cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Appraisers and the Fair Housing Law

This paper examines the effect that the 1988 amendment to The Fair Housing Act, which makes discriminatory housing practices against a handicapped person unlawful, may have upon value and ownership of covered multifamily dwellings. In September, 1988, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was amended to include the handicapped as being protected from discrimination under the auspices of the Act. On March 6, 1991, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued "Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines", which provide technical guidance on multifamily dwelling design. This paper examines these guidelines and the impact the Act may have upon value when discriminatory practices are observed. Already, legal action has been initiated in instances of noncompliance and, therefore, the real estate appraiser and investor must be cognizant of the Act and its implications upon value and ownership.
Basic Mental Attitudes of a Collaborating Agent: Cognitive Primitives for MAS

In this paper, we try to identify the relationships among three main (in our view) proposals of the basic mental attitudes in collaborative problem solving (the Toumela's theory of acting together, in particular the notion of We-Intention; the Grosz and Kraus' theory of collaboration, with special attention to the notion of Intention-that, and the Castelfranchi and Falcone' theory of Delegation-Adoption). We show several overlaps, convergencies, but also complementarities, contradictions and competitions among these theories. The aim of this paper is some clarification and systematisation of the necessary mental attitudes in agents' mind that characterise acting together and cooperating. We will not consider in this analysis other very important mental ingredients of complex forms of collaboration, like agents' motivations in taking part in collective activity, trust, and normative components: permissions, rights, norms, roles, etc.
Swine testis cells contain functional heparan sulfate but are defective in entry of herpes simplex virus.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters and infects most cultured cells. We have found that swine testis cells (ST) produce yields of infectious HSV-1 up to four orders of magnitude lower than those of human embryonic lung (HEL) and HEp-2 cells because of a defect in virus entry. For ST cells, virus binding is reduced, DNA from input virus cannot be detected, and virus proteins are not synthesized. Polyethylene glycol treatment of ST cells after exposure to HSV allows viral entry, protein synthesis, and productive infection. Transfection of viral genomic DNA that bypasses the normal entry process produces similar yields of infectious virus from ST, HEL, and HEp-2 cells. Therefore, all three cell lines can support the HSV replicative cycle. Biochemical analyses and inhibition of sulfation by sodium chlorate treatment show that ST cells contain amounts and types of heparan sulfate (HS) similar to those of highly susceptible cells. HSV infection of sodium chlorate-treated HEL and ST cells indicates the presence of a second, non-HS receptor(s) on susceptible HEp-2 and HEL cells that is missing, or not functional, on poorly susceptible ST cells. We conclude that ST cells are defective in HSV entry, contain functional HS, but lack a functional non-HS receptor(s) required for efficient HSV-1 entry. Further, ST cells provide a novel resource that can be used to identify, isolate, and characterize an HSV non-HS receptor(s) and its role in the entry and tropism of this important human pathogen.
Image reconstruction for spatially variant systems using orthonormal natural pixels

Summary form only given. A reconstruction method which avoids the unnatural assumptions of imposed pixel geometries in most reconstruction strategies has been developed. The model incorporates detailed knowledge about the tomograph system response function and statistical properties for the acquired signal. Estimation including least-squares and maximum likelihood use in orthonormal pixel basis decomposition of the unknown spatial distribution to eliminate systematic error and minimize statistical errors that occur using square of polar pixel bases. Symmetries in the data acquisition process lead to very efficient implementations of the new inverse problem algorithms. >
Investigating temporal lobe contribution to confrontation naming using MRI quantitative volumetrics

Confrontation naming ability entails the operation of distinct cognitive operations and the integrity of a distributed neural network. Previous research has indicated a critical role for the left temporal lobe region in naming ability, but there is less agreement about the relative role of distinct temporal lobe regions. In the current paper, we used quantitative MR volumetrics to investigate the relative contribution of the hippocampus and extrahippocampal temporal lobe (segmented gray and white matter) volumes to confrontation naming performance in 53 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Findings showed (1) a stronger relationship for left temporal lobe volume than right temporal lobe volume in predicting naming performance; (2) both left temporal lobe white matter volume and left hippocampus volume contributed a significant amount of unique variance to spontaneous naming performance; and (3) left temporal lobe white matter volume but not left hippocampus volume predicted recognition naming performance. (JINS, 2005, 11, 358–366.)
Origin of beach ridges: Reply

