cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Effects of Affirmative Action in Policing: A Replication and Extension

Abstract Many police departments in the United States have experienced externally-imposed affirmative action plans designed to increase the shares of nonwhite and female police officers. This paper examines whether externally-imposed affirmative action plans have impacted the rates of reported offenses and/or offenses cleared by arrest, seeking to replicate and extend Lott (2000) and McCrary (2007) . Using a series of modern econometric strategies, including difference-in-differences decomposition and generalized synthetic controls, we do not find a significant effect of court-imposed affirmative action plans on the rates of reported offenses or reported offenses cleared by arrest, a finding consistent with McCrary (2007) . We also consider whether unlitigated agencies change their practices due to the threat of litigation, but, like McCrary (2007) , are unable to identify causal evidence of such threat effects. We suggest that, in the spirit of Miller and Segal (2018) , future research seek to estimate the potentially racially heterogeneous treatment effects of race-based affirmative action plans on public safety outcomes.
Antiviral Agents, Vaccines, and Immunotherapies

Unlike any other source on the subject, Antiviral Agents, Vaccines, and Immunotherapies analyzes the benefits and limitations of every available drug, vaccine, and immunotherapy utilized in the prevention and control of viral diseases. This reference provides in-depth reviews of more than 50 drugs and antiviral agents for HIV, human herpesviruses, human papillomaviruses (HPV), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis B, and analyzes their mechanisms of action, dosage, side effects, and drug resistance. The book also includes an overview of the use of immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies for antiviral use and supplies extensive references, tables, and figures throughout the text.
Flexible Coherent Communication System With Adaptable SNR and Laser Phase Noise Tolerance for Probabilistically Shaped QAM

Probabilistic-shaped quadrature amplitude modulation (PS-QAM) based on Maxwell-Boltzmann (MB) distribution has been extensively studied in recent years in the SNR limited coherent communication system to approach the Shannon capacity. However, MB distribution is not the optimal distribution when the transmission system suffers from serious laser phase noise. To improve the laser phase noise tolerance of MB distribution, a novel Maxwell-Boltzmann/Angular-distance-directed (MB/ADD) distribution is proposed in this article. The benefits of PS-QAM exist in the case of limited SNR, as well as large laser phase noise. The proposed distribution is verified through simulations and experiments. In our simulation analysis, the ADD part enables the reduction of SNR penalty when laser phase noise increases. The results are validated by experimental data, in which both digitally generated and distributed-feed-back (DFB) laser generated phase noise are employed to evaluate laser phase noise tolerance. In the scenario of large phase noise, MB/ADD shaping can achieve lower pre-FEC BER and higher GMI compared with MB shaping, without inserting pilot symbols. Moreover, the improvement of applying MB/ADD distribution can be obtained no matter whether BPS or V&V based algorithm is adopted for carrier phase estimation (CPE). Different shaping parameters are also tested, where the capability to agilely adapt to various channel conditions of the MB/ADD distribution is shown. And the proposed MB/ADD shaping can be applied with similar complexity with MB shaping, if the Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence between the generated and the expected 2-D QAM distribution is required to be lower than 10−3.
Network Theoretic Analysis of Maximum a Posteriori Detectors for Optimal Input Detection

This paper considers maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) and linear discriminant based MAP detectors to detect changes in the mean and covariance of a stochastic input, driving specific network nodes, using noisy measurements from sensors non-collocated with the input nodes. We explicitly characterize both detectors' performance in terms of the network edge weights and input and sensor nodes' location. In the asymptotic measurement regime, when the input and measurement noise are jointly Gaussian, we show that the detectors' performance can be studied using the input to output gain of the system's transfer function matrix. Using this result, we obtain conditions for which the detection performance associated with the sensors on a given network cut is better (or worse) than that of the sensors associated with the subnetwork induced by the cut and not containing the input nodes. Our results also provide structural insights into the sensor placement from a detection-theoretic viewpoint. We validate our theoretical findings via multiple numerical examples.
A Novel State-Constrained Primary Control for Grid-Forming Inverters

The problem of operating an AC microgrid with purely inverter-based generating units is considered, and a novel vector control for the constrained grid-forming (GFM) inverters is proposed. The design aims to achieve the primary control objectives of the GFM inverters: voltage establishment, synchronization, and voltage/frequency regulation. It is novel that the proposed control also ensures all operational variables constrained both real-time and for all the time except for low voltage during the period of grid forming. The constraints include frequency, output AC voltage, input DC power, and active/reactive power injections to the grid. In this paper, outcomes of a detailed simulation are presented to demonstrated that the above design objectives are met and that the overall performance is superior due to its unique ability of simultaneously controlling the whole vectors of the inverter state and output.
Primary Intradural Extramedullary Sporadic Spinal Hemangioblastomas: Case Report and Systematic Review.

