cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stage IV Neuroblastoma with Metastatic Spread to the Mandible in a Young Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background Infants and young children with neuroblastoma (NB) may present with metastases. The primary tumor most commonly originates in the abdomen and metastasizes to lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow. Infants and young children presenting with multiple skull metastases are rare. Methods We present a rare case of a 20-month-old child who presented with metastatic neuroblastoma and multiple skull lesions. The child responded well to induction chemotherapy followed by myeloablative busulfan/melphalan consolidation. Results The child had substantial tumor reduction after chemotherapy was started. There was a significant decrease in tumor sizes and uptake, as seen in the metaiodobenzylguanidine study. The 6-month follow-up examination showed complete remission, and the remission continues. Conclusions Infants and young children with neuroblastoma rarely present with metastatic lesions to the skull. Even large lesions involving the skull base may be successfully treated with chemotherapy. The use of myeloablative busulfan/melphalan consolidation after induction chemotherapy can decrease the overall metastatic tumor burden. Craniofacial specialists should be aware of treatment options for these young children.
Distributed Learning of Hop Count Distributions in Ad Hoc Networks

This is a study of the feasibility of learning the hop count distribution of a mobile ad hoc network using in-network data. The nodes maintain a histogram of the hop count from the source of all packets received and share the histograms with one another. This can be used to learn the distribution between all pairs of nodes or groups of nodes. The effectiveness of this method and the effect of various factors is shown by simulation. The advantage of this method over theoretical and experimental analysis of the hop count distribution is that it is not tied to specific models of node distribution, propagation, and network protocols, and can be used to learn the distribution in real time. It is useful for the dynamic optimization of methods needed for the efficient and effective operation of an ad hoc network.
Protein-Mutation-Induced Conformational Changes of the DNA and Nuclease Domain in CRISPR/Cas9 Systems by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Class 2 CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) systems offer a unique protocol for genome editing in eukaryotic cells. The nuclease activity of Cas9 has been harnessed t...
Abstract TP111: TRPM2 is a Therapeutic Target for Reversal of Stroke-Induced Dementia-Like Symptoms

Introduction: Cognitive impairments and memory loss are common after stroke, with an emerging awareness of a high risk of conversion to post-stroke dementia. It is increasingly clear that in additi...
High-Power Generation for mm-Wave 5G Power Amplifiers in Deep Submicrometer Planar and FinFET Bulk CMOS

A review is presented of the key techniques for high-power, high-efficiency millimeter-Wave (mm-Wave) 5G power amplifier (PA) design in deep submicrometer planar and FinFET bulk CMOS processes. The work utilizes a distributed unit cell-based layout technique for neutralized differential pairs and stacking transistors in bulk CMOS. This article also proposes a prediction of saturated output power ( ${\mathrm {P}}_{{\mathrm {sat}}}$ ) and its corresponding maximized power-added efficiency (PAE) at 39 GHz for three candidate power combined architectures of three-stage PAs with two supporting prototype PAs fabricated in 16-nm FinFET and 28-nm planar bulk CMOS processes. The single-stage two-stack 16-nm FinFET PA generates a ${\mathrm {P}}_{{\mathrm {sat}}}$ of 18.3 dBm from a 1.8-V supply at 39 GHz with a drain efficiency (DE) of 35.5%. The three-stage 28-nm PA incorporates a two-stack output stage with a balanced and compact 4-to-1 series-parallel combiner and achieves a ${\mathrm {P}}_{{\mathrm {sat}}}$ of 26 dBm using a 2.2-V supply, PAE of 26.6%, and high average power measurements with single-carrier and 5G new radio orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing modulations with competitive efficiencies. Long-term reliability measurements are performed using aging acceleration techniques to demonstrate the robustness of both prototypes. The competitive power and efficiency results, supported with reliability measurements, show that bulk CMOS can achieve performance comparable to SOI CMOS for generating high power at mm-Wave frequencies.
Regulatory Capital Planning and Deferred Tax Assets in a Post-Financial Crisis Environment

Insurance regulators substantially relaxed rules on deferred tax asset (DTA) inclusion in regulatory capital calculations during and following the financial crisis. We find evidence firms use additional discretion in regulation to increase the level of DTAs admitted into regulatory capital. As DTAs are less liquid relative to other assets, our study raises the concern that insurance firms may appear more financially stable than the reality of their underlying economic condition. Consistent with this concern, we find firms with relatively low levels of regulatory capital engage in greater risk-taking than their peers, potentially as a means of qualifying additional DTAs for inclusion in regulatory capital. Higher levels of DTAs are also associated with a higher likelihood of insolvency, and investors appear to recognize the increased risk associated with increased inclusion of DTAs in regulatory capital. Our study has important implications for regulators considering changes to capital standards for other financial institutions.
Coalescence of emulsified water drops in ULSD using a steel mesh electrowet coalescer

Abstract An electrowetting coalescer with stainless steel mesh electrodes was fabricated and tested for coalescence of water drops in ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. The performance of the device was tested while varying the potential applied across the electrodes, water concentration and face velocity. Under appropriate conditions the coalescer enlarged the average drop size from about 40 µm to 1700 µm and about 90% of the water was separated from the ULSD by gravity setting. Experiments with no applied potential showed the mesh had no effect on drop size indicating the applied electric field determined the observed performance.
Inter- and Intra-rater Reliability of the Head Control Scale: Brief Report.

