cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of simultaneous nutrient removal and sludge reduction using laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors.

Abstract The treatment and disposal of excess sludge has been a rising challenge for wastewater treatment plants worldwide. In this study, simultaneous sludge reduction and nutrient removal was evaluated in laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Two SBRs were operated alongside for a duration of 370 d. One SBR was operated to achieve nutrient removal (control-SBR) at 10 d solids retention time (SRT), while the other (modified-SBR) was operated to achieve nutrient removal along with sludge reduction. Sludge reduction in the modified-SBR was accomplished by subjecting the recycled biomass to feasting and fasting at sufficiently high SRT close to infinity (phase I and II) and finite SRT (phase III). The observed biomass yield in the modified-SBR was estimated to be 0.17 mg TSS mg−1 COD, representing 63% sludge reduction compared to the control-SBR. The NH3 levels in the effluents from both SBRs always remained below detection limit. The average dissolved phosphorus removal efficiencies in the control-SBR and the modified-SBR were 87% and 84%, respectively, during phase II. However, the biomass of the modified-SBR increased during phase II. To control this, biomass wastage was initiated directly from the modified-SBR during phase III at a rate equivalent to the observed biomass accumulation rate in the system in phase II. This resulted in an overall 100 d SRT for the modified-SBR system. Following this change, biomass accumulation in the modified-SBR was controlled, and a net 63% sludge reduction could be sustained along with 90% phosphorus and 100% NH3 removal. Consistent denitrification activities were also noticed in both SBRs despite the absence of any carbon source during the anoxic phase of every cycle.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the human M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor gene

The gene encoding the human muscarinic receptor, type 1 (CHRM1), was genotyped from 245 samples of the Coriell Collection (Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ). Fifteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered, 9 of which are located in the coding region of the receptor. Of these, 8 represent synonymous SNPs, indicating that CHRM1 is highly conserved in humans. Only a single allele was found to contain a nonsynonymous SNP, which encodes an amino acid change of Cys to Arg at position 417. This may have functional consequences because a C417S point mutation in rat M1 was previously shown to affect receptor binding and coupling. Furthermore, 0 of 4 SNPs within CHRM1 previously deduced from sequencing of the human genome were found in this study despite a prediction that a majority of such inferred SNPs are accurate. The consensus sequence of CHRM1 obtained in our study differs from the deposited reference sequence (AC NM_000738) in 2 adjacent nucleotides, leading to a V173M change, suggesting a sequencing error in the reference sequence. The extraordinary sequence conservation of the CHRM1 gene-coding region was unexpected as M1-knockout mice show only minimal functional impairments.
Maternal protectiveness and response to the unfamiliar in vervet monkeys.

Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) show individual differences in approach-avoidance behavior when faced with an unfamiliar and potentially threatening situation. Prior research from our colony demonstrated that juveniles who had experienced high levels of early maternal protectiveness were more cautious in response to novelty, compared to juveniles who had had less protective mothers. The research reported here was designed to verify this result in a paradigm that experimentally varied maternal protectiveness through the introduction of new breeding adult males. Mothers responded to the presence of new males by increased maternal protectiveness toward infants born in the year following the introductions. Individual differences in response to the unfamiliar were later evaluated by measuring the latency to approach within 1 m of novel food containers placed into the home enclosure of four naturally composed social groups. Infants approached with the same latency and in the same order as their mothers. Juveniles approached sooner than, and independent of, their mother's current behavior, but their latency to approach could be predicted by the experimentally induced variation in maternal protectiveness they had experienced as infants. Immatures who had been born in New Male years, when maternal protectiveness was high, were more cautious and had significantly longer latencies to approach the novel stimulus compared to immatures who had been born in Resident Male years. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Increased cadmium tolerance and accumulation by plants expressing bacterial arsenate reductase

Summary • Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant that poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems. However, most initial attempts to engineer phytoremediation of Cd have not succeeded in developing sufficient Cd tolerance for vigorous plant growth. • We found that the bacterial arsenate reductase gene (arsC) provided Cd(II) resistance to Escherichia coli. When ArsC is overexpressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis thaliana, both transgenic plant species showed significantly greater Cd tolerance than wild-type controls. • At 50, 75, and 100 µm concentrations of Cd (II), the ArsC expressing transgenic lines grew bigger with broader leaves and longer roots than wild-type controls, which were stunted, turned yellow, flowered early, and often died. At the various Cd(II) concentrations, ArsC transgenic plants attained f. wt 2–3-fold higher than the wild-type plants and had roots significantly longer than wild-type plants. These transgenic plants also contained 30–50% higher Cd concentrations than wild-type plants. • It is likely that the arsC gene directs Cd tolerance via the electrochemical reduction of Cd(II) to Cd(0).
Thermotropic Hydrocarbon Side Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Abstract Virtually all known liquid crystalline polymers contain heteroatoms that can increase mesophase stability through anisotropic intermolecular attractions such as dipolar interactions or hydrogen bonds. In the present work the syntheses of all-hydrocarbon polymers with a mesogenic group in the side chain are discussed. Five high molecular weight polymers have been prepared by Ziegler-Natta polymerizations of liquid crystalline biphenyl-containing monomers. Three of the polymers display a smectic structure as indicated by fiber X-ray diffraction patterns. The results of the varations of the lengths of the spacer and terminal groups and data from polarized light optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry are discussed.
Effects of genistein modification on miscibility and hydrogen bonding interactions in poly(amide)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) blends and membrane morphology development during coagulation

