cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for the determination of triton X nonionic detergents.

Abstract An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for 4-t-octylphenyl ethoxylates such as Triton X-100 was developed. Both the 4-t-octylphenyl and the ethoxylate moiety were required for antibody recognition since members of the Triton N series showed low cross-reactivity, and polyethylene glycol polymers as well as a variety of other neutral and ionic surfactants and pesticides showed no cross-reactivity. The ELISA was sensitive in the low nanogram-permilliliter range and was highly reproducible. It was shown to be capable of analyzing the active ingredients in vaginal contraceptives and Triton X-100 in the presence of proteins. Immunoassays thus offer advantages in the analysis of such complex mixtures.
Redistribution equilibria of methylsilane derivatives

Abstract Equilibria resulting from scrambling on the methylsilicon moiety of various pairs of monofunctional exchangeable substituents (Cl, Br, OC6H5, SCH3, N(CH3)2, NCO and NCS) have been studied by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The experimental data have been evaluated in terms of two equilibrium constants for each exchange pair. It is pointed out that the equilibria for exchange on a given central moiety of the phenoxyl group for either chlorine or bromine are predominately entropy-controlled whereas the same equilibria involving methoxyl instead of phenoxyl apparently exhibit an enthalpy contribution to the free energy for exchange.
SOME EFFECTS OF FIXED-INTERVAL DURATION ON RESPONSE RATE IN A TWO-COMPONENT CHAIN SCHEDULE

In Exp. I three pigeons were trained on a two-component chain schedule. Responding on a 1-min variable-interval schedule in the initial component led to a sequence of two fixed-interval schedules in the terminal component. The rate of reinforcement in the terminal component was kept constant while the values of the two fixed intervals were varied. Three combinations of fixed-interval schedules were studied, FI 0.25, FI 1.75 (minutes) or FI 1.00, FI 1.00, or FI 1.75, FI 0.25. The rate for each subject declined in the initial component as the value of the first fixed interval was increased. Experiment II was conducted to assess the role of the second fixed-interval schedule in the terminal component in determining the rate of responding in the initial component. For each chain schedule the rate of responding in the initial component was determined both with and without the second of the sequence of fixed intervals. In all three cases the rate of responding in the initial component decreased when the second fixed interval was removed. Increasing the first fixed interval in Exp. I had a greater effect on variable-interval performance than did the removal of the second fixed interval in Exp. II.
From science to practice: The flexible use of evidence-based treatments in clinical settings.

Psychosocial treatment options are nearly as broad as the behavioral problems that they address. With literally hundreds of treatment approaches available, how should clinicians select the most appropriate and effective intervention? One way is to consider using only those treatments with evidence of therapeutic efficacy. Indeed, funding agencies have invested substantial sums to evaluate the efficacy of many treatments, and the result is a growing list of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for children and adolescents (e.g., Kazdin and Weisz, 2003). The accumulated data for these treatments support their consideration as first-line intervention options. Despite the documentation of the efficacy of these EBTs, they have not been widely incorporated by training programs or practicing clinicians (Addis and Krasnow, 2000). The arguments most often made against the clinical use of EBTs are that they are developed and tested in well-controlled research settings and therefore may not be effective with “real patients” treated by “real therapists” in “real clinical settings” (see Persons and Silberschatz, 1998; Wilson, 1998). Some aspects of these arguments are valid. There is much that we do not know about existing EBTs, such as which components are necessary and sufficient, how they work, and under what conditions they are most effective (Kazdin and Nock, 2003; Nock, 2003). Rather than waiting for the answers to these questions; however, in this paper we describe how clinicians can use EBTs currently, flexibly, and effectively in clinical settings.
BUT WILL THEY EVER LERN TO SPEL KORECTLY

There are many arguments for and against the use of i.t.a. to teach reading and writing. This article reviews 47 studies which measure the spelling of children taught by i.t.a. and t.o. (traditional orthography) in grades one, two and three. Most studies compared one experimental group in i.t.a. with a single control group in t.o. and two tables summarize spelling results at the end of grade one and two. Twenty‐one studies at the end of first grade are almost equally divided between i.t.a. children not spelling as well, spelling better and spelling at the same level of competence. By grade two most i.t.a.‐taught children have transferred to the conventional alphabet and eleven out of eighteen studies reveal that they tend to spell better in this medium than children taught in this way from the beginning.
Cardiac tamponade presenting as refractory asthma.