Background Hemangioblastomas are benign vascular neoplasms of the central nervous system that may occur sporadically or in association with Von Hippel-Lindau disease. A minority of these lesions can occur in the spine, mostly as intramedullary masses. The authors present a rare case of primary sporadic spinal hemangioblastoma occurring as an intradural extramedullary (IDEM) lesion. Diagnostic workup and surgical management of the patient are described. Methods A systematic MEDLINE search was conducted using the keywords “hemangioblastoma” and “intradural extramedullary,” “extramedullary,” or “cauda equina.” Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of the present case were reviewed and compared with those in the literature. Results A 72-year-old man was found to have an IDEM lesion in his cervical spine after presenting with neck and shoulder pain. Gross total resection was successfully performed with sacrifice of an involved dorsal nerve rootlet. Screening for Von Hippel-Lindau was negative. Thirty-three additional patients with sporadic IDEM hemangioblastomas are reported in the literature. There was a slight male preponderance (54%) with a median age of 52 years. Patients presented with pain (54%), radiculopathy (33%), or myelopathy (32%). The majority of lesions were located in the lumbosacral spine (56%). All patients underwent maximal safe resection with stable or improved clinical status. Conclusion Primary IDEM hemangioblastomas are a rare entity. Differential diagnosis includes other IDEM lesions, such as schwannomas, meningiomas, or some vascular malformations. Resection of these sporadic tumors can be safely performed and result in improvement of neurologic deficits associated with mass effect from the tumor with low likelihood of recurrence.
Quarantine host range studies with Lophyrotoma zonalis, an Australian sawfly of interest for biological control of melaleuca, Melaleuca quinquenervia, in Florida, U.S.A.

The Australian melaleuca tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T. Blake (Myrtaceae), has naturalized in southern Florida,U.S.A., and is now one of that regions most important weeds.Primarily a weed of wetlands, it also infests neighboring drierareas. Current efforts to restore the South Florida ecosystem arethreatened by the continuing range expansion of melaleuca andother weeds. In an effort to supplement the current chemical andcultural control methods for melaleuca, a search for potentialbiological control agents was begun in Australia in 1986. Thesawfly, Lophyrotoma zonalis, was determined after extensive fieldand laboratory studies to have potential as a biological controlagent. Larvae of L. zonalis eat leaves and occasionally defoliatelarge trees in Australia. Host range studies were conducted in aFlorida quarantine facility with native and cultivated plantspecies. Multi-choice and no-choice oviposition tests wereconducted with 36 species in the Myrtaceae and with 18 species inother families. Larvae developed to prepupae and adults from theeggs oviposited on 23 species of Myrtaceae only on 3 species ofbottlebrushes, Callistemon. Medium-sized larvae were tested forfeeding on bouquets of plant cuttings and on potted plants. Theyare the stage that might wander from defoliated trees. Noticeablefeeding, but much less than on melaleuca, was restricted to theMyrtaceae, except for a few individual larvae that fed on waxmyrtle, Myrica cerifera. Medium-sized larvae became prepupae onlyon Melaleuca decora (73%) and on wax myrtle (10%). However,neither species received eggs in the oviposition tests. Thesestudies confirmed the narrow host range of L. zonalis aspreviously reported from field and laboratory studies inAustralia.
Chemokines and the Neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is commonly associated with a multinucleated giant cell (MNGC) encephalitis termed HIV encephalitis (HIVE). Importantly, it occurs in most, but not all, cases of dementia related to HIV-1 infection. This chapter strives to describe what is known about multinuclear phagocytes (MP) activation and neuronal dysfunction with a focus on chemokines. Mounting evidence suggests that chemokines affect the pathogenesis of HAND. First, there is a state of “immune privilege” within the central nervous system (CNS) that is, in part, an evolutionary adaptation for which increasing evidence suggests that functional immunity is quite operative in the brain. Second, the maintenance of nervous system function requires protection from a variety of environmental insults occurring during inflammatory activities, such as HIVE. Third, chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) and chemokine receptors are an important part of the immune response that affects cell migration, activation, and tissue homeostasis. Fourth, following local production, chemokines induce leukocyte cytoskeletal changes, for example, actin polymerization, optimizing cell migration to areas of microbial infection or degeneration. Chemokine receptors are critical for the infection of perivascular macrophages and microglia. It has also been shown that chemokines and their receptors play a more direct role in the neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. The neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infection revolves around inflammatory factors secreted from virus-infected and immunocompetent brain MP. Chemokines and their chemokine receptors are expressed in the nervous system, and their engagement affects neuronal and glial function.
Growth of chick and mammalian cells on d-xylose: Effects on sugar transport

Abstract d -Xylose as sole carbon source is able to support replication for several generations of chick fibroblasts and indefinite replication of a variety of other cells including human fibroblasts. l -Xylose cannot support growth. d -Xylose entry into the cells depends upon simple diffusion and as such is unaffected by starvation or the presence of other monosaccharides in the medium. Cells preconditioned in d -xylose are depressed for glucose uptake as though starved for glucose.
Transdermal Delivery of Metoprolol