Abstract Miscibility characteristics of poly(amide):poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PA:PVP) blends containing a soybean-derived phytochemical called “genistein” have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The occurrence of hydrogen bonding in the binary PA/genistein (PA/G) and PVP/genistein (PVP/G) pairs as well as their ternary blends has been confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). On the basis of DSC and POM data, the morphology phase diagram of PA:PVP/G blends is mapped out, which consisted of various coexistence regions such as isotropic, liquid + liquid, liquid + crystal, liquid + liquid + crystal, and solid crystal regions. Subsequently, PA:PVP membranes modified with genistein were prepared by coagulation via solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and non-solvent (water) exchange. Addition of genistein reduced the miscibility gap of the PA/DMSO/water system. The actual amounts of genistein in the final membranes have been quantified as a function of the genistein in feed. Of particular interest is the development of the gradient cross-sectional porous channels, showing the progressively larger diameters from the surface to the bottom substrate with the progression of solvent/non-solvent exchange or solvent power. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of the morphologies of the modified membranes revealed that genistein crystals were embedded on the membrane surface as well as in the cross-section even at a very low feed concentration of genistein. A schematic of a coagulation pathway was inscribed inside a prism phase diagram in order to comprehensively illustrate the formation of genistein modified PA:PVP membranes through the solvent/non-solvent exchange process followed by drying.
The surface chemistry of manganiferous silicate minerals as inferred from experiments on tephroite (Mn2SiO4)

The dissolution rate of tephroite in oxygen-free solutions decreases with increased pH over the interval 2 ≤ pH ≤ 8 and with decreased temperature over the range 25–45°C. The pH-dependence is similar to other orthosilicate minerals at 25°C and presumably relates to variations in the concentration of adsorbed hydrogen ions. The rate order with respect to solution pH increases with temperature and the experimental activation parameters vary strikingly with solution pH. These variations are interpreted to result from contributions of enthalpy to the experimental activation energy (Eexp) from proton adsorption and from coulombic interactions among charged sites on the mineral surface. The dependence of dissolution rate on the logarithm of solution pH is only approximately linear with pH; the dependence is sensitive to changes in temperature via the conditional equilibrium constant that describes the concentrations of charge sites on the mineral surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) measurements of the reacted mineral surfaces indicate that Mn remains in the divalent valence state at all conditions. The near-surface region of the mineral after acid dissolution has a MnSi ratio which is lower than the unreacted material while the opposite result is observed after reaction at basic-pH conditions.
CubeSats to NanoSats; Bridging the gap between educational tools and science workhorses

Since their initial development and launch in the early 2000's, the CubeSat platform has captured the imagination and energy of our next generation of spacecraft technologists around the world. Once thought of by the established space community as “toys” and educational novelties, the CubeSat has revolutionized the space-community and broken the acceptance barrier with proven development and on-orbit performance. Leveraging CalPoly's published specification, CubeSats have demonstrated the advantages of a common form factor that can be launched and deployed using a common deployment system by smashing the cost-to-orbit price-point while offering significant mission manifest flexibility. The challenge now lies in transitioning the strengths and success of the CubeSat to mainstream science investigations. While the CubeSat's successes combined with today's budget constraints have served to open the established space community to discussions of innovative ideas to reduce costs; it faces both perceived and real constraints related to mission applications, reliability, payload performance, communications, and operations. The CubeSat model must be evolved to penetrate the stigmas and applied appropriately to become an accepted tool in the world of mainstream science investigations. This paper identifies issues and presents potential solutions and lessons-learned regarding these issues based on several recent mission concept developments for potential real-world applications.
Internalist and externalist aspects of justification in scientific inquiry

While epistemic justification is a central concern for both contemporary epistemology and philosophy of science, debates in contemporary epistemology about the nature of epistemic justification have not been discussed extensively by philosophers of science. As a step toward a coherent account of scientific justification that is informed by, and sheds light on, justificatory practices in the sciences, this paper examines one of these debates—the internalist-externalist debate—from the perspective of objective accounts of scientific evidence. In particular, we focus on Deborah Mayo’s error-statistical theory of evidence because it is a paradigmatically objective theory of evidence that is strongly informed by methodological practice. We contend that from the standpoint of such an objective theory of evidence, justification in science has both externalist and internalist characteristics. In reaching this conclusion, however, we find that the terms of the contemporary debate between internalists and externalists have to be redefined to be applicable to scientific contexts.
Vitamin A regulation of gene expression: molecular mechanism of a prototype gene

