cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of micro-XANES to speciate chromium in airborne fine particles in the sacramento valley

While particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere can lead to a wide array of negative health effects, the cause of toxicity is largely unknown. One aspect of PM that likely affects health is the chemical composition, in particular the transition metals within the particles. Chromium is one transition metal of interest due to its two major oxidation states, with Cr(III) being much less toxic compared to Cr(VI). Using microfocused X-ray absorption near edge structure (micro-XANES), we analyzed the Cr speciation in fine particles (diameters {le} 2.5 {mu}m) collected at three sites in the Sacramento Valley of northern California: Sacramento, a large urban area, Davis, a small city, and Placerville, a rural area. These are several major stationary sources of Cr within 24 km of the site including chrome-plating plants, power plants and incinerators. The microfocused X-ray beam enables us to look at very small areas on the filter with a resolution of typically 5-7 micrometers. With XANES we are able to not only distinguish between Cr(VI) and Cr(III), but also to identify different types of Cr(III) and more reduced Cr species. At all of our sampling sites the main Cr species were Cr(III), with Cr(OH){sub 3} or a Cr-Fe, chromite-like,more » phase being the dominant species. Cr(VI)-containing particles were found only in the most urban site. All three sites contained some reduced Cr species, either Cr(0) or Cr{sub 3}C{sub 2}, although these were minor components. This work demonstrates that micro-XANES can be used as a minimally invasive analytical tool to investigate the composition of ambient PM. 32 refs., 6 figs.« less
Effects of Programming Temperature on the Efficiency of Self-Healing Polymers

Self-healing shape memory polymers possess the ability to heal macro and micro cracks by autonomic processes or when subjected to a suitable external stimulus. Recent advancements in the field have shown that the healing capabilities of self-healing polymers can be improved, thus yielding to high healing efficiencies. Depending on the application, the efficiency may refer to shape fixity, shape recovery ratio, dimensions recovery, strength regain, crack healing, etc. Based on test results, it is established that there is an intrinsic correlation between pre-strain levels, shape fixing and free shape recovery of samples programmed above the glass transition temperature (Tg). For samples programmed at multiple temperatures (above and below the glass transition temperature), the absence of lateral and 3D confinements lead to poor to no crack healing. Better compressive strength properties were, however, achieved by samples programmed at higher temperatures above Tg.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Job Attitudes of Black and White Workers: Male Blue-Collar Workers in Six Companies.

Abstract A 74-item attitude questionnaire was administered in six companies to 101 black and 87 white male blue-collar employees holding similar jobs in the same company. Differences between the two ethnic groups were not marked, both in terms of job satisfaction and in other respects; Where there were differences the black workers were usually slightly more favorable. However, the picture was not uniform across the different companies.
Tumores renales de la infancia y adolescencia asociados a anomalías cromosómicas

Resumen El rinon pediatrico es sitio frecuente de tumores que exhiben alteraciones cromosomicas caracteristicas. El mas comun es el nefroblastoma o tumor de Wilms (TW) que se asocia con dos loci: 11p13 (WT1) y 11p15 (WT2 o BWS), este ultimo ligado tambien del sindrome de Beckwith-Wiedemann. Otros dos genes que parecen estar implicados son WT3 y WT4; ademas, dos anomalias especificas (adquisicion 1q y delecion 22) se han correlacionado de manera independiente con un peor pronostico en TW. Otras neoplasias con rearreglos cromosomicos, tales como los carcinomas renales (CRs), son mucho menos frecuentes en ninos (entre el 1.8 y el 6.3% de todos los tumores renales malignos). Entre estos, se han identificado “CRs con translocacion” que afectan el locus Xp11, siendo los dos tipos mas importantes t(X;1), y t(X;17). El nefroma mesoblastico congenito (NMC) es un tumor renal de recien nacidos y lactantes. Los NMCs de la variedad celular se caracterizan por una translocacion especifica t(12;15)(p13;q25), misma que se encuentra tambien en los fibrosarcomas congenitos extrarenales, y que permite establecer una correspondencia genetica entre estos dos tumores (NMC y fibrosarcoma congenito). Los tumores rabdoides (TR) del rinon son neoplasias muy infrecuentes y muy agresivas, que aparecen con una edad promedio de 11 meses. Al menos 50% de los TRs muestran anormalidades en el gen hSNF5/INI1, situado en el locus 22q11.2. Este gen probablemente esta involucrado en la modulacion transcripcional de otros genes, tales como el oncogen c-Myc, y de la via de transduccion de la proteina RB-retinoblastoma.
Statistics in particle-laden plane strain turbulence by direct numerical simulation