Because metoprolol, a β1-selective adrenergic blocking agent used for treatment of hypertension and stable angina, has a short half-life after oral injection, reduction of systolic blood pressure was measured in male spontaneously hypertensive rats after administration of the drug through a transdermal patch. Systolic pressure was reduced from a pretreatment pressure of 209 ± 16 mmHg to a post-treatment pressure of 188 ± 13 mmHg (P < 0·001) within 4 h. Pressure continued to fall until 12 h when it became steady at 173 ± 10 mmHg and remained in that range for up to 24 h. When the patch was removed after 24 h the pressure gradually increased and reached its pretreatment value within 2 h. These results indicate that the systemic availability of metoprolol can be increased by transdermal administration.
Intermittent androgen deprivation--questions remain.

The South European Uroncological Group has conducted a phase III trial comparing intermittent androgen deprivation with continuous therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The intermittent regimen was found to be non-inferior in terms of disease progression, survival, and quality of life. Nevertheless, the implications of such research for patient management remain controversial.
A PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY OF OCCUPATIONAL LEAD EXPOSURE

The association of occupational lead exposure with neuropsychiatric functioning was evaluated using data collected in 1982 in eastern Pennsylvania from 288 lead-exposed workers and 181 nonexposed subjects. Both current and cumulative exposure indices were used. After controlling for age, education, and income, few meaningful differences between exposed and control workers were found on either neuropsychologic or psychosocial variables. Dose-response analyses indicated that among lead-exposed workers, cumulative and current exposure were unrelated to neuropsychologic performance. The only meaningful associations occurred between exposure and level of conflict in interpersonal relationships. The results thus give evidence against hypotheses suggesting adverse neuropsychologic effects.
Prevention as a national health goal.

The aspiration is noble and the concept constructive but the implementation will be difficult. The ideal of prevention as a desirable priority for medicine has been enunciated generally since antiquity and advocated specifically for 300 years but it has been practiced only rarely (10,12). Four conditions are necessary for the adoption of prevention as a national health goal: (i) changes in the organization of health services, (ii) changes in professional education, (iii) changes in the financing of health services, and (iv) changes in general education. None of these can be accomplished easily or rapidly and action must be taken on all four fronts simultaneously if a policy of disease prevention is to have a visible or practical effect. To consider the changes that might be desirable, it is necessary to examine objectives carefully and select those that have some prospect of success. There are three approaches to disease prevention: 1. Containment, amelioration, or cure of clinical disease. The number of persons readmitted to hospitals because of the patient’s failure or inability to follow a supervised regimen of care can only be estimated when adequate national data on hospital discharges become available. It is 110 years since Florence: Nightingale argued the case for this kind of information about health services, but we are still a long way from achieving this goal in the United States (9). Anecdotal accounts and clinical experience suggest that early, responsible care by an integrated health care system that accepts and carries out a social mandate or contractual arrangement to maintain the health of a defined population, in addition to treating episodic illnesses, could reduce disability and distress as well as the use of health services. Hard data for specific conditions are difficult to come by because of the country’s inadequate health information system, but an example may illustrate the point. In one study, which certainly merits repeating in a variety of settings, the addition of a nurse who made regular home visits to a study group of patients with cardiac failure appeared to reduce hospital readmission days by about 40% compared to a matched comparison group of similarly treated patients who were not visited by the nurse (2). Whether one attributes the differences to the enthusiasm
Postpartum Contraceptive Choices Among Ethnically Diverse Women in New Mexico

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to determine if postpartum contraceptive choices by primiparous women differ by ethnicity. Study design Retrospective nested cohort study analyzing women’s characteristics and contraceptive choice. Results Of 652 participants, 312 (47.8%) were Hispanic, 287 (44.0%) were non-Hispanic white, and 53 (8.1%) were American Indian (AI). In multivariate analysis, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and intrauterine device (IUD)/implant choice was related to AI [DMPA: odds ratio (OR) 15.28, confidence interval (CI) 4.49–52.04; IUD/implant: OR 0.46, CI 0.22–0.92] and Hispanic (DMPA: OR 3.44, CI 1.12–10.58) ethnicity. Conclusion DMPA use was higher among Hispanic and AI women and IUD/implant use lower in AI women compared to non-Hispanic white women.
Phosphate transport in osteoclasts: A functional and immunochemical characterization

