OKT4 or OKT8, and were also E-rosette positive only at 4°C and TdT negative. Thymocytes from the final tumor, a lymphocytic thymoma, exhibited an intermediate phenotype. Thus, almost all mixed (11 of 12) and lymphocytic (2 of 3) thymomas were composed predominantly of cortical thymocytes, while the medullary cell was the rule in the two tumors that were predominantly epithelial.
Racial, Economic, and Linguistic Segregation: Analyzing Market Supports in the District of Columbia’s Public Charter Schools

The author examines racial, economic, and linguistic segregation in the Washington, D.C. charter school system and asks, “Are government supports aimed at deterring segregation effective at prevent...
Survival of antiarrhythmic or implantable cardioverter defibrillator treated patients with varying degrees of left ventricular dysfunction who survived malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Survival with ICD or Antiarrhythmic Therapy.Introduction: The relative effectiveness of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) varies with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, once an ICD or AAD treatment strategy is chosen, the degree to which the LVEF influences survival is unknown. This article addresses that question. Methods and Results: Using patient data from the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) trial, the impact of LVEF on prognosis of patients who were treated with either an ICD or AAD was assessed. Survival within each quintile of LVEF was estimated by the method of Kaplan-Meier for patients treated with either the ICD or AADs. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the prognostic value of LVEF for estimating survival after adjustment for other baseline covariates among all patients in the subgroups treated by ICD or AAD. In the highest two quintiles of LVEF, survival was comparable in AAD-treated and ICD-treated patients. In the AAD-treated patients, higher LVEF was significantly and independently associated with survival free of all-cause mortality and arrhythmic death. In the ICD-treated patients, however, the statistical significance of the association was lost and only a trend toward greater survival was present. Death due to congestive heart failure remained independently and significantly associated with survival in both AAD-treated and ICD-treated patients. Conclusion: In patients treated with AADs but not patients treated with ICDs, survival is strongly associated with LVEF. The absence of a statistically significant association in the ICD patients is likely related to the effectiveness of the ICD in treating malignant ventricular arrhythmias, but a chance lack of association cannot be excluded.
The use of family myths as an aid to strategic therapy

The concept of family myth can be used by the therapist to help organize the wealth of information provided by a family in therapy. Rituals, symbols and metaphors can be viewed as structurally related components within the family myth system which enable the therapist to interpret non-literal, analogic communications as a coherent yet primarily symbolic, narrative about the family's shared perceptions of its functioning. The concept of myth is explored in relation to mythology, the family therapy literature, and a case study. Several strategic intervention strategies are proposed which utilize the family's own metaphors, symbols and rituals to re-edit the family myth. Re-editing the myth on a symbolic level should be associated with improved system functioning, including more concrete areas of the family's life.
Interrelationships of sodium transport and carbon dioxide production by the toad bladder: response to changes in mucosal sodium concentration, to vasopressin and to availability of metabolic substrate.

Active sodium transport and CO2 production were measured simultaneously in toad bladders mounted in membrane chambers. The rate of sodium transport was varied by changing the concentration of sodium in the mucosal bath (substitution with choline), by adding vasopressin, by adding metabolic substrates and by adding malonate, and the ratio of the change of sodium transport and CO2 production was determined Mean values for ΔNa/ΔCO2 (equiv/mole) were: Na⇌choline 18.3±1.1; vasopressin 15.5±2.8; and pyruvate (corrected for the increment in “nontransport” CO2) 15.4±3.5. Based on previously determined values for the respiratory quotient (R.Q.), calculated mean values for ΔNa/ΔO2 ranged between 15.5 and 18.5 equiv/mole. It appears that basal metabolism does not contribute to metabolism supporting sodium transport when the rate of sodium transport is varied. “Transport” metabolism appears much more responsive to changes in the availability of endogenous and exogenous substrates than does “nontransport” metabolism. We conclude that “transport” and “nontransport” metabolism are functionally separated in the toad bladder.
Semaphorin3a regulates endothelial cell number and podocyte differentiation during glomerular development

