cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facilitating young children's numeracy talk in play: The role of parent prompts.

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated the contribution of parents’ number language to children’s own engagement with numbers and later mathematical achievement. Although there is evidence that both the quantity and complexity of parent number talk contribute to children’s math learning, it is unclear whether different forms of parents’ number talk—statements versus prompts—offer unique contributions to how children engage in math. We examined parent number talk among 50 dyads of parents and 2- to 4-year-olds during pretend play, coding parents’ provisions of informative number statements and prompts inviting children to engage in number talk. The total amount (tokens) and diversity (types) of children’s number words were analyzed separately. Parents’ number utterances, particularly prompts about number, were infrequent. Both parents’ number statements and their prompts were uniquely related to children’s number word tokens. Only prompts were associated with children’s number word types. Follow-up analyses indicated that prompts were associated with lengthier parent–child conversations about number than parent statements and that children used larger number words when responding to parent prompts than when they themselves initiated number talk. These findings highlight the importance of parents’ prompts for enhancing the quality of parent–child math exchanges by providing opportunities for children to advance their current use of numerical language. Consequently, parents’ use of number-related prompts may play an important role in children’s early math engagement.
Patient-specific hyperparameter learning for optimization-based CT image reconstruction.

We propose a hyperparameter learning framework that learns patient-specific hyperparameters for optimization based image reconstruction problems for x-ray CT applications. The framework consists of two functional modules: (1) a hyperparameter learning module parameterized by a convolutional neural network, (2) an image reconstruction module that takes as inputs both the noisy sinogram and the hyperparameters from (1) and generates the reconstructed images. As a proof-of-concept study, in this work we focus on a subclass of optimization based image reconstruction problems with exactly computable solutions so that the whole network can be trained end-to end in an efficient manner. Unlike existing hyperparameter learning methods, our proposed framework generates patient-specific hyperparameters from the sinogram of the same patient. Numerical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach compared to bi-level optimization.
Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits oxidative stress induced by bile acids and gastric acid in esophageal cell lines: Relevance to Barrett’s esophagus pathogenesis

1405 Objectives: Barrett9s esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition associated with elevated risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (ADCA). Previous studies indicated that oxidative damage contributes to the development of ADCA. We tested the hypothesis that bile acids and gastric acid, two components of refluxate, can induce oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage. We speculate that effects of gastric acid and bile acids may be inhibited by treatment with the cytoprotective bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Methods: Oxidative stress was evaluated by staining with an antibody to 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in BE tissues with different degrees of dysplasia. The levels of 8-OH-dG were also evaluated ex vivo in BE tissues incubated for 10 minutes with control medium and medium acidified to pH 4 and supplemented with 0.5mM bile acid cocktail. Furthermore, three esophageal cell lines (BE cells, normal squamous esophageal HET-1A cells and adenocarcinoma Seg-1 cells) were exposed for 1-10 minutes to control media, media containing bile acid cocktail, media acidified to pH 4, and media at pH 4 supplemented with 0.1mM bile acid cocktail and evaluated for induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the cells were treated as above but with 0.1 mM UDCA added to the media. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 8-OH-dG is present at increased levels in epithelial cells of dysplastic BE. Incubation of BE tissues with a combination of a bile acid cocktail and low pH leads to the increased formation of 8-OH-dG. An increase in ROS occurs after exposure to pH 4 and a bile acid cocktail in all three cell lines and pH 4 treatment alone induced ROS in BE cells and HET-1A cells. These increases in ROS were inhibited by treatment with 0.1mM UDCA. Conclusions: Oxidative DNA damage is present at increased levels in dysplastic BE tissue. Oxidative stress can be induced in esophageal tissues and cells by short exposures to bile acids and low pH. These alterations may underlie the development of BE and tumor progression. UDCA treatment may inhibit oxidative damage induced by cytotoxic bile acids and gastric acid.
Substantive Parenting Arrangements: The Tragedy of the Snipe Hunt

The snipe is a shore or marsh bird that is difficult for even trained hunters to catch. Inexperienced hunters (or campers) are teased with the impossible (or imaginary, in the case of campers) task of going on a snipe hunt. The snipe hunt has therefore become a metaphor for an impossible task, usually undertaken by the unwary and unequipped in the fog or dark. Developing the “best” child custody standards has become rather like a snipe hunt, for policy makers use (or misuse) studies that are often not up to the task in order to serve adult interests that are necessarily at odds. When things are not resolved, they resort to other strategies (such as unfounded accusations of domestic violence or of the “parental alienation syndrome”) that are the legal equivalents of banging rocks together, completely ineffective except for hurting the child.In the United States, children’s voices are mediated primarily through their parents. Most of the time this is the best solution, but in cases of conflict between the parents, or any time when parents’ and children’s interests conflict, a variety of processes ostensibly safeguard the child. While over the last thirty years there has been a focus on various sorts of ADR, a critical question in determining “best interests” involves the standard that should focus the decisionmakers’ attention. In particular, should individual decisionmaking protect the most vulnerable parents and their children, who may well have their cases decided by a judge, or should rules be more determinate to facilitate non-conflicted resolution of the vast majority of cases? What is the appropriate role of social science research in making this substantive choice or reaching the best conclusion from the child’s perspective?
Propagation and Growth Cycle of Rickettsia quintana in a New Liquid Medium

