cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modeling Analysis of Hydrodynamic and Microbial Controls on DNAPL Pool Dissolution and Detoxification: Dehalorespirers in Co-culture

Dissolution of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contaminants like tetrachloroethene (PCE) can be “bioenhanced” via biodegradation, which increases the concentration gradient at the DNAPL–water interface. Model simulations were used to evaluate the impact of ecological interactions between different dehalorespiring strains and hydrodynamics on the bioenhancement effect and the extent of PCE dechlorination. Simulations were performed using a two-dimensional coupled flow-transport model, with a DNAPL pool source and two microbial species, Dehalococcoides mccartyi 195 and Desulfuromonas michiganensis, which compete for electron acceptors (e.g., PCE), but not for their electron donors. Under biostimulation, low vx conditions, D. michiganensis alone significantly enhanced dissolution by rapidly utilizing aqueous-phase PCE. In co-culture under these conditions, D. mccartyi 195 increased this bioenhancement modestly and greatly increased the extent of PCE transformation. Although D. michiganensis was the dominant population under low velocity conditions, D. mccartyi 195 dominated under high velocity conditions due to bioclogging effects.
Residual stresses in and around rivets in clad aluminum alloy plates

Abstract A new procedure is described by which the residual stress in the cladding and base alloy of clad materials can be measured simultaneously with X-rays. When a hole is drilled in this material, the stresses are tensile at the hole edge and remain so on countersinking the hole. The residual stresses in riveted lap joints of this material are those predicted for a stressed hole, i.e. tensile if the hole wall is stressed elastically, and compressive if the hole wall is cold worked. The stresses can be lower after riveting in the soft cladding than in the base alloy of clad aluminum alloy 2024-T3, indicating flow of the cladding relative to the base. If compressive stresses are desired, care is needed in choosing the riveting force, and the X-ray technique can provide confirmation of the condition of this loading.
First Principles Simulation of the Bonding, Vibrational, and Electronic Properties of the Hydration Shells of the High-Spin Fe3+ Ion in Aqueous Solutions

Results of parameter-free first principles simulations of a spin up 3d(5) Fe3+ ion hydrated in an aqueous Solution (64 waters, 30 ps, 300 K) are reported. The first hydration shell associated with the first maximum of the radial distribution function, g(FeO)(r), at d(Fe-O-1) = 2.11-2.15 angstrom, contains 6 waters with average d(OH) = 0.99 angstrom, in good agreement with observations. A second shell with average coordination number 13.3 can be identified with average shell radius of d(Fe-Ou) = 4.21-4.32 angstrom. The waters in this hydration shell are coordinated to the first shell via a trigonal H-bond network with d(O-I-O-II) = 2.7-2.9 angstrom, also in agreement with experimental measurements. The first shell tilt angle average is 33.4 degrees as compared to the reported value of 41 degrees. Wannier-Boys orbitals (WBO) show in interaction between the unoccupied 3d orbitals of the Fe3+ valence (Spill Lip, 3d(5)) and the occupied spin down lone pair orbitals of first shell waters. The effect of the spin ordering of the Fe 31 ion on the WBO is not observed beyond the first shell. From this local bond analysis and consistent with other observations, the electronic structure of waters in the second shell is similar to that of a bulk water even in this strongly interacting system. H-bond decomposition shows significant bulk-like structure within the second shell for Fe3+. The vibrational density of states shows a first shell red shift of 230 cm(-1) for the v(1),2(V2),V-3 overtone, in reasonable agreement with experimental estimates for trivalent cations (300 cm(-1)). No exchanges between first and second shell were observed. Waters in the second shell exchanged with bulk waters via dissociative and associative mechanisms. Results are compared with all AIMD study of Al3+ and 64 waters. For Fe3+ the average first shell tilt angle is larger and the tilt angle distribution wider. H-bond decomposition shows that second shell to second shell H-bonding is enhanced in Fe3+ suggesting an earlier onset of bulk-like water Structure.
Protein Kinase C Phosphorylates G12α and Inhibits Its Interaction with Gβγ

Of nine G protein α subunits examined, only α12 and αz served as substrates for phosphorylation by various isoforms of protein kinase C in vitro. A close homolog of α12, α13, was not phosphorylated. Exposure of NIH 3T3 cells that stably express α12 to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also resulted in phosphorylation of the protein. Phosphorylation in vitro occurred near the amino terminus (probably Ser38), and approximately 1 mol of phosphate was incorporated per mol of α12. Although G protein heterotrimers containing either α12 or αz were poor substrates for phosphorylation, the isolated α subunits were phosphorylated equally well in their GDP- or GTPγS-bound forms. The guanine nucleotide binding properties of purified α12 and αz were unaltered by phosphorylation, as was the capacity of αz to inhibit type V adenylyl cyclase. However, phosphorylation of either protein greatly reduced its affinity for G protein βγ subunits, consistent with the newly determined crystal structure of a G protein heterotrimer. We suggest that protein kinase C regulates α12- and αz-mediated signaling pathways by preventing their association with βγ.
Exercise training improves endothelial function in resistance arteries of young prehypertensives

