cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Furfural Yields from Xylose Dehydration in the γ‐Valerolactone/Water Solvent System at Elevated Temperatures

High yields of furfural (>90 %) were achieved from xylose dehydration in a sustainable solvent system composed of γ-valerolactone (GVL), a biomass derived solvent, and water. It is identified that high reaction temperatures (e.g., 498 K) are required to achieve high furfural yield. Additionally, it is shown that the furfural yield at these temperatures is independent of the initial xylose concentration, and high furfural yield is obtained for industrially relevant xylose concentrations (10 wt %). A reaction kinetics model is developed to describe the experimental data obtained with solvent system composed of 80 wt % GVL and 20 wt % water across the range of reaction conditions studied (473-523 K, 1-10 mm acid catalyst, 66-660 mm xylose concentration). The kinetic model demonstrates that furfural loss owing to bimolecular condensation of xylose and furfural is minimized at elevated temperature, whereas carbon loss owing to xylose degradation increases with increasing temperature. Accordingly, the optimal temperature range for xylose dehydration to furfural in the GVL/H2 O solvent system is identified to be from 480 to 500 K. Under these reaction conditions, furfural yield of 93 % is achieved at 97 % xylan conversion from lignocellulosic biomass (maple wood).
Endogenous Voltages and the Reaction of the Neuron to Injury

Strictly speaking, the preceding analogy of the embryonic ectoderm or the adult integument to a battery is a sound one. The physiology of these structures provides a separation of charge across membrane(s) that can serve as an electromotive force (EMF) driving electric current through cells or across their membranes and/or partitioning macromolecules in their membranes based on their charge as discussed.
Induction mapping of Nd2Fe14B magnetic domains by electron holography

The induction of 90° magnetic domains in a Nd2Fe14B hard magnet has been mapped at high spatial resolution using off-axis electron holography. Line profiles from the reconstructed phase image established an upper limit for domain wall width of 10 nm. Thermal annealing resulted in domain wall movement, magnetization rotation, and evidence for pinning at a structural defect.
Increased intensity of physical therapy for a child with gross motor developmental delay: a case report.

Background and Purpose. The intensity of physical therapy provided for children in early intervention (EI) programs may be influenced by a number of factors. In an individualized program, however, some children and families may benefit from an increased frequency of services. The purpose of this case report was to systematically document and describe an increase in physical therapy frequency over a 4-week time frame for a child receiving EI physical therapy services.Case Description. The child was a 31-month-old girl with a diagnosis of 18p-, a chromosomal abnormality of the short arm of the 18th chromosome. Physical therapy services were increased from once every two weeks to four times a week for four weeks.Outcomes. Improvement was noted on the Gross Motor Function Measure and Goal Attainment Scaling. Her age-equivalent scores on the Peabody Gross Motor Scales did not change.Discussion. A targeted increase in physical therapy frequency may be appropriate for some children receiving EI services. Careful...
A comprehensive kinematic model of single-manifold Cosserat beam structures with application to a finite strain measurement model for strain gauges

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the coupling of Poisson’s and warping effect for a general asymmetric cross-section of Cosserat beam. We present the challenges and inconsistencies observed as a result of our attempt to couple the two effects. The fully-coupled Poisson’s transformation is then developed to describe the in-plane deformation for the prismatic beam. A comprehensive kinematic treatment of geometrically exact and nonlinear Cosserat beam subjected to large deformation and finite strain is finally obtained that extensively captures the deformation due to multiple curvatures, torsion, shear, axial deformation, warping and a fully-coupled Poisson’s effect in the cross-section, all while maintaining the single manifold nature of the problem. The contributions to the strain vector and the deformation gradient tensor due to various deformation effects are interpreted and explained in detail. In the final part of the paper, we use the kinematics developed to establish a measurement model of discrete and finite length strain gauges attached to the surface of the beam (or embedded into the beam). We investigate the relationship between the scalar strain measurement of the strain gauge and the local finite strain parameters of the beam.
Improving memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for oil and gas development: public perceptions of unconventional energy in Colorado's Front Range

The Colorado oil and gas (O&G) boom often sparks conflict as it encroaches on suburbs. These conflicts lead many communities to use a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a policy tool to assert lo...
Prolongation of tumour volume doubling time (midDT) is associated with improvement in disease-specific survival in patients with rapidly progressive radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer selected for molecular targeted therapy.

