cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teacher and Child Predictors of Achieving IEP Goals of Children with Autism

It is encouraging that children with autism show a strong response to early intervention, yet more research is needed for understanding the variability in responsiveness to specialized programs. Treatment predictor variables from 47 teachers and children who were randomized to receive the COMPASS intervention (Ruble et al. in The collaborative model for promoting competence and success for students with ASD. Springer, New York, 2012a) were analyzed. Predictors evaluated against child IEP goal attainment included child, teacher, intervention practice, and implementation practice variables based on an implementation science framework (Dunst and Trivette in J Soc Sci 8:143–148, 2012). Findings revealed one child (engagement), one teacher (exhaustion), two intervention quality (IEP quality for targeted and not targeted elements), and no implementation quality variables accounted for variance in child outcomes when analyzed separately. When the four significant variables were compared against each other in a single regression analysis, IEP quality accounted for one quarter of the variance in child outcomes.
The role of protein stability in the cell cycle and cancer

In addition to the examples mentioned above, other important regulators of cell proliferation such as cyclin D, cyclin E, p21, p27 are all potentially controlled by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. In several of these, phosphorylation has been shown to play a role in targeting the proteins for degradation. It remains to be seen how important the SCF pathway and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, in general, will become in cancer research. However, it appears that we have only just scratched the surface on the role of these pathways in the control of important regulatory genes. We suspect there will be much more to come from analysis of these fascinating pathways.
New challenges in teaching database security

Traditional Database Security has focused primarily on creating user accounts and managing user privileges to database objects. The wide spread use of databases over the web, heterogeneous client-server architectures, application servers, and networks creates an urgent need to widen this focus. This paper will provide an overview of the new and old database security challenges.Section one provides an overview of the Database Security concerns. It emphasizes Database Applications as the greatest concern and describes the SQL Slammer Worm, an example of not patching the Database Management System (DBMS)The second section explains in detail three Database topics: SQL injection [1], Multilevel Security [2] and Data Warehouse/Data Mining/Statistical security. The reason for focusing on these topics is because they are new Database Security issues (at least not taught in traditional database courses) and they are not topics that student will learn in any other course.The last topic provides guidelines for when to teach each Database Security topic and concludes by emphasizing the need for developing a Database Security Plan. Emphasis on a Database Security Plan resulted from interviewing Database Administrators and Security Specialists.
Sex reversal of the amphibian, Xenopus tropicalis, following larval exposure to an aromatase inhibitor

Aromatase is a steroidogenic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens in vertebrates. Modulation of this enzyme's activity by xenobiotic exposure has been shown to adversely affect gonad differentiation in a number of diverse species. We hypothesized that exposure to the aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, during the larval development of the tropical clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis, would result in masculinization of the developing female gonad. Tadpoles were exposed to fadrozole at nominal concentrations from 1 to 64 microg/L in a flow-through system from < 24 h post-fertilization (Nieuwkoop Faber (NF) stage 15-20) to metamorphosis (NF stage 66). At metamorphosis, morphologically examined gonads indicated complete masculinization of all tadpoles at concentrations of 16 microg/L and above and a significant bias in sex ratio towards males at concentrations of 1 microg/L and above. No effects on time to metamorphosis, body mass, or body length were observed. A random subsample of frogs was raised to reproductive maturity (39 weeks post-fertilization) in control water. All frogs exposed as tadpoles to 16 microg/L fadrozole or greater possessed testes at sexual maturity. Intersexed gonads characterized by the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue were observed in 12% of frogs in the 4 microg/L treatment. No differences in estradiol, testosterone, or vitellogenin plasma concentrations were observed in exposed males or females compared to controls. Females in the 4 microg/L treatment possessed a significantly greater percentage of pre-vitellogenic oocytes than controls and were significantly smaller in body mass. No differences in sperm counts were observed in exposed males compared to controls. Results from this study demonstrate that larval exposure to an aromatase inhibitor can result in the complete masculinization of female gonads. These masculinized females are phenotypically indistinguishable from normal males at adulthood. Lower levels of aromatase inhibition resulted in intersexed gonads and possible female reproductive impairment at adulthood. These results indicate that exposure of amphibians to xenobiotics capable of inhibiting aromatase would result in adverse reproductive consequences.
Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Language Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (3rd Edition) in a Sample of American, Urban, Spanish-Speaking Hispanics

The utility of the Spanish WAIS-III was investigated by examining its reliability and validity among 100 Spanish-speaking participants. Results indicated that the internal consistency of the subtests was satisfactory, but inadequate for Letter Number Sequencing. Criterion validity was adequate. Convergent and discriminant validity results were generally similar to the North American normative sample. Paired sample t-tests suggested that the WAIS-III may underestimate ability when compared to the criterion measures that were utilized to assess validity. This study provides support for the use of the Spanish WAIS-III in urban Hispanic populations, but also suggests that caution be used when administering specific subtests, due to the nature of the Latin America alphabet and potential test bias.
Facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a foal

