cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyguanidines inhibit peroxynitrite-induced oxidation

Abstract Hydroxyguanidines (OHGs), including the endogenously formed NG-hydroxy- l -arginine (OH-arg), can react with nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in vitro. Therefore, we have tested OHGs and related compounds for their ability to scavenge peroxynitrite and to protect against peroxynitrite-induced oxidative processes in cells. Hydroxyguanidine, NG-hydroxy- l -arginine and other N-substituted OHGs, dose-dependently inhibited the in vitro oxidation of dihydrorhodamine (DHR) by peroxynitrite (PN), with similar or better efficacy than glutathione or cysteine. Amidoximes, aminoguanidines and O-substituted OHGs were less effective, and guanidines were without effect. In contrast to their effects on DHR oxidation, OHGs exerted only minimal inhibitory effects on the hydroxylation of benzoate by PN, suggesting that OHGs do not react with the activated isomer of peroxynitrous acid. Selected compounds were tested for protection against PN-induced suppression of mitochondrial respiration and protein oxidation in cultured J774 murine macrophages. Aminoguanidines afforded some protection against the effects of PN, but substituted-phenyl OHGs were considerably more effective. Analysis of the products of the reaction of 4-methoxybenzyl-OHG with PN showed rapid formation of nitrosated derivatives, as well as 4-methoxybenzylcyanamide and a small amount of 4-methoxybenzylurea. Nitric oxide and nitrous oxide were also evolved, but indirectly, arising from the decomposition of one of the nitrosation products. The current results demonstrate that hydroxyguanidines react with PN to protect cells against PN-mediated injury and may be more effective than the endogenous antioxidants cysteine and glutathione.
Structure-based prediction of protein activity changes: Assessing the impact of single residue replacements

A computational mutagenesis methodology founded upon a structure-dependent and knowledge-based four-body statistical potential is utilized in generating feature vectors that characterize over 8500 individual amino acid substitutions occurring in seven proteins, each mutant having been experimentally ascertained for its relative effect on native protein activity. The proteins are diverse with respect to host organism (viral, bacterial, human) and function (enzymatic, nucleic acid binding, signaling), the structures span all four major SCOP classifications, and the mutations occur at positions well distributed throughout the seven structures. Implementation of the random forest algorithm, for classifying mutant activity as either unaffected or affected relative to the native protein, yields 84% accuracy based on tenfold cross-validation. A freely available online server for obtaining predictions with the trained model, which also displays 84% accuracy on an independent test set of mutants, is available at http://proteins.gmu.edu/automute/AUTO-MUTE_Activity.html
Evaluation of dynamic modulus of typical asphalt mixtures in Northeast US Region

This paper is based on the experimental results from the New England Transportation Consortium project titled “Establishing Default Dynamic Modulus Values for New England”. The dynamic modulus (|E*|) test results for 20 different dense-graded hot mix asphalt mixtures from five states in the Northeast US Region were compared with predicted |E*| values from Andrei-Witczak and Hirsch models as well as ENTPE transformation. The factors influencing measured |E*| values and prediction errors were also evaluated. The results showed that binder grade, air voids, and presence of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) significantly affect |E*| values of asphalt mixtures. Statistical analysis of |E*| predictions revealed a similar level of underestimation produced by the three models over the high temperatures)>40°C). However, at medium and low temperatures (<25°C) the ENTPE transformation clearly outperforms two other models by yielding on average very small errors.
Visualizing distributed memory computations with hive plots

A hive plot is a network layout algorithm that uses a parallel coordinate plot in which axes are radially arranged and node position is based on structural properties of that node [8]. We apply hive plots to message-passing communication networks formed by different high performance computing applications at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Hive plots have advantages over common network visualization methods, abandoning the popular "hairballs" of force-directed network layouts and opting instead for a tunable, repeatable, and interpretable view of network-theoretic properties. Small multiples of these hive plots, called hive panels, are analyzed to suggest which properties contribute to accurate classification of application behavior for anomaly detection in high performance computing environments.
Near-tetraploidy in childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a highly specific feature of ETV6/RUNX1-positive leukemic cases

Near-tetraploidy (82-94 chromosomes) makes up fewer than 1% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases and has been reportedly associated with a possibly poorer prognosis compared with other ploidy groups. We analyzed 783 patients enrolled in the ALL-BFM-Austria 86, -90, -95, -99/2000 and Interfant-Austria 99 trials in order to assess its incidence, biological characteristics, and prognostic relevance. Twelve of 783 patients (1.5%) had a near-tetraploid ALL. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that eight of the nine B-cell precursor (BCP) cases and none of the three T-cell ALL cases had an ETV6/RUNX1 rearrangement. After a median follow-up of 11.4 years, none of the patients has relapsed or died. Thus, near-tetraploidy appears to be a specific feature of ETV6/RUNX1+ BCP ALL cases that in turn may explain its excellent outcome.
On the essential spectrum of an arbitrary operator. I