PURPOSE To assess molecular targeted therapy (MTT)'s ability to affect tumour volume doubling time (TVDT) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients presenting with lung metastasis from radioactive iodine refractory progressive thyroid cancer. METHODS In this retrospective study, we examined the clinical characteristics, average tumour volume doubling times of lung metastasis and disease-specific survival of patients with lung metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancer who were treated with MTT. RESULTS The 5-year DSS from the distant metastasis (DM) diagnosis was 72% with median survival of 8 years (95% CI: 6.6-9.5). The median survival was 2.9 years after MTT start (95% CI: 2.1-3.6). On MTT, lung average tumour volume doubling time (midDT) was prolonged to midDT ≥3 years in 75% of patients with baseline midDT ≤1 year and 100% of patients with midDT 1-3 years. In patients with rapidly progressive thyroid cancer (midDT ≤1 year at baseline), the median survival was 4.5 years in those with MTT-achieved midDT ≥3 years (95% CI: 2.9-6.2), as opposed to 2.3 years (95% CI: 0.3-4.3) and 0.7 years (95% CI: 0.2-1.3) in those with MTT-achieved midDT of 1-3 years and MTT-achieved midDT ≤1 year, respectively (log rank P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Lung midDT is a useful and important clinical marker of disease-specific survival for patients with progressive radioactive iodine refractory (RAIR) metastatic thyroid cancer. In patients with rapidly progressive metastatic RAIR thyroid cancer, molecular targeted therapy prolongs lung tumour volume doubling time and is associated with improved disease-specific survival.
Enantiospecific Synthesis of Annulated Nicotine Analogues from d- and l-Glutamic Acid. Pyridotropanes

The conformationally restricted nicotinoid 1-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octano[2,3-c]pyridine, pyrido[3,4-b]tropane, has been prepared enantiospecifically from both d- and l-glutamic acid. The method involved coupling of pyroglutamic acid derivatives with ortho-lithiated 4-chloropyridine, followed by intramolecular imine formation and reduction to generate the d- and l-5-substituted proline esters. Chloro-iodo exchange and side chain extension gave the precursor for the [3.2.1] system. Construction of the 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octano-[2,3-c]pyridine framework was achieved by an intramolecular Heck reaction. Subsequent ozonolysis gave the ketone which was reduced to the carbinol or methylene, yielding the fused nicotine analogues.
Can mindfulness mechanistically target worry to improve sleep disturbances? Theory and study protocol for app-based anxiety program.

Objective Anxiety is associated with sleep disturbance and insomnia. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, have shown consistent anxiety reduction. Mindfulness training has been theorized to affect reinforcement learning, affecting habitual behaviors such as smoking and overeating, but a direct mechanistic link between the use of mindfulness training for anxiety reduction and improvement in sleep has not been studied. Moreover, the mechanisms by which mindfulness might affect worry and subsequent sleep disturbances have not been elucidated. This study protocol evaluates the impact an app-based mindfulness training program for anxiety might have on decreasing worry and improvement in sleep. Method A randomized controlled study will be conducted in approximately 80 adults with worry that interferes with their sleep. Participants will be randomly allocated (1:1) to two groups: treatment-as-usual (TAU) or TAU + App-Based Mindfulness Training (Unwinding Anxiety app). The primary outcomes will be the non-reactivity subscale of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep quality measures (Baer et al., 2008; Yu et al., 2011). Secondary outcomes will include the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Scale (Mehling et al., 2012; Meyer, Miller, Metzger, & Borkovec, 1990; Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, & Lowe, 2006). Discussion This study will be the first to test the mechanism of app-based mindfulness training on worry and sleep disturbance. Testing the mechanistic effects of mindfulness training using the science of behavior change framework will help move the field forward both in further elucidation of potential mechanisms of mindfulness (e.g., targeting reinforcement learning) and determining whether such a platform might be a viable method for delivering high-fidelity treatment at scale and for a low cost. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Changing the narrative on African American boys: A systemic approach to school success:

Despite progress over the past decade in math and reading, proficiency scores of African American boys continue to trail behind those of White, Latino, and Asian male counterparts. African American...
Mormonism and the Possibility of a Materialist Apostasy

The traditional Mormon apostasy narrative tends to associate apostasy at least in part with the influence of Greek philosophy on early church doctrine. This paper considers the possibility that apostasy is more readily identified with the philosophical materialism of the Enlightenment and explores how such a narrative might fit within Mormon thought.
Recent advances on enhancing the multicarbon selectivity of nanostructured Cu-based catalysts

The rapid development and affordability of renewable energy sources necessitate innovative energy storage technologies to compensate for their intermittency. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 presents an attractive strategy for renewable energy storage, with considerable advancements in recent years. Copper-based catalysts have spearheaded this progress due to their intrinsic ability to produce valuable multicarbon reaction products. However, Cu is inherently unselective, and considerable efforts are needed to achieve the selective production of multicarbon reaction products on Cu-based catalysts. A multitude of factors affect the selectivity of Cu-catalysts, such as morphology, metal co-catalysts, and incorporation of oxidizing agents. In this review, we have summarized the current progress and the most important strategies for tuning the selectivity towards multicarbon reaction products over nanostructured Cu-based catalysts.
Synthetic CT-aided multiorgan segmentation for CBCT-guided adaptive pancreatic radiotherapy.

