cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recruitment Patterns of Juvenile Fish at an Artificial Reef Area in the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractIn 2011 the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Coastal Conservation Association of Texas deployed over 4,000 concrete culverts in a designated artificial reef area off Port Mansfield, Texas, to enhance habitat for sport fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. A study was conducted to assess juvenile fish recruitment at varying culvert densities within the artificial reef area. Standard monitoring units for the recruitment of reef fish (SMURFs) were used to sample juvenile fish, and these collections were compared with visual scuba surveys. The 0.027-m3 SMURFs were placed at four different culvert densities (0, 1–50, 51–100, and 101+ culverts in a 30-m radius) and sampled during 2013 to 2014. Measurements of rugosity, vertical relief, and percent cover were collected to elucidate factors that drive juvenile recruitment. Average species richness was highest at sites with no culverts and lowest at dense culvert sites. Species compositions were significantly different between sampling locations w...
Community Assessment of Colorectal Cancer Screening Compliance in Northwest Louisiana.

BackgroundIn the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates have steadily increased. The state of Louisiana has persistent lower screening rates compared to the United States and other ...
Living in High-SES Neighborhoods Is Protective against Obesity among Higher-Income Children but Not Low-Income Children: Results from the Healthy Communities Study

Numerous studies have focused on the role of neighborhood socioeconomic status in childhood obesity and physical activity, but few studies have examined the effect of neighborhood socioeconomic changes over time and the interaction between family and neighborhood SES on childhood obesity and physical activity. This study measured neighborhood socioeconomic histories between 2000 and 2010 and examined the associations between neighborhood socioeconomic histories and childhood obesity, as well as physical activity. The moderating role of family poverty status was also examined. Using the Healthy Communities Study (2013-2015), we measured obesity indicators (objectively measured body mass index z-score and waist circumference) and a physical activity indicator (self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) for a cohort of 4114 children. Multilevel linear regression models were used to examine the associations between neighborhood socioeconomic histories between 2000 and 2009-2013 and body-mass index z-score, waist circumference, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Results showed that higher-income children in consistently high socioeconomic neighborhoods had lower measured BMIz and WC and engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than higher-income children in consistently low socioeconomic neighborhoods. Additionally, low-income children in consistently moderate socioeconomic neighborhoods reported a lower level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than low-income children in consistently low socioeconomic neighborhoods. The findings indicate that considering both family and neighborhood socioeconomic status may help elucidate the underlying differences in childhood obesity and physical activity levels by socioeconomic status.
Verification of the sensitivity and uncertainty-based criticality safety validation techniques: ORNL’s SCALE case study

Abstract The use of sensitivity and uncertainty-based techniques has been well-developed in the neutronic community for criticality safety applications. Sensitivity techniques calculate the first-order relative variations in keff due to relative cross-section variations by isotope, reaction type, and incident neutron energy. The result is a vector of sensitivity coefficients which is folded with prior cross-section uncertainties to calculate the so-called similarity indices. Similarity indices are integral quantities which serve as useful mathematical measures for assessing the relevance of existing or new experiments to given application conditions, representing design systems for which the models are to be validated. Despite their importance for a wide range of validation activities, the peer-reviewed literature is non-existent on the development of rigorous verification analysis for their calculated values. Thus, this manuscript proposes a simple non-intrusive method to calculate similarity indices, serving as an independent verification tool for their evaluation. The manuscript derives the theoretical basis for the proposed verification analysis. Next, the verification analysis is applied to the ORNL’s SCALE code suite which employs adjoint-based methods to calculate similarity indices. Numerical experiments using a number of well-known benchmark experiments are employed to verify the calculation of the similarity indices.
A methodology for reliability assessment and prognosis of bearing axial cracking in wind turbine gearboxes

Abstract This article describes an interdisciplinary methodology to calculate the probability of failure for bearing axial cracking, the dominant failure mode in the intermediate and high-speed stages of many wind turbine gearboxes. This approach is mainly a physics-domain method with needed inputs from the data domain. The gearbox and bearing design along with operations data and component failure records from a wind power plant provide the input to physics-based models and define axial cracking damage metrics. The physics-domain models predict the bearing loads and sliding velocities, which are the essential elements for quantifying the accumulated frictional energy. Both accumulated frictional energy and electrical energy generation are proposed as damage metrics for bearing axial cracking. A first-order reliability method is then used to compare the proposed damage metrics to failure threshold functions and calculate the probability of failure of each individual bearing. Although the probability of failure for the failed turbines is not separated from the population, a feature engineering analysis shows the potential of frictional energy as a damage metric when combined with roller loads, bearing sliding speed, lubricant type, and terrain features. Through statistical analysis of historical data, the proposed methodology enables reliability assessment of axial cracking in individual wind turbine bearings and connects the reliability forecast with turbine design and operations.
Surgical management of colovesical fistulas.

