cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An in vitro hemodynamic tissue model to study the variations in flow using near infrared spectroscopy

Determination of blood flow changes will be helpful for evaluation of tumor prognosis and therapy. Our study is to develop an in vitro hemodynamic phantom model, which allows us to show the feasibility of using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine flow changes as a dynamic imaging modality to monitor tumor responses to therapy. In the hemodynamic phantom model, both single and multiple, transparent, plastic tubes were used to pass through a cylindral glass chamber. The chamber was filled with either an Intralipid solution or a soft gelatin phantom, while the tube or tubes were pumped with either an Intralipid-ink mixture or animal whole blood to simulate the tumor vasculature. The Intralipid solutions that were filled in the chamber and tubes had optical scattering and absorption properties similar to those of tumor tissues and tumor vasculature. A single-channel, broadband, NIRS system with a tungsten light source and a CCD-array spectrometer was used to quantify the changes in optical density (OD) of the intralipid-ink mixture with variations in flow rate and concentration. A single-exponential curve fit has been used to determine the time constant (τ) from the change in OD to estimate the flow rate. The obtained preliminary results show a strong correlation between changing rates of concentration and flow; a multivariable dynamic mathematical model may be also established to relate changes of Hb, HbO and blood volume with blood flow.
Cosmological arguments and the uniqueness of god

Cosmological arguments for the existence of God purport to establish more than merely the existence of a 'First Cause,' that is, a being which depends on nothing else for its existence and upon which the existence of all else depends. They also purport to show that the First Cause has some or all of the properties associated with the traditional concept of God. Champions and critics alike have often contended that, if such arguments prove the existence of a First Cause, then it requires little if any further persuasion to establish the existence of a being that possesses many of the characteristic divine attributes. And this sentiment is by no means peculiar to historical figures; for example, William L. Rowe has recently claimed that
141: Prolyl-3 Hydroxylase Expression in the Mouse Kidney and Developing Embryo

PROLYL-3 HYDROXYLASE EXPRESSION IN THE MOUSE KIDNEY AND DEVELOPING EMBRYO Jennifer Lennington, Roy Morello, Ming-Ming Jiang, Dustin Baldridge, Terry Bertin and Brendan Lee 1 = Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 2 = Howard Hughes Medical Institute All collagens undergo prolyl-3 hydroxylation post-translational modification. As specialized type IV collagen protomers are required for glomerular development, the purpose of this study is to examine which P3H isoforms are expressed in the developing mouse embryo, and specifically the kidney. In-situ probes were amplified from S293 cDNA. The probes were labeled with S and hybridized to 6 micron thick sections at E12.5 – P1. The kidney showed highest expression of P3H2 and P3H3 in distinct patterns from E16.5 onward. From E12.5 to E14.5, P3H3 was most prominent. P3H2 shows a glomerular specific expression pattern. In contrast, P3H3 shows highest expression in the interstitium and collecting system, but also is expressed in the central region of the glomerulus and the tubules. Other organs also have non-redundant P3H expression. P3H2 only is expressed in pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes, and dominates in skeletal muscle, heart, and lens of the eye. Only P3H3 localizes to the periventricular region of the brain. P3H3 expression is also highest in the aorta and pulmonary veins. All three P3H’s are expressed in the craniofacial mesenchyme, lung, and spine. Because of the unique expression of P3H2 and P3H3 in the kidney, dysfunction of each may lead to distinct renal phenotypes. P3H2 could lead to abnormal glomerular basement membranes. Due to its early developmental expression and more diffuse expression, P3H3 may be involved in dysplasia, sclerosis, or cystic disease. Expression of the P3H isoforms in other tissues makes it likely that absence of any one of these isoforms would lead to multiorgan involvement. Lack of P3H2 could cause chondrodysplasia and myopathy. Lack of P3H3 may lead to a vascular phenotype, such as aneurysms. Further study to define the specific role of P3H’s may lead to advances in diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease.
On the determination of iridium in diverse geological samples employing HPGe-coincidence/NaI(Tl)-anticoincidence spectrometry

This paper reports the Ir content of a variety of geological samples determined by the high-purity Ge-coincidence/NaI(Tl)-anticoincidence gamma-ray spectrometry (henceforth referred to as coincidence/anticoincidence technique) and by the conventional INAA. The advantages of this technique are: (1) the Ir content of the samples is obtained (ppm to a fraction of ppb ranges) not only by the 468.1 keV peak as in the conventional INAA but also by the 784.6 keV and 920.9 keV sum peaks, which gives more confidence in the values obtained; and (2) it is well suited for the samples with high Compton background for which it is difficult to measure the Ir content by the conventional INAA technique. The practical sensitivity of this technique depends on the sample matrix. Under present experimental conditions, it varied from 0.1 ng for Mn nodules and 0.004 ng for Libyan Desert Glass. Iridium values obtained on small (about 1 microg) olivine grains demonstrate the potential application of this new technique to microsamples. The principle and methodology of this new technique as well as its advantages and disadvantages over the conventional INAA are discussed.
Splice site consensus sequences are preferentially accessible to nucleases in isolated adenovirus RNA