PURPOSE The delineation of organs at risk (OARs) is fundamental to cone-beam CT (CBCT)-based adaptive radiotherapy treatment planning, but is time consuming, labor intensive, and subject to interoperator variability. We investigated a deep learning-based rapid multiorgan delineation method for use in CBCT-guided adaptive pancreatic radiotherapy. METHODS To improve the accuracy of OAR delineation, two innovative solutions have been proposed in this study. First, instead of directly segmenting organs on CBCT images, a pretrained cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (cycleGAN) was applied to generating synthetic CT images given CBCT images. Second, an advanced deep learning model called mask-scoring regional convolutional neural network (MS R-CNN) was applied on those synthetic CT to detect the positions and shapes of multiple organs simultaneously for final segmentation. The OAR contours delineated by the proposed method were validated and compared with expert-drawn contours for geometric agreement using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), mean surface distance (MSD), and residual mean square distance (RMS). RESULTS Across eight abdominal OARs including duodenum, large bowel, small bowel, left and right kidneys, liver, spinal cord, and stomach, the geometric comparisons between automated and expert contours are as follows: 0.92 (0.89-0.97) mean DSC, 2.90 mm (1.63-4.19 mm) mean HD95, 0.89 mm (0.61-1.36 mm) mean MSD, and 1.43 mm (0.90-2.10 mm) mean RMS. Compared to the competing methods, our proposed method had significant improvements (p < 0.05) in all the metrics for all the eight organs. Once the model was trained, the contours of eight OARs can be obtained on the order of seconds. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the feasibility of a synthetic CT-aided deep learning framework for automated delineation of multiple OARs on CBCT. The proposed method could be implemented in the setting of pancreatic adaptive radiotherapy to rapidly contour OARs with high accuracy.
Comparison of phase noise simulation techniques

The phase noise resulting from white and flicker noise in a BJT amplifier and LC oscillator are investigated. HSPICE, ELDO RF, and SPECTRE RF simulations of phase noise resulting from the random-phase flicker and white noise have been performed and demonstrated. The simulation results are compared with the experimental result reported in the literature.
Responding to the Time-Based Failures of the Criminal Law Through a Criminal Sunset Amendment

The libertarian genius of the drafters of the U.S. Constitution recognized that liberty is defended best when it is difficult to pass a law. They therefore split power vertically and horizontally — between the states and the federal government, and among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches — and barred some laws from being passed at all. The obstructive mechanisms intended to defend liberty, however, also stymie attempts to restore liberty. This Article proposes a constitutional amendment that would redress that oversight by creating a twenty-five-year limit on the effect of all criminal legislation. It would force regular legislative oversight of the criminal codes. It would redistribute power among the branches by reducing the courts' incentives to create new conceptions of substantive due process to redress perceived process failures. And it would reset the checks and balances for each generation in favor of liberty. This Article is intended to provoke a renewed discussion of the issues of generational entrenchment, overcriminalization, and the structural bases that result in what Professor William Stuntz has called "the pathological politics of the criminal law."
The Spatial Distributions of H II Regions in Irregular Galaxies

CCD Hα and V-band images were used to examine the distributions of star-forming regions in 34 irregular galaxies, 28 of which are normal Im's and six of which are blue compact dwarf (BCD)/starburst irregulars. The V-band images were used to determine the center, position angle, and inclination of the galaxies. The Hα images were used to trace the star formation through H II regions. H II region distributions in the plane of the galaxies were compared to turnovers in the rotation curves, the sizes of the galaxies, and locations relative to stellar bars. The overall symmetry and concentration of the H II distributions were also determined. The H II regions are concentrated toward the inner halves of 88% of the galaxies. Furthermore, most of the H II regions and complexes are located within R25, the radius at a B surface brightness of 25 mag arcsec-2, as well as within the part of the galaxy that is rotating as a solid body. Most giant H II regions and complexes are even more centrally concentrated than the bulk of the H II regions and there is otherwise no preferred location. There are no obvious differences in the distribution of H II regions in BCDs and starburst galaxies relative to that of typical irregulars. However, in one BCD/starburst galaxy there are H II complexes located well beyond the turnover in the rotation curve, indicating that not all galaxies with intense star formation are unusually centrally concentrated. Finally, the overall distribution of H II regions is symmetrical in most of the galaxies. Some of the irregular galaxies in our sample have normal rotation curves, while others show no measurable ordered rotation. Most of the galaxies that do not have measurable rotation have lower star formation rates, while those with measurable rotation velocities extend to higher star formation rates. In addition, the degree of central concentration of H II regions is low in the galaxies with no measurable ordered rotation, and the galaxies with the fastest Vrot,max have among the highest central concentrations of H II regions.
Harmonic interaction of power systems with static switching circuits

Tools are developed to study the harmonic interactions of a single-phase, fine commutated converter with power systems. It is shown that the classical method of analysis is incorrect when dealing with systems close to resonance points. For example, the operation of such a converter with the rest of the power system can have two solutions and/or no solutions for regions which the classical method predicts both existence and uniqueness of solutions. >
Thermogenic Responses to Prolonged Cold Exposure: Birds and Mammals