The growth cycle of Rickettsia quintana was studied for the first time in liquid culture. Growth of the microorganism in a transparent broth medium was made possible by the finding that fetal calf serum (FCS), but not calf serum (CS), satisfied the requirement of R. quintana (Fuller strain) for red blood cell lysate. The three constituents of the medium, other than FCS, were autoclavable. The growth cycle was characterized by a lag phase of approximately 24 hr, an exponential growth phase of 72 hr, and a doubling time of approximately 4.5 hr. In FCS medium, titers increased 10(5)-fold over starting titers and reached a peak after 5 days of greater than 10(8) colony-forming-units (CFU)/ml. Optical density readings at 520 nm (OD(520)) served as useful estimates of the titers only during the last 30 hr of exponential growth. Before this time, titers were below 3 x 10(7) CFU/ml and could not be detected at OD(520). The growth-promoting activity of FCS appeared to be a normal serum component widely distributed among fetal calves. FCS from five commercial suppliers supported growth of R. quintana. The active factor(s) was: (i) non-dialyzable, (ii) resistant to heating at 56 C for 30 min, and (iii) partially inactivated at 100 C in 2 min and completely lost at 100 C in 10 min. The results emphasize the presence of erythrocyte and serum factors other than hemoglobin which stimulate the growth of R. quintana.
Evaluation of an Organic No-Till System for Organic Corn, Soybean, and Tomato Production

Introduction The Rodale Institute began experimenting with an Organic No–Till Plus system in 2004, where commercial crops (corn, soybean, pumpkin) were no-till drilled or planted into cover crops that were rolled with a roller/crimper. The roller consists of a large steel cylinder (10.5 ft wide × 16 in. diameter) filled with water to provide 2,000 lb of weight. The Rodale Institute supplied Iowa State University with a roller in 2005 for this experiment.
Decision based spatial analysis of crime

Spatial analysis of criminal incidents is an old and important technique used by crime analysts. However, most of this analysis considers the aggregate behavior of criminals rather than individual spatial behavior. Recent advances in the modeling of spatial choice and data mining now enable us to better understand and predict individual criminal behavior in the context of their environment. In this paper, we provide a methodology to analyze and predict the spatial behavior of criminals by combining data mining techniques and the theory of discrete choice. The models based on this approach are shown to improve the prediction of future crime locations when compared to traditional hot spot analysis.
Risk Identification and Assessment

This summary is to the White House, FEMA, The Congress, US Nuclear and Regulatory Commission and US Army Corp of Engineers. Risk management is all about taking risks and minimizing threats or bad outcomes. (Borge, 2001 p.9) This year’s recent critical incident impacting Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station (Energy.gov, 2011) makes us ask are the nuclear plants in the U.S. failsafe? In the news this May 23, 2011 we heard that the end of the world would be May 22, 2011; which anyone who reads that bible knows that such a prediction is heresay therefore a fallacy. However, we have 15 nuclear plants located in the New Madrid Seismic Fault Zone located along the Mississippi River where levees are being blown up by the US Army Corp of Engineers. Induced seismic activity can destroy those nuclear plants like it did in Fukushima, Japan and destroy the entire North American Continent, meaning us.
Compositional Control in Electrodeposited Pt100 − x Cu x Alloys

The electrodeposition of Pt 100-x Cu x alloys is demonstrated using an electrolyte comprised of 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 , 0.001 mol/L K 2 ptCl 4 , and 0.1 mol/L CuSO 4 . Film growth proceeds by facile Cu underpotential deposition occurring in parallel with Pt overpotential deposition, with the latter controlling the overall rate of alloy deposition. Pt and depositions are monitored in real time using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance. Pt deposition from 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 + 0.001 mol/L K 2 PtCl 4 is diffusion limited at potentials below -0.150 V saturated sulfate electrode and occurs with close to 100% current efficiency. In the added presence of CuSO 4 , alloy deposition occurs, supported by the exothermic enthalpy of mixing. Monitoring the steady-state mass/charge ratio enables the composition of the growing film to be evaluated with submonolayer precision. For a given potential, the film composition so determined is in excellent agreement with the alloy composition determined for 1 μm thick films using a combination of ex situ methods. The potential dependence of the alloy composition is described by an asymmetric regular solution model with an extremum for alloying enthalpy of -18.9 ± 0.2 kJ/mol.
Chapter 2 Multiple Ion Binding Equilibria, Reaction Kinetics, and Thermodynamics in Dynamic Models of Biochemical Pathways

