cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fonti Engergetiche Transfrontaliere E Diritto Ambientale, Politica E Politiche: Il Caso Del Gasdotto Keystone Pipeline in Canada E Negli Stati Uniti (Transboundary Environmental Energy and Environmental Law, Policy and Politics: The Keystone Pipeline Case in Canada and the United States)

Italian Abstract:Fonti energetiche transfrontaliere e diritto ambientale, politica e politiche: il caso del gasdotto Keystone Pipeline in Canada e negli Stati Uniti (*)Una delle decisioni piu difficili per il secondo mandato dell'amministra­zione Obama e in materia di tutela ambientale e riguarda la Keystone Pipeline XL.Antefatto.La Pipeline XL e un tratto del grande progetto multi-fase che ha come obiettivo quello di trasportare alle raffinerie negli Stati Uniti il greggio ricavato dalle sabbie bituminose dell'Alberta. Le prime tre fasi sono sia gia operative con il greggio che viene recapitato ai mercati Mid-West, che ancora in costruzione. E la quarta fase quella che impegna il Congresso nel momento in cui questo articolo e stato scritto.1. Antefatto. —2. Chi decide e perche. —3. lmplicazioni per l'ambiente e per Ia politica ambientale durante il secondo mandato di Obama. —4. Altre possibili azioni legali. -5. Conclusioni.English AbstractThe Keystone XL pipeline refers to one segment of a multi stage set of projects which is aimed at bringing oil sands bitumen from the sand tars area of Alberto, Canada to refineries in the United States. The first three phases of the project are either operational or under construction and crude oil is being delivered to Mid-West markets. It is the fourth that confronts Canadian and United States officials as this article is being written. In this brief summary I describe the background of the controversy and the decision making framework and outline possible legal actions that may be taken whatever the decision of the Obama and relevant Canadian administrations.
Internalization and recycling of activated thrombin receptors

Shortly after activation by either thrombin or the tethered ligand domain peptide SFLLRN, thrombin receptors undergo homologous desensitization, temporarily losing their ability to respond to both agonists. We have examined the role of receptor internalization and recycling in this process using receptor-directed antibodies as probes. The results show within 1 min of activation > 85% of the approximately 200,000 thrombin receptors on megakaryoblastic human erythroleukemia (HEL) and CHRF-288 cells are sequestered into endosomes via coated pits, after which the majority are transferred to lysosomes. This process does not require proteolysis of the receptor and occurs with sufficient speed to play a major role in the regulation of thrombin receptor function. Although most of the internalized receptors are ultimately degraded, approximately 25% return to the cell surface. These recycled receptors are in a state in which they can respond to SFLLRN but not thrombin; nor do they self-activate despite the apparent continued presence of the tethered ligand. In contrast to other G protein-coupled receptors, which are internalized and then recycled in an activatable state, recovery of the thrombin response occurs only after the expression on the cell surface of adequate numbers of newly synthesized receptors.
Depression and antidepressant use moderate association between widowhood and Alzheimer's disease

Objective In recent decades, biological evidence has implicated chronic stress in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a result, the relationship between widowhood, one of the most stressful life events, and AD has also received attention. This study extends this literature by investigating whether depression, which may indicate proneness to distress, and antidepressant use, which can protect against hippocampal shrinkage, moderate the relationship between widowhood and increased risk for AD. Methods To investigate this, this study utilized data from the Cache County Memory Study, a large population-based epidemiological study of AD, and the Utah Population Database, one of the world's foremost linked genealogical databases, to regress AD on the interaction between widowhood and history of depression and antidepressant use. Results In Cox regression analyses, history of depression and antidepressant use moderated the association between widowhood and AD (p = 0.007 and p = 0.006, respectively), in that widowhood was associated with 73% and 94% increased hazard of AD among those reporting depression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001 to 2.99) and those reporting antidepressant use (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.13 to 3.33). A significant three-way interaction between widowhood, depression, and antidepressant use was also found (p = 0.02), showing depression to moderate the association between widowhood and AD only among those not using antidepressants (p = 0.02). Conclusions These findings advance clinical and scientific knowledge concerning the effects of widowhood on risk for AD and underscore the importance of depression and antidepressant use in understanding vulnerability to and protection from these effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Phylogeny of the Neotropical Nectar-Feeding Bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

We present a phylogeny of 35 species of nectar-feeding bats based on 119 morphological characters: 62 from the skin, skull, and dentition and 57 soft tissue characters (the latter from Wetterer et al., 2000). These data support monophyly of the subfamilies Brachyphyllinae, Phyllonycterinae, and Glossophaginae, and the tribes Glossophagini and Lonchophyllini. Our analysis contradicts the phylogeny estimated from the RAG-2 gene, which does not support a monophyletic Glossophaginae (Baker et al., 2000). Parsimony analysis of a combined matrix, containing morphological characters and RAG-2 sequences, results in a phylogeny that includes Brachyphyllinae and Phyllonycterinae in Glossophaginae. Support for most clades is stronger than in the morphological tree, but support for basal nodes of the phylogeny remains weak. The weak support at these basal nodes underscores the historical disagreements regarding relationships among these taxa; combining morphological and molecular data has not improved support for these nodes. Uncertainty regarding basal relationships complicates description of morphological change during the evolution of nectarivory in the Phyllostomidae.
Altitude profiles of lower thermospheric temperature from RAIDS/NIRS and TIMED/SABER remote sensing experiments