The sections in this article are: 1 Cold Acclimation/Acclimatization in Birds 1.1 Metabolic Adjustments 1.2 Shivering Thermogenesis 1.3 Nonshivering Thermogenesis 1.4 Utilization of Energy Sources 2 Cold Acclimation/Acclimatization in Mammals: Monotremes and Marsupials 2.1 Metabolic Rate and Body Temperature 2.2 Cold Acclimation and Seasonal Acclimatization in Marsupials 2.3 Nonshivering Thermogenesis 3 Cold Acclimation/Acclimatization in Placental Mammals 3.1 Metabolic Adjustments 3.2 Shivering Thermogenesis 3.3 Nonshivering Thermogenesis 4 Summary
Parasite Biodiversity . By R. Poulin and S. Morand, pp. 216. Smithsonian Institution Books, Washington D.C., 2004. ISBN 1 58834 170 4. US$50.00

Readers approaching this book should not expect a review of the diverse forms of parasitic organisms or a series of illustrations of the extraordinary adaptations parasitism has provided. This is a book of theory and graph, of generalization and synthesis. It is aimed at a broad audience, with the hope that the reader ‘when later gazing at a bird gliding overhead, will see not just the bird, but will also see (or at least imagine!) the flying assemblage of parasite species’.
Graft selection in knee cruciate ligament surgery: autograft, allograft, and synthetic

Abstract Choosing a graft for use in anterior cruciate ligament and/or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a complex and commonly argued topic. The ideal graft substitute would have no morbidity associated with its procurement, be readily available for use, and be capable of strong fixation with sufficient inherent strength to withstand an accelerated postoperative rehabilitation protocol. During the last 15 years, the number of graft choices has increased dramatically. This article presents the reader with a review and current update of graft selection in knee cruciate ligament surgery.
Steady magnetospheric convection events: How much does steadiness matter?

Using a new method to identify steady magnetospheric convection events (SMCs), a list of more than 2000 SMCs is compiled over the 11 years between 1997 and 2007. The SMCs are then categorized by the fluctuations in their AL. Active SMCs have large fluctuations in AL and therefore a less steady magnetosphere in terms of small-scale activity. Classic SMCs fall in the middle 50% for AL steadiness and represent the average of the SMCs. Calm SMCs have very little changes in AL and are the steadiest of the three categories. When investigating the solar wind drivers, it is found that the steadiness of the drivers is less important than the strength of the driving. Active SMCs have stronger drivers with the exception of Alfvenic Mach number and solar wind beta. The SYM-H of the three categories is also investigated for the approximate storm time conditions of the events. Calm SMCs rarely occur during storm time when SYM-H is less than −50 nT. If an SMC is identified during storm time, then it tends to be a more active event.
Race, Religion, and Opposition to Same‐Sex Marriage

Objective. We examine racial differences in support for same-sex marriage, and test whether the emerging black-white gap is a function of religiosity. We explore how religious factors play a crucial role in racial differences, and how secular factors have varying effects on attitudes for whites and African Americans. Methods. Using data from the General Social Surveys, we estimate ordinal logistic regression models and stacked structural equation models. Results. We show that the racial divide is a function of African Americans' ties to sectarian Protestant religious denominations and high rates of church attendance. We also show racial differences in the influence of education and political values on opposition to same sex marriage. Conclusions. Religious factors are a source of racial differences in support for same-sex marriage, and secular influences play less of a role in structuring African Americans' beliefs about same-sex marriage.
Flow-coordinated operating strategies for automated transportation systems

The main components of two alternative flow-coordinated strategies upon which an overall vehicle management problem might be based, are outlined. A fundamentally new approach to the vehicle management problem is presented which takes into account station capacity constraints and which is potentially applicable to large, topologically complicated systems operated at high vehicle density levels.
Depth-gated imaging using lock-in holography

Holographic depth-gated imaging is investigated with perpendicular-field multiple-quantum-well optically addressed spatial light modulators. It is shown that the signal-to-noise ratio of the image can be improved by use of the spatial light modulators in lock-in mode.
Performance prediction of component- and pattern-based middleware for distributed systems

Design patterns, components, and frameworks have been successfully used to build various distributed real-time, and embedded (DRE) systems such as high-performance servers, telecommunication systems, and control systems. An application developer may choose from several approaches to implement a distributed application and the choice of design patterns and their configuration can impact the overall performance of the system. Unlike components, design patterns are often descriptions of a programming approach and need to be reified for each application. However, some core pattern implementations can often be reused across applications, if they can be correctly configured to meet application requirements. Currently, there is no general way to quantify the performance of components and design pattern implementations across various dimensions such as throughput, response time, and scalability. The overall performance of applications that are composed from pre-coded components and patterns can be inferred using analytical techniques by modeling the behavior of the individual components. In particular, while we know from experience that patterns exhibit various tradeoffs in terms of performance and complexity; we would like to explore these tradeoffs in a formal way. Toward this goal, we make the following contributions in this thesis: 1) we develop analytical models for various design patterns using queuing models, 2) we present a technique to analyze the performance of combinations of design patterns as observed in real-world applications, and 3) we validate the models using empirical measurements.
Metabolism and conjugation of [4-14C]progesterone by bovine liver and adipose tissues, in vitro

