cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On-Column and Post-Column Derivatization for Capillary Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence for the Analysis of Single Cells

Derivatization methods for analysis of single cell components by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection are reviewed. Recent advances have lead to the use of this technique for the identification of amino acids and proteins in many different cell lines ranging in size from 8 to 140 μm. Pre-column, on-column, and post-column methods of derivatization are examined in order to determine which results in the least amount of sample handling and dilution leading to better detection limits for the analytes of interest.
A School-Based Consultation Program for Service Delivery to Middle School Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

A school-based consultation program for providing services to middle school students with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is described. Services were offered at three levels: inservice training, on-site consultation, and advanced training with follow-up consultation. The program began by providing core knowledge about ADHD and effective intervention skills when working with adolescents. Following the inservice, the program providers used a behavioral consultation framework to offer participating school districts 15 days of individualized consultative services within a 60-day period. Advanced knowledge and follow-up consultation were made available after the consultation process was completed. Results indicated that, across a total of 57 participating school districts, 2,928 different personnel had contact with project activities. Although school districts varied as to the types of project services they accessed, most districts chose to use general in-service programs focused on knowledge dissemination to general and special education teachers, as well as consultation concerning individual students. Outcomes of the project suggested that the model was successful in substantially increasing knowledge and services to middle school students with ADHD. Implications for future implementation and expansion of the model are discussed.
Crystals suitable for profile angle measurement: Boric acid and picric acid in concentrated 12N hydrochloric acid

A method is described for the preparation of boric acid and picric acid crystals from concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions. The profile angles of these two compounds are reported.
CYANOGENIC GLYCOSIDES OF CARICA PAPAYA AND ITS PHYLOGENETIC POSITION WITH RESPECT TO THE VIOLALES AND CAPPARALES

Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) was found to contain the cyclopentene-ring containing cyanogenic glucoside tetraphyllin B as well as the aromatic cyanogenic glucoside prunasin. This is the Srst report of the isolation of cyanogenic glucosides from a species known to produce glucosinolates. The presence of both classes of compounds suggests that Carica papaya may be intermediate between the Capparales and the Violales.
Caudal is a negative regulator of the Anopheles IMD Pathway that controls resistance to Plasmodium falciparum infection

Malaria parasite transmission depends upon the successful development of Plasmodium in its Anopheles mosquito vector. The mosquito's innate immune system constitutes a major bottleneck for parasite population growth. We show here that in Anopheles gambiae, the midgut-specific transcription factor Caudal acts as a negative regulator in the Imd pathway-mediated immune response against the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Caudal also modulates the mosquito midgut bacterial flora. RNAi-mediated silencing of Caudal enhanced the mosquito's resistance to bacterial infections and increased the transcriptional abundance of key immune effector genes. Interestingly, Caudal's silencing resulted in an increased lifespan of the mosquito, while it impaired reproductive fitness with respect to egg laying and hatching.
Modeling excess sulfur deposition on wetland soils using stable sulfur isotopes

Freshwater wetlands exposed to excess S deposition can potentially store significant amounts of reduced S in soils by dissimilatory sulfate reduction. If this storage is permanent, the harmful environmental effects of S deposition and the accompanying acidity are reduced, particularly on surface waters into which wetlands drain. Total non-sulfate S in freshwater peat is divided into three fractions: reduced inorganic S, ester sulfate and carbon-bonded sulfur (CBS). Each fraction is further divided based on its origin: assimilatory via plant and microbial uptake, and dissimilatory via microbial reduction. The CBS fraction dominates in peat, so the amount of dissimilatory CBS in the soil is a direct measure of the beneficial effect of storage of reduced S. Unfortunately, there is no way to directly measure dissimilatory CBS. A model is developed which, with three assumptions, provides a method to calculate dissimilatory CBS using S pool size and stable isotope measurements. Application of the model to a wetland in the New Jersey Pinelands, U.S.A., shows that large amounts of reduced dissimilatory S are stored in the soil. As a consequence, the impact of S deposition and acidity on the surface water environment is significantly reduced.
Ferromagnetic resonance in an amorphous CoPdSi alloy

Abstract The values of g and of the magnetization of an amorphous Co10Pd70Si20 alloy were obtained by ferromagnetic resonance at 9.5 GHz. The shift of the g-value is interpreted as the result of an s - d exchange interaction.
Mechanical Cycling Stability of Organic Thin Film Transistors on Shape Memory Polymers

Organic thin film transistors on shape memory polymers are fabricated by full photolithography. Devices show high mobility (0.2 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)) and close to zero threshold voltage (-4.5 V) when characterized as fabricated. After 1, 10, and 100 deformation cycles and in a deformed, metastable shape memory transition state, changes in mobility and V(th) are measured and indicate sustained device functionality.
On the nature of emotion.

