cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of the Free-Bound Continuum for Argon Gas-Puff Implosions on the Decade Quad

Summary form only given. Free-bound (F-B) continuum spectra for argon gas-puff implosions on the Decade Quad are measured with a curved crystal spectrometer. Measurements are reported for implosions with two 12-cm diameter double-shell nozzles: one provided by Titan Corporation, San Leandro, CA and one provided by Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC), San Leandro, CA. These gas-puffs are driven by a peak current of 6 MA and have implosion times of 240 to 270 ns. A LiF crystal is used to disperse the photon spectrum, and an array of six silicon pin diodes is used to time-resolve the X-rays at energies ranging from 5.1 to 10.2 keV. The spectrometer is calibrated in photon energy by measuring lower energy He-like and H-like Ar lines on X-ray film. The pin diode measurements are corrected for filter transmission, crystal reflectivity, spectral dispersion, and detector sensitivity. The electron temperature at peak X-ray emission is 2.3 to 2.4 keV for the Titan nozzle, and the time-integrated temperature is 1.7 to 1.8 keV. For the AASC nozzle, peak X-ray emission is not well defined due to rapid nanosecond variations of the emitted radiation. The time-integrated electron temperature for this nozzle is 1.5 to 1.6 keV. Electron temperatures from the time-integrated measurements for both nozzles are in agreement with temperatures obtained from Ar K-shell line-ratio measurements. This diagnostic can be used to measure the electron temperature with a time resolution of a few ns. The integrated energy above 5 keV in the continuum spectrum is 5 to 7 kJ or nearly 25% of the total K-shell yield including the F-B continuum. This continuum intensity is consistent with an analytic model. The absolute intensity can be combined with measurements of the size of the radiating plasma to determine the electron density
Ozone measurements in a tropopause fold associated with a cut-off low system

The two-dimensional structure of a tropopause fold that formed on the western flank of a cut-off cyclone over the western United States is examined through time series of vertical ozone profiles made using the NOAA Aeronomy Laboratory's Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system at Fritz Peak Observatory (39.9°N, 105.3°W, 2.68 km above sea level). The observations are compared to calculated potential vorticity fields, and the net influx of ozone to the troposphere is estimated to be ∼5.5 × 1032 molecules assuming that the fold is irreversibly mixed into the troposphere below 8.5 km.
Homology Test between the Nucleic Acid of an RNA Virus and the DNA in the Host Cell

Deoxyribonucleic acid in the host cell does not contain a sequence complementary to the nucleic acid of an RNA virus. Specific formation of hybridbetween deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid was used as a detecting device. The test was internally controlled and sensitive enough to reveal complementary stretches in the DNA corresponding to 10 percent of the viral ribonucleic acid. The implications of the results for replication and transcription of RNA are discussed.
Molecular organization and alternative splicing in zipper, the gene that encodes the Drosophila non-muscle myosin II heavy chain.

Abstract Genomic sequence of the entirezippergene, that encodes non-muscle myosin II heavy chain (MHC) inDrosophila melanogaster, reveals a new, differentially spliced exon in this essential locus and identifies a molecular lesion that is responsible for a severe embryonic lethalzipperallele. There are two alternative splices in the head domain. The first is present in the 5′ untranslated sequence which, when employed, produces an N-terminal extension of 45 amino acids (aa). This splicoform produces a protein that is stable in flies but less prevalent than the isoform that lacks the extension. The second alternative exon (40 aa) is close to the nucleotide binding pocket. The position, size and sequence of this exon is conserved inD. simulansand putative alternative exons of different size (7 to 16 aa) but identical position have been reported for other myosins throughout phylogeny. The functional significance of neither alternative splice is clear. Sequence analysis of genomic DNA identifies the lesion responsible forzipIIF107, one of the original severe embryonic lethalzipperalleles. Our primary structural data confirm and correct our previous sequence of the cDNA, establish the spatial relationship betweenzipperandunzipped(the gene originally thought to have been disrupted inzippermutations), and provide a high resolution template for the precise mapping of mutations.
Efficiency of conventional drinking-water-treatment processes in removal of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds

Samples of water and sediment from a conventional drinking-water-treatment (DWT) plant were analyzed for 113 organic compounds (OCs) that included pharmaceuticals, detergent degradates, flame retardants and plasticizers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fragrances and flavorants, pesticides and an insect repellent, and plant and animal steroids. 45 of these compounds were detected in samples of source water and 34 were detected in samples of settled sludge and (or) filter-backwash sediments. The average percent removal of these compounds was calculated from their average concentration in time-composited water samples collected after clarification, disinfection (chlorination), and granular-activated-carbon (GAC) filtration. In general, GAC filtration accounted for 53% of the removal of these compounds from the aqueous phase; disinfection accounted for 32%, and clarification accounted for 15%. The effectiveness of these treatments varied widely within and among classes of compounds; some hydrophobic compounds were strongly oxidized by free chlorine, and some hydrophilic compounds were partly removed through adsorption processes. The detection of 21 of the compounds in 1 or more samples of finished water, and of 3 to 13 compounds in every finished-water sample, indicates substantial but incomplete degradation or removal of OCs through the conventional DWT process used at this plant.
Myotis albescens (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Myotis albescens (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1806) is a vespertilionid bat commonly called the silver-tipped myotis. A small bat with unique frosting of the hair dorsally and ventrally, it is 1 of about 100 species of Myotis worldwide and 1 of 12 species of Myotis in South America. It is one of the most widely distributed species in the genus occurring from southern Mexico to Argentina in diverse habitats generally at elevations below 500 m. It is not of special conservation status, but is rare or uncommon in many areas.
Intrapartum chlorhexidine vaginal irrigation and chorioamnion and placental microbial colonization

Objectives: To determine whether intrapartum chlorhexidine vaginal irrigation reduces microbial colonization of the chorioamnion or placenta. Methods: Secondary analysis was made of a randomized trial. Cultures for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma species and Ureaplasma urealyticum were performed using standard isolation techniques. Results: The placentas of 83 trial participants allocated to chlorhexidine and 93 allocated to placebo underwent evaluation. These two groups were statistically balanced for risk factors for infection. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from 47% of the chlorhexidine placentas vs. 51% of the placebo placentas (relative risk 0.9, 95% confidence interval 0.7–1.3), anaerobic bacteria from 30% and 35%, respectively (0.8, 0.5–1.3), group B streptococcus from 12% and 15% (0.8, 0.4–1.7), U. urealyticum from 18% and 29% (0.6, 0.4–1.1), Mycoplasma species from 6% and 11% (0.6, 0.2–1.6), and any organism from 57% and 67%, respectively (0.8, 0.7–1.1). Conclusions: Intrapartum chlorhexidine vaginal irrigation was associated with non-significant reductions in the rates of placental microbial isolation.
Learning with matrix factorizations

Matrices that can be factored into a product of two simpler matrices can serve as a useful and often natural model in the analysis of tabulated or high-dimensional data. Models based on matrix factorization (Factor Analysis, PCA) have been extensively used in statistical analysis and machine learning for over a century, with many new formulations and models suggested in recent years (Latent Semantic Indexing, Aspect Models, Probabilistic PCA, Exponential PCA, Non-Negative Matrix Factorization and others). In this thesis we address several issues related to learning with matrix factorizations: we study the asymptotic behavior and generalization ability of existing methods, suggest new optimization methods, and present a novel maximum-margin high-dimensional matrix factorization formulation. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
USING LASER ABLATION-INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA-MASS SPECTROMETRY (LA-ICP-MS) TO EXPLORE GEOCHEMICAL TAPHONOMY OF VERTEBRATE FOSSILS IN THE UPPER CRETACEOUS TWO MEDICINE AND JUDITH RIVER FORMATIONS OF MONTANA

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to determine rare earth element (REE) content of 76 fossil bones collected from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Two Medicine (TMF) and Judith River (JRF) Formations of Montana. REE content is distinctive at the formation scale, with TMF samples exhibiting generally higher overall REE content and greater variability in REE enrichment than JRF samples. Moreover, JRF bones exhibit relative enrichment in heavy REE, whereas TMF bones span heavy and light enrichment fields in roughly equal proportions. TMF bones are also characterized by more negative Ce anomalies and greater U enrichment than JRF bones, which is consistent with more oxidizing diagenetic conditions in the TMF. Bonebeds in both formations show general consistency in REE content, with no indication of spatial or temporal mixing within sites. Previous studies, however, suggest that the bonebeds in question are attritional assemblages that accumulated over considerable time spans. The absence of geochemical evidence for mixing is consistent with diagenesis transpiring in settings that remained chemically and hydrologically stable during recrystallization. Lithology-related patterns in REE content were also compared, and TMF bones recovered from fluvial sandstones show relative enrichment in heavy REE when compared with bones recovered from fine-grained floodplain deposits. In contrast, JRF bones, regardless of lithologic context (sandstone versus mudstone), exhibit similar patterns of REE uptake. This result is consistent with previous reconstructions that suggest that channel-hosted microfossil bonebeds of the JRF developed via the reworking of preexisting concentrations embedded in the interfluve. Geochemical data further indicate that reworked elements were potentially delivered to channels in a recrystallized condition, which is consistent with rapid adsorption of REE postmortem.
Genome-wide analysis reveals a cell cycle–dependent mechanism controlling centromere propagation