Abstract The ability of bovine liver and fat to metabolize progesterone and also to form glucuronide conjugates with these progestins in vitro was investigated. Tissue supernatants were incubated with [4-14C] progesterone, UDP-glucuronic acid, and a NADPH generating system for 5 hr, at 37°C. Steroids were identified by thin-layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and recrystallization to a constant specific activity. The total original radioactivity which could not be removed by exhaustive ether extraction (presumptive conjugates) was 44.7 ± 14.2% in liver, 5.0 ± 3.6% in subcutaneous fat, and 3.7 ± 2.2% in kidney fat samples. Progestins identified in liver samples include 5β-pregnane-3α, 20α-diol (free and conjugate), 5β-pregnane-3α, 20β-diol (free and conjugate), 3α-hydroxy-5sB-pregnan-20-one (free and conjugate), 3β-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (free), 5β-pregnane-3, 20-dione (free), and progesterone (conjugate). Progestins identified in both the free and conjugate fractions of subcutaneous fat and kidney fat samples include progesterone, 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one, 20β-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, and 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. Differences due to sex of bovine used were noted. These results confirm the ability of bovine liver to readily metabolize progesterone and form glucuronide conjugates of these compounds and suggest that adipose tissues take an active role in these actions in cattle.
The Effects of Assumption Financing Across Housing Price Categories

This study employs a standard housing valuation model to analyze the capitalization of below-market financing across housing price categories. The study also investigates the effect of secondary financing on housing prices and the effect of the expected holding period on discount capitalization. Using a randomly selected sample of 1981–82 housing transactions the study finds: the discount associated with below-market financing is inversely related to the absolute level of housing prices; secondary financing bears no systematic relationship to housing values; and discount capitalization is inversely related to the expected holding period.
Quantifying sediment disturbance by browsed spionid polychaetes: implications for competitive and adult-larval interactions

Abstract Sediment-dwelling animals (infauna) in marine soft-bottom habitats often lose body parts exposed above the sediment surface to browsing predators. Such tissue loss can cause reduced activity, feeding, growth, and reproduction. Browsing (or sublethal) predation may also influence competitive interactions via changes in sediment disturbance activity. Increased browsing rates should result in decreased sediment disturbance. We quantified the area of sediment disturbed by groups of spionid polychaetes subject to different regimes of feeding palp loss. For Pseudopolydora kempi (Southern), cores with higher numbers of regenerating worms had less area of surface sediment disturbed (reductions ranged from 30% to nearly 100%), and this effect persisted for at least 1 wk. Fecal production was similarly reduced. Fecal production by another spionid, Rhynchospio glutaeus (Ehlers), was reduced only when all worms in a core were regenerating both feeding palps. Tube-building was not affected in either species. By quantifying the zone of influence of browsed infauna, we can make better predictions of the level of browsing necessary to reduce competitive and adult-larval interactions.
Atomic structure of the m-plane AlN/SiC interface

Abstract High-temperature m -plane AlN nucleation layers have been used for the growth of planar GaN films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on (1 0 1¯ 0) m -plane 6H-SiC substrates. Structural studies using transmission electron microscopy reveal the presence of a novel AlN intermediary layer preceding the remainder of the 2H-AlN buffer layer. High-resolution observations and image simulations indicate that this initial AlN layer has a faulted hexagonal structure with a six-layer repeating stacking sequence of …CBCACBCBCACB… along the transverse [0 0 0 1] direction, which does not replicate the underlying 6H-SiC stacking. Based on image analysis, the space group of this novel phase is tentatively identified as P3m1, which is also hexagonal. A structural model of the m -plane AlN/SiC interface with periodic misfit defects is also proposed. Charge neutrality analysis indicates that the interface has an equal mixture of C–Al and Si–N bonds.
Using Composite Metrics to Measure Student Diversity in Higher Education.

The role and impact of diversity in higher education has permeated conversations about student access and achievement for many years. Language articulated by various courts suggests that higher education policies should reflect a broad conceptualisation of diversity beyond that of the magnitude and proportion of race and ethnicity, yet institutions struggle to measure diversity in a manner that effectively supports the management of diversity goals and meets the legal requirements for targeted strategies. Building on methodologies from biology and political science, this paper proposes a new way of conceptualising and measuring diversity that addresses the limitations of traditional diversity metrics and accounts for race and race-neutral attributes within a single model. Using data from over 1500 colleges and universities, the development of a composite diversity index is demonstrated as a strategy for meeting organisational need to account for and measure multiple diversity attributes.
Statistical mechanics of equilibrium crystal shapes: Interfacial phase diagrams and phase transitions