A 3-month-old Quarter Horse colt sustained a penetrating injury over the coronary band on the right forelimb resulting in an articular bone sequestrum and septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint. Despite aggressive treatment for septic arthritis, severe osteoarthritis and ongoing sepsis resulted in persistent lameness. Facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint was performed using a combination of open surgical debridement, placement of an autogenous cancellous bone graft and stabilisation within a transfixation cast. Bony ankylosis of the joint was observed radiographically 7 weeks following surgery. Evaluation of the horse 30 months following surgery revealed complete fusion of the middle and distal phalanges, and the distal sesamoid bone. The horse is pasture sound and is used as a breeding stallion. This report describes the surgical approach and case management employed to achieve facilitated ankylosis as a treatment for unresolved septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint. This is the first report of successful facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a foal.
Amino acid antagonists do not block the depolarizing effects of potassium ions on frog primary afferents.

Abstract The effects of picrotoxin, bicuculline and strychnine on the dorsal root potential evoked by dorsal root stimulation and on the responses of primary afferents to elevated [K + ] and to γ-aminobutyric acid (and in some cases to β-alanine) were studied by sucrose gap recording from dorsal roots of the isolated hemisected frog spinal cord. Bicuculline and picrotoxin when applied in concentrations sufficient to block depolarizations of dorsal roots evoked by γ-aminobutyrate and the early phase (initial 150–200 ms) of the dorsal root potential did not alter the sensitivity of primary afferents to the depolarizing effects of K + . Strychnine produced inconsistent effects on the early component of the dorsal root potential, but in low or moderate concentrations ( −3 M) which antagonized β-alanine-induced depolarizations, did not affect K + -induced depolarizations. In high concentrations (10 −3 M), strychnine decreased the responses of dorsal roots to K + , β-alanine and γ-aminobutyrate. All the convulsants tested prolonged and augmented a late phase of the dorsal root potential. These observations indicate that primary afferent depolarization (as measured by the dorsal root potential) consists of two components which appear to be pharmacologically distinct. The results also indicate that the reduction of the early component of primary afferent depolarization by picrotoxin and bicuculline result from a blockage of the effects of γ-aminobutyrate on primary afferents rather than from a reduced sensitivity of these afferents to elevations in the concentration of extracellular K + . The ability of picrotoxin, bicuculline and strychnine to facilitate the late phase of the dorsal root potential, may be related to the ability of K + to contribute to the enhancement of the late component of primary afferent depolarization produced by convulsants.
Feudalism As An Economic System

Abstract This review essay discusses recent books on feudalism by Perry Anderson, John Critchley, Rodney Hilton, and Witold Kula. Its purpose is to provide an overview to a number of approaches toward the economic aspects of feudalism and to indicate promising directions in this field for comparative economists. To this end, four major questions are discussed: What is feudalism? How and why did the feudal economic system emerge? What are the short-term economic mechanisms within a feudal economy? And how and why did the feudal economic system decline?
Surface electromagnetic waves on magnetic media

Abstract We assume complex magnetic and dielectric properties of two adjacent, isotropic, semi-infinite media and examine surface electromagnetic waves (SEW) at their plane interface. The dispersion curves and non-radiative conditions are derived and compared with other results. Comments are made about which materials will allow surface electromagnetic waves. The importances of the dielectric constants of the sample and the overlayer materials are emphasized with an example, Si and NiO.
On Mead on American National Character

Mead’s (1930/2001) essay on national character must be assessed in several ways. First, its reliance on evidence from intellectuals, without carefully checking for representativeness and resonance, is questionable by today’s scholarly standards; and key omissions, such as race, in the reliance on essentially middle-class standards are a serious weakness as well. Mead’s assumptions about social homogeneity and about key continuities from the past, as in the area of capitalist commercialism, are overdone. But three aspects of Mead’s presentation do deserve exploration in national character terms: American hesitancy about formal culture and highbrow education; American attitudes to the state; and the national propensity to religious moralism. Finally, however, current changes, such as the apparent decline in political civility and voluntary associations, raise inevitable questions about whether the national character, to the extent it exists, is holding still.
Effects of Nanostructured Additives on Boundary Lubrication for Potential Artificial Joint Applications

Water-based fluids containing nanostructured fullerene C 60 and 18-crown ether-6 were investigated. The effects of those nanostructured additives on the tribological performance of titanium and its alloys as potential biomaterials were analyzed. Experimentally, tribology tests were conducted using a Ti―6Al―4V ball against a disk made of pure titanium as a simplified model of the material rubbing pair. Lubrication mechanisms were studied by comparing the nanostructures, viscosities, and frictions. Results showed that the fullerene C 60 in deionized water provided the lowest viscosity and friction. Crown ether, on the other hand, provided high friction and shear. Our analysis indicated that the fullerene was weakly interacted with water compared with the crown ether, resulting in an extended low friction in the boundary lubrication regime. The crown ether required extra energy in order to slide or roll. This led to a high friction. This finding opens the possibilities for lubrication design and optimization for biological and engineering applications in general.
Nasal lavage as a tool in assessing acute inflammation in response to inhaled pollutants