Osteoclasts are polarized cells involved in bone resorption. They are exposed to high ambient concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi) during the active process of bone resorption. We hypothesize that osteoclasts may possess specific Pi-transport system(s) for transcellular movement of Pi released from bone into the resorption cavity. We have previously reported the existence of a Na-dependent Pi cotransporter in the avian osteoclast, which provides a model culture system for the fully differentiated phenotype capable of bone resorption. In whole cell Pi-uptake studies, the rate of Pi transport was sensitive to both ouabain and 2,4-DNP, an inhibitor of aerobic ATP production. When these osteoclasts were exposed to bone particles, there was an immediate stimulation of Pi transport, independent of de novo protein synthesis. The stimulatory effect of bone particles was inhibited by peptides with the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) motif, an effect which implicates integrins and cell-matrix interaction in the regulation of Pi transport. We performed Western blots on both whole cell lysates and membrane fractions using a polyclonal antibody to the N-terminal of NaPi-2 (the rat variant) and found a single approximately 100 kDa protein; the non-immune serum was used as control. Immunofluorescence studies using the same N-terminal antibody to NaPi-2 detected the protein in discrete vesicles. There was an induction of the protein in membrane fractions isolated from osteoclasts cultured in the presence of bone particles. Our preliminary studies indicate that a Na-Pi cotransporter may exist in the avian osteoclast, immunologically related to the NaPi-2 family, and which may be regulated through integrin-mediated pathways in the presence of bone. We also hypothesize that there may be a redistribution of vesicular pools containing the Na-Pi cotransporter toward discrete plasma membrane sites on the polarized osteoclast for transcellular movement of Pi during active bone resorption.
Fully Developed Nucleate Boiling in Narrow Vertical Channels

Experiments were performed to investigate nucleate flow boiling and incipience in a vertical flow channel, 20 mm wide X 357 mm long, with one wall heated uniformly and others approximately adiabatic. Three channel spacings, 2, 1 and 0.5 mm, were investigated. Initially subcooled R-11 flowed upward through the channel; the mass flux varied from 60 to 4586 kg/(m 2 s), and the inlet pressure ranged up to 0.20 MPa. Liquid crystal thermography was used to measure distributions of surface temperature from which the heat transfer coefficients on the heated surface were calculated. Fully developed saturated nucleate boiling was correlated well by a modification of Kandlikar's technique.
Combination of imatinib and cytarabine for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

(2005). Combination of imatinib and cytarabine for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia & Lymphoma: Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 297-298.
SU-E-J-210: Thoracic Atlas Segmentation Model Based On Consensus Contours

Purpose: Generation of a thoracic segmentation atlas based on consensus contours obtained through input from individual experts Method and Materials: A cohort of 30 patients treated for lung disease was selected for this study. All patients had 4D-CT studies with image segmentation based on respiration-averaged images. For each subject, three experts delineated the eighteen agreed-upon structures using tools available in Eclipse ver.10.0. Consensus structures were generated using CERR(4.0β2). The EM-STAPLE method was chosen to generate the consensus contours based on published reports which state that iterative methods yield better results over analytical methods in medical imaging. Once the consensus contours were generated they were re-imported in Eclipse for further processing and evaluation. For each structure, each expert's contour was scored against the consensus using two scoring indices: Dice similarity coefficient, DSC, and Dice-Jaccard coefficient, DJC. Visual inspection was always performed to detect large segmentation errors Results: The respiration-averaged CT set proved to be adequate for all structures included in the thoracic atlas. As expected, anatomic variability between patients was larger than the variability due to the level of expertise. Across the entire cohort the smallest structure segmented was the brachial plexus with a 9.4cc (+/− 3.5) volume, while the chest wall was the largest (2933cc +/-560). The DSC and DJC coefficients were smallest for Left Brachial Plexus 0.894 (+/−0.138) and 0.842 (+/− 0.138), respectively, while the largest were 0.992(+/−0.004) and 0.990(+/− 0.004), observed for the right lung. Conclusions: Consensus contours generated using expert input were analyzed using comparison indices and visual evaluation. With appropriate atlas selection (e.g. patient gender, arm position) a robust thoracic atlas segmentation tool can be set up and may be used in conjunction with an automatic segmentation algorithm. Project supported by Varian Medical System
Vector solitons in semiconductor quantum dots

Abstract A theory of an optical vector soliton of self-induced transparency in an ensemble of semiconductor quantum dots is considered. By using the perturbative reduction method, the system of the Maxwell–Liouville equations is reduced to the two-component coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations. It is shown that a distribution of transition dipole moments of the quantum dots and phase modulation changes significantly the pulse parameters. The shape of the optical two-component vector soliton with the sum and difference of the frequencies in the region of the carrier frequency is presented. The vector soliton can be reduced to the breather solution of self-induced transparency with a different profile. Explicit analytical expressions in the presence of single-excitonic and biexcitonic transitions for the optical vector soliton are obtained with realistic parameters which can be reached in current experiments.
Past and Future Budget Classics: A Research Agenda

This article summarizes the content of four classic articles on budgeting that have appeared in Public Administration Review, outlines some of the major changes in budgeting that have occurred since those authors wrote, and, based on those changes, offers a research agenda for the next set of budget classics.
The Deterrence Hypothesis Reexamined: Sports Participation and Substance Use among Young Adults:

The widely held notion that sports participation reduces subsequent risk of substance use is evaluated with longitudinal data of a representative sample of youth when they were in their preteen and young adult years. Unlike previous inquiries into the deterrence hypothesis, the present study controls for other major factors previously found to be predictive of alcohol and drug use. Results of analyses revealed that contrary to the deterrence hypothesis, playing high school sports does not appear to be a protective factor that lowers one's involvement in young adult alcohol or drug use – with one exception. Subgroup analyses revealed that among blacks, the greater the extent of high school sports participation the less the risk of substance use. In direct contradiction to the deterrence hypothesis, playing high school sports was found to be positively associated with alcohol use for whites, even in the context of other major predictors of alcohol use. Further analyses revealed that the positive association...
To induce or not to induce: a 21st century evaluation of lung transplant immunosuppression's effect on survival

Introduction The impact of induction immunosuppression on long-term survival in lung transplant recipients remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the effect of contemporary induction immunosuppression agents in lung transplant recipients’ survival, utilizing national registry data. Methods We queried the United Network for Organ Sharing registry from 2001 to 2012 for adult, deceased donor lung transplants who received no antibody-based induction (NONE) or the contemporary agents of basiliximab, alemtuzumab, thymoglobulin, antilymphocyte globulin, or antithymocyte globulin (INDUCED). Kaplan–Meier estimates of the survival and Cox proportional hazards models assessed differences in overall survival between the INDUCED and NONE groups; logistic regression models assessed differences in survival and rejection (TR1Y). Results There were 23 951 lung transplants performed with 12 858 meeting the inclusion criteria; 5713 (44%) were INDUCED. Of INDUCED agents, 62% were basiliximab and 14% alemtuzumab. Being INDUCED significantly increased overall survival (p < 0.0001). Median INDUCED survival was 71.3 months (confidence interval [CI]: 65.7–75.5) as compared with 63.2 months (CI: 60.1–65.9). Of INDUCED, both basiliximab and alemtuzumab had higher median survival times at 75.1 months (CI: 68.6–81.3) and 75.5 months (CI: 63.5–∞), respectively. There was less TR1Y in INDUCED patients (37%), as compared to NONE (42%; p < 0.0001). Conclusion In a contemporary analysis of lung transplant recipients, induction immunosuppression has a significantly positive effect on survival.
A μ+μ- Quantum Collider using Novel Crystal-Based Accelerator Components

We outline a concept of a 250 × 250 GeV μ+ μ- collider that uses bent crystals for beam confinement and steering instead of conventional magnets. The collider ring is based on a novel bending-focusing crystal cell. Beam optics of the proposed model cell has all the features of the alterating gradient FODO cell. Furthermore, alternating (horizontal-vertical) focusing provides unique betatron phase stability in both planes, while bending of particle trajectories due to crystal curvature is fully achromatic. We also explore the ionization energy loss of channeling muons interacting with the electron gas in a crystal channel as a possible cooling mechanism. Finally, a use of low Z binary crystals (such as LiF) for final focus at the interaction point is proposed. Bringing the μ+μ- into collision inside a crystal channel results in quantum confinement at the collision point. For such a collider the number of required μ± may be very low (~108μ per pulse), so that this collider has few problems from μ → e backgrounds or heating, which is a virtue of paramount importance. A low intensity hadronic μ± source (p + A → π → μ) can be utilized provided that an effective method of fast muon cooling is used. For example, the use of frictional cooling for low energy μ± beams could initially reduce the longitudinal phase–space, before the final transverse cooling is applied. Here, we outline such a "crystal cooler" that explores ionization energy loss in the ultrastrong focusing environment of a crystal channel. Employing all the above-mentioned novel crystal-based accelerator components, a possible luminosity of about 1032 cm-2 sec-1, is estimated for the proposed quantum collider. We also discuss a list of problems one needs to solve in order to make such a collider a real possibility.
Variation and phylogeny of the triploid cultivated potato Solanum chaucha Juz. et. Buk. based on RAPD and isozyme markers.

Ninety four accessions of the cultivated triploid potatoS. chaucha were analyzed and classified in genotypic groups using 9 isozyme loci and RAPD markers disclosed by 20 arbitrary 10-mer primers. Eight isozyme loci out of nine were polymorphic. A total of 22 allozymes were analyzed but none of them were specific for any genotypic group. About half (52%) of the 102 RAPD markers scored, were polymorphic, all of them showing polymorphism among groups and rarely within groups. Eighteen RAPD markers were specific for certain genotypes. The isozyme markers showed a certain amount of intra group variation which made classification less reliable than with RAPD markers. A total of 10 triploid genetic groups were discriminated using both techniques together. A single primer was found to be sufficient to distinguish all 10 groups. All varieties of a single group are considered to have been derived from the same cross and then clonally propagated, even though there is a high amount of morphological variation within a single genotypic group due probably to somatic mutations. RAPD markers have been shown to be more reliable in the classification of triploid potato varieties than other genetic markers like isozymes, proteins and morphological traits.
Effects of External Enzymes on the Fermentation of Soybean Hulls to Generate Lipids by Mortierella isabellina