Vitamin A regulation of gene expression is a well-characterized example of direct nutrient regulation of gene expression. The downstream metabolites of retinol, all-trans and 9-cis retinoic acids are the bioactive components that bind and activate their cognate nuclear receptors to regulate target genes. There are multiple retinoid receptor subtypes that are encoded by separate genes and each subtype has different isoforms. These receptors are Class II members of the thyroid/retinoid/vitamin D superfamily of nuclear receptors. The characterization of the retinoid receptors and the DNA response elements of target genes that bind these receptors have vastly expanded our knowledge of the mechanism of retinoid regulation of target genes. The basic regulatory mechanism of retinoids interacting with their cognate receptors is further complicated by the interaction of coactivators and corepressors, nuclear proteins that are involved in activation or repression of transcription, respectively. Most of these coregulators are involved in modifying chromatin and nucleosome structure such that chromatin is relaxed or condensed, and in bridging between the upstream enhancer domains and the transcription preinitiation complex. Retinoid regulation of the rate of transcription of target genes and the duration of the retinoid response is further complicated by covalent modification of the retinoid receptors by phosphorylation involved in coactivator association and ubiquitinylation involved in the degradation of retinoid receptors. This review presents a prototype retinoid responsive gene that encodes the phosphoenolpyruate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene as an example of a specific mechanism of retinoid regulation of a metabolic gene. The retinoid response elements and overall mechanism of retinoid regulation of the PEPCK gene have been well documented by both in vitro and in vivo methods. We provide detailed information on the specific nuclear receptors, coactivators and chromatin modification events that occur when vitamin A is deficient and, therefore, retinoids are not available to activate the nuclear retinoid-signaling cascade.
Science as mind‐affected and mind‐effecting inquiry

A report on the development of a conceptual theory of instruction which relates the interaction between science and culture.
Participation and common knowledge in a case study of student blogging

The interaction between participation and the emergence of common knowledge is the subject matter of this paper. A case study of a single class provides the focal point of analysis. During the semester the students participated in a blogging activity. As a result of their participation, the students create and distribute knowledge. The online efforts of the students can be described as participation in both a discourse and knowledge community. At one level, blogging is an activity composed of writing, reading, and commenting, and at a second level, the students share their thoughts in their own voices. At a third level, over the course of the semester, the student posts and commentary form a commons of information that can be mined later in the semester for other kinds of learning activities. Knowledge creation, distribution, and accumulation are analyzed in terms of student participation at both the level of individual events and from the perspective of an ongoing community.
Cis-[PtCl2(p-TPPTP(H)7)2]Cl2 · 4H2O · (CH3CH(OH)CH3): a platinum phosphine complex exhibiting both inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding

Abstract The title compound, cis-[PtCl2(p-TPPTP(H)7)2]Cl2 · 4H2O · (CH3CH(OH)CH3) (TPPTP=triphenylphosphine triphosphonate), is formed via crystallization from a water-isopropanol solution of cis-[PtCl2(TPPTP(H6))2]. The coordination geometry around platinum is distorted square planar with two coordinated chloride ligands, and two free chloride ions in the crystal lattice. Two of the phosphonic acid groups are protonated –PO3H3 + and the complex contains extensive intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding.
Orienting body coordinate frames using Karhunen–Loève expansion for more effective structural simplification

Abstract As part of an effort to create an automated modular modeling environment, previous work by the authors developed a junction-inactivity-based structural simplification technique that is particularly suitable for bond-graph models. The technique is highly sensitive to the orientation of the body coordinate frames in multibody systems: improper alignment of body coordinate frames may prohibit a significant simplification. This paper demonstrates how the Karhunen–Loeve expansion can be used to automatically detect the existence of and to find the transformation into body coordinate frames that render the bond graph of a multibody system more conducive to simplification. The proposed technique is demonstrated using the simple example of a 3D pendulum constrained to move in a plane, but is applicable to arbitrarily complex multibody dynamics problems. The conclusion is that the Karhunen–Loeve expansion successfully complements the junction-inactivity-based structural simplification technique when multibody dynamics are involved in the system, and thus significantly contributes to the development of an automated modular modeling environment.
Individual differences in spatial memory among aged rats are related to hippocampal PKCγ immunoreactivity