Exercise training improves endothelial function in resistance arteries of young prehypertensives
Major Arterial Hemorrhage: A Complication of Pancreatic Pseudocysts and Chronic Pancreatitis

• Twelve patients (11 men, one woman), aged 18 to 68 years, had major arterial hemorrhage as a direct complication of pancreatic pseudocysts and chronic pancreatitis. Chronic alcoholism (11 patients) and blunt abdominal trauma (one patient) were the basis for pancreatic disease. Spontaneous hemorrhage occurred in eight patients. Bleeding occurred into the gastrointestinal tract (eight patients), into the peritoneal cavity (four patients), and was intracystic (one patient). Splenic, pancreaticoduodenal, gastroduodenal, and gastroepiploic arteries were sources of hemorrhage. Operative procedures included local control of bleeding (six patients), distal pancreatectomy (three patients), and pancreaticoduodenectomy (one patient). Four patients died of hemorrhagic complications of pancreatic disease, including one not subjected to operation. Extirpation of diseased pancreatic tissue may lessen the morbidity and mortality attributed to this complication of pancreatitis. (Arch Surg111:435-440, 1976)
Ni-olivine catalysts prepared by thermal impregnation: Structure, steam reforming activity, and stability

Abstract Ni-olivine catalysts prepared by thermal impregnation are candidate materials for in-bed catalytic tar removal during fluidized bed biomass gasification. The present work examined the structure and surface properties of the Ni-olivine catalysts prepared by thermal impregnation following preparation, during reduction by in-situ techniques, and following naphthalene-steam reforming in simulated biomass derived syngas. Catalysts were characterized by BET surface area, laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). During the preparation, secondary phases containing Mg (i.e., (Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4 and MgFe2O4) reacted to form an olivine phase enriched in Mg and either MgO or Mg-enriched (Mg,Ni)O. The presence of excess steam in the naphthalene-steam reforming appeared to limit coking and also caused behavior to be different than was observed under reducing conditions. Post-reaction characterization indicated the loss of a metallic phase through a possible alloying process and the exchange of Fe for Mg in the olivine structure. Either can potentially explain the high coke resistance of the Ni-olivine catalysts prepared by thermal impregnation compared to Ni-olivine catalysts prepared by incipient wetness impregnation or the olivine support. Finally, the properties of the olivine catalysts with and without Ni were compared through activity for methanol- and ethylene-steam reforming.
Characterization and comparison of speciated atmospheric carbonaceous (soot) particulates and their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contents in the context of the Paso del Norte airshed along the United States-Mexico border

Carbonaceous particulate matter (PM) was collected by both thermal precipitation and glass fiber filters from specific combustion sources and examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). PM from various natural gas burner combustion regimes (NGPM), burning tires (TPM), a heavy duty diesel truck (DPM), wood burning (WPM), candle burning (CPM), along with commercial black carbon (BC) powder and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) aggregates material exhibited similarities in PM microstructure, and average primary spherule diameters. The spherule structures consisted of curved graphene fragments and intercalated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH concentrations were measured and compared for these PMs, including PAH diagnostic ratios. An analysis of PAH carcinogenicity either as a carcinogenicity index or a potency equivalency factor from literature data indicated that only the TPM PAH content would pose any significant long term, carcinog...
The magnetospheric disturbance ring current as a source for probing the deep earth electrical conductivity

Two current rings have been observed in the equatorial plane of the earth at times of high geomagnetic activity. An eastward current exists between about 2 and 3.5 earth radii (Re) distant, and a larger, more variable companion current exists between about 4 and 9 Re. These current regions are loaded during geomagnetic substorms. They decay, almost exponentially, after the cessation of the particle influx that attends the solar wind disturbance. This review focuses upon characteristics needed for intelligent use of the ring current as a source for induction probing of the earth’s mantle. Considerable difficulties are found with the assumption that Dst is a ring-current index.
Magnetic Moments of the Strange Baryons and the Algebra of Currents

Using equal-time commutation relations of the axial-vector "charges" with the isoscalar and isovector electromagnetic current densities, the magnetic moments of the strange members of the baryon octet and the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ transition moment have been calculated in terms of the pseudoscalar-meson photoproduction amplitudes, which are evaluated using low-lying baryon resonant states. The results agree very well with the experimental values available for the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ and the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ magnetic moments. A comparison is also made with the results of the $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ symmetry.
Phenotypic plasticity for life history traits in a stream population of the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L.