Hydrolytic enzymes were evaluated on the lipid accumulation via an oleaginous fungal species, Mortierella isabellina, cultivated on sugars released from soybean hulls. The weight loss of soybean hull, fungal growth, and lipid production were tested under different loads of hydrolytic enzymes. M. isabellina could not directly utilize cellulose and adding cellulase and β-glucosidase significantly increased the cell growth and oil accumulation of M. isabellina on soybean hulls. The highest weight loss of soybean hulls was 47.80 % and the lipid production reached 0.14 g from 1 g of soybean hull when 12 U cellulase, 27.2 U β-glucosidase, 2,278.56 U pectinase, and 15 U hemicellulase were added. Fatty acids (76.82 %) accumulated in M. isabellina were C16 and C18, which are suitable for biodiesel production. These results provide a new application for soybean hulls to be applied as the raw material for the production of biodiesel fuel, besides its traditional role as animal feed supplements.
Strange Kinetics of the C2H6 + CN Reaction Explained†

In this paper, we employ state of the art quantum chemical and transition state theory methods in making a priori kinetic predictions for the abstraction reaction of CN with ethane. This reaction, which has been studied experimentally over an exceptionally broad range of temperature (25−1140 K), exhibits an unusually strong minimum in the rate constant near 200 K. The present theoretical predictions, which are based on a careful consideration of the two distinct transition state regimes, quantitatively reproduce the measured rate constant over the full range of temperature, with no adjustable parameters. At low temperatures, the rate-determining step for such radical−molecule reactions involves the formation of a weakly bound van der Waals complex. At higher temperatures, the passage over a subthreshold saddle point on the potential energy surface, related to the formation and dissolution of chemical bonds, becomes the rate-determining step. The calculations illustrate the changing importance of the two t...
Finite Element Formulation for Static Shape Control of a Thin Euler-Bernoulli Beam Using Piezoelectric Actuators

The main component of future space satellites will be an ultra-large, ultra-low mass aperture for high bandwidth communication or high quality imaging from on-orbit. Such an aperture will require an extremely high surface precision tolerance in order to be effective, especially for imaging purposes. Such tight surface precision tolerances dictate the use of an active control scheme to enable tight control of the shape of the aperture. Further, by integrating an active control scheme during the fabrication process, the aperture will become multi-functional and enable many scientific endeavors. One possible method for analyzing ultra-flexible space structures is through the use of the finite element method. Although many commercial packages are available, careful design of a tailored finite element solver can reveal important information about the system, such as where sensors should be placed on the structure. As an illustrative example, this work formulates the weak form of the equation of motion governing the dynamics of a cantilevered, Euler-Bernoulli beam. In particular, static shape control will be implemented on such a beam using a mathematically formulated LQR controller.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Inhibition of miR-34b and miR-34c enhances α-synuclein expression in Parkinson's disease

Mounting evidence suggests that microRNA (miR) dysregulation contributes to neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). MiR-34b and miR-34c have been previously shown to be down-regulated in the brains of patients with PD. Here, we demonstrate that miR-34b and miR-34c repress the expression of α-synuclein (α-syn), a key protein in PD pathogenesis. Inhibition of miR-34b and miR-34c expression in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells increased α-syn levels and stimulated aggregate formation. Additionally, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3′-UTR of α-syn was found to lower the miR-34b-mediated repression of the protein. Our results suggest that down-regulation of miR-34b and miR-34c in the brain, as well as an SNP in the 3′-UTR of α-syn can increase α-syn expression, possibly contributing to PD pathogenesis.
The expression of wingless and Engrailed in developing embryos of the mayfly Ephoron leukon (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae)

The expression of the segment polarity genes wingless (wg) and engrailed (en) is highly conserved across arthropods, and these genes play a crucial role in patterning of the segmental body plan. Investigations of the expression and function of wg and en have focused primarily upon holometabolous insects, with the notable exception of recent detailed work in Oncopeltus (Hemiptera), Schistocerca, and Gryllus (Orthoptera). An increase in the phylogenetic breadth of our understanding of molecular patterning is crucial to ascertain the extent of conservation and divergence in molecular patterning mechanisms during insect embryogenesis. We examined the expression of wg mRNA transcripts and localization of En protein during embryogenesis in the mayfly Ephoron leukon (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae). These data represent one of the first embryonic gene expression pattern data for a mayfly, a lineage that may be the sister group to all other winged insects. Many aspects of wg and En expression are highly conserved, notably their expression in juxtaposed stripes in each parasegment, as well as expression domains in the procephalon, mouthparts, thoracic limbs, and nervous system. Future work in mayflies can be used to determine if conservation extends to other components of the segmentation hierarchy.
Electronic relaxation observed in Mössbauer hyperfine spectra of Tm metal