Asthma has numerous etiologies, and successful treatment requires a proper diagnosis. Changes in weather and exposure to dust can make treatment of asthma difficult. This case exemplifies a diagnostic dilemma associated with bronchospasm; bronchospasm can have an occult cardiac etiology. Diagnosis can be particularly challenging in rural sub-Saharan Africa during the Harmattan, when winds are blowing sands from the Sahara into nearby villages, especially when radiographs are not available. This case is that of a 40-year-old female Ghanaian woman with a lifelong history of asthma. Although she has often had exacerbations of bronchospasm during the dusty Harmattan season, her bronchospasm was now refractory to usual treatments. X-rays were not available at the clinic in the rural city of Tamale, Ghana, and bedside ultrasound was utilized. She was found to have cardiac tamponade with secondary “cardiac asthma.” After 750 cc of fluid was aspirated during a bedside pericardiocentesis, her bronchospasm immediately resolved. The cardiac effusion was due to previously unknown renal failure from hyper-tension. The patient was referred for dialysis and 1 year later was well without any recurrence of significant cardiac effusions. Healthcare providers should be wary of atypical non-pulmonary etiologies of bronchospasm, especially in cases where there is an inadequate response to usual treatment. Bedside ultrasound has great utility for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade.
Protein kinase A activation of the surfactant protein B gene is mediated by phosphorylation of thyroid transcription factor 1

Abstract Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is a homeodomain-containing nuclear transcription factor expressed in epithelial cells of the lung and thyroid. TTF-1 binds to and activates the transcription of genes expressed selectively in the respiratory epithelium including pulmonary surfactant A, B, C and Clara cell secretory protein. Transfection with a plasmid encoding the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A; PKA) catalytic subunit, Cat-β, stimulated the phosphorylation of a TTF-1-flag fusion protein 6–7-fold in H441 pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells. Recombinant TTF-1 was phosphorylated by purified PKA catalytic subunit in the presence of [γ-32P]ATP. PKA catalytic subunit family members, Cat-α and Cat-β, markedly enhanced the transcriptional activation of surfactant B gene promoters by TTF-1 in vitro. Peptide mapping was used to identify a PKA phosphorylation site at the NH2 terminus of TTF-1. A 17-amino acid synthetic peptide comprising this site completely inhibited the PKA-dependent phosphorylation of TTF-1in vitro. A substitution mutation of TTF-1 (Thr9 → Ala) abolished phosphorylation by PKA and reduced transactivation of the surfactant B gene promoter. Transfection with a plasmid encoding the cAMP regulatory element binding factor inhibited transcriptional activity of the surfactant protein B gene promoter. Phosphorylation of TTF-1 mediates PKA-dependent activation of surfactant protein B gene transcription.
Manual control of the Langley Laboratory Telerobotic Manipulator

The authors describe the LTM (Laboratory Telerobotic Manipulator), its installation at Langley Research Center, and plans for a comparative evaluation study of various control input devices to the system. The LTM is a full, dual-armed, force reflecting, master/slave manipulator in its basic form. It also has full robotic capability, with both slave arms functioning under total computer control. The control input devices to be studied will include: control from the system's basic master arms, six-degrees-of-freedom hand controllers, Kraft minimasters, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) force-reflecting hand controller. The initial master/slave control studies will consist of evaluating performance of simple task board operations as well as more realistic tasks typical of those a manipulator system might actually be required to perform in space. >
III-Nitride Heterostructure Layered Tunnel Barriers For a Tunable Hyperspectral Detector

We report on the fabrication and characterization of Ill-nitride layered tunnel barriers with applications for a new type of tunable hyperspectral imaging detector with intrinsically hyperspectral pixels. This would enable each pixel to be individually tunable in real-time through a range of wavelengths, with the number and width of spectral channels being dynamically adjustable. Shape-engineered electron barriers fabricated from III-nitride heterostructures allow barrier height to be varied by application of a voltage. A spectroscopy of photon wavelength is enabled via the collection of photoexcited electrons across this barrier. The device is envisioned for tunable detection of ultraviolet through infrared wavelengths.
A geographic approach to place and natural resource use in local food systems

This article illuminates the geographic concept of ‘place’ in local foods. Because the social aspects of local food have been more fully addressed in previous literature, this review focuses instead on the ecological aspects of farming and food. First, the literature on natural resource use in agriculture provides contextual understanding of water use, biodiversity, soils and agro-ecological methods. The complex relationship between climate change and agriculture is described and models assessing the impacts of climate change on agriculture are detailed. The geography of local food is specifically addressed by describing methods for assessing natural resource use in local food, including food miles, consumer transportation, scale and community, agricultural methods and diet. Finally, future research paths are suggested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of local food. Such research would encompass the geography of local food through development of broader, more inclusive strategy, including the concept of the ‘ecological appetite’ of crops and foods, the union of both social and ecological aspects of resource use, the linkages between rural and urban producers and consumers and the inclusion of farmers’ ecological knowledge. Overall, the geography of local food seeks to assess the where of food production and consumption, while incorporating key issues of how (agro-ecological methods benefiting the community) and what (locally appropriate crops).
The functional interactome of PYHIN immune regulators reveals IFIX is a sensor of viral DNA