The upper airway, especially the nose, is a major target of toxic damage. Nasal challenges followed by nasal lavage (NAL) have been applied to studies of hypersensitivity, in particular as a method to identify the allergen in patients with allergic situations such as rhinitis. The NAL method has not been extensively used to determine the effects of air pollutants on the upper airways in humans. Ozone is known to interact avidly with various tissues in the respiratory tract and to cause decrements in lung function tests. This oxidant pollutant has also been shown to induce inflammation in the lower airways of humans and animals. In this study, we have examined the effect of an acute (2 h) exposure of ozone at 0.4 ppm on the inflammatory response in the upper airways of 10 normal volunteers and compared these results to those obtained in the lower airways assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The results indicate significant increases in the number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in NAL immediately post exposure (7.7-fold). This increase is still detectable 18 h post exposure (6-fold) which is similar to the increase of PMN in BAL. Tryptase, released by mast cells was also increased in the NAL fluid immediately post exposure (2-fold). While the albumin level, which is an indicator of epithelial cell permeability, was elevated 18 h post exposure (1.5-fold), tryptase level, was not anymore elevated at that time point. Interestingly, several other markers of acute inflammation such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), C3a, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (U-PA), which were found to be significantly elevated in the BAL of the same group of subjects (18 h post exposure), were not elevated in the NAL either immediately post or 18 h post exposure. The level of uric acid, thought to be an important anti-oxidant molecule, was also unchanged in the NAL fluid but was elevated in the BAL fluid. Collectively the data suggest that NAL may serve as a sensitive and reliable technique to detect inflammation in the upper airways of subjects exposed to ozone. Moreover, in the case of this particular oxidant pollutant, the NAL seems to mirror the inflammatory response in the lower airways, 18 h post exposure, relative to the number of PMN and albumin levels.
Transdermal iontophoretic delivery of enkephalin formulated in liposomes

Abstract Transdermal iontophoretic transport of a liposomal formulation of [Leu 5 ]enkephalin, across human cadaver skin, was investigated. Franz (vertical) cells were supplied with 0.5 mA/cm 2 current density via silver/ silver chloride electrodes from a Scepter power supply. Enkephalin spiked with [ 3 H]enkephalin was transported across skin from anode or cathode, depending on the charge on the molecule. Liposomes or their constituents were shown to penetrate into the skin. Enkephalin, when delivered iontophoretically at its isoelectric point, from liposomes carrying positive or negative charge on their surface, resulted in permeation of radioactivity which was same or less than that of the controls when analyzed by liquid scintillation counting. When analyzed by radiochromatograpy detector on HPLC, degradation of enkephalin during transport was observed, with several degradation peaks in the chromatogram. The degradation was less in liposome formulations, as compared to controls. This is the first report of the combined use of liposomes and iontophoresis for transdermal delivery.
Intertemporal speculation, devaluation, and the ‘J-curve’

Abstract This paper presents a new explanation of why ‘J-curves’ (i.e. the tendency of the trade balance to deteriorate immediately after a devaluation and to improve only as time passes) may arise. The paper focuses on the consequences of price stickiness: if prices are sticky, the devaluation leads, first, to asn increse in the relative price of tradables, which tends to improve the trade balance, and second, to rising prices of tradables following the devaluation which tends to temporarily worsen the trade balance as a result of intertemporal speculation. If the latter effect dominates, a ‘J-curves’ results.
Secretion of prolactin‐synergizing activity (synlactin) by the liver of ectothermic vertebrates in vitro

Recent work in our laboratory indicated that the liver of rats and pigeons secretes a prolactin synergist (synlactin) in vitro. We have investigated the secretion of this activity by the liver of nine species of ectothermic vertebrates. Liver from three teleosts (goby, salmon, and tilapia), four amphibians (Ambystoma, Necturus, bullfrog, and grass frog) and two reptiles (turtle and anole) was diced, washed, and incubated for 3 hr in isotonic medium. After dialysis, the liver incubation media (LIM) were tested with and without prolactin (PRL) in the local pigeon crop-sac bioassay. The LIM for turtle, larval bullfrog, freshwater salmon, and 5% seawater-adapted goby significantly augmented the local crop-sac response to PRL, but the LIM from anole, adult bullfrog, grass frog, fasted larval Ambystoma, Necturus, 100% seawater-adapted goby, and tilapia did not contain synergizing activity. We conclude that synlactin is secreted by the liver of several species representing three of the major ectothermic classes of vertebrates. It is significant that in two cases, larval bullfrog and 5% seawater-adapted goby, the presence of synlactin occurs in physiological states in which PRL is active. In the opposite cases (adult frog and 100% seawater-adapted goby) the activity was not detectable. We also found that the liver of larval and adult bullfrogs and tilapia released a factor in vitro that had proliferative activity in the crop-sac. This activity appears to be distinct from synlactin.
Convergence of parallel multisplitting iterative methods for M-matrices