– The life history traits of breeding size, clutch size, egg size and relative clutch mass were examined for evidence of plasticity within a set of six annual samples of threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., females from south-central Alaska, USA. Three samples (from 1992, 1996 and 1999) were of stickleback native to, and living within, a stream environment, while three (from 1995, 1996 and 1999) represented fish living within a pond environment recently colonized by the stream stickleback. Significant differences between stream and pond fish were found for all four traits. For most traits, pond-living females showed greater variation both across and within years than did stream-living females. Although extremely rapid evolution within the pond, or genetic drift caused by low founding population size, could not be completely ruled out, trait changes across years in both environments were interpreted as representing adaptive plasticity. Resumen 1. Caracteristicas biologicas tales como el tamano y el peso relativo de la puesta y el tamano de los huevos fueron examinados buscando evidencia de plasticidad en un grupo de seis muestreos anuales de hembras de Gasterosteus aculeatus de una region centro-sur de Alaska. Los muestreos de los anos 1992, 1996 y 1999 fueron de G. aculeatus nativos de, y viviendo en, un rio mientras que otros tres muestreos (anos 1995, 1996 y 1999) incluyeron individuos que viven en una laguna recientemente colonizada por la poblacion del rio. La laguna mostro ser un ambiente con temperaturas mas altas que el rio y de mayor nivel de productividad primaria. 2. Encontramos diferencias significativas en las cuatro caracteristicas estudiadas entre las poblaciones del rio y de la laguna. En los tres anos, el tamano medio del huevo, el peso relativo medio de la puesta y el tamano medio ajustado a traves de un ancova fueron inferiores en la poblacion de la laguna, mientras que el tamano medio de las hembras reproductoras fue mayor. La edad de las hembras reproductoras que fue determinada a traves de frecuencias de longitudes indico que, en ambos ambientes, las hembras se reproducen por primera vez en la edad 1. En el rio, aparecieron pocos reproductores (si alguno) de dos anos. Sin embargo, en un ano en la laguna la mayor parte de las hembras parecieron tener 2 anos y haberse reproducido en ano anterior. Para la mayor parte de las caracteristicas estudiadas, las hembras de la laguna mostraron mayor variabilidad que las hembras del rio tanto dentro como entre anos. 3. Aunque una evolucion extremadamente rapida en la laguna o deriva genetica debida al tamano de la poblacion fundadora no pudieron ser completamenta demostrados, cambios en las caracteristicas a traves de los anos en ambos ambientes fueron interpretados como plasticidad adaptativa.
The response to ribulose bisphosphate(4-) (RuBP (4-)) and RuBP-Mg (2-) in catalysis by structurally divergent RuBP carboxylase/oxygenases.

Free ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP(4-)) rather than its magnesium complex (RuBP-Mg(2-)) was the apparent substrate for spinach ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. The apparent Km for total RuBP (pH 8.0 at 30° C) increased with increasing Mg(2+) concentrations from 11.6 μM at 13.33 mM Mg(2+) to 32.6 μM at 40.33 mM Mg(2+). Similarly the apparent Km for RuBP-Mg(2-) complex increased with increasing Mg(2+) from 9.4 μM at 13.33 mM Mg(2+) to 29.7 μM at 40.33 mM Mg(2+). However, the Km values for uncomplexed RuBP(4-) were independent of the (saturating) concentration of Mg(2+) (Km=2.2 μM). The Vmax did not vary with the changing concentrations of Mg(2+).In contrast, the Km for total RuBP remained constant with varying Mg(2+) concentrations (Km=59.5 μM) for the enzyme from R. rubrum. The apparent Km for the RuBP-Mg(2-) complex decreased with increasing Mg(2+) concentrations from 16.0 μM at 7.5 mM Mg(2+) to 5.9 μM at 27.5 mM Mg(2+). The initial velocity for the C. vinosum enzyme was also found to be independent of the (saturating) concentration of Mg(2+) when total RuBP was varied in the assay. Thus the response to total RuBP by these two bacterial enzymes, which markedly differ in structure, was closely similar.
Generalized Laws of Refraction and Reflection

The generalized laws of refraction and reflection for absorbing media are rederived, avoiding complex angles and using only definitions with measurable parameters. The results are put in a form which, by inspection, reduces to Snell’s and Fresnel’s equations.
Sediment density structure derived from textural analysis of cross-sectional X-radiographs

Two image texture analysis procedures, autocorrelation and binary run length, quantify the scales, orientation, and isotropy of density fluctuations imaged in X-radiographs of sediment cross sections from the Arafura Sea (Australia) and Eckernforde Bay (Germany). Image texture-based results agree with traditional bulk methods in some cases and disagree in others. Advantages of imagebased techniques over bulk methods are nonintrusiveness of the approach and the ability to produce more detailed characterizations of the spatial variability present in sediment structure. The image texture-based parameterizations of density structure are interpreted with respect to environmental processes.
Novel routes to nanocrystalline mechanical characterization

The use of nanoindentation techniques to measure nanoscale mechanical behavior is a new path of interest to researchers today. Load drops and displacement excursions can be utilized to measure activation volumes for dislocation events in single crystals, thin films, and nanoposts. Through the introduction of a new length-scale parameter, the dislocation wall spacing, a mechanism describing staircase yielding, is presented. The dislocation wall spacing can also be used to estimate activation volumes. Molecular dynamics simulations of nickel film indentation have been used to validate the origin of staircase yielding and also show consistent dislocation wall spacings. Additionally, stress relaxation experiments have been used to estimate activation volumes.
Multiple domains of repressor activator protein 1 contribute to facilitated binding of glycolysis regulatory protein 1.

