cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
4π CONFOCAL MICROSCOPE FOR MUTLIPHOTON OPTICAL SECTIONING OF GaN FILM LUMINESCENCE

In the 4π confocal microscope developed by S. W. Hell et al, laser light coherently illuminates both sides of a thin sample through a pair of high-NA objectives, effectively producing a single standing-wave fringe of 2-photon fluorescence excitation with weak side lobes. Developed initially for biological applications, the 4π microscope of Hell et al demonstrated 75 nm axial resolution with 810 nm light. We have constructed a 4π confocal multiphoton microscope for 3d analysis of band-edge/excitonic photoluminescence in thin films. Excitation is with 130 fs pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser. Instrumental features and preliminary tests with rhodamine and GaN and InN films are reported.
Collective oscillations in solids along a quantizing magnetic field

Abstract First, the sound-like modes of an electron gas propagating along a quantizing magnetic field are discussed. It is found that each such mode may be considered as the conversion of many damped single-particle modes into an undamped collective mode, corresponding to the degeneration of many single-particle levels into a discrete Landau level. The analysis is next extended to an electron-phonon system. In addition to the above mentioned modes as modified now by the electron-phonon interactions, a new mode with the lowest frequency emerges. The various phonon curves are calculated and plotted vs. the magnetic field. They may be viewed as a collection of monotomic, continuous modes or a collection of nearly periodic, oscillatory “branches”.
Randomized graph sampling

Randomized graph sampling (RGS) is an approach for sampling populations associated with or describable as graphs, when the structure of the graph is known and the parameter of interest is the total weight of the graph. RGS is related to, but distinct from, other graph-based approaches such as snowball and network sampling. Graph elements are clustered into walks that reflect the structure of the graph, as well as operational constraints on sampling. The basic estimator in RGS can be constructed as a Horvitz-Thompson estimator. I prove it to be design-unbiased, and also show design-unbiasedness of an estimator of the sample variance when walks are sampled with replacement. Covariates can be employed for variance reduction either through improved assignment of selection probabilities to walks in the design step, or through the use of alternative estimators during analysis. The approach is illustrated with a trail maintenance example, which demonstrates that complicated approaches to assignment of selection probabilities can be counterproductive. I describe conditions under which RGS may be efficient in practice, and suggest possible applications.
A methodology for personalized competency-based learning in undergraduate courses

In this paper, we describe a methodology for integrating personalized competency-based learning in a group of correlated courses in typical undergraduate education settings. The personalization is provided both in terms of content and learning pace. The material is organized in hierarchical modules based on the competencies desired to be achieved, containing both presentation materials and various type of tests. The methodology was integrated in several database and programming courses and its preliminary evaluation shows significant improvement in student grades.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray study of OXA-­1, a class D β-lactamase

The Escherichia coli OXA-1 oxacillinase, a β-lactamase which provides resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins), has been crystallized. A member of the class D family of serine β-lactamases, OXA-1 is especially active against the penicillins oxacillin and cloxacillin and is now found in 10% of E. coli clinical isolates. Crystals grown from PEG 8000 at pH 7.5 diffract to 1.5 A resolution at 100 K and have space group P1 (Z = 2), with unit-cell parameters a = 36.0, b = 51.6, c = 72.9 A, α = 70.2, β = 84.1, γ = 81.5°.
The Rôle of Surface-Active Constituents Involved in the Foaming of Milk and Certain Milk products. I. Milk Proteins

Summary An apparatus is described for accurate measurements of the foaming properties of milk. Experimental data have revealed that the subsidence of skim milk foams cannot be denned by a single equation at temperatures between 5 and 55° C. For this reason, a unit called a “half-volume time” has been proposed and used to compare the stabilities of static and dynamic foams. The unit can be converted by a given equation to give average life of a foam bubble, if the foam follows a logarithmic subsidence. The major surface-active proteins of milk, including casein, α-β-laet-albumin and lactoglobulin, have been separated, purified and studied for their foaming properties. A new procedure for isolating undenatured casein with a lipid content as low as 0.06 per cent has been introduced. The method is based on super-centrifuging skim milk, precipitating the casein at a low temperature with 0.1 N HC1, washing, freezing, and dehydrating the frozen casein by pervaporation. The foam “half-volume time” values of milk protein solutions in M/30 phosphate buffers at the normal hydrogen ion concentration of milk varied between 2 and 3000 seconds (or over), depending upon the kind of protein, concentration, method of isolating the protein, temperatures, and the amount of milk lipids present in association with the protein molecule or added in the form of an emulsion to the solution. Studies of these variables are reported and some theoretical explanations advanced. It is shown that calcium casemate solutions of a concentration equivalent to that of milk and prepared by the present procedure have high foam stabilities at temperatures below 40° C. Lactalbumin solutions foam well at all temperatures, but lactoglobulin solutions show no appreciable foaming. The foam depressing action of milk fat is shown to be greater at temperatures over 15° C. with calcium caseinate solutions and at temperatures lower than 35° C. with lactalbumin solutions.
Mother, Father, or Parent? College Students’ Intensive Parenting Attitudes Differ by Referent