The most common etiology of colovesical fistulas is complicated diverticular disease and the treatment of choice is surgical resection. There are very few reports of the application of minimally invasive approaches for these surgeries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in this challenging surgical setting. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transabdominal surgery for colovesical fistula in 2008–2018 was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who had open surgery and patients treated with laparoscopy. The postoperative course was reviewed for the length of stay, postoperative complications, readmission, emergency re-operation, and mortality Thirty-five patients were included (13 females [37%]; median age 68 [range 28–84] years) with a mean body mass index of 29 ± 7.19 kg/m2. The main fistula etiology was diverticulitis (91%). Seventeen patients (48.5%) had laparoscopic surgery and 2 patients in whom laparoscopy was attempted underwent conversion to laparotomy. The benefits of laparoscopy included significant reductions in morbidity including surgical site infections and medical complications following laparoscopy. Laparoscopic management of colovesical fistula is both safe and feasible in a high volume laparoscopic colorectal surgery center. Laparoscopy offers potential benefits including a decreased incidence of surgical site infections and medical complications.
Alleviating Cellular Oxidative Stress through Treatment with Superoxide-Triggered Persulfide Prodrugs

Overproduction of superoxide anion (O2 .- ), the primary cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), is implicated in various human diseases. To reduce cellular oxidative stress caused by overproduction of superoxide, we developed a compound that reacts with O2 .- to release a persulfide (RSSH), a type of reactive sulfur species related to the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2 S). Termed SOPD-NAC, this persulfide donor reacts specifically with O2 .- , decomposing to generate N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) persulfide. To enhance persulfide delivery to cells, we conjugated the SOPD motif to a short, self-assembling peptide (Bz-CFFE-NH2 ) to make a superoxide-responsive, persulfide-donating peptide (SOPD-Pep). Both SOPD-NAC and SOPD-Pep delivered persulfides/H2 S to H9C2 cardiomyocytes and lowered ROS levels as confirmed by quantitative in vitro fluorescence imaging studies. Additional in vitro studies on RAW 264.7 macrophages showed that SOPD-Pep mitigated toxicity induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) more effectively than SOPD-NAC and several control compounds, including common H2 S donors.
The Topological Properties of COVID-19 Global Activity Time Series Forecasting

Topological data analysis (TDA) is a combination of statistical, computational and topological methods that would allow one to find shape-like structures in data. The mathematical concepts of time series and topological data analysis are seldomly used in conjunction. The goal of this paper is to introduce readers to the combination of time series forecasting with topological data analysis as a technique to solve real world problems. The COVID-19 pandemic is a relevant topic that is known worldwide and will be the test subject used in this experiment. A time series forecast was produced to determine future trends of Coronavirus cases in the top 10 most affected countries. This forecast can inform health officials and improve regulations for the future in an effort to circumvent the effects of COVID-19. Performing topological data analysis on this forecast generated the unique topological structure of the time series dataset. This paper concluded that a majority of the screened countries will continue to see a rise in deaths for the next 6 months. Additionally, the topological structure derived from the forecast model consisted of a loop and immeasurable points. By writing this paper, the author encourages others to find innovative solutions to modern problems using this combination of mathematics.
Leaning In or All in the Family? Gender Equality, Dynastic Legacies, and Female Leaders

Until the second half of the twentieth century, it was relatively rare for women to become leaders of states. As gender equality has increased, so has the number of female leaders. In countries that have made the greatest strides toward gender equity women’s roles have evolved, including directly participating in political leadership. While the chances of a woman becoming head of state or government increase with overall gender equity, at the opposite end of the equality spectrum there are also a number of women who achieved the most powerful office in the nation, including Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi, Corazon Aquino, and Aung San Suu Kyi, and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. What can explain how women rise to power in patriarchal societies with extreme gender inequity? This paper addresses the puzzle of female leaders in states with high levels of gender inequality, and considers how these women came to power. Specifically, we hypothesize that women in countries with less gender equality are more likely to come to power through dynastic legacies as the relatives of former leaders. These familial connections often allow women to connect to political legacies powerful enough to overcome society’s preference for men in positions of influence. In the most extreme cases, dynastic female leaders may actually be evidence of gender inequality as they are seen as little more than the extension of male relatives. This paper uses case studies and multi-country panel regression to investigate the relationship between gender inequality and dynastic female leadership.
Central Bank of the Future Summary and Recommendations for Further Inquiry