The human PYHIN proteins, AIM2, IFI16, IFIX, and MNDA, are critical regulators of immune response, transcription, apoptosis, and cell cycle. However, their protein interactions and underlying mechanisms remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we provide the interaction network for all PYHIN proteins and define a function in sensing of viral DNA for the previously uncharacterized IFIX protein. By designing a cell-based inducible system and integrating microscopy, immunoaffinity capture, quantitative mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics, we identify over 300 PYHIN interactions reflective of diverse functions, including DNA damage response, transcription regulation, intracellular signaling, and antiviral response. In view of the IFIX interaction with antiviral factors, including nuclear PML bodies, we further characterize IFIX and demonstrate its function in restricting herpesvirus replication. We discover that IFIX detects viral DNA in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, binding foreign DNA via its HIN domain in a sequence-non-specific manner. Furthermore, IFIX contributes to the induction of interferon response. Our results highlight the value of integrative proteomics in deducing protein function and establish IFIX as an antiviral DNA sensor important for mounting immune responses.
Pearls and Oy-sters: The utility of cytology and flow cytometry in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal leukemia

Diagnosis of leptomeningeal leukemia (and more broadly, leptomeningeal metastasis [LM]) is based on:
Effects of Abiotic Factors on the Phylogenetic Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Acidic Thermal Springs

Acidic thermal springs offer ideal environments for studying processes underlying extremophile microbial diversity. We used a carefully designed comparative analysis of acidic thermal springs in Yellowstone National Park to determine how abiotic factors (chemistry and temperature) shape acidophile microbial communities. Small-subunit rRNA gene sequences were PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced, by using evolutionarily conserved bacterium-specific primers, directly from environmental DNA extracted from Amphitheater Springs and Roaring Mountain sediment samples. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and colorimetric assays were used to analyze sediment chemistry, while an optical emission spectrometer was used to evaluate water chemistry and electronic probes were used to measure the pH, temperature, and Eh of the spring waters. Phylogenetic-statistical analyses found exceptionally strong correlations between bacterial community composition and sediment mineral chemistry, followed by weaker but significant correlations with temperature gradients. For example, sulfur-rich sediment samples contained a high diversity of uncultured organisms related to Hydrogenobaculum spp., while iron-rich sediments were dominated by uncultured organisms related to a diverse array of gram-positive iron oxidizers. A detailed analysis of redox chemistry indicated that the available energy sources and electron acceptors were sufficient to support the metabolic potential of Hydrogenobaculum spp. and iron oxidizers, respectively. Principal-component analysis found that two factors explained 95% of the genetic diversity, with most of the variance attributable to mineral chemistry and a smaller fraction attributable to temperature.
A study for selecting a metric for a first level evaluation of image segmentation methods

Image segmentation is one of the first important parts of the image analysis and understanding. Theo Pavlidis initially introduced it in late 60s, and since then researchers have studied it and produced a great variety of algorithms. These algorithms provide segmentation results that could be characterized from “objective”, like Pavlidis segmentation to “subjective” ones dependent on the interpretation of the human user. In this paper we attempt to initiate a first stage evaluation of color image segmentation methodologies by proposing a simple segmentation metric. In particular, we have used three segmentation algorithms on different types of images (human faces/bodies, natural environments, and structures (buildings). Then we apply the metric (formula) on these segmented results in order to quickly observe and evaluate the performance (behavior) of each segmentation methodology.
For infrared spectrophotometry of Jupiter and Saturn

Infrared spectral measurements of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were obtained from 100 to 470 kaysers and, by taking Mars as a calibration source, brightness temperatures of Jupiter and Saturn were determined with approximately 5 kayser resolution. Internal luminosities were determined from the data and are reported to be approximately 8 times 10 to the minus tenth power of the sun's luminosity for Jupiter and approximately 3.6 times 10 to the minus tenth power of the sun's luminosity for Saturn. Comparison of data with spectra predicted by models suggests the need for an opacity source in addition to gaseous hydrogen and ammonia to help explain Jupiter's observed spectrum in the vicinity of 250 kaysers.
Drug treatment services for adult offenders: The state of the state

We conducted a national survey of prisons, jails, and community correctional agencies to estimate the prevalence of entry into and accessibility of correctional programs and drug treatment services for adult offenders. Substance abuse education and awareness is the most prevalent form of service provided, being offered in 74% of prisons, 61% of jails, and 53% of community correctional agencies; at the same time, remedial education is the most frequently available correctional program in prisons (89%) and jails (59.5%), whereas sex offender therapy (57.2%) and intensive supervision (41.9%) dominate in community correctional programs. Most substance abuse services provided to offenders are offered through correctional programs such as intensive supervision, day reporting, vocational education, and work release, among others. Although agencies report a high frequency of providing substance abuse services, the prevalence rates are misleading because less than a quarter of the offenders in prisons and jails and less than 10% of those in community correctional agencies have daily access to these services through correctional agencies; in addition, these are predominantly drug treatment services that offer few clinical services. Given that drug-involved offenders are likely to have dependence rates that are four times greater than those among the general public, the drug treatment services and correctional programs available to offenders do not appear to be appropriate for the needs of this population. The National Criminal Justice Treatment Practices survey provides a better understanding of the distribution of services and programs across prisons, jails, and community correctional agencies and allows researchers and policymakers to understand some of the gaps in services and programs that may negatively affect recidivism reduction efforts.
Real-time RT-PCR analysis of mRNA decay: half-life of Beta-actin mRNA in human leukemia CCRF-CEM and Nalm-6 cell lines

