cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removal of copper and cadmium from aqueous solution using switchgrass biochar produced via hydrothermal carbonization process

Biochar produced from switchgrass via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was used as a sorbent for the removal of copper and cadmium from aqueous solution. The cold activation process using KOH at room temperature was developed to enhance the porous structure and sorption properties of the HTC biochar. The sorption efficiency of HTC biochar and alkali activated HTC biochar (HTCB) for removing copper and cadmium from aqueous solution were compared with commercially available powdered activated carbon (PAC). The present batch adsorption study describes the effects of solution pH, biochar dose, and contact time on copper and cadmium removal efficiency from single metal ion aqueous solutions. The activated HTCB exhibited a higher adsorption potential for copper and cadmium than HTC biochar and PAC. Experiments conducted with an initial metal concentration of 40 mg/L at pH 5.0 and contact time of 24 h resulted in close to 100% copper and cadmium removal by activated HTCB at 2 g/L, far greater than what was observed for HTC biochar (16% and 5.6%) and PAC (4% and 7.7%). The adsorption capacities of activated HTCB for cadmium removal were 34 mg/g (0.313 mmol/g) and copper removal was 31 mg/g (0.503 mmol/g).
The role of cognitive appraisal and emotions of family members in the family business system

Abstract Emotions are valenced and specific affective reactions to the perception of situations, events, objects, or people. They influence thoughts, motivations, and behaviors and can play an important role in family business strategy and decision making. We, therefore, explore the process of discrete emotional response and the factors that elicit emotions of family members in the context of the family business system. Our discussion: (1) defines and differentiates emotions and related terms, (2) applies appraisal theory as a framework for understanding discrete emotions from the perspective of a family member in the context of the family business system, (3) identifies the consequences of discrete emotions, and (4) discusses areas of future research for examining emotions in family business systems.
Concentration-Dependent Effects on Intracellular and Surface pH of Exposing Xenopus oocytes to Solutions Containing NH3/NH4+

Others have shown that exposing oocytes to high levels of \( {\text{NH}}_{ 3} /{\text{NH}}_{ 4}{}^{ + } \)(10–20 mM) causes a paradoxical fall in intracellular pH (pHi), whereas low levels (e.g., 0.5 mM) cause little pHi change. Here we monitored pHi and extracellular surface pH (pHS) while exposing oocytes to 5 or 0.5 mM NH3/NH4+. We confirm that 5 mM \( {\text{NH}}_{ 3} /{\text{NH}}_{ 4}{}^{ + } \) causes a paradoxical pHi fall (−ΔpHi ≅ 0.2), but also observe an abrupt pHS fall (−ΔpHS ≅ 0.2)—indicative of NH3 influx—followed by a slow decay. Reducing [NH3/NH4+] to 0.5 mM minimizes pHi changes but maintains pHS changes at a reduced magnitude. Expressing AmtB (bacterial Rh homologue) exaggerates −ΔpHS at both \( {\text{NH}}_{ 3} /{\text{NH}}_{ 4}{}^{ + } \) levels. During removal of 0.5 or 5 mM NH3/NH4+, failure of pHS to markedly overshoot bulk extracellular pH implies little NH3 efflux and, thus, little free cytosolic NH3/NH4+. A new analysis of the effects of NH3 vs. NH4+ fluxes on pHS and pHi indicates that (a) NH3 rather than NH4+ fluxes dominate pHi and pHS changes and (b) oocytes dispose of most incoming NH3. NMR studies of oocytes exposed to 15N-labeled \( {\text{NH}}_{ 3} /{\text{NH}}_{ 4}{}^{ + } \) show no significant formation of glutamine but substantial \( {\text{NH}}_{ 3} /{\text{NH}}_{ 4}{}^{ + } \) accumulation in what is likely an acid intracellular compartment. In conclusion, parallel measurements of pHi and pHS demonstrate that NH3 flows across the plasma membrane and provide new insights into how a protein molecule in the plasma membrane—AmtB—enhances the flux of a gas across a biological membrane.
Human acetylcholinesterase. Immunochemical studies with monoclonal antibodies

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies were used to investigate the immunochemistry of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7.). A series of experiments on the sedimentation velocity and Stokes radius of acetylcholinesterase and its immune complexes indicated that each antibody recognized a single high-affinity binding site (epitope) on the monomeric enzyme. Further analysis suggested that the antibody-binding sites were replicated on multimeric enzyme forms but were subject to steric hindrance between nearby IgG molecules or adjacent enzyme subunits. The cellular localization of the epitopes was studied by measuring the binding of monoclonal antibodies to the cholinesterase of intact erythrocytes. The results implied that most of the epitopes are exposed to the external media. However, one antibody failed to bind to intact cells, despite a relatively high affinity for detergent-solubilized antigen, possibly because its epitope is buried in the lipid bilayer.
Role of potassium in the regulation of polysome content and protein synthesis in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Using a mutant of Escherichia coli B, strain B207, which has lost the normal capacity to concentrate K + , one can regulate the rate of protein synthesis by varying the intracellular K + concentration. Polysomes break down completely in cells depleted of K + and are found in diminished amounts in cells growing in media containing low concentrations of K + . Although protein synthesis is proportional to the intracellular K + concentration, the polysome content is not. The data suggest that more than one K + atom per ribosome is required for protein synthesis whereas only one K + is necessary for maintaining the polysome configuration (as displayed in sucrose-density gradients). This result indicates that protein synthesis during K + depletion is not regulated by the polysome content of the cells. A large proportion of the messenger RNA synthesized during K + depletion does not seem to be associated with ribosomes or subunits. The usefulness of this mutant as a tool to study the interrelationships between protein and nucleic acid synthesis is discussed.
A pharmacognostical study of Pyrularia pubera Michx.