Over the past two years, the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and its Center on Finance, Law & Policy, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has embarked on an exploration of the Central Bank of the Future. The project convened current and former central bank governors, policymakers, regulators, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, consumer and community organizations, non-profit think tanks, and others for two large, public conferences, three private roundtables, and dozens of small group and one-on-one discussions and interviews. The project also produced an introductory paper, seven working papers, a comprehensive data set cataloging central bank financial inclusion mandates from around the world, and a “What If” blog series. The goal of the project was to explore how central banks could leverage technological advances to foster financial inclusion and to provide recommendations for further work to advance this goal. This paper summarizes many key takeaways from the project and provides a set of recommendations for further research. The paper is divided into five parts. Part I describes how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored existing deficiencies in payment systems around the world and discusses some of the strategies central banks used to respond to the crisis and the impact of those policies on the poor. Part II describes the multiple definitions of “financial inclusion” used by governing bodies around the world and how these competing definitions make it challenging to enact broader global financial inclusion policies. It also provides examples of central banks’ attempts to harmonize definitions, with varying degrees of success. Part III provides an overview of how fintech has changed customers’ expectations; created new risks; and created new opportunities to provide affordable, accessible, and appropriate financial services to those whose needs have not been met. Part IV delves into the regulatory challenges raised by new technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and offers examples of how central banks could modify regulations to address these gaps in regulation. Part V explores some of the key factors involved in creating a global identification system, based upon learning from national identification systems offered by some central banks. This includes a discussion of anti-money laundering (AML) and other risks. Each Part concludes with recommendations for further research. A summary of the recommendations can be found in Appendix A.
A loss-of-function mutation in PTCH1 suggests a role for autocrine hedgehog signaling in colorectal tumorigenesis

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is largely suppressed in the normal differentiated tissues of the adult but activated in many cancers. The Hh pathway can either be activated by the expression of Hh ligands, or by mutations that cause constitutive, ligand-independent signaling. Colorectal cancer cells frequently express Hh ligands that are believed to exert paracrine effects on the stromal component of the tumor. Evidence for a more direct role of Hh signaling on the growth and evolution of colorectal cancer cell clones has been lacking. Here, we report a loss-of-function mutation of PTCH1, a tumor suppressor in the Hh pathway, in a colorectal cancer that exhibits transcriptional upregulation of the downstream Hh gene GLI1. This finding demonstrates that autocrine Hh signaling can provide a selective advantage to evolving tumors that arise in the colorectal epithelia, and suggests a definable group of colorectal cancer patients that could derive enhanced benefit from Hh pathway inhibitors.
Robust controlled invariant sets for a class of uncertain hybrid systems

Invariant set theory has been widely studied in the literature. This paper concentrates on the robust controlled invariant sets for a class of uncertain hybrid systems. Our goal is to determine whether a given region in the state space is robust controlled invariant and to compute the maximal robust controlled invariant subset under structured dynamic uncertainty and disturbances.
Recent Results on QSO Absorption Lines

Results are shown from four separate studies of QSO absorption lines by the Hubble Space Telescope team at the University of California, San Diego. These results include HST data obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS), the High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS), and the new Wide Field/Planetary Camera (WFPCII), as well as data from ground-based observations made at the Keck and Lick Observatories.
Family Caregiving and Aging: Strategies for Support

Summary Increasingly families face difficult dilemmas and decisions when elderly relatives become dependent and need the assistance of others. This article discusses the demographic and social trends which impact on the ability of families to provide the needed support and the stresses individuals can experience when providing care. Four strategies that can enhance a family's effectiveness to make decisions and their ability to provide caregiving are discussed. These are educational programs, family conferences, support groups, and respite care.
Nutritional control of fatty acid esterification in differentiating caco-2 intestinal cells is mediated by cellular diacylglycerol concentrations

The Caco-2 human intestinal cell line was used to investigate the effects of exogenous lipid on fatty acid esterification in differentiating intestinal absorptive cells. Preincubation of Caco-2 cells with either palmitate or palmitate plus 2-monoolein resulted in greater utilization of subsequently added fatty acid for triacylglycerol relative to phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Despite this lipid-induced alteration in metabolism, the activities of acyl-CoA synthetase, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase and diacylglycerol acyltransferase were unchanged. In addition, monoacylglycerol acyltransferase activity was nearly undetectable, even after preincubation with 2-monoolein. The intracellular diacylglycerol concentrations were, however, increased with greater lipid substrate availability. These studies indicate that, under conditions of increased dietary lipid, intestinal fatty acid esterification via the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway is modulated by cellular diacylglycerol concentrations.
Design-Plots for Factorial and Fractional-Factorial Designs

This chapter develops design-plots for viewing the set of run conditions for experiment designs. The emphasis is on factorial and fractional factorial designs but mixture designs nested designs and irregular designs are also presented. The fundamental concept for designs with more than two factors is to place points on a regular grid. By drawing the grid lines in a hierarchical way it is possible to view designs with as many as ten factors. These representations are not projections since all of the factor values for a run can be determined from the location of the corresponding point on the design-plot.
Chromatography of substituted anilines on 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl paper