Abstract Direct numerical simulation is utilized to generate statistics in particle-laden homogeneous plane strain turbulent flows. Assuming that the two-phase flow is dilute (one-way coupling), a variety of cases are considered to investigate the effects of the particle time constant. The carrier phase is incompressible and is treated in the Eulerian frame whereas the particles are tracked individually in a Lagrangian frame. For small particle Reynolds numbers, an analytical expression for the particle mean velocity is found, which is different from the fluid one, and the dispersed phase is shown to be homogeneous. This is not the case for particles with large Reynolds numbers and no statistics involving particle fluctuating velocity is presented for large particles. The results show that the root mean square (r.m.s.) of the particle velocity in the squeezed direction exceeds that of the fluid in the same direction and increases with the particle time constant. The mean velocity gradient component in the elongated direction has the opposite effect, that is the r.m.s. of the particle velocity is decreased below that of the fluid in this direction. Further, the dispersed phase exhibits a larger anisotropy than the fluid phase, and its anisotropy increases with the particle inertia. Dispersion is shown to depend strongly on the injection location and quantified dispersion results show that increasing the injection location coordinates in the strained directions increases the dispersion.
The components of the photoionization cross section in the VUV and soft x-ray region

The photoionization cross section is partitioned into its components by analyzing the emitted photoelectrons according to energy and intensity. the principle of the method is outlined and experimental results on neon, krypton, manganese and beryllium are discussed. 9 refs., 7 figs.
Fibronectin mRNA Splice Variant in Articular Cartilage Lacks Bases Encoding the V, III-15, and I-10 Protein Segments

Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by a single gene. Alternative RNA splicing has been reported at three sites, ED (extra type III domain)-A, ED-B, and the variable or V region. Articular cartilage fibronectin monomers are rarely (ED-A)+, but approximately 25% are (ED-B)+. RNA gel electrophoresis and Northern blot analysis identified two (ED-B)+ and two (ED-B)- fibronectin transcripts in cartilage, each pair differing by approximately 750 bases. This difference results from a previously unreported RNA splicing pattern that eliminates not only the V region but also nucleotides encoding protein segments III-15 and I-10. This new splice variant, which we designate (V+C)-, represents the majority of fibronectin transcripts in equine, canine, and rabbit articular cartilage but is absent in the liver. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses of 11 additional equine tissues failed to detect the (V+C)- splice variant, except for very low levels in lymph node, bone, aorta, and skin. Furthermore, chondrocytes grown in monolayer culture maintain high levels of fibronectin expression but stop expressing (V+C)- transcripts over time. The tissue-specific expression pattern of this novel fibronectin isoform suggests that it may have an important function in the matrix organization of cartilage.
Enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoprecipitation tests for the detection of antibodies to Rochalimaea (Rickettsia) quintana.

SummaryBond-phase enzyme lmmu-noassay (EIA) and radioimmunoprecipitation tests were developed for detection of antibodies to Rochalimaea (Rickettsia) quintana in trench fever. Both were equally sensitive, and both detected more positive sera than either passive hemagglutination or immunofluorescence tests. The advantages of EIA are the stability of label and ease and safety of use.
Electrogenerative oxidation of ferrous ions with graphite electrodes

Electrogenerative oxidation of ferrous ions in Fe2+/O2 cells to regenerate ferric ions for further use is demonstrated and some results for a hybrid type laboratory-scale reactor are presented. The use of graphite particle, packed-bed anodes for ferrous oxidation with gas diffusion type cathodes for oxygen reduction enables these cells to produce ferric ions at moderate current densities and low cell voltages in sulphuric acid solutions. These cells which utilize the rapid electrochemical, ferrous oxidation rate on graphite catalytic electrodes without any need for an external power source have potential application in hydrometallurgical leaching systems as well as in sulphur dioxide cleanup processes which incorporate the use of ferric ions. Continuous feed stream operation under mild conditions is a special advantage.
Suspended minerogenic particle distributions in high-energy coastal environments: Optical implications

[1] This paper examines suspended minerogenic particle distributions in the near-coastal ocean, Oceanside, California. The environment is dominated by resuspension of particles from a well-sorted sandy sediment. We obtain information on the suspended mineral matter from the relocatable numerical sedimentation model, TRANS98. Inputs for the model include bottom particle size distribution, wind speed, wave period and height, and near-bottom current speed. Model output is a vertical profile of mineral particle concentrations and size distributions at selected depths. The mineral particle size distribution allows the calculation of the total scattering coefficient of suspended minerogenic matter. The particle size distribution for the bed at Oceanside is approximately Gaussian lognormal in character. The predicted size distribution near bottom is a skewed Gaussian lognormal; then the distribution shifts toward the increasing importance of smaller size classes as we approach the water surface. Deeper stations maintain a lognormal character up into the surface layers while the shallower stations switch to a particle size distribution of the smallest size class being the modal class in the surface layers. Hyperbolic size distributions have been proposed for the Oceanside site from optical observations. These distributions would have a slope of 2.1 for coastal water which would decrease to as low as 1.3 for shallow nearshore stations and near the bottom. None of the proposed hyperbolic slopes provides an adequate approximation of the particle distributions predicted by TRANS98. The larger particle size classes are significantly overestimated by hyperbolic models, which causes the total scattering coefficient of the minerogenic matter to be overestimated. These results indicate that hyperbolic slope models cannot be used to retrieve particle size distributions by inversions involving the total scattering coefficient nor are they accurate estimators of the minerogenic scattering coefficient. INDEX TERMS: 4552 Oceanography: Physical: Ocean optics; 4546 Oceanography: Physical: Nearshore processes; 4863 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Sedimentation; 1640 Global Change: Remote sensing; KEYWORDS: particle size distributions, optical scattering, sediment resuspension
Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: Distribution in rat tissues and effect of diet, age and steroids