This essay has tried to make three points. First, humans are capable of a large number of affect states (the exact number is not yet known), each marked by a distinct profile of physiology, cognition, and behavior, and each requiring a distinct name. Second, a distinction should be made among acute emotions, chronic moods, and temperamental vulnerabilities to a particular emotion state. Finally, research on human affects will profit from a return to, and a reinterpretation of, Freud's suggestion of unconscious affect states. Such inquiry would provide a corrective to the current reliance on the verbal reports of phenomenal states on questionnaires or in interviews as either the only, or the primary, index of an emotion. Continued use of this strategy will limit analyses to a small number of heterogeneous states that happen to have a popular English name and will retard discovery of the larger number of affect states that are of significance for human function. Discovery of these states will require use of new sources of evidence to supplement popular ones, including facial and postural expressions, muscle tension, EEG, vagal tone, heart-rate changes, blood pressure, GSR, facial temperature, and blood or saliva indexes of norepinephrine, opioids, and cortisol. When the cosmologist James Peebles was asked to guess the exact numerical answers to a series of astronomical puzzles, like the age of the universe or of a distant star, he replied, "If someone gave me on a tablet of clay the answer and the numbers, I would be disappointed. I would throw it away because the great discoveries are not going to be a final number, but the method you come to apply to learn that number."
Development of action potentials in a clonal rat skeletal muscle cell line.

THE development of the action potential mechanism has been studied during the differentiation of myoblasts into cross-striated muscle fibres. A clonal line of muscle cells isolated from rat thigh was used1 because this provides a homogeneous population of cells easily accessible for electrophysiological studies and biochemical analysis. This system provides a useful model for studying the differentiation of mammalian skeletal muscle.
Mineral compositions of plutonic rocks from the Lewis Hills Massif, Bay of Islands ophiolite

Mineral compositions of residual and cumulate rocks from the Lewis Hills massif of the Bay of Islands ophiolite complex are reported and interpreted in the context of magnetic processes involved in the geochemical evolution of spatially associated diabase dikes. The mineral compositions reflect greater degrees of partial melting than most abyssal peridotites do and appear to represent the most depleted end of abyssal peridotite compositions. Subsolidus equilibration between Cr-Al spinal and olivine generally has occurred at temperatures of 700 to 900 C. The spinel variations agree with the overall fractionation of basaltic magmas producing spinels with progressively lower Cr numbers. The compositions of clinopyroxenes suggest that the fractionation of two different magma series produced the various cumulate rocks.
Sensing ‘performance anxiety’: Zhang Ziyi, Tang Wei, and female film stardom in the People’s Republic of China

This article explores the intersection of affective-sensorial and politico-cultural dimensions involved in female film star-gazing in present-day China. Case studies of two controversial female film stars (Zhang Ziyi and Tang Wei) reveal that the actresses’ on-screen and off-screen sexual performances incited expressions of public ‘performance anxiety’. Through an analysis of each star’s reception vis-a-vis interviews, newspaper articles, and online user comments, this article proposes that certain structures of affect related to shame, anxiety, and arousal are also connected to sensorial experiences of taste, smell, touch, and sight.
Radiation modified filler for dental restorative composites

Abstract γ-Radiation was utilized to graft acrylic acid in the vapor phase to the surface of glass fibers and quartz particles. This treatment improved the wettability of the filler with the polymeric matrix and enhanced the mechanical properties of the composite. Samples were prepared from the unfilled dental resin, and from composites containing untreated, silane treated and polyacrylic acid-grafted fillers. These composites contained 30, 45 and 69 vol.% filler in each category. The composites containing grafted filler were superior in hardness and compressive strength, and equivalent in abrasion resistance to those with silane treated fillers. However, both treatments showed at least a 50% improvement in compressive strength and a 300% reduction in wear over composites with untreated filler. This improvement was even more substantial when glass fibers were used as the filler material.
Subpicosecond Studies Of Collision-Free Multiple Photon Processes In The Ultraviolet

In recent years a strong interest has developed in the study of the basic coupling mechanisms governing high order multiphoton processes in atomic systems. 1 Such interest has been stimulated by the rapid advances in short pulse generation techniques which allow atomic interactions at an intense field strength of the order of atomic field to be studied. Furthermore, good understanding of the highly nonlinear photon interactions is necessary to evaluate the possibility of using multiphoton processes 2 as a means to couple energy into excited states emitting in the x-ray region.
Biomass feedstock contracts: Role of land quality and yield variability in near term feasibility