The taxonomy, distribution, and habitat of Pyrularia pubera are recorded.A study of the chief morphological and histological features of the immature and mature fruits and seeds is described.
Hyper-Parametric Oscillations in a Whispering Gallery Mode Fluorite Resonator

This viewgraph presentation summarizes the hyper-parametric oscillations observations of the fluorite resonator. The reporters have observed various nonlinear effects in ultra-high Q crystalline whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators. In particular, it was demonstrated a low threshold optical hyper-parametric oscillations in a high-Q (Q=1010) CaF2 WGM resonator. The oscillations result from the resonantly enhanced four-wave-mixing occurring due to Kerr nonlinearity of the material.
Long‐range 1H‐15N correlation at natural abundance using gradient‐enhanced inverse‐detection

Inverse-detected heteronuclear shift correlation efficiency has been significantly augmented by the incorporation of pulsed field gradients (PFG). Phase-cycling requirements for t1-noise suppression in gradient-enhanced experiments are, for the most part, obviated, making it feasible to acquire data in one or a few transients/t1 increment. The benefits which acerue for 1H-13C correlation (using GHMQC, GHMBC, and variants of GHMQC-TOCSY) are well documented. Less obvious is the increased facility with which long-range 1H-15N correlation spectra can be acquired. An IDR-(Inverted Direct Response)-GHMQC-TOCSY was used to establish unequivocal proton resonance assignments for the alkaloid ajmaline. Long-range 1H-15N heteronuclear couplings to the two nitrogen atoms of ajmaline were then probed using a gradient-enhanced 1H-15N heteronuclear shift correlation experiment derived from HMQC. Long-range 1H-15N couplings in ajmaline are assigned for the first time.
A framework of joint object tracking and event detection

This paper describes a probabilistic framework for simultaneously performing object tracking and event detection in monocular videos. Mathematically, we cast the problem of jointly tracking and detecting semantic events as a principled model-based search problem in a multi-dimensional state space, where the tracking trajectory and event type are discovered via maximum a posteriori (MAP) optimization. The benefit of this approach comes from its combined utilization of particle probabilistic representation, multiple hypothesis retention, efficient particle propagation, and temporal optimization. We present qualitative and quantitative results from realistic video sequences to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Drunk drivers in the courts: Legal and extra-legal factors affecting pleas and sentences

Abstract To what extent are pleas and sentences of drunk drivers influenced by legal factors such as offense severity and priors versus extralegal factors such as race and gender? It was found that guilty pleas and sentences were based most heavily on offense severity. Pleas also were based on ethnicity, with Caucasians more than twice as likely to plead not guilty. Although judges often fail to impose mandatory sentences, the judges in this sample always imposed mandatory sentences on drunk drivers.
Purification and properties of Arthrobacter neuraminidase.

Neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18) from an Arthrobacter species was purified to homogeneity by conventional procedures (yield approx. 1 mg/l) and was judged to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Gel electrofocusing of neuraminidase revealed 1 major band (85–90%), pI 5.35 ± 0.05 and 6 minor bands, those whose pI ranged from 5.25 to 5.70, and each of which had catalytic activity. Arthrobacter neuraminidase is a monomeric glyco-protein of molecular weight 88 000, has an apparent Km of 7.8 · 10−4M for N-acetylneuraminlactose, is insensitive to inhibition by N-acetylneuraminic acid, and is about 2% carbohydrate by weight. The amino acid composition as well as the galactosamine and glucosamine content was determined. The enzyme can hydrolyze (α, 2–3), (α, 2–6), or (α 2–8) linkages. The active site of the enzyme appears to be inaccessible, since no inhibition was observed by reagents known to modify sulfhydryl, lysyl, carboxyl, histidinyl, and argininyl residues. In contrast, N-bromosuccinimide at a 60-fold molar ratio to enzyme, gave complete inhibition. These results suggest that a tryptophan residue is essential for catalysis
Esophageal manometry in gastroesophageal reflux disease