Centromeres are the structural and functional foundation for kinetochore formation, spindle attachment, and chromosome segregation. In this study, we isolated factors required for centromere propagation using genome-wide RNA interference screening for defects in centromere protein A (CENP-A; centromere identifier [CID]) localization in Drosophila melanogaster. We identified the proteins CAL1 and CENP-C as essential factors for CID assembly at the centromere. CID, CAL1, and CENP-C coimmunoprecipitate and are mutually dependent for centromere localization and function. We also identified the mitotic cyclin A (CYCA) and the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) inhibitor RCA1/Emi1 as regulators of centromere propagation. We show that CYCA is centromere localized and that CYCA and RCA1/Emi1 couple centromere assembly to the cell cycle through regulation of the fizzy-related/CDH1 subunit of the APC. Our findings identify essential components of the epigenetic machinery that ensures proper specification and propagation of the centromere and suggest a mechanism for coordinating centromere inheritance with cell division.
Forever Young Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as Models of Inherited Arrhythmias

Mutations in the α subunit of the cardiac sodium channel, encoded by SCN5A , have been identified in a broad range of cardiac rhythm disorders that include long QT3 (LQT3), Brugada syndrome, progressive cardiac conduction disease, sick sinus syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Since the identification of the first SCN5A mutation in long QT syndrome in 1995, more than 200 mutations have now been reported.1 Initially, it was assumed that each arrhythmic phenotype was attributable to a specific SCN5A mutation; however, "overlap syndromes", where single individuals exhibit clinical features of Brugada syndrome and LQT3, are now well characterized.2 The broad phenotypic range of SCN5A mutations underscores the importance of tight sodium channel regulation in maintaining normal rhythmicity. (SELECT FULL TEXT TO CONTINUE)
Antineoplastic bryostatins are multipotential stimulators of human hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Abstract The bryostatins are macrocyclic lactones, extracted from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina, and have been reported to be potent antineoplastic agents. Results described here demonstrate that the bryostatins may also be useful as stimulators of normal human hematopoietic cells since they can (i) directly stimulate bone marrow progenitor cells to form colonies in vitro and (ii) functionally activate neutrophils. Structure-activity studies with bryostatin congeners indicate that these stimulatory properties may be dependent on the chain length and the unsaturated nature of the acylated group at carbons 20 and 7 of the bryostatin molecule. These stimulatory properties demonstrate that the naturally occurring bryostatins can mimic many of the biological effects of multipotential granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Thus, the coupling of antineoplastic activity with stimulatory growth properties for normal hematopoietic cells makes this agent an excellent probe to dissect the mechanism(s) of normal hematopoiesis. In addition, bryostatin may represent a clinically attractive agent useful for treating bone marrow failure states.
Feedback dynamics of grazing lawns: coupling vegetation change with animal growth

We studied the effects of grazing by Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) geese (hereafter Brant) on plant community zonation and gosling growth between 1987 and 2000 at a nesting colony in southwestern Alaska. The preferred forage of Brant, Carex subspathacea, is only found as a grazing lawn. An alternate forage species, C. ramenskii, exists primarily as meadow but also forms grazing lawns when heavily grazed. We mowed plots of ungrazed C. ramenskii meadows to create swards that Brant could select and maintain as grazing lawns. Fecal counts were higher on mowed plots than on control plots in the year after plots were mowed. Both nutritional quality and aboveground biomass of C. ramenskii in mowed plots were similar to that of C. subspathacea grazing lawns. The areal extent of grazing lawns depends in part on the population size of Brant. High Brant populations can increase the areal extent of grazing lawns, which favors the growth of goslings. Grazing lawns increased from 3% to 8% of surface area as the areal extent of C. ramenskii meadows declined between 1991 and 1999. Gosling mass was lower early in this time period due to density dependent effects. As the goose population stabilized, and area of grazing lawns increased, gosling mass increased between 1993 and 1999. Because larger goslings have increased survival, higher probability of breeding, and higher fecundity, herbivore-mediated changes in the distribution grazing lawn extent may result in a numerical increase of the population within the next two decades.
Barium studies in patients with Barrett's esophagus: importance of focal areas of esophageal deformity.

I report a subtle finding of columnar metaplasia of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus) on barium examination that to my knowledge has not been described before. The finding is a focal mural deformity associated with fixed transverse folds and minimal limitation of distensibility of the esophagus at least 4 cm proximal to the esophagogastric junction.The abnormality was seen in four patients who had air-contrast upper gastrointestinal barium studies for evaluation of various gastrointestinal symptoms. Only one had symptoms referable to the esophagus. A diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus was suggested on the basis of the findings on barium studies and was confirmed by endoscopic biopsy.Initial radiographs showed subtle contour defects in the esophageal wall at least 4 cm proximal to the esophagogastric junction in each patient. These appeared as focal indentations (two cases) or a gradual concavity (two cases) in the wall that could be mistaken for a normal extrinsic impression or normal variation. Radiograp...
Interaction of optokinetic and vestibular stimuli in motion perception.