Background: We describe an alternative method to determine mRNA half-life (t1/2) based on the Real-Time RT-PCR procedure. This approach was evaluated by using the β-actin gene as a reference molecule for measuring of mRNA stability. Results: Human leukemia Nalm-6 and CCRF-CEM cells were treated with various concentrations of Actinomycin D to block transcription and aliquots were removed periodically. Total RNA was isolated and quantified using the RiboGreen® fluorescent dye with the VersaFluor Fluorometer System. One µg of total RNA was reverse transcribed and used as template for the amplification of a region of the β-actin gene (231 bp). To generate the standard curve, serial ten-fold dilutions of the pBactin-231 vector containing the cDNA amplified fragment were employed, β-actin mRNAs were quantified by Real-Time RT-PCR using the SYBR® Green I fluorogenic dye and data analyzed using the iCycle iQ system software. Using this method, the β-actin mRNA exhibited a half-life of 6.6 h and 13.5 h in Nalm-6 and CCRF-CEM cells, respectively. The t1/2 value obtained for Nalm-6 is comparable to those estimated from Northern blot studies, using normal human leukocytes (5.5 h). Conclusions: We have developed a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method based on Real-Time RTPCR for measuring mRNA half-life. Our results confirm that β-actin mRNA half-life can be affected by the cellular growth rate.
Parity-check decoding of convolutional codes whose systems parameters have desirable algebraic properties

Using the input-state-output linear system representation of a convolutional code, an algorithm is developed to decode convolutional codes with iterative parity-check decoding. The algorithm is based on a new method of computing the state at each time instance t.
Do C and Java programs scale differently on Hardware Transactional Memory

People program in many different programming languages in the multi-core era, but how does each programming language affect application scalability with transactional memory? As commercial implementations of Hardware Transactional Memory (HTM) enter the market, the HTM support in two major programming languages, C and Java, is of critical importance to the industry. We studied the scalability of the same transactional memory applications written in C and Java, using the STAMP benchmarks. We performed our HTM experiments on an IBM mainframe zEnterprise EC12. We found that in 4 of the 10 STAMP benchmarks Java was more scalable than C. The biggest factor in this higher scalability was the efficient thread-local memory allocator in our Java VM. In two of the STAMP benchmarks C was more scalable because in C padding can be inserted efficiently among frequently updated fields to avoid false sharing. We also found Java VM services could cause severe aborts. By fixing or avoiding these problems, we confirmed that C and Java had similar HTM scalability for the STAMP benchmarks.
Interactive intoxicating and ameliorating effects of tannic acid, aluminum (Al3+), copper (Cu2+), and selenate (SeO42−) in wheat roots: a descriptive and mathematical assessment

Tannic acids and tannins are produced by plants and are important components of soil and water organic matter. These polyphenolic compounds form complexes with proteins, metals and soil particulate matter and perform several physiological and ecological functions. The tannic acid (TA) used in our study was a mixture of gallic acid and galloyl glucoses ranging up to nonagalloyl glucose. TA inhibited root elongation in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Scout 66) at concentrations >4 mg l(-1); but TA alleviated the toxicity of Al(3+), Cu(2+) and SeO(4)(2-); and Al(3+) and SeO(4)(2-) alleviated the toxicity of TA. The interactions of Al(3+) and TA (each toxic but each alleviating the toxicity of the other) were stoichiometric. Growth was affected as though 1 kg TA bound 2.76 mol Al so strongly that if (mol Al)/(kg TA) 2.76, then free TA approximately 0. This stoichiometry is consistent with one mole of galloyl groups binding approximately 0.5 mol Al. Using this binding scheme, growth was modeled successfully on the basis of free TA and free Al. TA enhanced the negativity of root surfaces and enhanced the binding of Al and Cu there without enhancing their toxicity. These and other interactions among TA, Al(3+), Cu(2+), SeO(4)(2-), Ca(2+), Na(+) and H(+) were quantified with a comprehensive non-linear equation with statistically significant coefficients.
Clinically significant prostate cancer is rarely missed by ablative procedures of the prostate in men with prostate specific antigen less than 4 ng/ml.