Abstract Hexose-6-P dehydrogenase is a microsomal enzyme which oxidizes glucose-6-P, galactose-6-P, 2-deoxy-glucose-6-P, and glucose using either NAD or NADP as hydrogen acceptor. Its distribution was studied in rat tissues; the enzyme was found in liver, adrenals, spleen, kidney, heart, lungs, gluteal muscle, testes, ovaries, seminal vesicles, prostate, uterus, and intestine. No enzyme was detected in the brain and mammary gland. Hexose-6-P dehydrogenase is not inhibited by various steroids which are known to inhibit glucose-6-P dehydrogenase. Also, feeding of a diet containing 68% galactose, glucose, or fructose does not alter the activity of hexose-6-P dehydrogenase in rat liver. Liver hexose-6-P dehydrogenase activity increased rapidly before birth, and then declined gradually to adult levels. It appears possible the hexose-6-P dehydrogenase serves as a source of reduced pyridine nucleotides for mixed-function oxidase systems, but definitive evidence for its role in metabolism is lacking.
Adrenergic and serotonergic regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism in the rat: specificity of the serotonin- and isoproterenol-stimulable adenylyl cyclase in sarcolemma

Abstract The specificity and kinetics of rat sarcolemmal serotonin- and isoproterenol-stimulable adenylyl cyclases were studied. The stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by serotonin was less than that by isoproterenol and required low concentrations of ATP (0.1 mM), 10 μM GTP, and free Mg ion concentrations of 10–20 μM. The isoproterenol-stimulated activity was readily detectable over a much wider range of MgCl2 (1.0–5.0 mM) and ATP (0.1–3.0 mM). (±)-Oxprenolol and l(−)-propranolol inhibited isoproterenol stimulation with KB values of 6.3 × 10−9 M and 1.9 × 10−9 M, respectively. Interference by (±)-cyproheptadine, (±)-methysergide and d(±)-propranolol was not strictly competitive. However, these were much more potent inhibitors of serotonin stimulation than were oxprenolol and l-propranolol. The concentrations of antagonists producing 50% inhibition (IC50) of the maximal adenylyl cyclase stimulation by serotonin were compared to the IC50 obtained with isoproterenol; the ratios were 0.02 for oxprenolol, 0.50 for l-propranol, 295 for d-propranolol, 2438 for cyproheptadine, 5785 for methysergide and > 125 000 for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). These data indicate that rat skeletal muscle adenylyl is stimulated by discrete serotonergic and adrenergic receptors, and that there may be distinct conditions for optional stimulation.
Disorder and Everyday Life in Barrancabermeja

This article examines how years of political violence and neoliberal restructuring have disorganized social life in Barrancabermeja. How, it asks, can working people grasp the future without the stability to understand the present and the ways that it both emerges and is different from the past? It explores how an extreme form of neoliberalism fragmented various forms of social solidarity, infused social life with fear, and generated violent, clientelistic networks that flourished in the absence of rights. It argues that unrestrained power and violence deprived people of the coherence needed to take care of themselves and to grasp the connections between the past, present, and future that are necessary “to make history.”
Unit values of U.S. machinery exports

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the unit values of U.S. machinery exports. The negative relationship between unit value and quantity exported is not discrimination but something quite different. Most buyers want the ordinary variety; only a few want the super version. Thus, a country purchasing a large number of cars from Germany would be more likely to import Volkswagens than Mercedes-Benz. And any country importing 100 airplanes is more likely to be buying business jets than 747s. If this line of reasoning is extended to seven-digit product categories, it follows that any country with large imports will be buying mostly standard products, while some of those countries with small imports will be purchasing mainly the special items. This phenomenon alone could give a negative regression coefficient between unit value and quantity. The quantity effect has policy importance only to the extent that it reflects discrimination. If discrimination is present, the small importing country pays more for its machinery. The quality effect, as measured by per capita income in the importing country, is not as strong as the quantity effect. The coefficient of variation of GDP per capita for the sample countries is 1.07. A country enjoying per capita income one standard deviation greater than the mean would, thus, pay about 9% more per unit of machinery. Thus, a large part of the unexplained unit value variance is probably not connected with country attributes but instead reflects the inherent diversity of goods within a seven-digit classification.
An Adhesin of the Yeast Pathogen Candida glabrata Mediating Adherence to Human Epithelial Cells