Simple and substituted anilines are adsorbed by 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl (DNB) paper, a potential polymeric charge-transfer acceptor. The formation of distinct colors observed when DNB paper was contacted with various anilines (donors) is consistent with the hypothesis that charge-transfer interactions play an important role in the binding of these components to DNB paper. The RF values from organic solvents could be correlated with the Hammett substituent constant (%), in the case of electron-releasing substituents. Differences in RF values were sufficient to permit chromatographic separation of some of the substituted anilines, indicating that DNB cellulose is a useful chromatographic medium.
The Effects of Statistical Analysis Software and Calculators on Statistics Achievement.

This study compared the effects of microcomputer-based statistical software and hand-held calculators on the statistics achievement of university males and females. The subjects, 73 graduate studen...
Correlation and Simple Linear Regression

Up until now in this book, you have been dealing with the situation in which you have had only one group or two groups of events or objects in your research study and only one measurement (i.e., variable) “number” on each of these. This chapter asks you to change gears again and to deal with the situation in which you are measuring two variables instead of only one variable, and you are trying to discover the “relationship” between these variables. For example, if one variable increases in value, does the other variable increase in value (i.e., a “positive” relationship) or decrease in value (i.e., a negative relationship), and is this relationship “weak” or “strong?” The formula for the correlation r is presented, explained, and the nine steps for computing a correlation are explained using a calculator example. Then, the Excel commands for computing a correlation are presented along with the Excel steps needed to create a chart summarizing the relationship between the two variables. You will learn how to use Excel to draw the “best-fit line” through the data points on a scatterplot and how to determine the equation for this line so that you can use this equation to predict one variable from the other variable. You will learn both how to print a chart by itself, and how to print both the table and the chart so that they fit onto a single page. Three practice problems are given at the end of the chapter to test your Excel skills, and the answers to these problems appear in Appendix A of this book. An additional practice problem is presented in the Practice Test given in Appendix B along with its answer in Appendix C of this book.
Of Floods and Droughts: The Economic and Financial Crisis of 2008

This paper provides an overview of the period prior to the recent global crisis, and the policies that were adopted around the world in response to the crisis. It highlights a number of key issues regarding economic and financial policies that governments have faced both globally and nationally. These are related to the management of boom and bust episodes that deserve more attention in policy circles in the future.
Net endogenous acid production and mortality in NHANES III.

Aim Low serum bicarbonate is a strong mortality risk factor in people with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It may also raise mortality risk in people with normal eGFR. This study investigated whether higher net endogenous acid production (NEAP), an estimate of net dietary acid intake and a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, associates with higher mortality in people with and without low eGFR. Methods NEAP was calculated among adult participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey as −10.2 + 54.5 x (protein intake in grams per day/potassium intake in milliequivalent per day). Cox models were performed in the (i) total population and (ii) low eGFR and (iii) normal eGFR subgroups using the lowest NEAP quartile as the reference. Results Sixteen thousand nine hundred six participants were included in the analysis. The mortality hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for the highest NEAP quartile (72–145 mEq/day) were: (i) 0.75 (0.62–0.90) in the total population; (ii) 0.77 (0.51–1.17) in the low eGFR subgroup; and (iii) 0.75 (0.61–0.93) in the normal eGFR subgroup after adjusting for demographics, serum bicarbonate, eGFR, albuminuria and comorbidities. The mortality hazard ratios in the second and third NEAP quartiles were similar to the lowest (reference) NEAP quartile in the total population and low and normal eGFR subgroups. Conclusions Higher NEAP is not associated with higher mortality in people with low or normal eGFR. Future studies should consider the effect of modifying dietary acid and alkali intake on mortality and CKD progression in people with reduced eGFR.
Theoretical Studies of Competing Reaction Pathways and Energy Barriers for Alkaline Ester Hydrolysis of Cocaine

Reaction pathways, solvent effects, and energy barriers have been determined for the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of the benzoyl-ester and methyl-ester groups of neutral cocaine and three smaller alkyl esters in aqueous solution by performing a series of ab initio molecular orbital and density functional theory calculations. The reaction coordinate calculations indicate that both the benzoyl-ester hydrolysis and the methyl-ester hydrolysis occur through a two-step process known for the majority of alkyl esters, i.e., the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate by the attack of hydroxide oxygen at the carbonyl carbon (first step) followed by the decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate to products (second step). This is the first first-principles study of the whole reaction pathway for cocaine benzoyl- and methyl-ester hydrolyses. The decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate requires a proton transfer from the hydroxide/hydroxyl oxygen to the ester oxygen, as the C−O bond between carbonyl carbon and...
The Effects of NR2 Subunit-Dependent NMDA Receptor Kinetics on Synaptic Transmission and CaMKII Activation