[1] Thermospheric temperatures derived from limb observations of the O2 A-Band (0,0) emission spectrum obtained from January–July 2010, with the Remote Atmospheric and Ionospheric Detection System (RAIDS) Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRS) aboard the International Space Station, are compared to temperature results from the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) experiment. To account for a lack of simultaneous common volume observations, the observed temperatures were scaled by the NRLMSIS-00 model temperatures for comparison. It was found that on average SABER, temperatures are warmer than NIRS at all altitudes between 90 and 140 km. In the altitude range 90–100 km, the SABER temperatures were warmer than NIRS by ~10 K consistent with previous validation experiments and in agreement with Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS) O2 A-band comparisons in the polar mesopause region. At higher altitudes, the differences between SABER and NIRS exceed 30 K on average. Thus, the NIRS observations reinforce the idea that the SABER temperatures are too warm below ~110 km; and above that altitude, they are increasingly in error consistent with expectations based on estimated inaccuracies in the retrieval algorithm. Large standard deviations of the SABER and NIRS ratios are reflective of substantial variability of the thermospheric temperatures throughout the region.
Demographic risk factors impacting timely radiation therapy completion after breast conserving surgery.

Abstract Background Radiotherapy completion (RTC) is critical to successful breast conserving treatment. Our aim was to identify patient groups at greatest risk of not achieving timely radiotherapy completion (TRTC) in an urban setting. Methods This observational cohort study used hospital registry data from 2004 to 2010 for female stage I and II breast conserving treatment patients to assess predictors of RTC and TRTC, defined as RTC of 35 to 49 days. Results Two hundred sixty-one patients were analyzed. There was no difference in mean days to RTC by ethnicity (black 46.8, white 46.4, Hispanic 48.1 days, P = .75) or total RTC (black 88.2%, white 97.9%, Hispanic 93.3%, P = .09). However, a substantial difference was seen in TRTC by ethnicity (black 51.8%, white 79.2%, Hispanic 57.8%, P = .03). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of failure to achieve TRTC found associations with black race (odds ratio [OR] 2.67), Medicare (OR 3.46), Medicaid (OR 2.19), and age less than 50 years (OR 4.13). Conclusions This study demonstrates high overall percentage RTC but demonstrates disparities in TRTC. Those at greatest risk of unsuccessful TRTC were younger, Medicare or Medicaid insured, and black race.
Accuracy of F-18 calibration settings in commercial dose calibrators using a new traceable Ge-68 standard

2112 Objectives Due to the recent concerns related to the accuracy of F-18 dose calibrator settings, a study was performed to assess the accuracy of existing F-18 settings in multiple commercial dose calibrators using a new, more accurate Ge-68 traceable standard. Methods The accuracy of F-18 calibration settings in specific dose calibrators, including five Biodex Atomlab 100, four Biodex Atomlab 500 and one Capintec CRC-15 was evaluated. A new traceable Ge-68 standard (RadQual) with an accuracy of 0.95% (95% confidence level) was calibrated on dose calibrator dial settings for Ge-68 and the appropriate F-18 correction factor applied. The percent difference in F-18 activity measured versus the expected activity from the traceable standard was calculated. Data was statistically summarized by calculating means and standard deviations. The deviation in F-18 readings in the previous Capintec CRC-15 calibration setting (439) and the new calibration setting (472) was also measured and compared to expected activity. Results Utilizing the traceable standard, a mean percent difference of -3.0% and a range of -1.8% to -4.7% was observed for the F-18 setting in Atomlab 100 dose calibrators (n=5) indicating an underestimation of F-18 activity measurements. In Atomlab 500 dose calibrators (n=4), a mean percent difference of -2.4%, with a range of -0.8% to -4.0%, was observed for the F-18 setting also indicating an underestimation in F-18 activity. The percent deviation in F-18 readings in the previous (439) and new (472) Capintec CRC-15 settings was 5.5% and 0.3%, respectively, indicating an improvement in F-18 activity measurements. Conclusions The accuracy of F-18 calibration settings in commercial dose calibrators was evaluated utilizing a new, more accurate, Ge-68 traceable standard. Results indicated a slight underestimation in F-18 activity measurements using Biodex dose calibrators and a slight underestimation using a Capintec dose calibrator
Chemistry of star‐forming cores