The function of repressor activator protein 1 (Rap1p) at glycolytic enzyme gene upstream activating sequence (UAS) elements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is to facilitate binding of glycolysis regulatory protein 1 (Gcr1p) at adjacent sites. Rap1p has a modular domain structure. In its amino terminus there is an asymmetric DNA-bending domain, which is distinct from its DNA-binding domain, which resides in the middle of the protein. In the carboxyl terminus of Rap1p lie its silencing and putative activation domains. We carried out a molecular dissection of Rap1p to identify domains contributing to its ability to facilitate binding of Gcr1p. We prepared full-length and three truncated versions of Rap1p and tested their ability to facilitate binding of Gcr1p by gel shift assay. The ability to detect ternary complexes containing Rap1p⋅DNA⋅Gcr1p depended on the presence of binding sites for both proteins in the probe DNA. The DNA-binding domain of Rap1p, although competent to bind DNA, was unable to facilitate binding of Gcr1p. Full-length Rap1p and the amino- and carboxyl-truncated versions of Rap1p were each able to facilitate binding of Gcr1p at an appropriately spaced binding site. Under these conditions, Gcr1p displayed an approximately 4-fold greater affinity for Rap1p-bound DNA than for otherwise identical free DNA. When spacing between Rap1p- and Gcr1p-binding sites was altered by insertion of five nucleotides, the ability to form ternary Rap1p⋅DNA⋅Gcr1p complexes was inhibited by all but the DNA-binding domain of Rap1p itself; however, the ability of each individual protein to bind the DNA probe was unaffected.
Sovereign Immunity and the International Court of Justice: The State System Triumphant

This paper, presented to the 25th Sokol Colloquium on Private International Law in April 2012, and slated for publication in a forthcoming book resulting from the Colloquium, discusses the International Court of Justice’s judgment in Jurisdictional Immunities of the State (Germany v. Italy). It locates the decision in the context of an ongoing debate over the exclusive role of states in the creation of international law. It argues that the decision provides a strong endorsement of the monopoly of states over the production of international law and speculates as to why an international tribunal such as the Court is more likely to take this stance than is a national court, such as Italy’s Corte Suprema di Cassazione.
GLP-1 receptor agonists: a review of head-to-head clinical studies

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are attractive options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) because they effectively lower A1C and weight while having a low risk of hypoglycemia. The GLP-1 RA class has grown in the last decade with several agents available for use in the US and Europe and several more in development. Since the efficacy and tolerability, dosing frequency, administration requirements, and cost may vary between agents within the class, each agent may offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Through a review of phase III clinical programs for exenatide twice daily, exenatide once weekly, liraglutide, albiglutide, lixisenatide, and dulaglutide, eight head-to-head trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 RA active comparators. The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of these trials. The GLP-1 RA head-to-head clinical studies have demonstrated that all GLP-1 RA agents are effective therapeutic options at reducing A1C. However, differences exist in terms of magnitude of effect on A1C and weight as well as frequency and severity of adverse effects.
Global 3D simulations of disc accretion on to the classical T Tauri star V2129 Oph

The magnetic field of the classical T Tauri star V2129 Oph can be modelled approximately by superposing slightly tilted dipole and octupole moments, with polar magnetic field strengths of 0.35 and 1.2 kG, respectively, as observed by Donati et al. Here we construct a numerical model of V2129 Oph incorporating this result and simulate accretion on to the star using a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic code. Simulations show that the disc is truncated by the dipole component and matter flows towards the star in two funnel streams. Closer to the star, the flow is redirected by the octupolar component, with some of the matter flowing towards the high-latitude poles, and the rest into the octupolar belts. The shape and position of the spots differ from those in a pure dipole case, where crescent-shaped spots are observed at the intermediate latitudes. Simulations show that if the disc is truncated at the distance of r≈ 6.2R★ which is comparable with the corotation radius, rcor≈ 6.8 R★, then the high-latitude polar spot dominates, but the accretion rate obtained from the simulations (and from the accompanying theoretical calculations) is about an order of magnitude lower than the observed one. The accretion rate matches the observed one if the disc is disrupted much closer to the star, at 3.4R★. However, in that case the octupolar belt spots strongly dominate. In the intermediate case of r≈ 4.3R★, the polar spots are sufficiently bright, and the accretion rate is within the error bar of the observed accretion rate, and this model can explain the observations. However, an even better match has been obtained in experiments with a dipole field twice as strong compared with one suggested by Donati et al. The torque on the star from the disc–magnetosphere interaction is small, and the time-scale of spin evolution, 2 × 107–6 × 108 yr is longer than the 2 × 106 yr age of V2129 Oph. This means that V2129 Oph probably lost most of its angular momentum in the early stages of its evolution, possibly, during the stage when it was fully convective, and had a stronger magnetic field. The propeller mechanism could also be responsible for the rapid spin-down. The external magnetic flux of the star is strongly influenced by the disc: the field lines connecting the disc and the star inflate and form magnetic towers above and below the disc. The potential (vacuum) approximation is still valid inside the Alfven (magnetospheric) surface where the magnetic stress dominates over the matter stress.
Real-time monitoring of occupational stress of nurses