Purpose: Laser vaporization of the prostate is widely used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms. It may decrease the hospital cost and morbidity associated with transurethral resection of the prostate. However, prostate cancer may go undetected because tissue is not taken at laser vaporization. To our knowledge the rate of clinically significant prostate cancer missed by laser vaporization has not been assessed to date. We determined the rate of clinically significant prostate cancer detected by transurethral resection of the prostate compared to the estimated number of cancers missed by laser vaporization.Materials and Methods: A total of 74,505 men diagnosed with stage T1 prostate cancer between 2004 and 2006 were identified from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) program in the United States. The total number of laser vaporizations and transurethral resections were calculated based on Medicare claims for the same period. Clinically significant cancer was defined as that with a Gleas...
Two Interpretations of Rigidity in Rigid-Body Collisions

We distinguish between, and discuss the applicability of two levels of rigidity in rigid-body collision modeling. For rigidity in the strong force-response sense, collisional contact deformations must be highly localized. The bodies then move according to second-order rigid-body mechanics during the collision. Incremental collision laws and most collision models using continuum mechanics for the contact region depend on force-response rigidity. For rigidity in the weaker impulse-response sense, the deformations need not be localized but displacements during the collision need to be small everywhere. Only the time-integrated rigid-body equations, involving before-collision and after-collision velocities, then need apply. Although a force-response rigid body is also impulse-response rigid the converse is not true. Algebraic collision laws depend only on impulse-response rigidity. Elastic vibration models of collisions are also generally consistent with impulse-response rigidity.
The use of internal fixation in performing triple arthrodesis in adults

Abstract 25 adult patients (29 feet) underwent triple arthrodeses utilizing internal fixation, consisting of cancellous bone screws and power driven titanium staples. 23 females and 2 males with an average age of 43 years (range 15–70) were followed an average of 4.0 years (2.1–6.3 years). There were 20 planovalgus and 9 cavovarus foot deformities. The average length of postoperative immobilization was 11.4 weeks (range 6–18 weeks). Pain relief was rated excellent in 12 feet (41%), good in 7 feet (24%), fair in 4 feet (14%) and poor in 6 feet (21%). However, of the 10 feet with fair and poor results only 3 had residual pain as a result of the triple arthrodeses. 18 patients (72%) had an improvement in their walking score, and the walking score worsened in only 2 patients (8%). Ankle pain was responsible for most of the fair and poor pain and walking scores. Six of the 9 patients with progressive ankle joint degeneration had preoperative evidence of talar instability (talar tilt greater than 5°) on standing radiographs. Complications occurred in 5 patients (17%), 3 of which were non-unions requiring revision surgery. Therefore it appears that these methods of internal fixation may be useful in obtaining a triple arthrodesis. However they do not improve the overall results of triple arthrodesis in the type of adult patients we studied. The final result appears to be affected by the patient's disease, the foot deformity and the degree of ankle joint involvement, more than the technique of fixation utilized in the operation.
Burn wound manipulation-induced bacteremia.

Blood cultures were obtained from 19 patients with thermal injury of from 7 to 73% (mean 38%) of the total body surface area before, during, and after manipulation of the burn wound. Procedures were separated into a group which required general anesthesia and those which did not, and extent of traum
Effect of shear on Rayleigh-Taylor mixing at small Atwood number

The effect of shear on the development of Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) is studied at an Atwood number of 0.035 using the gas tunnel at Texas A University. Two types of diagnostics, imaging and simultaneous hot wire and cold wire anemometry, are used to measure mix widths, pointwise instantaneous velocities, and density. Image analysis has shown that the superposition of shear on RTI development increases the mixing width and growth rate at early times ($\ensuremath{\tau}=\frac{x}{U}\sqrt{\frac{{A}_{t}g}{H}}\ensuremath{\ll}1$). In particular, the mixing region shows distinct characteristics of shear (Kelvin-Helmholtz instability) and buoyancy (RTI). The Kelvin-Helmholtz (KHI) instability is observed to be dominant at early times, and the RTI at late times ($\ensuremath{\tau}1$). In the late-time self-similar regime ($\ensuremath{\tau}1$), the mix width growth rate coefficient obtained using digital image analysis converges to a value between 0.06 and 0.07 for the compound buoyancy and shear (KH+RT) driven flows. Vertical velocity fluctuation rms values at the mixing layer centerline are measured using a hot-wire technique. These rms values are correlated to the centerline mixing width growth rate, and this growth rate coefficient is found to lie between 0.06 and 0.07 at $\ensuremath{\tau}1$ for the KH+RT flows. The transition in flow dominance from shear instability to RTI is observed to correspond with Richardson numbers ($\mathrm{Ri}=\frac{\ensuremath{-}2hg\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}}{\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\Delta}{U}^{2}}$) of \ensuremath{-}1.5 to \ensuremath{-}2.5. Molecular mixing between the fluids is examined by looking at the probability density function distribution of the density fluctuations. A different type of mixing behavior is observed over time for the compound cases compared with the transient development of Rayleigh-Taylor driven mixing.
Solving Egypt's Subsidy Problem