Chemical effects arising from the exchange of molecules between dust and gas in dense clumps are described. Selective desorption of CO and N2 from grains in cool cores can account for the presence of ammonia in several cores in the NGC 2024 cloud. Evaporation of ices containing methanol and ethanol can lead to detectable abundances of (C2H5)2O and CH3OC2H5. Results are presented for the hot core chemistries of sulphur and phosphorus which are initiated by evaporated hydrogen sulphide and phosphine. The implications of these studies for understanding the nature of molecular mantles, the evolution of molecular complexity in the gas phase, and the presence of small‐scale abundance gradients in star‐forming regions, are briefly discussed.
Interferon regulatory factor 1 and histone H4 acetylation in systemic lupus erythematosus

Histone acetylation modulates gene expression and has been described as increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) interactions that influence H4 acetylation (H4ac) in SLE. Intracellular flow cytometry for H4 acetylated lysine (K) 5, K8, K12, and K16 was performed. Histone acetylation was defined in monocytes and T cells from controls and SLE patients. RNA-Seq studies were performed on monocytes to look for an imbalance in histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylase enzyme expression. Expression levels were validated using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. IRF1 induction of H4ac was evaluated using D54MG cells overexpressing IRF1. IRF1 protein interactions were studied using co-immunoprecipitation assays. IRF1-dependent recruitment of histone acetyltransferases to target genes was examined by ChIP assays using p300 antibody. Flow cytometry data showed significantly increased H4K5, H4K8, H4K12, and H4K16 acetylation in SLE monocytes. HDAC3 and HDAC11 gene expression were decreased in SLE monocytes. PCAF showed significantly higher gene expression in SLE than controls. IRF1-overexpressing D54MG cells were associated with significantly increased H4K5, H4K8, and H4K12 acetylation compared to vector-control D54MG cells both globally and at specific target genes. Co-immunoprecipitation studies using D54MG cells revealed IRF1 protein-protein interactions with PCAF, P300, CBP, GCN5, ATF2, and HDAC3. ChIP experiments demonstrated increased p300 recruitment to known IRF1 targets in D54MG cells overexpressing IRF1. In contrast, p300 binding to IRF1 targets decreased in D54MG cells with IRF1 knockdown. SLE appears to be associated with an imbalance in histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylase enzymes favoring pathologic H4 acetylation. Furthermore, IRF1 directly interacts with chromatin modifying enzymes, supporting a model where recruitment to specific target genes is mediated in part by IRF1.
The use of negative pressure wound therapy in severe open lower extremity fractures: identifying the association between length of therapy and surgical outcomes

Abstract Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely accepted method of temporary coverage for complex lower extremity wounds before definitive reconstruction. However, the precise role of NPWT in the perioperative management of patients with complicated lower extremity injuries remains unclear. In this study, we examine the effect of NPWT on flap complications and overall outcomes based on timing of soft-tissue reconstruction relative to initial injury and implementation of NPWT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 consecutive patients presenting to a single institution receiving lower extremity reconstruction after Gustilo class IIIB or IIIC open tibial fractures over a 5-y period. Length of hospitalization, number of surgical procedures, flap failure, infection, and nonunion were parameters of interest in this study. Results The incidence of complications in patients treated with NPWT was lower compared with patients who underwent wet-to-dry dressing changes, regardless of when surgery was performed. The highest rate of complications was observed in patients operated on >6 wk after injury and who received wet-to-dry dressing changes wound care. By comparison, those who underwent surgery within 1 wk of injury and who were bridged with NPWT had the lowest rate of complications. Conclusions The use of NPWT therapy in the perioperative management of patients with open lower extremity fractures reduces complication rates associated with limb salvage surgery. Our results suggest that NPWT can be used as a temporizing measure to optimize patients before flap surgery, effectively lengthening the window of opportunity for definitive reconstruction.
A special-purpose computer for automatic target recognition

A description is given of Starloc (Sandia target Location computer) a special-purpose computer designed for automatic target recognition. It is motivated by the lock-and-tumbler (LAT) filter algorithm, a generalized matched filter that can detect targets regardless of variations in their appearance. Starloc's fault-tolerant structure of pipelined, parallel floating-point processors and memories efficiently performs two-dimensional correlation, the major computational kernel of the algorithm. The LAT filter algorithm correlates the input image with a set of ten to twenty filter kernels, each containing all of the information about the target and its variations, using a phase multiplexing scheme. Starloc implements the LAT algorithm correlations in the Fourier domain by transforming the image to the Fourier domain, performing pixel-by-pixel multiplication with a filter kernel represented in the domain, and then inverse-transforming the product. The last processing step is updating the target value for each pixel. Hot-standby processors and incorporating a comprehensive set of error checkers provide fault tolerance. A reduced-scale prototype has been constructed, and an advanced design using digital signal processors for increased speed is described. >
Concept-based information access

Concept-based access to information promises important benefits over keyword-based access. One of these benefits is the ability to take advantage of semantic relationships among concepts in finding relevant documents. Another benefit is the elimination of irrelevant documents by identifying conceptual mismatches. Concepts are mental structures. Words and phrases are the linguistic representatives of concepts. Due to the inherent conciseness of natural language, words can represent multiple concepts and different words may represent the same or very similar concepts. Word sense disambiguation attempts to resolve this ambiguity using contextual information. The use of an ontology facilitates identification of related concepts and their linguistic representatives given a key concept. Latent semantic analysis, on the other hand, attempts to reveal the hidden conceptual relationships among words and phrases based on linguistic usage patterns. In this work we explore the potential of concept-based information access via these two methods. We examine under what circumstances concept-based access becomes feasible and improves user experience.
The adeno-associated virus vector for orthopaedic gene therapy.