Abstract The conformation of RNA sequences spanning five 3' splice sites and two 5' splice sites in adenovirus mRNA was probed by partial digestion with single-strand specific nucleases. Although cleavage of nucleotides near both 3' and 5' splice sites was observed, most striking was the preferential digestion of sequences near the 3' splice site. At each 3' splice site a region of very strong cleavage is observed at low concentrations of enzyme near the splice site consensus sequence or the upstream branch point consensus sequence. Additional sites of moderately strong cutting near the branch point consensus sequence were observed in those sequences where the splice site was the preferred target. Since recognition of the 3' splice site and branch site appear to be early events in mRNA splicing these observations may indicate that the local conformation of the splice site sequences may play a direct or indirect role in enhancing the accessibility of sequences important for splicing.
Single crystal magnetization and susceptibility studies on CuCl2⋅DMSO, a salt with quasi 1‐d ferromagnetic interactions

CuCl2⋅DMSO is one of a series of linear chain spin 1/2 compounds recently shown to have predominantly ferromagnetic interactions in the paramagnetic state. Initial studies1 conducted on powders showed the exchange interaction J to be relatively large (J/k = 45 K) with rather large interchain interactions (J′/J = −0.04). The present paper reports the first single crystal susceptibility and magnetization studies on this compound. The monoclinic compound has been found to order antiferromagnetically at 4.80 K with the easy axis the a axis. The two χ⊥′s are nearly equal, indicating uniaxial anisotropy. A spin‐flop transition has been observed when an external field was applied along the easy axis. The magnetic field phase diagram for this transition has been measured down to 2 K in fields up to 9.5 kOe. Using a molecular field model, effective fields have been estimated for the antiferromagnetic coupling between chains and for the spin anisotropy. The antiferromagnetic exchange field is 23 kOe, 3.6% of the effective ferromagnetic exchange field within the chains (Hfm). The anisotropy field was found to be only 6×10−4Hfm, indicating nearly perfectly Heisenberg‐type intrachain exchange.
Septic Arthritis, Tenosynovitis, and Infections of Hoof Structures

Infectious diseases of synovial and hoof structures in horses can be devastating to soundness and can result in life-threatening complications. Timely diagnosis and early aggressive treatment can result in successful outcomes and resumption of athletic careers; however, delays in recognition and therapy can be the most costly reasons for failure. Sterilization of affected compartments and tissues requires removal of microorganisms and compromised tissue. Debridement, lavage, and appropriate antimicrobial drug use are the most reliable avenues of treatment. Antimicrobial drugs can be administered by local, regional, and systemic routes. Lavage techniques and debridement typically require surgical manipulations.
Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) acrylates synthesized using a facile method for fabricating networks to achieve controllable physicochemical properties and tunable cell responses

Abstract We present a facile method to synthesize photo-crosslinkable poly(e-caprolactone) acrylates (PCLAs) and reveal tunable cell responses to photo-crosslinked PCLAs. Including three PCL diacrylates (PCLDAs) and two triacrylates (PCLTAs), PCLAs could be fabricated into polymer networks with controllable physical properties to satisfy diverse tissue-engineering needs, for example, bone and nerve regeneration. This novel synthetic method used potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as the proton scavenger other than widely used triethylamine (TEA) in order to avoid colorization and potential toxicity from the side reaction between TEA and acryloyl chloride. In addition, this new method significantly simplified the purification step of the polymer products because of the convenient separation between inorganic particles and organic polymer solution. Through combining crystallite-based physical network and crosslink-based chemical network together, we could modulate material properties and consequently control cell responses. Thermal properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and crystallinity (χc) of both uncrosslinked and crosslinked PCLAs were correlated with their mechanical and rheological properties. Surface characteristics such as surface morphology, hydrophilicity, and its capability of adsorbing serum proteins from cell culture medium were also examined for crosslinked PCLA disks. Mouse MC3T3 cells and rat Schwann precursor cell line (SPL201) cells were applied to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of these polymeric networks and the roles of surface chemistry, crystallinity, and stiffness in regulating cell attachment, spreading and proliferation collectively. Semi-crystalline PCLA network with the highest χc and Tm was found to support cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation best among all these five systems.
Veteran preferences for romantic partner involvement in depression treatment.