High-resolution manometry (HRM) allows nuanced evaluation of esophageal motor function, and more accurate evaluation of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function, in comparison with conventional manometry. Pathophysiologic correlates of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal peristaltic performance are well addressed by this technique. HRM may alter the surgical decision by assessment of esophageal peristaltic function and exclusion of esophageal outflow obstruction before antireflux surgery. Provocative testing during HRM may assess esophageal smooth muscle peristaltic reserve and help predict the likelihood of transit symptoms following antireflux surgery. HRM represents a continuously evolving new technology that compliments the evaluation and management of GERD.
α2-Chimaerin Is an Essential EphA4 Effector in the Assembly of Neuronal Locomotor Circuits

The assembly of neuronal networks during development requires tightly controlled cell-cell interactions. Multiple cell surface receptors that control axon guidance and synapse maturation have been identified. However, the signaling mechanisms downstream of these receptors have remained unclear. Receptor signals might be transmitted through dedicated signaling lines defined by specific effector proteins. Alternatively, a single cell surface receptor might couple to multiple effectors with overlapping functions. We identified the neuronal RacGAP alpha2-chimaerin as an effector for the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4. alpha2-Chimaerin interacts with activated EphA4 and is required for ephrin-induced growth cone collapse in cortical neurons. alpha2-Chimaerin mutant mice exhibit a rabbit-like hopping gait with synchronous hindlimb movements that phenocopies mice lacking EphA4 kinase activity. Anatomical and functional analyses of corticospinal and spinal interneuron projections reveal that loss of alpha2-chimaerin results in impairment of EphA4 signaling in vivo. These findings identify alpha2-chimaerin as an indispensable effector for EphA4 in cortical and spinal motor circuits.
Formation of interfaces in bicontinuous phases

With the charge-frustrated model, this paper examines the structure of interfaces in bicontinuous oil-water-surfactant phases. We analyze the nonlinear model by variational perturbation theory with a reference system that explicitly allows for interfaces. On the length scales consistent with a microscopic length cutoff, the theory predicts distinct microphase separation for some systems that have been considered bicontinuous. For other systems, for which experimentalists have imagined microphase separation but not bicontinuity, the theory predicts near homogeneity, i.e., highly diffuse interfaces.
Identification of health care problems in a county jail

The health care needs of prisoners often are not systematically addressed. To evaluate the ability of a questionnaire, that is administered at the time of arrest, to identify inmates' medical problems and to predict subsequent use of care, we reviewed and analyzed medical records and questionnaires for 594 individuals incarcerated in a county jail. Only 54% of subjects had a completed questionnaire filed in a medical record; the questionnaire identified only 48% of persons who eventually sought care for such major problems as drug and alcohol abuse and cardiopulmonary disease. No question screened for psychiatric problems, even though five percent of subjects were diagnosed as having major psychiatric disorders during their incarcerations. On the other hand, many items addressed problems that were far less common. Uniform screening of prison populations may be effective if conducted with greater rigor and better instruments than were employed in the institution studied. Health care for inmates might be served better by universal screening and follow-up, targeted to such important problems as drug and alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorders.
Performance evaluation of biofilm reactors using graphical techniques

Abstract The dimensionless steady-state flux, J ∗ , of substrate into a biofilm can be expressed as a function of the concentration of substrate in the bulk, S b ∗ , the thickness of the stagnant liquid layer surrounding the biofilm, L ∗ , and the minimum concentration of substrate capable of sustaining growth, S min ∗ . Using a simplified algebraic expression that relates J ∗ to S b ∗ , L ∗ and S min ∗ , a series of nomograms were developed that give the performance of completely mixed (fluidized-bed) and plug-flow (packed-bed) biofilm reactors as a function of process parameters such as hydraulic retention time, kinetic constants and hydrodynamic conditions. The nomograms are simple to use and provide a tool for analyzing the performance of such reactors based in fundamental principles.
Average properties of dual resonances

Abstract As a consequence of the strong interaction (A.F.S.) scaling of dual amplitudes, we find that the average total width of a high mass resonance approaches a constant which is less than 1/π(GeV) 2 . We also obtain a logarithmic increase of the average multiplicity coming from the decay of dual resonances.
Interleukin-10 concentration and coronary heart disease (CHD) event risk in the estrogen replacement and atherosclerosis (ERA) study

Abstract Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with pleiotropic properties. Limited biochemical and clinical evidence suggest a link between IL-10 and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, more data are needed to clarify the relationship between IL-10 and risk for CHD events. Methods The present study was a secondary analysis of the estrogen replacement and atherosclerosis (ERA) trial, a randomized clinical trial that examined the effects of hormone replacement therapy on post-menopausal women with known coronary atherosclerosis. IL-10 concentration, measured at baseline, was treated as both a continuous and categorical variable. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios as estimates of relative risk for CHD events. Results There were 71 events over an average 3.2 year follow-up. Incident rates were higher for individuals with IL-10 concentrations equal to or greater than the median level (1.04 pg/mL) compared to those individuals below the median level (30% versus 18.5%, p = 0.02). The cumulative incidence of CHD events was significantly greater in individuals with IL-10 concentrations ≥1.04 pg/mL ( p = 0.01). A one standard deviation increase in baseline IL-10 concentration was associated with a 34% greater risk of a CHD event (HR 1.34 [1.06 − 1.68], p = 0.01). This elevated risk was not altered by interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, or additional cardiovascular risk factors. IL-10 concentration and risk for CHD events was most pronounced in diabetics (HR 2.4 [1.46 − 3.83], p = 0.0005). Conclusion In the ERA trial, elevated IL-10 concentration was associated with an increased risk for future cardiovascular events in post-menopausal women with established coronary atherosclerosis. Further study of the relationship between IL-10 and the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events is warranted.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Antagonizes Interferon-γ-Induced Expression of Class II Major Histocompatibility Antigens on Thyroid Follicular and Testicular Leydig Cells

Interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) induces production and expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules on both marrow-derived and nonbone marrow-derived cell types. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], a seco-steroid derived from vitamin D3, has previously been reported to enhance such expression alone or together with IFN gamma on a number of monocyte/macrophage tumorigenic lines. In contrast, the present studies have found that 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibited the ability of IFN gamma to induce class II antigen expression on nontransformed rat thyroid follicular epithelial cells (FRTL-5) and mouse testicular Leydig cells (TM3). Although 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibited the induction of both IA and IE class II locus products, IFN gamma augmentation of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens was not affected. 1,24-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 also inhibited class II induction by IFN gamma. Notably, the relative inhibitory ability of these compounds paralleled the strength of their binding affinities for the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor, indicating that this antagonistic effect probably requires receptor-ligand interaction. Other steroid hormones, such as hydrocortisone or testosterone, had no inhibitory effect on IFN gamma-induced class II expression on Leydig cells. Additionally, the failure of indomethacin to reverse the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and the finding that exogenous prostaglandin E2 did not inhibit class II induction in these cells indicated that prostaglandins are probably not responsible for this anti-IFN gamma activity. In total, these results suggest that an endocrinological mediator is capable of inhibiting class II induction on resident endocrine tissue populations and, therefore, could help to diminish local CD4+ T-cell recognition of these cells.
When More is Better: Dialoging With Video Data

Although phenomenology has emphasized that our existence is embodied and relational, most phenomenological studies have relied on written descriptions and audio recordings of interviews rather than on video data. However, the very richness of video data raises significant practical and theoretical problems. For instance: How does one even begin to deal with the complexity of the data? How does one demonstrate the plausibility/trustworthiness of one's analysis when the reader does not have ready access to the data on which it is based? Although mainstream researchers have recognized the value of video data, they have responded to these concerns by developing preconceived and reductionistic methods inappropriate for the phenomenological approach. Drawing upon a recently completed study of couples (Sayre, Lambo, & Navarre, 2006), this article presents the dialogal approach (Halling, Leifer, & Rowe, 2006) as a useful methodology for addressing some of the challenges posed by video data. In this study, the res...
Clinical implications of granulomatous inflammation detected by endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration in patients with suspected cancer recurrence in the mediastinum.

Background Granulomatous inflammation has been previously reported in association with cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a new minimally invasive test for investigating mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The identification of granulomatous inflammation by EBUS-TBNA and the clinical implications of such detection in a series of patients with previously treated cancer and new mediastinal lymphadenopathy has not previously been performed.
Resonant in-band pumping of cryo-cooled Er 3+ :YAG laser at 1532, 1534 and 1546 nm: a comparative study

Spectroscopic features of Er:YAG at cryogenic temperatures are studied in detail. We report that the major absorption line at ~1532.3 nm is much narrower and much stronger than previously measured. Spectroscopic analysis suggests that its impact on the laser performance is limited because of the strong pump saturation effect. It is shown that the high efficiency of the laser is, in fact, achieved due to absorption in the wing of this line, which is comprised of a few other transitions. It is also shown that pumping into the relatively weak 1534 nm absorption line provides practically the same laser efficiency (~75%) as pumping into the major 1532 nm absorption line. This is explained by a numerical laser model which takes into account saturation effects of pump and laser intensities. The model is validated by experimental data.
“Doing well by doing good”? Ambivalent moral framing in organizations

Responding to conflicting pressures to justify decisions both in terms of ethical standards and in terms of self-interested rationality, actors in organizations often make the dubious claim that value-driven goals are good for business. Whereas much work has already explored cases where moral and self-interested rationales clash, this review explores situations where they coincide, and discusses the factors that would lead a manager to choose to publicly frame an issue in moral or pragmatic terms. We analyze cases of mismatch between private and public moralization (e.g., moral muteness and moral hypocrisy), illustrating the value of considering these two levels of moral framing separately. Then we identify some of the precursors of moral awareness (moral intuitions, moral template matching and meta-perceptions) that signal the availability of a moral frame for a given issue. Finally, we explore what positive or negative consequences actors expect to result from public moralization, and present what research is available regarding the accuracy of these expectations.
Fluorescent Virus Precipitin Test

