cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An automated classification approach to ranking photospheric proxies of magnetic energy build-up

Aims. We study the photospheric magnetic field of 2000 active regions over solar cycle 23 to search for parameters that may be indicative of energy build-up and its subsequent release as a solar flare in the corona. Methods. We extract three sets of parameters: (1) snapshots in space and time: total flux, magnetic gradients, and neutral lines; (2) evolution in time: flux evolution; and (3) structures at multiple size scales: wavelet analysis. This work combines standard pattern recognition and classification techniques via a relevance vector machine to determine (i.e., classify) whether a region is expected to flare ( C1.0 according to GOES). We consider classification performance using all 38 extracted features and several feature subsets. Classification performance is quantified using both the true positive rate (the proportion of flares correctly predicted) and the true negative rate (the proportion of non-flares correctly classified). Additionally, we compute the true skill score which provides an equal weighting to true positive rate and true negative rate and the Heidke skill score to allow comparison to other flare forecasting work. Results. We obtain a true skill score of 0.5 for any predictive time window in the range 2 to 24 h, with a true positive rate of 0.8 and a true negative rate of 0.7. These values do not appear to depend on the predictive time window, although the Heidke skill score (<0.5) does. Features relating to snapshots of the distribution of magnetic gradients show the best predictive ability over all predictive time windows. Other gradient-related features and the instantaneous power at various wavelet scales also feature in the top five (of 38) ranked features in predictive power. It has always been clear that while the photospheric magnetic field governs the coronal non-potentiality (and hence likelihood of producing a solar flare), photospheric magnetic field information alone is not su cient to determine this in a unique manner. Furthermore we are only measuring proxies of the magnetic energy build up. We are still lacking observational details on why energy is released at any particular point in time. We may have discovered the natural limit of the accuracy of flare predictions from these large scale studies.
Predictors of sinonasal disease onset, progression, and severity in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.

Abstract Purpose Pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a variable onset, severity, and progression of sinonasal disease. The objective of this study was to identify genotypic and phenotypic factors associated with CF that are predictive of sinonasal disease, recurrent nasal polyposis, and failure to respond to standard treatment. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted of 30 pediatric patients with CF chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyps. Patient specific mutations were divided by class and categorized into high risk (Class I-III) and low risk (Class IV-V). Severity of pulmonary and pancreatic manifestations of CF, number of sinus surgeries, nasal polyposis and recurrence, age at presentation to Otolaryngology, and Pediatric Sinonasal Symptom Survey (SN-5)/Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores were examined. Results 27/30 patients (90%) had high risk mutations (Class I-III). 21/30 (70.0%) patients had nasal polyposis and 10/30 (33.3%) had recurrent nasal polyposis. Dependence on pancreatic enzymes (23/27, 85.2% vs 0/3, 0.0%, p = 0.009) and worse forced expiratory volumes (FEV1%) (mean 79, SD 15 vs mean 105, SD 12, p = 0.009) were more common in patients with high risk mutations. Insulin-dependence was more common in those with recurrent polyposis (5/10, 50% vs 2/20, 10%, p = 0.026). There was no statistical difference in ages at presentation, first polyps, or sinus surgery, or in polyposis presence, recurrence, or extent of sinus surgery based on high risk vs. low risk classification. Conclusion CF-related diabetes was associated with nasal polyposis recurrence. Patients with more severe extra-pulmonary manifestations of CF may also be at increased risk of sinonasal disease.
Unannotated splicing regulatory elements in deep intron space

Deep intron space harbors a diverse array of splicing regulatory elements that cooperate with better-known exon-proximal elements to enforce proper tissue-specific and development-specific pre-mRNA processing. Many deep intron elements have been highly conserved through vertebrate evolution, yet remain poorly annotated in the human genome. Recursive splicing exons (RS-exons) and intraexons promote noncanonical, multistep resplicing pathways in long introns, involving transient intermediate structures that are greatly underrepresented in RNA-seq datasets. Decoy splice sites and decoy exons act at a distance to inhibit splicing catalysis at annotated splice sites, with functional consequences such as exon skipping and intron retention. RNA:RNA bridges can juxtapose distant sequences within or across introns to activate deep intron splicing enhancers and silencers, to loop out exons to be skipped, or to select one member of a mutually exclusive set of exons. Similarly, protein bridges mediated by interactions among transcript-bound RNA binding proteins (RBPs) can modulate splicing outcomes. Experimental disruption of deep intron elements serving any of these functions can abrogate normal splicing, strongly suggesting that natural mutations of deep intron elements can do likewise to cause human disease. Understanding noncanonical splicing pathways and discovering deep intron regulatory signals, many of which map hundreds to many thousands of nucleotides from annotated splice junctions, is of great academic interest for basic scientists studying alternative splicing mechanisms. Hopefully, this knowledge coupled with increased analysis of deep intron sequences will also have important medical applications, as better interpretation of deep intron mutations may reveal new disease mechanisms and suggest new therapies. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
Human infants can override possessive tendencies to share valued items with others.