Abstract Objective The objective was to examine Veterans’ preferences for romantic partner involvement in depression treatment and patient characteristics that are associated with the likelihood of preferred involvement. Method One hundred seventy-nine Veterans who met criteria for major or minor depression reported if they wanted their partners to give them medication reminders, accompany them to appointments, and speak with their treatment provider. Results Greater depression severity and wanting a partner to be less critical and more encouraging were associated with greater preferences for involvement. Conclusion Veterans may view their partners’ involvement in depression treatment as one opportunity for partners to decrease blame or understand more about their problems.
Using Beverly Hills, 90210 To Explore Developmental Issues in Female Adolescents

A reception study was employed to examine how girls and young women construct meaning in the television program Beverly Hills, 90210. Using age-segregated focus groups, the author attempted to uncover specific themes that helped to identify how meaning is created differently by girls and young women at different developmental stages. This article is divided into three sections. The first situates the problematic in historical and theoretical context. The second section discusses the methodology of this study. It contains the theoretical justification for the methods employed and grounds the research in an interpretive paradigm. In the final section, seven themes that emerged during the research are explicated.
Learning Climates for English Language Learners: A Case of Fourth-Grade Students in California

Abstract This study investigates “learning climates” among fourth-grade students in an English-only school district in California. A student's learning climate is defined here as (a) a learner's perceptions of his or her own abilities and behaviors, as well as (b) the learner's perceptions of others' beliefs about his or her abilities and behaviors (or “externalized perceptions,” as we have termed this throughout this paper). This study aims to understand how such learning climates may relate to students' reading performance among English language learners (ELLs) as well as native English-speaking (NE) students. A structured interview was conducted. Positive perceptions toward bilingualism were observed by both students who read English well and those who struggled with reading English. However, these two groups differed in their: (a) language-mixing behavior; (b) first-language literacy skills; (c) fathers' level of English proficiency; and (d) views of the influence of their first language on their Engl...
Enhancement of thiazopyr bioefficacy by inhibitors of monooxygenases

The preceding paper described inhibition of thiazopyr metabolism in plant seedlings by inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and the lack of inhibition by esterase inhibitors. We now describe greenhouse evaluation of the effects of these metabolic inhibitors on the bioefficacy of thiazopyr. Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), metyrapone (MET) and tetcyclacis (TET), all enhanced the bioefficacy of thiazopyr against pigweed and other plant species. In contrast, inhibitors of esterases, tributyl phosphate (TBP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), produced only slight enhancement of thiazopyr activity. The effect of PBO was dose-dependent and was demonstrated against barnyardgrass, grain sorghum, redroot pigweed, seedling johnsongrass, and giant foxtail. PBO demonstrated no enhancement of thiazopyr activity in velvetleaf, tall morningglory, cotton, or soybeans. Bioefficacy was most enhanced via exposure of seedling shoots to PBO and thiazopyr. The combination of results from the present and the preceding papers suggests that PBO enhances thiazopyr bioefficacy by effectively inhibiting thiazopyr metabolism in plants.
Highly nonlinear robust step-index chalcogenide nanotapers for octave-spanning supercontinuum generation

We fabricate highly nonlinear and mechanically robust step-index chalcogenide nanotapers with high index contrast for stable mid-infrared supercontinuum generation. By pumping the nanotapers with low peak-power pulses, one-octave of spectral broadening was generated.
Failure of an extract of pregnant mares' urine to influence gastric secretion in man.

ConclusionThe intragastric administration of an extract of pregnant mares' urine, Kutrol, in quantities as large as 7.50 g does not decrease the volume, free acidity, or output of hydrochloric acid in the 12-hour nocturnal gastric secretion or in the continuous 36-hour secretion of patients with peptic ulcer.
Environmental response of a desert springbrook to incremental discharge reductions, Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Abstract Desert springs are biodiversity hotspots that are easily altered by anthropogenic activities. Little is known about the effects of human disturbance on desert springs, and scarce information exists describing the environmental effects of incrementally increasing disturbance. The objective of this research was to quantify the influence of incremental reductions in discharge on the physical and thermal characteristics of a desert springbrook. In this study, the physical characteristics of a desert springbrook include hydraulic attributes that influence habitat availability, such as wetted area, flow velocity, and water depth. Thermal characteristics refer to water temperature and temperature gradients. The research objective was accomplished through a combination of field experiments at Travertine Spring, Death Valley National Park, USA, and hydraulic/temperature modeling to: (1) quantify changes in physical characteristics of the springbrook channel and aquatic environment; (2) investigate the effects of reduced spring discharge on seasonal spatial temperature patterns; (3) delineate tipping points that exhibit a non-linear response to decreased flow. We found that the physical environment changed with small decreases in discharge. Thermal tipping points were also exhibited due to decreases in discharge, but the magnitude of these responses was a function of distance from the spring source, seasonality, and temperature.
Ureteral displacement associated with pelvic peritoneal defects and endometriosis

Ten women had endometriosis and pelvic peritoneal defects of the posterior leaf of the broad ligament, with the consistent finding of medial displacement of the ureter toward the uterosacral ligament. Ureterolysis at the time of surgery revealed the underlying course of the ureter and its proximity to the uterosacral ligament, making it susceptible to surgical injury. It is important for surgeons to be aware of this anatomic alteration associated with these specific peritoneal defects.
Health beliefs and endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer: potential for cancer prevention.