Abstract In the absence of an infrastructure for the harvest, storage and purchase of cellulosic biomass, contracting is an important mechanism through which biorefineries can ensure adequate feedstock supply. We develop an optimization model to assess the economic potential of dedicated energy crops when profit-maximizing farmers allocate croplands of varying quality toward biomass in response to multi-year contracts. We evaluate the economic competitiveness of perennial grasses with traditional commodity crops, in a case study of switchgrass production in Tennessee. Assuming short-term contracts, we consider the importance of payment structure, land quality, energy crop yield and projected commodity crop returns on a farmer's decision to accept a contract for biomass production. We find that a wholesale contract, in which the farmer is guaranteed a price per unit biomass, is most effective on the highest quality of land, while a contract in which the farmer is guaranteed a price per acre is most effective on lower quality land. From the biorefinery perspective, a wholesale contract is most effective for short-term contracts while an acreage contract is most effective for long-term contracts. Breakeven pricing will only secure feedstock from farmers who produce commodity crops with unfavorable price outlooks on lower quality land; therefore, the contract price must include a premium in order to compete for space in the crop mix. The yield profile of energy crops has a significant effect on the terms at which short-term contracts will be accepted and land allocated toward feedstock production. The extent to which energy crop yields observed in field trials can be maintained at commercial scale also has a substantial effect on the scale at which farmers would be willing to participate in energy crop production.
A methodology and algorithms for the design of hard real-time multitasking ASICs

Traditional high-level synthesis concentrates on the implementation of a single task (e.g. filter, linear controller, A/D converter). However, many applications—multifunctional embedded controllers intelligent wireless end-points, and DSP and multimedia servers—are defined as sets of several computational tasks. This paper describes new techniques for the synthesis of ASIC implementations that realize multiple computational processes under hard real-time constraints. Our synthesis methodology establishes connections between two important comengineering domains: operating systems and behavioral synthesis. Our hierarchical approach starts from an incompletely-specified preliminary solution and uses, interchangeably, operating system and behavioral synthesis techniques to derive increasingly more detailed and accurate design solutions. We have experimented with both optimal and heuristic algorithms to implement this methodology. The optimal algorithm uses several heuristics to speed up the average run time of an exhaustive branch-and-bound search. Force-directed optimization is the core of the heuristic synthesis method. Analysis of the proposed algorithms and the experiments shows that matching the number of bits and type of operational in taskes assigned to the same application-specific processor was the most important factor in obtaining area-efficient designs.
A substrate analog inhibitor for arylsulfatase reduces NK cell cytotoxicity

A synthetic aromatic sulfonate (I), which has been found to be an effective inhibitor of arylsulfatase, reduces NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity by ca. 60% at 10 microM concentration. At lower concentrations the effect is concentration dependent, but no further reduction of cytotoxicity is observed at concentrations above 10 microM.
Stabilized dynorphin derivatives for modulating antinociceptive activity in morphine tolerant rats: Effect of different routes of administration

Dynorphins, such as dynorphin A(1–13) (Dyn A(1–13)), have been shown to enhance analgesia in morphine-tolerant animals, despite their very short half-life after intravenous administration. The potential use of dynorphins in humans is therefore of interest. This laboratory has recently evaluated the metabolic fate of stabilized dynorphin derivatives. This study was conducted to evaluate whether such stabilized derivatives, ie, [N-Met-Tyr1]-Dynorphin A(1–13) (N-MT Dyn A, stabilized at the N-terminal end) and [N-Met-Tyr1]-Dynorphin A(1–13) amide (N-MT Dyn A amide, stabilized at the C-and N-terminal ends), would enhance the antinociceptive activity of morphine not only after intravenous administration but also after subcutaneous and pulmonary delivery. Intravenous administration of N-MT Dyn A (5 μmol/kg) and N-MT Dyn A amide (5 μmol/kg) to morphine-tolerant rats resulted in significantly higher tail-flick latencies than those observed for the saline group. These effects could be observed for up to 2.0±0.1 hours after intravenous administration of N-MT Dyn A and for up to 3.4±1.4 hours for N-MT Dyn A amide. The time-averaged effects of both peptides were similar. After pulmonary delivery of the same dose, derivatives remained active. The duration of the effects after pulmonary administration of the amide was 4.4±2.5 hours while that of N-MT Dyn A was slightly shorter (2.8±0.9 hours). No effect was observed after subcutaneous administration of N-MT Dyn A. These results suggest that pulmonary delivery of stabilized dynorphin derivatives represents a possible alternative to intravenous administration.
Transcostal imaging with large coherent apertures: Ex vivo studies

In order to implement and evaluate a basic blocked-element detection and compensation algorithm on large arrays we acquired large synthetic 2-D aperture data sets on canine ribs ex vivo. Elements that were blocked by the ribs exhibited significantly lower values for the signal amplitude and nearest-neighbor cross-correlation than the remaining elements on the aperture. Turning off these elements retroactively in transmit and receive synthetic apertures significantly reduced clutter magnitude in the resulting B-mode images. Measured point spread functions showed now significant difference after blocked-element compensation was applied.
Anxiety Sensitivity Amelioration Training (ASAT): a longitudinal primary prevention program targeting cognitive vulnerability.