Abstract Despite the major recent activity in parallel processing, few effective new algorithms designed exclusively for multiprocessors have been put forth. One such is the multisplitting iterative algorithm suggested by O'Leary and White. Although they have given some sufficient conditions for convergence, a general convergence theory has not been developed even for the classical situation where the coefficient matrix A is an M-matrix or is symmetric positive definite. In this paper we study the M-matrix case in detail. The multisplitting process for A ∈Rn,n is recast as an ordinary iterative process for a certain block matrix A ∈R kn , kn , where k is the number of processors, and standard convergence results are used to develop a convergence theory for multisplitting iterative methods where A is an M-matrix. Comparison results between multisplitting methods are established in terms of monotonic norms and, for the case where A is irreducible, in terms of the asymptotic convergence rate. A key observation here is that in certain cases the rate of global convergence of these parallel iterative methods is inherent in the splitting of A and is independent of the manner in which the work is distributed among the processors. Thus in general one can distribute the work for load balancing purposes without affecting the convergence rate.
Enantioselectivity in the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted Δ2-isoxazolines

The R-isomer of ISO-1, a 3,5-disubstituted Δ2-isoxazoline, has been implicated as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes via the antagonism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Δ2-Isoxazolines can be prepared by the palladium(II)-mediated cyclization of substituted β,γ-unsaturated oximes. While this reaction results in racemic mixtures, we have developed a stereoselective variant of this method based on the incorporation of an enantiomeric palladium complex in the reaction mixture. The use of chiral bisoxazoline ligands in the palladium(II)-mediated ring closure reaction has been shown to enhance the enantiomeric excess due to chirality at C5 of the Δ2-isoxazoline.
Detailed structural evaluation of the TPX toroidal field magnet nose region

A detailed structural analysis of the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) toroidal field (TF) cell case is presented. The investigation focuses on a section through the equatorial plane of the inboard leg, or nose region, in order to study the most restricted space in the TF cell structure. The analysis begins with a detailed electromagnetic finite element ANSYS model of the TF coil and case. Individual conductors are modeled. Forces produced by the interaction of the magnetic field and conductor currents are produced as input to the structural analysis. The model is fully parameterized which allows for multiple computer runs of various grid densities and geometries, all with the aim of obtaining well characterized stresses in the structural and insulating elements of the coil and case. The objective of the analysis is to quantify the stresses in the cell case. In addition, changes in the case wall thickness are considered to improve the stress field in the region of closure welds. The study closes with a comparison of computed and allowable stresses, including a brief summary of fatigue results, and a recommendation on the critical TF case weld location.
Differential modulation of antipredator defensive behavior in Swiss-Webster mice following acute or chronic administration of imipramine and fluoxetine

The Mouse Defense Test Battery (MDTB) has been designed to assess defensive reactions in Swiss-Webster mice to situations associated with a natural predator, the rat. Primary measures taken before, during and after predator confrontation comprise escape attempts, predator assessment, defensive attack and flight. Previous reports from this laboratory have shown that the panic-promoting drug yohimbine potentiated flight behavior, while long-term treatment with the panicolytic agent alprazolam reduced this response. In order to evaluate further the possibility that the MDTB may represent an effective animal model of panic attacks, the present study investigated the behavioral effect of imipramine and fluoxetine, two serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) known to alleviate panic symptoms when given on a repeated basis. Both drugs were administered acutely and chronically (one daily IP injection for 21 days) at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg. Our results showed that a single dose of imipramine or fluoxetine strongly potentiated flight reactions in response to an approaching predator and increased defensive attack toward the rat. This was in contrast to chronic treatment with each drug which dramatically decreased flight responses and defensive attack behaviors. In addition, long-term administration with both SRIs produced a reliable attenuation of predator assessment activities. Taken together, these findings suggest an acute anxiogenic-like effect of imipramine and fluoxetine followed by a fear/anxiety reducing effect after repeated administrations. These results support clinical observations revealing an acute anxiogenic effect of SRIs followed by an anxiolytic and/or panicolytic effect after chronic use, and support previous results suggesting that the MDTB may be useful for the investigation of panic-modulating agents.
Computational sprinting on a hardware/software testbed