For a self-adjoint operator A in Hilbert space, a spectral singularity is said to be in the essential spectrum of A if it is not an isolated eigenvalue of finite multiplicity (cf. Wolf [I]). S ome authors refer to it as a limit point of the spectrum (cf. [2, Section 1331). In 1909 H. Weyl [3] proved that the addition of a symmetric, completely continuous operator to A does not affect the essential spectrum. When A is not self-adjoint (but just assumed to be closed and densely defined in an arbitrary Banach space), there are several possible definitions for the essential spectrum. In analogy with Weyl’s theorem, one would like it to be invariant under arbitrary compact perturbations. The definition given above is not suitable in this respect. On the one hand some operators have point eigenvalues which are not isolated and are carried into the resolvent under a compact perturbation. On the other, there are isolated eigenvalues of finite multiplicity which remain invariant under any compact perturbation. To avoid this difficulty, Wolf [l, 41 changed the requirement that the eigenvalue h be isolated in order not to be in the essential spectrum to the requirement that the range R(A A) of A A be closed and have finite codimension. For a self-adjoint operator the two definitions are equivalent. This definition has the advantage that Weyl’s theorem generalizes, i.e., that an arbitrary compact perturbation leaves the essential spectrum unchanged. J. Schwartz [5] has given a definition equivalent to that of Wolf. The essentia1 spectrum given by this definition will be denotes by ocw(A).
Testosterone determinations in lines of chickens selected for differential mating frequency

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between plasma testosterone titers and mating behavior in lines of chickens that had undergone bidirectional selection for high and low mating frequency and in the unselected population from which the selected lines originated. Plasma testosterone (T) concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay procedures. Also measured were packed blood cell volumes (PCV) and two behaviors, courtship and completed matings. Significant differences were found among lines for all measures with the high mating line ranking above the low mating line and the unselected control line being intermediate to the selected lines for all measures. Also found was a positive correlated response of plasma T titers to selection for the cumulative number of completed matings.
A further note on a diffusion problem with chemical reaction

The problem of chemical reaction in an isothermal liminar-flow tubular reactor has been studied by Lauwerier for a first order irreversible reaction. The analysis of Lauwerier is extented in this work to include the case of consecutive irreversible first order reactions. Also the important numerical parameters have been calculated and are tabulated in this paper.
Circadian patterns of cortisol, prolactin, and growth hormonal secretion during bingeing and vomiting in normal weight bulimic patients

Women who are of normal weight and have bulimia nervosa exhibit multiple neuroendocrine disturbances. We hypothesized that bingeing and vomiting behavior could be contributory because food consumption in healthy volunteers increases plasma cortisol and prolactin secretion and suppresses growth hormone secretion. Thus, we investigated the effects of bingeing and vomiting on the circadian pattern (measurements every 20 min for 24 hr) of these hormones in comparison to healthy control women eating normally. Bingeing and vomiting were associated with modest increases in cortisol and prolactin and reductions in growth hormone secretion. However, this bingeing or purging did not alter mean 24-hr pattern of cortisol and growth hormone secretion as values for bulimics were similar to controls. While mean daytime patterns of prolactin secretion were similar in bulimics and controls, bulimic patients had a significant reduction of nocturnal prolactin levels. In summary, bingeing and vomiting does not appear to have a substantial influence on hormonal secretion. However, bulimic women have blunted nocturnal prolactin patterns.
Dynamics of lytic virus infecting the photosynthetic marine picoflagellate Micromonas pusilla

The impact of Micromonas pusilla virus (MpV) on Micromonas pusilla was inferred from measurements of the abundance of MpV, the kinetics of MpV adsorption to host cells, and the estimated in situ decay rate of MpV infectivity. The viral production rate was calculated to balance the estimated in situ decay rate of MpV infectivity. In inshore water of the Texas coast, the abundance of infective MpV was high and decreased from 1.3 x 10 5 ml -1 in January 1993 to 2.1 x 10 3 ml -1 at the end ofApril 1993. Decay rates of MpV infectivity in seawater incubated in the dark ranged from 0.06 d -1 at 4°C to 0.09 d -1 at 25°C. In unattenuated sunlight, decay rates of infectivity were much higher, ranging from 6.9 to 7.1 d -1 . Sunlight-mediated decay rate of viral infectivity was depth-dependent, with an attenuation coefficient estimated to equal 0.73 m -1 . The MpV production rate was 0.79 d -1 , equal to a turnover time of 1.3 d. MpV abundance changed slowly relative to its turnover time, suggesting a stable coexistence of M. pusilla and the lytic virus. The adsorption coefficient for MpV-SPI and host strain Plymouth 27 was 1.40 x 10 -9 ml min -1 . Using this coefficient, we calculated that from 2 to 10% of the M. pusilla population was lysed per day (avg, 4.4% d -1 ). These results suggest that lysis of phytoplankton by viruses is a process that needs to be incorporated into models of nutrient and energy cycling in aquatic food webs.
OPTIMIZATION OF PARAMETRIC YIELD: A TUTORIAL