Abstract Fear of arousal symptoms, often referred to as anxiety sensitivity (AS) appears to be associated with risk for anxiety pathology and other Axis I conditions. Findings from a longitudinal prevention program targeting AS are reported. Participants ( n = 404) scoring high on the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) were randomly assigned to receive a brief intervention designed to reduce AS (Anxiety Sensitivity Amelioration Training (ASAT)) or a control condition. Participants were followed for up to 24 months. Findings indicate that ASAT produced greater reductions in ASI levels compared with the control condition. Moreover, reductions were specific to anxiety sensitivity relative to related cognitive risk factors for anxiety. ASAT also produced decreased subjective fear responding to a 20% CO 2 challenge delivered postintervention. Data from the follow-up period show a lower incidence of Axis I diagnoses in the treated condition though the overall group difference was not statistically different at all follow-up intervals. Overall, findings are promising for the preventative efficacy of a brief, computer-based intervention designed to decrease anxiety sensitivity.
MRCI: a flexible real-time dynamic clamp system for electrophysiology experiments

We present a real-time simulation system that enables modeled dynamical systems to interact with physical experimental systems, and is specifically aimed towards execution of the dynamic clamp protocol. Model reference current injection (MRCI) operates under Real-Time Linux (RT-Linux or RTL) and provides a simple equation-oriented language for describing dynamical system models. Features include scripting of commands to implement repeatable protocols, the ability to output pre-computed waveforms through any variable or parameter of the model, the means to conduct time measurements and assess the computational performance of the real-time system, and an installation program that installs the software and accompanying device drivers with minimal input from the user. Tested models operate as fast as 30 kHz, with actual maximum rates dependent on model complexity. We present sample models that exhibit the main features of the modeling language. Experiments demonstrate the abilities of the system by creating a hybrid network of real and simulated neurons, and playing a pre-defined synaptic waveform into a synaptic conductance variable. We conclude by introducing a waveform reconstruction technique that is useful for establishing the presence of significant experimental error in implementations of the dynamic clamp protocol.
Comparison of remedial and compensatory interventions for adults with acquired brain injuries.

Objective To examine the effects of a compensatory intervention versus a remedial intervention for deficits in visual processing of adults with acquired brain injuries (ABI). Setting A cognitive rehabilitation program at a large comprehensive rehabilitation hospital in the New York City metropolitan area. Patients Thirty adults with ABI were matched according to severity of injury, gender, age, and time post-injury, and randomly assigned to the remedial or compensatory group. Interventions The remedial intervention consisted of four 45-minute sessions (once weekly) of participation in computer tasks without instruction in compensatory strategies. The compensatory intervention consisted of four 45-minute sessions of instruction in the use of three internal compensatory strategies, including verbalization, chunking, and pacing. Main outcome measures Pretest/posttest measures included three functional computer tasks. Weekly measures included a computerized version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and two computerized matching tasks. Results Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvement of comparable degree on posttests and weekly measures. Further analysis revealed that 80% of both groups used compensatory strategies, regardless of intervention method. Those who used strategies demonstrated better performance than those who did not. Conclusion The ability to use internal compensatory strategies may be a significant confound in research examining the effects of the various cognitive rehabilitation intervention methods.
Pattern recognition in noisy environment using principal component analysis and spectral angle mapping

This paper proposes an algorithm for detecting object of interest in hyperspectral imagery using the principal component analysis (PCA) as preprocessing and spectral angle mapping. PCA has found many applications in multivariate statistics which is very useful method to extract features from higher dimensional dataset. Spectral angle mapper is a widely used method for similarity measurement of spectral signatures. The developed algorithm includes two main processing steps: preprocessing of hyperspectral dataset and detection of object of interest. To improve the detection rate, the preprocessing step is implemented which processes hyperspectral data with a median filter (MF). Then, principal component transform is applied to the output of the MF filter which completes the preprocessing step. Spectral angle mapping is then applied to the output of preprocessing step to detect object with the signature of interest. We have tested the developed detection algorithm with two different hyperspectral datasets. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm efficiently detects object of interest in all datasets.
''Why Not Have Fun?'': Peers Make Sense of an Inclusive High School Program