Abstract The important difference here is whether or not sea level can change by the right amounts and on the right schedule. Curray says “no”. However, various reports in the recent literature (cited below) show that he is mistaken. Likewise his concept of uniform global change is not supported by the published data. Sea level does change, at relatively short intervals (years, decades), by amounts that are adequate to produce individual sandy beach ridges, and this change is not uniform at all places. My citation of Curray (and others) for an 18.6-year period in one sandy beach ridge plain was an inadvertent error, and I apologize for it. My caveat that we do not know that his study area — in a well-known modern deformational belt — was completely stable throughout the Holocene, is still valid. The corollary: Data obtained from such areas may not be as useful as information from other areas; therefore the presumed 18.6-yr cycle is suspect ab initio . Curray's hypothesis that beach ridges are initiated by what is basically the suggestion of de Beaumont, does not provide a suitable model, as is discussed below. Finally, Curray disregards the detailed granulometric analysis which was the basis for most of my work. This modern analysis can stand alone, if necessary, and is not affected in any significant way by warping or other small deformation. However, the present availability of records of small modern sea level changes confirms the reasonableness of the timing and magnitudes which were deduced as part of the granulometric work.
Evaluating Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Schizophrenia: Four Single-Case Studies:

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) has been used infrequently with persons with schizophre nia. This exploratory study delineates the use of CBT strategies, describes the process of treatment, and presents results from the single-subject A-B design (N = 4) that examined the efficacy of CBT of schizophrenia. Standardized measures of psychosocial functioning, severity of symptoms, attainment of treatment goals, and data regarding hospitalizations were used to assess change over the course of 18 months of treatment and follow-up. Analysis of data indicated that the clients experienced considerable reduction in symptomatology and rehospitalizations as well as improvement in psychosocial functioning and attainment of treatment goals. Treatment issues regarding the application of cognitive-behavioral methods with persons with schizophre nia and suggestions for future social work research and practice are discussed.
Effect of wind and buoyancy on hydrogen release and dispersion in a compartment with vents at multiple levels

The natural and forced mixing and dispersion of hydrogen released in an accidental manner in a partially enclosed compartment with vents at multiple heights is investigated using theoretical tools. The key to the analysis is determination of the position of the neutral buoyancy plane, where the pressure in the compartment is equal to that of the exterior. Air flows in through vents below the position of neutral buoyancy and exits from vents above it. CFD simulations are conducted to confirm the physical phenomena and to compare with the analytical results. The analytical model is useful in understanding the important physical processes involved during hydrogen release and dispersion in a compartment with vents at multiple levels, with and without a steady wind. Parametric studies are conducted to identify the relative importance of various parameters. Model results indicate that the steady-state hydrogen volume fraction in the compartment is lower when the hydrogen release rate is smaller and the vent cross-sectional area is larger. Results also indicate that the fastest way to reduce flammable levels of hydrogen concentration in a compartment can be accomplished by blowing through the vents.
Punishing effects of long delays of reinforcement with shock-escape behavior

Rats receiving long delays of reinforcement in a shock-escape runway (30 or 45 sec of goalbox confinement before relief) ran quite slowly on later, as compared to earlier, acquisition trials. In this sense, long delays of relief appeared to punish running. A psychophysical interpretation was given. In the case of escape behavior, longer delays of reinforcement may result in definitely discernable increments in shock (drive) duration, whereas in the case of rewarded behavior, a minute or more of hunger is probably not above the difference limen based on a standard of 24 h of hunger.
A Social View of Technical Writing

This article brings social analysis to bear on technical and professional writ ing by examining the differing conditions of professionalism in the fields of science, engineering, and, peripherally, law. The article posits a relationship between the social and political conditions of a field, and the conventions of language use in certain fields. The writing ofscience is used as an example to illustrate such a semiotic relationship.
Transient inverse heat conduction problem solutions via Newton's method

Analytical first and second-order sensitivities are derived for a general, transient nonlinear problem and are then used to solve an inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). The inverse analyses use Newton's method to minimize an error function which quantifies the discrepancy between the experimental and predicted responses. These Newton results are compared to results obtained from the first-order variable metric Broyton-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) method. Inverse analyses are performed for both linear and nonlinear thermal systems. For linear systems, Newton's method converges in one iteration. For nonlinear systems, Newton's method sometimes diverges apparently due to a small radius of convergence. In these cases a combined BFGS-Newton's method is used to solve the IHCP. The unknown data fields are parameterized via the eigen basis of the Hessian to illustrate the need for regularization. Regularization is then incorporated and the IHCP is solved with Newton's method. All heat transfer analyses and sensitivity analyses are performed via the finite element method.
Fault and System Stiffnesses and Stick-Slip Phenomena