Abstract Background . Colorectal cancer can be prevented through endoscopic removal of adenomatous polyps. Because screening endoscopy rates are low, it is critical to identify correlates of screening behavior that are amenable to interventions to improve screening rates. Our purpose was to identify the correlates of endoscopic screening among persons at risk for colorectal cancer. Methods . We surveyed 1,160 healthy, adult, first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients in 583 kindreds, for a 43% response rate. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we tested the association between screening behavior and perceived risk for colorectal cancer, the belief that colorectal cancer can be prevented, demographic factors, strength of family history, and practical barriers to screening. Results . Persons screened at least once were older, were male, had stronger family histories, had a regular doctor, and had health insurance. After these fixed factors were accounted for, the belief that colorectal cancer can be prevented and higher perceived risk were associated with significantly greater odds of screening. Conclusions . This study establishes the need for trials evaluating the cancer prevention potential of the link between screening behavior and health beliefs. Physicians must be aware of their patients' family colorectal cancer history and recommend appropriate endoscopic screening for those at increased risk, particularly women. Patients should be educated about their cancer risk and about preventing colorectal cancer.
Distal-based flaps for reconstruction of hand burns

Any burn injury, even if considered minimal in extent, can still be catastrophic, if hand burns are severe enough to result in deformities that render the individual unable to perform his own personal daily functions. Usually any necessary skin coverage of the hand can be achieved with skin grafts alone; but occasionally, seemingly heroic measures requiring vascularized flaps will be justified to ensure maximum rehabilitation. Previously, available options included proximal-based local flaps, or distant flaps either pedicled while remaining attached to another body region, or transferred immediately by use of microsurgical techniques. Another new concept that may still be somewhat in the investigational stage for burns is the distal-based local flap. These use more traditional proximal skin territories, but with a distal vascular pedicle that can allow such flaps to reach even the fingertips. More expeditious and technically simpler than the transfer of distant flaps, this alternative deserves further consideration in the appropriate circumstances.
Taenia crassiceps: Insulin and carbohydrate metabolism in larval forms☆

Abstract Results of the present study indicate that insulin stimulates carbohydrate metabolism in larval Taenia crassiceps (Cestoda) when incubated in vitro for 2 hours in glucose and insulin fortified Eagle's medium; glucose uptake, lactic acid production, and glycogenesis were all stimulated under these conditions. While high levels (1.0 IU/ml) were required to achieve significant effects in long-term studies (8 hours), the same hormone concentration failed to stimulate activity during short-term (2 hours) incubation when the number of larvae per culture vessel was small (15–20 per flask). Metabolic activity over 48 hours of incubation decreased significantly and this aspect of the study is discussed in terms of oxygen depletion from the system, glucose disappearance from the incubation medium, and glucose disappearance from the internal cyst fluid.
Facilitating the development of health promotion programs: Recommendations for researchers and funders

Research on health promotion programming often functions under substantial external pressures, which can complicate the research enterprise.
10-Year Follow-Up Wear Analysis of First-Generation Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Our goal was to report a 10-year follow up of linear penetration rates for HCLPE, and to determine whether a difference exists between penetrations measured on pelvis or hip anterior–posterior radiographs. We reviewed 48 total hip arthroplasties where a first-generation HCLPE liner was used. Femoral head penetration was measured on both AP pelvis and hip radiographs. Total wear and wear rate at 10 years were 1.26 mm and 0.122 mm/y, respectively. The rate decreased significantly after the first 2–3 years, plateauing at a wear rate of 0.05 mm/y for the last 5 years. The AP hip total wear and wear rate were 1.38 mm and 0.133 mm/y respectively, while rates were 1.13 mm and 0.109 mm/y respectively for the pelvis radiographs (P
Effect of Fe2+ and ascorbic acid on acid phosphatases from rat bone.

The effect of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and the reducing agents cysteine, dithiothreitol, and especially ascorbate on acid phosphatase activity was determined in vitro. Activity was extracted from homogenates of suckling rat tibia and femur with hypertonic KCl and Triton X-100, treated with protamine to remove interfering macromolecules, and dialyzed. Tartrate-sensitive and tartrate-resistant activity were separated and partially purified by cation exchange chromatography. At optimum dosage levels, Fe2+ was 100 times more potent than reducing agents in stimulating activity. Hypertonic KCl facilitated the effects of all agents. Fe2+ had no effect on tartrate-sensitive activity (E1), but specifically stimulated the hydrolysis ofβ-glycerophosphate, casein, and especially ATP andp-nitrophenylphosphate (p-NPP) by tartrate-resistant enzyme (E2); other divalent cations were either inhibitory or ineffective over a concentration range of 10−5 to 10−2M. Stimulation of E2 was detectable at 10−6M Fe2+, and the effect was synergistically increased by 10−3M ascorbate. E2 was stimulated maximally at 10−4M Fe2+ + 10−3M ascorbate, but at these concentrations their combined effects were additive. Both stimulated and unstimulated enzyme had identical pH optima (5.8), but the activity of the stimulated enzyme declined more slowly at higher pH values. Hypertonic KCl, Fe2+, or ascorbate reduced one-fourth to one-half the Km of activity withp-NPP substrate, which suggested a direct effect of these substances on E2. It is postulated the Fe2+ may interact with sulfhydryl groups in E2, and that reducing agents and KCl may facilitate this action by (a) maintaining the enzyme in an optimal conformational state, and (b) keeping iron reduced as Fe2+.
Space-time representation in the brain. The cerebellum as a predictive space-time metric tensor