Including students with significant disabilities at the high school level has been a subject of increasing research in recent years. This study explores the experiences of a high school student with significant disabilities, Michael, through the narratives of his peers. Participant observation in the building indicated that Michael remained on the periphery of mainstream school experiences as his peers worked with an institutional narrative that was predicated on normative expectations of all students. Using data from interviews, the article investigates how Michael’s peers made sense of the process of inclusion that was implemented within this building. It documents the practical constructions of students as they used various elements of the normative discourse within the building to fashion their own interpretations of significant disability. These candid student commentaries retained a persistent focus on the extent to which Michael’s program addressed (or failed to address) his fun-loving disposition while remaining critical of the rationale behind the practices it supported. As the data showed, peers’ notions of fun for Michael were deeply intertwined with the opportunities for participation made available to him and the critical necessity for social interaction with his peers.
A labor market forecast for nuclear-related technicians

During 1975, data was collected on the current and projected future levels of employment and training for nuclear-related technicians in the twelve western states. Survey questionnaires were mailed to over 2600 organizations; 79 percent of these responded to the data request. Inquiries to a 20 percent sample of the non-respondents indicates the survey accounts for approximately 95 percent of the total nuclear-related technician employment in the western states.
Determination of optimally resolving gel concentration and migration time (path) in gel electrophoresis.

Abstract The notion of a mathematically defined optimally resolving gel concentration for components of a pair of molecular species of any given size was developed by Rodbardet al.(Electrophoresis and Isoelectric Focusing on Polyacrylamide Gel, pp. 28–62, de Gruyter, Berlin, 1974) 21 years ago. The mathematical treatment was incorporated into a computer program (T-OPT) for mainframe computers which upon input of the slope and intercept on the mobility axis of the Ferguson plots of the two components, electrophoresis time and temperature, yielded plots of resolution vs gel concentration. The same algorithms were later incorporated into the program ELPHOFIT for personal computers. Ideality of diffusion spreading and zero initial zone width were assumed along with a Gaussian peak distribution and an equal area for both components. Moreover, these programs failed to respond to the practical question of the migration time (or path) required for the resolution at the optimal gel concentration, although an independent program predicting the course of resolution under the assumption of free diffusion band spreading in gels (DAR-001) had been devised by Rodbard for application in preparative elution–PAGE. The present work advances the technology for predicting resolving conditions by pre- senting a computer program which allows the user (i) to predict the gel concentration which is optimal for obtaining the desired degree of resolution at any migration time, (ii) to prescribe the minimal degree of resolution between two band distributions one wishes to achieve, and (iii) to predict the migration time (or path) required at the optimal gel concentration for the resolution of the two components. The program is written in MATLAB and can be used by any computer that supports MATLAB language.
Masers to magic bullets: an updated history of lasers in dermatology

Laser therapy is one of the fastest expanding and most exciting fields in dermatology. From its theoretical beginnings in Einstein's imagination, lasers have come to be used in treatments for conditions ranging from skin malignancy and acne to hirsutism and photoaging. We will briefly review the evolution of laser treatment, with a focus on the recent developments surrounding the new millennium.
Quantitative Effect of Optic Zone Diameter Changes on Rigid Gas Permeable Lens Movement and Centration

Abstract The effect of varying optic zone diameter on rigid contact lens positioning and visible post-blink movement was determined on 20 patients using a 9.50 mm overall diameter lens with 7.40, 7.90 and 8.40 mm optic zones. The smaller optic zone lens positioned more temporally and superiorly than did the larger zone lenses. There was not a strong correlation between lens positioning and patient factors such as corneal shape, corneal apex position, lid position, and corneal diameter. The strongest correlation was between lens position and the patient factors of actual corneal diameter and horizontal apex position. The smaller optic zone lens moved slightly less than did the larger optic zone lenses.
Measurements of r(0) and theta(0) : two decades and 18 sites.

We present a statistical analysis of r (0) and theta(0) measurements collected over the last 2 decades at 18 different sites. Although the site altitudes varied from sea level to 3 km, the major distinguishing feature between average r(0) values was the presence or absence of a turbulent, atmospheric boundary layer above the surface. For locations without a strong boundary-layer inversion, the mean coherence length, r(0), was 93 +/- 6 mm and the mean isoplanatic angle, theta(0), was 9.4 +/- 0.5 murad. Where a boundary-layer inversion was present, the corresponding values for r(0) and theta(0) were 53 +/- 2 mm and 6.5 +/- 0.5 murad, respectively.
Proposal for extending the UPC memory copy library functions and supporting extensions to GASNet, Version 1.0