PURPOSE To examine inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Head Control Scale (HCS). METHODS Introduction of the HCS to eight physical therapists in a pediatric post-acute hospital was followed by use in a repeated-measures design across two trials to establish reliability of the raters. Therapists scored the HCS twice within 4 weeks, using videos of infants at both 2 and 6 months of age, one infant described as typically developing and one with atypical development. RESULTS For the HCS overall score, reliability was excellent with an inter-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient ((ICC) (3,1) = 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.899-0.998) and intra-rater reliability ICC (3,1) range = 0.815-1.0. HCS position scores between and within raters ranged from slight to substantial agreement. CONCLUSION In this small study of inter- and intra-rater reliability, HCS overall score demonstrated excellent reliability for all raters however, HCS position scores demonstrated some variability, especially for the prone position.
Limits of Human Heat Regulation

T HUMAN BEING is in possession of a complicated and beautifully integrated mechanism that holds his internal temperature at a nearly constant level in spite of the varying production of internal heat and the wide range of ambient temperatures to which he is exposed. We are concerned with the limits of this mechanism. When the air temperatures are at desert levels, it may be impossible for the individual to lose heat at the rate at which he is producing it. This is especially the case when the relative humidity is also high. The increasing heat load causes a number of manifestations varying from lessening efficiency to sudden collapse, which may be fatal. In contrast, prolonged external cold may cause loss of heat at a rate greater than the production of heat. The consequent cooling of the extremities in the early states interferes with the movements of the hands and feet. Continued exposure causes great discomfort and may result in serious injury to the hands and feet. Equally important is the prolonged fatigue that results from the cooling of the internal organs.
Adaptive-Focus Statistical Shape Model for Segmentation of 3D MR Structures

This paper presents a deformable model for automatically segmenting objects from volumetric MR images and obtaining point correspondences, using geometric and statistical information in a hierarchical scheme. Geometric information is embedded into the model via an affine-invariant attribute vector, which characterizes the geometric structure around each model point from a local to a global level. Accordingly, the model deforms seeking boundary points with similar attribute vectors. This is in contrast to most deformable surface models, which adapt to nearby edges without considering the geometric structure. The proposed model is adaptive in that it initially focuses on the most reliable structures of interest, and subsequently switches focus to other structures as those become closer to their respective targets and therefore more reliable. The proposed techniques have been used to segment boundaries of the ventricles, the caudate nucleus, and the lenticular nucleus from volumetric MR images.
The relation between reading ability and morphological skills: Evidence from derivational suffixes

The English orthography represents both phonemes and morphemes, implying that sensitivity to each of these units could play a role in the acquisition of decoding skills. This study offers some new evidence about sensitivity to morphemes and the decoding skills of American children in grades three to six. It focuses on knowledge of derivational suffixes, which is examined with sentence completion and sentence acceptability tasks that manipulate the suffixes in real words (e.g., electric, electricity) and nonsense derived forms (e.g., froodly, froodness). Both written and spoken materials are considered over the course of two experiments in which the children also received various reading tests, as well as tests of phonological awareness, vocabulary and intelligence. The results indicate that knowledge of derivational suffixes increases with grade level, along with decoding ability and phoneme awareness. Path analyses further reveal that, although there is a consistent correlation between performance on the derivational suffix materials and phoneme awareness and decoding ability, performance on the derivational suffix materials makes an independent and increasing contribution to decoding ability throughout the higher elementary grades.
The development of an online engineering alphabet

Engineering is an unknown profession to many children, as current research proves that almost all of Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first grade students do not understand the scope of engineering concepts. In this study, the authors developed a WebCT-based tool to teach the US Alphabet using engineering pictures and animations. Currently, each letter is illustrated with sample pictures and animations starting with that letter. In addition to the alphabet-teaching module, this tool also has a number of oral and virtual quizzes. Sections describing famous engineers, different engineering majors, and an engineering glossary are also part of the current development as well. The first phase of this development was beta-tested in local public schools during the summer of 2003. Students and teachers responded that the tool was very effective as an instructional source Web-book for introducing the field of engineering to young children. In this paper, the authors report current development and the results of the beta testing.
Chapter 1 Generalized Thermodynamics of Surfaces with Applications to Small Solid Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews Gibbs' formulation of equilibrium thermodynamics of material systems and discusses modern attempts to extend his method to multi-component solids. The chapter also describes Gibbs' thermodynamics of surfaces and his dividing surface construction. This method allows for a general and comprehensive treatment of non-diffuse fluid surfaces. Gibbs' extension of his method to the case of a surface between a single component solid and multi-component fluid is then examined and the difficulties of generalizing his approach when the solid can have multiple substitutional components are outlined. It is proposed that these difficulties can be addressed if the concept of thermodynamic availability is employed to describe the equilibrium state of a surface. Attempts to extend Gibbs' dividing surface analysis to solid–solid interfaces are discussed. Finally, the chapter presents examples of how Gibbsian surface thermodynamics can be applied to characterize systems for which capillary effects play a central role in the thermodynamic behavior.
Low bit rate speech compression for playback in speech recognition systems