During the last decade researchers working with recombinant adeno-associated virus have shown the use of this vector for efficient and long-term gene transfer in various tissues including lung, muscle, brain, spinal cord, retina, and liver. In 1999 the first results documenting the use of this vector in transducing joint cells were published. Additional advantages of recombinant adeno-associated virus for in vivo gene therapy are: (1) its ability to transduce nondividing cells; (2) site-specific integration into the host genome; (3) high viral titer (> 10 13 /mL); and (4) the vector is not cytotoxic and does not provoke a significant immune response. Most important, several groups have documented the ability to deliver sustained transgene expression in an immunocompetent host for more than 1 year, and that curative levels of gene product (factor IX), from one injection is sustained long-term in a large animal (hemophilia B dog). Comparable results have not been achieved with any other vector to date. As a result of this work the first Phase I clinical trials using recombinant adeno-associated virus are under way for cystic fibrosis. The history of the recombinant adeno-associated virus vector and its future promise for orthopaedic gene therapies are described. The goal of the current review is to provide the reader with an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of this vector for treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Additional information concerning recombinant adeno-associated virus can be obtained in more general reviews.
Validation testing of drift reduction technology testing protocol.

A number of pesticide application technologies offer the potential to reduce spray drift from pesticide applications. However, limited information exists on the effectiveness of these technologies in reducing spray drift. Working with a stakeholder technical panel under EPA’s Environmental Technology Council, the Office of Pesticide Programs in EPA has developed and is in the process of validating a testing protocol to verify the effectiveness of drift reduction technologies (DRTs). The DRT testing protocol was adapted from standard test methods and regulatory methods used in other countries and describes the testing approach that will be used to generate high-quality, peer-reviewed data for DRTs, including test design and quality assurance aspects. Both low-speed and high-speed wind tunnel tests were completed using a reference nozzle and two test nozzles to evaluate the performance of the generic DRT testing protocol. By Summer 2010, EPA anticipates to finalize this testing protocol based on the test results performed by EPA and other stakeholders. As a next step, EPA intends to encourage equipment manufacturers to voluntarily use the protocol for testing their equipment. Tested technologies that are proven to significantly reduce spray drift may be considered for addition to pesticide product labels by pesticide registrants and by EPA in its risk assessment and management decisions for the registration of new pesticide and uses and registration review (reevaluation) of currently registered pesticides. Pesticide product labels citing the use of DRTs could have reduced restrictions for applications, provide applicators with greater flexibility, and result in less off-target pesticide deposition. This paper will provide an update of EPA’s efforts to validate the DRT testing protocol and discuss future plans for using a validated protocol in evaluating DRTs in an effort to reduce load from unintended spray drift of pesticides in the environment.
A Bat-Wing Aircraft Using the Smart Joint Mechanism

A bat-like aircraft is proposed, using a smart joint mechanism to actuate the morphing of the wings. The smart joint stays in its deformed shape after cooling, which can be up to 5% of 25 mm length joint. The morphing of the wing shapes of three different bat species is evaluated using a planar lifting line analysis. The morphing improves the lift coefficient over 1000% and the lift to drag ratio over 300% at an angle of attack of 0.6°. The results compare well with what is expected from the type of flight and morphology that has been documented for the bats.
Ebstein malformation of the tricuspid valve: Current concepts in management and outcomes

Ebstein anomaly is a myopathy of the right ventricle that results in variable degrees of failure of delamination of the tricuspid valve leaflets from the underlying endocardium, leading to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and some degree of right ventricular dysfunction. In neonates or infants who remain in congestive heart failure or profoundly cyanotic while receiving appropriate medical therapy, operation is required. Current strategies include biventricular or single-ventricle repair. In children and adults, medical management may be used, but most patients eventually require surgery. Tricuspid valve repair is preferred; we believe the cone repair is the most anatomic repair and is the operation of choice. Tricuspid valve replacement may be necessary in cases in which the valve is not repairable. A bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt is useful in patients with severe right ventricular dilatation and/or dysfunction. Transplantation rarely is necessary.
Monte Carlo Analysis of the impacts of high renewable power penetration

