cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous separation of fine particles in nonaqueous media in a lamella electrosettler

Abstract In this paper, we describe the continuous operation of a lamella electrosettler and measurement of concentration profiles inside a lamella electrosettler to establish the existence of three sedimentation layers. This device was tested with a kerosene slurry containing fine alumina particles stabilized with a commercial surfactant, Aerosol OT. The measurement of concentration distribution of alumina particles inside the lamella electrosettler was made using our x-ray densitometer system. As a limiting case for low feed flow rates and low applied electric field strengths, a kinematic clear-fluid interface height formula was derived that describes the steady horizontal interface height as a function of angle of inclination, strength of applied electric field, and net clarified fluid overflow rate. A predictive hydrodynamic model of a continuous lamella electrosettler based on two-phase flow theory was developed and the experimentally obtained alumina concentration distributions were compared with the computed predictions of the hydrodynamic model. The computed variation in suspension layer concentration qualitatively agreed with the experimental measurements.
How Helpful Is Pneumatic Otoscopy in Improving Diagnostic Accuracy

Background. Pneumatic otoscopy is believed to be helpful in optimally assessing the presence or absence of middle ear effusion (MEE). Although expert clinicians teach the importance of this diagnostic skill to trainees, evidence exists that many pediatric providers do not typically perform pneumatic otoscopy. Objective. To determine if the otoscopic accuracy within a group of clinicians improves with the pneumatic assessment when compared with the static assessment using videotaped otoendoscopic examinations (VOEs). Methods. Residents and faculty from 2 pediatric training programs served as subjects. All viewed a set of 50 video otoscopic examinations of tympanic membranes (TMs) from a validated VOE developed previously for training purposes. The video displays each TM in a static presentation and then in a pneumatic (mobile) presentation, followed by a final static presentation. Each subject first viewed the initial static presentation of each TM and responded “yes/no” to the presence of MEE, and then viewed the pneumatic presentation of the same TM and again responded “yes/no” to the presence of MEE. We compared the accuracy of assessment for both the static and the pneumatic tests. Results. Thirty-four pediatric residents and 6 clinical faculty participated. Accuracy (percent of total test items correct) on the pneumatic test was uniformly greater than accuracy on the static test. The mean absolute improvement in the accuracy from the static test (61%) to the pneumatic test (76%) was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12%–18%). The mean relative improvement in accuracy from the static test to the pneumatic test was 26% (95% CI = 19%–32%). Higher accuracy on the VOE was associated with greater absolute (r = 0.57) and greater relative (r = 0.47) improvement. The mean relative improvement in sensitivity and specificity from static viewing to pneumatic viewing was 24% (95% CI = 15%–33%) and 42% (95% CI = 27%–58%), respectively. Conclusions. Using a video otoendoscopic test, we found that accurate identification of both the presence and the absence of MEE improved after pneumatic assessment of TM mobility. Providers who were more accurate at otoscopy, defined by higher video total test scores, benefited more from the pneumatic component than providers with lower scores.
Measurements of the major isoforms of vitamins A and E and carotenoids in the blood of people with spinal-cord injuries.

We used reversed-phase HPLC with diode array detection to simultaneously measure the major isoforms of vitamins A, E, and the carotenoids in serum from 55 healthy people with spinal cord injuries. Typically, the method measured retinol (vitamin A), α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthin (carotenoids). γ-Tocopherol (vitamin E), 25-hydroxycalciferol (vitamin D), and the carotenoid zeaxanthin could also be measured when they were present in high concentrations. Healthy people with spinal cord injuries were more likely than similar people without injuries to have low concentrations of α-tocopherol, and to a lesser extent retinol and β-carotene.
Black Theology or Black Religion? Discipleship as a Theological Method

Since its inception black theology has wrestled with questions of method as well as the struggle of African-American Christian existence in the wake of modernity. This article examines the relationship between black theology and black religious scholarship. Arguing against the centrality of Charles Long as one who recapitulates a colonial dominance through the refusal of African-American Christian particularity, I examine the work of Victor Anderson and Anthony Pinn. I conclude with a consideration of identity as performance and the language of discipleship as a means of expressing a black theology of liberation intelligible within the particularity of African-American Christian life.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF EARLIEST FAILURES TO FLEET SIZE AND 'PARENT' POPULATION.