Although intensive parenting is considered a dominant ideology of child-rearing, the tenets have only recently been operationalized. The Intensive Parenting Attitudes Questionnaire (IPAQ) was designed to assess the prescriptive norms of how people should parent and includes scales assessing the ideas that parenting is fulfilling, but challenging, and should be child-centered, involve intellectual stimulation, and is best done by women. The original IPAQ refers to parents, rather than mothers or fathers specifically, and was developed and validated on both women who were and were not mothers. The current investigation was designed to determine (a) whether women hold stronger intensive parenting beliefs than men and (b) whether answers on the IPAQ would vary depending on whether the referent was a mother, a father, or a parent. Participants included 322 male and female college students who were randomly assigned to receive one of three versions of the IPAQ referring either to mother, father, or parent. A main effect for sex indicated that female students held more intensive parenting beliefs than male students. A main effect for version indicated that referring to fathers led to more intensive attitudes than referring to mothers on the Child-Centered and Fulfillment scales, but parenting was rated as more Challenging than fathering. Whether the emphasis on father involvement found in the present investigation will translate into actual paternal involvement once participants have children is discussed.
Direct extraction of microbial biomass nitrogen from forest and grassland soils of california

Abstract The direct extraction method for estimating microbial biomass-N, which involves chloroform fumigation and extraction without an incubation step, affords the opportunity to analyze soils for which the incubation step is problematic. We tested the direct extraction method on freshly sampled grassland and forest soils of California, which experience seasonal wetting and drying cycles and labile substrate inputs. Time-course profiles of extractable-N during fumigation varied among soils, with the forest samples achieving peak N-flush after only 1-day fumigation, while the grassland soils required 5–7 days. When dry grassland soil was wetted to different moisture contents before fumigation, direct extraction efficiency was positively related to soil moisture. Direct extraction efficiency appeared to vary seasonally in the forest soils. Comparisons of N-flushes from direct extraction and fumigation-incubation methods are equivocal because of differential microbial immobilization during incubation. Agreement between the two methods was best when a variable k N was used to convert the fumigation-incubation data to microbial biomass-N. Although the direct extraction procedure offers some promise for evaluating a labile fraction of the microbial biomass-N, which is difficult to evaluate in these soils by any current method, uncertainties remain regarding duration of fumigation, consistency of water content and conversion to biomass-N.
Constitutive expression of the mature array of neurofilament proteins by a CNS neuronal cell line.

Abstract Neurofilament protein expression was examined immunochemically in a neuronal cell line derived from postnatal day 21 septal tissue. The SN48.1p cell line was found to constitutively synthesize an array of neurofilament proteins typical of a mature neuron. All three neurofilament subunits (NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H) as well as differentially phosphorylated isoforms (P-, P+, P++, and P+++) of NF-M and NF-H were identified by immunoblot analysis. Immunofluorescene, studies revealedthat the neurofilament proteins were components of discrete, filamentous structures. Abnormal intracellular aggregations of neurofilament proteins were never observed. Some SN48.1p cells apportioned specific isoforms into selected intracellular regions based on the molecular weight and phosphorylation level of the protein. NF-L was preferentially localized to perikarya and proximal neurites; NF-M[P++] and NF-H[P+++] were distributed to distal aspects of neurites. The expression of these differentiated features of neurofilament proteins and, presumably, the synthesis of the kinases and phosphatases required for normal neurofilament metabolism occurred in the absence of growth factors, differentiating agents, and specialized culture substrates. In addition, the non-neuronal intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein and epithelial cytokeratin proteins were absent. These data demonstrate that SN48.1p cells exhibit a neurofilament phenotype characteristic of mature neurons and provide a unique model to examine the expression and function of neurofilaments in differentiated neuronal cells.
INNOCENT CARDIOVASCULAR MURMURS IN THE ADULT.

One hundred young adults who were known to have had innocent murmurs as children were re-examined 16 or more years after the murmur was detected. In all individuals a murmur was again heard. Whether or not this was the same murmur could not be determined. While most (85 per cent) had the vibratory quality similar to the childhood vibratory innocent murmur, 87 per cent were audible at or above the third left intercostal space, a higher proportion than is usually found in children. The murmurs could be divided into three main groups: those maximum at the lower left sternal border (58 per cent), the pulmonary area (31 per cent), and the aortic area and neck (10 per cent). Only one was maximum at the apex. No true cardiorespiratory murmurs were heard. In this study the cardiac sounds and murmurs were faithfully reproduced by the taperecording equipment employed, thus supporting the view that this technic could be used in heart-screening programs but offers no advantage over simple auscultation.
Asymptotically linear solutions in h1 of the 2-d defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger and Hartree equations