In this paper we describe a novel, low complexity, low bit rate speech compression and decompression methods for usage in systems where automatic speech recognition is performed. The coding scheme, referred to as the Recognition Compatible Voice Coder (RECOVC), is based on encoding the mei-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC), commonly used in large vocabulary continuous speech recognition systems, and the pitch period. The decoder reproduces natural sounding, good quality, intelligible speech for playback purposes. Implementation of a RECOVC scheme in a speech recognition system may simplify the playback procedure by reconstructing speech from feature vectors already extracted and used for recognition. Reduction in storage space or transmission bandwidth may be achieved in distributed speech recognition systems, by eliminating the need to store or transmit two separate bit streams, one for recognition and the other for playback.
Image-based object editing

We examine the problem of editing complex 3D objects. We convert the problem of editing a 3D object of arbitrary size and surface properties to a problem of editing a 2D image. We allow the user to specify edits in both geometry and surface properties from any view and at any resolution they find convenient, regardless of the interactive rendering capability of their computer. We use specially-constrained shape from shading algorithms to convert a shaded image specified by the user into a 3D geometry.
Beyond the Electrostatic Gate in a Single-Molecule Transistor

Transistor amplification properties of a three-leg spirofluorene -based molecule are investigated, and the transistor is shown to possess usable current, voltage, and power gain. Current gain is facilitated since the source-drain legs are conjugated, whereas the gate (control) leg is unconjugated and spatially orthogonal, and voltage gain is enhanced by the efficient quantum-mechanical coupling to the gate. Full quantum-mechanical calculations were done for all three electrodes, using the density functional formalism and a plane-wave decomposition of the wave functions.
Characterization of IS905, a new multicopy insertion sequence identified in Lactococci

Abstract IS905 is a multicopy insertion sequence identified in Lactococcus lactis. It is 1313 bp long, bounded by 28-bp imperfect inverted repeats, and encodes a putative transposase of 391 amino acids. One end of IS905 contains sequences that are potentially promoter active. It displays sequence homology to the IS256 class of elements.
Fungicide Sensitivity of U.S. Genotypes of Phytophthora infestans to Six Oomycete-Targeted Compounds.

Phytophthora infestans causes potato late blight, an important and costly disease of potato and tomato crops. Seven clonal lineages of P. infestans identified recently in the United States were tes...
Primary shunt hyperbilirubinemia with secondary iron overload: a case report.

Abstract A patient with familial primary shunt hyperbilirubinemia is described. Splenomegaly, arthritis, and iron overload were striking features of the illness.
Contesting Sustainability: ‘SMART Growth’ and the Redevelopment of Austin's Eastside

The compatibility between an agenda for sustainable urban development and the neoliberal economic restructuring of urban space has been observed within cities in developed countries across the globe. From providing economic support to local 'green' industries to creating bike lanes, municipalities develop sustainability strategies that are designed to boost their competitive advantage. Moreover, municipalities are responding to demands from popular social movements and national governments that seek to reconfigure societal relationships with the natural environment in cities. Cities are increasingly understood not as part of the ecological crisis but as part of the solution, or as places where alternative patterns of sustainable consumption and new socially and ecologically responsible industries can be developed. Over the last decade in Austin, environmental sustainability has become an uncontested paradigm that has progressively shaped the city's urban space and policy. Two competing conceptualizations of the environment, so-called 'environmental' and 'just' sustainability groups, are explored in this article. I demonstrate how the notion of environmental sustainability has been selectively incorporated into the hegemonic vision of Austin's strategic growth plan. I argue that the dominance of this conceptualization is best understood by asking what counts as the 'environment' for environmentalists, and understanding the unstated assumptions about the environment shared by the business community and environmentalists.
The Mu elements of Zea mays.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the biology of the mutator ( Mu ) system in maize. The chapter discusses what is currently known about the structure and properties of the various Mu elements, including the transmission, timing, and maintenance and loss of mutator activity. Extensive genetic and molecular experiments have demonstrated that the increased mutation frequency is caused by a family of transposable elements referred to as Mu elements. The chapter also describes the structure and diversity of the Mu elements. The chapter discusses the process of methylation and the recent discovery and characterization of a Mu element that regulates the transposition of other Mu elements. Various studies that examine Mu element transposition are reviewed in the chapter, along with the discussion on the effects Mu elements on adjacent gene expression and the uses of Mu elements in mutagenesis and transposon tagging. The chapter distinguishes between active and inactive stocks based on whether the activity of the Mu elements is detectable by at least one of a number of different tests presented in the chapter.
Race, law, and health: Examination of 'Stand Your Ground' and defendant convictions in Florida.