Possessiveness toward objects and sharing are competing tendencies that influence dyadic and group interactions within the primate lineage. A distinctive form of sharing in adult Homo sapiens involves active giving of high-valued possessions to others, without an immediate reciprocal benefit. In two Experiments with 19-month-old human infants (N = 96), we found that despite measurable possessive behavior toward their own personal objects (favorite toy, bottle), infants spontaneously gave these items to a begging stranger. Moreover, human infants exhibited this behavior across different types of objects that are relevant to theory (personal objects, sweet food, and common objects)—showing flexible generalizability not evidenced in non-human primates. We combined these data with a previous dataset, yielding a large sample of infants (N = 192), and identified sociocultural factors that may calibrate young infants’ sharing of objects with others. The current findings show a proclivity that is rare or absent in our closest living relatives—the capacity to override possessive behavior toward personally valued objects by sharing those same desired objects with others.
Photophoretic Optical Trap Display Test Rigs

We present a rapid-fabrication-friendly test rig to help democratize and de-localize research to improve photophoretic optical trap displays.
Models, Moralities, and Misconceptions

The late twentieth century has been anointed the information age the age of the information super highway. Ask a person to play a word association game using information age as the prompt and the likely answer is The Internet. (Computer is a close second.) Ask them where they get their news and the typical answer is television. Since there appears to be a delicate balance between information and news suppose we explore the American television concept of the information.
Two‐By‐Two Table: Overview

This article summarizes the most commonly used statistical techniques for analyzing two by two frequency tables. It presents methods for the estimation of measures of association (risk ratios, risk differences, odds ratios) and agreement (kappa). Tests of hypotheses are described for large samples (based on asymptotic theory) and for small samples (exact tests). Both conditional (Fisher's exact test) and unconditional exact tests are discussed, and the controversy regarding the use of conditional versus unconditional tests is summarized. The article advocates the use of the mid p-value exact test for small sample sizes. Methods for the determination of sample sizes for tests on two by two tables are also described. Keywords: chi-square test; contingency table; exact conditional test; exact unconditional test; mid p-value test; odds ratio; risk ratio; sample size determination
A Neurally-Inspired Approach to 3-D Visual Object Recognition

A neurally-inspired 3-D visual object recognition system is described called SEEMORE, whose goal is to reliably identify common objects from a large known set — independent of viewing angle, distance, and partial occlusion. Three distinctive features of this view-based approach are: (1) use of a shallow but very high- dimensional feedforward network of simple filtering operations, (2) simultaneous use of cues from several different visual sub-modalities, i.e. color, shape, texture, etc., and (3) inclusion of objects that are rigid, non-rigid, articulated, and/or statistical in nature. Preliminary results have been obtained using combinations of color and shape-based features. In response to a testset of 150 novel views of 50 known objects presented individually in color video images, SEEMORE currently identifies the object correctly 83% of the time (chance is 2%). Six non-rigid objects, including a telphone cord, a bicycle chain, two scarves, a grape cluster, and a maple-leaf cluster were included in the training set; all 18 novel test views of these objects were correctly recognized. Recognition time on a Sparc-2 is a non-optimized 60 seconds including all image processing. Extension to the case of multiple object scenes is discussed.
Analog and leaky predictive transform image coding for noisy channels: further results

Results are reported for a minimum mean squared error (MSE) analog predictive transform (APT) channel and source integrated (CSI) coding formulation. A novel refined CSI coding formulation is provided; it has a structure similar to that of a minimum MSE predictive transform (PT) estimator. This formulation assumes that the communication channel consists of zero mean additive white noise, that the information source is modeled using a whitening PT model of the Kalman type, and that the CSI encoder is linear and encodes the data using a strip processing structure. The technique is illustrated with real-world monochrome images and found to yield satisfactory results. >
Recombination signal sequences restrict chromosomal V(D)J recombination beyond the 12/23 rule.

The genes encoding the variable regions of lymphocyte antigen receptors are assembled from variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) gene segments1. V(D)J recombination is initiated by the recombinase activating gene (RAG)-1 and -2 proteins, which introduce DNA double-strand breaks between the V, D and J segments and their flanking recombination signal sequences (RSSs). Generally expressed DNA repair proteins then carry out the joining reaction2,3. The conserved heptamer and nonamer sequences of the RSSs are separated by non-conserved spacers of 12 or 23 base pairs (forming 12-RSSs and 23-RSSs). The 12/23 rule, which is mediated at the level of RAG-1/2 recognition and cutting4,5, specifies that V(D)J recombination occurs only between a gene segment flanked by a 12-RSS and one flanked by a 23-RSS1. Vβ segments are appended to DJβ rearrangements, with little or no direct Vβ to Jβ joining, despite 12/23 compatibility of Vβ 23-RSSs and Jβ12-RSSs6,7. Here we use embryonic stem cells and mice with a modified T-cell receptor (TCR)β locus containing only one Dβ (Dβ1) gene segment and one Jβ (Jβ1) gene cluster to show that the 5′ Dβ1 12-RSS, but not the Jβ1 12-RSSs, targets rearrangement of a diverse Vβ repertoire. This targeting is precise and position-independent. This additional restriction on V(D)J recombination has important implications for the regulation of variable region gene assembly and repertoire development.
Supporting Commuter Students of Color