Candida glabrata is an important fungal pathogen of humans that is responsible for about 15 percent of mucosal and systemic candidiasis. Candida glabrata adhered avidly to human epithelial cells in culture. By means of a genetic approach and a strategy allowing parallel screening of mutants, it was possible to clone a lectin from a Candida species. Deletion of this adhesin reduced adherence of C. glabrata to human epithelial cells by 95 percent. The adhesin, encoded by the EPA1 gene, is likely a glucan–cross-linked cell-wall protein and binds to host-cell carbohydrate, specifically recognizing asialo-lactosyl–containing carbohydrates.
273 Mannose Binding Lectin in Mothers and Infants: The Mimi-Study

Introduction: Functional Mannose Binding Lectin (f-MBL) may play an important role in the immune system of the neonate. No studies have been done in mothers and their infants at delivery involving f-MBL. Therefore, it is unknown if f-MBL in umbilical cord blood (UCB) is related to maternal f-MBL.
Theory of bonding in ylides, acetylacetonates and π-cyclopentadienyl compounds

Abstract The theory of bonding in ylides and their oxides, acetylacetonates and π-cyclopentadienyl complexes has been discussed from the viewpoint of hypervalent bonding. The existing ylides and acetylacetonates are discussed and new ones are proposed. The π-cyclopentadienyl complexes are only speculative.
Implementing an information commons in a university library

Abstract Changes in user needs resulted in Colorado State University Libraries’ decision to turn a traditional library computer lab into an information commons. Issues raised during implementation are discussed, staff training modules are described, and the center’s success is evaluated. Training quickly became a critical factor.
Strictly by the Facebook: Unobtrusive Method for Differentiating Users

A large proportion of Facebook studies are based on self-report data. However, survey measures may not meaningfully differentiate Facebook use. From computer and phone logs and Facebook activity data, we found a simple item - how important participants rate Facebook - may be one way to distinguish between Facebook consumers and producers.
VLPP in the evaluation of the female with stress urinary incontinence

The Valsalva leak-point pressure has become an important urodynamic test in the evaluation of incontinent women. A review of the history of the test, its methodology, and variables that can influence its performance is presented. Correlation with clinical findings, reproducibility and comparison with other urodynamic tests are discussed. Although the test is still evolving and several major variables have been recognized as affecting its results, it remains sound and reliable. It has excellent correlation with the clinical severity of incontinence and a high degree of inter- and intraexaminer reproducibility.
Pneumococcal vaccine: an emerging consensus.

Excerpt A refreshing and long overdue emphasis on disease prevention is percolating through much of the practice of medicine in the United States. As part of this initiative, the proper use of vacc...
Effect of Base Pair A/C and G/T Mismatches on the Thermal Stabilities of DNA Oligomers That Form B−Z Junctions†

The thermal stabilities and structures of B-Z junction forming DNA duplexes possessing A/C or G/T base pair mismatches were compared to those of corresponding duplexes possessing perfect matched base pairs. The upper strands of the duplexes have a generalized sequence 5'-(5meCG)-LMN-GACTG-3', where L stands for A or G while M and N are permutations of pyrimidines. The lower strands were either complementary or were such as to create an A/C or G/T mismatch at the position corresponding to L, M, or N. Optical melting and circular dichroism studies were used to investigate the thermal stabilities and structures of both the mismatched base pair and the perfect matched base pair duplexes. Incorporating mismatched A/C or G/T base pairs did not noticeably affect the conformations of the duplexes in 115 mM Na+ but resulted in perturbed B-Z conformations at 4.5 M Na+. For any mismatched base pair duplex, the B-DNA domain of the hybrid B-Z structure formed at 4.5 M Na+ is significantly perturbed while the Z-DNA domain is less perturbed by the presence of the mismatched base pairs. The presence of a mismatch destabilizes a duplex relative to the perfect matched base pair duplex by 1.7-10.0 kcal/mol depending upon position of the mismatch, type of mismatch base pair involved, and Na+ concentration. The thermodynamic destabilization of a mismatched base pair duplex relative to the perfect matched base pair duplex arises from perturbations in nearest neighbor interactions and hydrogen bonding. In general, we observed that the incorporation of an A/C or G/T base pair mismatch in place of a perfect matched base pair at or near a B-Z junction results in a relatively large change in enthalpy and entropy to produce a significant change in the free energy of the duplex to single strand transition. At 4.5 M Na+, where the duplexes possess perturbed B-Z junctions, the farther away from the junction that the mismatch is, the greater the extent of the destabilization.
Antecedents of two-way symmetry in classical Greek rhetoric: the rhetoric of Isocrates