The concept of space-time representation in the brain is redefined using tensor network theory. We make the following suggestions. (a) In order to deal with the external world, the brain embeds the external space-time continuum into a high dimensional internal space. External space-time events are represented within the CNS in overcomplete, inherently oblique, reference frames where space and time information is detected as a continuum over each coordinate axis. (b) The central nervous system may be seen as imposing a geometry on this internal hyperspace in such manner that neuronal networks transform inputs in a metric tensor-like manner. (c) In order to coordinate movements the cerebellum acts as a predictive motor space-time metric which allows the establishment of coincidences of goal-directed movements of limbs in space-time with external targets.
Cloning and Characterization of an Environmental DNA-Derived Gene Cluster That Encodes the Biosynthesis of the Antitumor Substance BE-54017

Soil is predicted to contain thousands of unique bacterial species per gram. Soil DNA libraries represent large reservoirs of biosynthetic diversity from which diverse secondary metabolite gene clusters can be recovered and studied. The screening of an archived soil DNA library using primers designed to target oxytryptophan dimerization genes allowed us to identify and functionally characterize the first indolotryptoline biosynthetic gene cluster. The recovery and heterologous expression of an environmental DNA-derived gene cluster encoding the biosynthesis of the antitumor substance BE-54017 is reported here. Transposon mutagenesis identified two monooxygenases, AbeX1 and AbeX2, as being responsible for the transformation of an indolocarbazole precursor into the indolotryptoline core of BE-54017.
Automatic Concavity's Area Calculation using Active Contours and Increasing Flow

The present paper develops an approach capable of automatically calculating area and length of boundary concavities of image regions. The contribution of this work is the application of an active convex hull, and active contour models with increasing dimension of the normal flow, employed to determine the above geometric features at the time of convergence. The method can handle images of different nature, modalities and varying sizes. To validate the theoretical concepts a set of experiments is performed using synthetic and medical images.
A New Way to Teach (or Compute) Pearson's r Without Reliance on Cross‐Products

Summary Many students have difficulty seeing the conceptual ‘link’ between bivariate data displayed in a scatterplot and the statistical summary of the relationship, r. This article shows how to teach (and compute) r such that each datum's ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ influences are made apparent and used in a new formula for calculating Pearson's r.
Rat liver constitutive and phenobarbital-inducible cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenases are highly homologous proteins that function as distinct isozymes.

Rat liver contains two class 1 aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs): a constitutive isozyme (ALDH1) and a phenobarbital-inducible isozyme (ALDH-PB). Defining characteristics of mammalian class 1 ALDHs ...
A Comparative Field Study of the Social Behavior and Related Ecology of Reef Fishes of the Family Chaetodontidae1)2)

20 Species of Chaetodontidae were observed in the field for a total of about 150 hrs at Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, and at Johnson Island. During observations the diver either stayed in one place for 30 min, swam transects or followed individual fish. Social groupings of the different species, their intra- and interspecific agonistic interactions and their feeding are described. The frequent occurrence of Chaetodontidae in pairs and the relatively low observed level of agonistic encounters are discussed.
A feedback-controlled dynamic linear actuator to test foot withdrawal thresholds in rat

We describe a method for evaluating the threshold for cutaneous mechanical sensation in rodents, based on a stimulator that drives a probe against the plantar surface of the foot. The stimulator applies loads that can be either constant or linearly increased. We describe withdrawal responses, including forms of movement that precede foot withdrawals. With constant stimuli, response latency declines in a nonlinear fashion as stimulus magnitude is increased. With ramped stimuli the effect of loading rate is complex, reflecting both the rate of change of the stimulus and the animal's reaction time. We demonstrate the utility of using ramped stimuli in experiments that show that thresholds vary spatially across the foot and experiments that show that intradermal capsaicin injections cause allodynia but not hyperalgesia.
Green design alternatives for isopropanol recovery in the celecoxib process

Various approaches to solvent recovery have been studied for the manufacturing process of celecoxib, the active ingredient in Celebrex®. A design case study has been performed by Rowan University with Pfizer through a green engineering partnership program. The manufacturing operation at one of their plants was evaluated and several green engineering alternatives for the purification and recovery of isopropanol (IPA) from waste streams proposed. This separation is complex due to the multiple waste streams generated, with varying compositions of IPA, ethanol, methanol, water, and dissolved solids. Overall goals were waste minimization and IPA recovery and purification. A conceptual study of distillation, extraction, reactive distillation, adsorption, and membrane-based processes was performed. Through use of computer simulation and literature/design methodologies, traditional methods were shown to be unable to obtain high IPA purities with the available equipment. Several green design approaches were evaluated using distillation combined with either molecular sieve adsorption or membrane pervaporation. These process schemes appear to have the most promise to effectively recover and purify IPA. The case study describes equipment and processing issues, and estimates environmental impacts from a life cycle analysis.
Influence of restraints on body-casted child ATDs in front and side sled tests