Abstract We review the present status of the statistical mechanical theory of equilibrium crystal shapes. Special emphasis is placed on the relation between singularities occurring in the shapes of three-dimensional ( d 3) crystals and the phase transitions of certain d 2 models. We exploit the thermodynamic conjugacy of the Wulff plot and the equilibrium crystal shape to give interfacial phase diagrams in both density and field variables. From this perspective, sharp edges or points on the crystal shape correspond to first-order phase transitions, while smooth joining of curved and planar (“faceted”) regions corresponds to second-order phase transitions. Equilibrium crystal shapes of a simple-cubic (Ising) lattice gas with nearest-neighbor (attractive) and next-nearest-neighbor (nnn) interactions are considered in detail. Typical equilibrium crystal shapes at nonzero temperature consist of facets and smoothly curved surfaces. When nnn interactions are attractive, only second-order transitions occur. Both Kosterlitz-Thouless (“roughening”) and Pokrovsky-Talapov (Gruber-Mullins) universality classes are represented. When nnn interactions are repulsive, first-order transitions and tricritical behavior also occur. The present experimental situation is summarized.
Mutagenicity of nitrodibenzopyranones in the Salmonella plate-incorporation and microsuspension assays

Abstract The mutagenicity of three isomers of nitro-6 H -dibenzo[ b , d ]pyran-6-one (NDBP), 2-NDBP, 3-NDBP and 4-NDBP, was characterized in the plate-incorporation (PI) and microsuspension (MS) assay using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains in the presence or absence of S9 mix. In both assays, all of the NDBPs showed mutagenicity in every strain. In the absence of S9 mix, TA98 was the strain most sensitive to the mutagenicity of NDBPs. The activity of NDBPs was reduced in TA98NR and TA98/1,8-DNP 6 strains relative to TA98, suggesting that NDBPs cause frameshift mutation and that nitroreduction by ‘classical’ nitroreductase and acetylation are significant steps for their metabolic activation. Mutagenic potency of NDBPs in TA98 without S9 mix in the MS assay (2-NDBP 104 300 rev./μg, 3-NDBP 23 500 rev./μg, and 4-NDBP 15 300 rev./μg) was much higher than that in the PI assay (2-NDBP 38 rev./μg, 3-NDBP 162 rev./μg, and 4-NDBP 7 rev./μg). Although additional S9 mix increased the mutagenicity of NDBPs in the PI assay, the mutagenic potency of NDBPs in the MS assay using strains TA98 and TA100 was decreased by the addition of S9 mix. In the PI assay, frameshift and base-substitution activities of both isomers were enhanced by the addition of the pKM101 plasmid, suggesting the induction by these isomers of complex frameshifts (frameshifts with associated base substitutions) in strain TA98. In the PI assay, 2-NDBP generally exhibited more base-substitution than frameshift activity; however, the reverse was true for 3-NDBP. In the MS assay, both isomers exhibited more frameshift than base-substitution activity.
Common allergic disorders in childhood

Summary 1. Asthma due to extrinsic factors, to infection and to both, presents fairly characteristic clinical types each requiring a different approach for successful treatment. 2. Mixed stock vaccines have a real use and give fairly consistent results in properly selected cases of asthma. 3. In order to obtain good results, treatment of allergic manifestations must be given over long periods of time. 4. Various secondary manifestations in allergic children, such as sinusitis, urticaria, or angioneurotic edema, may usually be ignored in the expectation that successful treatment of the chief complaint will rid the child of the secondary conditions. 5. Testing each patient by scratch, intracutaneous, and passive transfer methods is well worth the time consumed even in a busy clinic. 6. The scratch test used alone is not reliable. 7. It is essential to test clinically all allergens giving positive skin reactions before judging them significant. 8. The reactivity of the skin itself varies with the individual and must be taken into consideration in reading reactions. 9. Constitutional reactions to intracutaneous tests need not occur in pediatric allergy practice.
Five-year follow-up of Community Pediatrics Training Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To compare community involvement of pediatricians exposed to enhanced residency training as part of the Dyson Community Pediatrics Training Initiative (CPTI) with involvement reported by a national sample of pediatricians. METHODS: A cross-sectional analyses compared 2008–2010 mailed surveys of CPTI graduates 5 years after residency graduation with comparably aged respondents in a 2010 mailed national American Academy of Pediatrics survey of US pediatricians (CPTI: n = 234, response = 56.0%; national sample: n = 243; response = 59.9%). Respondents reported demographic characteristics, practice characteristics (setting, time spent in general pediatrics), involvement in community child health activities in past 12 months, use of ≥1 strategies to influence community child health (eg, educate legislators), and being moderately/very versus not at all/minimally skilled in 6 such activities (eg, identify community needs). χ 2 statistics assessed differences between groups; logistic regression modeled the independent association of CPTI with community involvement adjusting for personal and practice characteristics and perspectives regarding involvement. Results: Compared with the national sample, more CPTI graduates reported involvement in community pediatrics (43.6% vs 31.1%, P P P > .05). Differences in involvement remained in adjusted analyses with greater involvement by CPTI graduates (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.5–3.7). Conclusions: Five years after residency, compared with their peers, more CPTI graduates report having skills and greater community pediatrics involvement. Enhanced residency training in community pediatrics may lead to a more engaged pediatrician workforce.
Grain-boundary character and grain growth in bulk tin and bulk lead-free solder alloys