Prolonged exposure to stress has been associated with chronic diseases, depression, and immune disorders. Stress perception is highly subjective. Assessment of occupational stress requires personalized physiological monitoring and timely collection of individual characterization of sources of stress. We implemented a wearable system for monitoring of occupational stress of nurses — UAHealth. Personal monitors are implemented on iPhone smartphones with Ant+ wireless interface. Interbeat intervals are collected from a chest belt, and step count and cadence from foot pod sensor. All data are processed in real-time on the phone to assess stress index. A 30-minute personalized maximum over predefined threshold initiates a questionnaire to collect assessment of sources of stress. In this paper we present system organization and preliminary results.
Carpal compression test and pressure provocative test in veterans with median-distribution paresthesias.

We investigated the value of the carpal compression test (CCT) and the pressure provocative test (PPT) in predicting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a predominantly male population of veterans. We performed a prospective, blinded comparison of these clinical diagnostic tests with neurophysiological testing. One cohort of 135 consecutive patients was assessed with the CCT; a separate cohort of 134 consecutive patients was assessed with the PPT. Of these 269 patients, 58.4% had electrodiagnostically confirmed CTS. The sensitivity of the CCT was 52.5%, specificity was 61.8%, positive predictive value was 66.6%, and the negative predictive value was 47. 2%. The sensitivity of the PPT was 54.5%, specificity was 68.4%, positive predictive value was 70%, and the negative predictive value was 52.7%. The CCT and PPT had minimal utility in predicting electrodiagnostically confirmed CTS. In a subset of the CCT cohort, 86 consecutive veterans were also evaluated in relation to a clinical gold standard. Of these patients, 60% had CTS based on this gold standard. CCT sensitivity was 53.8%, specificity was 61.8%, positive predictive value was 68.3%, and negative predictive value was 46.7%. The CCT thus had marginal utility in predicting CTS based on a clinical gold standard.
Inhibition by Theophylline of Phagocytosis in Acanthamoeba castellanii

SYNOPSIS. Theophylline inhibited the phagocytosis of latex beads by Acanthamoeba castellanii (Neff). The cells recovered the ability to engulf beads after 1–2 hr of exposure to theophylline. Cells which have been exposed to 25 mM theophylline for a period of inhibition and recovery were not inhibited further by incubation with a fresh medium containing the same concentration of theophylline. However, the medium in which the cells recovered was as effective as a fresh medium in inhibiting phagocytosis in a fresh batch of cells, suggesting that the development of insensitivity to theophylline inhibition resides with the cells themselves. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP also inhibited bead uptake.
cual-id: globally unique, correctable, and human-friendly sample identifiers for comparative -omics studies

The number of samples in high-throughput comparative "omics" studies is increasing rapidly due to declining experimental costs. To keep sample data and metadata manageable and to ensure the integrity of scientific results as the scale of these projects continues to increase, it is essential that we transition to better-designed sample identifiers. Ideally, sample identifiers should be globally unique across projects, project teams, and institutions; short (to facilitate manual transcription); correctable with respect to common types of transcription errors; opaque, meaning that they do not contain information about the samples; and compatible with existing standards. We present cual-id, a lightweight command line tool that creates, or mints, sample identifiers that meet these criteria without reliance on centralized infrastructure. cual-id allows users to assign universally unique identifiers, or UUIDs, that are globally unique to their samples. UUIDs are too long to be conveniently written on sampling materials, such as swabs or microcentrifuge tubes, however, so cual-id additionally generates human-friendly 4- to 12-character identifiers that map to their UUIDs and are unique within a project. By convention, we use "cual-id" to refer to the software, "CualID" to refer to the short, human-friendly identifiers, and "UUID" to refer to the globally unique identifiers. CualIDs are used by humans when they manually write or enter identifiers, while the longer UUIDs are used by computers to unambiguously reference a sample. Finally, cual-id optionally generates printable label sticker sheets containing Code 128 bar codes and CualIDs for labeling of sample collection and processing materials. IMPORTANCE The adoption of identifiers that are globally unique, correctable, and easily handwritten or manually entered into a computer will be a major step forward for sample tracking in comparative omics studies. As the fields transition to more-centralized sample management, for example, across labs within an institution, across projects funded under a common program, or in systems designed to facilitate meta- and/or integrated analysis, sample identifiers generated with cual-id will not need to change; thus, costly and error-prone updating of data and metadata identifiers will be avoided. Further, using cual-id will ensure that transcription errors in sample identifiers do not require the discarding of otherwise-useful samples that may have been expensive to obtain. Finally, cual-id is simple to install and use and is free for all use. No centralized infrastructure is required to ensure global uniqueness, so it is feasible for any lab to get started using these identifiers within their existing infrastructure.
New Organic Dendrimers with Greatly Enhanced Multi-Photon Absorption for Photonics Applications