This paper presents an initial analysis of the impacts of large-scale integration of diverse renewable power sources on an existing power system. Using Monte Carlo Analysis (MCA), numerous games are run with varying penetration levels to examine security of supply for a realistic test system. The analysis uses the WSCC/WECC 179-bus test system to determine the feasibility of combining high levels of wind, solar, and ocean wave generation with existing base generation and loads. For the US Pacific Northwest (PNW) wind, solar, and ocean wave generation have complicated probabilistic relationships with each other that are functions of time and geographic separation. This paper uses actual wind, solar, and wave data to generate time-dependent (hourly) probability mass functions (PMF) for each generation type for each month of the year. These PMFs are then used in the MCA to determine the security of the system. The use of a combination of wind, solar, and wave generation provides synergistic opportunities to lessen the impact of large-scale variable renewable power generation on transmission congestion, reserve requirements, and security of supply. The research shows that placement of renewable sources is important to increasing penetration and that there are critical penetration levels where grid security rapidly decreases.
Glottal patency during experimental cortical seizures in piglets.

. Objective: Systemically-induced seizures produce glottal airflow obstruction in anesthetized pigs, resulting in hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Cortically-induced seizures may be more representative of human seizure disorders. The purpose of this study was to describe glottal area patency (GAP) in piglets during cortically-induced seizures. Methods: Nineteen spontaneously breathing, lightly anesthetized (alphaxalone—alphadolone IV) piglets (aged 10 ± 2 days) were instrumented for recording nasal airflow, subglottic pressure, and electrocorticogram. Glottal visualization was achieved supraglottically using a 1.2-mm fiberoptic scope inserted through the thyrohyoid membrane. Following baseline-control, hypoxic-rebreathing, and new baseline recordings, seizures were induced using subcortical injections of crystalline penicillin G (100,000 units/injection). Five consecutive-breath representative epochs were digitized from baseline-control, hypoxic-rebreathing, and seizure conditions. For each breath, GAP was measured at the onset of inspiratory pressure, peak of inspiratory effort (Ip), and onset of expiration. Results: The piglets were physiologic at baseline-control and new baseline conditions, and showed expected increases in ventilation and GAP during rebreathing experiments. GAP was maximum at Ip under baseline and rebreathing conditions, but was significantly decreased and airway resistances were increased during seizure conditions (p < 0.05, ANOVA). Conclusions: Generalized seizure activity results in reduced GAP at the peak of inspiratory effort. Increased work of breathing during seizures is created by direct mechanical obstruction at the level of the larynx.
The anatomy and histology of the malpighian tubules and the adjacent alimentary canal in melanoplus differentialis

The tubules vary in number from about 190 to 300. They gather into twelve groups each consisting of an anterior and a posterior division and each emptying into one of twelve ampullae arranged equi-distant from each other about the wall of the posterior mid-gut and in a transverse plane just anterior to the sphincter muscle which marks, externally, the junction of mid- and hind-gut, that is to say, the ‘pyloric valve.’ The lumen of each ampulla is continuous with one of twelve furrows formed by the gathering of the hindgut epithelium into as many folds. The wall of the digestive tube is made up of, (1) an inner epithelium (tall columnar cells), (2) an intermediate connective tissue layer, and (3) an outer muscular coat (inner circular and outer longitudinal layer). The mid-gut epithelium dips down at frequent intervals to form crypts at the bases of which are the ‘regeneration centers.’ This epithelium is covered, on its luminar surface, by a curious striated border. The epithelium of the hind-gut appears to be covered by chitin. A malpighian tubule consists of a single layer of large polygonal cells with indistinct borders. It is covered externally by a thin membrene made up of ‘peritoneal cells’ and internally by a striated border similar to that in the mid-gut. Spiralling about each tubule from origin (free end) to insertion (in the gut) is a slender tracheole.
DNA-Binding Interactions and Conformational Fluctuations of Tc3 Transposase DNA Binding Domain Examined with Single Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) was conjugated to a synthetic peptide containing the sequence-specific DNA binding domain of Tc3 transposase. Steady-state and single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy was used to investigate protein conformational fluctuations and the thermodynamics of binding interactions. Evidence is presented to show that the TMR-Tc3 conjugate exists in at least two conformational states. The most stable conformation is one in which the TMR fluorescence is quenched. Upon binding to DNA, the total fluorescence from TMR-Tc3 increases by three- to fourfold. Single molecule measurements of TMR-Tc3 bound to DNA shows that this complex also fluctuates between a fluorescent and quenched form. The fluorescent form of the conjugate is stabilized when bound to DNA, and this accounts for part of the increase in total fluorescence. In addition, the inherent photodynamics of the dye itself is also altered (e.g., fluorescent lifetime or triplet yield) in such a way that the total fluorescence from the conjugate bound to DNA is enhanced relative to the unbound form.
Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Integrated Service Delivery in School Settings.