The ssnsation of self-rotation (circularvection) was produced by rotation of a stripe pattern to the left or to the right at constant angular velocity. During circularvection, subjects were randoml...
Differing platelet aggregating effects by two tumor cell lines: Absence of role for platelet‐derived ADP

Two different mechanisms of aggregation of heparinized human platelet-rich plasma have been identified with two tumor cell lines: In neither case are these mechanisms dependent on platelet-derived ADP. U87MG cells from a glioblastoma line of human origin caused a single irreversible wave of aggregation simultaneously with the onset of platelet secretion, and this was inhibited by heparin and hirudin but not by apyrase or phospholipase D. In contrast, Hut 20 cells from an undifferentiated tumor cell line of murine origin gave an initial reversible wave followed by a second irreversible wave, which then led to secretion. The first wave of platelet aggregation was unaffected by heparin or hirudin but was inhibited by apyrase, and the second wave was inhibited by phospholipase D. Citrate caused irreversible inhibition with either cell line, and aggregation did not occur with gel filtered platelets. These results suggest that platelet aggregation by the Hut 20 line is initially dependent on ADP released from the tumor cells, whereas aggregation induced by the U87MG line is dependent on a procoagulant activity of the tumor cell surface.
Explaining Monogamy and Polygyny in Human Societies: Comment on Kanazawa and Still

Kanazawa and Still (1999) argue for a female choice theory of marriage practices. This theory assumes that women determine the marriageform and that they will choose polygyny when the resource inequalities among men are great and monogamy when these inequalities are relatively low. I argue that the theory is problematicfor a number of reasons, most importantly because it ignores male choice. Polygyny results primarily from male rather than female choice because itflows from the male desire for sexual variety, a desire that has evolved to promote male reproductive success. Asfor monogamy, Richard Alexander's theory, which argues that nation-states impose monogamy on their male citizens in order to equalize their reproductive opportunities, is suggested as the best theory currently available, and empirical data are presented to support this claim.
The Intercultural Component in Textbooks for Teaching a Service Technical Writing Course

This research article investigates new developments in the representation of the intercultural component in textbooks for a service technical writing course. Through textual analysis, using quantitative and qualitative techniques, I report discourse analysis of 15 technical writing textbooks published during 1993-2006. The theoretical and practical elements of intercultural teaching have been expanded in recent years, but this progress is quite slow. This article provides some directions in which the textbooks can be revised. Such an analysis may be of interest to textbook writers and educators.
The Problem Profile Technique in Consultation

nique would perhaps be useful at other levels of a social system. In the problem-solving process the prob lem identification phase has long been recognized as crucial yet extremely difficult. Defining the problem adequately has often been the key to the success or failure of an action program. When persons disagree with change efforts, it is often because the individuals involved failed to agree on the definition of the problem to be solved. Thus in dealing with organizational prob lems, time must be devoted to the diagnosis phase. Diagnosis may be a continuing pro cess since problems are constantly arising and organizations are continually reaching for solutions to their most pressing dif ficulties. Lorsch and Lawrence state the following:
Methadone Maintenance Treatment

This paper reviews the world literature on methadone. Methadone has been used in hundreds of thousands of patients, in disparate social, economic, cultural, and geographic situations; it has been evaluated in scores of studies. The large majority of evaluations demonstrate that opioid use, criminality, and general health status are affected positively in many addicts. Smaller gains in job and family functions are noted. Alcoholism and multiple drug use complicate treatment for some addicts. Despite the positive data, public opinion remains negative about this treatment. The use of methadone in withdrawal from opioid dependence and in pregnancy complicated by opioid dependence is discussed.
Laser induced fractal crystallites in amorphous Te–Se–Br films

This work presents the first experimental evidence of the formation of a fractal network of crystalline clusters in the first stage of the amorphous-crystal transformation. Although this transformation has been extensively studied, such an intermediate stage between amorphous and crystalline phases has never been experimentally revealed before. This fractal network was obtained by laser irradiation of an amorphous Te–Se–Br alloy. The irradiation conditions have been determined in order to be in a regime of limited diffusion, which is the basis of fractal formation. Moreover, the fractal dimension has been determined to be 1.55, which corresponds to the theoretical value obtained for fractal growth by a process of cluster-cluster aggregation with some structural readjustment.
Diagnostic Yield of FDG-PET/CT, MRI, and CSF Cytology in Non-Biopsiable Neurolymphomatosis as a Heralding Sign of Recurrent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare condition associated with lymphomas in which various structures of the nervous system are infiltrated by malignant lymphocytes. Rarely, it may be the presenting feature of recurrence of lymphoma otherwise deemed to be in remission. It is crucial, as is the case with all types of nodal or visceral involvement of lymphoma, to identify the disease early and initiate treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) has been shown to be a sensitive modality for staging, restaging, biopsy guidance, therapy response assessment, and surveillance for recurrence of lymphoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another useful imaging modality, which, along with PET/CT, compliment cerebrospinal spinal fluid (CSF) cytology and electromyography (EMG) in the diagnosis of NL. Performing nerve biopsies to confirm neurolymphomatosis can be challenging and with associated morbidity. The case presented herein illustrates the practical usefulness of these tests in detecting NL as a heralding feature of lymphoma recurrence, especially in the absence of histopathologic correlation.
HLA Class II Molecules Influence Susceptibility versus Protection in Inflammatory Diseases by Determining the Cytokine Profile