This chapter provides information and recommendations for working with commuter students of color, along with several examples from practice.
Intelligent strain sensing on a smart composite wing using extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors and neural networks

Strain prediction at various locations on a smart composite wing can provide useful information on its aerodynamic condition. The smart wing consisted of a glass/epoxy composite beam with three extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensors mounted at three different locations near the wing root. Strain acting on the three sensors at different air speeds and angles-of-attack were experimentally obtained in a closed circuit wind tunnel under normal conditions of operation. A function mapping the angle of attack and air speed to the strains on the three sensors was simulated using feedforward neural networks trained using a backpropagation training algorithm. This mapping provides a method to predict the stall condition by comparing the strain available in real time and the predicted strain by the trained neural network.
Maxillary arch width and buccal corridor changes with Damon and conventional brackets: A retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of Damon self-ligating and conventional bracket systems on buccal corridor widths and areas. Materials and Methods: A retrospective sample of consecutively treated patients using either conventional (CG, n = 45) or Damon self-ligating (SL, n = 39) brackets was analyzed to determine any differences in buccal corridor widths and areas both within and between groups. Pretreatment and posttreatment frontal photographs were transferred to Photoshop CC, standardized using intercanthal width, and linear and area measurements were performed with tools in Photoshop CC. Ratios were then calculated for statistical analysis. Relationships between arch widths and buccal corridors were also examined. Results: There were no significant differences in the posttreatment intercanine or intermolar widths either within or between the CG and SL groups. There were no significant differences in any buccal corridor width or area measurement either within or between the CG and SL ...
Band acceleration device for enhanced selectivity with tandem-column gas chromatography

An electrically heated and air cooled metal sheath surrounding the first 50 cm of the second column in a series-coupled, capillary-column ensemble of a non-polar and a polar column is used to obtain enhanced isothermal separation of component pairs that are separated by the first column in the ensemble but co-elute from the ensemble by virtue of the different selectivity of the two columns. As the first of the two components passes into the second column, a current pulsed through the metal sheath rapidly heats the first 50 cm of the second column thus accelerating the band for the first component. Ensemble retention-time shifts of several seconds are easily obtained. The device is then rapidly cooled to quiescent oven temperature by a flow of pressured air through the space between the metal sheath and the fused silica capillary column and an additional flow through a larger, co-axial plastic tube. Both heating and cooling require only a few seconds. If substantial cooling of the device occurs before the band for the second component enters the device, the band experiences less thermally-induced acceleration with the result that the separation of the two targeted components is enhanced in the ensemble chromatogram with no significant change in the pattern of peaks for the other mixture components. If the device is cooled to a temperature below oven temperature before the arrival of the band for the second component, this band will be slowed, and further enhancement of separation is achieved in the ensemble chromatogram. A band trajectory model, based on retention factor versus temperature data for the two components in the two columns, is used to predict peak separation and to aid in the selection of temperature-pulse initiation times.
Neurodegeneration in the somatosensory cortex after experimental diffuse brain injury

Disruption and consequent reorganization of central nervous system circuits following traumatic brain injury may manifest as functional deficits and behavioral morbidities. We previously reported axotomy and neuronal atrophy in the ventral basal (VB) complex of the thalamus, without gross degeneration after experimental diffuse brain injury in adult rats. Pathology in VB coincided with the development of late-onset aberrant behavioral responses to whisker stimulation, which lead to the current hypothesis that neurodegeneration after experimental diffuse brain injury includes the primary somatosensory barrel cortex (S1BF), which receives projection of VB neurons and mediates whisker somatosensation. Over 28 days after midline fluid percussion brain injury, argyrophilic reaction product within superficial layers and layer IV barrels at 1 day progresses into the cortex to subcortical white matter by 7 days, and selective inter-barrel septa and subcortical white matter labeling at 28 days. Cellular consequences were determined by stereological estimates of neuronal nuclear volumes and number. In all cortical layers, neuronal nuclear volumes significantly atrophied by 42–49% at 7 days compared to sham, which marginally attenuated by 28 days. Concomitantly, the number of healthy neurons was reduced by 34–45% at 7 days compared to sham, returning to control levels by 28 days. Progressive neurodegeneration, including argyrophilic reaction product and neuronal nuclear atrophy, indicates injury-induced damage and reorganization of the reciprocal thalamocortical projections that mediate whisker somatosensation. The rodent whisker barrel circuit may serve as a discrete model to evaluate the causes and consequences of circuit reorganization after diffuse brain injury.
Integration of computational model and SEM imaging technology to investigate internal frost damage in cementitious materials