This document outlines a proposal for extending UPC's point-to-point memcpy library with support for explicitly non-blocking transfers, and non-contiguous (indexed and strided) transfers. Various portions of this proposal could stand alone as independent extensions to the UPC library. The designs presented here are heavily influenced by analogous functionality which exists in other parallel communication systems, such as MPI, ARMCI, Titanium, and network hardware API's such as Quadricselan, Infiniband vapi, IBM LAPI and Cray X-1. Each section contains proposed extensions to the libraries in the UPC Language Specification (section 7) and corresponding extensions to the GASNet communication system API.
MODIS EVIbased Variability in Amazon Phenology across the Rainforest-Cerrado Ecotone

The Amazon region contains one of the world's richest biodiversity and plays a major role in global dynamics of climate and global water and biogeochemical cycles. A better understanding of vegetation phenology and associated seasonal variations in carbon dynamics is necessary to develop reliable biosphere-climate models in the region. In this study, we investigated the interaction of climate and vegetation physiognomy on Amazon vegetation phenology through various eco-climatic transects traversing the Amazon transition ecotone. Our objective was to develop a better understanding of transitional ecotone vegetation dynamics and assess their relationship to rainforest and cerrado phenology patterns. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time-series data were utilized for measuring seasonal variations in "greenness" across a series of eco-climatic transects. Overall, MODIS EVI derived phenology, showed pronounced, moisture induced dry- wet seasonal contrasts in the cerrado and intermediate seasonal contrast level in the light-limited rainforests. The transitional forests, representing a mixed response of light, water, and other factors, showed the least seasonality, however, the ecotone areas of converted forests depicted strong, moisture-limited, dry-wet seasonal contrasts due to the dominance of shallow rooted plants that cannot exploit water from deeper soil moisture layers in the dry season. The EVI seasonal profiles of tropical rainforests, transition ecotone forests, converted forests, and cerrado were unique. This yielded important phenology information useful in land cover characterization and for parameterization for biosphere-climate models.
Acetal Homopolymer in Water Contact Service

Fabricated plastics are becoming increasingly important as components of potable water systems because of cost compared to metals and ease of fabrication and installation. The outstanding physical properties, dimensional stability and metal-like properties of acetal homopolymer suggest that this resin is a useful plumbing material. Acetal homopolymer has been utilized in water applications for nearly 25 years.
Recent Advances in Autism Research as Reflected in DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

This article provides a selective review of advances in scientific knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) diagnostic criteria as a framework for the discussion. We review literature that prompted changes to the organization of ASD symptoms and diagnostic subtypes in DSM-IV, and we examine the rationale for new DSM-5 specifiers, modifiers, and severity ratings as well as the introduction of the diagnosis of social (pragmatic) communication disorder. Our goal is to summarize and critically consider the contribution of clinical psychology research, along with that of other disciplines, to the current conceptualization of ASD.
Rocket measurements of F-layer electron density and their interpretation☆

Abstract Solutions of the continuity equation for ionospheric electron density including the effects of ambipolar diffusion, near the peak of the F -layer, indicate that the width of the peak is determined by the atmospheric scale height at night, but is less during photo-equilibrium conditions during the day. This conclusion is borne out by rocket electron density measurements. Evidence is found supporting measurements of diurnal atmospheric heating deduced from satellite drag data, and a thermopause temperature is found of about 1100°K at night and 1490°K during the day. Assuming the classical form for the ambipolar diffusion coefficient, a value of the loss coefficient β is found of about 5 × 10 −4 sec −1 , at 300 km height, which falls within the range measured by other methods.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Regulation by the Adiponectin/C1q/Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Protein Family of Proteins

Cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease, is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries.1 Obese states are closely linked to the development of metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders.2,3 It is well established that adipose tissue secretes various hormonal factors, also known as adipokines, and affects nearby or remote organs in a paracrine, and endocrine manner.3–5 Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulated adipokine production caused by excess fat accumulation contributes to obesity-associated complications.4 Most adipokines are upregulated in obese states and usually act as proinflammatory mediators that promote the disease process.4 Conversely, a few adipokines are downregulated by obesity, and these factors typically exert beneficial actions on obesity-linked disorders. Article see p 3159 Adiponectin is a widely-studied antiinflammatory adipokine. Its concentration in the bloodstream is reduced in obese subjects. Experimental studies have shown that adiponectin protects against the development of various obesity-inducible metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.3,4,6 In the past few years, it has become appreciated that adiponectin is a member of the large C1q/tumor necrosis factor–related protein (CTRP) family. These family members contain a conserved collagen tail domain and a globular C1q-like domain at the C terminus.7,8 Recent studies show that, like adiponectin, some CTRPs function as adipokines that display diverse biological activities in the context of …
Harvesting wireless signals from two-way talk-radios to power smart meters and displays