N-Methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors are widely expressed in the brain and are critical for many forms of synaptic plasticity. Subtypes of the NMDA receptor NR2 subunit are differentially expressed during development; in the forebrain, the NR2B receptor is dominant early in development, and later both NR2A and NR2B are expressed. In heterologous expression systems, NR2A-containing receptors open more reliably and show much faster opening and closing kinetics than do NR2B-containing receptors. However, conflicting data, showing similar open probabilities, exist for receptors expressed in neurons. Similarly, studies of synaptic plasticity have produced divergent results, with some showing that only NR2A-containing receptors can drive long-term potentiation and others showing that either subtype is capable of driving potentiation. In order to address these conflicting results as well as open questions about the number and location of functional receptors in the synapse, we constructed a Monte Carlo model of glutamate release, diffusion, and binding to NMDA receptors and of receptor opening and closing as well as a model of the activation of calcium-calmodulin kinase II, an enzyme critical for induction of synaptic plasticity, by NMDA receptor-mediated calcium influx. Our results suggest that the conflicting data concerning receptor open probabilities can be resolved, with NR2A- and NR2B-containing receptors having very different opening probabilities. They also support the conclusion that receptors containing either subtype can drive long-term potentiation. We also are able to estimate the number of functional receptors at a synapse from experimental data. Finally, in our models, the opening of NR2B-containing receptors is highly dependent on the location of the receptor relative to the site of glutamate release whereas the opening of NR2A-containing receptors is not. These results help to clarify the previous findings and suggest future experiments to address open questions concerning NMDA receptor function.
An Evaluation of the Permeability of Disposable Polypropylene-Based Protective Gowns to a Battery of Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs

Abstract Occupational exposure to cancer chemotherapy drugs is a concern of many health care workers. By their nature, most chemotherapy drugs are extremely toxic and pose a health threat to pharmacists and nurses who come in contact with them through admixing, administering, and disposing of the drugs. Both gloves and gowns afford protection to the health care worker if suitable types and materials are used. This article reports on the testing of several different polypropylene-based protective gown materials for permeability against a battery of four cancer chemotherapy drugs (carmustine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin). The drugs were selected on the basis of their reported permeabilities from previous studies and were tested using a bacterial mutation assay as the indicator of permeability at exposure times from 5 minutes to 4 hours. Testing was done at ambient temperature using the concentration of each drug to which the health care worker would normally be exposed. Of the eight types o...
A Rhetorical Tradition Lost in Translation: Implications for Rhetoric in the Ancient Indian Nyāya Sūtras

Abstract Ancient India formalized rhetorical debate in the Sanskrit Nyāya Sūtras. Still influential, they remain relatively unknown because India is thought more mystical than logical, because Nyāya has been misinterpreted through Greek logic and terminologies, and because of its epistemology and soteriology. Perrett's four Western “approaches” to India—“magisterial,” “exoticist,” “curatorial,” and “interlocutory”—provide perspective. Magisterial blindness and exoticist assumptions prohibit understanding of Nyāya and delay its inclusion in rhetorical studies. A curatorial/interlocutory approach (translation and elucidation) reveals Nyāya's nature, as well as its similarities with Aristotle's enthymeme and example, enriching our understanding of the history and nature of rhetoric.
Chinese loess record of monsoon climate during the last glacial–interglacial cycle

The thick loess–paleosol succession of central China contains a detailed record of changes in East Asian monsoon climate since the late Miocene Epoch. The alternating loess–paleosol stratigraphy closely resembles the marine oxygen-isotope record, implying that episodic dust deposition and pedogenesis are in phase with global ice-volume fluctuations and controlled by variations in solar radiation reaching the land surface. Deposits equivalent to marine isotope stages (MIS) 5 through 1 have been dated by 14C, 10Be, luminescence, and magnetic susceptibility and grain-size models. Malan Loess (MIS 4–2) decreases in thickness southeastward from >30 m in the western Loess Plateau to <5 m east of Xi'an. Downwind, Asian dust is found in Japan, the North Pacific Ocean, and the Greenland Ice Sheet, where it has a chemical signature that points to a primary source in western China. During glacial times, the mean dust flux in the central Loess Plateau reached 0.35 mm/year, whereas in interglacial times it fell to <0.1 mm/year. Times of high dust influx and reduced soil development coincided with strengthened winter monsoon conditions, which are inferred from variations in loess grain size. Times of decreased dust accumulation and strong pedogenesis, marked by high values of magnetic susceptibility, represent times of strengthened summer monsoon conditions. High-frequency fluctuations in dust influx during deposition of the Malan Loess include peaks that likely correlate with North Atlantic Heinrich events. The Younger Dryas oscillation is recorded in Chinese eolian and organic deposits by a shift from cool, humid late-glacial conditions to cold and dry conditions, followed by a return to milder, humid climate at the beginning of the Holocene. Warm, moist climate, associated with a strong summer monsoon, characterized the first half of the Holocene Epoch when a widespread paleosol complex developed on the Loess Plateau. Increased dust deposition during the middle to late Holocene marked a shift to cooler, drier conditions.
Halocarbons in the environment: Estimates of thermodynamic properties for aqueous chloroethylene species and their stabilities in natural settings