Results of a survey of speech-language pathologists who had adopted (i.e., adopters) or who were considering adopting (i.e., nonadopters) integrated speech and language services are presented. The ...
On the Superfluid Fraction of an Arbitrary Many-Body System at T= 0

I derive a set of sufficient and (barring certain pathologies) necessary conditions for a one-component system with velocity-independent forces to have a super-fluid fraction ρs/ρ equal to unity at zero temperature: In addition to a condition closely related (but not obviously equivalent) to the usual one of off-diagonal long-range order, the ground state should possess unbroken invariance under both spatial translation and time reversal. Some generalizations are made to the case of multicomponent systems.
The variation at constant density of the dielectric breakdown of paper with air resistance

FOR many years engineers have been concerned to find what the factors are that bear on and control the dielectric strength of electric cable insulating papers. Among the well-known factors investigated is the paper's density which, in most instances, has been inextricably intertwined with the paper's air resistance. As far as the authors of this article are aware, no serious attempt has been made yet to separate the influence of air resistance as a single factor. It is the belief of the authors that they have succeeded in making this separation.
The edge of an event: invariants of a moving illusory contour.

The motion-induced contour is an illusory contour produced between two vertices of an object undergoing the figural transformations of rotation-in-depth (Klymenko & Weisstein, 1980). Although it is not physically present, it is seen at the intersection between the two surfaces of an object where a dihedral edge would normally be located. This illusory contour can be seen despite certain temporal and spatial manipulations of the rotating object. It is perceived during apparent rotation in the intermittent object; and it is also seen in an oblique object where the vertices are not parallel. Of the transformations tested, only rotation-in-depth will produce the motion-induced contour (Klymenko & Weisstein, 1981); however, it is shown here that this is not sufficient. Two complementary factors are necessary. The transformation of rotation-in-depth must specify the structural invariant of a rigid dihedral edge.
Feasibility of continuous venous infusion of SonoVue for qualitative assessment of reversible coronary perfusion defects in stress myocardial contrast echocardiography.

Objective: To study the feasibility of continuous intravenous SonoVue contrast echocardiography for qualitative assessment of reversible myocardial perfusion in dipyridamole stress tests. Methods: Eleven patients (10 male and 1 female, mean age 66 years) with a history of chest pain and a clinical indication for stress sestamibi–single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) underwent concurrent SonoVue 99mTc myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). Results: Of the total 176 segments obtained, 53 (30%) were regarded as indeterminate, 39 (22%) as discordant, and 84 (48%) as concordant between MCE and SPECT imaging. Two patients had abnormal SPECT results. The overall feasibility and specificity of MCE were 70 and 74%, respectively. The concordant (p = 0.59) and discordant (p = 0.55) segments were comparable with either MCE technique. However, continuous low-mechanical-index imaging produced fewer indeterminate segments (17 segments, 32%) than intermittent harmonic B-mode imaging (36 segments, 68%) (p = 0.04). Significantly more indeterminate segments were found in the left anterior descending artery territory. However, the overall concordance was similar (p = 0.5) in all three coronary artery territories. The concordance and discordance rates at different left ventricular levels (i.e., basal, mid, and apical) were similar (p = 0.50 and 0.08, respectively). Conclusion: Continuous-infusion SonoVue contrast echocardiography is feasible, with high specificity, for detecting myocardial perfusion defects as assessed by dipyridamole SPECT.
Photolysis of allyl chloride

Abstract The photolysis of gaseous allyl chloride at 229 nm and 300, 341 and 381 K yields 12 products containing six or fewer carbon atoms and not more than two chlorine atoms: 5-chloro-4-chloromethylpentene; 5,6-dichlorohexene; cis - and trans -1-chloro-1,5-hexadiene; 3-chloro-1,5-hexadiene; cis - and trans -1-chloro-2,5-hexadiene; 1,2-dichloropropane; 1,3-dichloropropane; 1,5-hexadiene; propene; allene. Quantum yields determined by using methyl formate as an actinometer are highest for 5-chloro-4-chloromethylpentene and hexadiene, being is the range 0.2 – 0.3. The primary process is cleavage of the CCl bond and the products result from a series of bimolecular reactions. From the yields of hexadiene and allene, the allyl radical disproportionation—combination rate constant calculated is k d / k c = (0.07 ± 0.01) × exp[;−(800 ± 70)/ T ];. A comparison of the gas phase photolysis with our earlier condensed phase photolysis shows that neither geminate recombination, as for the solid, nor polymerization, as for the liquid, needs to occur.
Competitive Interactions of Ligands and Macromolecular Crowders with Maltose Binding Protein