The operation of biochemical systems in vivo and in vitro is strongly influenced by complex interactions between biochemical reactants and ions such as H+, Mg2+, K+, and Ca2+. These are important second messengers in metabolic and signaling pathways that directly influence the kinetics and thermodynamics of biochemical systems. Herein we describe the biophysical theory and computational methods to account for multiple ion binding to biochemical reactants and demonstrate the crucial effects of ion binding on biochemical reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. In simulations of realistic systems, the concentrations of these ions change with time due to dynamic buffering and competitive binding. In turn, the effective thermodynamic properties vary as functions of cation concentrations and important environmental variables such as temperature and overall ionic strength. Physically realistic simulations of biochemical systems require incorporating all of these phenomena into a coherent mathematical description. Several applications to physiological systems are demonstrated based on this coherent simulation framework.
Transport properties of high density electron-hole plasmas at low temperatures

Measurements of the photoconductivity of germanium single crystals as a function of electron-hole pair density show the effects of carrier-carrier scattering on the mobility, for sample temperatures in the range 48 – 300 K, and for densities up to 2 ×1018 cm−3. Calculations including the effects of carrier-carrier scattering but neglecting conduction band anisotropy appear to underestimate the effect of scattering on the mobilities, especially at the lower temperatures. At 2 K, the photoconductivity shows evidence for the formation of electron-hole drops at intermediate excitation levels.
Combining micro-computed tomography with histology to analyze biomedical implants for peripheral nerve repair.

Abstract Background Biomedical implants used in tissue engineering repairs, such as scaffolds to repair peripheral nerves, can be too large to examine completely with histological analyses. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) with contrast agents allows ex vivo visualization of entire biomaterial implants and their interactions with tissues, but contrast agents can interfere with histological analyses of the tissues or cause shrinkage or loss of antigenicity. New method Soft tissue, ex vivo micro-CT imaging using Lugol's iodine was compatible with histology after using a rapid (48 h) method of removing iodine. Results Adult normal and repaired rat sciatic nerves were infiltrated ex vivo with iodine, imaged with micro-CT and then the iodine was removed by incubating tissues in sodium thiosulfate. Subsequent paraffin sections of normal nerve tissues showed no differences in staining with hematoxylin and eosin or immunostaining with multiple antibodies. Iodine treatment and removal did not alter axonal diameter, nuclear size or relative area covered by immunostained axons ( p > 0.05). Combining imaging modalities allowed comparisons of macroscopic and microscopic features of nerve tissues regenerating through simple nerve conduits or nerve conduits containing a titanium wire for guidance. Comparison with existing methods Quantification showed that treatment with iodine and sodium thiosulfate did not result in tissue shrinkage or loss of antigenicity. Conclusions Because this combination of treatments is rapid and does not alter tissue morphology, this expands the ex vivo methods available to examine the success of biomaterial implants used for tissue engineering repairs.
A Small-Scale Ground Water Leaching Study for a Primisulfuron Herbicide

Primisulfuron is a sulfonyl urea herbicide designed lo control broad-leaf weeds in fields of small grain crops. The pesticide is potent, requiring only a low dosage. It is designed to replace many existing pesticides that are suspected to contaminate the nation's ground water resources. Under the auspices of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the pesticides must be demonstrated to be environmentally safe in a field study for registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This paper presents the design and results of a ground water leaching study for the successful registration of primisulfuron. A systematic approach was employed to identity a suitable site for the ground water study. Agricultural, ground water, and soil databases were carefully reviewed lo quickly determine, from a national level down to an individual farmer, a suitable candidate site. The site selected had a shallow ground water table and a highly permeable soil matrix. The site ground water was highly vulnerable to pesticide contamination exceeding EPA site requirements. A total of eight monitoring wells, 12 lysimeters, four tensiometers, and four rain gauges were installed in four sampling clusters to collect ground water and soil-pore water samples. Bromide was used as a tracer to follow the movement of infiltrating water. The results showed that the downward migration of primisulfuron was retarded by the site soils. The average breakthrough lime for the pesticide at 3-foot lysimeters was equal to 109±19 days, which was 36 days longer than that of bromide (73±12 days). The retardation was apparently caused by the adsorption of primisulfuron to the site soils, which could be attributed to the hydrophobicity of the compound and the organic matter of the site soils. The field half-life for primisulfuron was determined to be 5.1 days, which was much shorter than the 14 days required by EPA. It was concluded that primisulfuron did not leach to the ground water table at the site under normal use conditions.
Sorption of Nonionic Surfactants on Sediment Materials

The distribution of a series of nonionic surfactants between sediments and water was studied as a function of surfactant structure, ionic strength, pH value, Ca2+ concentration in solution, sedimen...
The evaluation of singlet-triplet separations for [W2(μ-H)(μ-Cl)Cl4(μ-dppm)2] and [W2(μ-H)2 (μ-O2CC6H5)2(P(C6H5)3)2] based on 31P NMR and crystallographic data