A power-harvesting prototype made of a compact antenna and an optimized RF-DC converter circuit is designed to convert the wireless signal given by a 2-way radio into usable DC power at which many low power electronics and displays used in sensors and smart meters can operate. Measurements show electronics up to 13V can be easily powered by holding the harvester 5 inches away from the radio. A capacitive display is successfully powered on wirelessly using the radio signals without batteries.
Forecasting enrollments with fuzzy time series—part II

Abstract There have been a good many methods to forecast university enrollments in the literature. However, none of them could be applied when the historical data are linguistic values. Fuzzy time series is an effective tool to deal with such problems. In this paper, as an application of fuzzy time series in educational research, the forecast of the enrollments of the University of Alabama is carried out. In so doing, a fuzzy time series model is developed using historical data. A complete procedure is proposed which includes: fuzzifying the historical data, developing a fuzzy time series model, and calculating and interpreting the outputs. To evaluate the forecasting model, the robustness of the fuzzy time series model is tested. Advantages and problems of the forecasting method are also discussed.
Quantitative ultramicro-analysis for the clinical laboratory.

Methods are described for analysis for glucose, nonprotein nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, sodium, potassium, pH, chloride, cephalin flocculation, total cholesterol, total protein and albumin. The quantities of plasma or serum required for analysis range from 0.02 to 0.1 ml. and the performances of the analyses are simple enough to enable them to be used in clinical laboratories.
Mordell–Lang conjecture for function fields in characteristic zero, revisited

We give an elementary proof of the function field (or geometric) case of the Mordell–Lang conjecture in characteristic zero.
A capacity-based approach for addressing ancillary care needs: implications for research in resource limited settings

A paediatric clinical trial conducted in a developing country is likely to encounter conditions or illnesses in participants unrelated to the study. Since local healthcare resources may be inadequate to meet these needs, research clinicians may face the dilemma of deciding when to provide ancillary care and to what extent. The authors propose a model for identifying ancillary care obligations that draws on assessments of urgency, the capacity of the local healthcare infrastructure and the capacity of the research infrastructure. The model lends itself to a decision tree that can be adapted to the local context and resources so as to provide procedural guidance. This approach can help in planning and establishing organisational policies that govern the provision of ancillary care.
DIFFERENTIATION OF SELF, NEED FULFILLMENT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN MARRIED MEN

The contributions of differentiation of self and need fulfillment within the marital relationship to the experience of psychological well-being were examined in a sample of 95 married men. Differentiation of self, interactional-emotional need fulfillment, and sexual need fulfillment were each associated with higher scores on psychological well-being. Perceived interactional-emotional need fulfillment was identified as the most important predictor of well-being, followed by differentiation of self, and then perceived sexual need fulfillment. Regression analysis indicated that collectively these variables accounted for a significant proportion (27%) of the variance in well-being within the sample. Men who perceived their marital partners to be meeting their interactional, emotional, and sexual needs and who are able to maintain interdependent relationships with their partners were more likely to experience positive mental health. The results point to the importance of attending to issues of self-differentia...
Assessment of Puerto Rican Children in Bilingual Education Programs in the United States: A Critique of Lloyd M. Dunn's Monograph.

This article comments on Dunn's translation of the PPVT-R into Castillian Spanish and the process he used to norm this instrument with Puerto Rican and Mexican American children. Demographic characteristics of Hispanics, specifically Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans, in the United States are provided. A review of relevant literature excluded by Dunn in his discussion of the scholastic, intellectual, and linguistic assessment of Puerto Rican and Mexican American children follows. It is concluded that the Spanish version of the PPVT-R is inappropriate to measure receptive language in Puerto Rican and Mexican American children in the United States because it does not follow cross cultural methods for test translation and validation.
EPA's Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rules (DBPR) and Northern Kentucky Water: An Economic and Scientific Review.

Implementation of EPA’s Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rules (DBPR) in Northern Kentucky will cause a water rate increase of over 25%. Hence a review was undertaken, considering both economics and science in the context of President Obama’s 2009 scientific integrity directive. The rules purport to avoid up to 0.49% of new bladder cancers by reducing the levels of DBPs in drinking water – a benefit so small that failure to implement will not cause unreasonable risk to health (URTH). It suggests at most one Northern Kentucky death avoided over 17 years for a cost of $136,000,000 ($1700 per household). Even this small benefit is probably overstated. EPA finds no “causal link” between DBPs and bladder cancer, and EPA acknowledges problems with the epidemiological data used in their calculation: the data appear contradictory and inconsistent, may be skewed toward “positive” results, and suggest different cancer sites than animal studies. Two similar international agencies disagree with EPA’s conclusions. The science is based on the Linear No Threshold (LNT) dose response model for DBPs, but this may not be the correct model. 83% of EPA’s epidemiological data show a statistical possibility that low levels of DBPs might be beneficial or have no effect.
Genetic Testing: Practical, Ethical, and Counseling Considerations

Genetic testing is becoming a much more common practice in medicine today. This presents a unique set of challenges for medical professionals in virtually all specialties. The practical aspects of determining which test to order, and in interpreting the result accurately in the context of the family history, can be difficult. Additionally, the ethical conundrums that frequently present themselves when genetic risk assessment and/or genetic testing is being considered can be daunting. These challenges present real concerns for medical professionals and patients alike. Included in this article is a review of some of the practical and ethical complexities associated with genetic testing. Pretest and posttest genetic counseling is also emphasized as an important and essential process in today's medical practice.
Effect of feedback delay upon learned heart rate control.