Previous analyses of Stand Your Ground (SYG) cases have been primarily descriptive. We examine the relationship between race of the victim and conviction of the defendant in SYG cases in Florida from 2005 to 2013. Using a regression analytic approach, we allow for simultaneous examination of multiple factors to better understand existing interrelationships. Data was obtained from the Tampa Bay Times SYG database (237 cases) which was supplemented with available online court documents and/or news reports. After excluding cases which were, still pending as of January 2015; had multiple outcomes (because of multiple suspects); and missing information on race of victim and weapon of victim, our final analytic sample has 204 cases. We chose whether the case resulted in a conviction as the outcome. We develop logistic regression models using significant bivariate predictors as candidates. These include race of the victim (White, non-White), whether the defendant could have retreated from the situation, whether the defendant pursued the victim, if the victim was unarmed, and who was the initiator of the confrontation. We find race of the victim to be a significant predictor of case outcome in this data set. After controlling for other variables, the defendant is two times (OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.07, 4.10]) more likely to be convicted in a case that involves White victims compared to those involving non-White victims. Our results depict a disturbing message: SYG legislation in Florida has a quantifiable racial bias that reveals a leniency in convictions if the victim is non-White, which provides evidence towards unequal treatment under the law. Rather than attempting to hide the outcomes of these laws, as was done in Florida, other states with SYG laws should carry out similar analyses to see if their manifestations are the same as those in Florida, and all should remediate any injustices found.
Targeted therapy in cancer

Purpose To describe the emergence of targeted therapies that have led to significant breakthroughs in cancer therapy and completed or ongoing clinical trials of novel agents for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer.
Reduction in receptors for bombesin and epidermal growth factor in xenografts of human small-cell lung cancer after treatment with bombesin antagonist RC-3095

Antagonists of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (BN/GRP) have been developed to inhibit the stimulatory effects of BN/GRP on the mitogenesis of tumor cells such as human small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). The mode of action of these antagonists is not completely understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BN/GRP antagonist RC-3095 on receptors for BN/GRP and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in H-128 human SCLC line xenografted into nude mice. Treatment with RC-3095, administered s.c. at a dose of 20 μg/day per animal for 4 weeks caused a 70% reduction in tumor volume and weight. Membrane receptors for BN/GRP and EGF were characterized in untreated and treated animals. In the control group, [125I-Tyr4]BN was bound to a single class of specific, high affinity binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) = 6.55 ± 0.93 nM and maximal binding capacity (Bmax) = 512.8 ± 34.8 fmol/mg membrane protein. Therapy with RC-3095 decreased the concentration of BN/GRP receptors on H-128 SCLC tumor membranes. Specific, high affinity binding sites for EGF with Kd = 1.78 ± 0.26 nM and Bmax = 216.8 ± 19.6 fmol/mg membrane protein were also found on the untreated H-128 SCLC tumors. Treatment with RC-3095 significantly decreased Bmax of receptors for EGF. Our results indicate that the suppression of growth of H-128 SCLC by BN antagonist RC-3095 is accompanied by a decrease in the number of receptors for both BN/GRP and EGF. These observations are in agreement with the results obtained in other experimental cancers. The findings on antagonist RC-3095 reinforce the view that both BN/GRP and EGF receptors participate in a cascade of events involved in the growth of SCLC and other cancers. Although the complete mechanisms of action of antagonist RC-3095 remain to be elucidated, the antitumor effect could be the result of the fall in the EGF receptor number, which might lead to a decrease in EGF receptor autophosphorylation.
Testing Negative Error Variances Is a Heywood Case a Symptom of Misspecification

Heywood cases, or negative variance estimates, are a common occurrence in factor analysis and latent variable structural equation models. Though they have several potential causes, structural missp...
MODEL.LA. A modeling language for process engineering—II. Multifaceted modeling of processing systems

Abstract Multifaceted (multiview, multicontext, multilevel) modeling of processing systems is a central requirement for further automation of process engineering tasks. This paper describes how the formal framework of MODEL.LA., established in Part I, is being used to construct multifaceted models of processing systems. More specifically, it shows how MODEL.LA. (a) can access multiple views of a model; (b) generate contextual models; and (c) establish consistency among multiple, concurrent models developed at different levels of abstraction. The procedures carrying out these operations are described and a series of illustrations is used to clarify the various concepts.
Sequence of the C. elegans transposable element Tcl

The complete nucleotide sequence was determined for Tc1, a transposable element in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The 1610-base-pair element terminates in 54-base-pair perfect inverted repeats and is flanked by a 2-base-pair duplication of the target sequence. The Tc1 sequence contains two long open reading frames on the same DNA strand but in different translational reading frames. The positions of transcriptional control sequences suggest that a single transcript is made, which could produce two polypeptides, 273 and 112 amino acids in length. These features, i.e. terminal repeats, target site duplication and open reading frames, make Tc1 similar to transposable elements from other species.
Constitution, genetics, and body form in peptic ulcer: a review.