Semaphorin3a (Sema3a), a chemorepellant guidance protein, plays crucial roles in neural, cardiac and peripheral vascular patterning. Sema3a is expressed in the developing nephron, mature podocytes and collecting tubules. Sema3a acts as a negative regulator of ureteric bud branching, but its function in glomerular development has not been examined. Here we tested the hypothesis that Sema3a regulates glomerular vascular development using loss- and gain-of-function mouse models. Sema3a deletion resulted in defects in renal vascular patterning, excess endothelial cells within glomerular capillaries, effaced podocytes with extremely wide foot processes and albuminuria. Podocyte Sema3a overexpression during organogenesis resulted in glomerular hypoplasia, characterized by glomerular endothelial cell apoptosis, delayed and abnormal podocyte foot process development, a complete absence of slit diaphragms and congenital proteinuria. Nephrin, WT1 and VEGFR2 were downregulated in Sema3a-overexpressing kidneys. We conclude that Sema3a is an essential negative regulator of endothelial cell survival in developing glomeruli and plays a crucial role in podocyte differentiation in vivo. Hence, a tight regulation of Sema3a dosage is required for the establishment of a normal glomerular filtration barrier.
Single photon emission computed tomography in epilepsy

Functional brain imaging by either single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) is now a well-established technique in the diagnosis and evaluation of the epilepsies. Perhaps only in stroke have these emerging technologies proven of greater significance. Scalp, cortical, or depth electroencephalographic (EEG) data previously have been the gold standards for the localization and subcharacterization of epileptic activity in the human brain. Yet, they are fraught with difficult interpretations, technical difficulties, and limitations in sampling accuracy. Both SPECT and PET have localizing power approaching that of combined scalp and depth EEG. In the following discussion, a brief overview of the results of PET investigations in epilepsy is presented as background and comparative material for the concurrent and, more recently, dominant role of SPECT in evaluating patients with seizure activity. SPECT results in the interictal state in partial and generalized seizure activity are reviewed followed by an analysis of the role of ictal SPECT imaging in epilepsy. Next, relationships among interictal hypoperfusion (or hypometabolism) and computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, neuropathology, clinical severity, and cognitive function are discussed. The role of perfusion or metabolism imaging in the management of antiepileptic pharmacotherapy is also discussed, and the potential for receptor imaging in the evaluation of the epilepsies is examined. Finally, application in pediatric epilepsy are presented.
THE INCIDENCE OF LECITHINASE POSITIVE CLOSTRIDIUM WELCHII IN THE PIG AND THE EFFECTS THEREON OF ANTIBIOTIC FEED SUPPLEMENTS

Summary The varying incidence of Clostridium welchii in the gut of growing pigs, and the suppression of these organisms on addition to the diet of nutritional levels (50 g/ton) of antibiotics, have been demonstrated. The degree of lecithinase activity of the organisms and administration of antibiotics were correlated. Growth stimulation was not demonstrable in older pigs, though antibiotic feed supplements may have some prophylactic value for such animals.
Comparison of Alcohol and Other Drug Use Trends between a Prohibitionist University and National Data Sets.

This article provides information on a decade of trends and prevalence of substance use at a Midwestern prohibitionist university. Trends were based on three data collection times, 1995, 2000, and 2005. This information was compared with results of a number of national surveys to identify trends in the data. Total averages for the prohibitionist sample were 42.6% for alcohol use; 18.2% for binge drinking; 35.4% for tobacco use; and 34.1% for marijuana use. With the exception of binge drinking, which remained stable, the gap between substance use rates for the prohibitionist university and the results of national surveys have widened slightly.
A PH2O-dependent structural phase transition in the zeolite natrolite

The crystal structures of natrolite and its dehydrated high-temperature phases (α1- and α2-metanatrolite) have been determined from powder X-ray diffraction measurements as a function of temperature and partial pressure of water ( P H 2 O ) to characterize the phase transition behavior. The evolution of crystal structure as a function of temperature shows two different phase transitions, depending on the P H 2 O , with α1-metanatrolite occurring at elevated P H 2 O and α2-metanatrolite occurring at low P H 2 O . Our discovery of α 2 -metanatrolite implies the existence of more than one transition mechanism, which we correlate with the migration of Na + ions and the rate of evolution of H 2 O molecules. The transition behavior is rationalized in terms of two cooperating mechanisms: (1) dehydration-induced processes, which determine the phase transition temperature; and (2) thermally induced processes, which determine how the framework and its extraframework cations are modified.
Lack of Correlation Between Immunoreactive Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor Concentration Profiles in Hypophysial‐Portal and Peripheral Plasma