Tree-like dendritic structures based on identical repeat units and a variety of branching patterns are an exciting new class of materials with a myriad of potential applications at the nanophotonics level. Dendrimers offer advantages over traditional linear polymers containing a mixture of chain lengths in that they are monodisperse macromolecules amenable to detailed structure property relationship studies. For the study of multi-photon absorption (MPA), dendrimers can be designed using chromophore repeat units with known photonic properties, and the resulting highly branched three-dimensional structures allow a very high packing density per unit volume, with the number of chromophore repeat units increasing exponentially with dendrimer generation.
Voluntary to Mandatory: Evolution of Strategies and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Personnel

results. HCP influenza vaccination rates increased from 44.0% (2,863 of 6,510 HCP) to 62.9% (4,037 of 6,414 HCP) after institution of mobile carts, mandatory declination, and peer-to-peer vaccination efforts. Despite maximal attempts to improve accessibility and convenience, 27.2% (66 of 243) of the surveyed HCP were unwilling to wait more than 10 minutes for a free influenza vaccination, and 23.3% (55 of 236) would be indifferent if they were unable to be vaccinated. In this context, institution of a mandatory vaccination campaign requiring unvaccinated HCP to mask during the influenza season increased rates of compliance to over 90% and markedly reduced the proportion of HCP who declined vaccination as a result of preference. conclusions. A mandatory influenza vaccination program for HCP was essential to achieving high vaccination rates, despite years of intensive vaccination campaigns focused on increasing accessibility and convenience. Mandatory vaccination policies appear to successfully capture a large portion of HCP who are not opposed to receipt of the vaccine but who have not made vaccination a priority.
Spatial paradigms of lotic diatom distribution: A landscape ecology perspective

Spatial distributional patterns of benthic diatoms and their relation to current velocity were investigated in an unshaded cobble-bottom reach of White Creek (Washington County, NY). On 27 August 1999, diatoms were sampled and current velocity and depth were measured on a regular square sampling grid with a grain size of 0.01 m2, interval of 0.5 m, and extent of 16 m2. The relative abundance of the 18 common diatom species enumerated in the 81 samples was subjected to detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The first axis (DCA1) explained 51% of the variance in diatom data and separated the samples according to current regimes. The spatial autocorrelation of DCA1 sample scores in deposition and erosion regions of White Creek was determined by Moran's I statistic to indicate patch size. In White Creek the patch length of all diatom communities was more than 3.1 m, whereas the patch width was 1 m in the deposition region and 0.5 m in the erosion region. There were 5 dominant diatom taxa, Achnanthes minutissima Kutz. et vars, Fragilaria capucina Dezmazieres et vars, F. crotonensis Kitt., Diatoma vulgaris Bory, and Synedra ulna (Nitz.) Ehr. et vars. The patch length of the dominant species varied from 1 to more than 4.1 m, whereas the patch width, if defined, was 0.5 m. Achnanthes minutissima and F. capucina, the two diatom species with the highest relative abundance, displayed spatially structured patches of low abundance and comparatively random patches of high abundance, suggesting broad scale abiotic control of species performance in low abundance regions and finer scale biotic control of high abundance areas. Another objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that higher current velocities, which generally impede immigration, would increase randomness and complexity (i.e. homogeneity of diatom distributional patterns). The spatial complexity in low versus high velocity transects was determined by calculating the respective fractal dimension (D) of DCA1 scores. D of DCA1 was higher in the higher current velocity transects, suggesting that spatial complexity and homogeneity of diatom communities increased in faster currents. Partial canonical correspondence analysis was conducted on diatom, environmental, and spatial data to assess how much of the variance in species distribution could be attributed to environmental (current velocity and depth) versus spatial factors. The variance of species data, explained by the environment (exclusively current velocity), was 38%; whereas space alone contributed only 10%, indicating that 1) current velocity was the major factor that controlled diatom distribution in streams and 2) there were other spatially dependent variables, most likely biotic, but their role in shaping diatom communities was minor.
Underrepresented minority students' experiences at Baylor College of Dentistry: perceptions of cultural climate and reasons for choosing to attend.