Abstract Constitutional factors of several kinds have been demonstrated in peptic ulcer. Genetic studies show increased frequency of ulcer among the relatives of ulcer patients, as well as concordance of site. Ulcers, particularly duodenal, are more frequent in non-secretors and in persons of blood group 0. The blood group association has been reported among Japanese and Nigerians as well as among Europeans and Americans. Gastric hypersecretion, a major factor in duodenal ulcer, probably has a constitutional basis—anatomic, genetic, or physiological. On the average, linearity of build characterizes not only persons who develop peptic ulcer, but also those who do poorly with it. Persons with gastric and duodenal ulcers differ epidemiologically, behaviorally, and genetically. There is therefore a real constitutional basis for peptic ulcer, though its total effect for the population is small in comparison with the environmental determinants reflected in the altered site, sex ratio, and frequency of peptic ulcer during the present century. For the individual, however, the influence of heredity or constitution may be crucial.
Overview of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer

SUMMARY Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the USA and is estimated to be responsible for 14% of cancer-related deaths in 2012. Taxane chemotherapy agents are a mainstay of treatment for metastatic breast cancer, but unfortunately, significant toxicities can limit their use. Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel is a formulation of paclitaxel that is bound to an albumin nanoparticle. This allows for improved solubility as well as higher plasma clearance and volume distribution without the hypersensitivity reactions and myelosuppression of standard Cremophor®-based paclitaxel. This article will review nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
A chemical procedure for loading the calcium indicator acquorin into mammalian working myocardium.

The bioluminescent calcium indicator aequorin was successfully loaded into mammalian working myocardium of ferrets by a chemical procedure which makes the cells reversibly hyperpermeable through exposure to Ethylenebis-(oxyethylenenitrilo) tetraacetic acid (EGTA). After undergoing the loading procedure, developed tension at Lmax was 103±26% of the control, which indicates that the muscles regained normal function. The configurations of the aequorin signals (i.e., calcium transients) and their responses to drugs were the same as reported after microinjection of aequorin. The peak of the Ca++ transient determined by the method of fractional luminescence at 3s intervals of stimulation, 2.5mM [Ca++]o, 22.5°C was 1.1μM; this value is similar to that reported for microinjection. These results indicate that the chemical loading procedure is a useful alternative to microinjection for loading aequorin into mammalian working myocardium.
17α-HYDROXYPREGNENOLONE AS A PRECURSOR OF URINARY STEROIDS IN A PATIENT WITH A VIRILIZING ADENOMA OF THE ADRENAL

By isotopic techniques, the daily secretory rate of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone in a patient with a virilizing adrenal adenoma has been estimated to be 63 mg. per day. This steroid, and not 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, was found to be the principal precursor of the urinary metabolite, pregnane-3α,17α,20α-triol. The data also demonstrated that only a small fraction of the 110 mg. of dehydroisoandrosterone found in a daily urine sample from this patient was derived from the peripheral conversion of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone.
Reproducibility of Videokeratographic Digital Subtraction Maps after Excimer Laser Photorefractive Keratectomy

Background: Digital subtraction photokeratography can best identify topographic changes after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). To evaluate the reproducibility of these topographic maps, the authors used a topographic modeling system to generate multiple subtraction maps from different combinations of technically acceptable preoperative and postoperative maps for eyes that underwent PRK. The assigned patterns for each patient then were evaluated for consistency. Methods: Seven hundred twenty-two individual subtraction maps were generated for 64 eyes that underwent PRK. A mean of 11.3 maps were generated for each eye. The topography of each map was individually classified as normal, central island, peninsula, or asymmetric. All maps within a set (consisting of examinations for 1 patient at a single postoperative interval) then were examined as a unit to determine the overall topographic classification for that set of maps. Each set in which each constituent map had the same topographic assignment as the set was considered "nonvariant", whereas those sets in which one or more individual subtraction maps had different topographic assignments were considered "variant". Results: Of the 64 sets, 33 (52%) were variant and 31 (48%) were nonvariant. Conclusions: Any one subtraction map produced by the topographic modeling system may not be a reliable indicator of the excimer effect.
Adolescents' Need to Talk About School and Work in Mental Health Treatment