Abstract As rhetorical approaches to studying public relations have gained stature, two incomplete visions of rhetoric affect their progress. The first is the notion that rhetoric, particularly classical rhetoric, was essentially asymmetrical, thus offering little to the greater understanding and furtherance of two-way symmetry. The second misconception adopts virtually the opposite point of view, maintaining that rhetoric traditionally has been a comprehensive dialectical process—a civic-minded dialogue—that nobly seeks the best for society. Such an approach overlooks important early struggles between asymmetrical and symmetrical rhetorics. In the Athens of fourth century B.C., the asymmetrical rhetorics of Plato and Aristotle competed with the symmetrical rhetoric of Isocrates. Isocratean rhetoric is characterized by a quest for symmetry and the common good; incorporation of boundary spanning; a moral foundation; and ties to a comprehensive system of education. The triumph of Isocratean rhetoric over competing asymmetrical models in Athens of the fourth century B.C. supports modern studies that indicate the comparative effectiveness of the two-way symmetrical model of public relations.
Note on maximizing signal from photoconductive detectors

Abstract It is demonstrated that the use of constant bias current, rather than matched load resistor, optimizes the low-frequency signal-to-noise ratio of photoconductive detectors.
Evaluation of Clove Oil Concentrations for Use as an Anesthetic During Field Processing and Passive Integrated Transponder Implantation of Juvenile Steelhead

We examined the efficiency of sedating juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss with 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/l clove oil concentration as it would relate to in situ sampling and marking. We compared handling effort and processing time among dosages for fish sedated with clove oil, implanted with a 23-mm passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag, weighed, measured, and fin clipped. In addition, we compared anesthesia induction, recovery, and initial and delayed mortality among dosages for fish sedated with clove oil. Fish reached each anesthesia induction stage faster as clove oil concentration increased. Handling effort was significantly more difficult for individuals anesthetized in the 12.5 mg/l clove oil concentration compared to 25 or 50 mg/l. Handling effort did not differ between fish sedated with 25 or 50 mg/l. Handling time was significantly longer for fish anesthetized with 12.5 or 25 mg/l clove oil concentrations compared to 50 mg/l. Handling time did not differ between fish anesthetized with 12.5 or 25 mg/l. Processed fish (i.e. PIT tagged, weighed, measured, fin clipped) recovered significantly quicker when anesthetized with 12.5 mg/l clove oil concentration followed by 25 and 50 mg/l. Time to each anesthesia recovery stage did not differ between processed fish and controls. We observed no initial post-tagging mortality. Though we observed delayed mortality, it was low and did not significantly differ among clove oil concentrations. Our results support the use of clove oil as a fish anesthetic, and 50 mg/l was an effective concentration when used for PIT tagging juvenile steelhead.
High-speed low-power charge-buffered active-pull-down ECI circuit

A high-speed, low-power, charge-buffered active-pull-down ECL (emitter-coupled logic) circuit is described. The circuit features a charge-buffered coupling between the common-emitter node of the switching transistors and the base of an active-pull-down n-p-n transistor. This coupling scheme provides a much larger dynamic current than what can be reasonably achieved through the capacitor coupling and a DC path to alleviate the AC-testing requirement. Furthermore, the dynamic current is utilized effectively by the logic stage, thus allowing a reduction in the power consumption of the logic stage without sacrificing the switching speed. Based on a 0.8- mu m double-poly self-aligned bipolar technology at a power consumption of 1.0 mW/gate, the circuit offers 37% improvement in both the speed and load driving capability for a loaded gate compared with the conventional ECL circuit. The design and scaling considerations of the circuit are discussed. >
Coalescent Species Delimitation in Milksnakes (Genus Lampropeltis) and Impacts on Phylogenetic Comparative Analyses

Both gene-tree discordance and unrecognized diversity are sources of error for accurate estimation of species trees, and can affect downstream diversification analyses by obscuring the correct number of nodes, their density, and the lengths of the branches subtending them. Although the theoretical impact of gene-tree discordance on evolutionary analyses has been examined previously, the effect of unsampled and cryptic diversity has not. Here, we examine how delimitation of previously unrecognized diversity in the milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) and use of a species-tree approach affects both estimation of the Lampropeltis phylogeny and comparative analyses with respect to the timing of diversification. Coalescent species delimitation indicates that L. triangulum is not monophyletic and that there are multiple species of milksnake, which increases the known species diversity in the genus Lampropeltis by 40%. Both genealogical and temporal discordance occurs between gene trees and the species tree, with evidence that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) introgression is a main factor. This discordance is further manifested in the preferred models of diversification, where the concatenated gene tree strongly supports an early burst of speciation during the Miocene, in contrast to species-tree estimates where diversification follows a birth-death model and speciation occurs mostly in the Pliocene and Pleistocene. This study highlights the crucial interaction among coalescent-based phylogeography and species delimitation, systematics, and species diversification analyses. (Divergence-time estimation; diversification rates; Lampropeltini; gene-tree/species- tree discordance; mtDNA introgression; Pleistocene diversification.)
Core functional traits of bacterial communities in the Upper Mississippi River show limited variation in response to land cover.