The effects of heart rate feedback delay upon bidirectional heart rate control were determined by comparing four groups of 10 subjects who received either: a) immediate feedback, or b) feedback that was delayed by 1.4 sec, 5 sec, or 14 sec. All subjects received 3 sessions of training which included 3 within-session phases, i.e. 2 (pre and post-feedback) Instructional Control phases during which subjects were instructed to speed or slow heart rate without the aid of feedback, and a Feedback phase during which bidirectional heart rate control was assisted by analogue heart rate feedback. Heart rate, chin EMG, and respiration rate were recorded during all phases. The results indicated that the magnitude of heart rate increases and decreases was systematically influenced by differing amounts of feedback delay. For increasing and decreasing heart rate, the group receiving immediate feedback showed superior heart rate control in comparison to groups which received feedback that was delayed by 14 sec. The strongest effects of feedback delay were evident during Feedback and the final Instructional Control phase. Only the group receiving immediate feedback improved HR control during Feedback and post-feedback Instructional Control phases. These findings were discussed in terms of a motor skills learning model for learned HR control. It was concluded that while many of the same parameters influence HR and motoric behavior, the two responses should not be regarded as equivalent.
Prevention of skeletal muscle catabolism in sepsis does not impair visceral protein metabolism

We investigated whether the preservation of gastrocnemius proteins by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) during sepsis altered protein metabolism in visceral tissues. Sepsis was induced by creation of an abdominal abscess followed by infusion of saline of IL-1ra. Five days later, the tissue protein content and rate of protein synthesis were measured. IL-1ra did not significantly alter hepatic protein metabolism in septic or control animals. In kidney, the protein content and rate of protein synthesis were both decreased by sepsis and significantly ameliorated by the infusion of IL-1ra. Sepsis decreased the rate of protein synthesis in the small intestine. IL-1ra increased intestinal protein synthesis in both control and septic animals; however, the effects were localized to the seromuscular layer. The preservation of muscle protein by IL-1ra in sepsis did not adversely affect protein synthesis in any of the visceral tissues examined. IL-1 appears to mediate the sepsis-induced changes in protein synthesis in kidney and small intestine but not in liver or spleen. Protein synthesis in each visceral organ responds differently to the septic insult and modulation of IL-1 bioactivity.
Drift and activity responses of black flies ( Simulium vittatum ) in the field: influences of tactile and injury-released stimuli from simulated predation

Prey must manage threat from many types of predators; therefore, selection should favor sensory mechanisms that allow the refinement of defensive behavior. To assess responses to tactile and chemical stimuli related to predation, we observed drift and activity of larval black flies (Simulium vittatum) to simulated predator contact intended to imitate benthic and drift predators as well as a combination of tactile and injury-released stimuli. In the field, larvae responded to tactile stimuli applied to the head with a higher frequency of curling and posterior abdominal segments with a higher frequency of drifting. Additionally, chemical cues from injured conspecifics followed by tactile stimuli applied to the head resulted in a higher frequency of drifting than to either cue independently and this effect was more pronounced at night. The results of our study indicate that larval black flies may utilize multiple cues to determine their antipredator and predator avoidance strategies.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of the eulytite phase of bismuth germanium oxide powders

A simple hydrothermal route to the eulytite phase of bismuth germanium oxide (E-BGO: Bi4(GeO4)3) that required no post-processing has been developed. The E-BGO material was isolated from a mixture of bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and a slight excess of germanium oxide in water under hydrothermal conditions (185 °C for 24 h). The resultant materials were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and luminescence measurements to verify the particle’s phase (eulytite), morphology, size, and response to a variety of excitation energy sources, respectively. Photoluminescence spectroscopic response from E-BGO pellets indicated that the samples exhibited a strong emission peak consistent with an x-ray induced luminescence of a E-BGO single crystal (500 nm excited at 285 nm). Cathodoluminescent properties of the E-BGO displayed a broadband spectrum with a maximum at 487 nm. The growth process was consistent with a standard Oswald ripening and LaMer growth processes.