This study investigates the internal-frost damage due to ice crystallization pressure in capillary pores of concrete. The pore structures have significant impact on freeze-thaw durability of cement/concrete samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques were applied to characterize freeze-thaw damage within pore structure. The digital sample was generated from SEM imaging processing. In the microscale pore system, the crystallization pressures at subcooling temperatures were calculated using interface energy balance with thermodynamic analysis. The largest crystallization pressure on the pore wall was used for the fracture simulation with the developed Extended Finite Element Model (XFEM). The largest crystallization pressure on the pore wall was used for the fracture simulation with the developed Extended Finite Element Model (XFEM). One comparison study between model simulation and test results indicates that internalfrost damage model can reasonably predict the crack nucleation and propagation within multiphase cement microstructure.
Behavior problems of children adopted when older

Adoptions of older children with histories of abuse or neglect are increasing. Previous studies have found these adoptees to be at risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties, and have associated these difficulties with adoption instability without identifying the specific behaviors that contribute to difficult adoptions. This study examined the behavior of 85 children adopted when aged three or older, using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist to pinpoint specific child behaviors associated with adoption instability and adoptive parent dissatisfaction. Aggressive and hyperactive children displaying antisocial behavior are at greatest risk of adoption instability. Recommendations to adoption practitioners include more detailed preparation and behavior management training for adoptive parents.
Seismic Performance of Steel Self-Centering, Moment-Resisting Frame: Hybrid Simulations under Design Basis Earthquake

AbstractThe behavior of a self-centering moment-resisting frame (SC-MRF) is characterized by the connection gap opening and closing at beam-column interfaces under earthquake loading. A SC-MRF uses high-strength posttensioning strands to precompress the beams to the columns and to close the gaps that develop under earthquake loading, returning the frame to its initial position (i.e., the frame is self-centering). In this study, a beam web friction device is included in each beam-column connection to dissipate energy under seismic loading. Unlike a special steel moment-resisting frame with welded connections (W-SMRF), a SC-MRF can be designed to survive the design basis earthquake (DBE) without structural damage, leading to the potential for immediate occupancy performance, and to suffer only modest damage under the maximum considered earthquake, leading to collapse prevention performance. A 7-bay, 4-story SC-MRF prototype building was designed for a location in the Los Angeles area. A 0.6-scale model of t...
Simulation of particle size distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization styrene monomer

A detailed mathematical model for absolute particle-size distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization of styrene monomer is proposed on the basis of the modified population-balance theory. The computer simulation is then performed for styrene polymerization as an example of a nondesorption system. The effects of emulsifier and initiator concentrations as well as mean residence time on the absolute particle-size-distribution function, total concentration of polymer particles, conversion, average number and weight radii, average number of radicals per polymer particle, and polydispersity of radius are simulated by the model proposed.
Integration of Neural Heuristics into Knowledge-based Inference

Abstract The rule base and the inference engine of a knowledge-based system are transformed into a kind of neural network called a conceptualization network. An approach is presented that generalizes the backpropagation teaming rule of the neural-network approach such that it can effectively deal with errors in conceptualization networks, which are often multilayered and involve logic conjunction. The idea is to use hill-climbing search where the backpropagation rule falls short because the transfer function is not differentiable. When the generalized backpropagation rule is applied to a conceptualization network which has been constrained by initial correct knowledge, incorrect rules can be recognized. Experiments in a practical domain have demonstrated that the approach can satisfactorily conduct credit and blame assignment for rules which may involve intermediate concepts and logic conjunction. Effective removal of incorrect rules with significant improvement of the system performance has been observed.
Antiangiogenic plasma activity in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a systemic connective tissue disease with an extensive vascular component that includes aberrant microvasculature and impaired wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antiangiogenic factors in patients with SSc. Methods Plasma samples were obtained from 30 patients with SSc and from 10 control patients without SSc. The samples were analyzed for the ability of plasma to affect endothelial cell migration and vascular structure formation and for the presence of antiangiogenic activity. Results Exposure of normal human microvascular dermal endothelial cells to plasma from patients with SSc resulted in decreased cell migration (mean ± SEM 52 ± 5%) and tube formation (34 ± 6%) compared with that in plasma from control patients (P < 0.001 for both). SSc plasma contained 2.9-fold more plasminogen kringle 1–3 fragments (angiostatin) than that in control plasma. The addition of angiostatin to control plasma resulted in inhibition of endothelial cell migration and proliferation similar to that observed in SSc plasma. In vitro studies demonstrated that granzyme B and other proteases contained in T cell granule content cleave plasminogen and plasmin into angiostatin fragments. Conclusion Plasminogen conformation in patients with SSc enables granzyme B and granule content protease to limit the proangiogenic effects of plasmin and increase the levels of antiangiogenic angiostatin. This increase in angiostatin production may account for some of the vascular defects observed in patients with SSc.
Multistage interband cascade photovoltaic devices with a bandgap of 0.23 eV operating above room temperature