Taxonomic characterization of environmental microbial communities via high-throughput DNA sequencing has revealed that patterns in microbial biogeography affect community structure. However, shifts in functional diversity related to variation in taxonomic composition are poorly understood. To overcome limitations due to the prohibitive cost of high-depth metagenomic sequencing, tools to infer functional diversity based on phylogenetic distributions of functional traits have been developed. In this study we characterized functional microbial diversity at 11 sites along the Mississippi River in Minnesota using both metagenomic sequencing and functional-inference-based (PICRUSt) approaches. This allowed us to determine how distance and variation in land cover throughout the river influenced the distribution of functional traits, as well as to validate PICRUSt inferences. The distribution and abundance of functional traits, by metagenomic analysis, were similar among sites, with a median standard deviation of 0.0002% among tier 3 functions in KEGG. Overall inferred functional variation was significantly different (P ≤ 0.035) between two water basins surrounded by agricultural versus developed land cover, and abundances of bacterial orders that correlated with functional traits by metagenomic analysis were greater where abundances of the trait were inferred to be higher. PICRUSt inferences were significantly correlated (r = 0.147, P = 1.80 × 10-30) with metagenomic annotations. Discrepancies between metagenomic and PICRUSt taxonomic-functional relationships, however, suggested potential functional redundancy among abundant and rare taxa that impeded the ability to accurately assess unique functional traits among rare taxa at this sequencing depth. Results of this study suggest that a suite of ‘core functional traits’ is conserved throughout the river and distributions of functional traits, rather than specific taxa, may shift in response to environmental heterogeneity.
Pharmacists' self-reported transfer of learning and participation in continuing education programs in social and administrative pharmacy: a pilot study

Abstract Objectives The shift of pharmacists' role to pharmaceutical care has called for stronger skills and knowledge in social and administrative sciences. A growing number of continuing education (CE) programs with a focus on social and administrative science (SAS) have been offered in response to this need. The current study aims to evaluate pharmacists' transfer of learning from SAS CE programs and their level of participation. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of pharmacists about the applicability of content from SAS CE programs and their participation in the programs. The reported transfer of learning and level of participation were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Factors that may be related to transfer of learning and participation were investigated using linear regression. Results The survey sample consisted of pharmacists with a diversified background as it relates to demographics, practice setting, and experience. Although 43.9% reported that SAS CE programs had been useful, opportunity to engage in patient care was significantly related to whether a pharmacist had successfully applied what was learned from the programs. A majority of pharmacists (68.3%) would like to see more SAS CE programs offered. Only 12.2% of pharmacists reported they “always made an effort to attend SAS CE programs.” A busy work schedule affects participation significantly. Conclusions Pharmacists reported that SAS knowledge and related CE programs had been useful. However, the transfer of learning and participation in such programs were negatively affected by the chance to engage in patient care and number of work hours, respectively.
Experimental studies of dense media scattering

Although volume scattering is an element in perhaps the majority of remote sensing problems, little or no experimental record exists of its scattering behavior. Given the fact that heterogeneous volumes which exist in nature are often very dense in character-a scenario for which confidence diminishes greatly for all theoretical models-it is especially imperative that scattering behavior for such materials be examined carefully in an experimental sense. Furthermore, it is noted that what experimental data does exist is made ambiguous by the presence of contributing scattering mechanisms such as rough interfaces above and below.
A single chip 2.20 GHz T/R module

A single-chip 2-20-GHz transmit/receive (T/R) module has been fabricated. This monolithic microwave IC (MMIC) includes a four-stage power amplifier chain, a four-stage low-noise amplifier, chain, and two T/R switches. A selective ion implantation process was used. One implant profile was optimized for low-noise operation and a second was optimized for power performance. All the circuits were designed to be relatively insensitive to process variations, thereby ensuring adequate yield despite the complexity of the chip. Distributed amplifiers are used throughout, and the T/R switches use a standard series-shunt FET configuration. All circuits have been miniaturized to keep the total chip size small. The entire T/R circuit measures only 0.143 in*0.193 in (3.6 mm*4.9 mm). >
Temporal discrimination in the split brain

Divided visual field studies of neurologically normal adults indicate that the left hemisphere is superior to the right in making temporal judgments. Some neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies, however, have suggested a role for the right hemisphere in temporal processing. We tested the divided hemispheres of a split-brain patient in two tasks requiring temporal judgments about visually presented stimuli. In one task, the patient judged whether two circles presented to one visual field appeared for the same or different durations. In the second task, the patient judged whether the temporal gaps in two circles occurred simultaneously or sequentially. In both tasks, the performance of the right hemisphere was superior to that of the left. This suggests that the right hemisphere plays an important role in making temporal judgments about visually presented stimuli.
THE USE OF DICTIONARIES IN LANGUAGE TEACHING

[This article consists of extracts from a paper entitled “Some Possible Improvements in English Dictionaries,” which was read before the Linguistic Society of America at its summer meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We are reproducing here three parts of the paper which we believe will be of help in clarifying the thinking of teachers as to what their dictionary needs are in language teaching and as to how present dictionary facilities can be used to best advantage. The material will be of most value to teachers of English as a foreign language but it will be helpful also to teachers of other languages whose dictionaries fall short of the ideal descriptive reference work.]
Family study of subthreshold depressive symptoms: risk factor for MDD?