Cellular signaling involves a cascade of recognition events occurring in a complex environment with high concentrations of proteins, polysaccharides, and other macromolecules. The influence of macromolecular crowders on protein binding affinity through hard-core repulsion is well studied, and possible contributions of protein-crowder soft attraction have been implicated recently. Here we present direct evidence for weak association of maltose binding protein (MBP) with a polysaccharide crowder Ficoll, and that this association effectively competes with the binding of the natural ligand, maltose. Titration data over wide ranges of maltose and Ficoll concentrations fit well with a three-state competitive binding model. Broadening of MBP 1H­15N TROSY spectra by the addition of Ficoll indicates weak protein-crowder association, and subsequent recovery of sharp NMR peaks upon addition of maltose indicates that the interactions of the crowder and the ligand with MBP are competitive. We hypothesize that, in the Escherichia coli periplasm, the competitive interactions of polysaccharides and maltose with MBP could allow MBP to shuttle between the peptidoglycan attached to the outer membrane and the ATP-binding cassette transporter in the inner membrane.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 at the maternal-fetal interface and insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor-II, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 in the circulation of women with severe preeclampsia

Abstract OBJECTIVES : Preeclampsia is characterized by maternal hypertension, proteinuria, edema, and shallow placental invasion. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, abundant in maternal decidua, is believed to play a role in limiting trophoblast invasiveness. In this study we addressed the hypothesis that this binding protein is aberrantly expressed in preeclampsia. We also investigated circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor-II in subjects with severe preeclampsia compared with controls. STUDY DESIGN : Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry at the maternal-fetal interface of eight pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia and six controls between 21 and 34 weeks of gestation. Cell types were identified with use of cell-specific markers. Circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, insulin-like growth factor-I, and insulin-like growth factor-II in 16 patients with severe preeclampsia and 29 controls at the same gestational age were determined by an immunoradiometric assay and correlated with clinical parameters. Data were analyzed by t test and Pearson's method. RESULTS : Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 was highly expressed on syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, and decidual cells but not on placental fibroblasts. Immunostaining was greater at the maternal-fetal interface in severe preeclamptic patients compared with controls. Circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels in subjects with severe preeclampsia were 428.3 ± 85.9 ng/ml compared with 76.6 ± 11.8 in controls ( p = 0.0007). Circulating insulin-like growth factor-I levels were 80.9 ± 17.2 ng/ml compared with 179.4 ± 28.2 ng/ml in controls ( p = 0.0001). In contrast, insulin-like growth factor-II levels were not significantly different in the two groups. In subjects with severe preeclampsia insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels correlated with diastolic blood pressure ( r = 0.498, p = 0.049) and aspartate transcarbamylase (0.621, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The abundance of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 at the maternal-fetal interface in severely preeclamptic pregnancies suggests that the binding protein may participate in the pathogenesis of the shallow placental invasion observed in this disorder. Low circulating insulin-like growth factor-I and elevated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels may contribute to restricted placental and therefore fetal growth. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:751-8.)
The nature of quantitative genetic variation for Drosophila longevity

Longevity is a typical quantitative trait: the continuous variation in life span observed in natural populations is attributable to genetic variation at multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL), environmental sensitivity of QTL alleles, and truly continuous environmental variation. To begin to understand the genetic architecture of longevity at the level of individual QTL, we have mapped QTL for Drosophila life span that segregate between two inbred strains that were not selected for longevity. A mapping population of 98 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) was derived from these strains, and life span of virgin male and female flies measured under control culture conditions, chronic heat and cold stress, heat shock and starvation stress, and high and low density larval environments. The genotypes of the RIL were determined for polymorphic roo transposable element insertion sites, and life span QTL were mapped using composite interval mapping methods. A minimum of 19 life span QTL were detected by recombination mapping. The life span QTL exhibited strong genotype by sex, genotype by environment, and genotype by genotype (epistatic) interactions. These interactions complicate mapping efforts, but evolutionary theory predicts such properties of segregating QTL alleles. Quantitative deficiency mapping of four longevity QTL detected in the control environment by recombination mapping revealed a minimum of 11 QTL in these regions. Clearly, longevity is a complex quantitative trait. In the future, linkage disequilibrium mapping can be used to determine which candidate genes in a QTL region correspond to the genetic loci affecting variation in life span, and define the QTL alleles at the molecular level.
TRF and Thyroid Hormones on Prolactin Secretion By Rat Anterior Pituitary Cells in Vitro

The effect of pGlu-His-Pro-NH2 (TRF) on the secretion of prolactin (PRL) from rat anterior pituitary glands and cell cultures derived from normal and propylthiouracil (PTU)-fed rats is reported. TRF only slightly increased (less than 50% over control levels) the rate of secretion of radioimmunoassayable PRL or immune precipitated biosynthesized [3H]-PRL secreted by normal anterior pituitary cells, but had a greater effect on the rate of secretion of PRL by pituitary cell cultures obtained from PTU-treated rats. Furthermore, PTU-treated rats’ hemi-pituitary glands incubated in vitro also respond to TRF, demonstrating that the response to TRF by rat tissue is not a result of the cell dispersion or culture procedure. The administration of thyroid hormones which inhibit the TRF mediated secretion of TSH in vivo and in vitro suppress the secretion of PRL by hemi-pituitaries and dispersed cell cultures of anterior pituitaries from PTU-fed rats. Comparative studies of the [3H]-TRF binding to (mouse) TSH secretin...
Job sharing in clinical nutrition management: A plan for successful implementation