Abstract Standard partial molal thermodynamic parameters for the aqueous chlorinated-ethylene species, perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-1,2-DCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (trans-1,2,-DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC) have been estimated by using experimental gas-solubility data and correlation algorithms. The provided thermodynamic values may be used to calculate properties of reactions involving the aqueous chloroethylene species at a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Estimated values for the chloroethylenes were used, along with published values for minerals, gases, aqueous ions, and aqueous neutral organic species, to calculate the stability of chloroethylene species in equilibrium with the minerals magnetite, hematite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite in the subsurface. Estimated values for the aqueous chloroethylenes were also used to calculate reduction potentials for microbially-mediated reductive dechlorination half-reactions at elevated temperatures. Calculations indicate that all aqueous chloroethylene species are energetically favored to decompose to ethylene(aq) under a wide range of conditions in the subsurface, by both abiotic and biotic pathways. Anaerobic microbially mediated degradation is especially favored under conditions at least sufficiently reducing to promote sulfate-reduction, but not under conditions sufficient for microbial denitrification, pyrolusite reduction, or ferric-iron reduction.
Convergence and the third-order effective shell-model interaction

Several commonly made approximations in microscopic effective interaction calculations have been found to result in serious inaccuracies. Recent improved second-order calculations for $A=18$ nuclei suggested somewhat better order by order convergence in the reaction matrix $G$ than indicated previously. A selected third-order term has been calculated to study further this possibility. The convergence of the intermediate-state summation was also investigated for this diagram. Our improved calculational technique results in a greater reduction of the third-order term than the reduction found earlier for the second-order term. The outlook for the (asymptotic) convergence of the expansion is much improved, but the prospects for a complete third-order calculation of the effective interaction are dim due to the difficulties of the calculation.[NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Effective interaction, theory; convergence of the intermediate-state sums; convergence of the diagram series through third-order in the nuclear reaction matrix; shell-model matrix elements in the $\mathrm{sd}$ shell.]
Information is the enclosure of meaning: Cybernetics, semiotics, and alternative theories of information

Abstract This essay carefully reviews and further develops some overlooked theories of information, grounding them in a more general theory of meaning. And it argues that information is best understood as the enclosure of meaning: an attempt to render a highly messy and stereotypically human process relatively formal, quantifiable, and context-independent. It highlights the ideas of Donald MacKay in relation to those of Claude Shannon, and it foregrounds the semiotic framework of Charles Sanders Peirce in relation to cybernetics (and the then-incipient discipline of computer science). It shows how Katherine Hayles and Mark Hansen, two influential theorists of new media, misread MacKay in their attempt to put the ‘human’ (as well as affect, meaning, the body, and so forth) back into a theory of information. And it thereby shows that the framework these theorists seek was, in some sense, already well developed before cybernetics even entered the scene. It offers two alternative definitions of information, one focusing on interaction (individuals and practices) and the other focusing on institutions (collectivities and structures), that effectively mediate between relatively quantitative theories of information and relatively qualitative theories of meaning.
Theoretical study of the longitudinal density distribution in the liquid-vapor interface of a dilute ternary alloy: Pb and Sn in Ga

We report the results of self-consistent Monte Carlo simulations of the density distribution along the normal to the interface of the liquid-vapor interface of a dilute ternary alloy of Sn and Pb in Ga. The results of the simulations are in general agreement with those obtained from experimental studies reported by Li, Yang, and Rice [Phys. Rev. B 65, 224202 (2002)], with some quantitative discrepancies. In particular, (i) the calculations reproduce the positions and relative amplitudes of the density strata in the liquid-vapor interface. The amplitudes of the density oscillations are overestimated by the simulations, which we attribute to residual inaccuracies in the pseudopotential employed and the limited size of the simulation sample. (ii) The calculations predict, and the experiments show, that at low temperature the excess Pb in the interface forms a complete monolayer that is the outermost layer of the liquid-vapor interface of the ternary alloy. (iii) The calculations predict, in agreement with inference from experiment, that when a complete Pb monolayer occupies the outermost layer of the interface, the excess Sn in the interface segregates in the second outermost layer. (iv) The calculations predict, in agreement with inference from experiment, that when a partial Pb monolayer occupies the outermost layer of the interface, the excess Sn in the interface is distributed between the outermost and second layers, and that the quasi-two-dimensional liquids of Sn and Pb in the outermost layer are immiscible.
A general strategy for the synthesis of azapeptidomimetic lactams