Subsidies to consumer goods, including fuels and food, account for almost one third of Egypt’s public spending, or 13 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Not only are subsidies highly ineffective in helping the poor, they are also an increasingly unsustainable drain on the country’s public finances and its foreign reserves. Yet reform remains a thorny issue in Egypt’s unstable political environment — mostly because subsidies are the main instrument of social assistance used by the government.Subsidies to consumer goods and fuels have existed in the country since the 1920s. Various approaches are available for scaling them down or eliminating them altogether. However, most of the prior attempts to reform the subsidy system in Egypt have failed. Cash transfers targeted at the poor would be a superior policy relative to the status quo.Eliminating subsidies and replacing them with cash transfers would produce significant savings and would be politically feasible. A successful reform of subsidies will have to be accompanied by a series of complementary reforms, which would reduce food insecurity in the country and improve supply chains in the areas of food and energy by introducing competition. Finally, prudent macroeconomic policies, including a reduction in inflation rates, will be necessary to contain the potential effects of food and energy price hikes on poorer households.
Preparation and thermal expansion of (M0.5IIIM′0.5V)P2O7 with the cubic ZrP2O7 structure

Abstract A series of compounds ( M 0 . 5 III M ′ 0 . 5 V ) P 2 O 7 , M III M ′ V =AlTa, FeTa, GaTa, InNb, YNb, NdTa, and BiTa that are close structural relatives of cubic ZrP2O7 were prepared. Annealing samples with M III M ′ V =InNb or YNb at temperatures above 600 °C did not lead to any long-range cation ordering. The thermal expansion characteristics of samples quenched from 1000 °C with M III M ′ V =AlTa, InNb and YNb were investigated by high-temperature powder diffraction over the temperature range 25–600 °C. There are no lattice constant discontinuities in this range, unlike ZrP2O7. (Al0.5Ta0.5)P2O7 and (In0.5Nb0.5)P2O7 show linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of 11.5(2)×10−6 and 11.8(2)×10−6 K−1, respectively. These values are similar to that for the low-temperature ZrP2O7 structure. However, the linear CTE for (Y0.5Nb0.5)P2O7 (4.8(2)×10−6 K−1) is similar to that of the high-temperature form of ZrP2O7.
Exploring U.S. Hispanic parents’ length of time in the United States: Influences on obesity outcomes among U.S. Hispanic children

ABSTRACTThe 2009 California Health Interview Survey was used to examine effects of Hispanic immigrant parents’ length of stay (less or more than 10 years) in the United States on the overweight and obesity outcomes among their children (N = 956, aged 6–11). The socio-ecological model of health was used to conceptualize health risk behaviors and associations with overweight/obesity outcomes among children. Weight (using body mass index) among children was influenced by parents’ length of stay, country of origin, income, and urban/rural residence. Future directions for social work professionals working with obese Hispanic children and their families are discussed.
Application of bacteria from non-cultivated plants to promote growth, alter root architecture and alleviate salt stress of cotton.

Aims Cotton seeds are frequently treated with acid to remove fibres and reduce seed-transmitted diseases. This process also eliminates beneficial bacteria on the seed surface. The goal of this research was to seek and apply beneficial bacteria to acid delinted cotton seeds to evaluate their growth-promoting and salt stress alleviating effects in seedlings. Methods and Results Bacteria were isolated from non-cultivated plants in the Malvaceae. Seeds were collected from Portia tree (Thespesia populnea) and wild cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) from coastal and arid areas of Puerto Rico. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Curtobacterium oceanosedimentum and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans were inoculated onto acid delinted cotton seeds. Bacteria increased cotton seed germination and length of emerging seedling radicles. Cotton seeds were inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens to evaluate growth and root architecture of non-stressed and salt stressed seedlings. Inoculating cotton seeds with B. amyloliquefaciens led to a greater percentage of seedlings with expanded cotyledons after 8 days, enhanced primary and lateral root growth, and altered root architecture. Similar results were obtained when okra seeds were inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens. Conclusion The data supported the hypothesis that non-cultivated plants in the Malvaceae growing in stressful environments possess bacteria that promote growth, alter root architecture and alleviate salt stress of cotton and okra seedlings. Significance and Impact of the Study This study demonstrated the effects of applying beneficial bacteria on acid delinted cotton seeds. Inoculating seeds with salt stress alleviating bacteria could improve the growth of crop seedlings that are vulnerable to soil salinization.
Conservation implications of long-distance migration routes: Regional metapopulation structure, asymmetrical dispersal, and population declines

Abstract Understanding and conserving metapopulations of long-distance migrants is challenging since breeding population structure may not be delimited simply by geography, but also by migration or wintering distributions. We present the first study of the relative importance of breeding, migration and wintering distributions for regional metapopulation processes in breeding areas. Using a species for which life-history and demography are extensively studied (common terns Sterna hirundo), we explored population genetics across eastern North America to distinguish between these potential drivers of metapopulation structure, understand recent population declines in inland areas, and direct appropriate conservation efforts. We analyzed nuclear and mitochondrial DNA to determine changes in population structure and dispersal over prehistoric, historical and contemporary time at regional, sub-regional and local spatial scales. We found evidence for conservation-relevant, hierarchical metapopulation structure within breeding areas: at (i) local and sub-regional scales resulting from restricted dispersal distances, and (ii) between inland and coastal regions as a result of non-breeding distributions. Crucially, at regional scales (ii), asymmetrical dispersal rates from inland to coastal colonies have increased ten-fold since the 1960s, contributing to recent, largely-enigmatic inland population declines. Migrating inland common terns pass over coastal colonies but the reverse is not true. Thus, asymmetrical dispersal from inland to coastal areas provides the first demonstration that migration routes, not wintering distributions, are drivers of breeding population structure in the absence of physical barriers. Our results illustrate the conservation importance of this determination for long-distance migrants: definitive evidence connecting metapopulation demographics to regional population declines for common terns, previously only speculated at despite > 100 years of banding effort.
Political regimes: a coalition formation approach