Hyperfine seectra observed with the Mossbauer effect in Tm metal can be explained by an electronic relaxation mechanism. In contrast to an earlier analysis which assumed the fast relaxation limit, the present interpretation is based on a simpler picture and accounts for the spectra well throughout the entire temperature range from helium temperatures to room temperature.
Zinc diffusion in InAsP/InGaAs heterostructures

A systematic study of the sealed ampoule diffusion of zinc into epitaxially grown InP, In0.53Ga0.47As, In0.70Ga0.30As, In0.82Ga0.18As, and through the InAsP/InGaAs interface is presented. Diffusion depths were measured using cleave-and-stain techniques, electrochemical profiling, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The diffusion coefficients, \(D = D_o e^{ - E_a /kT} \), were derived. For InP, D0=4.82 × 10−2cm2/sec and Ea=1.63 eV and for In0.53Ga0.47As, D0=2.02 × 104cm2/sec and Ea=2.63 eV. Diffusion into the heteroepitaxial structures used in the fabrication of planar PIN photodiodes is dominated by the effects of the InP/InGaAs interface.
Irrigated mountain meadow fertilizer application timing effects on overland flow water quality.

Nonpoint-source pollution from agricultural activities is currently the leading cause of degradation of waterways in the United States. Applying best management practices to flood-irrigated mountain meadows may improve agricultural runoff and return flow water quality. Prior research has focused on fertilizer use for increased hay yields, while few studies have investigated the environmental implications of this practice. We examined the effects of fertilizer application timing on overland flow water quality from an irrigated mountain meadow near Gunnison, Colorado. Application of 40 kg phosphorus (P) and 19 kg nitrogen (N) ha -1 using monoammonium phosphate (11-52-0, N-P-K) fertilizer to plots in the fall significantly reduced concentrations of reactive P and ammonium N in irrigation overland flow compared with early or late spring fertilization. Reactive P loading was 9 to almost 16 times greater when fertilizer was applied in the early or late spring, respectively, compared with in the fall. Ammonium N followed a similar trend with early spring loading more than 18 times greater and late spring loading more than 34 times greater than loads from fall-fertilized plots. Losses of 45% of the applied P and more than 17% of the N were measured in runoff when fertilizer was applied in the late spring. These results, coupled with those from previous studies, suggest that mountain meadow hay producers should apply fertilizer in the fall, especially P-based fertilizers, to improve hay yields, avoid economic losses from loss of applied fertilizers, and reduce the potential for impacts to water quality.
Photolithographic Synthesis of Peptoids

We describe a novel photolithographic approach to the synthesis of peptoids (oligo-N-substituted glycines). This strategy enables the construction of a spatially addressable peptoid microarray, thus providing a potentially powerful tool for the discovery of protein ligands.
Oculomotor Abnormalities in Boys With Tourette Syndrome With and Without ADHD

ABSTRACT Objective To assess saccadic eye movements in boys with Tourette syndrome (TS) with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), comparing performance with that of an age-matched group of male controls. Method Three different saccade tasks (prosaccades, antisaccades, and memory-guided saccades) were used to examine functions necessary for the planning and execution of eye movements, including motor response preparation, response inhibition, and working memory. The study included 14 boys with TS without ADHD (TS-only), 11 boys with TS and ADHD (TS+ADHD), and 10 male controls. Results Latency of prosaccades was prolonged in boys with TS (both with and without ADHD) compared with controls. Variability in prosaccade latency was greater in the groups of boys with TS+ADHD compared with both the TS-only and control groups. Response inhibition errors on both the antisaccade task (directional errors) and memory-guided saccade task (anticipatory errors) were increased in boys with TS+ADHD compared with those with TS-only. There were no significant differences among the three groups in accuracy of memory-guided saccades. Conclusions Oculomotor findings suggest that TS is associated with delay in initiation of motor response as evidenced by excessive latency on prosaccades. Signs of impaired response inhibition and variability in motor response appear to be associated with the presence of ADHD.
Failure of early intensive chemotherapy to improve prognosis in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia.

The ability of intensive therapy, early in remission, to improve prognosis in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia was tested in a randomized study. The intensive treatment included cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m2 IV weekly × 4) and Adriamycin (40 mg/m2 IV weeks 1 and 3). These drugs were not utilized during the induction or continuation phases of therapy. Treatment groups were similar with respect to patient age, sex, initial white cell count, and leukemic cell immunologic phenotype. Sixteen of 28 children who received the intensive phase of treatment relapsed, and one died in remission (pneumocystis pneumonia); 14/26 children who did not receive the intensive phase of treatment relapsed, and one died in remission (malignant histiocytosis). Times and sites of relapse were similar in both groups. Pneumocystis pneumonia (three cases) and herpes zoster (two cases) occurred only in children who received the intensive phase of treatment. In this study and in previously published reports, an early intensive phase of therapy did not improve prognosis in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia who also received three-drug induction therapy, central nervous system prophylaxis, and continuation therapy with two or more agents.
A dual-reciprocity boundary element method for evaluating bulk convective transport of surfactant in free-surface flows