In the 2-d setting, given an H1 solution v(t) to the linear Schrodinger equation i∂tv + Δ v = 0, we prove the existence (but not uniqueness) of an H1 solution u(t) to the defocusing nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation i∂t u + Δu -|u|p-1u = 0 for nonlinear powers 2 < p < 3 and the existence of an H1 solution u(t) to the defocusing Hartree equation i∂t u + Δu -(|x|-γ⋆|u|2)u = 0 for interaction powers 1 < γ < 2, such that ‖u(t) - v(t)‖H1 → 0 as t → + ∞. This is a partial result toward the existence of well-defined continuous wave operators H1 → H1 for these equations. For NLS in 2-d, such wave operators are known to exist for p ≥ 3, while for p ≤ 2 it is known that they cannot exist. The Hartree equation in 2-d only makes sense for 0 < γ < 2, and it was previously known that wave operators cannot exist for 0 < γ ≤ 1, while no result was previously known in the range 1 < γ < 2. Our proof in the case of NLS applies a new estimate of Colliander–Grillakis–Tzirakis to a strategy devised by Nakanishi. For the Hartree equation, we prove a new correlation estimate following the method of Colliander–Grillakis–Tzirakis.
Standard and micro electrophoresis of a hemoprotein system.

Abstract A continuous system, employing the Davis (5) chamber buffer, was found to give superior resolution of the hemoglobin system of Chironomus tentans when compared with the same author's dise gel system. This improvement in resolution was found with at least one other continuous buffer system. The accuracy of the system employed was found to be 0.015 R f unit around the mean value for a given protein peak. This system can be adapted to micro electrophoresis with a 13.0× reduction in the amount of Hb required for direct scanning of unstained gels at 412 nm, reducing the Hb requirement to 2.5 μg per gel run. This direct scanning system was applicable to nucleic acids. Micro electrophoresis was, however, only 1.6 times as sensitive as the standard type in this region, requiring approximately 1.0 μg per run in comparison to the 1.6 μg required for the standard type.
THE BOUGUER CORRECTION FOR THE SPHERICAL EARTH

It is common practice for authors of geophysics textbooks to correct for the Bouguer effect by using the gravitational attraction due to an infinite horizontal slab of material (Dobrin, 1960, p. 189; Griffiths and King, 1969, p. 142; Heiland, 1940, p. 137; and Howell, 1959, p. 221). Such a slab of thickness h and density ρ will give rise to an acceleration a=2πγρh, where γ is the universal gravitational constant.
Uptake, distribution, and metabolism of inhaled ethylmercuric chloride in the rat.

The uptake and the tissue distribution of ethylmercuric chloride (EMC) by inhalation and oral administration were studied in adult female rats. The pulmonary uptake of EMC linearly increases with the time of exposure and is proportional to the concentration of EMC vapor. With the exception of stomach, intestine, and hair, the tissue distribution of203Hg from pulmonary uptake is quite similar to that from oral administration. The biological halflife of EMC in the organs is longer from pulmonary uptake than from oral administration. Kidney and liver convert EMC to in-organic mercury irrespective of the routes of administration. A small amount of203Hg is found in the fetus, and the fetal liver accumulates more203Hg than the fetal kidney.
Real moments of the restrictive factor

Let λ be a real number such that 0 < λ < 1. We establish asymptotic formulas for the weighted real moments Σn≤xRλ(n)(1 − n/x), where R(n) =\( \prod\nolimits_{\nu = 1}^k {p_\nu ^{\alpha _\nu - 1} } \) is the Atanassov strong restrictive factor function and n =\( \prod\nolimits_{\nu = 1}^k {p_\nu ^{\alpha _\nu } } \) is the prime factorization of n.
The local interstellar medium

Analysis of the velocities of optical interstellar lines shows that the sun is immersed in a coherently moving local interstellar medium whose velocity vector agrees with that of the interstellar wind observed through backscatter of solar H Ly-alpha and He lambda 584 photons. The local interstellar medium consists of both cool clouds and warm intercloud medium gas, has a mass of perhaps approximately 30 solar masses, does not have severe depletion of trace elements from the gas phase, and appears to be material which has been shocked and accelerated by stellar winds and supernovae associated with the Sco-Oph OB association.
Sample Size of Pavement Deflections by Nomograph

Pavement deflections are used for pavement condition and structural performance evaluation, and overlay design. The Benkelman Beam and the Dynaflect devices are generally used for pavement deflection measurements. A statistical test has been developed to determine the sample size of pavement deflections; the theory is based on the statistical t-distribution. Nomographic solutions are presented. Using the nomographs, adequacy of the sample size can be checked in the field immediately after the measurement of pavement deflections, either by the Benkelman Beam or the Dynaflect. No prior knowledge of statistics is necessary to use the nomographs.
EFFECT OF RESERPINE AND CATECHOLAMINES ON JUXTAGLOMERULAR CELLS IN RATS FED NORMAL AND LOW SODIUM DIETS1

Augmentation of the granular cell index in the rat juxtaglomerular apparatus by either short or prolonged dietary salt restriction was prevented by one injection of reserpine or by four injections of norepinephrine administered at the onset of salt restriction. Four subcutaneous injections of norepinephrine reduced low salt elevated GCI when given after twenty-nine days of low salt intake but failed to reduce the elevated granular cell index of adrenalectomized, cortisone or salt supported rats. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the granularity of juxtaglomerular cells is inversely related to the mineralo-corticoid level.
Temporal properties of the human visual nervous system.