Interband cascade (IC) photovoltaic (PV) device structures, consisting of multiple discrete InAs/GaSb superlattice absorbers sandwiched between electron and hole barriers, were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Details of the molecular beam epitaxy growth and material characterization of the structures are presented. The discrete absorber architecture enables certain advantages, such as high open-circuit voltage, high collection efficiency, high operating temperature, and smooth integration of cascade stages with different bandgaps. The two- and three-stage ICPV devices presented in this article operate at room temperature with substantial open-circuit voltages at a cutoff wavelength of 5.3 μm (corresponding to a bandgap of 0.23 eV), the longest ever reported for room temperature PV devices. The device characteristics indicate a high level of current matching and demonstrate the advantages of the interband cascade approach in thermophotovoltaic cell design.
Trimming and procrastination as inversion techniques

Abstract By examining the processes of truncating and approximating the model space (trimming it), and by committing to neither the objectivist nor the subjectivist interpretation of probability (procrastinating), we construct a formal scheme for solving linear and non-linear geophysical inverse problems. The necessary prior information about the correct model x E can be either a collection of inequalities or a probability measure describing where x E was likely to be in the model space X before the data vector y 0 was measured. The results of the inversion are (1) a vector z 0 that estimates some numerical properties z E of x E ; (2) an estimate of the error δz = z 0 − z E . As y 0 is finite dimensional, so is z 0 , and hence in principle inversion cannot describe all of x E . The error δz is studied under successively more specialized assumptions about the inverse problem, culminating in a complete analysis of the linear inverse problem with a prior quadratic bound on x E . Our formalism appears to encompass and provide error estimates for many of the inversion schemes current in geomagnetism, and would be equally applicable in geodesy and seismology if adequate prior information were available there. As an idealized example we study the magnetic field at the core-mantle boundary, using satellite measurements of field elements at sites assumed to be almost uniformly distributed on a single spherical surface. Magnetospheric currents are neglected and the crustal field is idealized as a random process with rotationally invariant statistics. We find that an appropriate data compression diagonalizes the variance matrix of the crustal signal and permits an analytic trimming of the idealized problem.
Paternal Stress Exposure Alters Sperm MicroRNA Content and Reprograms Offspring HPA Stress Axis Regulation

Neuropsychiatric disease frequently presents with an underlying hyporeactivity or hyperreactivity of the HPA stress axis, suggesting an exceptional vulnerability of this circuitry to external perturbations. Parental lifetime exposures to environmental challenges are associated with increased offspring neuropsychiatric disease risk, and likely contribute to stress dysregulation. While maternal influences have been extensively examined, much less is known regarding the specific role of paternal factors. To investigate the potential mechanisms by which paternal stress may contribute to offspring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, we exposed mice to 6 weeks of chronic stress before breeding. As epidemiological studies support variation in paternal germ cell susceptibility to reprogramming across the lifespan, male stress exposure occurred either throughout puberty or in adulthood. Remarkably, offspring of sires from both paternal stress groups displayed significantly reduced HPA stress axis responsivity. Gene set enrichment analyses in offspring stress regulating brain regions, the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, revealed global pattern changes in transcription suggestive of epigenetic reprogramming and consistent with altered offspring stress responsivity, including increased expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes in the PVN. In examining potential epigenetic mechanisms of germ cell transmission, we found robust changes in sperm microRNA (miR) content, where nine specific miRs were significantly increased in both paternal stress groups. Overall, these results demonstrate that paternal experience across the lifespan can induce germ cell epigenetic reprogramming and impact offspring HPA stress axis regulation, and may therefore offer novel insight into factors influencing neuropsychiatric disease risk.
Neutrino oscillations in the early Universe with an inverted neutrino-mass hierarchy

Abstract Nuclear simulations of neutrino oscillations in the early Universe are performed for a neutrino-mass hierarchy with the vacuum mass of the second neutrino exceeding that of the first. This situation is equivalent to a normal hierarchy with mixing angle greater than π 4 . We find that a large conversion of electron neutrinos to muon neutrinos occurs, independent of mixing angle. For certain parameter values, this is caused by the MSW effect. In the rest of the parameter region a new mechanism is operative, arising from nonlinear effects involving neutrino-neutrino forward scattering. This nonlinear conversion mechanism causes substantial flavor oscillation even for extremely small mixing angles.
Effects of Small-Group and One-on-One Reading Fluency Interventions with Second Grade, Low-Performing Spanish Readers