Summary School-aged adolescents spend much of their time in school. As a result, it is important for mental health practitioners who work with adolescents to address their clients' educational concerns and risks. Based on data “mined” from an adolescent intake questionnaire (Adquest), this study explores how adolescents view their educational life and their need to address educational risks clinically. Likewise, the world of work, also important to adolescents, is discussed. Overall, adolescents are concerned about their educational risk factors, want to be employed, and want to talk about both with clinicians in a mental health context.
Ecosystem effects of groundwater depth in Owens Valley, California

Owens Valley, California, USA, is an important source of water for the city of Los Angeles; however, recent studies have documented losses of grass cover coinciding with decreased watertable depths in many locations. These changes in community composition are assumed to be associated with shallower rooting depths and greater vulnerability to declining watertable depths in grasses compared to neighbouring shrubs. However, the hydraulic properties and water stress resistance of most species in Owens Valley have not been measured. In addition, the relationships between groundwater depth and other aspects of ecosystem function such as nutrient cycling are not well understood. In this study, we measured grass and shrub cover, vulnerability to cavitation, and plant and soil isotopic and chemical composition at 9 sites along a depth to watertable gradient of 0·3–5·7 m in Owens Valley. Contrary to expectations, the grass species was more resistant to water stress-induced cavitation than either shrub species. However, grass cover declined in sites with deeper watertables while shrub cover remained constant. Water isotopes indicated shallower rooting depths in grasses than in shrubs, although the phreatophytic shrub Ericameria nauseosa had enriched leaf water isotopes at deep groundwater sites, indicating water stress. Sites with lower grass cover contained less soil nitrogen (N) that was also more isotopically enriched, which is indicative of greater ecosystem N losses. These results show that groundwater depth is correlated with a number of ecosystem traits in these Great Basin Desert ecosystems and should be considered when evaluating future changes in groundwater depth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of surface aluminosilicate ions on the properties of colloidal silica

Abstract Aluminosilicate anionic sites on even a small portion of the surface of colloidal silica particles increases stability toward gelling in the pH range 3 to 7. The negative charge on the particles makes the sol more sensitive to coagulation by cationic surfactants and positively charged colloids but less reactive with hydrogen-bonding compounds including water-soluble polymers containing hydroxyl ether, or amide groups. Also at the negative aluminosilicate charge site, the accompanying hydrated countercation in the adjacent solution probably prevents access to that region of the surface so that hydrogen-bonding is limited to surface silanol groups on adjacent unmodified areas. Proteins that coagulate with unmodified silica in saline solution do not interact with the anionic aluminatemodified silica except at a lower pH. This may explain some differences in physiological and cytotoxic effects of pure silica versus silica in the presence of alumina.
Japanese research in flow of fluids through porous materials and filtration

During the summer of 1962 I visited Japan on a grant from the National Science Foundation to survey Japanese work in the field of filtration and flow of fluids through porous materials. Because of the language barrier and the Japanese manner of publishing, the Western countries are generally quite unfamiliar with Oriental work. On the other hand, I found that many Japanese scientists were very familiar with Western work in their fields of specialization. Japanese publication of scientific and engineering studies takes two major forms: in the journals of their respective professional societies, and in the faculty memoirs of their universities. While the journal publications receive wide circulation, the faculty memoirs do not, so that the extent of work in a particular field cannot be ascertained solely from the contents of the professional journals.
Transmission-line impedance measurements for an advanced hadron facility

High-intensity synchrotrons such as the proposed Advanced Hadron Facility (AHF) [1] and the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring (PSR) [2] must have a low beam-coupling impedance for stability. The conflicting requirement of low eddy-current effects in the rapid cycling AHF makes the AHF beam-pipe design a particularly difficult problem. A ceramic pipe deposited with conducting stripes has been proposed for AHF. It can have adequately small eddy currents, but it may have an unexpectedly large coupling impedance. Therefore, a facility for measuring transmission-line impedances has been established and is described in this paper. Measurements of transverse and longitudinal coupling impedances for ceramic/metal and other beam-pipe segments are reported; a ceramic/metal chamber can have adequately small impedance. Results of impedance measurements for other AHF and PSR devices, such as a PSR beam pickup and bumper magnet, are also reported.
Soil O2 and CO2 effects on root respiration of cacti