Abstract A selection of azapeptidomimetics containing constraining lactam rings have been prepared by Mitsunobu cyclization of serine/homologated serine-azaalanine derivatives. These include sterically-congested β-lactams, as well as γ-butyrolactam and δ-valerolactam analogs. A novel azaamino acid acylation method was developed to prepare the sterically demanding α-benzyl-serine-azaalanine precursor. In all cases, the Mitsunobu conditions were highly efficient in forming the desired azapeptidomimetic lactams. The reported process represents a general strategy for the synthesis of peptidomimetic structures with a constraining lactam ring.
ECK, a human EPH-related gene, maps to 1p36.1, a common region of alteration in human cancers

Mouse eck, a member of the EPH gene family, has been mapped to mouse chromosome 4. The syntenic relationship between this chromosome and human chromosome 1 suggests that the human ECK gene maps to the distal short arm of human chromosome 1 (1p). Since this region is frequently deleted or altered in certain tumors of neuroectodermal origin, it is important to define the specific chromosomal localization of the human ECK gene. PCR screening of a rodent-human somatic cell hybrid panel by ECK-specific primers showed that ECK is indeed localized to human chromosome 1. Additional PCR screening of a regional screening panel for chromosome 1p indicated that ECK is localized to 1p36, distal to FUCA1. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis with an ECK-specific P1 clone showed that ECK maps proximal to genetic marker D1S228. Taken together, the data suggest that ECK maps to 1p36.1, a region that is frequently deleted in neuroblastoma, melanoma, and other neuroectodermal tumors.
Transmission Clutch Fill Control Using a Customized Dynamic Programming Method

Clutch fill control is critical for automotive transmission performance and fuel economy, including both automatic and hybrid transmissions. The traditional approach, by which the clutch fill pressure command is manually calibrated, has a couple of limitations. First, the pressure profile is not optimized to reduce the peak clutch fill flow demand. Moreover, it is not systematically designed to account for uncertainties in the system, such as variations of solenoid valve time delay and parameters of the clutch assembly. In this paper, we present a systematic approach to evaluate the clutch fill dynamics and synthesize the optimal pressure profile. First, a clutch fill dynamic model is constructed and analyzed. Second, the applicability of the conventional numerical Dynamic Programming (DP) algorithm to the clutch fill control problem is explored and shown to be ineffective. Thus we developed a new customized DP method to obtain the optimal and robust pressure profile subject to specified constraints. After a series of simulations and case studies, the new customized DP approach is demonstrated to be effective, efficient, and robust for solving the clutch fill optimal control problem.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
DNA deaminases converge on adaptive immunity.

AID acts to further refine the immunoglobulin response in fish, birds and mammals. Now, evidence is uncovered to suggest AID actually arose early in evolution and can diversify antigen receptors in lampreys.
Additional evidence that small amounts of a peptide can cross the blood-brain barrier

Abstract It was determined that an antiserum against delta-sleep inducing peptide (DSIP) required eight of the nine constituent amino acids for antigenic activity. Measurement by this radioimmunoassay (RIA) of DSIP-like material in the rat brain, therefore, would necessarily involve almost the entire molecule present in essentially intact form. Injection of 200 μg DSIP into the carotid artery of rats resulted in a doubling of brain levels of peptide as measured shortly afterwards by RIA. The brain tissue to plasma ratio of radioactivity in rats injected with labeled DSIP was much higher than that in rats injected with labeled inulin; this suggests that the increased amount of material measured by RIA was not merely trapped in the blood vessels. Thus, the results indicate that a small amount of essentially intact peptide can cross the blood-brain barrier. This could represent one of the mechanisms by which central effects of peripherally injected peptides can be exerted.
Technical aspects of myocardial planar imaging with technetium-99m sestamibi