This paper discusses the influence of system stiffness on the dynamic instability of fault surfaces under laboratory conditions for a number of test modes. In conjunction with shear load stiffness, the normal load stiffness, often neglected, is shown to have a considerable effect on the stick-slip process —its presence or absence and its characteristics. Also appropriate stiffnesses are suggested for an earthquake sequence modeled as a growing dislocation.
Enhancement of Sexual Behavior in Female Rats by Neonatal Transplantation of Brain Tissue from Males

Transplantation of preoptic tissue from male rat neonates into the preoptic area of female littermates increased masculine and feminine sexual behavior in the recipients during adulthood. This suggests that functional connections develop between the transplanted neural tissue and the host brain. A new intraparenchymal brain transplantation technique was used to achieve these results.
Retention of Infectivity and Pathogenicity by Tuberculina Maxima in Culture

(1970). Retention of Infectivity and Pathogenicity by Tuberculina Maxima in Culture. Mycologia: Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 1209-1211.
Debonding Properties of Residually Stressed Brittle-Matrix Composites

Trends in interface debonding have been calculated during fiber pullout for composites with interfaces subject to residual tension. The debond behavior is shown to depend sensitively on the thermal expansion mismatch. The results are used as the basis for designing a pullout test specimen suitable for measuring the mixed-mode fracture energy of bimaterial interfaces. The solutions also provide the background needed to assess the role of debonding in the toughening of ceramics by fibers.
The future of books in an electronic era

Abstract This paper will be concerned with the future of books and other print media in an Electronic Era. It is a legitimate concern because historically there have been societal changes connected with the introduction of new communication technology. As an example, when printing drove out the script some 500 years ago it revolutionized science, religion and politics. Printing made it possible for political tracts, sermons and textbooks to reach thousands of people. Many were encouraged to read. Similar changes followed Alexander Graham Bell's telephone invention, Edison's phonograph and DeForest's triad vacuum tube. As societies move into the information age and include more electronic media what will be the future of literacy in that society? Will an illiterate adult need to know how to read in an automated intelligent environment when machines can be programmed to speak? What do we knw about aliterate individuals? Those who can read, but do not or only read under compulsion. Is it possible to have a paperless society? Major focus and implications will be drawn to point to the impact of electronic technology on reading and consequences.
DEMONSTRATION THAT MAMMALIAN METHIONINE SYNTHASES ARE PREDOMINANTLY COBALAMIN-LOADED

Methionine synthase is an important cellular housekeeping enzyme and is dependent on the cofactor cobalamin, a derivative of vitamin B12, for activity. It functions in two major metabolic pathways including the tetrahydrofolate-dependent one-carbon cycle and the salvage pathway for methionine. Its dysfunction has several physiological ramifications and leads to the development of megaloblastic anemia. In addition, it is suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of neural tube defects. An issue that is central in weighing therapeutic options for methionine synthase-related disorders is the extent to which the enzyme exists as apoenzyme in vivo and, thus, can be potentially responsive to vitamin B12 therapy. despite the importance of this issue, the extent of holo- versus apoenzyme in mammalian tissue is controversial and unresolved. To address this question, we have developed a convenient anaerobic assay that employs titanium citrate to deliver low potential electron equivalents. The reductive activation of this enzyme is essential under in vitro assay conditions. We find that both the human placental and porcine liver methionine synthases exist predominantly in the holoenzyme form (90-100%) in the crude homogenate. In addition, the activity of the pure enzyme measured in the titanium citrate assay is also independent of exogenous cofactor, revealing that the cobalamin is tightly bound to the active site.
A Continuum of Approaches Toward Developing Culturally Focused Prevention Interventions: From Adaptation to Grounding

The purpose of this article is to describe a conceptual model of methods used to develop culturally focused interventions. We describe a continuum of approaches ranging from non-adapted/surface-structure adapted programs to culturally grounded programs, and present recent examples of interventions resulting from the application of each of these approaches. The model has implications for categorizing culturally focused prevention efforts more accurately, and for gauging the time, resources, and level of community engagement necessary to develop programs using each of the different methods. The model also has implications for funding decisions related to the development and evaluation of programs, and for planning of participatory research approaches with community members.
The Vietnamese woman: health/illness attitude and behaviors.