Yield loss can be characterized as either catastrophic or parametric. Catastrophic yield loss is primarily due to local disturbances, such as spot defects, that occur in a manufacturing process. On the other hand, parametric yield loss is due to global disturbances, such as mask misalignment. In this paper we briefly explore these two different types of yield loss and then review some methods that have been developed to maximize parametric yield.
Control of Protein Synthesis and Its Relationship to the Bioenergetics of Growth

A key goal of nutritional therapies designed to prevent or treat protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is achievement of adequate growth rates and thus positive balances of protein and energy. Positive protein balance is the net result of protein turnover, i.e., of recycling protein through energy-requiring anabolic and catabolic pathways. Thus, protein turnover is inexorably linked to energy metabolism and to energy balance. A long-standing hypothesis is that new tissue synthesis is predominantly a postprandial event. Thus, postprandial rates of protein turnover may regulate the bioenergetics of growth. Traditional methods to evaluate nutritional therapies for diarrhea and PEM, i.e., metabolic balance, 15N-labeled amino acids, fecal output, illness duration, or change in body weight, are not specific to studies of the regulation of acute protein turnover and growth by nutritional intervention. Newer techniques based on 13C-labeled amino acids should be applied to evaluate nutritional interventions such as dietary substrate ratios, protein quality, feeding frequencies, or ratios of dietary protein to energy in terms of their abilities to optimize postprandial protein turnover and thus nutritional management of diarrhea or PEM.
Absence of Debye sheaths due to secondary electron emission.

A bounded plasma where the hot electrons impacting the walls produce more than one secondary on average is studied via particle-in-cell simulation. It is found that no classical Debye sheath or space-charge limited sheath exists. Ions are not drawn to the walls and electrons are not repelled. Hence the unconfined plasma electrons travel unobstructed to the walls, causing extreme particle and energy fluxes. Each wall has a positive charge, forming a small potential barrier or "inverse sheath" that pulls some secondaries back to the wall to maintain the zero current condition.
SUGGESTED BOSON - LEPTON PAIR COUPLINGS AND THE ANOMALOUS MAGNETIC MOMENT OF THE MUON

The contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon due to possible couplings of scalar and vector bosons to lepton pairs are calculated to second order. From the results obtained and the comparison between the experimental and theoretical values of $\frac{1}{2}{(g\ensuremath{-}2)}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$, we find new stringent tests of several theories which have been recently put forward.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Hydroxyapatite Crystallization with Biomimetic Precursor Design Considerations

The objective of this paper is to present a hydroxyapatite synthesis biomimetic precursor paradigm and evaluate four precursor systems against its criteria. Thermodynamic modeling was used as a method of evaluation. The system that best fit the paradigm was experimentally validated by synthesizing inorganic powders over a range of reaction conditions and characterizing the reaction products through X-ray diffraction. The Ca(C2H3O2)2−K3PO4−H2O system was found to best fit the paradigm and was effective in synthesizing hydroxyapatite as predicted by the yield diagram. On the basis of the findings of this diagram and its validation, it appears that thermodynamics largely governs the synthesis of hydroxyapatite in all these systems, making these equilibrium diagrams valuable for future research on hydroxyapatite crystallization.
Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of PKCδ immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system