Abstract The singlet-triplet separations for the edge-sharing bioctahedral (ESBO) complex W2(μ-H)(μ-Cl)(Cl4(μ-dppm)2 · (THF)3 (II) has been studied by 31P NMR spectroscopy. The structural characterization of [W2(μ-H)2(μ-O2CC6H5)2Cl2(P(C6H5)3)2] (I) by single-crystal X-ray crystallography has allowed the comparison of the energy of the HOMOLUMO separation determined using the Fenske-Hall method for a series of ESBO complexes with two hydride bridging atoms, two chloride bridging atoms and the mixed case with a chloride and hydride bridging atom. The complex representing the mixed case, [W2(μ-H)(μ-Cl)Cl4(μ-dppm)2 · (THF)3] (II), has been synthesized and the value of −2J determined from variable-temperature 31P NMR spectroscopy.
Introgressive hybridization in two southern California species of Rhus (Anacardiaceae)

Five populations ofRhus integrifolia andR. ovata were studied and, based upon morphological characteristics and pollen viability, a number of putative hybrids were found in those areas where the two species are sympatric. Diagnostic characteristics most useful for distinguishing the species and their hybrids are leaf morphology, sepal pubescence, petiole length, and petal size. Introgression was evident in at least three populations, which suggested that hybridization between the two species is an ancient phenomenon. Evolutionarily, hybridization between the two taxa has probably been of little consequence.
The Republican Rhetoric of Identification With Gay and Lesbian Voters in the 2000 Presidential Campaign

The apparent resonation of George W. Bush and the Republican Party with gay and lesbian Americans secured 25% of their vote in the 2000 presidential election. Before offering an analysis of the 2000 Republican campaign rhetoric aimed at lesbians–gays, the article makes a case for the power of their vote in determining who took the presidential office in January of 2001. The major focus of the work centers on a study of the Republicans' efforts to identify with gay and lesbian voters. Relying on Kenneth Burke and other noted theorists, the article examines four key events: (a) an April 13, 2000, gathering with lesbian and gay representatives; (b) the 2000 Republican national convention; (c) the vice presidential campaign debate; and (d) the second presidential campaign debate. A final section discusses the significance of the study, especially regarding political candidates wanting to identify with previously unfriendly voting groups.
CELLULAR MECHANISM OF INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY ALTERATIONS PRODUCED BY CHELATION DEPLETION

The absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein (phenol red) was used as a measure in vivo of intestinal permeability in anesthetized rats. A chelating agent, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaEDTA), placed in the lumen evoked a fivefold increase in membrane permeability; at the same time the mucosal content of magnesium and calcium decreased significantly. Making either magnesium or calcium available to the luminal surface of the membrane in isotonic solution restored normal permeability and brought the cation contents above the original levels. Electron micrographs of tissues treated in vivo with NaEDTA revealed (a) rounded swellings on the microvilli in the area of the junctional complexes between adjacent epithelial cells, (b) widening of intercellular channels particularly in the region of the intermediate junctions (zonulae adhaerentes), and (c) loss of architectural detail in the region of the desmosomes (maculae adhaerentes) with separation of their dense borders. All of these alterations in fine structure could be reversed by in vivo cation replacements which reinstated normal permeability. The implications of these findings on mechanisms of fluid transport across epithelial membranes are discussed, and a working hypothesis for the role of divalent cations in membrane permeability regulation is presented.
X-Ray Investigations of M -5 and T -2 Bacteriophage

IN an effort to use X-rays to examine the structure and organization of viruses that cannot be crystallized or arranged in paracrystalline arrays, attempts were made to apply the fibre-pulling technique. This method was used successfully in studies of the structure of DNA. Reasoning that bodies with large axial ratios behave essentially as rod-like objects in flow orientation phenomena, alignment or orientation of two viruses was attempted by the fibre-pulling method. These two viruses were: the bacteriophage M-5 (virus of B. megatherium) and bacteriophage T-2 (virus of E. coli). M-5 was chosen by virtue of its extremely large axial ratio. Its head is essentially spheroidal in shape with a diameter of 700 A. and length 3000 a. 1. It was felt that such a long virus would give better orientation than T-2 phage in the fibre-pulling process. Since Bendet, Goldstein and Lauffer reported2 good results in the orientation of T-2 phage by streaking pellets of the virus, it was decided to try to orient T-2 phage also by the fibre method.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Stegobinone via Boronic Ester Chemistry

Highly stereoselective asymmetric boronic ester chemistry has been used to install all three chiral centers in a convergent synthesis of highly pure stegobinone, the epimerically labile pheromone of the drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum, and the furniture beetle, Anobium punctatum. Asymmetric centers were installed via the reaction of (dichloromethyl)lithium with 1,2-dicyclohexylethane-1,2-diol boronic esters. The synthetic strategy utilizes a common (α-chloroalkyl)boronic ester intermediate as the source of both segments and all of the asymmetry of the target molecule. The two segments are joined by an aldol condensation and converted to stegobiol, a minor component of the S. paniceum pheromone and presumably the biogenetic precursor of stegobinone. Stegobiol is stable and easily purified, and is easily converted to pure stegobinone in a single oxidation step.
Acute and Subacute Toxicology and Safety Evaluation of Hexahydro-1,3,5-Triethyl-S-Triazine