This study compared children’s Spanish reading performance across 2 reading intervention conditions: small group versus individual (teacher–student). Six second-grade Costa Rican students with low Spanish reading ability participated in the study. An alternating-treatments design was used to compare the relative effectiveness of the 2 interventions to each other and to a no-intervention control condition. Results showed that nearly all students benefitted from 1 or both of the reading interventions. Findings are consistent with previous research with English readers and suggest that delivering fluency-based reading interventions with fidelity (such as those described in the current study) to Spanish readers may be an effective way to improve Spanish-speaking students’ reading skills. Results are also consistent with past research on the comparable effectiveness of delivering a reading-fluency intervention to a small group versus an individual. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of relative efficiency in the delivery of reading-fluency interventions, and with respect to educators in and out of the United States who work with students struggling with Spanish-reading fluency.
Fatal air embolism following air cystometrogram

A case of fatal air embolism following a routine air cystometrogram is reported. This is the first apparent complication of this type reported with air cystometrogram.
Inundative Biological Control ofHelicoverpa zea(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with the Entomopathogenic NematodeSteinernema riobravis(Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)

Abstract The entomopathogenic nematodeSteinernema riobravisCabanillas, Poinar and Raulston (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) was evaluated for inundative biological control ofHelicoverpa zea(Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Arkansas corn fields. Infection ofH. zeawas highly significant in nematode-treated plots of field corn and sweet corn in Little River and Washington Counties, respectively. Mean mortalities fromS. riobravisinfections were 79.2 and 91.3% at treatment levels of 3.7 × 106and 1.2 × 107nematodes/m2of soil, respectively, in Little River County and 78.5 and 94.8% at treatment levels of 5.2 × 105and 5.3 × 106nematodes/m2of soil, respectively, in Washington County. Comparison of irrigated and nonirrigated plots in both counties resulted in no significant differences inS. riobravisinfectingH. zea. S. riobravismay have promise as an inundative biological control agent againstH. zeain Arkansas soils.
Radii of gyration of fully and partially directed lattice animals

Longitudinal and transverse radii of gyration are introduced for directed problems. Series analyses of these quantities to ordersN=19 and 16, for fully and partially directed site lattice animals, respectively, on the square lattice yield the estimate ν∥, and suggest nonanalytic corrections in the partially directed case, with exponent θ≃0.68.
Electrochemical Etching of Silicon in Nonaqueous Electrolytes Containing Hydrogen Fluoride or Fluoroborate

The electrochemical behavior and surface chemistry of anodic silicon etching in nonaqueous electrolytes was studied. Etching of single‐crystal p‐type and n‐type (100) silicon was carried out in acetonitrile and propylene carbonate with hydrofluoric acid (HF) or tetrafluoroborate providing fluoride to complex the oxidized silicon. Electrolytes containing HF resulted in tetravalent dissolution, and photocurrent quadrupling was observed. Electrolytes containing also resulted in tetravalent dissolution; however, calculated quantum efficiencies were lower depending upon the electrolyte. Current‐voltage behavior indicates the presence of surface states which affect both the onset potential for oxidation and the current multiplication. In situ multiple internal reflection Fourier transform infrared analysis confirms that silicon surfaces etched in electrolytes containing HF remain hydride‐terminated throughout etching; however, silicon etched in based electrolytes loses the initial hydride termination at the onset of etching. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Tolerance-Maps Applied to a Point-Line Cluster of Features

In this paper, groups of individual features, i.e. a point, a line, and a plane, are called clusters and are used to constrain sufficiently the relative location of adjacent parts. A new mathematical model for representing geometric tolerances is applied to a point-line cluster of features that is used to align adjacent parts in two-dimensional space. First, tolerance-zones are described for the point-line cluster. Then, a Tolerance-Map® , a hypothetical volume of points, is established which is the range of a mapping from all possible locations for the features in the cluster. A picture frame assembly of four parts is used to illustrate the accumulations of manufacturing variations, and the T-Maps provide stackup relations that can be used to allocate size and orientational tolerances. This model is one part of a bi-level model that we are developing for geometric tolerances. At the local level the model deals with the permitted variations in a tolerance zone, while at the global level it interrelates all the frames of reference on a part or assembly.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Acetylcholinesterase activity in chronic renal failure.

Abstract Twenty healthy subjects and 39 Chronic Renal Failure patients (CRF-patients) maintained on chronic hemodialysis were used in this investigation to study the changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of red blood cells (RBCs). The CRF-patients were all undergoing hemodialysis treatment. AChE activity from the CRF-patients was determined before and after dialysis. An additional objective was to study the effect of chronic renal failure on human red blood cell aging. Blood samples were drawn from controls and CRF-patients in tubes containing EDTA or sodium heparin as an anticoagulant. Red blood cells were purified to avoid interference with monocytes, reticulocytes and leukocytes. The purified RBCs were subfractionated into young (y) (1.08–1.09), mid (m) (1.09–1.11) and old (o) (1.11–1.12) percoll density (g/mL) fractions using a discontinous percoll gradient. The mean ± SD AChE per gram hemoglobin (U/g Hgb) activities in whole blood (WB), purified human red blood cells (PRBCs), young human red blood cells (y-RBCs), mid age human red blood cells (m-RBCs) and old human red blood cells (o-RBCs) in CRF-patients were 31.2 ± 3.43, 29.3 ± 3.26, 30.4 ± 3.91, 25.1 ± 5.25, 17.1 ± 6.02 in females and 29.8 ± 5.39, 28.8 ± 5.29, 28.7 ± 5.29, 23.7 ± 5.39 and 16.0 ± 5.60 in males. AChE activity from CRF-patients were higher than that found in the control subjects. The aging of human RBCs in both the controls and CRF-patients showed a progressive reduction in AChE activity. AChE activity of RBCs from female CRF-patients were significantly higher (p
Haemocytic reactions of Drosophila melanogaster to the parasites Pseudocoila mellipes and P. bochei