CMOS scaling trends have led to an inflection point where thermal constraints (especially in mobile devices that employ only passive cooling) preclude sustained operation of all transistors on a chip --- a phenomenon called "dark silicon." Recent research proposed computational sprinting --- exceeding sustainable thermal limits for short intervals --- to improve responsiveness in light of the bursty computation demands of many media-rich interactive mobile applications. Computational sprinting improves responsiveness by activating reserve cores (parallel sprinting) and/or boosting frequency/voltage (frequency sprinting) to power levels that far exceed the system's sustainable cooling capabilities, relying on thermal capacitance to buffer heat.Prior work analyzed the feasibility of sprinting through modeling and simulation. In this work, we investigate sprinting using a hardware/software testbed. First, we study unabridged sprints, wherein the computation completes before temperature becomes critical, demonstrating a 6.3x responsiveness gain, and a 6% energy efficiency improvement by racing to idle. We then analyze truncated sprints, wherein our software runtime system must intervene to prevent overheating by throttling parallelism and frequency before the computation is complete. To avoid oversubscription penalties (context switching inefficiencies after a truncated parallel sprint), we develop a sprint-aware task-based parallel runtime. We find that maximal-intensity sprinting is not always best, introduce the concept of sprint pacing, and evaluate an adaptive policy for selecting sprint intensity. We report initial results using a phase change heat sink to extend maximum sprint duration. Finally, we demonstrate that a sprint-and-rest operating regime can actually outperform thermally-limited sustained execution.
Comparison of automatic and patient-activated arrhythmia recordings by implantable loop recorders in the evaluation of syncope.

The implantable loop recorder (ILR) has become an important tool for evaluating patients with recurrent syncope. Second generation ILRs have the ability to record events either automatically (auto activated) or by manual activation (patient activated). In an attempt to evaluate the relative utility of the auto-activation feature, this study stratified ILR events based on a grading system designed to classify detected arrhythmias in terms of the likelihood that they provide a diagnostic basis for syncope. Data from 50 patients (27 men, mean age 64 ± 22 years) who underwent ILR implantation for investigation of recurrent syncope were assessed. The arrhythmia syncope grading system used 5 levels, ranging from grade 0 (rhythm recorded during syncope) to grade IV (rhythm unlikely to provide a diagnostic basis for syncope). Thirty-six patients (72%) demonstrated ≥1 auto-activated or patient-activated recording during a follow-up of 14.3 ± 7.9 months. Of the total of 529 recordings, 223 (194 after auto activation [86.9%]) from 30 patients showed a rhythm abnormality. Auto activation was more effective for documenting arrhythmias that were recorded during syncope or those with highest probability of providing a syncope diagnosis (grade 0 or I arrhythmias: auto activated, 19 patients, patient activated, 3 patients). Times from ILR implantation to first grade 0 and grade I arrhythmias were 13.4 and 7.8 months, respectively. The ILR auto-activation feature proved effective in providing a high probability basis for syncope (196 arrhythmia recordings [87.1%] in 27 patients) and enhanced the diagnostic effectiveness of the device compared with patient activation alone (29 arrhythmia recordings [12.9%] in 6 patients).
The relationship between pollen and extant vegetation across an arid urban ecosystem and surrounding desert in Southwest USA

Aim In this paper, we explore the relationship between pollen concentration in surface soil and extant perennial vegetation across a rapidly urbanizing arid ecosystem along with its surrounding agricultural and native Sonoran Desert land. We also investigate whether taxa behave as expected from known pollination characteristics (e.g. anemophilous vs. zoophilous) and whether the pollen–plant relationship differs between the undeveloped desert and agro-urban regions. Location We used a probability-based sampling scheme at 200, 900-m2 sites across the Central Arizona–Phoenix region, a 6400-km2 area of the south-western USA. Methods Pollen–plant abundances were mapped across the study area using interpolation techniques, summary bar charts and scatterplots, then two statistical approaches were applied to examine the data quantitatively. Firstly, we used regression analysis of paired pollen concentration and plant cover data; secondly, pc-ord was used on a cross-matrix (contingency table) containing the presence/absence scores of both pollen and plants for each taxon at each site. Results Mapping and quantitative analysis revealed that pollen–plant relationships do vary both between anemophilous and zoophilous groupings and by individual taxon. They also revealed that distribution patterns of both pollen and plant abundance vary consistently across the three main landscape types (desert, urban, agricultural) and that pollen taxa groupings are consistent with pollination method and source plant distribution regardless of landscape type. Main conclusions These findings provide a broad range of comparative data to facilitate palynological reconstruction of past vegetation and aid in assessing types of prehistoric impacts on this vegetation. They also document that significant variation can occur in pollen rain across a city, even for taxa with widely distributed pollen, leading to the conclusion that forecasting pollen distribution patterns for allergy-related pollen types using only one or a few pollen traps is likely to entail substantial error.
Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide exposures in indoor ice skating rinks