Vietnamese health beliefs may seem strange to western nurses. Basic to working with this or any immigrant culture is to have an understanding of and respect for cultural values. This paper presents an overview of a number of health beliefs held by a population of Vietnamese immigrants living in Texas.
Somatosensory Information Processing in the Aging Population

While it is well known that skin physiology – and consequently sensitivity to peripheral stimuli - degrades with age, what is less appreciated is that centrally mediated mechanisms allow for maintenance of the same degree of functionality in processing these peripheral inputs and interacting with the external environment. In order to demonstrate this concept, we obtained observations of processing speed, sensitivity (thresholds), discriminative capacity and adaptation metrics on subjects ranging in age from 18 to 70. The results indicate that although reaction speed and sensory thresholds change with age, discriminative capacity and adaptation metrics do not. The significance of these findings is that similar metrics of adaptation have been demonstrated to change significantly when the central nervous system (CNS) is compromised. Such compromise has been demonstrated in subject populations with autism (Tannan et al., 2008; Tommerdahl et al., 2007a), chronic pain (Hollins et al., 1996; Hollins and Sigurdsson, 1998; Zhang et al., 2011), acute NMDA receptor block (Folger et al., 2008) and with tactile-thermal interactions (Zhang et al., 2009). Thus, these quantitative measures – since they can be obtained efficiently and objectively, and appear to deviate from normative values significantly with systemic cortical alterations – could be useful indicators of cerebral cortical health.
Spectral Averaging of the Point Spread Function for Yohkoh's SXT

The point spread function of the soft X-ray telescope (SXT) aboard the Yohkoh spacecraft is a Moffat function with elliptical characteristics. This function has two parameters, a and b, that are wavelength dependent in the X-ray region of interest. Since most SXT data analysis is performed with respect to plasma temperature rather than wavelength, it is useful to spectrally average these two parameters over wavelength with temperature as the free variable. The results of this spectral averaging are given here for users of SXT data.
Cortisol Response Following Exposure Treatment for PTSD in Rape Victims

This study examined changes in salivary cortisol levels pre- to posttreatment in adult female rape victims diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) randomly assigned to be treated with either prolonged exposure therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Salivary cortisol was collected at baseline, Session 3, and Session 9. A significant decrease in salivary cortisol levels was observed in individuals classified as treatment responders in both treatment conditions. Findings suggest that successful exposure-based treatments for PTSD that result in trauma-related and depressive symptom reduction may impact the action of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as measured by changes in level of salivary cortisol from pre- to posttreatment.
Effect of nicotinic acid on the serum lipids of normal and of thyroidectomized dogs.

Abstract Oral administration of 1.2 Gm. daily of nicotinic acid for 2 weeks, caused no change of serum cholesterol in normal dogs on a diet containing 20 per cent of lard, but caused a significant cholesterol decrease in thyroidectomized dogs on a diet containing 20 per cent of coconut oil. A daily dose of 1.5 Gm. of nicotinic acid had no effect on the serum cholesterol concentration of normal dogs on a low-fat diet, but caused significant cholesterol decreases in normal dogs on high-fat diets and in thyroidectomized dogs, both on low and on high-fat diets. A daily dose of 2.0 Gm. of nicotinic acid caused significant decreases of serum cholesterol and phospholipids in thyroidectomized dogs and in normal dogs, both on low and on high-fat diets. This dose also caused a decrease of serum triglycerides in the thyroidectomized dogs. The decrease of serum cholesterol concentration caused by 1.5 Gm. daily of nicotinic acid was highly correlated with the initial serum cholesterol level, both in normal and in thyroidectomized dogs (r = +0.82 and r = +0.93, respectively). For equal initial levels of serum cholesterol the dose of 1.5 Gm. of nicotinic acid/day had essentially the same cholesterol-depressing effect in normals as in thyroidectomized dogs. The apparent difference in response to nicotinic acid between normal and thyroidectomized dogs is explained by the higher initial cholesterol level of the latter. Nicotinic acid is effective in decreasing the hypercholesterolemia produced in the dog by administration of saturated fat in the diet.
Linear approximation of transfer function with a pole of fractional power

Two methods for the linear approximation of a transfer function with a pole of fractional power are presented. Analog circuit models are developed, and their frequency response curves and step response curves are compared. It was found that the Pade method gives a better approximation than Wang and Hsia's method within the frequency limit as specified.
Perception of illusory movement

Intensive studies of visual illusion have rarely shown examples of polymorphic responses. We show here that, using figures consisting of stripes shaded from dark to light, arranged in repeating sectors, an illusion of movement can be induced in about 75% of observers when viewed peripherally. The responses of the viewers fall into four categories. This polymorphic response suggests a genetic origin.
Skim Milk Powders and Experimental Rat Caries

SummaryPrevious studies on experimental rat caries suggested the possibility of a relation between heat-processed cereal foods and dental caries etiology. Continuing this type of study, the cariogenic role of heat-processed skim milk powders, has been investigated. Diets containing 35% of commercial skim milk powders prepared by the usual spray and roller processing and also given a subsequent heat-treatment prior to feeding, have been identified with the production of a specific type of surface caries in white rats. The extent and severity of the caries was significantly and consistently increased by heat-treatment of these commercial skim milk powders. The results suggest that a cariogenic effect may be produced by heat-treatment of dry skim milk powders. According to present evidence this cariogenic effect has not been identified with the nutritive growth failures usually associated with heat or storage deterioration of milk proteins.
Topographic controls on soil moisture scaling properties in polygonal ground using idealized high-resolution surface–subsurface simulations