SummaryA fluorescent virus precipitin test (FVPT) for the serologic identification of small particulate antigens such as viruses has been described. The test has several advantageous characteristics: (a) It is probably as sensitive as any serologic test (i.e., aggregates with dimensions of 0.2 μm are detectable; therefore, complexes containing as few as three large viruses would give a positive test), (b) Cultivation of the virus is not required, (c) Since an indirect test can be used, only a single fluorescent conjugate is needed to permit the detection of a number of viruses, (d) The indirect test can be used to detect antiviral antibody, (e) The FVPT is rapid and reliable, (f) Its simplicity should enhance its general acceptance and application.
Corn Yield and Soil Nitrous Oxide Emission under Different Fertilizer and Soil Management: A Three-Year Field Experiment in Middle Tennessee

Background A three-year field experiment was conducted to examine the responses of corn yield and soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emission to various management practices in middle Tennessee.
Genome-wide linkage scan for nicotine dependence in European Americans and its converging results with African Americans in the Mid-South Tobacco Family sample

Previously, we reported a genome-wide scan for nicotine dependence (ND) in the African American (AA) sample of the Mid-South Tobacco Family (MSTF) cohort. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide scan in 629 individuals representing 200 nuclear families of European American (EA) origin of the MSTF cohort with the goals of identifying vulnerability loci for ND in the EAs and determining converging regions across the ethnic groups. We examined 385 autosomal microsatellite markers for ND, which was assessed by smoking quantity (SQ), the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) and the Fagerstrom test for ND (FTND). After performing linkage analyses using various methods implemented in the GENEHUNTER and SAGE programs, we found eight regions on chromosomes 2, 4, 9–12, 17 and 18 that met the criteria for suggestive linkage to at least one ND measure in the EA sample. Of these, the region on chromosome 4 at 43 cM showed suggestive linkage to indexed SQ, the HSI and the FTND, and the region on chromosome 9 at 24 cM showed suggestive linkage to the HSI and the FTND. To increase detection power, we analyzed a combined AA and EA sample using age, gender and ethnicity as covariates and found that the region on chromosome 12 near marker D12S372 showed significant linkage to SQ. Additionally, we found six regions on chromosomes 9–11, 13 and 18 that showed suggestive linkage to at least one ND measure in the combined sample. When we compared the linkage peaks detected for ND among the two samples and a combined sample, we found that four regions on chromosomes 9 (two regions), 11 and 18 overlapped. On the other hand, we identified five regions on chromosomes 2, 4, 10, 12 and 17 that showed linkage to ND only in the EA sample, and two regions on chromosomes 10 and 13 that showed linkage to ND only in the AA sample. For those linkages identified in only one sample, we found that the combined analysis of AA plus EA samples actually decreased the linkage signal. This indicates that some chromosomal regions may be more homogenous than others across the ethnic samples. All regions except for the one on chromosome 12 have been detected at nominally significant levels in other studies, providing independent replication of ND loci in different populations.
Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is required for the cardiac differentiation of stem cells.

Cardiogenesis within embryos or associated with heart repair requires stem cell differentiation into energetically competent, contracting cardiomyocytes. While it is widely accepted that the coordination of genetic circuits with developmental bioenergetics is critical to phenotype specification, the metabolic mechanisms that drive cardiac transformation are largely unknown. Here, we aim to define the energetic requirements for and the metabolic microenvironment needed to support the cardiac differentiation of embryonic stem cells. We demonstrate that anaerobic glycolytic metabolism, while sufficient for embryonic stem cell homeostasis, must be transformed into the more efficient mitochondrial oxidative metabolism to secure cardiac specification and excitation–contraction coupling. This energetic switch was programmed by rearrangement of the metabolic transcriptome that encodes components of glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Modifying the copy number of regulators of mitochondrial fusion and fission resulted in mitochondrial maturation and network expansion, which in turn provided an energetic continuum to supply nascent sarcomeres. Disrupting respiratory chain function prevented mitochondrial organization and compromised the energetic infrastructure, causing deficient sarcomerogenesis and contractile malfunction. Thus, establishment of the mitochondrial system and engagement of oxidative metabolism are prerequisites for the differentiation of stem cells into a functional cardiac phenotype. Mitochondria-dependent energetic circuits are thus critical regulators of de novo cardiogenesis and targets for heart regeneration.
Neuroimmaturity of Learning-Disabled Children: A Controlled Study.