The MHC in humans encodes the most polymorphic genes, the HLA genes, which are critical for the immune system to clear infection. This can be attributed to strong selection pressure as populations moved to different parts of the world and encountered new kinds of infections, leading to new HLA class II alleles. HLA genes also have the highest relative risk for autoimmune diseases. Three haplotypes, that is, HLA-DR2DQ6, DR4DQ8, and DR3DQ2, account for HLA association with most autoimmune diseases. We hypothesize that these haplotypes, along with their multiple subtypes, have survived bottlenecks of infectious episodes in human history because of their ability to present pathogenic peptides to activate T cells that secrete cytokines to clear infections. Unfortunately, they also present self-peptides/mimics to activate autoreactive T cells secreting proinflammatory cytokines that cause autoimmune diseases.
Epidemiologic characteristics of colon cancer in Asian Indian and Pakistani population living in the USA compared to US White population in SEER database from 1988 to 2002

20112 Background: About 1.5% of the US population is South East Asian in origin and it is one of the rapidly growing groups. Colon cancer is the second most common in male and third most common can...
Hair and Nails as Noninvasive Biomarkers of Human Exposure to Brominated and Organophosphate Flame Retardants

After the phase-out of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), the use of alternative flame retardants (AFRs), such as FireMaster 550, and of organophosphate esters (OPEs) has increased. However, little is known about human exposure to these chemicals. This lack of biomonitoring studies is partially due to the absence of reliable noninvasive biomarkers of exposure. Human hair and nails can provide integrated exposure measurements, and as such, these matrices can potentially be used as noninvasive biomarkers of exposure to these flame retardants. Paired human hair, fingernail, toenail, and serum samples obtained from 50 adult participants recruited at Indiana University Bloomington campus were analyzed by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry for 36 PBDEs, 9 AFRs, and 12 OPEs. BDE-47, BDE-99, 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), di(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCIPP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) were the most abundant compounds detected in al...
Course Reserves : Using Blackboard for E-Reserves Delivery

Jacksonville State University's (JSU) Houston Cole (HCL) Library has always provided access to required course readings through a reserve system. In the past, this service was only available in print. Now, as JSU's programs move to the online arena, the Library is making its presence felt strongly in this new online environment. Along with providing access to required course readings through an electronic reserve system, Docutek's ERes, HCL also offers faculty the option of using their course-management software, such as Blackboard, to deliver the e-reserves to their students. This article details the technical implications of adding reserves to Blackboard courses.
SAME-SEX RECALL EFFECTS IN TESTS OF OBSERVATIONAL ACCURACY

Reviews of research on observational accuracy (1,3) have typically reported small but highly consistent superiority of females in observational ability. T o test further the generality of this finding over a variety of observational tasks, four distinctive tests were administered to se arate samples during experimental training in observation. The Memory &r Names and Faces subscale of the George Washington University Social Intelligence Test was given to one group, the Xerox Corporation Effective Listening Test was given to a second group, and a modification of the Harris-Bruni test of accuracy of observing appearance and conversation ( 2 ) was administered to two other groups. A 60item test of accuracy of observing gestures and nonverbal behaviors from videotapes was constructed and administered to a fifth group. Tests were randomly assigned to the five groups of introductory sociology students. Controlling for the effects of training and pretesting, partial cotrelations between sex (female) and the various test scores (Column 1 ) did indicate small but significant superiority of females. inspecting the range of magnitude of these correlations, we noted that superiority of females was greater on those tests that involved observation of both male and female stimulus persons (Test Groups 1, 4, and 5) than on tests that involved male stimuli only (Test Groups 2 and 3 ) .
Neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Mandibular distraction has revolutionized the treatment of Robin sequence associated with severe airway obstruction. The distraction technique remains the only intervention that directly corrects mandibular hypoplasia and the retropositioned tongue, providing efficient relief of airway stenosis. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of distraction in avoiding tracheostomy and decreasing the severity airway obstruction in this patient population. The benefit to avoiding tracheostomy and relieving airway obstruction is superior to that of tongue–lip adhesion. It is, therefore, not surprising that mandibular distraction has become the first-line intervention at many centers for the surgical treatment of Robin sequence. The complication profile associated with mandibular distraction appears low; the most common complication is infection, which can be treated by antibiotics alone. The severity of airway obstruction can be quantified by polysomnogram: This tool has become one of the most widely used objective metrics in the Robin sequence population. Therefore indications for surgery, timing of palatoplasty and long-term assessment of airway function should be performed in conjunction with sleep study analysis. The effects of mandibular lengthening on feeding difficulty in Robin sequence patient remains a topic of controversy. Studies have demonstrated conflicting results: This can be an area of future study. Agreed-upon indications for surgery and definitive protocols of care have yet to be formulized; future research should focus on achieving these goals. Such studies would require agreed-upon terminology for Robin sequence, an increase in comparative and prospective analysis, and the use of quantifiable metrics of clinical results.
Integrated capillary zone electrophoresis-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry system with an immobilized trypsin microreactor for online digestion and analysis of picogram amounts of RAW 264.7 cell lysate.