ABSTRACTAcute and subacute toxicology and safety evaluation was determined for hexahydro-1,3,5-triethyl-s-triazine (Vancide-TH), a bacteriostatic and fungistatic agent proposed for industrial use by R. T. Vanderbilt and Co., Inc. Single dose oral toxicity, subacute 14 day dermal toxicity and eye irritation studies were conducted on either the rat or the rabbit. The data obtained indicate that Vancide-TH should be classified as a “toxic, corrosive and an eye-irritating” substance as defined under the “Regulations” of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Since the acute dermal LD50 closely approximated the acute oral LD50 in rats, this route might constitute the most serious hazard involved with V-TH and special precautions should be exercised when handling or using this substance. Because of the severe eye-irritating action, precautions should be taken to protect the eyes when handling or using the compound; the ocular damage produced may be irreversible. The “in use” concentrations (1,000 to 10,000 ppm) ...
Influence of end-grafted polyelectrolytes on electro-osmosis along charged surfaces

We studied theoretically the effect of grafted polymer layers on electro-osmotic solvent flows. This allowed us to predict qualitative features of the electrophoretic mobility of charged particles ...
Determining local-regional extension of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer evaluation and staging are based on the findings of clinical, radiological, and pathological studies. There has been a significant change in the type and availability of evaluative procedures in recent years. To summarize the current status of staging procedures, the role of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), lymph node dissection, and lymphangiogram in determining the extent of local and regional prostate cancer will be reviewed. CT has little utility in the assessment of local extension and is hampered in evaluating lymphatic metastasis because of a low sensitivity. However, CT is useful for radiotherapeutic treatment planning MR may provide better local disease assessment than TRUS, but TRUS is conducive to directed biopsy of abnormalities. The role of laparoscopic lymph node dissection is expanding and early data seems to indicate that the procedure is similar to the more traditional procedure regarding the extent of anatomic dissection and number of lymph nodes removed for pathological examination. Stage migration occurs as staging procedures evolve and the proper role of staging procedures for prostate cancer must be considered to be a dynamic process, continually open for discussion and re-evaluation.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of a functional differential equation in Banach space

Abstract Existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions are given for the equation u ′( t ) = − A ( t ) u ( t ) + F ( t , u t ) ( t ⩾ 0) and u 0 = ϑ ϵ C ([− r ,0]; X )  C . The space X is a Banach space; the family {A(t) ¦ 0 ⩽ t ⩽ T} of unbounded linear operators defined on D ( A ) ⊂ X → X generates a linear evolution system and F : C → X is continuous with respect to a fractional power of A ( t 0 ) for some t 0 ϵ [0, T ].
MicroRNA-21 targets the tumor suppressor gene tropomyosin 1 (TPM1)

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that control expression of target genes. Our previous studies show that mir-21 is overexpressed in tumor tissues compared with the matched normal tissues. Moreover, suppression of mir-21 by antisense oligonucleotides inhibits tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. However, it remains largely unclear as to how mir-21 affects tumor growth, because our understanding of mir-21 targets is limited. In this study, we performed two-dimensional differentiation in-gel electrophoresis of tumors treated with anti-mir-21 and identified the tumor suppressor tropomyosin 1 (TPM1) as a potential mir-21 target. In agreement with this, there is a putative mir-21 binding site at the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of TPM1 variants V1 and V5. Thus, we cloned the 3'-UTR of TPM1 into a luciferase reporter and found that although mir-21 down-regulated the luciferase activity, anti-mir-21 up-regulated it. Moreover, deletion of the mir-21 binding site abolished the effect of mir-21 on the luciferase activity, suggesting that this mir-21 binding site is critical. Western blot with the cloned TPM1-V1 plus the 3'-UTR indicated that TPM1 protein level was also regulated by mir-21, whereas real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR revealed no difference at the mRNA level, suggesting translational regulation. Finally, overexpression of TPM1 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells suppressed anchorage-independent growth. Thus, down-regulation of TPM1 by mir-21 may explain, at least in part, why suppression of mir-21 can inhibit tumor growth, further supporting the notion that mir-21 functions as an oncogene.
Some factors influencing the outcome of shelter competition in lobsters (Homarus americanus)

Some factors involved in the competition for shelter between lobsters 40–70 mm carapace length were examined in the field and in the laboratory. Dominance, usually indicated by greater carapace length, male sex, hard exo‐skeleton and a numerical or length advantage in claws increased the likelihood of capturing and holding a shelter. Prior residence in the shelter, right or left position of the crusher claw, or absence of both antennae did not influence the outcome of the shelter competition. Sharing of shelter was rare except when both members of the pair were very close in size or one or both lobsters were missing one or both claws. Field observations indicated that laboratory stresses may be responsible for the clear‐cut relationship between dominance and shelter possession. When, in the laboratory, size graded groups were allowed to burrow under a long flat board the total number of lobsters occupying shelters decreased with time and the dominant animal controlled most of the burrow sites.
Monitoring of a Zero-Energy-House