Abstract We present a dual-reciprocity boundary element method (DRBEM) to investigate bulk surfactant transport dynamics in a free-surface flow system under steady-state conditions. This free-surface flow system consists of semi-infinite bubble progression in a rigid axisymmetric capillary tube. Once adsorbed to the air–liquid interface with a surface concentration Γ, surfactant alters the interfacial surface tension γ. As the interfacial stress balance, which governs the fluid mechanics, is a function of γ, a strong coupling exists between surfactant transport dynamics and the fluid mechanics (physicochemical hydrodynamics). To model this problem over a range of bulk concentrations, C , the bulk convective/diffusive transport of surfactant to the interface must be calculated. In this paper, DRBEM is used to simulate the bulk convection–diffusion relationship while the boundary element method (BEM) is used to solve Stokes flow, and a finite-difference method is used to solve the surface transport equation under steady-state conditions. A nonlinear Langmuir adsorption model is used to determine the surfactant equation of state γ= f (Γ). The validity of the DRBEM is first demonstrated by comparing computational and analytical solutions for a test problem. Next, the computational algorithm is used to calculate the bulk concentration field surrounding the bubble as a function of the far-downstream quantity of surfactant, C o , and its influence on interfacial dynamics. These profiles clearly demonstrate the importance of accurately calculating the bulk concentration field under moderate C o conditions. In addition, the variation of mechanical properties of this system as a function of C o indicates that the interfacial pressure jump can be significantly larger when the bulk transport of surfactant to the interface is limited.
Male/male sex in Hong Kong: Privacy, please?

In August 2005, the age of consent for male/male sexual activity in Hong Kong was held to be arbitrarily and discriminatorily targeting gay men and thus in violation of an individual’s right to privacy and his right of equality on the basis of sexual orientation. While the decision has since been affirmed on appeal, it has been argued that judicial recourse to equality rights where privacy rights would have sufficed for the provisions to be struck down was a misguided, if not mistaken, effort that merely reinforced the stereotype that gay men are “hypersexualized” and was a setback for the gay rights movement in Hong Kong. This article examines whether the argument is a well-founded one and discusses the implications of confining a man’s right to have consensual sex with another man to his privacy rights alone.
The treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma with high dose, intravenous cyclophosphamide

Abstract Twenty-six patients with Stage III or IV ovarian carcinoma have been treated with high dose, intravenous, pulsatile cyclophosphamide. An initial objective response of 88% has been achieved. Several patients who have had second look operations have been free of disease at that time and have remained so.
Angular distribution of gamma rays resulting from polarized 124Sb, 192Ir and 194Ir

Abstract A 3He-4He dilution refrigerator coupled with adiabatic demagnization has been used to polarize 124Sb, 192Ir and 194Ir dissolved in an iron foil. The angular distributions of the emitted γ-rays are measured. The magnitude of the 124Sb magnetic moment is determined to be ±(1.42±0.1) μN. The angular momentum carried off in many of the β-decays and a number of γ-decay mixing ratios in the daughter nuclei are reported. These results include the observation that 67 ± 12 % of the 2313 keV 124Sb β-rays carry off 2 units of angular momentum, an unusually large proportion. Also, in the 2091 keV E1 γ-rays of 124Te, there is a 0.07±0.03 M2 amplitude admixture.
Contracts, Vouchers, and Child Care Subsidy Stability: A Preliminary Look at Associations between Subsidy Payment Mechanism and Stability of Subsidy Receipt

Background The federal child care subsidy program, funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), is the nation’s largest public investment in early child care. However, little is known about whether and how subsidy payment mechanisms relate to the stability of subsidy receipt or the stability of children’s care arrangements.
Volume selective detection by weighted averaging of constant tip angle scans.

We propose a method to improve the sensitivity in volume selective detection based on the CARVE excitation sequence (I. Sersa and S. Macura, J. Magn. Reson. 135, 466-477 (1998)) which consists of signal acquisition with constant tip angle excitation and a short phase-encoding gradient pulse. Volume selectivity is achieved using the weighted average of a number of scans whose weights and gradient steps are determined by the shape of the excitation profile. The method is particularly useful for broadband volume selective detection of insensitive spins where the volume selection can be merged with the standard signal averaging process, without compromising the excitation bandwidth or sensitivity.
Defect-induced topological order-to-disorder transitions in two-dimensional binary substitutional solid solutions: A molecular dynamics study

The crystal to glass transition is investigated in two-dimensional Lennard-Jones random binary substitutional solid solutions using constant temperature and pressure molecular dynamics simulation. We find that defects generated by atomic size disorder are mainly dislocations and dislocation complexes. They are responsible for crystalline phase instability. The nature of the transition is shown to be determined by defect properties such as formation energy and density, and by kinetic constraints. We observe a continuous transition from crystal to glass with an intermediate hexatic phase characterized by short-range translational order and quasi-long-range orientational order. The implication of these results for melting and solid state amorphization is discussed.