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF-41) is the primary mediator of adrenocorticotropin secretion from the adenohypophysis. This 41amino-acid peptide is synthesized in perikarya of the paraventricular nuclei, transported to nerve terminals in the external zone of the median eminence and released into the hypophysial-portal circulation. It is also synthesized in multiple extrahypothalamic and peripheral sites. In addition, immunoreactive (ir) CRF-41 is present in the systemic circulation, raising the possibility that systemic measurements might provide a useful index of hypothalamic irCRF-41 secretion. This hypothesis was tested in several rat models. Neither bilateral destruction of hypothalamic irCRF-41 producing perikarya, nor infundibular stalk transection altered peripheral plasma irCRF-41 concentration. Furthermore, central administration of norepinephrine, an agent previously shown to evoke irCRF-41 secretion into the portal circulation, was without effect on peripheral irCRF-41 concentration. Finally, while increased irCRF-41 levels in both the hypophysial-portal and the peripheral circulation were associated with nitroprusside-induced hypotension, bilateral paraventricular nuclei lesions blocked irCRF-41 secretion into the hypophysial-portal circulation without blunting the rise observed in the peripheral circulation. The source of peripheral irCRF-41 remains undetermined; however, the adrenals may be excluded as bilateral adrenalectomy failed to alter circulating irCRF-41 levels. Therefore, our observations do not support the concept that peripheral irCRF-41 levels provide a useful index of hypothalamic secretion of this peptide into the hypophysial-portal circulation under the conditions tested.
Simultaneous interfacial rheology and microstructure measurement of densely aggregated particle laden interfaces using a modified double wall ring interfacial rheometer.

The study of particle laden interfaces has increased significantly due to the increasing industrial use of particle stabilized foams and Pickering emulsions, whose bulk rheology and stability are highly dependent on particle laden interface’s interfacial rheology, which is a function of interfacial microstructure. To understand the physical mechanisms that dictate interfacial rheology of particle laden interfaces requires correlating rheology to microstructure. To achieve this goal, a double wall ring interfacial rheometer has been modified to allow real time, simultaneous interfacial visualization and shear rheology measurements. The development of this tool is outlined, and its ability to provide novel and unique measurements is demonstrated on a sample system. This tool has been used to examine the role of microstructure on the steady shear rheology of densely packed, aggregated particle laden interfaces at three surface concentrations. Through examination of the rheology and analysis of interfacial mi...
An assessment of N-cycling and sources of N2O during a simulated rain event using natural abundance 15N

Abstract In order to accurately predict N 2 O emissions from agricultural soils and to develop effective management strategies, it is important to understand mechanisms underlying N 2 O emissions under field conditions. This involves identification of sources of N 2 O, which is currently methodologically challenging, especially under field conditions. We assessed the suitability of 15 N tracers and natural abundance 15 N to study N cycling and sources of N 2 O after a rainfall simulation in an annual cropping system in the Central Valley of California. Our natural abundance 15 N approach differed from other studies due to a combination of emphasizing a per-event (e.g. rainfall simulation in this study) assessment of N 2 O emissions, applying high temporal sampling frequency during this event, determination of 15 N of NH 4 + and NO 3 − in addition to N 2 O, and data analysis using isotope models. In our study, the suitability of 15 N tracers to assess N cycling and sources of N 2 O emissions was limited, likely due to a combination of a fine soil texture, the use of undisturbed soil cores, and a low 15 N application rate. Based on natural abundance 15 N, we were able to calculate gross NH 4 + mineralization, NH 4 + immobilization, nitrification and NO 3 − immobilization rates of 5.37 ± 1.72, 2.70 ± 1.72, 3.01 ± 1.13 and 0.15 ± 0.29 μg N g −1 soil d −1 , respectively. Natural abundance 15 N was, however, a rather poor predictor of the contribution of nitrification versus denitrification to N 2 O production. Nevertheless, important trends in N 2 O reduction rates could be observed, showing a sharp increase from 48% to 78% in reduction of produced N 2 O between 2 hours and 24 hours after rainfall simulation, followed by a gradual decrease to 46% of reduction by the fifth day after rainfall simulation. We conclude that the natural abundance 15 N approach is very promising to elucidate mechanisms driving N-cycling and N 2 O emissions during agricultural management or weather events, especially if isotope dynamics are incorporated in site-specific biogeochemical process models.
The caudal ganglionic eminence is a source of distinct cortical and subcortical cell populations