Abstract An image stabilisation system was used to study basic temporal properties which are normally obscured by eye movements. The time course of visual response was measured for three types of presentation of a near-threshold line—sudden presentation (on-response), switching it off again (which generates a negative afterimage) and a sudden small lateral displacement. A general model can be used to fit all these data, indicating that the responses to all three stimuli are generated by similar mechanisms. The responses are similar to that of a capacitor-coupled amplifier with a time constant of about 2.5 sec; the corresponding prediction that the visual frequency response should extend down to about 1/6 Hz was confirmed by measuring contrast thresholds for a line oscillated sinusoidally through a small amplitude. The relation of these observations to the process of light adaptation is discussed.
Visualization of Aggregation of the Rnq1 Prion Domain and Cross-seeding Interactions with Sup35NM

Factors triggering the de novo appearance of prions are still poorly understood. In yeast, the appearance of one prion, [PSI(+)], is enhanced by the presence of another prion, [PIN(+)]. The [PSI(+)] and [PIN(+)] prion-forming proteins are, respectively, the translational termination factor Sup35 and the yet poorly characterized Rnq1 protein that is rich in glutamines and asparagines. The prion domain of Rnq1 (RnqPD) polymerizes more readily in vitro than the full-length protein. As is typical for amyloidogenic proteins, the reaction begins with a lag phase, followed by exponential growth. Seeding with pre-formed aggregates significantly shortens the lag. A generic antibody against pre-amyloid oligomer inhibits the unseeded but not the self-seeded reaction. As revealed by electron microscopy, RnqPD polymerizes predominantly into spherical species that eventually agglomerate. We observed infrequent fiber-like structures in samples taken at 4 h of polymerization, but in overnight samples SDS treatment was required to reveal fibers among agglomerates. Polymerization reactions in which RnqPD and the prion domain of Sup35 (Sup35NM) cross-seed each other proceeded with a shortened lag that only depends weakly on the protein concentration. Cross-seeded Sup35NM fibers appear to sprout from globular RnqPD aggregates as seen by electron microscopy. RnqPD spherical aggregates appear to associate with and, later occlude, Sup35NM seed fibers. Our kinetic and morphological analyses suggest that, upon cross-seeding, the aggregate provides the surface on which oligomers of the heterologous protein nucleate their subsequent amyloid formation.
A model-integrated computing approach to nanomaterials simulation

The functionalization of nanoparticles with polymers to form “tethered nanoparticles” (TNPs) is a promising approach to control the structure and properties of nanomaterials. However, the vast landscape of possible building blocks makes predicting the final behavior of tethered nanoparticles a priori a challenging task. Concepts from the computer science field of modeling integrated computing may provide an efficient means to optimize this complex design problem. Here, we investigate the use of model integrated computing for the simulation of tethered nanoparticles. We outline our development of a “meta-programming” tool that enables the creation of a domain specific modeling language for tethered nanoparticle simulation and also provides tools for the creation and synthesis of simulation workflows. To test these tools and provide insight into their behavior, we report calculations of the vapor–liquid equilibrium of tethered nanoparticles as a function of grafting density and grafting length.
Current incidence of postmyocardial infarction (Dressler's) syndrome

Abstract This study examines the current incidence of postmyocardial infarction (Dressler's) syndrome. During 1980, 282 patients with documented myocardial infarction were admitted to our coronary care unit. Early postmyocardial infarction pericarditis was present in 18 patients (6.4%). Six of these patients received steroids and the remainder were treated with salicylates or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Anticoagulation was used in 149 patients (53%) during hospitalization. One hundred forty-four (51%) were receiving heparin and 133 (47%) received no anticoagulation. Information on the patient's status at 6 months was available in 229 patients who were discharged alive. Sixteen patients had died within 6 months after discharge and 4 patients were lost to follow-up study. There were no documented cases of Dressler's syndrome. It is concluded that Dressler's syndrome has decreased in incidence and perhaps disappeared. This decrease is most likely related to decreased use of oral anticoagulants and to more aggressive treatment of postmyocardial infarction pericarditis.
Spatial Pattern of Groundwater Arsenic Occurrence and Association with Bedrock Geology in Greater Augusta, Maine