A study was conducted at Texas AM personal advising and tutoring were reported to be the most commonly used. In terms of climate, discrimination was reported by 22 percent (n=29), mostly from classmates and clinical faculty. The majority (87 percent) reported their cultural competence pro- gram was "effective" and agreed that faculty (83 percent), staff (85 percent), and students (75 percent) were culturally competent. Overall, the students were "satisfied" with how they were treated (88 percent), their education (91 percent), and the services/re - sources (92 percent). This information is being used to continue to improve the school's cultural climate and to conduct a broader assessment of all students.
Birth of rhesus monkey infant after transfer of embryos derived from in-vitro matured oocytes: Short communication

Although strategies for in-vitro maturation of oocytes from rodents and domestic species have been relatively successful, application of these techniques to primates has not met with similar success. Currently, evaluation of the developmental capacity of oocytes following fertilization is the only reliable means to assess cytoplasmic maturation. Although rhesus monkey blastocysts have previously been produced from in-vitro matured oocytes, full developmental competence has not been demonstrated by term development. Here we report the birth of the first non-human primate infant derived from in-vitro matured oocytes.
E-Health Technologies Show Promise In Developing Countries

Is there any evidence that e-health—using information technology to manage patient care—can have a positive impact in developing countries? Our systematic review of evaluations of e-health implementations in developing countries found that systems that improve communication between institutions, assist in ordering and managing medications, and help monitor and detect patients who might abandon care show promise. Evaluations of personal digital assistants and mobile devices convincingly demonstrate that such devices can be very effective in improving data collection time and quality. Donors and funders should require and sponsor outside evaluations to ensure that future e-health investments are well-targeted.
Evolution of a Simulator Pilot Force-Feel System

Accurately reproducing pilot force effects on cockpit pilot controls is critical for meeting flight simulation requirements. Using high-performance pilot control loaders (pilot control force) simulators and a computer Pilot Force Program (force-feel program), the Vertical Motion Simulator at NASA Ames Research Center continues to meet this challenge. The Pilot Force Program creates the pilot force-feel effects and has undergone, from its first inception, continuous improvements to meet simulation requirements. Real-time digital systems that use object-oriented programming languages, virtual instrumentation, high throughput I/O, and fast processors are now practical and cost-effective. This paper describes the evolution of the Pilot Force Program, from its beginning using analog computers, to the successful digital computer replacement, that provided a significant improvement in responding to customer requirements.
Role of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in the Management of Follicular Lymphoma

Despite decades of published data regarding the application of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant in patients with follicular lymphoma, there remain no uniform indications for its use in this disease. Autologous transplant has been shown to lead to longer progression-free survival times in randomized trials when compared with postremission interferon-based chemoimmunotherapy. However, the development of rituximab and its use in frontline, salvage, and maintenance therapy complicates the decision to pursue autologous transplant, a modality developed prior to the advent of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Allogeneic transplant offers the advantages of lymphoma-free grafts and the immunologic graft-versus-lymphoma effect. These factors may confer the possibility of long-term remission, though historically they have been accompanied by high rates of upfront morbidity and mortality, especially in heavily pretreated patients with a poor performance status or chemotherapy-refractory disease. Advances in patient selection, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, conditioning regimens, and supportive care have reduced transplant-related mortality and the incidence of graft-versus-host disease. Recently published data focus on the incorporation of rituximab and radioimmunoconjugates prior to, during, and following autologous transplant. Furthermore, reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation has increasingly been used for relapsed follicular lymphoma patients with comorbidities or advanced age. Several recent reports suggest that reduced-intensity regimens may provide a high likelihood of long-term disease-free survival for patients up to 70 years of age with a good performance status, chemotherapy-sensitive disease, and HLA-matched sibling donors. Such patients with relapsed disease should be referred to a transplant center that can enroll them in one of the forthcoming clinical trials that aim to confirm these outcomes.
Metabolic and circulatory limitations to muscular performance at the organ level.

Within working muscle, development of conditions that directly influence exercise performance is dependent on many factors, including: intensity and duration of exercise, type of skeletal muscle fibres recruited, cardiovascular support to the working fibres and the inherent metabolic characteristics of the contracting fibres. In general, it is possible to identify factors that seem to alter exercise performance only at relatively intense exercise conditions. During prolonged moderately intense exercise (e.g. 70-80% maximal oxygen consumption for at least 60-90 min) decline in performance is related to the depletion of glycogen within the working muscle. Although the cause of muscle performance decline during very intense exercise is not known, an extreme acidosis is found, especially in fast-twitch muscle, which could significantly disrupt normal metabolic and contractile processes. During fatigue caused by intense contraction conditions, ATP content decreases (by approx. 50%) and there is a stoichiometric production of IMP and ammonia in fast-twitch muscle. This loss in adenine nucleotide content is dependent on the severity of the contraction conditions relative to the functional aerobic capacity of the muscle fibre, since fast-twitch red (high mitochondria, high blood flow) and fast-twitch white (low mitochondria, low blood flow) muscles respond differently. In contrast, during similarly intense contraction conditions, rat slow-twitch muscle fibres maintain their ATP content and do not produce significant amounts of IMP. Indirect evidence suggests that a similar contrast between fibres occurs in humans during maximal exercise. Thus, there seems to be a fundamental difference between fast- and slow-twitch muscles in the management of their adenine nucleotide contents during intense contraction conditions. Whether this is related to the known differences in the fatigue process between these fibre types is not known.
Latino Parental Involvement in Kindergarten: Findings From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study