Abstract Quantitative studies of the changes in the larval haemocytes of Drosophila melanogaster Meig. when parasitized by Pseudeucoila mellipes (Say) showed that the lamellocytes and crystal cells are involved in the encapsulation and melanization, respectively, of the eggs of the parasite. The encapsulation reaction is characterized by the production of lamellocytes in large numbers, followed by the aggregation of these cells around the parasite. The premature lysis of crystal cells results in the release of substances that bring about the melanization of the cellular elements of the capsule. Differential haemocyte counts from larvae parasitized by P. bochei Weld showed that, although some of the hosts recognized the parasite as a foreign body, the parasite is rarely encapsulated in this host. The abnormally low frequency of lamellocytes in larvae parasitized by P. bochei indicates that the parasites are, in some way, actively suppressing the defence reaction of D. melanogaster.
Transmission and scanning electron microscope preparations of the same cell culture

A technique has been developed which allows transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to be performed on the same cell culture sample. The technique uses the Costar 3,393 Leighton Tube containing a plastic insert, which does not stick to epoxy, for transmission electron microscopy. A cut piece of the plastic insert can be critical point dried, sputter coated and viewed under high vacuum with the scanning electron microscope.
Characterization of transfer layers on steel surfaces sliding against diamond-like hydrocarbon films in dry nitrogen

Abstract Carbon-rich transfer layers on sliding contact surfaces play important roles in the tribological performance of diamond-like hydrocarbon (DLHC) films. In this study, we investigated the nature of these layers formed on M50 balls during sliding against DLHC films (1.5 μm thick) prepared by ion-beam deposition. Long-duration sliding tests were performed with steel balls sliding against the DLHC coatings in dry nitrogen at room temperature, approximately 22 ± 1 °C. Results indicated that the friction coefficients of test pairs were initially about 0.12 but decreased steadily with sliding distance to 0.02–0.03 and remained constant throughout the tests, which lasted for more than 250 000 sliding cycles (approximately 30 km). This low-friction regime appeared to coincide with the formation of a carbon-rich transfer layer on the sliding surfaces of M50 balls. Micro-laser Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy were used to elucidate the structure and chemistry of these transfer layers and to reveal their possible role in the wear and friction behavior of DLHC-coated surfaces.
Demonstration of a method to fabricate a large-area diamond single crystal

Abstract A multi-step process to fabricate a diamond single crystal that is larger than the original, natural, commercially-obtained crystals is described. Starting with 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.25 mm, natural, type Ia C(100) crystals that have had their edges oriented to (010) and (001), we have successfully bonded two to a Si substrate in close proximity to each other. Subsequent diamond homoepitaxy using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of up to $ 75 μm thickness has enabled epitaxial overgrowth to join the two diamonds. The topography was excellent, and microRaman spectroscopy indicated only a 0.6 cm−1 line broadening (crystal degradation) at the joint. The creation of etch pits (via oxidizing flame) on the joined diamond surface indicated a higher defect density at the joint, but this more-defective region was constrained to within the dimensions of the original gap between the diamond crystals. These results indicate that this process of epitaxial joining of diamond single crystals has the potential to be scaled up to larger area in order to fabricate a diamond single crystal of desired area and reasonable crystal perfection.
Kidney cancer: now available in a new flavor.

The role of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) in kidney cancer has provided a rationale for treating this disease with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) antagonists. In this issue, Simon and coworkers show that the molecular signature of VHL −/− kidney cancers is profoundly influenced by whether they produce both HIF2α and HIF1α or HIF2α alone.
Optimal control of the primitive equations of the ocean with state constraints

Abstract We investigate in this article Pontryagin’s maximum principle for a class of control problems associated with the primitive equations (PEs) of the ocean. These optimal problems involve a state constraint similar to that considered in Wang (2002) [7] for the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes (NS) equations. The main difference between this work and Wang (2002) [7] is that the nonlinearity in the PEs is stronger than in the three-dimensional NS systems.
Eimeria lipura and E. landersi n. spp. (Protozoa, Eimeriidae) from the long-tailed porcupine Trichys lipura Günther, 1876 in Malaysia.