A comparative study is being conducted to measure the actual performance of a Zero Energy House design. Ideally, a zero energy house produces as much energy as it consumes in a year’s time. Two identically-sized houses (1610 sq ft), constructed side-by-side in southwest Las Vegas, Nevada, are equipped with a network of sensors that measure every aspect of energy usage in each home. One house is used as a baseline (standard comparison) house and was built using conventional construction techniques. The other house, the Zero Energy House, employs many energy saving features, solar power generation, and supplemental solar water heating. Both houses are utilized as model homes in an actual housing development, so it is reasonable to believe that both will experience similar and consistent usage. The data logged onsite are automatically collected every day (in an almost real-time basis) and sent via telephone connection to the Center for Energy Research at UNLV for analysis. Results are posted on the web. This paper describes the differences in construction details between the two houses. It also gives a summary of the ways the performance data are being acquired and processed. Finally, the methods used to represent the data are outlined.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Reproductive factors, bone mineral density, and fracture history: the NORA study

Abstract Objective: To examine the associations of elements of reproductive history with peripheral bone mineral density (BMD) t scores and fracture history after age 45 years. Methods: Data on risk factors and reproductive history were collected from 47,050 women who had not had hysterectomies. The key variable of interest was the duration of endogenous estrogen exposure (difference between the ages of menarche and menopause). Other variables examined included parity, lactation, oral contraceptive (OC) use, age of mother at birth of first- and last-born children, and postmenopausal (PM) estrogen supplementation. We estimated the separate and collective effects of these variables on BMD and fracture risk using bivariate analyses and regression models adjusted for age, ethnicity, and level of education. Results: Using women with less than 30 years of endogenous estrogen exposure for comparison, t scores increased 0.12, 0.25, 0.41, and 0.53, and the odds ratios for fracture were 0.92, 0.87, 0.76, and 0.76 among women with 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, and 45+ years of endogenous estrogen, respectively. Oral contraceptive use, parity, and PM estrogen use also had significant positive effects on BMD. Conclusion: The study provides evidence that the duration of endogenous estrogen exposure has a beneficial effect on BMD and lowers fracture risk, even after adjusting for BMD.
Effects of thermal acclimation and starvation on temperature selection and activity in the crayfish, Orconectes immunis

Abstract 1. 1. Crayfish (Orconectes immunis) were acclimated to 7, 14, 21 and 27°C. 2. 2. Upon placement in a thermal gradient all acclimation groups selected similar temperatures; the animals acclimated to warmer temperatures were more active for the first 6–8 hr in the gradient. 3. 3. Up to 40 days of starvation (at 21°C) produced little effect on either temperature selection or activity.
Autoradiographic localization of 5HT2 receptors in rat brain using [125I]-DOI, a selective psychotomimetic radioligand.

Abstract 1. Binding sites for the R and S enantiomers of the 5HT 2 agonist DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenylisopropylamine) were identified in rat brain using quantitative in-vitro autoradiography and compared with [ 125 I]-LSD binding. 2. In most regions of the brain, binding density of the less active isomer [ 125 I]S-DOI was 15 to 85% of that exhibited by the active [ 125 I]R-DOI isomer. 3. Cortical membrane preparations exhibited two binding sites, of the enantiomers with high (Kd H ) and low (Kd L ) affinity constants of 1.2 ± 0.02 nM and 29 ± 7 nM for the [125 I ]R-DOI and 2.1 ± 0.2 nM and 18 ± 4 nM for [125 I ]s-DOI respectively. The respective high (Bmax H ) and low (Bmax L ) binding densities were 92 ± 10 and 536 ± 164 fmol/mg protein for the [125 I ]R-DOI and 67 ± 19 and 245 ± 60 fmol/mg protein for [125 I ]s-DOI. 4. Our results correlate with regional distribution of 5HT 2 receptors reported in previous studies and indicate that DOI and its congeners have potential clinical applications for the in-vivo localization of 5HT 2 receptors.
Exosurf treatment following wood smoke inhalation

Pulmonary surfactant deactivation is an important factor in the pathophysiology caused by wood smoke inhalation. Surfactant replacement is beneficial in treatment of surfactant-deficient neonates and possibly the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this study, the effect of exogenous Exosurf treatment for acute wood smoke injury was examined in four groups of rabbits. All groups were anaesthetized, placed on a ventilator, and surgically prepared for haemodynamic, peak airway pressure (P(aw)), and blood gas measurements. Rabbits were monitored for 2 h following smoke or sham smoke inhalation. At the conclusion of the experiment pulmonary oedema and surfactant function were measured. A Control group (n = 5) was followed without intervention. A Smoke group (n = 4) was ventilated with wood smoke for 3 min. A third group (Smoke+Exo, n = 4) was subjected to smoke followed by pulmonary instillation of Exosurf (5 ml/kg). Saline (5 ml/kg) was instilled into the lungs of the fourth group (n = 3) as a control for Exosurf instillation. Saline, Smoke and Smoke+Exo all significantly lowered PO2 and elevated P(aw) compared to baseline and the Control group. Exosurf treatment did not reduce the pulmonary oedema or restore surfactant function caused by smoke exposure. This study indicates that wood smoke inhalation acutely damages the lung and that administration of Exosurf by instillation is not an effective treatment.
Predicting Occupational Role Choices after Involuntary Job Loss.