Microtopographic features, such as polygonal ground, are characteristic sources of landscape heterogeneity in the Alaskan Arctic coastal plain. Here, we analyze the hypothesis that microtopography is a dominant controller of soil moisture in polygonal landscapes. We perform multi-year surface–subsurface isothermal flow simulations using the PFLOTRAN model for summer months at six spatial resolutions (0.25–8 m, in increments of a factor of 2). Simulations are performed for four study sites near Barrow, Alaska that are part of the NGEE-Arctic project. Results indicate a non-linear scaling relationship for statistical moments of soil moisture. Mean soil moisture for all study sites is accurately captured in coarser resolution simulations, but soil moisture variance is significantly under-estimated in coarser resolution simulations. The decrease in soil moisture variance in coarser resolution simulations is greater than the decrease in soil moisture variance obtained by coarsening out the fine resolution simulations. We also develop relationships to estimate the fine-resolution soil moisture probability distribution function (PDF) using coarse resolution simulations and topography. Although the estimated soil moisture PDF is underestimated during very wet conditions, the moments computed from the inferred soil moisture PDF had good agreement with the full model solutions (bias 0.99) for all four sites. Lastly, we develop two spatially-explicit methods to downscale coarse-resolution simulations of soil moisture. The first downscaling method requires simulation of soil moisture at fine and coarse resolution, while the second downscaling approach uses only topographical information at the two resolutions. Both downscaling approaches are able to accurately estimate fine-resolution soil moisture spatial patterns when compared to fine-resolution simulations (mean error for all study sites are < ± 1 %), but the first downscaling method more accurately estimates soil moisture variance.
Engineering for biofuels: exploiting innate microbial capacity or importing biosynthetic potential?

Production of biofuels is becoming increasingly important. In this Review, Alper and Stephanopoulos describe the advantages and disadvantages of the use of native strains and engineered model microorganisms for the production of biofuels. The ideal microorganism for biofuel production will possess high substrate utilization and processing capacities, fast and deregulated pathways for sugar transport, good tolerance to inhibitors and product, and high metabolic fluxes and will produce a single fermentation product. It is unclear whether such an organism will be engineered using a native, isolated strain or a recombinant, model organism as the starting point. The choice between engineering natural function and importing biosynthetic capacity is affected by current progress in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. This Review highlights some of the factors influencing the above decision, in light of current advances.
Selectivity-based partitioning: a divide-and-union paradigm for effective query optimization

Modern query optimizers select an efficient join ordering for a physical execution plan based essentially on the average join selectivity factors among the referenced tables. In this paper, we argue that this "monolithic" approach can miss important opportunities for the effective optimization of relational queries. We propose selectivity-based partitioning, a novel optimization paradigm that takes into account the join correlations among relation fragments in order to essentially enable multiple (and more effective) join orders for the evaluation of a single query. In a nutshell, the basic idea is to carefully partition a relation according to the selectivities of the join operations, and subsequently rewrite the query as a union of constituent queries over the computed partitions. We provide a formal definition of the related optimization problem and derive properties that characterize the set of optimal solutions. Based on our analysis, we develop a heuristic algorithm for computing efficiently an effective partitioning of the input query. Results from a preliminary experimental study verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach and demonstrate its potential as an effective optimization technique.
Characterization of DNA-protein complexes by capillary electrophoresis-single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

A high-speed capillary electrophoresis mobility shift assay (CEMSA) for determining the binding ratios of DNA–protein complexes in solution is demonstrated. Single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to resolve the bound and unbound fluorescently labeled DNA molecules as they flowed continuously through a fused silica capillary under the influence of an applied electric field. Resolution of the bound and unbound complexes was based on the difference in their electrophoretic mobilities, and was accomplished without the need to perform a chemical separation. Data sufficient to perform the analysis was acquired in less than 10 s, compared to the minutes that are normally needed to carry out such measurement via CE separation. The binding ratios were determined with 5 to 10% precision and agreed with the results obtained by CE separation within experimental error. The resolution of the CEMSA based FCS analysis (CEMSA-FCS) was significantly higher than for the analysis performed by conventional diffusional FCS, due to the higher mass sensitivity of the electrophoretic mobility compared to the translational diffusion coefficient. Fluorescently labeled 39-mer single stranded DNA (ssDNA) and the single stranded binding protein (SSB) from Escherichia coli was used as the model system. The dissociation constant of the ssDNA–SSB complex was estimated to be ≈2 nM based on the CEMSA-FCS analysis.
Emerging Brain Morphologies from Axonal Elongation.