Background: Family study data from a large community sample of young adults and their first-degree relatives were used to examine three questions regarding the relation between subthreshold depression (SubD) and major depressive disorder (MDD): (a) is there an elevated rate of MDD in the relatives of probands with SubD? (b) does SubD aggregate in the families of probands with MDD and SubD? (c) is the relationship between SubD and familial psychopathology specific to MDD? Methods: A total of 941 probands were assessed twice during adolescence and then at age 24. Direct and informant information was obtained on 2750 first-degree relatives of 840 probands. Results: The rate of MDD in the relatives of probands with SubD (24.3%) was significantly lower than the relatives of probands with MDD (31.9%) but was significantly higher than the relatives of probands with no history of mood disorder (NMD; 20.2%). Relatives of MDD, SubD and NMD probands did not differ on rates of SubD (9.0, 9.4 and 9.0%, respectively). Familial aggregation of psychopathology in SubD probands was specific to MDD. Limitations: The primary limitation may be the absence of a standardized definition and assessment procedure for the SubD category. In addition, the sample size, although large, may have been inadequate to detect smaller associations or the moderating effects of sex. Conclusion: The results data support the view that SubD occupies a milder position on a continuum with MDD. D 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Stable gain-scheduling on endogenous signals

Gain-scheduling is possibly the most widely used nonlinear control design technique in industry. However, guaranteeing the stability of the nonlinear closed loop can be extremely challenging, specifically for endogenously scheduled controllers. Given a set of locally linear models and previously designed controllers, this paper addresses the problem of 1) guaranteeing internal stability of the nonlinear closed loop, and 2) determining the class of disturbances and reference changes that can be stably endured, despite arbitrarily fast changes in the scheduling parameter. A simple example illustrates the approach.
Using Systematic Classroom Observation to Explore Student Engagement as a Function of Teachers’ Developmentally Appropriate Instructional Practices (DAIP) in Ethnically Diverse Pre-kindergarten Through Second-Grade Classrooms

Researchers observed pre-kindergarten through second-grade public school classrooms, specifically noting child-centered and teacher-directed pedagogical approaches, by simultaneously examining: (a) student behavior and activities, (b) teacher instructional orientation and rationale, and (c) overall classroom environment. Dissimilar to previous studies, researchers noted the nature of activity structure and various student demographic variables. Additionally, unlike prior classroom observation studies that included an overwhelming percentage of white students, the current study was comprised of a large percentage of Hispanic and African American students. The findings revealed: little to no variation existed in the activities in which young children were engaged in their classrooms, nor in the instructional practices utilized by their early childhood teachers; however, three statistically significant findings showed: (a) students taught by teachers rated as having a higher developmentally appropriate instructional practices (DAIP) scores were more likely to be on-task and less likely to be off-task; (b) students taught by teachers with a higher DAIP score were more likely to be working kinesthetically, answering teacher-posed questions, and freely exploring; and (c) students taught by teachers with a lower DAIP score were more likely to be distracted and/or not engaging in activity. The findings are important, since young children continue to be taught in a direct instructional manner that focuses on students’ test performance—despite research showing the unfavorable effects that highly teacher-centered, scripted classrooms have on young students’ engagement and learning outcomes.
Fundamental Wave Properties

Certain properties of wave motion are manifested by water waves, such as those formed when a pebble is dropped on the surface of a still pond, as shown in Figure 1.1. Because all wave energy travels with a certain speed, such water waves move outward with a wave speed or velocity of propagation, v. Waves also have a wavelength, the distance from crest to crest; it is usually designated, as shown, by the Greek letter λ. If, in Figure 1.1, we were to position one finger so that it just touched the crests of the waves, we could feel each crest as it passes by. If the successive crests are widely separated, they touch our finger less often, less frequently, than if the crests are close together. The expression frequency is therefore used to designate how frequently (how many times in one second) the crests pass a given point. The velocity, the wavelength, and the frequency [stated as cycles per second or hertz (Hz)] are thus related by $$ f = v/\lambda $$ (1.1) This says simply that the shorter the wavelength the more frequently the wave crests pass a given point, and similarly, the higher the velocity, the more frequently the crests pass. No proportionality constant is needed in Equation (1.1) if the same unit of length is used for both the wavelength and the velocity and if the same unit of time (usually the second) is used for both the frequency and the velocity.
In memoriam – Pascal Zabana Kongo (1947–2014)

(2015). In memoriam – Pascal Zabana Kongo (1947–2014) Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa: Vol. 12, No. 1-2, pp. 97-98.
Abstract 57: 12-Lipoxygenase is a Critical Enzyme Regulating FcyRIIa-Mediated Platelet Activation