During development, the mammalian ventral telencephalon is comprised of three major proliferative zones: the medial (MGE), lateral (LGE) and caudal (CGE) ganglionic eminences. Through gene expression studies, in vitro migration assays, genetic mutant analysis and in vivo fate mapping in mice, we found that the CGE is a progenitor region that is distinct from both the MGE and LGE. Notably, CGE cells showed a unique in vivo pattern of migration, and the CGE contributed cells to nuclei distinct from those populated by the MGE and LGE. Moreover, we report that the migratory fate of cells from the CGE is intrinsically determined by embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). Together, these results provide the first insights into the development and fate of the CGE.
A mixed complementarity model for the US biofuel market with federal policy interventions

Policymakers in the USA have provided various mechanisms to grow the domestic biofuel industry. One of the most significant policies in the USA is the volume mandate specified within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). There are a number of other overlapping factors that impact the use of biofuels, namely the so-called blend wall, or the 10% blend limit of ethanol in gasoline, along with a complex system of tax credits. All of these policies directly affect the value of a Renewable Identification Number (RIN), the tradable compliance certificate created as part of the RFS. Regulators track RIN prices carefully because they are a measure of the cost of compliance. In this work a mixed complementarity problem (MCP) is presented to combine these market dynamics into one model. This tool was specifically designed for policymakers to compare scenarios and study the effects on key market variables including RIN, gasoline, and diesel prices, along with production quantities for a number of different finished blended fuels. Our results suggest that RIN prices will increase with an increase in the volume of biofuel mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); however the behavior of the different RIN prices depends on how the biofuel volumes are assigned among all the subcategories. Under scenarios investigated in this study, it is likely that a primary compliance strategy is to blend more biodiesel into diesel fuel. This behavior would increase the price of the D4 RIN but the premium could be mitigated by reinstating the biodiesel production tax credit. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A 10-min method for preparation of highly electrocompetent Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells: Application for DNA fragment transfer between chromosomes and plasmid transformation

A rapid microcentrifuge-based method is described for preparation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa electrocompetent cells with up to 10,000-fold increased transformation efficiencies over existing procedures. This increased efficiency now enables the use of transformation for all applications requiring DNA transfer. These include transfer of chromosomal mutations marked with antibiotic resistance genes between P. aeruginosa strains, which solves the riddle of not having an efficient and reliable transduction procedure for this bacterium. Not surprisingly, the method also allows for very efficient transformation with replicative plasmids, with transformation efficiencies ranging from 10(7) to >10(11) transformants per microgram of DNA. Lastly, with efficiencies of up to >10(3) transformants per microgram of DNA the method replaces in most instances conjugation for the transfer of non-replicative plasmids used in gene replacement, site-specific gene integration and transposon mutagenesis experiments.
The Propensity to Trust Others: Gender and Country Differences

Our research examines the level of individual trust in others, which is an important issue because it essentially determines the level of additional work that must be done by auditors to make their audit decision. This study includes the responses of 315 accounting students from Afghanistan, Australia, Nepal, and the United States. It then examines whether levels of trust vary by country. Our data indicate that students from both Australia and Nepal had significantly different levels of trust than the students from the United States (our control group). While the students from Nepal had a significantly lower level of trust than the students from the United States, the students from Australia had a significantly higher level of trust than the students from the United States. Additionally, male (female) students indicated a lower (higher) level of trust. Our finding of differences among countries in the level of individual trust has implications in the field of international auditing. While the countries of the world are working at harmonizing their accounting and auditing standards, differences in the amount of work actually done on an audit could be determined by the level of trust in a client. The sample includes Afghanistan and Nepal that are not presently included in auditing-related research.
Children are likely to suffer most from our fossil fuel addiction.