Understanding the characteristic morphology of our brain remains a challenging, yet important task in human evolution, developmental biology, and neurosciences. Mathematical modeling shapes our understanding of cortical folding and provides functional relations between cortical wavelength, thickness, and stiffness. Yet, current mathematical models are phenomenologically isotropic and typically predict non-physiological, periodic folding patterns. Here we establish a mechanistic model for cortical folding, in which macroscopic changes in white matter volume are a natural consequence of microscopic axonal growth. To calibrate our model, we consult axon elongation experiments in chick sensory neurons. We demonstrate that a single parameter, the axonal growth rate, explains a wide variety of in vitro conditions including immediate axonal thinning and gradual thickness restoration. We embed our axonal growth model into a continuum model for brain development using axonal orientation distributions motivated by diffusion spectrum imaging. Our simulations suggest that white matter anisotropy—as an emergent property from directional axonal growth—intrinsically induces symmetry breaking, and predicts more physiological, less regular morphologies with regionally varying gyral wavelengths and sulcal depths. Mechanistic modeling of brain development could establish valuable relationships between brain connectivity, brain anatomy, and brain function.
Effluent Management for Non-Oxidizing Plasma Strip Processes

This paper reports on the techniques employed to control the redeposition of the partially dissociated organic photoresist (PR) byproducts in advanced non-oxidizing strip processes developed to meet the PR removal requirements of future technology nodes. System features, such as the design of heated process chamber walls and an on-board, RF-based oxygen plasma effluent abatement system are described in detail. The performance of these features to prevent or eliminate hydrocarbon buildup and manage effluent with non-oxidizing strip processes is also presented and discussed.
Outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants with varying doses and intervals of antenatal steroid exposure

Objective To compare outcomes of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants exposed to no antenatal steroids (ANS); incomplete ANS and complete course of ANS at varying intervals prior to delivery. Methods A retrospective review was performed on 169 ELBW infants with ANS exposure at varied dose-intervals. The odds of mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were compared between Group 1, infants born without ANS exposure, Group 2, infants born after one dose of ANS, Group 3, infants born after two doses of ANS given within a week, and Group 4, infants born after two doses of ANS >7 days prior to delivery. Results Mortality and IVH were significantly lower in Groups 3 (30% and 10%) and 4 (15% and 30%), compared to Groups 1 (56% and 69%) and 2 (56% and 38%). Increasing gestational age and exposure to complete course of ANS were significantly associated with decrease in mortality, BPD/mortality and IVH. Infants who received one dose of ANS had significantly lower incidence of severe IVH compared to infants without ANS exposure. Conclusions Beneficial impact of ANS on mortality and composite BPD/mortality is evident only after a complete course and persists even with its administration beyond a week from delivery.
Relationships of photosynthetically active radiation and shortwave irradiance

Abstract Measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (400–700 nm) and shortwave irradiance (ca. 300–2,000 nm) were made over a 14-month period at College Station, Texas. The proportion of photosynthetically active radiation changed with intensity of incident irradiance and length of photoperiod. For the period April 21 to August 21, long photoperiod days, the proportion varied from a high of 58% for the 0–5 MJ m−2 d−1 irradiance class to a low of 47% for the 25–30 MJ m−2 d−1 class. From October 21 to February 21, short photoperiod days, the proportion varied from a high of 50% for the 0–5 MJ m−2 d−1 class to a low of 45% for the 15–20 MJ m−2 d−1 class. Comparing the longest photoperiod day to the shortest photoperiod day, under clear conditions, the proportion changed from 46% to 44%, respectively. Equations are presented for estimation of photosynthetically active radiation by shortwave irradiance classes and bimonthly periods.
An electrophysiological comparison of solitary type I and type II vestibular hair cells

Abstract We have studied the electrophysiological properties of enzymatically dissociated adult pigeon semicircular canal type I (chalice shaped) and type II (cylindrical shaped) hair cells using whole cell patch clamp techniques. Under current clamp conditions, type I hair cells often exhibit more hyperpolarized resting potentials than type II hair cells, and type I hair cells also have higher input conductances (measured with negative current steps) than type II hair cells. Under voltage clamp conditions, type I hair cells showed large, persistent outward currents over the range of about −70 to −50 mV, whereas, type II hair cells showed little or no current over this potential range. The persistent outward current of type I hair cells was not inactivated at a holding potential of −30 mV, a potential that inactivated the rapidly inactivating, IA, and delayed rectifier, IK, currents of type II hair cells. This current probably contributes to both the resting potential and input conductance of type I hair cells.
CONVECTIVE AND CONDUCTIVE EFFECTS OF HEAT TRANSFER IN POROUS MEDIA