Abstract : The relationship between fleet size, earliest failures, and the reliability of the population based on non-parametric methods and on extremal statistics is examined. The use of extreme observations in the reconstruction of the distribution of 'parent' populations is discussed, and is illustrated with data from fatigue and impact tests. (Author)
Solution Methods for Robust Pricing of Transportation Networks under Uncertain Demand

Abstract Toll prices on traffic networks have been traditionally determined using a single expected demand value or deterministic demand supply relationships. Previous work by Gardner, Unnikrishnan, and Waller (2008) show that marginal social cost prices obtained using the expected value of demand can significantly deteriorate system performance especially when the actual system state deviates from the planned forecasted conditions. Determining the globally optimal tolls which are resilient to demand uncertainty entails a significantly high number of system performance evaluations which is a computationally intensive process. This work presents two practical methods to arrive at near optimal tolls – single point approximation methods and multiple point inflation/deflation approximation methods – and compares their performance in terms of computational efficiency and proximity to the optimal solution with two other commonly used meta-heuristics – Genetic Algorithm and Adaptive Simulated Annealing. Computational tests reveal that inflation/deflation methods can provide “near to optimal solutions” using a lower number of system performances in comparison to the meta-heuristics and single point approximation methods.
Design of Weaver topology

A novel design based on Weaver topology is proposed. Studies showed that the image-rejection ratio (IRR) performance of the design is insensitive to the phase errors of the LO/sub 1/ and the IRR against gain mismatch is inherently about 6 dB superior to the conventional Weaver topology. The design greatly increases the practicality of the Weaver receiver.
CO2 laser cleaning of black deposits formed during the excimer laser etching of polyimide in air

Pulsed CO2 laser cleaning of black debris formed during the excimer laser ablation of polyimide in air is demonstrated. The 10.6 μm CO2 laser radiation is strongly absorbed in the debris but only weakly absorbed in polyimide thus enabling the clean removal of the debris without damaging the polyimide.
Interpersonal problem-solving therapy for schizophrenics and their families.

Abstract Twenty-eight male schizophrenics who were living with relatives high on “expressed emotion,” were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of inpatient, intensive social skills training or holistic health therapy plus family therapy. While both groups showed equivalent degrees of improvement in psychopathology during the inpatient treatment period, twice as many patients relapsed and required rehospitalization in the holistic health therapy group than in the social skills training group.
Sulforaphane mobilizes cellular defenses that protect skin against damage by UV radiation

UV radiation (UVR) is a complete carcinogen that elicits a constellation of pathological events, including direct DNA damage, generation of reactive oxidants that peroxidize lipids and damage other cellular components, initiation of inflammation, and suppression of the immune response. Recent dramatic increases in the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers are largely attributable to higher exposure of an aging population to UVR. Therefore, the development of cellular strategies for intrinsic protection of the skin against the deleterious effects of UVR is imperative. Here we show that erythema resulting from UVR is a comprehensive and noninvasive biomarker for assessing UVR damage and can be precisely and easily quantified in human skin. Topical application of sulforaphane-rich extracts of 3-day-old broccoli sprouts up-regulated phase 2 enzymes in the mouse and human skin, protected against UVR-induced inflammation and edema in mice, and reduced susceptibility to erythema arising from narrow-band 311-nm UVR in humans. In six human subjects (three males and three females, 28–53 years of age), the mean reduction in erythema across six doses of UVR (300–800 mJ/cm2 in 100 mJ/cm2 increments) was 37.7% (range 8.37–78.1%; P = 0.025). This protection against a carcinogen in humans is catalytic and long lasting.
MRI patterns of global hypoxic-ischemic injury in adults.

Summary Background and purpose To assess MRI patterns and associated clinical outcome in adults with global hypoxic-ischemic injury. Materials and methods In order to identify the patients with evidence of global hypoxic-ischemic injury, we retrospectively searched our radiology information system for reports of brain MRI studies from 01/01/2004 to 12/31/2010, containing the keywords — “hypoxia”, “hypoxic”, “anoxia” and “anoxic”. A board certified neuroradiologist visually inspected the corresponding MR images for the presence, location and extent (focal versus diffuse) of ischemic findings. Clinical data for these patients was collected from the electronic medical records, including mechanism of the hypoxic-ischemic injury, and clinical outcome was measured using modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results Review of radiology reports identified 151 cases, of which 64 patients remained after exclusion of normal studies (“no hypoxia” in the report), pediatric patients and patients with remote perinatal hypoxia. Five patients had relatively favorable clinical outcome (mRS of 1 to 3) and 59 had poor outcome (mRS of 4 to 6). Patterns associated with relatively favorable clinical outcome were: a) watershed pattern and b) basal ganglia without cortical involvement. Patterns associated with poor clinical outcome were: a) diffuse cortical and deep grey matter pattern, with and without perirolandic sparing; (b) medial occipital with perirolandic involvement; c) precentral gyrus involvement; d) diffuse white matter involvement; e) brainstem involvement; f) cerebellar involvement and g) hippocampal involvement. Conclusion The vast majority of patients with MRI patterns of hypoxic-anoxic injury have a poor clinical outcome, independently of the observed pattern, with the only relative exception being the watershed pattern and the basal ganglia pattern without cortical involvement.
Radioactive Iodine Lobe Ablation as an Alternative to Completion Thyroidectomy for Follicular Carcinoma of the Thyroid