We reported previously that the extent of spatial memory impairment among aged rats was correlated positively with levels of protein kinase Cγ in hippocampal homogenates measured by quantitative Western blotting (Colombo et al., 1997). In the current study, immunocytochemistry was used to test whether the relationship between elevated PKCγ and memory impairment among aged rats could be localized further within regions of the hippocampus. Six- and 24-month-old male Long-Evans rats were first trained in the water maze on a standard place-learning task and then trained 2 weeks later on a transfer task designed for rapid acquisition. In comparison with young rats, aged rats with impaired spatial memory had increased PKCγ-immunoreactivity (PKCγ-ir) in CA1 of the hippocampus, but not the dentate gyrus. In addition, PKCγ-ir in CA1 was correlated positively with spatial memory impairment among aged rats on the standard place-learning and the transfer training tasks. The current results are consistent with our previous report of PKCγ in hippocampal homogenates, and show further that the relationships between PKCγ-ir and memory impairments among aged rats are most evident in area CA1. Thus age-related impairments of spatial memory, as well as deficits in the flexible use of previously acquired information, may result from dysregulation of PKCγ. Hippocampus 2002;12:285–289. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The solar eclipse of 26 February 1979: introductory comments

Description globale de l'eclipse et des phenomenes qui l'ont accompagne. Indices geomagnetiques Kp, Ap, nombre de Zurich
The Diagnostic/Therapeutic Preabortion Interview

Abstract This paper discusses the therapeutic and diagnostic aspects of the preabortion interview, giving attention to those specifics which will help identify students with the greatest likelihood for psychological sequelae and for repeat abortions. The circumstances of the pregnancy change what should be a “normative life crisis” in a planned pregnancy into an acute emotionally and physically intrusive crisis when it is unwanted. The openness of sexually active partners on today's campuses, along with liberalized abortion laws, have generated a sharply increased demand for abortions, and a significant population of young college women seek help from their Student Health Services. Rising expectations for care require optimal coordination of Gynecology and Mental Health Clinics.
Analysis of collisional alignment and orientation studied by scattering of spin-polarized electrons from laser excited atoms

A general framework using density matrices is developed for the analysis of atomic excitation by spin-polarized electrons. This framework is applied to the specific case of the 3S 1/2→3P 3/2 transition in Na, as studied by the time-reversed, superelastic process. The scattering is characterized in terms of physical parameters describing the collisionally excitedp-state, i.e., its angular momentum (L ⊥), linear polarization (P lin), and alignment angle (γ), with these parameters defined separately for singlet and triplet excitation. An expression for the scattering intensity is derived which is valid for arbitrary electron polarization and atomic state preparation. Specific examples are discussed with a view toward complete determination of the relevant scattering amplitudes and phases. Recent experimental results are reevaluated for comparison with theoretical calculations, and suggestions are made for future experiments.
Freezing Bovine Semen. IV. Effect of Freezing on the Metabolic Activity of Bovine Spermatozoa during and after Storage at −79° C,

Summary No evidence of respiratory activity by bull spermatozoa diluted in skimmilk-glycerol during storage for 6 mo. at −79° C. could be demonstrated as measured by production of C 14 O 2 from radioactive substrates present in the frozen medium. However, freezing resulted in harmful effects on post-thawing metabolism of spermatozoa. After 6 mo. at −79° C., twice-washed spermatozoa showed 34% less C 14 O 2 production from glucose-U-C 14 during post-thawing incubation for 6 hr. at 5° C. than during a similar prefreezing incubation period. Unwashed sperm, frozen and stored for 1 hr., produced 61% less lactic acid during post-thawing incubation for 3 hr. at 37° C. than sperm from the same semen samples which were not frozen. The 36% loss of motile sperm due to freezing was not sufficient to explain the greatly reduced lactic acid production. Sperm stored frozen for 1 hr. in skimmilk-glycerol showed significantly greater post-thawing lactic acid production during incubation under air than those frozen in 1:4 egg yolk-citrate-glycerol, even though fewer sperm survived freezing in skimmilk. Adding 1.25% fructose to skimmilk-glycerol and egg yolk-citrate-glycerol diluents resulted in greater lactic acid production by both frozen, thawed and unfrozen spermatozoa. However, frozen samples still showed greatly depressed metabolic activity as compared to unfrozen samples.
Analysis of cellulase proteins by high-performance liquid chromatography

A new procedure using high-performance liquid chromatography for the rapid separation of cellulase proteins is described. The cellulase components of Trichoderma reesei are fractionated on a DEAE anion-exchange column using a phosphate buffer at pH 6.2. Activities of the individual components obtained from T. reesei QM6a, a wild strain, and several mutant strains have been determined. Each system examined contained beta-glucosidase, at least two exo-beta-1,4 glucanases and five endo-beta-1,4 glucanases with the endo-beta-1,4 glucanases accounting for 20--36% and the exo-beta-1,4 glucanases for 64--80% of the soluble protein.
Comparison of quantitative polymerase chain reaction, acid fast bacilli smear, and culture results in patients receiving therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis

Quantitative-competitive polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was performed on serial sputum samples from 22 consecutive cases of acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Of 94 specimens, 55, 72, and 83% were positive by culture, AFB smear, and QPCR, respectively. Of 52 culture-positive specimens, 6% were negative by PCR, and 13% were negative by AFB smear. Of 42 culture-negative specimens, AFB smear and QPCR were positive in 55 and 61%, respectively. AFB smear and QPCR results were strongly correlated (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), but each correlated less strongly with culture (r = 0.54, p < 0.005 for smear and r = 0.52, p < 0.005 for QPCR). When patients were classified by microbiologic response, responders tended to have less DNA in their sputum and shorter time to a negative PCR result compared to nonresponders. These data do not suggest a great advantage of QPCR over AFB smear for predicting culture results in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Early African America: Archaeological Studies of Significance and Diversity

This article examines archaeological studies of the cultural heritage and social dynamics of African descendant populations in the United States and Canada from AD 1400 through 1865. European colonial enterprises expanded in Africa and the Americas during that time span, effecting an accompanying movement of free and captive Africans into North America. Archaeological investigations of early African America are remarkable for the diversity of analytic scales and research questions pursued. This diversity of research efforts has yielded a highly productive, interdisciplinary expansion of knowledge concerning African diaspora histories.
Conjugated Polymers with Large Effective Stokes Shift: Benzobisdioxole-Based Poly(phenylene ethynylene)s

Phenyleneethynylene-based conjugated copolymers using benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bis[1,3]dioxole (BDO) in the repeating unit are reported. The electronic structure of the BDO unit imparts a localized HOMO topology while the LUMO is delocalized over the polymer backbone, so that the lowest optical absorption band of the polymer has considerable intramolecular charge transfer character. This contrasts with published donor−acceptor polymers with localized LUMO and delocalized HOMO. The very large Stokes shifts of the monomers, which are due to the small oscillator strength of the lowest optical transition, are largely retained in the polymers as a result of covalently constrained dihedral angles in the substituents (not the backbone), as predicted/explained by calculations.
Visualizing Neurotransmitter Secretion at Individual Synapses

To advance understanding of the brain, the ability to measure both nerve cell electrical spiking and chemical neurotransmission with high spatial resolution is required. In comparison to the development of voltage sensors and Ca2+ indicator dyes over the past several decades, high resolution imaging of neurotransmitter (NT) release at single synapses has not been possible. In this Viewpoint, we discuss two recent developments toward this goal, namely, the design of fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFNs) and optical neurotransmitter sensors.
Trophoblast Stem Cell Maintenance by Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 Requires MEKK4 Activation of Jun N-Terminal Kinase†

Trophoblast differentiation during placentation involves an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with loss of E-cadherin and gain of trophoblast invasiveness. Mice harboring a point mutation that renders inactive the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase MEKK4 exhibit dysregulated placental development with increased trophoblast invasion. Isolated MEKK4 kinase-inactive trophoblast stem (TS) cells cultured under undifferentiating, self-renewing conditions in the presence of fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) display increased expression of Slug, Twist, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), loss of E-cadherin, and hyperinvasion of extracellular matrix, each a hallmark of EMT. MEKK4 kinase-inactive TS cells show a preferential differentiation to Tpbp alpha- and Gcm1-positive trophoblasts, which are indicative of spongiotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, respectively. FGF4-stimulated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 activity is markedly reduced in MEKK4 kinase-inactive TS cells. Chemical inhibition of JNK in wild-type TS cells induced a similar EMT response as loss of MEKK4 kinase activity, including inhibition of E-cadherin expression and increased expression of Slug, MMP2, Tpbp alpha, and Gcm1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed changes in AP-1 composition with increased Fra-2 and decreased Fra-1 and JunB binding to the regulatory regions of Gcm1 and MMP2 genes in MEKK4 kinase-inactive TS cells. Our results define MEKK4 as a signaling hub for FGF4 activation of JNK that is required for maintenance of TS cells in an undifferentiated state.
Computing the Betti numbers of arrangements via spectral sequences

In this paper, we consider the problem of computing the Betti numbers of an arrangement of n compact semi-algebraic sets, S1,...,Sn ⊂ Rk, where each Si is described using a constant number of polynomials with degrees bounded by a constant. Such arrangements are ubiquitous in computational geometry. We give an algorithm for computing lth Betti number, β(∪i=1n Si), 0 ≤ l ≤ k - 1 using O(nl+2) algebraic operations. Additionally, one has to perform linear algebra on integer matrices of size bounded by O(nl+2). All previous algorithms for computing the Betti numbers of arrangements, triangulated the whole arrangement giving rise to a complex of size O(n2k) in the worst case. Thus, the complexity of computing the Betti numbers (other than the zeroth one) for these algorithms was O(n2k). To our knowledge this is the first algorithm for computing βl(∪i=1n Si) that does not rely on such a global triangulation, and has a graded complexity which depends on l.
Anti-cooperative interactions in single-strand oligomers of deoxyriboadenylic acid.