SUMMARY A 46-component neurological exam was administered to 119 learning-disabled children and to 152 control children, and a Neuroimmaturity Index (NI) was constructed. The results were compared by age and sex. Neuroimmaturity decreased significantly with age, and after controlling for age and sex there were statistically significant differences in NI between the learning-disabled and control children. Male children from both groups, controlling for age, tended to have a higher NI than females. Patterns of disability were related to communication skills; older learning-disabled males had difficulty writing and spelling, whereas younger female learning-disabled children had difficulty with spoken language. RESUME Immaturite neurologique chez les enfants presentant des troubles des apprentissages: etude controlee Un examen neurologique a 46 composantes a ete proposea 119 enfants presentant des troubles des apprentissages et a 152 enfants controles: un index d'immaturite neurologique (NI) a ete construit. Les resultats sont compares par âge et par sexe. Les donnees indiqent qu'il y a des differences significatives de NI entre les enfants presentant des troubles de l'apprentissage et le groupe controle apres correction pour l'âge et pour le sexe. II s'est manifesteegalement une tendance vers un NI plus eleve chez les garcons que chez les filles dans chaque groupe et apres correction pour l'âge. Dans tous les groupes, il a ete observe une diminution du taux d'IN en fonction de l'age croissant. Des particularites d'infirmite ont pu etre reliees aux capacities de communication: les garcons les plus âges avec difficultes d'apprentissage presentaient des troubles de l'ecriture et de l'orthographe; les filles les plus jeunes avec troubles d'apprentissage presentaient des troubles de langage parle. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Neurologische Unreife bei Kindern mit Lernschwierigkeiten: eine kontrollierte Studie Eine aus 46 Komponenten bestehende neurologische Untersuchung wurde bei 119 Kindern mit Lernschwierigkeiten und bei 152 Kontrollkindern durchgefuhrt und daraus ein Index fur die neurologische Unreife (Neuroimmunity Index=NI) gebildet. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit Alter und Geschlecht verglichen. Die Befunde zeigen, das der NI signifikante Unterschiede zwischen Kindern mit Lernwschwierigkeiten und Kontrollkindern aufweist, nachdem Alter und Geschlecht berucksichtigt wurden. Bei Berucksichtigung des Alters hatten die Jungen in beiden Gruppen einen hoheren NI als die Madchen. Bei allen Gruppen fand sich mit zunehmendem Alter eine Abnahme des NI. Die Art der Schwierigkeiten stand in Relation zur Kommunikationsfahigkeit: altere lernbehinderte Jungen hatten Schwierigkeiten beim Schreiben und Buchstabieren; jungere lernbehinderte Madchen hatten Schwierigkeiten beim Sprechen.
Characterizing the “technological position” of firms, with application to quantifying technological opportunity and research spillovers☆

Abstract U.S. Patent data is used to characterize the technological position of manufacturing firms. Clusters of technologically related firms are identified and compared to standard industry groups. It is shown that the productivity of R&D varies systematically across these clusters, and this variation is related to the notion of “technological opportunity”. Finally, it is shown that the productivity of a firm's R&D is affected by the R&D of its technological neighbors. This is taken as evidence for “spillovers” of R&D among firms.
DNA purified from naked intranuclear particles of human liver infected with hepatitis B virus

DANE et al.1 observed a particle 42 nm in diameter with a double shell and an inner core resembling a viral nucleoid in the sera of some patients with hepatitis B antigenemia. They postulated that this particle was the complete hepatitis B virion. Almeida et al.2 showed that an internal core particle, 27 nm in diameter, could be released by treating the 42 nm Dane particle with Tween-80 (polysorbate) and that this core particle contained an antigen different from hepatitis B antigen (HBAg). Almeida3 suggested that these core particles were identical to naked particles, also 27 nm in diameter, observed by electron microscopy in the nuclei of hepatocytes of human livers infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV)4,5. Cores isolated from Dane particles in human sera6 seem to be similar in morphology to the 27 nm naked particles visualised in homogenates of HBV-infected human livers7. We recently reported methods for isolation and purification of concentrated preparations of naked intranuclear particles of hepatocytes of HBV infected liver8. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of these particles suspended in 0.05 M Tris-HCl, 40 mM KCl, 0.1% β-mercaptoethanol (BME), 10 mM MgCl2, pH 7.5 buffer showed a peak at 264 nm and a shoulder at 280 nm indicating the presence of both nucleic acid and protein8. We now report the isolation of double-stranded DNA from these particles and describe the spectral properties of the isolated DNA.
Generalization in short-term recognition of auditory verbal stimuli

Groups of second-, fourth-, and sixth-grade school children were asked to indicate whether or not each of 81 words being presented aurally had been presented previously. Using this short-term recognition task, verbal generalization to words related antonymically, synonymically, and phonetographically to the critical repeated word was demonstrated. Generalization was greatest for phonetographically related words.
Psychosocial risk factors, natural immunity, and cancer progression: Implications for intervention

One of the more important and emerging fields in which psychologists collaborate with other disciplines is psychoimmunology. Centuries of clinical anecdote and decades of psychosomatic hypotheses have gained credibility in the eyes of the medical establishment—and many patients—by the systematic investigation of mechanisms potentially explaining how events intrapsychic and interpersonal could affect physical disease processes. The central nervous system is connected with the immune system by both neuronal and endocrinological pathways. The immune system has been found to mediate the organism’s response to aberrations of its own normal functions, as well as to invading organisms from without. AIDS, arthritis, asthma, lupus, and herpes are some of the illnesses in which research is demonstrating important relationships among psychosocial and immunological factors and disease course. In this article, we first discuss the immunological apparatus in order to provide a base for subsequent discussions of the effects of stress on immune function. Then we discuss malignant diseases and current evidence that disease course is related to both psychosocial stressors and immune function. We next discuss a model of these interactions, and finally we talk about interventions incorporating psychosocial factors aimed at influencing immune status and, thus, disease course.
Regional Climate and Variability of NASA MERRA and Recent Reanalyses: U.S. Summertime Precipitation and Temperature