A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) system was integrated with an immobilized trypsin microreactor. The system was evaluated and then applied for online digestion and analysis of picogram loadings of RAW 264.7 cell lysate. Protein samples were dissolved in a buffer containing 50% (v/v) acetonitrile (ACN), and then directly loaded into the capillary for digestion, followed by CZE separation and MS/MS identification. The organic solvent (50% (v/v) ACN) assisted the immobilized trypsin digestion and simplified the protein sample preparation protocol. Neither protein reduction nor alkylation steps were employed, which minimized sample loss and contamination. The integrated CZE–ESI-MS/MS system generated confident identification of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with 19% sequence coverage and 14 peptide identifications (IDs) when 20 fmol was loaded. When only 1 fmol of BSA was injected, one BSA peptide was consistently detected. For the analysis of ...
SISTEMÁTICA DE LAS PLANTAS MEDICINALES DE USO FRECUENTE EN EL ÁREA DE IQUITOS

En este articulo, se reporta la existencia de 105 especies de plantas medicinales, que los habitantes de Iquitos y alrededores usan frecuentemente en el tratamiento de ciertas dolencias; la idea de esta contribucion es aclarar ciertos nombres cientificos que erroneamente se vienen usando para las plantas medicinales de uso folklorico.
How profitable are private infrastructure concessions in Latin America?: Empirical evidence and regulatory implications

Abstract This paper estimates the returns that private investors in infrastructure projects in Latin America really made on their investments, and assesses the adequacy of these returns relative to the risks taken—the cost of capital—and the impact that the quality of regulation had on the closeness of alignment between returns and the cost of capital. This is done by estimating both historical and projected future returns earned by a sample of private infrastructure concessions, across a variety of Latin American countries and infrastructure sectors, and comparing them against expected returns given the level of risk taken—the cost of capital. In this way, it is possible to evaluate whether or not private investors did earn abnormally high returns on their investments as popular belief and politician against PPI often claim. The paper develops a quality of regulation index and examines the extent to which the quality of the regulatory framework contributed to maintaining a closer alignment between rates of return and cost of capital, or did allow for the capture of excessive rents by the investors or of excessive benefits by the users at the expense of the investors. The findings of this paper are that contrary to general public perceptions, the financial returns of private infrastructure concessions have been modest and that in fact for a number of concessions the returns have been below the cost of capital. On average telecom and energy concessions have feared better than transport and water. It also shows that the variance of returns across concessions and countries is considerable. The variance of returns across concessions can be partially explained by the quality of regulation. It shows that the better the quality of regulation the closer the alignment between financial returns and costs of capital as is desirable. Thus, the paper shows and validates the claim that regulation indeed matters.
Genome engineering with custom recombinases.

Abstract Site-specific recombinases are valuable tools for myriad basic research and genome engineering applications. In particular, hybrid recombinases consisting of catalytic domains from the resolvase/invertase family of serine recombinases fused to Cys 2 –His 2 zinc-finger or TAL effector DNA-binding domains are capable of introducing targeted modifications into mammalian cells. Due to their inherent modularity, new recombinases with distinct targeting specificities can readily be generated and utilized in a “plug-and-play” manner. In this protocol, we provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for generating new hybrid recombinases with user-defined specificity, as well as methods for achieving site-specific integration into targeted genomic loci using these systems.
Time- and Frequency-Domain Techniques for Measuring the Dielectric Properties of Rocks: A Review

AbstractAutomated frequency- and time-domain techniques for measuring the dielectric properties of rocks are discussed. Although emphasis is placed on those methods used in our laboratories, discussion of other work available in the literature is also included. The relative merits and limitations of the frequency- and time-domain techniques are evaluated. Some representative results illustrating the variation of the complex permittivity of oil shale as a function of frequency, temperature, and grade are given. The paper is concluded with the description of an in-situ dielectric probe which utilizes an open-ended section of transmission line as a sample holder. Experimental results illustrating the accuracy of the on-line measurements are presented and suggestions for the future development of the in-situ probe are discussed.
SafeConfig'16: Testing and Evaluation for Active and Resilient Cyber Systems