What leads to the stability of a particular regime and what causes its demise? With the aid of formal modeling, the paper illustrates the necessary and sufficient conditions for different political regimes to exist. The game involves two factions representing the differing interests of the civil society and the armed forces of a nation. We illustrate the emergence of political regimes that includes both unconstrained and constrained democracies, both military and civilian autocracies and an alliance formed by a segment of the civil society and the military.
Isolation of Lipid Raft Proteins From CD133+ Cancer Stem Cells

Pancreatic cancer cells expressing the surface markers CD133 have been widely reported as cancer stem cells and mainly responsible for tumor recurrence and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. In spite of its role as a stem cell marker in pancreatic cancer, its function remains elusive. CD133 (also known as prominin-1) is a pentaspan glycoprotein predominantly localized in lipid rafts, specialized membrane microdomains enriched in crucial signaling proteins. Coexistence of CD133 with these signaling proteins can modulate various signaling pathways that might be responsible for aggressive phenotype of CD133+ cells. This chapter describes a detailed protocol to isolate lipid rafts from CD133+ tumor initiating cells. Purified lipid rafts can be investigated further for protein or lipid composition by mass spectrometry that can shed some light on functional role of CD133 protein in these cancer stem cells.
Left atrial pressure and predictors of survival after percutaneous mitral paravalvular leak closure

Background Data on the clinical utility of left atrial (LA) hemodynamic monitoring during percutaneous mitral interventions are limited. Objectives To evaluate the association between intraprocedural LA pressures during percutaneous mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) closure and long term survival. Methods Patients who underwent mitral PVL repair with invasive LA pressure monitoring were divided at baseline to three tertiles based on their mean final LA pressure ( 30% of mean systolic blood pressure). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results 134 patients (mean age 68 ± 12 years) were studied. Over 3 year mean follow-up, 81 (38%) patients died. The cumulative probability of death at 3 years was significantly higher among patients in the highest LA pressure tertile (56 ± 8% vs. 28 ± 5%, log rank P < 0.001). More than mild residual mitral regurgitation (MR) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of death and patients in the highest LA pressure tertile had 2.2-fold higher mortality (P < 0.001 and = 0.003 respectively). After adjustment for residual MR by TEE, each 10% acute procedural reduction in LA pressures was associated with a significant 9% reduced risk of death (P = 0.023). Multivariate Cox regression with adjustment for multiple predictors of death showed that patients in lower LA pressure tertiles had 59% lower mortality (P = 0.003). Conclusion Lower LA pressure following mitral PVL closure is an independent predictor of improved survival, even after adjustment for residual MR. LA pressure monitoring may be a useful tool for procedural guidance during mitral PVL closure.
First In-Human Experience With Complete Integration of Neuromodulation Device Within a Customized Cranial Implant.

BACKGROUND Neuromodulation devices have the potential to transform modern day treatments for patients with medicine-resistant neurological disease. For instance, the NeuroPace System (NeuroPace Inc, Mountain View, California) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device developed for closed-loop direct brain neurostimulation in the setting of drug-resistant focal epilepsy. However, current methods require placement either above or below the skull in nonanatomic locations. This type of positioning has several drawbacks including visible deformities and scalp pressure from underneath leading to eventual wound healing difficulties, micromotion of hardware with infection, and extrusion leading to premature explantation. OBJECTIVE To introduce complete integration of a neuromodulation device within a customized cranial implant for biocompatibility optimization and prevention of visible deformity. METHODS We report a patient with drug-resistant focal epilepsy despite previous seizure surgery and maximized medical therapy. Preoperative imaging demonstrated severe resorption of previous bone flap causing deformity and risk for injury. She underwent successful responsive neurostimulation device implantation via complete integration within a clear customized cranial implant. RESULTS The patient has recovered well without complication and has been followed closely for 180 d. Device interrogation with electrocorticographic data transmission has been successfully performed through the clear implant material for the first time with no evidence of any wireless transmission interference. CONCLUSION Cranial contour irregularities, implant site infection, and bone flap resorption/osteomyelitis are adverse events associated with implantable neurotechnology. This method represents a novel strategy to incorporate all future neuromodulation devices within the confines of a low-profile, computer-designed cranial implant and the newfound potential to eliminate contour irregularities, improve outcomes, and optimize patient satisfaction.
Groups with the Weak Maximal Condition on Non-permutable Subgroups

Let G be a group with the weak maximal condition on non-permutable subgroups. We prove that if G is a generalized radical group then G is either quasihamiltonian or a soluble-by-finite minimax group.
Multiple pathways to long-lasting phrenic motor facilitation.