Exposures to carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were determined in seven enclosed ice skating rinks and an outdoor rink. The uptake of CO was also determined by the difference in alveolar CO concentration of the non‐smoking hockey players before and after games. Carbon monoxide concentrations in enclosed rinks ranged from 4 to 117 ppm and NO2 concentrations from 342 to 2729 ppb for 2 h hockey games. The CO uptakes were linearly related to the ambient CO concentrations. Alveolar CO of the hockey players increased on average by 0.53 ppm per 1 ppm CO exposure over 2 h. Considering the CO and NO2 levels currently measured in enclosed ice skating rinks, indoor air quality guidelines or standards should be established. It is recommended that 1 h maximum allowable limits of 20 ppm CO and 250 ppb NO2 be established.
Effect of soil nitrogen stress on the relative growth rate of annual and perennial grasses in the Intermountain West

A high relative growth rate (RGR) is thought to be an important trait allowing invasive annual grasses to exploit brief increases in nitrogen (N) supply following disturbance in the Intermountain West. Managing soils for low N availability has been suggested as a strategy that may reduce this growth advantage of annual grasses and facilitate establishment of desirable perennials grasses. The objective of this study was to examine the degree to which soil N availability affects RGR and RGR components of invasive annual and desirable perennial grasses. It was hypothesized that (1) invasive annual grasses would demonstrate a proportionately greater reduction in RGR than perennial grasses as soil N stress increased, and (2) the mechanism by which low N availability decreases RGR of annual and perennial grasses would depend on the severity of N stress, with moderate N stress primarily affecting leaf mass ratio (LMR) and severe N stress primarily affecting net assimilation rate (NAR). Three annual and three perennial grasses were exposed to three levels of N availability. RGR and components of RGR were quantified over four harvests. Moderate N stress reduced RGR by decreasing LMR and severe N stress lowered RGR further by decreasing NAR. However, reduction in RGR components was similar between invasive and natives, and as a consequence, annual grasses did not demonstrate a proportionately greater reduction in RGR than perennials under low N conditions. These results suggest managing soil N will do little to reduce the initial growth advantage of annual grasses. Once perennials establish, traits not captured in this short-term study, such as high tissue longevity and efficient nutrient recycling, may allow them to compete effectively with annuals under low N availability. Nevertheless, if soil N management does not facilitate the initial establishment of perennials in annual grass infested communities, then there is little likelihood that such techniques will provide a long-term benefit to restoration projects in these systems.
Methodological issues in relating, psychiatric symptoms to social stressors.

Two major methodological issues have arisen in the analysis and interpretation of data from a Chicago-area cross-sectional survey on stress with 2,299 normal adults. These are (1) the relative independence between measures of current social stressors and of psychiatric symptomatology and (2) the predominant direction of effect between these two phenomena. To test relative independence we developed a matrix of intercorrelations among the indices. The low to moderate correlations vary in magnitude several-fold and support the notion that social stressors and psychiatric symptoms occur relatively independently of one another. To test predominant direction of effect the estimated durations in time of stressors and of symptoms are compared. Stressors consistently show a longer duration than symptoms, supporting the view that they influence symptoms more than the reverse.
Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Hamsters

The concomitant treatment of hamsters with bleomycin and hyperoxia results in a synergistic development of pulmonary injury. We exposed hamsters for 72 hr to 70% oxygen following a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (0.16 U/100 g body weight). Groups of 10 animals were killed at 3, 6, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after instillation for histopathologic and morphometric assessment. Diffuse alveolar damage developed acutely. At 30 days, the intense acute cellular infiltrate had subsided, leaving a focal interstitial pneumonitis. Morphometric quantitation at 10 days revealed that 33.5 +/- 5.3% (x +/- SE) of the lung was diseased; there was apparent healing by 30 days, when 10.5 +/- 2.0% of the lung was diseased. However, progression to diffuse pneumonitis with fibrosis was seen at 60, 90, and 120 days, when 30.2 +/- 4.9%, 38.5 +/- 5.8%, and 38.8 +/- 4.5% of the lung was diseased, respectively. In vivo pulmonary function studies on treated animals at 25 and 55 days showed decreasing dynamic compliance and increased minute ventilation, which corroborates the presence of interstitial fibrosis. We conclude that simultaneous treatment of hamsters with bleomycin and hyperoxia results in interstitial fibrosis with a distribution and progression that mimics human pulmonary fibrosis. This model appears ideally suited for the study of progressive fibrosis and will be useful when development of a widely distributed lesion is crucial.
High precision real-time beam position measurement system

A system for real-time measurement of beam position is being constructed for the ALADDIN electron storage ring. High-precision measurements with a bandwidth large enough to allow their use in closed-orbit feedback are required. The hardware at each station consists of a pair of position-sensing electrodes connected through a p-i-n diode switch to a narrowband receiver tuned to the second harmonic of the storage ring RF frequency. The receiver input is switched between the electrodes at a 12.5-kHz rate. The output of the receiver is synchronously demodulated to obtain a signal proportional to the difference between the electrode signals. The difference signal is normalized to beam intensity with an automatic gain control (AGC) loop controlling the average output of the receiver. The AGC loop has a useful dynamic range of 80 dB, and is capable of reducing beam signal fluctuations at frequencies up to 200 Hz. >
THE ETYMOLOGIES OF ΒΑΣΙΛΕϒΣ AND ΕΡΜΗΝΕϒΣ