The premise of this year's SafeConfig Workshop is existing tools and methods for security assessments are necessary but insufficient for scientifically rigorous testing and evaluation of resilient and active cyber systems. The objective for this workshop is the exploration and discussion of scientifically sound testing regimen(s) that will continuously and dynamically probe, attack, and "test" the various resilient and active technologies. This adaptation and change in focus necessitates at the very least modification, and potentially, wholesale new developments to ensure that resilient- and agile-aware security testing is available to the research community. All testing, validation and experimentation must also be repeatable, reproducible, subject to scientific scrutiny, measurable and meaningful to both researchers and practitioners.
Racial Disparities in Obesity Prevalence in Mississippi: Role of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Physical Activity

Although the etiology of obesity is complex, social disparities are gaining attention for their contribution to obesity. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of obesity and to explore the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and obesity by race in Mississippi. Data from the 2014 Mississippi Behavior Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used in this study (n = 3794). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were conducted using SAS Proc. Survey procedures to account for BRFSS’s multistage complex survey design and sample weights. The overall prevalence of self-reported obesity was 37%. Multiple logistic regression model showed gender was the only variable associated with increased risk of obesity among blacks. Black females were more likely to be obese (Adjusted OR [aOR] = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–2.7, ref = male) after controlling for confounders. Among white adults, obesity was significantly associated with physical activity, gender, age and education levels. Those aged 25–44 years (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, ref ≥ 64 years), those were physically inactivity (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.4–2.5, ref = physically active) or had high school education (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3, ref = college graduate) or some college (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3, ref = college graduate) were more likely to be obese; females (aOR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, ref = male) and those aged 18–24 years (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.21–0.9, ref ≥ 64 years) were less likely to be obese.
Converging gravity currents over a permeable substrate

We study the propagation of viscous gravity currents along a thin permeable substrate where slow vertical drainage is allowed from the boundary. In particular, we report the effect of this vertical fluid drainage on the second-kind self-similar solutions for the shape of the fluid–fluid interface in three contexts: (i) viscous axisymmetric gravity currents converging towards the centre of a cylindrical container; (ii) viscous gravity currents moving towards the origin in a horizontal Hele-Shaw channel with a power-law varying gap thickness in the horizontal direction; and (iii) viscous gravity currents propagating towards the origin of a porous medium with horizontal permeability and porosity gradients in power-law forms. For each of these cases with vertical leakage, we identify a regime diagram that characterizes whether the front reaches the origin or not; in particular, when the front does not reach the origin, we calculate the final location of the front. We have also conducted laboratory experiments with a cylindrical lock gate to generate a converging viscous gravity current where vertical fluid drainage is allowed from various perforated horizontal substrates. The time-dependent position of the propagating front is captured from the experiments, and the front position is found to agree well with the theoretical and numerical predictions when surface tension effects can be neglected.
Do Cinnamon Supplements Have a Role in Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) emphasizes glucose control with diet, hypoglycemic drugs, lifestyle modification, and reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. In 2011–12, the estimat...
Stimulation of abdominal and upper thoracic muscles with surface electrodes for respiration and cough: Acute studies in adult canines.

Objective: To optimize maximal respiratory responses with surface stimulation over abdominal and upper thorax muscles and using a 12-Channel Neuroprosthetic Platform.Methods: Following instrumentation, six anesthetized adult canines were hyperventilated sufficiently to produce respiratory apnea. Six abdominal tests optimized electrode arrangements and stimulation parameters using bipolar sets of 4.5 cm square electrodes. Tests in the upper thorax optimized electrode locations, and forelimb moment was limited to slight-to-moderate. During combined muscle stimulation tests, the upper thoracic was followed immediately by abdominal stimulation. Finally, a model of glottal closure for cough was conducted with the goal of increased peak expiratory flow.Results: Optimized stimulation of abdominal muscles included three sets of bilateral surface electrodes located 4.5 cm dorsal to the lateral line and from the 8th intercostal space to caudal to the 13th rib, 80 or 100 mA current, and 50 Hz stimulation frequency. ...
PD-1 inhibition results in reduced dendritic cell (DC) activation of HIV-1-specific de novo CTL and enhancement of DC-induced CTL memory recall responses

Combination strategies consisting of DC vaccines and suppression of immunoregulatory pathways such as PD-1 blockade have been advocated to elicit optimal CTL responses in chronic diseases including cancer and HIV infection. We have shown that inactivated HIV-1 virus loaded, high IL-12 producing, mature, type-1 polarized DC (DC1) can activate CTL from naive CD8 + T cell precursors that more effectively kill HIV-1-infected cells than CTL derived from memory CD8 + T cells. Here we tested DC1 transfected with an adenoviral (Ad) vector encoding anti-PD-1 antibody (DC.αPD1) enhancement of both primary as well as memory CTL responses to HIV-1. Ad-αPD1-transduced DC1 (DC.αPD1) secreted high levels of functional anti-PD1 Ab without affecting their phenotype or IL-12p70-producing capacity. We next compared HIV Gag peptide epitope-loaded DC.αPD1 to DC1 that were transfected with an empty vector for their ability to activate either purified, autologous naive or memory HIV-1-specific CD8 + T cells from chronic HIV-1-infected participants of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. When compared to the control DC1, antigen-loaded DC.αPD1 enhanced the overall magnitude of HIV-1-specific CTL responses induced, as determined by the expansion of HIV-1-peptide responsive CD107a and IFNγ expressing T cells. In contrast, the overall number HIV-1 antigen-reactive CTL derived from the naive CD8 + T cell fraction sharply decreased when using the DC.αPD1-based approach. These results suggest previously unrecognized, opposing roles of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 in DC1-induced primary versus memory recall CD8 + T cell responses to HIV-1.
Effect of electronic noise and lowest energy threshold selection in photon counting detectors