Introduction: FcγRIIa plays a key role in platelet activation mediated by immune complexes containing IgG and platelet factor 4 (PF4) bound to heparin. One of the primary mechanisms by which FcγRIIa mediates it effects in the platelet is through its ITAM motif. 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) has recently been shown to play an important role in regulation of platelet function through GPVI, which also signals in part through an ITAM motif. We therefore hypothesize that 12-LOX can play an important role in regulation of FcγRIIa-mediated platelet activation resulting in aggregation and thrombosis. Identifying the importance of this regulatory interaction is essential for understanding the role of 12-LOX in regulation of hemostasis and thrombosis, and identifying a possible target for prevention of FcγRIIa -induced platelet activation. Objectives: Determine the requirement of 12-LOX activation in FcγRIIa -mediated platelet activation and identify the underlying mechanism by which 12-LOX activation regulates FcγRIIa....
Patterns of Abundance, Survivorship, and Fecundity of Nuculaspis tsugae (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on Tsuga Species in Japan in Relation to Elevation

Studies were conducted in Japan during 1984 to determine whether density, survivorship, and fecundity of Nuculaspis (formerly Tsugaspidiotus ) tsugae (Marlatt) on Tsuga diversifolia Masters and Tsuga sieboldii Carriere vary within and beyond the natural distributions of these hosts along a gradient of elevation. Density and survivorship of scale nymphs and fecundity of adult females were significantly greater at the edges of the natural distribution of Tsuga than at the center, and significantly greater at a low-elevational cultivated site than at any of the natural montane sites. Hosts growing at the edge or beyond their natural range may have been under greater stress and, therefore, more susceptible to scale attack than those growing under more optimal conditions at the center of distribution.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Polymer Membrane Systems for Postcombustion Carbon Capture at Coal-Fired Power Plants

This study investigates the feasibility of polymer membrane systems for postcombustion carbon dioxide (CO(2)) capture at coal-fired power plants. Using newly developed performance and cost models, our analysis shows that membrane systems configured with multiple stages or steps are capable of meeting capture targets of 90% CO(2) removal efficiency and 95+% product purity. A combined driving force design using both compressors and vacuum pumps is most effective for reducing the cost of CO(2) avoided. Further reductions in the overall system energy penalty and cost can be obtained by recycling a portion of CO(2) via a two-stage, two-step membrane configuration with air sweep to increase the CO(2) partial pressure of feed flue gas. For a typical plant with carbon capture and storage, this yielded a 15% lower cost per metric ton of CO(2) avoided compared to a plant using a current amine-based capture system. A series of parametric analyses also is undertaken to identify paths for enhancing the viability of membrane-based capture technology.
Analgesic properties of xylopropamine.

Summary1) A new sympathomimetic drug, xylopropamine sulfate (1-(3,4-Dimethylphenyl)-2-Aminopropane), has been found capable of elevating the threshold of human subjects to experimentally induced pain. The method employed was electrical stimulation of the tooth pulp. There were 8 subjects and the experiment was conducted under “double blind” discipline. Five and 10 mg oral doses of xylopropamine were compared with a placebo and a “dry-run.” The average effect of the 10 mg dose was statistically superior (P<.05) to the effects of the other treatments from 90-180 minutes after medication. 2) It is provocative that xylopropamine is analgesic but apparently not analeptic, while amphetamine is both. It suggests that the two effects on the sensorium could be independent.
How a Strike Was Won: Rebuilding Union Capacity and Strategic Leverage in a Utility Workers Local

This article explores the determinants of a successful strike by examining the victory by Utility Workers Local 369 at NStar, a Boston-based utility company. The conventional wisdom in the labor movement is that unions are successful when they use specific tactics during a strike. This case shifts the focus back to what unions do organizationally in the years prior to the strike. Three years before going on strike Local 369, the recent amalgamation of six separate locals, undertook a massive effort to directly involve members, build a transparent organization, and reengage with the broader community and labor movement. Once on strike, the local used this increased organizational capacity to build a strategic approach, which repeatedly outflanked NStar, targeting key relationships of the firm, changing the rules of bargaining, and reframing the company’s characterization of the strike. Coupled with strong membership involvement Local 369 won a strong contract in thirteen days.
Wireless Sensor Array System for Combinatorial Screening of Sensor Materials

Screening of materials arrays for their viscoelastic, gas-sorbing, and electrical properties is important for a variety of practical applications ranging from sensor to protective coatings. Complex impedance analysis of the materials arrays is an attractive approach to analyze these materials properties. We developed a wireless proximity sensor array system for combinatorial screening of these types of materials and demonstrated its applicability for sensor materials. In the developed system, sensor materials are applied onto an array of resonators and arranged for performance testing in a test chamber. Each resonator is coupled to a receiver antenna. An array of these antennas is read with a single scanning transmitter antenna or an array of transmitter antennas. Such high-throughput screening approach of sensor materials permits their evaluation in complex environments where additional wiring is not desirable or adds a prohibitively complex design.