Protein kinase C (PKC) is one of the major cellular signal transduction systems. Since at least nine different PKC isoenzymes have been described, the purpose of the present studies was to identify the regional, cellular, and subcellular distributions of PKC delta in the rat central nervous system (CNS) by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. We have found that PKC delta immunoreactivity is present in all major subdivisions of the rat CNS. Within each of the subdivisions, PKC delta immunoreactivity is localized to perikarya that monitor sensory and motor functions. More specifically, PKC delta is found in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, lateral septum, thalamus, vestibular and cochlear nuclei, inferior olive, nucleus of the solitary tract, cerebellum, and superficial layers of the dorsal horn in the spinal cord. In most cases, the distribution of this isoenzyme is distinct from that of the conventional isoforms. Within the CNS, PKC delta is localized primarily in neurons; however, neurons of the same type are not uniformly labeled. This is most evident in the cerebellum, where alternating columns of Purkinje cells are immunostained. While PKC delta is prominent in perikarya, occasional immunostaining is seen in dendrites, fibers or axons, and nerve terminal. Electron microscopic analysis of the posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus reveals that the cell nucleus, the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the plasma membrane are all immunopositive. Since each of the PKC subspecies may have different substrate, lipid, and other co-factor requirements, the regional, cellular, and subcellular distribution of each of these isoforms should help to define their functional environments.
Arguing to Learn in Science: The Role of Collaborative, Critical Discourse

Argument and debate are common in science, yet they are virtually absent from science education. Recent research shows, however, that opportunities for students to engage in collaborative discourse and argumentation offer a means of enhancing student conceptual understanding and students' skills and capabilities with scientific reasoning. As one of the hallmarks of the scientist is critical, rational skepticism, the lack of opportunities to develop the ability to reason and argue scientifically would appear to be a significant weakness in contemporary educational practice. In short, knowing what is wrong matters as much as knowing what is right. This paper presents a summary of the main features of this body of research and discusses its implications for the teaching and learning of science.
Optical fibre magnetic field sensors

A class of high sensitivity fibre-optic magnetic sensors has been developed and successfully tested in the laboratory for the first time. The magnetic sensors employ magnetostrictive jacketing materials in conjunction with conventional single-mode optical fibres. An all-fibre Mach-Zender interferometer was used to detect the magnetically induced changes in optical path length which arise because of strains transferred to the fibre from the magnetostrictive jacket.
PID16: COST BURDEN OF VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS INFECTION IN A MANAGED CARE SETTING

Although information exists in the form of projected costs, limited data are available on the overall cost of illness resulting from varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. VZV is usually a benign childhood illness, but reactivation of latent VZV can lead to serious complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess via medical claims the costs associated with VZV infection and its resultant complications from the payers' perspective. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective database analysis of 73,869 managed care members continuously enrolled throughout calendar year 1999. Records of members with a diagnosis code of either primary varicella (ICD9-052) or herpes zoster (ICD-053) were selected. Data was extracted and cost information was tallied for all medical claims including inpatient hospitalizations, primary care visits, specialist visits, emergency department visits, and specialty procedures. Cost data are reported in 1999 US dollars. RESULTS: In 1999, a total of 119 patients were diagnosed with varicella (52%) and herpes zoster (48%). The mean cost to the payer was $496.77/patient. The average amount paid out for members with varicella was $181.87. The average cost per member with herpes zoster was $786.27. Sixty-two (52%) VZV afflicted members were diagnosed with varicella while 57 were diagnosed with herpes zoster. The amount paid for members over age 19 (n = 56) was $640.30/patient. Of these patients, 14% were classified with varicella infection, whereas 86% were classified as having zoster. For members aged <19 (n = 63), the mean amount paid was $369.18/patient. In this group, 78% were diagnosed with varicella infection, whereas 22% were diagnosed with zoster. CONCLUSION: The above costs document for the first time the true cost of VZV infection from the payers' perspective. Further efforts to expand vaccination programs should take these costs into consideration.
Penetration of interannual planetary waves across a gyre boundary

Abstract The penetration of planetary waves across a southern boundary of a subtropical gyre is investigated with emphasis on the effects of a zonally varying thermocline structure and circulation. A two-layer planetary geostrophic model is used. The governing equation is quasi-linear and is solved analytically by the method of characteristics. It is found that the zonal variation of the thermocline structure alters both the effective β and the wave front orientation substantially. As a result, the wave penetration across a gyre boundary is changed significantly. The penetration differs for interfaces at different depths: for an interface near the surface, part of the waves penetrate into the equatorial region; for middle depths, most waves will be trapped within the subtropical gyre; in contrast, for deeper depths, all waves penetrate southward.
Nonverbal selective reminding test: Efficacy in the assessment of adults with temporal lobe epilepsy