BackgroundThe periods of fetal and child development arguably represent the stages of greatest vulnerability to the dual impacts of fossil fuel combustion: the multiple toxic effects of emitted pol...
Estimating the Time Course of Pore Expansion During the Spike Phase of Exocytotic Release in Mast Cells of the Beige Mouse

Our objective is to determine the time course of exocytotic fusion pore opening (P) in mast cells of the beige mouse from the measured efflux of the spike phase of exocytotic release (J). We show that a pore whose meridian or radius grows linearly with time cannot reproduce the efflux. We also show that a pore that opens very quickly [relative to the diffusivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and completely (P = π) also does not mimic the experimental efflux, and estimate maximum pore angles of 70(±20)°. We show that a larger class of opening functions reproduces the rising phase and part of the decay phase and calculate pore expansion rate, pore radius and pore angle, none of which can be readily measured. In the initial stages of the spike phase (50–200 ms) when the gel matrix has not expanded significantly, this model suggests that the pore radius increases exponentially with a time constant of 82(±62) ms with pore expansion reaching its maximum velocity of 20(±7) nm ms−1. We conclude that the release process is dynamic and suggest that the velocity of pore opening (V) and the diffusivity of 5-HT (D), in addition to the size of the vesicle (R, radius), vary with time. We discuss assumptions and improvements to the model and propose that this methodology is applicable for determining P from measured J in other endocrine cells and neurons when D within the secretory vesicle is much less than D within the pore neck.
Lamentations on reality: A response to John M. MacKenzie's “Edward Said and the historians” 1

(1995). Lamentations on reality: A response to John M. MacKenzie's “Edward Said and the historians”. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 65-73.
Ortho metalation directed by α-amino alkoxides. An improved synthesis of ortho-substituted aryl ketones

Abstract Ortho-substituted aryl ketones are prepared from N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylbenzamides via ortho lithiation of intermediate α-amino alkoxides, formed in situ by addition of RLi. An ortho lithiation of N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylbenzamide is also described.
Transformation synthesis for data intensive applications to FPGAs

Without the adequate awareness of trade-off between different resources, it is extremely difficult for system synthesis tools to achieve high performance solutions when mapping the applications to FPGA-based computing engines. In this paper, we present an automatic synthesis methodology which attacks both memory and logic assignments by interacting with behavioral synthesis. The problem is formulated as part of the heuristic algorithm by exploiting application specific information and organizing possible data structures and computations for data-intensive applications. We have evaluated the proposed framework on a set of DSP benchmarks and a real multimedia application by generating register-transfer level (RTL) implementations. The results show that, by using our proposed techniques, it is possible the synthesized designs obtain significant (avg. of 34.8%) performance improvements over the conventional synthesis approaches.
Flashlamp‐Pumped Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy for Poikiloderma of Civatte

The use of pulsed yellow light from a flash-lamp-pumped pulsed dye laser has provided a successful form of therapy to remove both the telangiectasias and irregular pigmentation associated with poikiloderma of Civatte. The short pulse duration and specificity of the interaction between yellow light and hemoglobin permit this technique to be performed on the thin skin of the neck without textural changes or scarring. Furthermore, use of the large beam diameter of this laser system allows for rapid treatment of large areas in a short period of time.
A visual thalamocortical slice

We describe a thalamocortical slice preparation in which connectivity between the mouse lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and primary visual cortex (V1) is preserved. Through DiI injections in fixed brains we traced and created a three-dimensional model of the mouse visual pathways. From this computer model we designed a slice preparation that contains a projection from LGN to V1. We prepared brain slices with these predicted coordinates and demonstrated anatomical LGN-V1 connectivity in these slices after LGN tracer injections. We also revealed functional LGN-V1 connectivity by stimulating LGN electrically and detecting responses in layer 4 of V1 using calcium imaging, field potential recordings and whole-cell recordings. We also identified layer-4 neurons that receive direct thalamocortical input. Finally, we compared cortical activity after LGN stimulation with spontaneous cortical activity and found significant overlap of the spatiotemporal dynamics generated by both types of events.
Transgenic crops and the environment: missing markets and public roles