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of 2 new species of Eimeria are described from the long-tailed porcupine Trichys lipura. The ovoid, 2-layered oocysts of E. lipura average 33.1 by 24.4 μ. A micropyle and polar granules are present; an oocyst residuum is absent. Ovoid sporocysts average 10.9 by 9.3 μ. A sporcyst residuum is present; Stieda body is absent. The subspherical, 3-layered oocyst of E. landersi averages 25.2 by 24.2 μ. An oocyst residuum is absent; a polar granule is present. Ovoid sporocysts average 11.7 by 7.9 μ. A sporcysts residuum is present; a Stieda body is absent.
Analysis of dextran- and methylated albumin-induced hypersensitivity by mouse paw swelling.

SummaryDermal allergic reactions in LAF1 mice arising from prior immunizations with dextran or methylated albumin were studied. A plethysmographic technique for measuring mouse paw swelling was developed. At weekly intervals after immunization, mouse paw swelling was assessed to determine the degree of allergic swelling. Because of the large irritative swelling component of dextran itself, methylated albumin was more suitable for studying early and late dermal allergic responses. In all injection schemes but one, for dextran and methylated albumin, mouse paw swelling was lower at 3 weeks than at 2 and 4 weeks after the last immunization.This work was supported by Atomic Energy Commission Contract No. COO-1632-10 and GM 15956. We are grateful to Dr. A. J. Crowle for reading and commenting on the manuscript.
Targeting β-catenin in CML: Leukemia Stem Cells Beware!

In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Heidel et al. (2012) use genetic and pharmacological approaches to reveal that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for leukemic stem cell (LSC) maintenance in chronic myeloid leukemia. They demonstrate that β-catenin inactivation targets imanitib-resistant LSCs in vivo.
Origin of the two-peak photoemission and inverse-photoemission spectra in Ce and Ce compounds

The origin of the two-peak photoemission and inverse-photoemission spectra in Ce and its pnictide compounds (CeP, CeSb, and CeN) is investigated with ab initio total-energy self-consistent supercell energy-band and molecular-cluster approaches to represent physically the competing mechanisms involved in $d$ or $f$ electron screening (antiscreening in the case of inverse photoemission) of the local $4f$ electron excitations. Good agreement with experiment is obtained in all cases including the "anomalous" case of CeN.
Differentiating Between Intimate Partner Violence and Stranger Violence Risk Among Women Through an Examination of Residential Change

The construct of residential change is instrumental in various criminological theories to predict crime in general and violence specifically. When looking at intimate partner violence in particular...
Essential role for Pro21 in phospholamban for optimal inhibition of the Ca-ATPase.

We have investigated the functional role of the flexible hinge region centered near the sequence TIEMP21, which connects the N-terminal cytosolic and C-terminal membrane-spanning helical domains of phospholamban (PLB). Specifically, we ask if the conformation of this region is important to attain optimal inhibitory interactions with the Ca-ATPase. A genetically engineered PLB mutant was constructed in which Pro21 was mutated to an alanine (P21A-PLBC); in this construct, all three transmembrane cysteines were substituted with alanines to stabilize the monomeric form of PLB, and a unique cysteine was introduced at position 24 near the hinge element (A24C), permitting the site-specific attachment of fluorescein-5-maleimide (FMal) to monitor structure changes. In agreement with prior measurements in cardiac SR microsomes, the calcium concentration associated with half-maximal activation (Ca1/2) of the Ca-ATPase, 290 ± 10 nM, is shifted to 580 ± 20 nM when co-reconstituted with PLBC (Pro21) as a result of a re...
A next-generation, flow-diverting implant used to treat brain aneurysms: in vitro evaluation of magnetic field interactions, heating and artifacts at 3-T

Abstract Background and Purpose Fine-mesh braided, stent-like structures (flow diverters) have been proposed for treatment of brain aneurysms. To date, the safety of performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with these implants is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate MRI issues at 3-T for a new flow-diverting implant used to treat brain aneurysms. Methods The Surpass NeuroEndoGraft (Surpass Medical, Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel) underwent evaluation for magnetic field interactions, MRI-related heating and artifacts using standardized techniques. Magnetic field interactions were assessed for this implant with regard to translational attraction (i.e., using the deflection angle technique) and torque (qualitative assessment method). MRI-related heating was evaluated by placing the implant in a gelled-saline-filled, head/torso phantom and performing MRI using a transmit/receive radiofrequency body coil at a whole-body-averaged specific absorption rate of 2.9 W/kg for 15 min. Artifacts were characterized using T1-weighted, spin echo (SE) and gradient echo (GRE) pulse sequences. Results The Surpass NeuroEndoGraft exhibited minor magnetic field interactions (21° deflection angle and no torque), which were acceptable from a safety consideration. Heating was not substantial, with the highest temperature change being 2.3°C (background temperature rise without the implant was 1.5°C). Artifacts may create issues if the area of interest is in the same area or close to this implant. Conclusions The findings demonstrated that it would be acceptable for patients with this next-generation, flow-diverting implant to undergo MRI at 3-T or less.