Grain-boundary deformation is the primary failure mode observed in solder joints. Understanding the effects of alloy composition variations and cooling rates on microstructural stability and deformation processes will allow development of improved joints. The effects of these variables on grain-boundary character were investigated in a pure-tin ingot and a reflowed sample; ingots of Sn-3.5wt.%Ag and Sn-3.8wt.%Ag-0.7wt.%Cu; and solder balls with 1.63-wt.% or 3-wt.%Ag. The microstructure was characterized using orientation imaging microscopy (OIM). After aging (150°C for 200 h), the fine-grained polycrystalline microstructure in both pure-tin specimens grew considerably, revealing preferred misorientations and ledge formation at grain boundaries. Aging of the alloy ingots showed only slight grain growth caused by precipitate pinning. The solder balls showed similar phenomena. The role of alloying elements, cooling rate, and the anisotropy of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in tin on microstructural evolution, grain-boundary character, and properties of solder joints are discussed.
Generation of stable mutants and targeted gene deletion strains in Cryptococcus neoformans through electroporation

Cryptococcus neoformans is the etiologic agent of cryptococcal meningitis that causes more than half a million deaths worldwide each year. This capsulated basidiomycetous yeast also serves as a model for micropathogenic studies. The ability to make stable mutants, either via ectopic integration or homologous recombination, has been accomplished using biolistic transformation. This technical advance has greatly facilitated the research on the basic biology and pathogenic mechanisms of this pathogen in the past two decades. However, biolistic transformation is costly, and its reproducibility varies widely. Here we found that stable ectopic integration or targeted gene deletion via homologous replacement could be accomplished through electroporative transformation. The stability of the transformants obtained through electroporation and the frequency of homologous replacement is highly dependent on the selective marker. A frequency of homologous recombination among the stable transformants obtained by electroporation is comparable to those obtained by biolistic transformation (∼10%) when dominant drug selection markers are used, which is much higher than what has been previously reported for electroporation when auxotrophic markers were used (0.001% to 0.1%). Furthermore, disruption of the KU80 gene or generation of gene deletion constructs using the split marker strategy, two approaches known to increase homologous replacement among transformants obtained through biolistic transformation, also increase the frequency of homologous replacement among transformants obtained through electroporation. Therefore, electroporation provides a low cost alternative for mutagenesis in Cryptococcus.
Bcl-2 siRNA Augments Taxol Mediated Apoptotic Death in Human Glioblastoma U138MG and U251MG Cells

The anti-neoplastic drug taxol binds to beta-tubulin to prevent tumor cell division, promoting cell death. However, high dose taxol treatment may induce cell death in normal cells too. The anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 is upregulated in many cancer cells to protect them from apoptosis. In the current study, we knocked down Bcl-2 expression using cognate siRNA during low-dose taxol treatment to induce apoptosis in two human glioblastoma U138MG and U251MG cell lines. The cells were treated with either 100 nM taxol or 100 nM Bcl-2 siRNA or both for 72 h. Immunofluorescent stainings for calpain and active caspase-3 showed increases in expression and co-localization of these proteases in apoptotic cells. Fluorometric assays demonstrated increases in intracellular free [Ca(2+)], calpain, and caspase-3 indicating augmentation of apoptosis. Western blotting demonstrated dramatic increases in the levels of Bax, Bak, tBid, active caspases, DNA fragmentation factor-40 (DFF40), cleaved fragments of lamin, fodrin, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) during apoptosis. The events related to apoptosis were prominent more in combination therapy than in either treatment alone. Our current study demonstrated that Bcl-2 siRNA significantly augmented taxol mediated apoptosis in different human glioblastoma cells through induction of calpain and caspase proteolytic activities. Thus, combination of taxol and Bcl-2 siRNA offers a novel therapeutic strategy for controlling the malignant growth of human glioblastoma cells.
No stone left unturned: Challenges encountered during recruitment of women with advanced ovarian cancer for a phase I study

The recruitment and accrual of participants for cancer clinical trial research is often challenging. Chronic low accrual rates negatively influence the findings and generalizability that can be drawn from the available pool of research. There is a need for further evidence regarding both unsuccessful and successful approaches and useful strategies that investigators have used to counter common recruitment challenges. During recruitment for an intervention study examining the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of a potentially novel supportive therapy, a variety of steps were taken to avoid and subsequently overcome potential and real recruitment challenges the investigators faced. In this article the authors provide an overview of common recruitment challenges as well as the actual challenges encountered, procedures and strategies implemented to counter these challenges, while investigating the combined intervention of flaxseed oil, fasting, caffeine, and exercise in women with recurrent or multi-drug resistant stage III or IV ovarian cancer.
Technology adoption as process: a case of integrating an information-intensive website into a patient education helpline