Parental involvement in children’s schooling is an important component of children’s early school success. Few studies have examined this construct exclusively among Latino families. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K), the present investigation (N = 2,051) explored relations between Latino parents’ home and school involvement activities and their children’s literacy skills, and the role of social capital in promoting parents’ involvement practices. Regression analyses showed that parental involvement was a significant predictor of children’s literacy skills above controls. Results also suggest that stronger communication with other parents may be instrumental in increasing both home and school involvement among Latino families, creating a possible avenue through which Latino parents might develop a collective voice within the school sector. Findings have strong implications for teachers, who may be well-positioned to facilitate opportunities for Latino parents to engage in aut...
Transcanonical embeddings of hyperelliptic curves

Throughout this paper, a curve will be an irreducible nonsingular onedimensional projective variety over an algebraically closed field F of characteristic not 2. In Chapter 1 of his beautiful survey [7], Mumford undertakes to exhibit “every curve”. The nonhyperelliptic curves are described by the equations of their canonical embeddings [8, 91, but the hyperelliptic curves are given only as ramified double coverings of Pi. In this note we describe the equations and geometry of the “transcanonical” embeddings of hyperelliptic curves, completing, in a sense, the above exhibition. I would like to thank Sebastian Xambb, who contributed a number of ideas to the formulations below. We fix for the remainder of the paper a hyperelliptic curve C of genus gr2, and let Ko be the divisor corresponding to the unique map 0 of degree 2 from C to the projective line P’ [5, IV 5.31. From the Riemann-Roth formula and the criterion [j, IV 3.11 one sees easily that the complete linear series l(g+ k)Kd is very ample iff kz 1. We call the divisor (g-t k)Ko, for kz 1, the kth transcanonical divisor (since the canonical divisor is (gl)Ko), and we write CL, for the image of C under the corresponding embedding in projective space; thus Ck is a nondegenerate (that is, not contained in a hyperplane) curve of degree 2g + 2k in P’+ 2k. We will be particularly concerned with the case k= 1, which is the simplest. We call (g+ 1)Ko the hypercanonical divisor, and the corresponding embedding CCI C WC 2 the hypercanonical embedding. As we shall see, the hypercanonical divisor could have been defined as the ramification divisor of the canonical map, and thus is well defined even if the base field is not algebraically closed, or even more generally. See [lo] for considerations of this type.
Short-term freedom from disease progression after I-125 prostate implantation

Abstract Purpose : To evaluate short-term clinical and chemical disease progression following computed tomography (CT)-based transperineal I-125 prostate implantation. Methods and Materials : Sixty-two patients with clinical Stage T1 or T2 prostatic carcinoma had outpatient, CT-based transperineal I-125 prostate implantation and have been followed for 6–55 months (median: 19 months). Fifty-six patients had an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) before implantation (. 4.0 ng/mL). Twenty patients had well-differentiated tumors, 39 were moderately differentiated, 2 were poorly differentiated, and 1 was indeterminate. A total of 32–73 mCi I-125 was implanted (median: 47 mCi). The prescribed minimum prostatic dose was 140–160 Gy, and the actual matched peripheral dose ranged from 109–258 Gy (median: 160 Gy). Lymph node dissection or postimplantation prostatic biopsies were not routinely performed. Results : Of 54 patients with an elevated PSA prior to implantation and no prior hormonal treatment, 96% returned to normal within 24 months of treatment. In 85% of patients, the PSA fell below 2.0 ng/mL and in 74% of patients, the PSA value fell to below 1.0 ng/mL. Seven patients had disease progression, one of whom has an isolated, rising PSA. The actuarial rate of chemical (rising PSA) or clinical failure at 3 years following implantation was 17%. Of 38 patients who were sexually potent prior to implantation, 81% remained potent at 3 years. Five patients developed radiation-induced rectal ulcerations, 11–22 months following implantation. Three patients required a transurethral resection of the prostate for postimplant urinary symptoms. Conclusions : The short-term clinical and chemical freedom-from-progression rates following I-125 implantation are comparable to that achieved with prostatectomy, with high preservation of sexual potency and moderate morbidity.
A note on discretization of continuous time standard and nonstandard singularly perturbed systems

A study is made of the effect of signal processing on both standard and nonstandard systems. It is shown that a nonstandard discrete model will never result from a discretization process, and in essence this process will alleviate this deficiency while preserving the two-time-scale (TTS) property of the discrete model. The sampling interval T is the key to preservation. Conditions are given in order to maintain this separation. >