Abstract Involuntary job loss is not expected to abate and research has not examined the process by which displaced workers choose to pursue a work role (find another job) or nonwork role like retirement or going back to school. Longitudinal data were obtained from 126 employees 1 month prior to being permanently displaced. Within-subjects analyses then were used to test the ability of a behavioral choice model of motivation to predict behavioral intention to look for another job, effort in looking, and actual behavior/role choice 18 months later. The behavioral choice model significantly predicted all criteria. This study also investigated the determinants of displaced workers' expectancies for obtaining a new job. Expectancy for obtaining a job was inversely related with age, and positively with education, self-esteem, and the expectation of losing one's job. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Quantifying Void Ratio Variation in Sand Using Computed Tomography

A series of displacement-controlled, conventional, drained axisymmetric (triaxial) experiments were conducted on dry Ottawa sand specimens at very low effective confining stresses in a microgravity environment aboard the Space Shuttle during the NASA STS-89 mission. Post-flight analysis included studying the internal fabric and failure patterns of these specimens using Computed Tomography (CT). The CT scans of three specimens subjected to different compression levels (uncompressed specimen, a specimen compressed to 3.3% nominal axial strain (epsilon(sub a)), and a specimen compressed to 25% epsilon(sub a)) are presented to investigate the evolution of instability patterns and to quantify void ratio variation. The progress of failure is described and discussed. Also, specimens' densities were calibrated using standard ASTM procedures and void ratio spatial variation was calculated and represented by contour maps and histograms. The CT technique demonstrated good ability to detect specimen inhomogeneities, localization patterns, and quantifying void ratio variation within sand specimens.
Inter-comparison of laser photoacoustic spectroscopy and gas chromatography techniques for measurements of ethene in the atmosphere.

Laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS) is highly suitable for the detection of ethene in air due to the overlap between its strongest absorption lines and the wavelengths accessible by high-powered CO 2 lasers. Here, we test the ability of LPAS to measure ethene in ambient air by comparing the measurements in urban air with those from a gas chromatography flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) instrument. Over the course of several days, we obtained quantitative agreement between the two measurements. Over this period, the LPAS instrument had a positive offset of 330 ± 140 pptv (parts-per-trillion by volume) relative to the GC-FID instrument, possibly caused by interference from other species. The detection limit of the LPAS instrument is currently estimated around 1 ppbv and is limited by this offset and the statistical noise in the data. We conclude that LPAS has the potential to provide fast-response measurements of ethene in the atmosphere, with significant advantages over existing techniques when measuring from moving platforms and in the vicinity of emission sources.
Constructing a stable carbene with a novel topology and electronic framework

The perimidine skeleton provides a framework for the isolation of a novel, stable carbene possessing a unique molecular architecture and electronic structure. The remarkable steric environment and exceptional electron-donating ability for the carbene-carbon are revealed through structural and spectroscopic characterization of the parent carbene and two sterically encumbered rhodium-carbene complexes, L2RhCl{C[NCH(CH3)2]2(C10H6)} (5 L2 = COD; 6 L = CO).
NATURAL SEQUENCES IN CHILD SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION1

The acquisition sequences of 11 English functors were compared for native Chinese- and Spanish-speaking children learning English. Three different methods of speech analysis used to obtain the sequences are described in detail. All three methods yielded approximately the same sequence of acquisition for both language groups. This finding provides strong support for the existence of universal child language learning strategies and suggests a program of research that could lead to their description.
Unnatural Amino Acids Modified Clays for Design of Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Here, we incorporate the results of our new “altered phase theory” (Sikdar et al. 2008a) into design of new polymer clay nanocomposites (PCNs) for bone biomaterials applications. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay was modified using unnatural amino acids as potentially new biocompatible modifiers. The longer carbon chain structures of the unnatural amino acids are expected to enhance non bonded interactions with clay as well as maintaining the usefulness of functional groups of natural amino acids. The specific choice of amino acids is based on both the antibacterial activity reported in literature and also our previous studies on role of chain length, functional groups etc of modifiers in influencing mechanical behavior in PCNs. Biocompatibility studies using cell culture experiments as well as mechanical behavior is evaluated for the PCNs. FTIR spectroscopy is used to compare changes to molecular structure. The increase in d001 spacing of modified clay compared to pure clay obtained from XRD experiments confirms successful intercalation of modifier. The osteoblast cells were found to grow and proliferate over the substrates. The major contribution of this work is the design of novel amino acid biopolymer-clay nanocomposites for biomaterials applications. Porous scaffold structures were also designed and fabricated.© 2010 ASME
Increase of lipid yields from some algae by acid extraction

Abstract The amounts of total lipids extracted from some but not all the algae examined were increased significantly by adding HCl to the usual chloroform—methanol extraction mixture. The Yield of phospholipid fraction relative to the glycolipids and neutral lipids increased significantly with acid extraction. Acid extraction also increased the yield of phosphatidyl serine, fatty acids, chlorophyll (or its derivatives) and several unknown compounds.
The impact of different causal models on estimated effects of disinfection by-products on preterm birth.