An experimental study was made of heat transfer by natural convection inside packed vertical cylinders whose wall temperatures varied sinusoidally with time. The packings were small glass or plastic spheres with water as the interstitial fluid. The purpose of this research was to stimulate, in a controlled laboratory model, the heat transfer to grain stored in bins. Temperature distributions throughout the bed were determined for various sizes of packing, several height-to-diameter ratios, and for a number of frequencies of sinusoidal forcings. The results are presented graphically in terms of the amplitude ratios of the interior temperatures to the wall temperature and the phase lag between the interior and wall temperatures. The operating conditions ranged from essentially pure conduction to moderately strong natural convection. The temperature distributions near the wall of the cylindrical container were found to be predicted by a simple one-dimensional model. Temperature distributions throughout an entire packed bed were quite complex when there was significant natural convection and, although general overall predictions were possible, accurate calculation of the temperature at a specific location and time was impossible.
Regulation of TIGR/MYOC gene expression in human trabecular meshwork cells

Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells produces delayed, progressive cellular and extracellular protein/glycoprotein inductions with characteristics matching those for intraocular pressure elevation with corticosteroid eyedrops. The cloning of the Trabecular Meshwork Inducible Glucocorticoid Response (TIGR) gene from this system has suggested possible environmental and genetic influences in relation to glaucoma mechanisms. As reported here, the major GC-induced increase of TIGR expression in HTM cells is reduced approximately 4-fold by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 100-1000 pM), with a somewhat smaller inhibition noted with the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3, 100 nM). Such endogenous 'protective' factors could help balance stimulatory effects on TIGR gene expression from 'stress' and/or mechanical perturbations in the trabecular meshwork. TIGR coding region mutations affecting the gene's olfactomedin (OLF) homology domain may also perturb biosynthetic pathways and cellular homeostatic functions. Our recent studies have shown the OLF domain corresponds to a major translocational 'pause', an area where critical processes for normal TIGR biogenesis are expected to take place. Observations that Glu323Lys (and other mutations early in the OLF domain) altered the pattern of paused protein intermediates provide possible clues to previously unexplained pathogenetic mechanisms. HTM cell transfection studies using TIGR-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions showed increased and altered distribution of the expressed protein with constructs missing the OLF domain, an effect also found with the Pro370 Leu mutation for early-onset glaucoma. The data suggest an activation of stress/apoptotic pathways in HTM cells as a potential mechanism for environmental/genetic interactions in glaucoma pathogenesis.
Increased platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) release after laparotomy stimulates systemic tumor growth in mice.

Background Our laboratory has demonstrated that tumors grow larger and are more easily established following laparotomy than after carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum or anesthesia alone. We have also shown that tumor cells incubated with serum from laparotomized mice proliferated significantly faster in vitro than those incubated with plasma from mice that underwent laparoscopy or anesthesia alone. We hypothesized that differing levels of a plasma-soluble growth factor(s) postoperatively causes tumors to proliferate faster after laparotomy. This study’s purpose was to isolate and characterize the plasma growth factor(s) responsible for the increased growth of systemic tumors after laparotomy.
Retroactive interference in rats: independent effects of time and similarity of the intervening event with respect to acquisition.

Events occurring during the retention intervals for a 5-min delayed alternation task were used to investigate the factors that influence retroactive interference. Appetitive reinforcement in an E-maze was employed to train rats on the delayed alternation task consisting of a forced-choice (target event) trial followed by a free-choice (test) trial. Occasional probe trials added a potentially interfering event either at the beginning, middle, or end of the retention period. These events also varied in similarity to the target events, ranging from low similarity to the converse of the target event. Interference increased both with the interval between the target and intervening events and with the similarity between the converse of the target event and the intervening event; however, there was no tendency, significant or otherwise, towards an interaction between stimulus similarity and the interval between the target and intervening events. Control groups demonstrated that the interference was of an associa...
Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factors in Florida