Through use of a recently developed technique that can measure CO2 exchange by individual attached roots, the influences of soil O2 and CO2 concentrations on root respiration were determined for two species of shallow-rooted cacti that typically occur in porous, well-drained soils. Although soil O2 concentrations in the rooting zone in the field were indistinguishable from that in the ambient air (21% by volume), the CO2 concentrations 10 cm below the soil surface averaged 540 μLL−1 for the barrel cactusFerocactus acanthodes under dry conditions and 2400 μLL−1 under wet conditions in a loamy sand. For the widely cultivated platyopuntiaOpuntia ficus-indica in a sandy clay loam, the CO2 concentration at 10 cm averaged 1080 μLL−1 under dry conditions and 4170 μLL−1 under wet conditions. For both species, the respiration rate in the laboratory was zero at 0% O2 and increased to its maximum value at 5% O2 for rain roots (roots induced by watering) and 16% O2 for established roots. Established roots ofO. ficus-indica were slightly more tolerant of elevated CO2 than were those ofF. acanthodes, 5000 μLL−1 inhibiting respiration by 35% and 46%, respectively. For both species, root respiration was reduced to zero at 20,000 μLL−1 (2%) CO2. In contrast to the reversible effects of 0% O2, inhibition by 2% CO2 was irreversible and led to the death of cortical cells in established roots in 6 h. Although the restriction of various cacti and other CAM plants to porous soils has generally been attributed to their requirement for high O2 concentrations, the present results indicate that susceptibility of root respiration to elevated soil CO2 concentrations may be more important.
Role of Opening in the Mechanics of Shockwave Propagation Under Blast Loading Conditions

The effectiveness of helmets in extenuating the primary shock waves generated by the explosions of improvised explosive devices is not clearly understood. In this work, the role of helmet on the overpressurization and impulse experienced by the head were examined. The shock wave–head interactions were studied under three different cases: (i) unprotected head, (ii) head with helmet but with varying head–helmet gaps and (iii) head covered with helmet and tightly fitting foam pads. The intensification effect was discussed by examining the shock wave flow pattern and veri fied with experiments. A helmet with a better protection against shock wave is suggested.
[MPR14]-rADM(14-50), a novel analog of adrenomedullin, possesses potent vasodilator activity in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat.

Abstract Responses to [Mpr 14 ]-rADM (14–50), a novel analog of adrenomedullin, were investigated in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat under conditions of controlled blood flow. Intraarterial injections of [Mpr 14 ]-rADM(14–50) in doses of 0.003-1 nmol caused dose-related decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure. In terms of relative vasodilator activity, [Mpr 14 ]-rADM(14–50) was more potent than human synthetic adrenomedullin (hADM) in doses of 0.003-0.1 nmol. The recovery half-times ( T 1 2 ) for the vasodilator response to [Mpr 14 ]-rADM(14–50) were significantly greater than the recovery half-times for hADM in all doses studied. Decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure in response to [Mpr 14 ]-rADM(14–50) were not altered by the calcitonin generelated peptide receptor antagonist rCGRP(8–37) at the same time vasodilator responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide were significantly reduced. The present data demonstrate that [Mpr 14 ]-(14–50) has potent and long-lasting vasodilator activity when compared to hADM, and that vasodilator responses to [Mpr 14 ]-rADM(14–50) are not dependent on the activation of CGRP receptors in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat.
Application of Biased Metropolis Algorithms: From protons to proteins

We show that sampling with a biased Metropolis scheme is essentially equivalent to using the heatbath algorithm. However, the biased Metropolis method can also be applied when an efficient heatbath algorithm does not exist. This is first illustrated with an example from high energy physics (lattice gauge theory simulations). We then illustrate the Rugged Metropolis method, which is based on a similar biased updating scheme, but aims at very different applications. The goal of such applications is to locate the most likely configurations in a rugged free energy landscape, which is most relevant for simulations of biomolecules.
Occupation probability of a correlated random walk and a correlated ruin problem

On donne une formule simple pour la probabilite d'occupation d'une marche correlee et on considere un probleme de ruine correle
Microfluidic Assays of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

A microfabricated device for flow injection analysis and electrophoretic separation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors is described. Solutions of inhibitor, enzyme, substrate, and derivitizing agent were mixed within the channels of the microchip using computer-controlled electrokinetic transport. AChE-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine to thiocholine was measured in an on-chip reaction of thiocholine with coumarinylphenylmaleimide, and the resulting thioether was detected by laser-induced fluorescence. Inhibitors reduced the fluorescence signal and produced a negative peak diagnostic for the type of inhibition. A Gaussian peak was observed for competitive inhibitors, whereas a broad negative peak was observed for irreversible inhibitors. From a microchip assay for tacrine, an inhibition constant, Ki, of 1.5 ± 0.2 nM was derived, which compared well with a standard cuvette assay. A flow injection assay of two irreversible inhibitors, carbofuran and eserine, was performed. With a 5-min stoppe...
UV resonance Raman studies of ClNO in solution

Abstract The first resonance Raman spectra of nitrosyl chloride (ClNO) in solution obtained with excitation resonant with the A-band are reported. For ClNO dissolved in cyclohexane, intensity is observed for transitions corresponding to all three normal coordinates: the bend, NCl stretch and NO stretch. This observation demonstrates that excited-state structural evolution occurs along these coordinates following photoexcitation resonant with the A-band. Resonance Raman depolarization ratios measured at excitation wavelengths spanning the A-band are reported. The depolarization ratios are found to be less that 1/3 consistent with at least two electronic transitions contributing to the A-band absorption intensity.
Gas Sorption, Diffusion, and Permeation in Poly(2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene)