Objective: The current study was designed to study hip spica casted and uncasted child dummies in front- and side-impact tests using a variety of restraints. Methods: Casted one- and three-year-old ATDs were restrained by a traditional child seat, a special hip spica child seat, and the vehicle seat belts. All tests positioned the child upright in either the rear-facing (one-year-old) or forward-facing (three-year-old) direction. One exception was vehicle seat belt tests for the one-year-old, which required the child to be positioned supine due to the position of the child's body imposed by the cast. The ATDs were tested in frontal impacts per FMVSS 213 (delta V of 30 mph) and in side impact using the pulse proposed for 213 (delta V of 20 mph). Corresponding control tests were performed with the uncasted ATDs. The FMVSS 213 mandated injury metrics (HIC36, 3 ms chest gs) and nonmandated due care metrics (HIC15, Nij) were evaluated. Results: For the one-year-old casted tests, 50 percent of the responses inc...
Pheromonal control of the invasive brown treesnake: potency of female sexual attractiveness pheromone varies with ovarian state.

The female sex pheromone has potential a s a control tool for the Brown Treesnake, Boiga irregularis Merrem, a pest introduced into Guam. We conducted male-guided bioassays to determine whether potency of the female pheromone varied according to reproductive state and during vitellogenesis. In weekly simultaneous choice tests, we presented males with skin lipid samples from vitellogenic females, non-vitellogenic females, conspecific males, and carrier controls. The total time each sample was tongue-flicked was recorded: mean total tongue-flick time was highest for samples from vitellogenic females followed by samples from non-vitellogenic females. Pair-wise comparisons of male tongue-flick time for samples of non-vitellogenic females versus males and vitellogenic females versus non-vitellogenic females revealed differences in some weeks, but the greatest and most frequent differences were between vitellogenic females versus males. We observed no trend in the potency of the pheromone during vitellogenesis. Pheromone potency was greatest during vitellogenesis, with lesser potency retained while non-reproductive. Efforts at chemical identification of the pheromone and development of control tools should focus on material obtained from vitellogenic females.
Meta-Analysis in Clinical Trials*

This paper examines eight published reviews each reporting results from several related trials. Each review pools the results from the relevant trials in order to evaluate the efficacy of a certain treatment for a specified medical condition. These reviews lack consistent assessment of homogeneity of treatment effect before pooling. We discuss a random effects approach to combining evidence from a series of experiments comparing two treatments. This approach incorporates the heterogeneity of effects in the analysis of the overall treatment efficacy. The model can be extended to include relevant covariates which would reduce the heterogeneity and allow for more specific therapeutic recommendations. We suggest a simple noniterative procedure for characterizing the distribution of treatment effects in a series of studies.
The first physics results from BaBar

Abstract The B a B ar experiment and the PEP-II accelerator at SLAC started to take data on May 26, 1999. By the time of this conference, the recorded integrated luminosity was 20 fb −1 , of which 8 fb −1 were analyzed to provide a first set of physics results. This talk reviews the first measurement of sin 2β and the study of B meson decays to charmonium modes and 2-body charmless decays. Complementary results were presented by the B a B ar Collaboration at this conference and are reviewed in [1].
Effective heights and tangential momentum accommodation coefficients of gaseous slip flows in deep reactive ion etching rectangular microchannels

The behavior of a rarefied, compressible flow in long, constant cross section channels provides an opportunity to study complex gas dynamics in a simple geometry that allows analytical solutions. The problem of a rarefied, compressible flow in near unity aspect ratio rectangular cross section channels has been all but ignored despite it being a common flow geometry. We present analytical expressions for the mass flow rate in long, straight and uniform rectangular cross section microchannels in the slip flow regime. Using these analytical expressions, we extract the tangential momentum accommodation coefficient (TMAC) as well as the effective channel dimensions to account for a slight curvature of one of the walls of the rectangle. These expressions are effective in near unity aspect ratio rectangular microchannels made by deep reactive ion etching. The dependence of the flow behavior on the channel height to width aspect ratio is discussed as is the effect of the slight deviation from a rectangular cross section. The obtained TMAC results are consistent with values found by previous researchers using similar materials. Finally, a method of determining TMACs in channels consisting of non-homogenous materials or processing methods is presented.
(−)‐Dichloro(ethylene)(α‐methylbenzylamine)platinum(II)