Actual evapotranspiration (ET) is commonly estimated at daily time intervals as the product of a crop coefficient and a reference-crop evapotranspiration (ET0) that is calculated by using a daily time step. When subdaily time steps are used, crop coefficients must be multiplied by adjustment factors to account for the discrepancy between ET0 calculated by using daily and subdaily time steps. These adjustment factors depend on the method used to calculate ET0. By using the ASCE and FAO-56 Penman-Monteith methods with data from several meteorological stations in Florida, the ASCE equation is shown to be preferable for all locations and seasons because it requires the least adjustment to the crop coefficient when 15-min and 1-h time steps are used. The required adjustment factors depend on location and season, are greatest in the summer, and are approximately the same for 15-min and 1-h time steps. A comparative evaluation between daily ET0 and values of potential evapotranspiration (PET) provided by three p...
Radical Vaginal Trachelectomy after Supracervical Hysterectomy

Abstract Background. Radical vaginal trachelectomy (RVT) is an acceptable approach when applied toward a select group of patients with early stage cervical carcinoma. It is less invasive, can maintain fertility, and can be ideal in patients with significant comorbid factors compared to abdominal approaches. A small subset of patients with a previous supracervical hysterectomy can pose a surgical dilemma. Case. An 81-year-old woman with a history of severe cardiac disease on routine gynecological examination was found to have adenocarcinoma in situ with a focus suspicious for invasion of the cervical stump diagnosed by cone biopsy. She previously had a supracervical hysterectomy for benign disease of the uterus. A RVT was performed as definitive treatment and the patient recovered without complications. Conclusion. In the rare case that presents with a history of supracervical hysterectomy, RVT with some technical modifications can still be considered as a therapeutic option for early stage cervical carcinoma.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tumor ablation

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions for treatment of periluminal tumors allows for a minimally invasive alternative to other more invasive methods of tumor therapies such as surgery or percutaneous ablation. For many tumors, especially pancreatic and peripancreatic tumors, EUS allows the most direct access for providing therapy. However, our experience with EUS-guided tumor ablation therapy remains limited. Several promising methods for EUS-guided ablation are in development or undergoing clinical evaluation. There have been case reports and several limited studies evaluating various injection therapies such as alcohol or biologic agents. In addition, laser, photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound are currently being investigated as possible modalities for EUS-guided ablation. These methods for performing EUS-guided ablation are reviewed.
Permutation Symmetry of Many-Particle Wave Functions

The symmetrization postulate (SP) states that wave functions are either completely symmetric or completely antisymmetric under permutations of identical particles. It is shown by one-dimensional counter-examples that SP is not demanded by the usual physical interpretation of the mathematical formalism of wave mechanics unless one makes use of further physical properties of real systems; the error in a standard proof of SP which ignores these properties is pointed out. It is then proved that SP is true for those systems of spinless particles which have the following properties: (a) probability densities are permutation-invariant, (b) allowable wave functions are continuous with continuous gradient, (c) the $3n$-dimensional configuration space is connected, (d) the Hamiltonian is symmetric, and (e) the nodes of allowed wave functions have certain properties. The counterexamples show that SP is not a necessary property of those systems which do not have property (c). The proof is extended to particles with internal degrees of freedom (including spin) by noting that any observable commutes with every permutation and making use of a particular observable acting only on internal variables. Extraneous mathematical assumptions, such as that of the existence of a "complete" set of commuting observables, criticized by Messiah and Greenberg, are not employed. Some comments are made on the conventional nature of the concept of identity for similar particles; the equivalence between the usual formulation in which different species of similar particles are treated as distinct, and that in which they are regarded as identical particles in different internal states, is emphasized.
ENVELOPE OF HOLOMORPHY OF CERTAIN TWO-MANIFOLDS IN ℂ2

We study two-spheres Γ with isolated complex tangencies of high order of tangency. We show that under certain conditions the envelope of holomorphy of such two-sphere is a three-surface M foliated by complex discs and the boundary of M is Γ.
Blended-format professional development and the emergence of communities of practice

In this paper, we draw on Wenger’s (1998) conception of communities of practice to observe the emergence of a community of practice among middle grades mathematics teachers who participated in a two-year blended-format (online synchronous, online asynchronous, and face to face) professional development program designed to increase middle-grades mathematics teachers’ content and pedagogical content knowledge, as well as foster the evolution of local communities of practices. Results indicate that the professional development program supported the development of a community of practice among a subset of participating teachers, while others failed to develop what constitutes a community of practice. Issues related to professional development design in light of these findings are discussed.
Orchestrating Innovation Networks

Innovation networks can often be viewed as loosely coupled systems of autonomous firms. We propose that hub firms orchestrate network activities to ensure the creation and extraction of value, without the benefit of hierarchical authority. Orchestration comprises knowledge mobility, innovation appropriability, and network stability. We reject the view of network members as inert entities that merely respond to inducements and constraints arising from their network ties, and we embrace the essential player-structure duality present in networks.