Abstract Background Previous epidemiologic studies of preterm birth and drinking water disinfection by-products (DBP) reported inconsistent results especially for third trimester exposures. These inconsistencies may have been due to differences in the underlying causal model assumed and methodological issues, including the method of analysis (cumulative vs. density-sampling of controls and matching on gestational age) and appropriate control of confounding. Methods We use data from previously published research to illustrate how different causal models, methods of analysis, and the choice of covariates to control impact results. Results Exposure at high measured TTHM levels (≥60 μg/l) during the last trimester – with cumulatively sampled controls – corresponded to negative effect estimates when comparing preterm to term births and averaging exposure over different length periods. In contrast, density-sampling of controls with an exposure truncated at 36 weeks gestation and adjustment for possible confounding by exposures experienced in prior trimesters led to moderate changes in risk at the highest level of exposure averaged over the four weeks prior to birth. Conclusions We recommend that future research on an exposure to DBPs and risk of preterm birth explore the sensitivity of their findings to different model specifications, specifically: (1) cumulative vs. density-sampling of controls when evaluating third trimester or whole pregnancy exposures, taking into account exposure-averaging length; (2) short-term peak exposures vs. long-term exposures; and (3) adjustment for exposure during prior pregnancy periods when evaluating later trimester exposures to account for possible ‘priming’ effects of early exposures.
Characterization of SnO2/Al2O3 Lean NOx Catalysts

SnO2/Al2O3 prepared with SnCl2 impregnation onto sol–gel Al2O3 and calcined at 800°C is one of the most active catalysts for lean NOx reduction with propene under high partial pressures of O2 (15%) and H2O (10%) and space velocity (30,000 h−1). An unusual feature of this catalyst is the independence of maximum NO conversion over a wide range of Sn contents (1 to 10 wt% Sn). This catalyst is, however, sensitive to other preparation variables such as the nature of Sn precursor and the calcination temperature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic results indicate that Sn is present in the +4 oxidation state irrespective of Sn loadings. X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption, and temperature-programmed reduction results indicate a wide range of oxo–tin cluster sizes as well as different ratios of amorphous and crystalline SnO2 present in samples with different Sn loadings. The Sn(IV) in the amorphous SnO2 fraction can be reduced to Sn(II) below 450°C in the TPR experiments. In fact, all of the SnO2/Al2O3 catalysts have very similar H2 uptake features below 450°C. In view of the fact that they also have very similar catalytic properties, it appears likely that easily reducible amorphous SnO2 is an active phase for lean NOx catalysis in these samples.
16-Electron through 19-Electron Complexes of the 1,5-COD and 1,3-COD Isomers of (η5-C5Ph5)Rh(η4-C8H12): Electrochemical Evidence for an Oxidatively Induced Agostic Interaction†

The redox properties of Cp‡Rh (1,5-COD) (1) and Cp‡Rh (1,3-COD) (2) (Cp‡ = η5-C5Ph5, COD = η4-cyclooctadiene) have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and bulk coulometry. Both compounds display a four-membered electron-transfer series involving complexes of overall 2+, 1+, 0, and 1− charges. The 19-electron complexes [Cp‡Rh(COD)]- are short-lived, rapidly releasing [C5Ph5]-. The persistent 17-electron complexes [Cp‡Rh(COD)]+ have been characterized by ESR and optical spectroscopies. Complex 1+ displays an axially symmetric g-tensor, demonstrating that the 17-electon system retains the approximate C2v symmetry of its 18-electron precursor. The oxidized forms of 2n+ (n = 1 or 2) undergo slow isomerization to those of 1n+; that is, isomerization of the diolefin ligand from the 1,3- to the 1,5-isomer occurs in the higher oxidation states of [Cp‡Rh(COD)]n+. The 1,3-COD ligand imparts an unexpected thermodynamic stabilization of the higher Rh oxidation states. Formation of the 17-electron and 16-electron c...
Barbiturate recognition site on the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex is distinct from the picrotoxinin/TBPS recognition site

Abstract The cage convulsant [ 35 S]tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([ 35 S]TBPS) labels a presumed sedative-convulsant receptor complex. The relative potencies of barbiturates in competing for [ 35 S]TBPS binding parallels their potencies in enhancing benzodiazepine receptor binding. Barbiturates inhibit [ 35 S]TBPS binding in a complex, mixed competitive fashion, leading to a decrease in both the apparent affinity of TBPS for its sites and the apparent number of TBPS sites. All of the barbiturates examined markedly accelerate the dissociation of [ 35 S]TBPS from its recognition sites, while picrotoxinin does not affect the dissociation. These results suggest that the barbiturate and picrotoxinin/TBPS recognition sites are distinct but allosterically linked.