We performed a retrospective record review of patients who received large lobar remnant ablation after surgery for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma including 30 with papillary carcinoma, 14 with follicular carcinoma, and 6 with Hurthle cell carcinoma. We compared these 50 patients to a group of patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The ablation group was treated with single outpatient doses of 29.9 mCi (131)I to prepare for whole-body radioiodine scanning. Subsequent serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration during thyroid hormone withdrawal was greater than 25 microU/mL in 94% of patients. The mean TSH in this population (76 microU/mL) was not statistically different from a group of 50 patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy (mean, TSH 71 microU/ml p = 0.84). Twenty-four hour radioiodine uptake post-29.9 mCi (131)I ablation was less than 1% in 80% of patients. The mean radioiodine uptake (0.8%) in the lobe ablation population was significantly lower than in patients treated with total thyroidectomy (mean, 2.4%, p < 0.001). There was minimal morbidity after 29.9 mCi (131)I ablation of large lobar remnants. Outpatient 29.9 mCi (131)I ablation is a safe, effective, and less costly alternative to completion thyroidectomy in selected patients. Although we included patients with both papillary and follicular carcinoma in our review, we recommend this method for patients with minimally invasive follicular carcinoma requiring whole body scanning, even with large postsurgical remnants in place.
ON THE SCENT OF STANDING VARIATION FOR SPECIATION: BEHAVIORAL EVIDENCE FOR NATIVE SYMPATRIC HOST RACES OF RHAGOLETIS POMONELLA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Standing variation can be critical for speciation. Here, we investigate the origins of fruit odor discrimination for Rhagoletis pomonella underlying the fly's sympatric shift in the northeastern United States from downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) to apple (Malus domestica). Because R. pomonella mate on host fruit, preferences for natal fruit volatiles generate prezygotic isolation. Apples emit volatiles that appear to be missing from gas chromatography/electroantennographic detection profiles for flies infesting downy hawthorns, raising the question of how R. pomonella evolved a preference for apple. In the southern United States, R. pomonella attacks several native hawthorns. Behaviorally active volatile blends for R. pomonella infesting southern hawthorns contain the missing apple volatiles, potentially explaining why downy hawthorn flies could have evolved to be sensitive to a blend of apple volatiles. Flight tunnel assays imply that southern hawthorn populations were not the antecedent of a preassembled apple race, as southern flies were not attracted to the apple volatile blend. Instead, behavioral evidence was found for southern host races on native hawthorns, complementing the story of the historical sympatric shift to introduced apple in the North and illustrating how R. pomonella may evolve novel combinations of agonist and antagonist responses to volatiles to use new fruit resources.
Differential Response of Mouse Male Germ-Cell Stages to Radiation-Induced Specific-Locus and Dominant Mutations

In an attempt to provide a systematic assessment of the frequency and nature of mutations induced in successive stages of spermato- and spermiogenesis, X-irradiated male mice were re-mated at weekly intervals, and large samples of progeny, observed from birth onward, were scored and genetically tested for recessive mutations at seven specific loci and for externally recognizable dominant mutations. Productivity findings provided a rough measure of induced dominant-lethal frequencies. A qualitative assessment of specific-locus mutations (which include deletions and other rearrangements) was made on the basis of homozygosity test results, as well as from information derived from more recent complementation studies and molecular analyses. Both recessive and dominant visibles revealed clear distinctions between spermatogonia and postspermatogonial stages. In addition, differences for both of these endpoints, as well as for presumed dominant lethals, were found among various postspermatogonial stages. It may be concluded that radiation produces its maximum rates of genetic damage in germ-cell stages ranging from midpachytene spermatocytes through early spermatids, a pattern unlike any of those that have been defined for chemicals; further, the frequency peaks for radiation are lower and broader. The difference between post-stem-cell stages overall and stem-cell spermatogonia was smaller than is generally found with chemicals, not only with respect to the frequency but also the nature of mutations.
The Natural History of Tuberculosis in the Human Body: X. Prognosis among Students with Tuberculin Reaction Conversion before, during and after School of Nursing

SUMMARY 1.Of 3,192 graduates of three private hospital schools of nursing, 91.9 per cent were traced. The 68 who died from nontuberculous conditions and the 289 who were not located were followed medically for 1,374 and 8,734 person-years respectively before death or at the time of last contact. The 2,835 traced survivors were followed medically for 61,501 person-years. 2.This study was devised not only to determine extent of a serious tuberculosis situation, but also to try to solve the problem. 3.Prophylactic measures consisted of: a) examination of all hospital patient admissions and personnel; b) communicable disease technique wherever tuberculous patients were treated; c) the tuberculin test on all admissions to school with periodic retests on all non-reactors; d) periodic roentgenograms of chests of all tuberculin reactors; e) an educational program to provide information on all aspects of tuberculosis. 4.When these prophylactic measures were well under way, the percentage of reactors on graduation began to decrease. These measures have been continued with the result that in school I in the class of 1965, 1966 and 1967, none had tuberculin conversion as students. In school II among the 602 students in the classes of 1966 and 1967, tuberculin conversion occurred in five. In school II among the 5,637 in the classes from 1954 through the spring of 1967, conversion occurred in three students. 5.Among the 1,323 students who reacted to tuberculin on admission, or converted while in school, or after graduation, 35 (2.8 per cent) subsequently developed clinical pulmonary lesions, one had renal disease and ten pleurisy with effusion. No student developed tuberculous meningitis of miliary dissemination. Among the 14 who converted while in school, eleven did so before 1935, two in 1943 and one in 1944. 6.This study exemplifies the fact that as long as one or a few react to tuberculin a tuberculosis problem exists. For example, in school I the only clinical cases since 1935 occurred in 1963. In school II the only such case since 1935 occurred in 1967. In school III the only one since 1939 was in 1956. It was the continuation of the routine protective measures which discovered these cases while they were minimal and required very little treatment. 7.The methods employed in this study provide for no compromise with the tubercle bacillus. They protect nurses against invasions of tubercle bacilli so they maintain the same status of freedom with which they were born. To allow tubercle bacilli to invade human bodies is to lose many battles.
The Social Systems of Gregarious Lemurs: Lack of Convergence with Anthropoids due to Evolutionary Disequilibrium?