While women continue to enter the American work force in record numbers; many experience difficulty in juggling career and family obligations. Flexible scheduling is one option used to ease work and family pressures. Women's changing work roles have potentially noteworthy implications for clinical nutrition management, a traditionally female-dominated profession where the recruitment and retention of valued, experienced registered dietitians can prove to be a human resources challenge. Job sharing, one type of flexible scheduling, is applicable to the nutrition management arena. This article describes and offers a plan for overcoming obstacles to job sharing, including determining feasibility, gaining support of top management, establishing program design, announcing the job share program, and using implementation, monitoring, and fine-tuning strategies. Benefits that can be derived from a successful job share are reduced absenteeism, decreased turnover, enhanced recruitment, improved morale, increased productivity, improved job coverage, and enhanced skills and knowledge base. A case study illustrates one method for achieving job sharing success in clinical nutrition management.
Book Reviews : The Program Evaluation Standards: How to Assess Evaluations of Educational Programs, by The Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluations, Newbury Park, CA: Sage, (In Press)

Books applicable to the broad field of program evaluation are reviewed. Books may be reviewed singly or in groups to illuminate similarities and differences in intent, philosophy, and usefulness. Persons with suggestions of books to be reviewed or those who wish to submit a review should contact Dr. Byron R. Burnham, Evaluation Specialist (Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4900; phone: 801-750-1637 ) for specific instructions. In general, a review of an individual book should not exceed four double-spaced typewritten pages; groups of books may require additional lengths.
Fuzzy transversals of fuzzy hypergraphs

Abstract This is an introductory theory of fuzzy transversals associated with fuzzy hypergraphs. Adherence to details in order to provide familiarity with basic techniques and ideas has been a major goal of this paper.
Scattering on D3-branes

Abstract In a direct open string approach we analyze scattering of massless states on a stack of D3-branes. First we construct vertex operators on the D-branes. The 4 + 6 splitting for the fermionic part is made possible by inserting appropriately defined projection operators. With the vertex operators constructed we compute various tree amplitudes. The results are then compared with the corresponding field theory computations of the N = 4 SYM with α ′ -corrections: agreements are found. We comment on applications to AdS/CFT.
A 3-D Darwin-EM Hybrid PIC Code for Ion Ring Studies

A new, 3-D electromagnetic (EM), hybrid, particle-in-cell (PIC) code, FLAME has been constructed to study low-frequency, large orbit plasmas in realistic cylindrical configurations. The stability and equilibrium of strong ion rings in magnetized plasmas are the first issues suitable for its application. In FLAME the EM-field is governed by Maxwell's equations in the quasi-neutral Darwin approximation (with displacement current neglected), the ion components are represented by discrete macro-particles, and the plasma electrons are modeled as a massless cold fluid. All physical quantities are expanded into finite Fourier series in the azimuthal (?) direction. The discretization in the poloidal (r,z) plane is done by a finite-difference staggered grid method. The electron fluid equations include a finite scalar resistivity and macro-particles experience slowing-down collisions. A substantial reduction of computation time is achieved by enabling separate time advances of background and beam particle species in the time-averaged fields. FLAME has been optimized to run on parallel, MIMD systems, and has an object-oriented (C++) structure. The results of normal mode tests intended to verify the code ability to correctly model plasma phenomena are presented. We also investigate in 3-D the injection of a powerful annular ion beam into a plasma immersed in a magnetic cusp followed by an axially ramped applied magnetic field. A nonaxisymmetric perturbation is applied to the magnetic field and its effect on ion ring formation is analysed.
The Health Action Process Approach as a motivational model for physical activity self-management for people with multiple sclerosis: a path analysis.

Objective To evaluate the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) as a motivational model for physical activity self-management for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design Quantitative descriptive research design using path analysis. Participants One hundred ninety-five individuals with MS were recruited from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a neurology clinic at a university teaching hospital in the Midwest. Outcome measures Outcome was measured by the Physical Activity Stages of Change Instrument, along with measures for nine predictors (severity, action self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, risk perception, perceived barriers, intention, maintenance self-efficacy, action and coping planning, and recovery self-efficacy). Results The respecified HAPA physical activity model fit the data relatively well (goodness-of-fit index = .92, normed fit index = .91, and comparative fit index = .93) explaining 38% of the variance in physical activity. Recovery self-efficacy, action and coping planning, and perceived barriers directly contributed to the prediction of physical activity. Outcome expectancy significantly influenced intention and the relationship between intention and physical activity is mediated by action and coping planning. Action self-efficacy, maintenance self-efficacy, and recovery self-efficacy directly or indirectly affected physical activity. Severity of MS and action self-efficacy had an inverse relationship with perceived barriers and perceived barriers influenced physical activity. Conclusions Empirical support was found for the proposed HAPA model of physical activity for people with MS. The HAPA model appears to provide useful information for clinical rehabilitation and health promotion interventions.