Plasticity is a hallmark of neural systems, including the neural system controlling breathing (Mitchell and Johnson 2003). Despite its biological and potential clinical significance, our understanding of mechanisms giving rise to any form of respiratory plasticity remains incomplete. Here we discuss recent advances in our understanding of cellular mechanisms giving rise to phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF), a long-lasting increase in phrenic motor output induced by acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). Recently, we have come to realize that multiple, distinct mechanisms are capable of giving rise to long-lasting phrenic motor facilitation (PMF); we use PMF as a general term that includes AIH-induced pLTF. It is important to begin an appreciation and understanding of these diverse pathways. Hence, we introduce a nomenclature based on upstream steps in the signaling cascade leading to PMF. Two pathways are featured here: the “Q” and the “S” pathways, named because they are induced by metabotropic receptors coupled to Gq and Gs proteins, respectively. These pathways appear to interact in complex and interesting ways, thus providing a range of potential responses in the face of changing physiological conditions or the onset of disease.
Analysis of the Limits of the Local Density of Photonic States near Nanostructures

Nanostructures with sizes smaller than or comparable to visible light strongly modify the decay rate of dipole emitters placed in their vicinity. Such modification is usually characterized using th...
Psychotic Forms of Depression and Mania

The phenomenologic characteristics of affective syndromes are distinctive and different from those of schizophrenia. Delusional and hallucinatory experiences are known to occur in both manic and depressive conditions and, in a “pure” affective psychosis, can usually be explained by the pathological mood and associated disturbances. Since psychotic affective disorder is severe affective disorder and not schizophrenia, treatment with lithium salts and higher than usual doses of antidepressants is often feasible and is preferred.
Grazing management effects on environmental quality of riparian and upland grassland ecosystems

Grazing cattle in grasslands can impact many ecosystems services including the movement of sediment and nutrients to water bodies, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat. In riparian grassland ecosystems congregation of cattle in or near streams may increase the sediment, nutrient, and pathogen loading of surface water resources, however the impact of cattle on water bodies may be limited through pasture characteristics or management practices that reduce congregation of cattle in or near streams. The first study in this thesis was designed to determine the effects of pasture size, stream access, and off-stream water on the presence of cattle near pasture streams. In the first study the effects of an off-stream water site or limiting the stream access of cattle to stabilized sites on the presence of cattle in or near a pasture stream was measured in small (4.0 ha) and large (12.1 ha) pastures. Limiting stream access of cattle to stabilized sites reduced presence of cattle in or near streams. However, providing off-stream water sites affected congregation of cattle in or near streams relatively little. Regardless of management treatment, presence of cattle in and near the pasture stream was reduced in pastures with a larger proportion of grazing land outside of the riparian zone. As temperatures increased, the probability of cattle spending time in and near the pasture stream or tree shade increased, with a greater probability of presence in riparian shade occurring in small pastures. In upland grassland ecosystems, cattle grazing at elevated stocking densities has the potential to improve plant diversity, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat through soil disturbance, incorporation of plant litter into the soil profile, and removal of aboveground forage. A second study was designed to determine the effects of a single spring grazing event at two stocking densities with or without subsequent rotational grazing on plant community properties, soil characteristics, and wildlife habitat in upland grasslands. Soil structural characteristics, proportion of plant species,
An Ultrasonic Comb Transducer for Guided Wave Mode Selection in Materials Characterization

It is proposed to use guided waves for material and defect characterization analysis. Rather than use normal beam ultrasonic techniques that move point by point over a structure, guided waves are more global in nature allowing examinations of regions over 2–3 cm on up to 4–5 m with excellent sensitivity. One of the most important areas of study is therefore focused on transducer design and mode selection analysis. Phase and group velocity dispersion curve computation required in guided wave analysis, has taken place for decades. The ability to use these curves from a Nondestructive Evaluation point of view in materials characterization, however, is just now provoking great interest. Every point on the dispersion curve with a different phase velocity and frequency value has different performance characteristics with respect to wave penetration power and defect detection and/or material characterization sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity is a function of wave structure distribution across the thickness. It is therefore critical to select specific points for inspection and to have the ability to isolate the particular mode and frequency for optimal inspection performance. It is therefore proposed to utilize a specially designed comb type transducer with an excellent capability of mode selection and control.
Wie konsistent ist der Mensch

Der amerikanische, aus Wien geburtige Psychologe WALTER MISCHEL hat die Brauchbarkeit herkommlicher Personlichkeitsforschung untersucht. Die Ergebnisse fast er in einer umfassenden psychodynamischen Theorie zusammen.