In New England, groundwater arsenic occurrence has been linked to bedrock geology on regional scales. To ascertain and quantify this linkage at intermediate (10(0)-10(1) km) scales, 790 groundwater samples from fractured bedrock aquifers in the greater Augusta, Maine area are analyzed, and 31% of the sampled wells have arsenic concentrations >10 microg/L. The probability of [As] exceeding 10 microg/L mapped by indicator kriging is highest in Silurian pelite-sandstone and pelite-limestone units (approximately 40%). This probability differs significantly (p 10 microg/L arsenic in groundwater.
The Convergence Communication Scale Development and evaluation of an assessment of interpersonal submission

A rational-theoretical approach to scale development was employed to develop and evaluate a scale to measure submissive communication in personal relationships. A convergence communication pattern compels submissive relational partners to interpret the world around them in ways consistent with dominant partners. This study was guided by two aims: (1) to develop a valid and reliable measure of convergence communication – the Convergence Communication Scale – and (2) to conduct a preliminary examination of the effects of convergence communication on submissive partners’ mental health. A measurement instrument was developed (α = .95) and tested in two separate administrations (N = 379; N = 373), revealing associations between convergence communication, depression, and learned helplessness for both males and females, predicting depression specifically for females.
Use of a word reading task for studying word recognition

A new experimental procedure is introduced for studying word recognition. On each trial in the word reading task, subjects are presented a target word, and their response latency, indicating when they have read the word, is recorded. Two experiments demonstrated the sensitivity of the procedure. In Experiment 1, subjects responded faster to frequent words than to infrequent words, and the frequency effect was greater for long words than for short words. In Experiment 2, responses were faster to a target word if it was preceded by a related, rather than an unrelated, word. Furthermore, reaction times were slower if the target was degraded rather than intact. The word reading task is a potentially less complicated experimental procedure than the lexical decision and naming tasks because it eliminates the binary decision and verbal production demands of those tasks.
A modified free-volume model: correlation of ion-conduction in strongly associating polymeric materials

Abstract Ions tend to aggregate in media of low dielectric constant, and this tendency to form strong associations causes small amounts of ionic functionality to have a significant influence on the properties of ionic polymers. As a consequence of ionic functionality and strong interactions ionomers exhibit unique transport characteristics compared to conventional polymers. While it has been observed that ion mobility is related to viscosity, a comprehensive theory like the existing theories for non-associating systems has not been developed for associating systems. In this work, free-volume expressions are developed for self-diffusion of ions in ionomers by treating the polymer chain as a two-component system. The ion–counterion pair and the non-ionic part that is involved in ion transport are treated as species 1 while the remaining non-ionic part of the polymer is treated as species 2. The free-volume of the system is obtained by fitting the viscosity–temperature relationship using the Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) equation [Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers, Wiley, New York, 1970]. However, since the flow behavior of the ionomer consists of contributions from both the ionic and non-ionic parts, the definitions of the free-volume parameters have been modified. The expressions developed are then used to evaluate data for polymer systems with different molecular weights, and type and size of cation in the ionic group. The results of the correlation are generally consistent with the free-volume concepts and assumptions employed to describe ion-conduction. Using the approach developed, an estimate of the relative size of the jumping units responsible for conduction and diffusion in polymeric materials can be obtained. The free-volume expressions demonstrate that the size of the jumping unit is a complex function of the ionomer composition and the size of the ion–counter ion pair; a finding consistent with the values obtained from correlation of experimental data. The relatively large size of the ionic jumping units compared to conventional polymeric materials agrees with the ion-hopping mechanism used to describe mobility in ionic polymers.
Effectiveness of intraocular pressure-lowering medication determined by washout.

Importance While medication efficacy is well documented in clinical trials, less is known of medication effectiveness in real-world clinical settings. Objective To assess the effectiveness of intraocular pressure (IOP)–lowering medications in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, multicenter, interventional cohort from the prerandomization phase of a randomized clinical trial at multiple ophthalmology clinics. A total of 603 patients (603 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma who were using up to 3 glaucoma medications were included. Interventions One IOP measurement was made while the patient was using his or her usual medications to lower IOP (ON IOP). Eligible participants underwent washout of all IOP-lowering drops, and the diurnal IOP was measured 2 to 4 weeks later (OFF IOP). Main Outcomes and Measures Difference between OFF IOP and ON IOP. The hypothesis was formulated after data collection. Results The mean (SD) ON IOPs for participants using 0 (n = 102), 1 (n = 272), 2 (n = 147), or 3 (n = 82) medications were 24.2 (3.2), 17.5 (3.2), 17.2 (3.1), and 17.2 (3.1) mm Hg, respectively. Patients not using medication had a mean (SD) IOP decrease of 0.2 (2.8) mm Hg at the OFF visit. Patients using 1, 2, and 3 medications had mean (SD) IOP increases of 5.4 (3.0), 6.9 (3.3), and 9.0 (3.8) mm Hg, respectively, at the OFF visit. The percentages of patients with less than a 25% increase in IOP were 38%, 21%, and 13% for those using 1, 2, and 3 medications, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance Discontinuation of 1, 2, and 3 medications was associated with a clinically significant increase in IOP, although with smaller effects for the second and third medications compared with the first medication. A substantial proportion of patients showed only small changes in IOP after medication washout, suggesting either that they were not using the medication effectively or that the medication itself, although used properly, was not lowering the IOP. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01085357
Multiplex Display Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplifies and Resolves Related Sequences Sharing a Single Moderately Conserved Domain