The gregarious lemurs of Madagascar show a lack of convergence with anthropoid primates in several social, demographic, morphological and ecological features. They lack sexual dimorphism in canine and body size, and live in groups with equal adult sex ratios that can vary in composition from pairs to larger units. In most species, females dominate males, and have brief and often synchronized estruses. Finally, lemurs are often active during both day and night (i.e. cathemeral). Three hypotheses for this lack of convergence are discussed. The traditional explanation is that Madagascar's unique ecological pressures have forced females to exclude males from access to limiting resources, selecting for the other unique features as means to maintain female dominance over males. This idea is not logically consistent and is also poorly supported empirically. The second hypothesis claims that cathemerality imposes unique constraints on lemur social organization. The social behavior of cathemeral taxa is largely consistent with this idea. However, the social organization of the diurnal species is not. The third hypothesis claims that recent ecological changes, in particular the demise of large diurnal raptors, have produced a mismatch between current activity periods and adaptations to activity period. This idea is supported by a review of morphological adaptations to light conditions among lemurs, and, more generally, by a comparative analysis of cathemerality among tropical forest mammals. We conclude that the social systems of non-nocturnal lemurs are best considered as groups formed by species adapted to live in pairs. However, we cannot conclusively exclude the possibility that cathemeral activity is an old and stable activity pattern among lemurs. We indicate which data would decide the issue, and discuss the implications for views of social evolution of lemurs and other animals.
Diel movements of scalloped hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini Griffith and Smith, to and from a seamount in the Gulf of California

Occurrences of 18 scalloped hammerhead sharks tagged with coded ultrasonic transmitters were recorded at seamount El Bajo Espiritu Santo in the Gulf of California over a 10-day period by automated, data-logging monitors. These sharks remained grouped at the seamount during the day and moved separately into the surrounding pelagic environment at night. The temporal pattern of shark occurrences was related to the light-dark cycle: individuals departed prior to dusk and returned near dawn next morning. However, arrivals and departures of more than one shark within short daytime periods indicated group movements to and from the seamount. Sharks returned repeatedly to the tagging site and not to another site centred less than 240 m from the former site.
Generation of micro-domains in AT-cut quartz by thermal processing and the effect on resonator modes

The fabrication of acoustic sensors with sol-gel selective coatings requires the deposition of thin films on quartz resonators using solution chemistry techniques. Oxide films are spin-cast, then heat treated. A variety of film compositions are deposited, requiring a variety of firing schedules. Network analysis of the untreated AT-cut quartz devices revealed a resonant frequency of 5.0 MHz, corresponding to a pure thickness-shear mode resonance. For devices that were rapidly fired to 400/spl deg/C and rapidly air cooled, network analysis showed the shear-mode response at 5.0 MHz disappeared, while a predominantly compressional mode response at 7.3 MHz emerged. Structural analysis explored the crystal structure changes induced by processing which resulted in this new mode. >
Prostaglandin D2: A dominant mediator of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease

Background Aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy is routinely performed for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Little is known about the contributions of mediators other than cysteinyl leukotrienes to aspirin reactions and to the therapeutic benefit of high-dose aspirin therapy. Objective We investigated differences in urinary eicosanoid metabolite levels and blood eosinophil counts in patients with AERD who tolerate and those who fail aspirin desensitization and also in patients with AERD who were successfully treated with high-dose aspirin therapy. Methods Twenty-nine patients with AERD were stratified into those who tolerated aspirin desensitization (group I) and those who did not (group II). Urine was analyzed for eicosanoid metabolites at baseline, during aspirin reactions, and during high-dose aspirin therapy. Blood was analyzed for cell differentials at baseline and during aspirin therapy. Results Basal prostaglandin D 2 metabolite (PGD-M; 13.6 ± 2.7 vs 7.0 ± 0.8 pmol/mg creatinine [Cr], P P P = .07) tended to decrease in group I. In contrast, PGD-M levels increased dramatically in group II (61.3 ± 19.9 pmol/mg Cr, P 1 inversely correlated with basal urinary levels of both leukotriene E 4 and PGD-M. Blood eosinophil and basophil levels increased and urinary PGD-M levels (2.2 ± 0.8 pmol/mg Cr, P Conclusion Failure to tolerate aspirin desensitization in a subset of patients with AERD is associated with prostaglandin D 2 overproduction. The increase in blood eosinophil and basophil counts during high-dose aspirin therapy might reflect the functional consequences of decreased prostaglandin D 2 release and the therapeutic benefit of aspirin.
Marital Status, Gender, and Home-to-Job Conflict Among Employed Parents:

Although researchers argue that single parents perceive more work–family conflict than married parents, little research has examined nuances in such differences. Using data from the 2002 National Study of Changing Workforce (N = 1,430), this study examines differences in home-to-job conflict by marital status and gender among employed parents. Findings indicate that single mothers feel more home-to-job conflict than single fathers, married mothers, and married fathers. Some predictors of home-to-job conflict vary by marital status and gender. Job pressure is related to home-to-job conflict more for single parents than for married parents. Age of children is related to conflict for single fathers only. Whereas an unsupportive workplace culture is related to conflict especially for married fathers, the lack of spouses’ share of domestic responsibilities is related to conflict especially for married mothers. These findings indicate that marital status and gender create distinct contexts that shape employed p...
Virtual information piles for small screen devices

We describe an implementation that has users 'flick' notes, images, audio, and video files onto virtual piles beyond the display of small-screen devices. This scheme allows PDA users to keep information close at hand without sacrificing valuable screen real estate. Our approach takes advantage of human spatial memory capabilities. It also obviates the need to browse complex folder trees during a working session. The system also allows co-located individuals with PDAs to share and organize information items (e.g., photos, text, sound clips, etc.) by placing them in shared, imaginary off-screen piles. We also introduce an extension that allows PDA owners to transfer information piles to and from a shared tabletop display.
Explicit constructions for compressed sensing of sparse signals

Over the recent years, a new approach for obtaining a succinct approximate representation of n-dimensional vectors (or signals) has been discovered. For any signal x, the succinct representation of x is equal to Ax, where A is a carefully chosen R x n real matrix, R L n. Often, A is chosen at random from some distribution over R x n matrices. The vector Ax is often refered to as the measurement vector or a sketch of x. Although the dimension of Ax is much shorter than of x, it contains plenty of useful information about x.
Does the Sale of Sweetened Beverages at School Affect Children’s Weight?

In response to the increase in children’s weight in recent decades, many states, school districts, and schools in the United States have limited or eliminated the sale of sweetened beverages at school. These policies are promoted for their potential to reduce childhood overweight and obesity, but their effectiveness has not been evaluated. Using a large nationally representative longitudinal dataset, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten (ECLS-K), this study explores the relationship between children’s access to sweetened beverages at school in 5th and 8th grade, their purchases and total consumption of these beverages, and their weight. We find almost no evidence that availability of sweetened beverages for sale at school leads to heavier weight or greater risk of overweight or obesity among children. We also find limited evidence that availability of sweetened beverages for sale at school leads to higher total consumption of these beverages.
Improvements for air-surveillance radar

Both a near-term and a far-term radar concept for improved air-surveillance are described. The near-term concept is based on operating simultaneously with multiple frequencies over two radar bands to obtain the benefits of more uniform coverage in elevation, improved target detection, improved automatic tracking, target height-finding without the need for a 3D antenna, elementary target recognition, and other attributes that result from operating over a very wide band. The far-term concept is based on operating an air-surveillance radar with a very wide bandwidth as in the near-term approach, but with an architecture quite different from that used in current air-surveillance radars. This radar looks everywhere all the time with a number of fixed directive receiving beams and an omnidirectional transmitting beam. The spatial, temporal, and spectral domains are used along with digital beamforming and digital signal processing to allow this ubiquitous radar to perform multiple functions in parallel with variable data rates and without time sharing so as to achieve simultaneous weapon control and surveillance, reduced susceptibility to intercept, and other capabilities difficult to obtain with conventional analog beamforming methods.
Policy Studies And Political Science

Studies of “policy” and l'policymakingll have proliferated recently. One reason is the serious policymaking difficulties of American and other Western governments. Earlier political science did not address these problems well because of its concentration on political input processes rather than outputs. Most policy studies either evaluate programs 0′ explain cases of policymaking, The approach proposed here, called public policy, does both. Analyses of preferred options are played off against the limitations of process, and vice versa. This conception is illustrated and the problems posed by it are discussed.
The enzymes of bacterial census and censorship

N-Acyl-L-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are a major class of quorum-sensing signals used by Gram-negative bacteria to regulate gene expression in a population-dependent manner, thereby enabling group behavior. Enzymes capable of generating and catabolizing AHL signals are of significant interest for the study of microbial ecology and quorum-sensing pathways, for understanding the systems that bacteria have evolved to interact with small-molecule signals, and for their possible use in therapeutic and industrial applications. The recent structural and functional studies reviewed here provide a detailed insight into the chemistry and enzymology of bacterial communication.
EFFECTS OF PREDATION, FLOODING, AND CONTAMINATION ON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF CALIFORNIA CLAPPER RAILS (RALLUS LONGIROSTRIS OBSOLETUS) IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY

Abstract We assessed the reproductive success of the California Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus), an endangered subspecies restricted to San Francisco Bay, and the relative importance of predation, flooding, and contaminants as factors affecting that success. Our study was conducted in six tidal marshes in the northern and southern reaches of San Francisco Bay. This assessment, conducted in four breeding seasons (1991, 1992, 1998, 1999), determined that productivity of California Clapper Rails was much reduced over the natural potential. Only 69% of clapper rail eggs whose viability could be assessed were viable. Hatchability of eggs in North Bay and South Bay marshes was 65% and 70%, respectively. Only 45% of the nests successfully hatched at least one egg. Despite mean clutch sizes of 6.7 and 6.9 in the North and South bays, respectively, clapper rails produced only 1.9 and 2.5 young per nesting attempt. Flooding was a minor factor, reducing the number of eggs available to hatch by only 2.3%...
Molecular and Biological Characterization of a Naturally Occurring Recombinant Subgroup B Avian Leukosis Virus with a Subgroup J–Like Long Terminal Repeat

Abstract Infection of broiler chickens with subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV) results in the induction of myeloid tumors. However, although egg-type chickens are susceptible to infection with ALV-J, the tumor incidence is very low, and on rare occasions the tumors observed are of the myeloid lineage. We recently described the isolation of an ALV (AF115-4) from commercial egg-type chickens suffering from myeloid leukosis. AF115-4 was initially identified as an ALV-J isolate based on PCR analysis of the long terminal repeat (LTR). However, further characterization of the viral envelope indicated that the virus is recombinant with subgroups B envelope and J LTR. Here we further characterize this recombinant virus at both the molecular and biological levels. We show that the AF115-4 isolate expresses a recombinant envelope glycoprotein encoded by a subgroup B gp85 region and a subgroup E gp37 region. The host range of AF115-4 was analyzed using cells resistant to infection by subgroups A/B, J, or E; this ...
Toward Successful Urban Revitalization: Why New Jersey Should Relinquish Some of Its Berman Power to Bulldoze for 'Redevelopment'

This appraisal and critique of the law and policy of "slum clearance" and comprehensive urban redevelopment plans effectuated by eminent domain will argue that states and localities, particularly New Jersey and its many cities, would be well served to act on Justice Stevens' proposal in Kelo v. City of New London by limiting their own powers to take property for the purpose of promoting redevelopment or remedying blight. In particular, this Note will argue strenuously against the power to take non-blighted, fully productive homes and businesses due to their location within "areas in need of redevelopment" or their supposed integral role in effectuating comprehensive "redevelopment plans". In addition to being perhaps the most unfair governmental takings imaginable, these takings are founded on an egregious misunderstanding of how cities thrive, which has persisted in spite of decades of failed "renewal" and vociferous objections from urbanists, economists, and inner city residents. At the core of these misunderstandings are two prominent non sequiturs: that bulldozing non-blighted property can stop blight, and that wrecking productive properties in an urban setting can help to revitalize the same urban setting. Although the requirements for declaring redevelopment areas in New Jersey have been tightened in crucial ways by judicial interpretation of the state constitution, further limitations, best accomplished through statutory reform, are necessary to curb the disturbingly broad powers of New Jersey municipalities to "redevelop" themselves with the bluntest of tools. Such reform would make New Jersey, and any other state that follows suit, a model for reviving historic cities through fair and rational legal techniques.
Abstract WP304: Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Rapidly Reverses Coagulopathy but does not Alter Mortality in Warfarin Intracerebral Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION: Warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (wICH) remains the most lethal form of iatrogenic stroke. Conventional therapy with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and intravenous vitamin K takes up to 30 hrs to normalize the international normalized ratio (INR). Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) does not require cross-match and is fast acting. We hypothesized that PCC can rapidly reverse coagulopathy and reduce mortality in wICH. Methods: We identified 130 consecutive adult wICH patients over five years from a prospectively collected database. 33 patients were excluded for death or withdrawal of care within 48 hours of admission and 8 patients were excluded for antecedent head trauma, leaving 89 patients for analysis. Forty patients received FFP and vitamin K (conventional therapy) and 49 received PCC in addition to conventional therapy. We compared 6-month mortality, time to INR normalization, quantity of FFP transfused, and thromboembolic complication rates between the two groups. We used logistic regression to adjust for important confounders. Results: PCC-treated and conventional therapy patients had similar distributions of age, sex, co-morbidities, ICH location, initial blood pressure and INR. PCC-treated patients had a higher incidence of intraventicular hemorrhage (IVH) (67% vs 33%). PCC-treated patients required less FFP (mean 6.8 units vs 3.3 units, p Conclusions: PCC use in wICH was associated with shorter time to INR normalization and reduced FFP transfusion but was not associated with 6-month mortality in this cohort. There was no difference in thromboembolic complication rates between PCC-treated and FFP and vitamin K treated patients. Prospective trials of PCC are necessary to determine if its use can improve morbidity and mortality in wICH and to identify potential subgroups of wICH patients who may benefit from PCC.
Empirical Study on Greed