Optical rotatory dispersion measurements were made on the deoxyribo nucleotides d(pA)2, d(pA)4, d(pA)6 and poly(deoxyriboadenylic acid) at neutral pH over the temperature range 5–80°C. and were compared to similar data for the analogous oligoriboadenylic acids. The data were interpreted in terms of a temperature-dependent stacking of the bases in the single-strand deoxyribo oligomers. The thermal transition curves show an inverted chain-length dependence compared to the ribo oligomer curves. These results are explained by a theory of anti-cooperative interaction, where the nucleation parameter σ is >1. The theory, based on a one-dimensional Ising model involving both attractive nearest-neighbor and repulsive next-nearest-neighbor interactions, predicts the inverse chain length dependence and agrees rather well with the experimental data. At and above the transition temperature, the deoxyribo polymer is seen to consist of isolated stacked base pairs separated by at least one unit of random coil, there being only a very small probability for the existence of sequences of stacked residues longer than one. The partition function is seen to undergo an irregular behavior as a function of chain length because of the anti-cooperative phenomenon. It is necessary to use an enthalpy of stacking of −5.0 kcal./mole in order to fit the experimental data with the theory. This value, 1.5 kcal./mole more positive than the ΔH found for the ribo oligomers, is reasonable, since the 2′ hydroxyl group would be expected to stabilize the stacking interaction in the ribo oligomers. Various kinds of distribution functions are calculated and plotted graphically for this theoretical model. A physical rationale is presented for the use of a repulsive next-nearest-neighbor term in this theory for the deoxyribo oligomers.
Identification of neighboring protein pairs in the Escherichia coli 30 S ribosomal subunit by crosslinking with methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate.

Abstract The 30 S ribosomal subunits of Escherichia coli were treated with methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate and oxidized to promote the formation of intermolecular disulfate bonds between neighboring proteins. Attention was focused on protein dimers, which were partially purified either by stepwise extraction of the 30 S particle with LiCl or by polyacrylamide/urea gel electrophoresis of the total crosslinked protein. Protein fractions were then analyzed by polyacrylamide/ sodium dodecyl sulfate diagonal gel electrophoresis. Final identification of the components of crosslinked protein pairs, indicated by molecular weight analysis, was accomplished by two-dimensional polyacrylamide/urea gel electrophoresis. The identification of 21 protein pairs is presented, 14 of which have not been reported previously.
The inhibition of UDPG-glycogen synthase activity in vivo and in vitro by cinchona alkaloids

Summary Cinchona alkaloids quinine and quinidine inhibit UDPG-glycogen synthase in heart and skeletal muscle ‘in vivo’ as well as ‘in vitro’. The ull or independent form is more sensitive to inhibition in both tissues than is the D-form. This is in contrast to the physiological mechanism of control by nucleotides including ATP where the D-form has been shown to be more sensitive. The present findings indicate that the alkaloids may act to inhibit the two forms of the enzyme directly and possibly indirectly as well.
Involve Students in the IEP Process

When students become involved in the process of developing their own Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), they have the opportunity to practice many of the essential self-determination skills they need in school and in life. Unfortunately, students are often excluded from this process, and their presence at an IEP meeting does not necessarily mean that they are actively participating (Grigal, Test, Beattie, & Wood, 1997). Students may be left out of the process because teachers are not familiar with the concept of self-determination or are unsure how to use the IEP process to support the development of selfdetermination skills. However, there are many simple strategies teachers can use to engage their students in this process. The IEP process typically has four stages: planning, drafting, meeting to revise and finalize the draft, and implementing the program (Konrad & Test, 2004). However, when involving students, an additional stage must be added at the beginning of the process to provide students with the necessary background knowledge and a rationale to facilitate their active and meaningful participation. Therefore, the following 20 simple ways to involve students in the IEP process is divided into five stages (see Figure 1).
Postoperative radiotherapy use and patterns of care analysis for node positive or parametria positive cervical cancer.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to perform a patterns of care analysis for post-hysterectomy patients with node positive (LN+) or parametria positive cervical cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program from 1973 to 2006. We identified 2247 women with cervical carcinoma who had undergone hysterectomy and were found to have LN+ and/or positive parametria. Results Of the 2247 identified, 80.1% (1800) received postoperative radiotherapy (RT) while 19.9% (447) did not. Of those receiving RT, a significantly greater proportion had worse risk factors including higher clinical stage, and nodal bulk yet cause-specific survival (CSS) was equivalent between the two groups. RT utilization has increased over time from 67.2% in the cohort analyzed from 1973 to 1982 to 81.8% in the cohort analyzed from 2004 to 2006 (p=0.0003). Blacks had worse CSS than whites (HR 1.35, 95% CI [1.05, 1.75]; p=0.02). The proportion of those receiving RT was lower in blacks than whites (74.7% vs. 80.5%; p=0.0358). From 1973 to 1982, 87.5% of blacks received RT while 62% of whites received RT (p=0.0463). From 2004 to 2006, 64.4% of blacks received RT while 83.0% of whites received RT (p=0.0024). Conclusions Despite randomized data supporting the use of postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LN+ or parametria positive cervical cancer, the proportion of blacks not receiving RT is increasing over time. This is the largest patterns of care analysis to date of RT in patients with LN+ and/or parametria positive cervical cancer.
Nonlinear optical properties of photorefractive polymers