AbstractReanalyses have increasingly improved resolution and physical representation of regional climate and so may provide useful data in many regional applications. These data are not observations, however, and their limitations and uncertainties need to be closely investigated. The ability of reanalyses to reproduce the seasonal variations of precipitation and temperature over the United States during summer, when model forecasts have characteristically weak forecast skill, is assessed. Precipitation variations are reproduced well over much of the United States, especially in the Northwest, where ENSO contributes to the large-scale circulation. Some significant biases in the seasonal mean do exist. The weakest regions are the Midwest and Southeast, where land–atmosphere interactions strongly affect the physical parameterizations in the forecast model. In particular, the variance of the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) is too low (extreme seasonal averages are weak...
Algorithms for paths in the lattice of topologies on finite sets (abstract only)

A topology on a finite set Sn =[x1,…,xn] is a collection of subsets of Sn containing Sn and the empty set, which is closed under the operations of union and intersection. The class of all topologies on a given Sn is partially ordered by inclusion and forms a lattice we shall denote by L(Sn).J.W. Evans, F. Harary and M.S. Lynn [“On the computer enumeration of finite topologies”, Comm. ACM 10, 295-8 (1967) discussed the large number of topologies for even comparatively small values of n, and the authors [“Topologies on finite sets III”, Congressus Numerantium 33, 185-8 (1981) and its prequels] described the lattice of topologies.In this paper efficient algorithms are developed to enumerate the shortest paths between a pair of arbitrary points in the lattice, as well as to determine the length of the shortest path, and to determine the paths themselves.The problem and its solution have theoretical interest, as well as practical applications to education and psychology [L. Fernandez, H. Levinson and M. Seglin, “A discrete mathematical model for learning and intelligence”, to appear].
The effect of short term lithium administration on suppressibility of parathyroid hormone secretion by calcium in vivo.

Abstract We performed graded calcium infusions twice in six normal young men, once without medication and a second time after they had received therapeutic doses of lithium carbonate for 5 days/The serum lithium level was 0.73 ± 0.08 meq/ liter (mean ± SE) at the beginning of the calcium infusion and reached 0.97 ± 0.13 150 min after receiving a lithium dose (210 min after beginning the test). There was no significant difference in mean basal serum calcium, plasma PTH, or nephrogenous cAMP for the untreated and treated periods. There was also no significant difference in calcium suppressibility of PTH secretion, as reflected by changes in nephrogenous cAMP. Changes i n plasma PTH in response to calcium infusion likewise did not differ for the two periods, with the exception of a slightly greater degree of suppression in the unmedicated state (77% vs. 57% on lithium: P < 0.02, by paired t test) at the last time point of the calcium infusion. The data show that short term administration of therapeutic doses...
On the Analytical Solutions of Flux-Profile Relationships for the Atmospheric Surface Layer

Abstract Analytical solutions Of surface layer similarity equations are presented for the nondimensional profile functional forms suggested by Businger et al. For stable atmospheric conditions, exact analytical solutions of the Monin-Obukhoy stability parameters ζ=z/L, in terms of gradient Richardson number (Ri) and bulk Richardson number (Rib), respectively, are obtained. For unstable atmospheric conditions, an exact solution of the same in terms of Ri is found. An approximate relationship between ζ and Rib, for an unstable surface layer, based on the solution of ζ in terms of Ri, is suggested. The proposed analytical solutions can replace costly numerical iterative methods as well as some of the ad hoc parameterizations used for estimating surface fluxes and related turbulence characteristics.
Developmental social welfare services: A solution for the challenges facing social welfare globally

Abstract “—Poverty is not in the nature of things. Poverty is not inevitable in the world today. There are the resources - food, shelter, work, skills, training - and means to make them available to all—”
Children's food preferences and genetic sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP).

Genetic sensitivity to bitter taste may be as- sociated with preference or rejection of some foods by children. Thirty-four children aged 5-7 y participated in the following assessments: a threshold test for 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), a scaling test to determine PROP sensitivity above threshold concentrations, a taste test of 11 foods and beverages with two methods of assessing preference (order of food selection and hedonic rating), and a verbally administered food-preference questionnaire. The 30 children who completed these tests suc- cessfully were classified as nontasters or tasters based on their PROP thresholds as well as their suprathreshold PROP functions. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in acceptance of cheese and milk for the two taste groups on one of the three preference tasks, selection of foods in order of preference. Tasters selected cheese later than did nontasters, suggesting that they like it less. Tasters selected milk earlier than did nontasters, suggesting that they like it more. Am J C/in Nuir 199 l;54: 3 16-20.
A location-dependent runs-and-gaps model for predicting TCP performance over a UAV wireless channel