Nouns and personal names ending in –eύς –ῆϝος are unique to Greek, and have often been deemed pre-Hellenic in origin simply on account of the lack of Proto-Indo-European (PIE) correspondences. Our failure to find convincing etymologies for βασιλeύς, ἑρμηνeύς, and βραβeύς has itself contributed to this view. However, we should hesitate, for general reasons, to posit pre-Hellenic origins for these words, since viable explanations both of βασιλeύς and of ἑρμηνeύς (if not of βραβeύς) lie near to hand. Although the explanation of βασιλeύς that will be proposed below still presents difficulties, I believe that it improves on previous attempts.
Asymptotically optimal blind fractionally spaced channel estimation and performance analysis

When the received data are fractionally sampled, the magnitude and phase of most linear time-invariant FIR communications channels can be estimated from second-order output only statistics. We present a general cyclic correlation matching algorithm for known order FIR blind channel identification that has closed-form expressions for calculating the asymptotic variance of the channel estimates. We show that for a particular choice of weights, the weighted matching estimator yields (at least for large samples) the minimum variance channel estimator among all unbiased estimators based on second-order statistics. Furthermore, the matching approach, unlike existing methods, provides a useful estimate even when the channel is not uniquely identifiable from second-order statistics.
The Effect of a Single Subcutaneous Injection of Estradiol-17-Monopalmitate on Growth in Turkeys

Abstract IT HAS been well established that synthetic estrogenic compounds such as diethylstilbestrol and dienestrol diacetate when administered to chickens or turkeys will result in increased weight gains and fat deposition (Lorenz, 1944, 1954; and Moreng et al. 1963). Resulting improvement in fat deposition has been verified by many workers and residue studies extensively investigated; excellent reviews of the residue problem have been presented by Umberger et al. (1959) and Umberger and Goss (1959). The present study was carried out to evaluate various levels of estradiol-17-monopalmitate (EMP) in polyethylene glycolic paste with respect to improving gain and carcass qualities of young torn turkeys. In addition, tissue residues were determined. PROCEDURE A preliminary investigation (Trial 1) was designed to provide a reference point of EMP to the action of diethylstilbestrol (DES) in turkeys. Four treatment groups of a commercial line of Broad White turkeys consisting of approximately 21 males each, were individually …
BayesMotif: de novo protein sorting motif discovery from impure datasets

Background: Protein sorting is the process that newly synthesized proteins are transported to their target locations within or outside of the cell. This process is precisely regulated by protein sorting signals in different forms. A major category of sorting signals are amino acid sub-sequences usually located at the N-terminals or C-terminals of protein sequences. Genome-wide experimental identification of protein sorting signals is extremely time-consuming and costly. Effective computational algorithms for de novo discovery of protein sorting signals is needed to improve the understanding of protein sorting mechanisms. Methods: We formulated the protein sorting motif discovery problem as a classification problem and proposed a Bayesian classifier based algorithm (BayesMotif) for de novo identification of a common type of protein sorting motifs in which a highly conserved anchor is present along with a less conserved motif regions. A false positive removal procedure is developed to iteratively remove sequences that are unlikely to contain true motifs so that the algorithm can identify motifs from impure input sequences. Results: Experiments on both implanted motif datasets and real-world datasets showed that the enhanced BayesMotif algorithm can identify anchored sorting motifs from pure or impure protein sequence dataset. It also shows that the false positive removal procedure can help to identify true motifs even when there is only 20% of the input sequences containing true motif instances. Conclusion: We proposed BayesMotif, a novel Bayesian classification based algorithm for de novo discovery of a special category of anchored protein sorting motifs from impure datasets. Compared to conventional motif discovery algorithms such as MEME, our algorithm can find lessconserved motifs with short highly conserved anchors. Our algorithm also has the advantage of easy incorporation of additional meta-sequence features such as hydrophobicity or charge of the motifs which may help to overcome the limitations of PWM (position weight matrix) motif model.
Radiation exposure in endovascular repair of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms

Background Endovascular aortic repair has become increasingly popular the last years for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) and thoracic aortic aneurysms. EVAR is less invasive compared with the classic open approach, related to a decreased immediate postoperative morbidity and mortality. Those beneficial characteristics of EVAR do not come without a cost, since EVAR requires that the patient will be exposed to a significant amount of radiation during preoperative planning, graft placement, and consecutive follow-up. This systematic review examines the periprocedural radiation exposure to patients and staff as well as ways to ameliorate it. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE electronic database. All articles reporting radiation exposure to alive humans during EVAR were eligible for review. Only studies publishing numerical data regarding radiation exposure were included in the Results section. Other relevant articles were used for further discussion. Results Twenty-four studies, both prospective and retrospective in nature, were included. These studies revealed that the radiation exposure depends on the specific type of procedure, with more complex procedures carrying greater radiation burden. Variations in the positioning and operating of the fluoroscopic unit may significantly alter radiation dose to both patients and staff. There was an apparent lack of education among vascular specialists and trainees in terms of radiation safety awareness. At follow-up, a significant number of patients needed additional procedures, and all required radiographic imaging, further increasing the radiation exposure to alarming levels. Conclusions Every effort should be made to decrease radiation exposure related to endovascular aortic procedures. Attempts must be directed towards maximizing the operator's awareness, welcoming new imaging technology emitting less radiation, and shifting to follow-up strategies that require minimal or no radiation.
Assessment of Urinary Inhibitor or Promoter Activity in Uric Acid Nephrolithiasis

Purpose: We assessed decreased inhibitor activity or increased promoter activity in the urine of idiopathic uric acid stone formers compared to nonstone formers independent of urinary pH.Materials and Methods: A total of 30 idiopathic uric acid stone formers, and 9 obese and 12 lean nonstone formers collected 24-hour urine while on a metabolic diet. Three urine aliquots per subject were used to assess spontaneous nucleation (de novo crystal formation), crystal growth using a 0.1 mg/ml anhydrous uric acid seed and steady-state uric acid solubility (the maximum amount of uric acid dissolvable in urine) using a 5 mg/ml uric acid seed. All experiments were performed for 6 hours at a constant pH of 5.0. Uric acid concentration was measured in filtered aliquots at 0, 3 and 6 hours.Results: At baseline 24-hour urinary pH was significantly lower and uric acid saturation was significantly higher in idiopathic uric acid stone formers. No significant spontaneous nucleation developed and similar uric acid steady-stat...
Three critical matters in big data projects for e-science: Different user groups, the mutually constitutive perspective, and virtual organizational capacity

This paper discusses three critical matters in big data projects for e-science, in which computer simulations, computational visualizations, and mathematical modeling are practiced as powerful methods to advance science. More specifically, three different user groups are identified, and their unique situations elaborated for developing project methodologies sensitive to their differences. Furthermore, ‘technology development and technology use,’ as well as ‘technology and organizing’ are two parallel processes argued as mutually constitutive within the individual pairs. Finally, project methodologies should include organizational capacity assessment and capacity building as strategic components to increase big data projects' likelihood of success in producing intended outcomes.
CT Scanning in Pregnancy

CT evaluation of pregnant patients with medical conditions not related to pregnancy is a valuable and reliable tool, but poses a recurring dilemma on the other hand due to radiation exposure concern for both mother and fetus. Maternal exposure is substantial including the exposure of breast tissue, highly sensitive during radiation, with a potential to increase relative risk for breast cancer over lifetime. Fetal exposure may theoretically lead to congenital malformations, and despite no known risks for development of congenital malformations or mental retardation in a fetus exposed to ionizing radiation at the MDCT levels typically used for diagnostic imaging, there is still a theoretical risk of carcinogenesis. An understanding of fetal and maternal effects of ionizing radiation by different CT protocols at different stages of gestation is essential for proper administration of the CT examinations in patients with non-obstetric conditions. Understanding of basic principles of maternal and fetal dosimetry is also essential for quality assurance. The approach to the informed consent and administration of iodinated intravenous contrast are also essential and discussed in this chapter. Available MDCT protocols and effective methods for radiation dose reduction are discussed for specific clinical conditions such as: pulmonary embolism, acute appendicitis, urolithiasis, and trauma.
Explicit inclusion of nonlocality in (d,p) transfer reactions

Background: Traditionally, nucleon-nucleus optical potentials are made local for convenience. In recent work we studied the effects of including nonlocal interactions explicitly in the final state for $(d,p)$ reactions, within the distorted wave Born approximation.Purpose: Our goal in this work is to develop an improved formalism for nonlocal interactions that includes deuteron breakup and to use it to study the effects of including nonlocal interactions in transfer $(d,p)$ reactions, in both the deuteron and the proton channel.Method: We extend the finite-range adiabatic distorted wave approximation to include nonlocal nucleon optical potentials. We apply our method to $(d,p)$ reactions on $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$, $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$, $^{126}\mathrm{Sn}$, $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ at 10, 20, and 50 MeV.Results: We find that nonlocality in the deuteron scattering state reduces the amplitude of the wave function in the nuclear interior, and shifts the wave function outward. In many cases, this has the effect of increasing the transfer cross section at the first peak of the angular distributions. This increase was most significant for heavy targets and for reactions at high energies.Conclusions: Our systematic study shows that, if only local optical potentials are used in the analysis of experimental $(d,p)$ transfer cross sections, the extracted spectroscopic factors may be incorrect by up to $40%$ due to the local approximation.