The rapidity of change has left scant opportunity for investigation of the consequences of adoption of transgenic crops on long-term ecosystem or economic system functioning. Economic theory suggests that, if the "Biotechnology Revolution" is left to market forces alone, there will be neglected public goods. Theory and limited empirical evidence suggests that there are significant incentives for private firms to dis- count and neglect certain environmental impacts and to develop products that meet mainly the needs of those able and willing to pay. Negative distributional impacts on rural societies and economies will not normally enter the private calculus nor will the long-term problems of insect and plant resistance. Thus, there is a strong case for enhanced public roles with respect to the use of transgenic crops. The adoption of the precautionary approach in public policies addressing transgenic crops is one alternative to better reflect public concerns. Agricultural biotechnology has been described as a tsunami washing over agriculture - with fundamental impacts on how we grow and market our food and fiber. While some argue that current biotechnology innovations are just the next step in a long history of plant and animal breeding, others strongly disagree. Modern transgenic biotechnology involves genetic manipulations of transferring DNA from one species to another. For many, these unique attributes of transgenic plants are cause for concern, par- ticular with respect to possible environmental impacts. This concern is heightened because of the large geographic distribution of such plants - estimated to be 100 million acres in 1999 (James, 1999). Identifying these environmental concerns and assessing their validity is hampered by an exceptionally small core of scientific information (Ervin et al., 2001). Therefore, neither producers nor consumers can know the long-run environmental implications for any decisions they are making with respect to the use of transgenic crops.
Sequences with a Unique Realization by Simple Graphs.

Sequences with unique realizations (up to isomorphism) by simple graphs are characterized, partly by reduction to the case of pairs of sequences, which have a unique realization by bipartite graphs (see Theorem 6.1).
Protection from Free β-Tubulin by the β-Tubulin Binding Protein Rbl2p

Free beta-tubulin not in heterodimers with alpha-tubulin can be toxic, disrupting microtubule assembly and function. We are interested in the mechanisms by which cells protect themselves from free beta-tubulin. This study focused specifically on the function of Rbl2p, which, like alpha-tubulin, can rescue cells from free beta-tubulin. In vitro studies of the mammalian homolog of Rbl2p, cofactor A, have suggested that Rbl2p/cofactor A may be involved in tubulin folding. Here we show that Rbl2p becomes essential in cells containing a modest excess of beta-tubulin relative to alpha-tubulin. However, this essential activity of Rbl2p/cofactorA does not depend upon the reactions described by the in vitro assay. Rescue of beta-tubulin toxicity requires a minimal but substoichiometric ratio of Rbl2p to beta-tubulin. The data suggest that Rbl2p binds transiently to free beta-tubulin, which then passes into an aggregated form that is not toxic.
Engaging suffering: towards a mindful re-visioning of family therapy practice.

The myth of problem-free living is easily identifiable in Western culture through its childhood fairy tales and modern love stories. Even if inadvertently, the field of mental health perpetuates this myth with the very concept of “mental health,” which implies a state without suffering. Using mindfulness, Buddhists assume an alternative stance towards suffering: rather than eliminate it, they compassionately engage it. This article explores the potentials of mindfulness as an alternative approach to suffering within the context of marriage and family therapy. Family therapists can integrate mindfulness principles into their work to help clients shift how they relate to the unique forms of suffering that one encounters in intimate relationships, such as abuse, divorce, rejection, and loss.
Infantile dilated cardiomyopathy in Portuguese water dogs: Correlation of the autosomal recessive trait with low plasma taurine at infancy