Abstract Fundamental quantitative planar imaging techniques, evolved over the years, have been adapted to maximize the efficiency and clinical effectiveness of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sestamibi imaging. To ensure reproducible image interpretation, the Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers test pattern is used to obtain the necessary standardization of video and hard copy images. A standardized intensity scale intuitively relates count density to perceived brightness. Data are accumulated via standard 16-frame multiple gated acquisition and can be viewed in cine mode to assess wall motion. The images are then automatically summed for quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion. Excessive extracardiac Tc-99m activity is automatically suppressed by the computer program to prevent suboptimal display of the heart. Due to the difference in heart background ratio and shape of the extracardiac background between resting and exercise Tc-99m sestamibi images, a modified interpolative background subtraction algorithm was developed. Image registration is necessary for accurate comparison of the rest and exercise images to detect redistribution. This is automatically accomplished by adjusting the position of the background-subtracted and centered images so as to maximize the cross-correlation coefficient. Profiles are generated to sample the myocardial count distribution and can be compared to a normal database, subject to confirmation by a competent interpreter. Rest redistribution is defined by a change in the myocardial distribution of Tc-99m sestamibi between exercise and rest images. Flashback display is used to identify subtle regions of redistribution that often signify residual viability within an infarct zone. In this technique, which maintains standard anatomic images for the interpreter, exercise and rest background-corrected images are brought into registration and each scaled to its maximum count so that alternate images can be flashed on the screen in the same position. Redistribution in a myocardial segment will appear as a sudden shift of intensity relative to the remainder of the image during flashback.
Effect of an Inhibitor-Based Suppression Tactic on Abundance and Distribution of the Southern Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) and Its Natural Enemies

An inhibitor-based tactic can suppress southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, infestations using the anti-aggregation pheromone, verbenone. However, it is unknown whether southern pine beetle and its insect natural enemies are impacted by this tactic. We evaluated potential effects by examining mean trap catches, aggregation measures, species diversity and abundance indices, and interspecific covariation between southern pine beetle and its most common insect enemies. Examination of flight and landing trap catches, before and after application of verbenone to infestations, showed that southern pine beetle and its natural enemies remained at the sites at similar densities, continued their associations, and maintained similar spatial distributions. This suggests that verbenone reduces successful colonization of unattacked trees and has no negative effect on the relationship of southern pine beetle with its natural enemies.
Detection of immune complexes in sera of dogs with rheumatic and neoplastic diseases by 125I-Clq binding test

Abstract Some canine rheumatic and neoplastic diseases bear a striking clinical and serological resemblance to their counterparts in man. In the present study, human 125I-Clq was employed in a radioimmunoassay for detection of immune complexes in sera of normal dogs and those with rheumatic and neoplastic diseases. Human 125I-Clq showed binding of 16·7±5·73 per cent in a group of normal dog sera with binding of 32·5±17·3 per cent and 43·0±16·0 per cent in sera of dogs with rheumatic and neoplastic diseases respectively. Human 125I-Clq bound similar quantities of heat-aggregated canine and human gamma-globulin over a broad range of concentrations and human 125I-Clq binding in canine sera was effectively inhibited by similar quantities of heat aggregated canine and human gamma-globulin. Seven of 12 dogs with elevated levels of Clq binding had active clinical and serological rheumatic disease (SLE or rheumatoid arthritis), while none of 7 dogs with values within the normal range had active clinical disease. All 5 dogs with widespread osteogenic sarcoma and all 4 dogs with high grade adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland had elevated Clq binding values while 2 animals with low grade malignancies without evident metastases did not. Thus, it appears that human 125I-Clq may be employed to assay immune complexes in canine sera and may be a valuable technique for the study of dogs with various rheumatic and neoplastic diseases.
The electrochemical reduction and determination of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in acidic media

Abstract The apparent reduction of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in acidic media at a static mercury drop electrode was investigated. A simple, quick pretreatment procedure was developed to convert the NADH to its acid-hydrated form. This adsorbs on the mercury surface during a film deposition time and the film is then reduced. The adsorption is diffusion-controlled and hence the peak currents for square-wave and linear-scan voltammetry are proportional to Ct1/2pAf and Ct1/2pAv, respectively, where tp is the effective film deposition time, C the concentration of NADH, A the electrode area, f the square-wave frequency, and ν the linear scan rate. Several electrochemical techniques were compared for the determination of NADH; the method of choice is square-wave voltammetry, although staircase or linear scan voltammetry can also be used. The detection limit is less than 7 nM, and the range of linear response covers 2–3 orders of magnitude of NADH concentration.
Physical constraints on the redox growth of nanoparticles in solution

At the nanometer scale several physical principles govern the growth of nanoparticles through redox reactions in solution. These include the competition between diffusion and electron transfer for a redox agent at the surface of a very small particle, the dependence of electron transfer kinetics upon the size of the nanoparticle, and a coulomb charging of the nanoparticle which affects the kinetics of the reaction. Using the growth of a metal nanoparticle as an example, mathematical models describing these principles have been formulated, and rates of growth predicted as a function of particle size, electrochemical potential of the redox agent, and the rate constant for electron transfer. The growth rate is seen to be nonlinear with time.