We present a technique, multiplex display polymerase chain reaction (MD-PCR), that amplifies and resolves coding sequences from messenger RNAs sharing only a single moderately conserved domain encoding eight or nine amino acids. The technique, a form of single-sided PCR, allows detection of known and novel genes in a family by using one degenerate primer complementary to a gene family-specific domain. A second common primer is complementary to an oligonucleotide ligated to a nearby restriction enzyme cleavage site. Uniquely, restriction enzyme digestion of single-stranded cDNA, a technique never previously performed to useful advantage, is used to increase the specificity and sensitivity of the technique. Up to several hundred bases of coding sequence are amplified simultaneously from many (potentially from all) genes in a specific family, yielding products of different sizes from different genes, and allowing amplified products to be resolved electrophoretically. Typically, more than 50% of the amplified sequences are from the targeted gene family and many of the amplified products are novel sequences. mRNAs representing less than 1 in 100,000 messages can be detected. The method allows the focused yet open-ended examination of genes in families known to be important in both normal cellular homeostasis and the etiology of many diseases.
Elemental distributions and neodymium isotopic compositions of Silurian metasediments, western Maine, USA: Redistribution of the rare earth elements

Abstract Pelitic schists from the lower garnet to lower staurolite zones from the Rangeley, Perry Mountain, and Smalls Falls formations of western Maine were analyzed for major elements, trace elements, and neodymium isotopes. These formations were derived from highlands created during the Taconian orogeny, deposited into a trough, and metamorphosed during subsequent orogenic events. Most major and trace element abundances relative to Al2O3 were statistically identical between zones of the same formation, as well as between formations. Although the average major element composition of these formations are the same, there are systematic variations in some elements. Notably, plots of SiO2 vs. Al2O3 and K2O vs. Al2O3 suggest that most of the variation could be produced by mixing of a fairly constant ratio of clay minerals and feldspar with varied amounts of quartz due to sorting in the sedimentary system. Different amounts of these minerals should not influence the shape of the REE patterns of the metapelites, but higher amounts of quartz and feldspar may dilute the REEs and most elemental abundances of the clay minerals and lead to lower elemental abundances. The major difference between the samples within the Perry Mountain Formation are different LREE and MREE abundances relative to Al2O3 which are not correlated to differences in major element or other trace element abundances relative to Al2O3. The samples in the Perry Mountain with higher LREE and MREE abundances have, for example, 42.3 ± 8.3 ppm, and those with low abundances have 5.6 ± 3.6 ppm. The samples with the high REE abundances of the Perry Mountain Formation are similar in abundances and REE patterns to those of the Rangeley and Smalls Falls formations typical of mudstones derived from granitoids. Another difference between the low and high REE abundance samples are the calculated T dm model ages. The high REE abundance samples of the Perry Mountain Formation show T dm similar to the samples of the Rangeley Formation, with ages of about 1.7–1.8 Ga. The Perry Mountain samples with low REE abundances, however, give unrealistically old T dm s between 2.5 and 5.3 Ga. These unrealistically old T dm s are due to the relatively high Sm/Nd ratios (compared to crustal values) which are characteristic of samples of the Perry Mountain Formation with lower REE abundances. We therefore suggest that these samples may be indicators for open system behavior of the neodymium isotopic system. The timing of this disturbance of the neodymium isotope system is difficult to determine and cannot be tied to weathering or a definite postdepositional event. The complexities of the data suggest more than one resetting event. The most likely event that could have produced much of the movement of the LREEs and MREEs could have been due to small scale migration between anoxic hemipelagites and turbidite mudstones during diagenesis, but some migration may have continued during metamorphism in order to reconcile the neodymium isotopic data.
Identification of patients at increased risk for colorectal cancer in an open access endoscopy center.

GoalsTo determine whether patients referred for open access endoscopy (OAE) are being appropriately identified as “increased risk” or “average risk” for colorectal cancer (CRC) by referring physicians.BackgroundOAE allows nongastroenterologists to schedule elective endoscopies without prior consulta
Biosynthesis of cholesterol by the bovine aorta and the mechanism of action of α-para-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid

Abstract The nature and requirements for the biosynthesis of nousaponifiable material (NSF) and cholesterol from acetate-2- 14 C, acetyl-1- 14 C CoA and mevalonate-2- 14 C by cell-free systems from bovine aorta were determined. Low radioactivity was incorporated into cholesterol (60 to 320 CPM per mg), determined as the digitonide and by gas chromatography, using mevalonate as the substrate. No conversion of acetate to NSF and cholesterol was observed. However, acetyl-CoA was converted to NSF. Bovine aorta cell-free systems were shown to convert mevalonate to mevalonic acid-5-phosphate and mevalonic acid-5-pyrophosphate. The majority of the radioactivity was incorporated into a compound tentatively identified as a polar isoprenoid. Mevalonate conversion to NSF and cholesterol was inhibited by α-p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) and related compounds. Mevalonate kinase was inhibited by CPIB. The inhibition of mevalonate incorporation was prevented by increasing the ATP concentration. CPIB inhibited the biosynthesis of fatty acids by homogenates of bovine aorta and the conversion of acetate to carbon dioxide.
Development of a cheap, GPS-based, radio-tracked, surface drifter for closed shallow-water bays

This paper describes the development of an inexpensive (/spl sim/$500), GPS-based, radio-tracked, surface-drifter system designed to operate within a closed shallow water bay. Texas bays and estuaries are generally shallow, weather/event driven, complex non-linear systems. In spite of the amount of activity that occurs within the bays, very little real-time information is collected. The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science (CBI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is working toward better understanding of these bays by operating a pair of SeaSonde/spl trade/ HF Radar units within Corpus Christi Bay. This experience has shown the need for a specialized drifter that can be used in conjunction with the HF Radar operation and other bay research activities.
Cochlear implant thresholds: comparison of middle latency responses with psychophysical and cortical-spike-activity thresholds

The electrically evoked middle latency response (EMLR) is a potentially useful measure of activation of the auditory system by a cochlear prosthesis. The present study compared cochlear prosthesis thresholds determined using EMLR with thresholds determined for psychophysical detection and for spike activity in cortical neurons. In systemically deafened guinea pigs, the difference between EMLR and psychophysical threshold level varied, with differences ranging from -4.6 dB (EMLR threshold more sensitive) to +10.7 dB (psychophysical threshold more sensitive) across animals and phase durations. Threshold differences between EMLR and auditory cortex neural spike responses were similar in magnitude and range (-6 to +15 dB) to those seen for EMLR vs. psychophysical thresholds. These ranges are comparable to the behavioral operating range for a given condition. In 3 of 12 subjects, the EMLR was absent for some or all electrode configurations tested, even at levels well above the threshold for psychophysical detection or cortical neuronal response. These results suggest that neither the EMLR thresholds nor cortical neuronal spike thresholds are an adequate substitute for psychophysical measures of threshold. While not sufficient for use in place of psychophysical measures, EMLR threshold level is strongly correlated with psychophysical threshold level across subjects (R(2)=0.82). Interestingly, plots of thresholds vs. phase duration were roughly parallel for psychophysical and EMLR thresholds, in contrast to the divergence of psychophysical and more peripheral (e.g., electrically evoked auditory brainstem response) evoked neural threshold vs. phase duration functions.
Does obesity influence the outcome after the operative treatment of ankle fractures

Many orthopaedic surgeons believe that obese patients have a higher rate of peri-operative complications and a worse functional outcome than non-obese patients. There is, however, inconsistency in the literature supporting this notion. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on injury characteristics, the incidence of complications, and the functional outcome after the operative management of unstable ankle fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 279 patients (99 obese (BMI ≥ 30) and 180 non-obese (BMI These findings suggest that obese patients should be treated in line with standard procedures, keeping in mind any known associated medical co-morbidities.
Characterization of PM2.5 and selected gas-phase compounds at multiple indoor and outdoor sites in Mira Loma, California

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gas-phase carbonyls are categories of atmospheric pollutants that have components known to adversely affect human health.This work describes the chemical characterization of PM 2.5 and 13 carbonyl compounds measured inside 20 residences and 7 schoolrooms in Mira Loma, western Riverside County, California.Median PM 2.5 concentrations were 32.2 and 13.2m gm � 3 , while median total carbonyl concentrations were 50.8 and 62.9m gm � 3 inside the residences and schoolrooms, respectively.Organic carbon was typically the largest contributor to indoor PM2.5 concentrations, while formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone were the largest contributors to gas-phase carbonyl concentrations.Indoor/outdoor ratios for PM 2.5 were greater for residences than for schoolrooms, while the reverse was true for these ratios for gas-phase carbonyls.These results are likely due to effective PM2.5 removal by filtration on the HVAC and the presence of more significant indoor carbonyl sources within the schoolrooms.Regression analysis of indoor and outdoor pollutant concentrations showed that for PM 2.5, sulfate and nitrate were the best- and worst-correlated species, respectively.This suggests that nitrate is a poor tracer for outdoor-to-indoor PM2.5 transfer.In addition, no significant correlations were observed for any of the carbonyl compounds measured.This further suggests the presence of indoor carbonyl sources inside the schoolrooms, and that indoor air quality especially in terms of carbonyl concentrations may be substantially poorer than outdoor air quality. r 2004 Elsevier Ltd.All rights reserved.
Reproducing kernel element method Part III: Generalized enrichment and applications