This paper describes the recent progress of our group in the field of photorefractive polymers. Three separate systems are discussed. The first two consist of polymers with optically nonlinear molecules attached in a pendant side-chain configuration, which are made photoconductive through the addition of a molecular charge-transport agent. The photorefractive properties are investigated using degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) as well as two-beam coupling (2BC) techniques. The latter technique is essential for confirming the photorefractive origin of the FWM signals through the observation of asymmetric 2BC. The performance of various sensitizing agents used to generate mobile charges at long wavelengths is also compared for such systems. The third system consists of a charge-transporting polymer, which is made nonlinear through the addition of a optically nonlinear guest molecule. The photorefractive properties of this system are found to be superior of those of other polymeric systems, with diffraction efficiencies of 1% in a 125 micrometers thick sample for gratings written with red light (647 and 676 nm), and a 2BC gain coefficient (Gamma) which exceeds the absorption coefficient by 7.2 cm-1 at 753 nm. These properties are comparable to those of inorganic crystals, and should generate interest in organic photorefractive materials for device applications.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MINSTREL Remixed: a rational reconstruction

In this paper, we introduce Minstrel Remixed, a rational reconstruction of MINSTREL by Scott Turner. In addition to recreating the landmark story generation system for public usage we also introduce a number of modifications that were made during the reconstruction that allow for investigation into the inner workings of the system. Additionally we introduce Minstrel Remixed as a platform for use in Interactive Narrative applications and provide a number of concrete examples.
Fever in burned children

The patterns of rectal temperature (Tr) and skin surface temperatures (Tthigh and Ttoe) of 40 children were studied during the first 48 h after burn injury. The patients' ages ranged from 5 months to 12 years and all required intravenous resuscitation. On admission Tr measured 2-6h after the burn, ranged from 36.5 to 39.0 degrees C and 19 children had temperatures greater than 37.5 degrees C; the upper limit of the normal range for healthy children. Patients 5-12 months old had the lowest Tr during the early period. During the first 12 h Tr rose rapidly and 27 patients (67 per cent) had a fever (Tr greater than 38.5 degrees C). In 10 children Tr was greater than 40.0 degrees C. There was no relationship between the rise in Tr and the sex of the patient, the ambient temperature, the size, site or type of burn. Age was the most important variable, particularly during the first 12 h, where a positive correlation between Tr and age occurred in patients aged 5-23 months (P less than 0.01, r = 0.53). Throughout the first 48 h Tr remained elevated. Tthigh closely followed the pattern of Tr, but Ttoe varied considerably, reflecting cardiovascular as well as thermoregulatory responses.
Methylation of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-hexoses☆

Abstract Methyl iodide in the presence of the dimethylsulfinyl carbanion leads to complete O -methylation and N -methylation of 2-acetamido-2-deoxyglycosides. Thus, methylation of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α- d -glucopyranoside and -galactopyranoside gave, respectively, methyl 2-deoxy-3,4,6-tri- O -methyl-2-( N -methylacetamido)-α- d -glucopyranoside and -galactopyranoside. Methylation, under these conditions, with methyl- 14 C iodide showed that fully methylated 2-acetamido-2-deoxyglycosides, detectable in small amounts by radioautography, are obtained in quantitative yield. Methylation of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6- O -trityl-α- d -hexopyranosides, followed by removal of the trityl group and acetylation gave methyl 6- O -acetyl-2-deoxy-3,4-di- O -methyl-2-( N -methylacetamido)-α- d -hexopyranosides. Separation and identification of these N -methylated 2-acetamido-2-deoxyhexosides was accomplished by g.l.c. and m.s. Acid hydrolysis of these derivatives gave the corresponding hydrochlorides.
Long-Term Survival Rates after Resection for Locally Advanced Kidney Cancer: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 1989 to 2012 Experience

Purpose: We analyzed the 23-year Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience with surgical resection, and concurrent adrenalectomy and lymphadenectomy for locally advanced nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 802 patients who underwent nephrectomy with or without concurrent adrenalectomy or lymphadenectomy for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma, defined as stage T3 or greater and M0. Patients who received adjuvant treatment within 3 months of surgery or had fewer than 3 months of followup or bilateral renal masses at presentation were excluded from analysis. Five and 10-year progression-free and overall survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences between groups were analyzed by the log rank test.Results: A total of 596 (74%) and 206 patients (26%) underwent radical and partial nephrectomy, respectively. Renal cell carcinoma progressed in 189 patients and 104 died of the disease. Median followup in patients without ...
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples to Resolve Attachment Ruptures Created by Hypersexual Behavior

Hypersexual behavior can have a devastating impact on attachments between partners in committed couple relationships. An array of emotions is activated by these attachment ruptures, including feelings of betrayal, confusion, frustration, hopelessness, and abandonment. Repairing these ruptures can be a delicate and challenging part of helping couples restore trust and forgiveness in their relationships. This article describes the process of using Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples as an intervention to facilitate the process of repairing the damage caused by hypersexual behavior.
A Backstage View of At-Risk Students.