This paper studies cross-sectional stock returns from intrinsic and extrinsic point of view. We extend the model from Yin (Dec. 2015) to moving averages and we show a series of trading strategy that could explain some of the anomalies in the market. Intrinsically, investors can study Enterprise Value to interpret cross-sectional stock returns. Extrinsically, traders can generate alphas with great significance by trading off moving averages. We interpret the underlying emotions, greed and hope, in the market by looking at empirical results intrinsically and extrinsically.
S n FFT: a Julia toolkit for Fourier analysis of functions over permutations

SnFFT is an easy to use software library written in the Julia language to facilitate Fourier analysis on the symmetric group (set of permutations) of degree n, denoted Sn and make it more easily deployable within statistical machine learning algorithms. Our implementation internally creates the irreducible matrix representations of Sn, and efficiently computes fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and inverse fast Fourier transforms (iFFTs). Advanced users can achieve scalability and promising practical performance by exploiting various other forms of sparsity. Further, the library also supports the partial inverse Fourier transforms which utilizes the smoothness properties of functions by maintaining only the first few Fourier coefficients. Out of the box, SnFFT currently offers two non-trivial operations for functions defined on Sn, namely convolution and correlation. While the potential applicability of SnFFT is fairly broad, as an example, we show how it can be used for clustering ranked data, where each ranking is modeled as a distribution on Sn.
The Cytoplasmic Carbonic Anhydrases βCA2 and βCA4 Are Required for Optimal Plant Growth at Low CO2

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are zinc metalloenzymes that interconvert CO2 and HCO3−. In plants, both α- and β-type CAs are present. We hypothesize that cytoplasmic βCAs are required to modulate inorganic carbon forms needed in leaf cells for carbon-requiring reactions such as photosynthesis and amino acid biosynthesis. In this report, we present evidence that βCA2 and βCA4 are the two most abundant cytoplasmic CAs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. Previously, βCA4 was reported to be localized to the plasma membrane, but here, we show that two forms of βCA4 are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and that the two proteins encoded by βCA4 localize to two different regions of the cell. Comparing transfer DNA knockout lines with wild-type plants, there was no reduction in the growth rates of the single mutants, βca2 and βca4. However, the growth rate of the double mutant, βca2βca4, was reduced significantly when grown at 200 μL L−1 CO2. The reduction in growth of the double mutant was not linked to a reduction in photosynthetic rate. The amino acid content of leaves from the double mutant showed marked reduction in aspartate when compared with the wild type and the single mutants. This suggests the cytoplasmic CAs play an important but not previously appreciated role in amino acid biosynthesis.
Planning programs for distant learners

The 1990s promise to be exciting years for educators due to the opportunities made possible by advances in information technologies. However exciting the possibilities are, it is imperative that the quality of delivered instruction not suffer. Program planners need to adapt instruction to technologies using a systematic process to ensure that programs effectively and efficiently educate learners. The program planner who intends to use distance education technologies must actively consider and plan for the factors that result from being geographically separated from their learners.
The Effect of Humidity and Flooring Type on Body Weight and the Severity of Keel Bursae in Broilers

Abstract Koonz et al. (1963) reported that chickens grown on wire floors had a higher incidence of keel bursae than those raised on rubber mats. McCune and Dellmann (1968) observed similar results in broilers grown on wire floors, but broilers grown on polyurethane foam mats had few keel bursae. The following experiments were conducted to determine the effect of humidity and flooring type on the severity of keel bursae and body weight in broilers. EXPERIMENTAL The experiments were conducted in 4 environmental chambers previously described by Hellickson et al. (1970) with broiler type chickens fed a high energy ration. Relative humidity (RH) levels were maintained at 33, 58, 65 and 80%. The design of these experiments was described in detail by Peterson et al. (1970). In both trials broilers were maintained until 8 weeks of age The types of flooring used were; 1.9 cm. flat wooden slats spaced 0.6 cm. apart,…
Seroepidemiology of Legionella pneumophila. A study of adults from Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.