Abstract In this part of the work, a notion of generalized enrichment is proposed to construct the global partition polynomials or to enrich global partition polynomial basis with extra terms corresponding to the higher order derivatives of primary variable. This is accomplished by either multiplying enrichment functions with the original global partition polynomials, or increasing the order of global partition polynomials in the same mesh. Without refining mesh, high order consistency in interpolation hierarchy with generalized Kronecker delta property can be straightforwardly achieved in quadrilateral and triangular mesh in 2D by the proposed scheme. Comparing with the traditional finite element methods, the construction proposed here has more flexibility and only needs minimal degrees of freedom. The optimal element with high reproducing capacity and overall minimal degrees of freedom can be constructed by the generalized enrichment procedure. Two optimal elements in two dimensional space have been constructed: T10P3I 4 3 triangular element satisfies third order consistency condition with only 10 degrees of freedom, and Q15P4I 4 3 quadrilateral element satisfies fourth order consistency condition with 15 degrees of freedom. The performance of interpolation hierarchy is evaluated through solving some bench-mark problems for thin (Kirchhoff) plates.
AdaBoost $^{+}$ : An Ensemble Learning Approach for Estimating Weather-Related Outages in Distribution Systems

Environmental factors, such as weather, trees, and animals, are major causes of power outages in electric utility distribution systems. Of these factors, wind and lightning have the most significant impacts. The objective of this paper is to investigate models to estimate wind and lighting related outages. Such estimation models hold the potential for lowering operational costs and reducing customer downtime. This paper proposes an ensemble learning approach based on a boosting algorithm, AdaBoost+, for estimation of weather-caused power outages. Effectiveness of the model is evaluated using actual data, which comprised of weather data and recorded outages for four cities of different sizes in Kansas. The proposed ensemble model is compared with previously presented regression, neural network, and mixture of experts models. The results clearly show that AdaBoost+ estimates outages with greater accuracy than the other models for all four data sets.
A NEW TEMNOSPONDYL AMPHIBIAN FROM THE LATE TRIASSIC OF TEXAS

Abstract A skull representing a new genus and species of Late Triassic temnospondyl, Rileymillerus cosgriffi, is described from the Cooper Canyon Formation, upper Dockum Group of Garza County, Texas. Rileymillerus resembles Latiscopus disjunctus in size and proportions, but the very poorly preserved unique type specimen of L. disjunctus indicates that the taxon should be considered a nomen dubium. Characters of R. cosgriffi include its small size combined with relatively small laterally-facing orbits, relatively high skull, lack of lateral line canals, lateral exposure of the palatine on the skull surface, and lack of otic notch/quadrate angle. No postcranial material can be definitely associated, although we describe a partial vertebral column that might pertain to R. cosgriffi. Relationships of R. cosgriffi are uncertain. The possibilities of a close relationship to Almsauridae, Tupilakosauridae or (especially) Brachyopoidea are explicitly examined, but for the present we consider R. cosgriffi as Temnos...
Selection of decompositions for chemical process simulation

A method has been developed for selection of the set of torn streams in a process simulation that leads to convergence of a direct substitution calculation in the minimum number of iterations. It is based on the establishment of families of decompositions, the members of each of which have identical convergence behavior. Explicit criteria for choice among families have been found that lead, in almost every case, to a single optimum decomposition family. These results have been verified by application to several chemical process simulation examples.
Respect and the Family

Respect is an important construct that plays a major role in interpersonal relations at the dyadic, family, and group levels. We review the multiple definitions of respect and build a model of respect. On the basis of general developmental family theory, we discuss respect in dyadic romantic relationships and in the family. Cultural aspects of respect are presented, and the article concludes with a proposed agenda for future research on respect in the family.
Modeling Disease Dynamics: Cholera as a Case Study

Disease dynamics are modeled at a population level in order to create a conceptual framework to think about the spread and prevention of disease, to make forecasts and policy decisions, and to ask and answer scientific questions concerning disease mechanisms such as discovering relevant covariates. Population models draw on scientific understanding of component processes, such as immunity, duration of infection, and mechanisms of transmission, and investigate how this understanding
ReCon: A tool to Recommend dynamic server Consolidation in multi-cluster data centers

Renewed focus on virtualization technologies and increased awareness about management and power costs of running under-utilized servers has spurred interest in consolidating existing applications on fewer number of servers in the data center. The ability to migrate virtual machines dynamically between physical servers in real-time has also added a dynamic aspect to consolidation. However, there is a lack of planning tools that can analyze historical data collected from an existing environment and compute the potential benefits of server consolidation especially in the dynamic setting. In this paper we describe such a consolidation recommendation tool, called ReCon. Recon takes static and dynamic costs of given servers, the costs of VM migration, the historical resource consumption data from the existing environment and provides an optimal dynamic plan of VM to physical server mapping over time. We also present the results of applying the tool on historical data obtained from a large production environment.