Photon counting detectors (PCD) are widely credited with having minimum degradation from electronic noise compared to energy integrating detectors. However, they are not immune. We characterized the effect of electronic noise in simulated CdTe PCDs (0.25-1mm pixels) for spectral and effective monoenergetic tasks. Electronic noise was modeled as two separable effects - spectral blurring modeled as convolution with a Gaussian kernel with standard deviation of 7 keV, and false triggering of the lowest energy bin (depending on the threshold). To model false triggering, noise was created by filtering white Gaussian noise with a Gaussian pulse shaping kernel of 40 ns peaking time and, scaled to have a standard deviation of 7 keV, and analyzed numerically to obtain the mean and variance of false triggers at thresholds from 3 to 45 keV with ±3.5 keV hysteresis. PCDs had 5 energy bins, were operated at maximum of 20 % of characteristic count rate unless otherwise specified, and pulse pileup was not modeled. We assume the expected number of false triggers can be predicted and subtracted but that the noise from those events remains. Quantum and false triggering noise were propagated into basis material images using the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound. In basis material images, at the optimal threshold (balancing false triggers and lost true events) there was an 18-24% variance penalty compared to a detector with no electronic noise. For effective monoenergetic imaging, capturing low energy pulses performs asymptotically as well as a detector without electronic noise, with the penalty increasing with increasing energy threshold.
Reaction of 2, 7, 9-Tricarboxy-PQQ with Nucleophiles

The Kd values for the SO 3 -2 -complex with 2, 7, 9-tricarboxy-PQQ were determined from pH 5.5 to 10.5. It was found that SO 3 -2 and not HSO3 - is the nucleophile in this reaction. The midpoint potentials (Eo’) were also measured in this pH range for this quinone. A plot of Eo’ vs. pH produced a pKa = 8.44 for the dihydroquinone. As expected, a plot of Eo’ vs. the Kd for the PQQ-sulfite complex was linear. When NH 4 + , was included, the sulfite adduct rapidly formed, however, a slow appearance of an unidentified species was evident. Eo’ for tricarboxy-PQQ + NH 4 + were measured. pH titrations were carried out for oxidized tricarboxy-PQQ ± NH 4 + and for the dihydroquinone form of this cofactor. The resulting pKa values are compared to corresponding literature values for PQQ analogs.
The rider’s interaction with the horse

The rider communicates with the horse on several levels, some of which can be measured mechanically. To date, most of these studies have involved using electronic pressure mats to measure pressure distribution on the horse’s back and strain gauge transducers to measure tension in the reins. The results are providing information that can be used to develop an understanding of the mechanics of the rider’s interaction with the horse.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

All males and females without contraindications ages 11-12 years should receive two doses of HPV vaccine administered 6-12 months apart. Vaccination can be started as young as 9 years of age. Those who start the series after the age of 15 should receive three doses of HPV vaccine, with the second and third doses administered 1-2 months and 6 months after the first dose, respectively. If not previously vaccinated, catch-up vaccination is recommended for all males through age 21 and females through age 26. Males ages 22-26 years may also be vaccinated. If doses are delayed there is no need to repeat doses since increasing the interval between doses is generally associated with enhanced immune responses.
Racial–Ethnic Differences in Turnover Intent Among Home Health Aides:

Home health aides are crucial to ensuring quality services for the growing older adult population needing home-based care in the United States. We utilize data from the nationally representative 2007 National Home Health Aide Survey (N = 3,344) to analyze racial-ethnic disparity in turnover intent. Non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic Other home health aides had higher all-cause turnover intent than Non-Hispanic Whites. Cause-specific turnover intent varied by race-ethnicity. Compared with non-Hispanic White home health aides, (a) non-Hispanic Black home health aides were more likely to leave due to low pay and educational/advancement opportunities; (b) Hispanic home health aides were more likely to leave due to a perceived lack of respect or difficulty with their supervisor/agency; and (c) non-Hispanic home health aides were more likely to leave due to an impending move. Findings suggest that efforts to address high levels of turnover intent among home health aides should account for differences in race-ethnic groups.