Infantile dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) in Portuguese water dogs (PWD) involves an autosomal recessive trait. Based on our previous studies we have tested the hypothesis that this disorder may be correlated with taurine deficiency. The plasma taurine levels of 249 puppies from 36 litters obtained from breeders at six and nine weeks of age, an early stage when usually the clinical symptoms are not manifested, were analyzed. Additional samples were collected from sixteen puppies that we raised from four litters. These litters were born to a dam that had low plasma taurine as a puppy and two known carrier sires. From the random samples obtained from the breeders, forty-eight pups from fourteen litters and twenty-nine pups from seven litters had low plasma taurine at least at one and at two time points, respectively. Also several puppies showing low plasma taurine died due to IDCM. Furthermore, from the sixteen pups we raised, fifteen had at least low taurine level at one and seven had at two time points. Considered together, these results strongly support the view that IDCM in PWD is associated with abnormal taurine metabolism that leads to low plasma taurine at early stages before the clinical symptoms appear.
Risk and protective factors associated with gang affiliation among high-risk youth: a public health approach

Background Gang violence accounted for 20% of homicides in large cities from 2002 to 2006. Preventing gang affiliation (ie, youth who either desire or have gang membership) might reduce subsequent gang activity. Previous research has focused on identifying risk factors for gang affiliation; however, little information is available on protective factors. Aim To identify risk and protective factors to provide more direction for gang violence prevention strategies. Methods The author analysed cross-sectional survey data from 4131 youths in grades 7, 9, 11 and 12. Data were collected in 2004 from students in a high-risk, urban public school district. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between gang affiliation and alcohol and drug use, delinquency, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, peer victimisation, parental monitoring and positive reinforcement, adult, family and peer support, coping skills, and school connectedness. Analyses were controlled for sex, race/ethnicity and age. Results An estimated 7% of youths were gang affiliated. Adjusting for all factors, gang affiliation was positively associated with engaging in any delinquent behaviours (prevalence OR: 2.07; 95% CI 1.18 to 3.64), frequent alcohol use (OR: 2.62; 95% CI 1.85 to 3.72) and frequent drug use (OR: 1.95; 95% CI 1.15 to 3.29). Gang affiliation was negatively associated with moderate levels of parental monitoring (OR: 0.67; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.85) and coping skills (OR: 0.54; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.71). Conclusions The findings suggest the potential benefit of increasing parental monitoring and coping skills and reducing delinquency, alcohol use and drug use to prevent gang affiliation.
Trust Management for Encounter-Based Routing in Delay Tolerant Networks

We propose and analyze a class of trust management protocols for encounter-based routing in delay tolerant networks (DTNs). The underlying idea is to incorporate trust evaluation in the routing protocol, considering not only quality-of-service (QoS) trust properties (connectivity) but also social trust properties (honesty and unselfishness) to evaluate other nodes encountered. Two versions of trust management protocols are considered: an equal-weight QoS and social trust management protocol (called trust-based routing) and a QoS only trust management protocol (called connectivity-based routing). By utilizing a stochastic Petri net model describing a DTN behavior, we analyze the performance characteristics of these two routing protocols in terms of message delivery ratio, latency, and message overhead. We also perform a comparative performance analysis with epidemic routing for a DTN consisting of heterogeneous mobile nodes with vastly different social and networking behaviors. The results indicate that trust-based routing approaches the ideal performance of epidemic routing in delivery ratio, while connectivity-based routing approaches the ideal performance in message delay of epidemic routing, especially as the percentage of selfish and malicious nodes present in the DTN system increases. By properly selecting weights associated with QoS and social trust metrics for trust evaluation, our trust management protocols can approximate the ideal performance obtainable by epidemic routing in delivery ratio and message delay without incurring high message overhead.
Dynamic model of three-phase current source boost inverter for stand-alone applications

In this paper, the dynamic model of a three-phase boost inverter is developed in dq-frame of reference. The boost inverter utilizes the current source topology and applies a modified space-vector pulse-width-modulation (SVPWM) switching technique, here called phasor pulse-width-modulation (PPWM). In the presented modeling approach, the state-space equations of the system are derived in dq-frame of reference and averaged over a switching cycle. Next, linearization is applied to obtain the small-signal model of the boost inverter, which can be used as an analytical tool for the system stability and control studies. The validity of the developed state-space-averaged model for the three-phase boost inverter is verified through simulations and experiments.