This study followed the introduction of the Arthritis Source website into the existing teaching practices of Arthritis Foundation Helpline volunteers. The goal was to examine what factors may affect a particular group of educators adopt a potentially valuable Internet tool into an existing instructional environment. Defining the possible uses of the website in reference to the volunteers' actual job duties helped provide a clearer understanding of how the volunteers might use this new technology. The researchers used qualitative techniques to focus on three volunteers who experienced different physical, environmental and cognitive means that impacted their use of the new tool. Each volunteer experienced varying levels of motivation in areas of learning, satisfaction and responses to outside influences. Each volunteer also had varying amounts of opportunity prompts in which to interact or refer the website. Consequently, Helpline volunteers experienced different rates of adopting the information-intensive ...
Computational strategies pertinent to NMR solution structure determination

Abstract Experimental NMR data provide the basis for determining the three-dimensional structures of biopolymers in solution. Most work has been conducted on protein structure determination, but there have also been efforts to obtain meaningful nucleic acid and carbohydrate structures. Analysis of the large quantity of data obtained by NMR techniques requires much more time and effort than acquisition of the data. Advances in automating resonance assignment procedures and in enhancing the quality and quantity of structural restraints available from the experimental data continue to be made. There are further improvements in computational methods used to search conformational space to yield all possible structures consistent with the experimental restraints and to optimize resulting structures. Recently there has also been more consideration of the accuracy and precision of the structures obtained.
Measurement of the longitudinal asymmetry of a charged particle bunch from the coherent synchrotron or transition radiation spectrum.

The shapes of submillimeter long electron bunches at the Cornell linear accelerator have been determined by measuring the coherent far-ir synchrotron and transition radiation spectrum produced by the charge distribution. With the aid of a Kramers-Kronig analysis of the spectral data, we show that the longitudinal bunch shape including the asymmetry can be accurately determined.
Dynamic skinfold thickness measurements: a noninvasive estimate of neonatal extracellular water content.

Summary: Application of a Harpenden caliper to a neonate's skinfold results in an exponential decline of the skinfold thickness, stabilizing within 50–60 sec. In order to elucidate the meaning of this decline, simultaneous measurements of skinfold thickness (SFT, by Harpenden caliper connected to a chart recorder), corrected bromide space (CBS, in ml/kg), plasma volume (ml/kg, by T-1824 dilution) and interstitial water (IW, ml/kg = CBS-plasma volume) were obtained in 18 term and 18 preterm neonates. Skinfold thickness was measured at the midtricipital (MT) and subscapular (SS) sites. The magnitude of SFT decline was estimated as the difference between 0–60 sec readings expressed in % of 0 second reading (%ΔSFT). The rate of SFT decline was estimated as the slope of the semilogarithmic plot from 4–20 sec after caliper application (SΔSFT). The 36 neonates whose birthweights ranged from 620–3700 g and whose gestational ages ranged from 27–41 wk were studied within 12 h of birth. Mean CBS, IW, %ΔMT, %ΔSS, SΔMT and SΔSS were higher in preterm than in term neonates (P < 0.001). Mean plasma volume was higher in preterm neonates (P = 0.009), but the difference disappeared after exclusion of six polycythemic term neonates from the calculations. The magnitude of SFT decline correlated well with both CBS (%ΔMT versus CBS: r = 0.71 and %ΔSS versus CBS: r = 0.71) and IW (%ΔMT versus IW: r = 0.71 and %ΔSS versus IW: r = 0.70). The rate of decline correlated moderately but highly significantly with both CBS (SΔMT versus CBS: r = 0.50 and SΔSS versus CBS: r = 0.42) and IW (SΔMT versus IW: r = 0.51 and SΔSS versus IW: r = 0.43). Exculsion of five neonates less than 30 wk in gestation improved the correlations with both %ΔSFT and SΔSFT. These data suggest that the decline in SFT measurements after caliper application results from the expression of subcutaneous IW from the skinfold and that both the amount of water expressed and the rate of its expression increase linearly with the amount of extracellular and IW in the body. Speculation: Both the magnitude and the rate of skinfold thickness compressibility or expressibility appear to be intimately related to extracellular and interstitial water contents of the neonatal body. Dynamic skinfold thickness measurements may therefore be noninvasive estimates that are representative of body hydration and that may be used in research on neonatal body composition as well as clinically to evaluate hydration status of sick neonates.
Pheromone may induce brood tending in the fire ant, Solenopsis saevissima.

OUR observations of laboratory colonies of the fire ant, Solenopsis saevissima (F. Smith), suggest that care of the immature forms by the workers might be influenced by secretions from the immature forms. Recognition of the immature forms and their care by workers might thus be associated with these secretions. Watkins and Cole1 noted that worker army ants, Neivamyrmex opacithorax Emery, were attracted to secretions of their larvae and pupae. This letter presents the results of studies we have made on the response of worker fire ants to extracts of their brood.