Four principles are presented here toguide administrators who work withat-risk students. They are based onthe promise that experiencing success is necessary for everyone.
The Demographics and Distribution of Type B Niemann-Pick Disease: Novel Mutations Lead to New Genotype/Phenotype Correlations

We have collected demographic and/or mutation information on a worldwide sample of 394 patients with type B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD). The disorder is panethnic, with the highest incidence occurring in individuals of Turkish, Arabic, and North African descent. Only five of the 394 patients were Ashkenazi Jewish, revealing that, unlike the type A form of NPD, type B NPD does not occur frequently within this population. Mutation analysis of the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) gene (designated “SMPD1”) was performed on 228 patients (324 unique alleles), and several novel, “common” mutations were found. Among these were the L137P, fsP189, and L549P mutations, which accounted for ∼75% of the alleles in Turkish patients, the H421Y and K576N mutations, which accounted for ∼85% of the alleles in Saudi Arabian patients, the S379P, R441X, R474W, and F480L mutations, which accounted for ∼55% of the alleles in Portuguese/Brazilian patients, and the A196P mutation, which accounted for ∼42% of the alleles in Scottish/English patients. The previously reported ΔR608 mutation occurred on ∼12% of the alleles studied. Overall, a total of 45 novel mutations were found, and several new genotype/phenotype correlations were identified. In particular, the L137P, A196P, and R474W mutations were consistent with a less severe form of type B NPD, whereas the H421Y and K576N mutations led to an early-onset, more severe form that was specific to Saudi Arabia. These data provide the first extensive demographic assessment of this disorder and describe several new mutations that can be used to predict phenotypic outcome and to gain new insights into the structure and function of ASM.
Binding of metalloporphyrins to model nitrogen bases: collision-induced dissociation and ion–molecule reaction studies

Abstract Binding of several volatile nitrogen bases to four metalloporphyrin cations was studied by collision-induced dissociation (CID) as well as ion–molecule reactions in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Relative binding energy order was obtained from the CID data by comparing the stability of metalloporphyrin–amine complexes while accounting for the effects of the complex size. The efficiencies of ion–molecule association reactions were also used to compare binding in these systems. The results from these two approaches agree with each other. There appears to be no direct correlation between the proton affinity of model bases with their metalloporphyrin affinity. This discrepancy is rationalized in terms of steric hindrance and dipole moment effects.
Staged laparotomy for the hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy syndrome**

The recent history, indications, physiologic objectives, and technical aspects of staged laparotomy are discussd in this overview. While postinjury refractory coagulopathy is the most common scenario for this life-saving concept, there are many other potential applications during both emergency and elective procedures in the neck, chest, pelvis, and extremities as well as the abdomen.
Influence of caffeine on the repair of mitomycin C induced DNA damage

Caffeine potentiated MMC induced lethality in Salmonella typhimurium strains proficient in excision and recombinant repair but not in excision or recombinant repair deficient strains. Caffeine was found to inhibit the removal of interstrand DNA crosslinks induced by MMC in strains proficient for excision repair but not in a strain deficient in excision repair. Our results indicate that the potentiation by caffeine of MMC induced lethality in S. typhimurium is primarily due to the inhibition by caffeine of excision repair of interstrand DNA crosslinks.
Two surface temperature retrieval methods compared over agricultural lands

Accurate, spatially distributed surface temperatures are required for modeling evapotranspiration (ET) over agricultural fields under wide ranging conditions, including stressed and unstressed vegetation. Modeling approaches that use surface temperature observations, however, have the burden of estimating surface emissivities. Emissivity estimation, the subject of much recent research, is facilitated by observations in multiple thermal infrared bands. But it is nevertheless a difficult task. Using observations from multiband thermal sensors, ASTER and MASTER, estimated surface emissivities and temperatures are retrieved in two different ways: the temperature emissivity separation approach (TES), and the normalized emissivity approach (NEM). Both rely upon empirical relationships, but the assumed relationships are different. TES relies upon a relationship between the minimum spectral emissivity and the range of observed emissivities. NEM relies upon an assumption that at least one thermal band has a predetermined emissivity (close to 1.0). Experiments comparing TES and NEM were performed using simulated observations from spectral library data, and with actual data from two different landscapes-- one in central Oklahoma, USA, and another in southern New Mexico, USA. The simulation results suggest that TES's empirical relationship is more realistic than NEM's assumed maximum emissivity, and therefore TES temperature estimates are more accurate than NEM estimates. But when using remote sensing data, TES estimates of maximum emissivities are lower than expected, thus causing overestimated temperatures. Work in progress will determine the significance of this overestimation by comparing ground level measurements against the remote sensing observations.