Sera of 1,000 adults (aged 50 to 104) from Memphis, Tennessee were tested by the microagglutination procedure for antibodies to Legionella pneumophila (Philadelphia 1 strain). Of the 1,000 sera tested, 53 (5.3%) had titers of 1:16 or greater to L. pneumophila .
Comparison of acceleration sensors for American football helmet impacts

This paper presents experimental results comparing the detected acceleration values from sensors measuring American football helmet impacts. The sensors used in the study include a laser vibrometer, a research grade accelerometer, an Impakt Protective, Inc. Shockbox® Football Helmet Sensor, a Reebok CHECKLIGHT™ sensor, and a Pressure Analysis Company, Inc. prototype sensor. A human head model was placed into a Riddell helmet and this helmet was then affixed to a pendulum. The helmet was pulled back and allowed to collide with a large granite block to create a frontal, forehead area impact on the helmet. A comparison is made of the detected accelerations from these sensors with a wide range of impact velocities, along with a repeatability determination of several measurements made for two selected impact velocities.
Variability Over Time of Preoperative Sagittal Alignment Parameters: Radiographic and Clinical Considerations.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE To evaluate preoperative variability in radiographic sagittal parameters in adult spinal deformity (ASD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA In ASD surgical planning, deformity magnitude is determined from preoperative radiographs. There are no studies evaluating the clinical relevance and timing to repeat radiographs during interval clinic visits and timing to repeat radiograph for preoperative planning. METHODS A total of 139 patients with ASD with minimum two preoperative full-body spine x-rays were included. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic, and hip/knee sagittal alignment parameters were analyzed using dedicated spine measurement software. Patients were grouped by time intervals between x-rays: A: 8 weeks or lesser, B: 10 to 20 weeks, and C: 21 weeks or more. Changes in sagittal parameters were correlated to age and deformity magnitude (T1 pelvic angle or pelvic tilt [PT] >20°). RESULTS The cohort had mean age 59 years, mean body mass index 27, 30% men, 95 patients with no prior spine surgery, and 44 patients at minimum 9 months since prior spine surgery. There were 25 patients in group A, 38 in B, and 71 in C. All radiographic measures showed good time-based consistency at intervals less than 21 weeks (groups A and B). Group C had significant increases in PT (1.5°) and hip extension (2.1°) (P < 0.05). These changes were greater in group C patients with previous surgery (PT 3.7°; P < 0.006, hip extension 3.2°; P < 0.025). Greater interval changes in parameters were also associated with higher magnitudes of deformity and younger patient ages. CONCLUSION All sagittal radiographic parameters were statistically consistent at intervals of less than 21 weeks. In patients with more than 21 weeks between interval x-rays, change in PT was greater than the standard error of measurement for patients with prior surgery or severe deformity. Consideration should be made to obtain new x-rays for patients with ASD when the interval between clinical visits exceeds 5 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
278 ACTIVATION AND REGULATION OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN MONOCYTES AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH GRAVITY.

Early space flight experiments have shown that microgravity suppresses the immune response in humans, especially in monocytes. Protein Kinase C (PKC) is a key protein controlling growth and differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. Studies by Hatton have shown that the distribution, cellular quantity, and kinetics of translocation of PKC are altered in microgravity. We have conducted studies of PKC activation using phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) under normal and altered gravity. Increasing gravity force correlates with activation of ERK1/2, PKC, and induction of gene expression of TNF-α, ICAM1, IL-1β, and COX-2. Using rotating wall vessels (RWV) to provide a reduced gravity environment, we found a loss of ERK and PKC activation, as well as a decrease in gene expression of TNF-α, ICAM1, IL-1β, and COX-2. Cumulatively, these results suggest that activation of ERK and PKC signal transduction occurs over a gravity continuum. Supported by NASA NCC 2-1361.
Design Optimization of the Dry-type Slag Conveying System in 600 MW Boiler Unit

Experience approved that technology in turbulence union dual-tubes is very successful in the field of long distance transportation cottrell trunk ash.But the physical property such as sticky cinder heaping degree and air permeability grade are very different from dry ash.It does not have successful case at present in the homeland in the field of dry ash of long distance transportation.People have taken a mounts of tests,and got a few achievements on sticky cinder dual-tubes transportation system for this purpose in the laboratory and industry practice.For aircraft crew the operation parameters adjustment such as unit load and anthrax vary in the operation,having accumulated experience for achieving the target of optimizing the cinder transportation system and economic operation in security.
Chemical nature of binding properties of an opacity-associated Protein II of the gonococcus

An opacity-associated Protein II (PII) from strain RIO of the gonococcus was purified, radioiodinated, and tested for binding to HeLa cell protein and glycoprotein immobilized on nitrocellulose. Approximately 50 discrete HeLa cell (glyco)proteins were bound by PII and the lectin, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA); the interactions were neither enhanced nor diminished by increasing concentrations of NaCl. WGA binding was inhibited by carbohydrates, and although high concentrations of monosaccharides failed to block PII, several model glycoproteins were inhibitory. Glycopeptides were generated from bovine mucin by exhaustive pronase digestion, and the digests were inhibitory for WGA but not for PII. Direct binding of PII to defined glycosylated and nonglycosylated proteins revealed that WGA bound only glycoproteins, whereas PII bound to proteins lacking carbohydrate as well. PII bound to certain conformational forms of serum albumin, a nonglycosylat- ed protein. The data suggests that the physicochemical nature of PII-ligand interactions is more complex than the involvement of purely ionic forces or a hydrophobic effect, and that a major binding site for purified PII is some protein conformation.