1 (−)-cis [12084-44-5] C10H15Cl2NPt (MW 415.22) InChI = 1S/C8H11N.C2H4.2ClH.Pt/c1-7(9)8-5-3-2-4-6-8;1-2;;;/h2-7H,9H2,1H3;1-2H2;2*1H;/q;;;;+2/p-2/t7-;;;;/m0..../s1 InChIKey = UZALWMBGSHPKOY-HEDVWWMMSA-L 2 (−)-trans [12084-42-3] InChI = 1S/C8H11N.C2H4.2ClH.Pt/c1-7(9)8-5-3-2-4-6-8;1-2;;;/h2-7H,9H2,1H3;1-2H2;2*1H;/q;;;;+2/p-2/t7-;;;;/m0..../s1 InChIKey = UZALWMBGSHPKOY-HEDVWWMMSA-L (determination of % ee of alkenes and allenes via 195Pt NMR;1 resolution of alkenes;2 asymmetric epoxidation of alkenes3) Physical Data: trans isomer: mp 71 °C, [α]D21 + 15.5–16.9° (c 1.0, CH2Cl2), usually obtained as a viscous oil but can be crystallized upon further purification;2g cis isomer: mp 164 °C, [α]D25 −54.5° (c 1.3, acetone), obtained as pale green-yellow needles.4 Solubility: both the cis and trans isomers are sol acetone and dichloromethane. Analysis of Reagent Purity: trans isomer: 1H NMR (CD2Cl2) δ 7.39 (s, 5H), 4.62 (t, J = 30.5 Hz, 4H), 1.78 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 3H);2g for 13C and 195Pt NMR data see Pregosin et al.5 Preparative Methods: trans isomer: synthesized from Zeise's salt [K2PtCl3(ethylene)] by adding (+)- or (−)-α-methylbenzylamine under acidic conditions;2g cis isomer: synthesized by adding 2 equiv of (+)- or (−)-α-methylbenzylamine to an aqueous solution of K2PtCl4 and then exposing this material to ethylene under pressure.4 Purification: trans isomer: chromatography over silica with CH2Cl2 as eluent;2g cis isomer: recrystallization from 1:1 acetone/n-heptane or toluene.4 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: both isomers are air and water stable.
Adaptive tolerance of cowbird parasitism by prothonotary warblers : a consequence of nest-site limitation?

Abstract In a study of prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea, breeding ecology in which nest-site densities were manipulated, 21% of 172 warbler nests were parasitized by cowbirds, Molothrus ater; a relatively high frequency of parasitism compared to the majority of hole-nesting species. Cowbirds reduced warbler nest success by approximately 25%, primarily through egg removal by female cowbirds and lowered hatching success of warbler eggs. However, the impact of cowbird parasitism on warbler nesting success was relatively low compared to that reported for the majority of host species. Although female warblers accepted parasitism in 81% of cases, parasitized nests were abandoned significantly more frequently than were unparasitized nests, with the probability of nest desertion being contingent upon the numbers of nest-sites available on the territory. Similarly, the overall tendency for females to renest following either a successful or, especially, a failed nest was related to nest-site availablity. Timing of parasitism in relation to stage of the nest or time of the season did not significantly influence nest desertion by warblers. Thus, prothonotary warbler females may usually be forced to accept cowbird parasitism as a consequence of nest-site limitation. Relatively low costs associated with accepting cowbird eggs may be chosen by warblers only as an alternative to not breeding. These reuults support the hypothesis that acceptance of parasitism may be adaptive when the costs of rejection outweigh the costs of acceptance of parasite eggs.
Correlation in fast collisions of highly charged ions with atoms

Atomic hydrogen and helium ionization by impact of 3.6 MeV/u Au 53þ is investigated within classical trajectory Monte Carlo and quantum-mechanical continuum distorted wave models. For helium ionization, a description of initial and final electron states in terms of Hartree–Fock potentials is compared with hydrogenic models. Different ionization mechanisms are characterized. A strong correlation of the electron, projectile and target nucleus is observed. Good agreement is obtained between calculations performed with the different models. 2003Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
What's in a Score? Differences in Consumers' Credit Knowledge Using OLS and Quantile Regressions

Credit literacy depends, in part, on understanding credit reports and scores. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study in 2004 to assess consumers' knowledge of credit reports, credit scores, and the dispute resolution process. This study uses the GAO data and estimates a series of OLS and quantile regressions to identify specific subgroups of the population that could benefit from more targeted consumer policies and financial education. The findings from this research have important implications for consumer educators, financial professionals, and policymakers, especially with respect to national strategies designed to improve consumers' financial well-being.
Branch-and-cut for combinatorial optimization problems without auxiliary binary variables

Many optimisation problems involve combinatorial constraints on continuous variables. An example of a combinatorial constraint is that at most one variable in a group of nonnegative variables may be positive. Traditionally, in the mathematical programming community, such problems have been modeled as mixed-integer programs by introducing auxiliary binary variables and additional constraints. Because the number of variables and constraints becomes larger and the combinatorial structure is not used to advantage, these mixed-integer programming models may not be solved satisfactorily, except for small instances. Traditionally, constraint programming approaches to such problems keep and use the combinatorial structure, but do not use linear programming bounds in the search for an optimal solution. Here we present a branch-and-cut approach that considers the combinatorial constraints without the introduction of binary variables. We review the development of this approach and show how strong constraints can be derived using ideas from polyhedral combinatorics. To illustrate the ideas, we present a production scheduling model that arises in the manufacture of fibre optic cables.
The major threshability genes soft glume (sog) and tenacious glume (Tg), of diploid and polyploid wheat, trace their origin to independent mutations at non-orthologous loci