In this paper, we use a finite-state model to predict the performance of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) over a varying wireless channel between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ground nodes. As a UAV traverses its flight path, the wireless channel may experience periods of significant packet loss, successful packet delivery, and intermittent reception. By capturing packet run-length and gap-length statistics at various locations on the flight path, this location-dependent model can predict TCP throughput in spite of dynamically changing channel characteristics. We train the model by using packet traces from flight tests in the field and validate it by comparing TCP throughput distributions for model-generated traces against those for actual traces randomly sampled from field data. Our modeling methodology is general and can be applied to any UAV flight path.
Techniques of Bronchial Sleeve Resection

A bronchial sleeve resection can be considered for lesions arising from a lobar bronchus so as to preclude a standard lobectomy, yet without enough distal involvement as to warrant a pneumonectomy. Limited bronchial resection allows maximal conservation of pulmonary function in patients with benign or malignant disease, without compromising oncologic outcome. This article defines the indications and preoperative management of candidate patients and discusses key anesthetic considerations and surgical techniques for this complex airway reconstruction. The essential component of a successful operation is a tension-free bronchial anastomosis. Open communication and careful discussion of airway management between anesthesiologist and surgeon will help ensure a good outcome.
The Schizophrenic and the Paranoid Process

Data are presented in support of an understanding of schizophrenic and paranoid processes as operating relatively independently in the formation and deformation of human personality. The schizophrenic process derives from a genetically determined diathesis in combination with a range of factors involving environmental stress. The effects of the schizophrenic process in the organization and integration of internal structure and the differentiation of psychic functions are found at multiple levels, including negative consequences for the integration between cognitive and affective capacities, between conceptual and perceptual functions, and in the integration and stabilization of psychic structures. The schizophrenic process is envisioned as having disorganizing and disruptive effects on different levels of psychic organization, including the levels of the organization of cognitive processes, the formation and integration of representational systems (both self and object, and the structural integration of the self-system. In contrast, the paranoid process is thought to operate in the shaping and internal patterning of the personality organization, particularly by way of crucial forms of internalization. The interaction of introjection and projection shapes the individual's self-organization and contributes to the quality of interaction with significant objects. The impact of the paranoid process in both its positive function of contributing to the building up and integration of a meaningful and constructive sense of self and capacity for psychological functioning, as well as its deviant forms of expression in the development of paranoid pathology, is discussed. Although the schizophrenic and paranoid processes operate relatively independently, their interaction and intermingling contributes to the spectrum of forms of psychopathology that characterize the schizophrenic spectrum.
The magnitude distribution of earthquakes near Southern California faults

We investigate seismicity near faults in the Southern California Earthquake Center Community Fault Model. We search for anomalously large events that might be signs of a characteristic earthquake distribution. We find that seismicity near major fault zones in Southern California is well modeled by a Gutenberg-Richter distribution, with no evidence of characteristic earthquakes within the resolution limits of the modern instrumental catalog. However, the b value of the locally observed magnitude distribution is found to depend on distance to the nearest mapped fault segment, which suggests that earthquakes nucleating near major faults are likely to have larger magnitudes relative to earthquakes nucleating far from major faults.
Integrated CPU and l2 cache voltage scaling using machine learning

Embedded systems serve an emerging and diverse set of applications. As a result, more computational and storage capabilities are added to accommodate ever more demanding applications. Unfortunately, adding more resources typically comes on the expense of higher energy costs. New chip design with Multiple Clock Domains (MCD) opens the opportunity for fine-grain power management within theprocessor chip. When used with dynamic voltage scaling (DVS), we can control the voltage and power of each domain independently. A significant power and energy improvement has been shown when using MCD design in comparison to managing a single voltage domain for the whole chip, as in traditional chips with global DVS.In this paper, we propose PACSL a Power-Aware Compiler-based approach using Supervised Learning. PACSL automatically derives an integrated CPU-core and on-chip L2 cache DVS policy tailored to a specific system and workload. Our approach uses supervised machine learning to discover a policy, which relies on monitoring a few performance counters. We present our approach detailing the role of a compiler in constructing a custom power management policy. We also discuss some implementation issues associated with our technique. We show that PACSL improves on traditional power management techniques that are used in general MCD chips. Our technique saves 22% on average (up to 46%) in energy-delay product over a DVS technique that applies independent DVS decisions in each domain. Compared to no-power management, our technique improves energy-delay product by 26% on average (up to 64%).
A Shank Color Mutation in Cornell Random Bred S.C. White Leghorns

Abstract A genetic variant displaying green shanks, first noted among pullets of the Cornell random bred stock has been shown to be controlled by a sex linked recessive gene “idc” at the “Id” locus affecting the deposition of melanin in the dermis of the shank skin. An allele other than “id” is suggested since most mutants with green shanks and white plumage at maturity display traces of color on the beak and feathers.