The solubility and permeability of H2, O2, N2, CO2, CH4, C2H6, C3H8, CF4, C2F6, and C3F8 in TFE/BDD87, a random copolymer prepared from 87 mol % 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole [BDD] and 13 mol % tetrafluoroethylene [TFE], are reported as a function of temperature and pressure. Sorption isotherms of all penetrants except hydrogen are concave to the pressure axis and are well-described by the dual-mode model. Hydrogen exhibits linear sorption isotherms. In contrast to previous results in hydrocarbon-rich polymers, the solubility of perfluorocarbon penetrants is higher in TFE/BDD87 than that of their hydrocarbon analogues. The solubility of all penetrants in TFE/BDD87 decreases with increasing temperature. Enthalpies of sorption become more negative as penetrant size increases. Fluorocarbon enthalpies of sorption at infinite dilution are significantly more exothermic than those of their hydrocarbon analogues, suggesting more favorable interactions between fluorocarbon penetrants and perflu...
In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Topical Antimicrobial Agents Used in Pediatric Burn Patients: Comparison of Two Methods

One hundred and seventy-seven bacterial isolates obtained from pediatric burn victims were tested for in vitro susceptibility against bacitracin, silver sulfadiazine, mafenide acetate, nitrofurazone, and mupirocin by two methods: standard microbroth dilution and Nathan's agar well diffusion (NAWD). Nitrofurazone had the broadest spectrum of activity. Mupirocin was the most potent agent against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Silver sulfadiazine showed activity against gram-positive organisms and higher minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, and smaller zone sizes were seen for methicillin-resistant S. aureus and gram-negative bacilli. Bacitracin showed activity against S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes by the microbroth method; activity could not be assessed by NAWD. Mafenide acetate had the highest MICs for all isolates tested. Correlation between methods for all isolates tested was best for mupirocin and nitrofurazone. NAWD was labor intensive and difficult to interpret; MIC method was easy to perform and reproducible. Clinical correlation is necessary to establish breakpoints for interpretation of test results.
An algorithm for global solution to bi-parametric linear complementarity constrained linear programs

A linear program with linear complementarity constraints (LPCC) is among the simplest mathematical programs with complementarity constraints. Yet the global solution of the LPCC remains difficult to find and/or verify. In this work we study a specific type of the LPCC which we term a bi-parametric LPCC. Reformulating the bi-parametric LPCC as a non-convex quadratically constrained program, we develop a domain-partitioning algorithm that solves a series of the linear subproblems and/or convex quadratically constrained subprograms obtained by the relaxations of the complementarity constraint. The choice of an artificial constants-pair allows us to control the domain on which the partitioning is done. Numerical results of robustly solving 105 randomly generated bi-parametric LPCC instances of different structures associated with different numbers of complementarity constraints by the algorithm are presented.
Microstrip antenna coupled distributed feedback terahertz quantum-cascade lasers

By introducing coupled microstrip antennas on distributed feedback terahertz quantum-cascade lasers, the radiation efficiency of each aperture is greatly enhanced. Single mode emission from a 31-period antenna-coupled perfectly phase matched (PM) third-order DFB laser yields ∼ 4 times improvement in output power comparing with a traditional corrugated third-order DFB laser fabricated on the same gain medium. The 31-period device has ∼ 15 × 25° beam divergence and 4 mW pulsed power (4% duty-cycle) at 10K with maximum lasing temperature 134K(pulsed). When phase matching condition is met, emissions from 81 apertures (4-mm long) are coherently combined to form a narrow beam with ∼ 12.5° divergence.
Gender, Sports, and New Media: Predictors of Viewing during the 2008 Beijing Olympics

The 2008 Beijing Olympics was the most watched television event in U.S. television history, and represented a broad expansion and emphasis on online sports content. This study examined audience's multiplatform experience with the 2008 Beijing Games, particularly the interactions between and among gender groups, viewing the Olympics, and use of new media. Results indicate that although men and women were significantly different in sports viewing and media use in general, they shared similarities in seeking Olympic content on various media platforms.
Race, Difference, Meritocracy, and English: Majoritarian Stories in the Education of Secondary Multilingual Learners.

In this study, empirical and conceptual scholarship (approximately 100 studies) regarding the education of secondary multilingual learners and their teachers are analyzed through the lens of critical race theory (CRT). Specifically, four common majoritarian stories are identified that are both challenged and endorsed in the research literature: there is no story about race, difference is deficit, meritocracy is appropriate, and English-is-all-that-matters. This article discusses the literature, the four identified majoritarian stories and the specific ways they are both promoted and countered throughout the literature. The implications of these four majoritarian stories on research, policy, and practice are also addressed and the article concludes with a discussion about the value the identification of these stories offers for future research.