Threshability is an important crop domestication trait. The wild wheat progenitors have tough glumes enveloping the floret that make spikes difficult to thresh, whereas cultivated wheats have soft glumes and are free-threshing. In hexaploid wheat, the glume tenacity gene Tg along with the major domestication locus Q control threshability. The Q gene was isolated recently and found to be a member of the AP2 class of transcription factors. However, only a few studies have reported on the tough glume trait. Here, we report comparative mapping of the soft glume (sog) gene of diploid Triticum monococcum L. and tenacious glume (Tg) gene of hexaploid T. aestivum L. using chromosome-specific SSR and RFLP markers. The sog gene was flanked by Xgwm71 and Xbcd120 in a 6.8 cM interval on chromosome 2A(m)S of T. monococcum whereas Tg was targeted to a 8.1 cM interval flanked by Xwmc503 and Xfba88 on chromosome 2DS of T. aestivum. Deletion bin mapping of the flanking markers assigned sog close to the centromere on 2AS, whereas Tg was mapped to the most distal region on 2DS. Both 2AS and 2DS maps were colinear ruling out the role of chromosome rearrangements for their non-syntenic positions. Therefore, sog and Tg are not true orthologues suggesting the possibility of a diverse origin.
A biomechanical analysis of mandibular scaling in old world monkeys

Scaling of mandibular dimensions in male Old World monkeys was investigated. Mandibular condyle length, width, and area were regressed separately against body mass and mandibular length for a total of 14 species of Cercopithecoids. Scaling of mandibular depth and width against both body mass and mandibular length were also investigated. When results of regression analysis using the two different independent variables (body mass and mandibular length) were compared, there were significant pattern differences in scaling of cercopithecines versus colobines. Compared to body mass, male cercopithecines had relatively large mandibles (length, width, and depth) and also relatively large condyles (length, width, and area). However, compared to mandibular length, cercopithecines had relatively transversely thin and shallow mandibles and relatively narrow condyles. It is shown that a “biomechanical” interpretation of mandibular scaling patterns against body mass in Old World monkeys demonstrates only that cercopithecines have prognathic faces, an already well-known and well-documented condition. When the biomechanical effects of prognathic faces are controlled for (by scaling against mandibular length), it is shown that cercopithecines possess special adaptations in condyle length while colobines possess special adaptations in condyle width and mandibular depth and width. These results clearly demonstrate the importance of selecting a relevant reference variable in scaling studies where biomechanical interpretations are attempted.
User satisfaction-are we really measuring system effectiveness

Drawing upon attribution theory, the effects are examined of performance outcomes on users' judgments about an information system at the conclusion of a computer-based business game. Results indicate that those users who successfully performed the task attributed their performance outcomes to their own effort and understanding, while those who were unsuccessful tended to blame their poor performance on luck and/or the quality of the system. The relationship between user expectations and actual outcomes is also linked to performance attributions. It is concluded that the patterns of causal reasoning observed raise serious questions about the validity of using user satisfaction ratings as measures of system effectiveness. >
Effects of stress on recall

Subjects in experimental conditions were exposed to a traumatic autopsy colour slide (labelled either as of New York Police Department (NYPD) or MGM studio origin) embedded in a neutral series of travel scenes, while control subjects saw a neutral target. Subjects in the high-stress condition showed a significant decrease in memory for neutral slides which followed the NYPD-labelled traumatic stimulus (p < 0.001). Results support evidence in the eyewitness memory field which indicate reduced recall under elevated levels of stress.
Differences in colonization and shedding patterns after oral challenge of cattle with three Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains.

Experimental oral challenge studies with three different genotypes of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were conducted in cattle to determine the genotype-specific variability in shedding frequencies and concentrations and the frequency and extent of contamination of the environment. The results indicated that the E. coli O157:H7 genotype and ecological origin maybe important factors for the occurrence and concentration in the cattle host. Four groups of six young Holstein steers each were orally challenged with 106 CFU of one of three E. coli O157:H7 strains: FRIK 47 (groups 1 and 2), FRIK 1641 (group 3), and FRIK 2533 (group 4). Recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMS) and environmental samples were taken on alternate days over 30 days. The numbers of E. coli O157:H7 cells and generic E. coli cells per sample were determined. Also, the presence and absence of 28 gene targets were determined for 2,411 isolates using high-throughput real-time PCR. Over the study period, strains FRIK 47, FRIK 1641, and FRIK 2533 were detected in 52%, 42%, and 2% of RAMS, respectively. Environmental detection of the challenge strains was found mainly in samples of the hides and pen floors, with strains FRIK 47, FRIK 1641, and FRIK 2533 detected in 22%, 27%, and 0% of environmental samples, respectively. Based on the panel of 28 gene targets, genotypes of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and generic E. coli from the experimental samples were clustered into three subgroups. In conclusion, the results suggested that the type and intensity of measures to control this pathogen at the preharvest level may need to be strain specific.