Although the relationship of verbal memory tests to left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) has reportedly been well established, research on the relationship of nonverbal memory to right TLE (RTLE) has yielded mixed findings, thus bringing into question the clinical utility of nonverbal memory assessment. In the present study, we used a selective reminding procedure for nonverbal spatial material to control for procedural factors, such as verbal mediation, which may in part be the basis for these mixed findings. A sample of 39 LTLE patients and 33 RTLE patients were given both a test of verbal selective reminding (VSR) and a test of nonverbal selective reminding (NVSR) as part of a presurgical evaluation. Diagnosis of RTLE and LTLE was rendered after an extensive presurgical evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging, video-electroencephalography, the intracarotid sodium amytal procedure, and intracranial electrodes when necessary. Results obtained from the NVSR allowed better classification of patients than did VSR, yielding 40% above chance classification. More important, given impaired performance, the probability that a patient had RTLE was 0.70. VSR performance did not allow for classification significantly above chance levels. Although combining the resultsfrom the VSR and NVSR resulted in the best classification, the gain was minimal (72% vs. 70% for NVSR alone), particularly because 26 patients could not be classified. Our results support previous findings of a relationship between nonverbal memory performance and RTLE epilepsy but bring into question the unequivocal acceptance of an exclusive relationship of verbal memory to LTLE.
Entomopathogenic nematode (heterorhabditidae and steinernematidae) seasonal population dynamics and impact on insect populations in turfgrass

Abstract Understanding the ability of natural populations of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens to suppress prey populations is important in determining their potential as biological control agents. We measured the seasonal population dynamics of endemic entomopathogenic nematodes ( Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriphora ) in turfgrass and their effect on populations of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, larvae and mobile arthropods associated with the soil surface and thatch layer. Both nematode species were recovered in central New Jersey in samples collected from April to December. S. carpocapsae tended to be more prevalent in the plots (32.6 and 37.1% of sections) than H. bacteriophora (8.3 and 0.3% of sections). However, when only the positive sections were analyzed H. bacteriophora had a higher density (63.6 ± 49.3 nematodes/cm 2 ) than S. carpocapsae (17.0 ± 4.9 nematodes/cm 2 ). Sections with H. bacteriophora had significantly lower P. japonica densities compared to sections without nematodes (58.5 ± 20.2 compared to 112.7 ± 9.2 larvae/m 2 ). S. carpocapsae did not have a measurable impact on P. japonica populations. Mobile surface arthropods, as measured by pitfall catches, were higher in H. bacteriophora positive sections than in sections without nematodes. This difference was due to higher catches of Araneae and Lithobiomorpha. Mobile surface arthropod populations did not differ between sections with and without S. carpocapsae . The scope of H. bacteriophora′s impact on host populations is likely to be limited because of the nematodes patchy distribution.
Surface-based chondroblastoma of the tibia: a unique presentation

Background: Chondroblastoma is a benign tumor classically located within the epiphysis of the long bones. The tumor is believed to arise from immature cells of the epiphyseal plate. Purely metaphyseal or diaphyseal chondroblastoma is exceedingly uncommon, occurring in approximately 2 % of chondroblastoma cases. In all of these non-epiphyseal-based cases, the tumor has been intramedullary. Methods: We describe the histologic and imaging features of the first detailed description of a surface-based chondroblastoma. Results: The tumor was located in the anteromedial midshaft of the tibia in a 47-year-old male. Conclusion: We discuss the diagnostic considerations and possible etiology of chondroblastoma given this unusual location.
Risk for initiation of substance use as a function of age of onset of cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use: findings in a Midwestern female twin cohort.

Abstract Objective. We investigated whether use and early-onset use of cigarettes, alcohol and cannabis contributed an increase in risk for initiation of subsequent psychoactive substances in women ( N = 3729, mean age = 21.7). Methods. Drugs were ordered in ascending order of initiation: cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis and other illicit drugs, with early-onset use of each drug used as a time-varying covariate to predict initiation of subsequent drugs. Interactions of use and early-onset use, with age of initiation of subsequent drugs, were evaluated using discrete-time Cox survival analyses. Results. The association between each substance and the early-onset of subsequent drug use was strong (ORs 1.54–19.9). Women who initiated cigarette, alcohol or cannabis use at an early age were at elevated risk for early experimentation with each subsequent drug class. Furthermore, early-onset of more than one substance contributed greater risk for initiation of subsequent drugs. Conclusion. Prevention efforts should target risk factors that contribute to early initiation of cigarette and alcohol use and may subsequently correlate with hard drug involvement.
Rotorcraft control system design for uncertain vehicle dynamics using quantitative feedback theory

Quantitative Feedback Theory describes a frequency-domain technique for the design of multi-input, multi-output control systems which must meet time or frequency domain performance criteria when specified uncertainty exists in the linear description of the vehicle dynamics. This theory is applied to the design of the longitudinal flight control system for a linear model of the BO-105C rotorcraft. Uncertainty in the vehicle model is due to the variation in the vehicle dynamics over a range of airspeeds from 0-100 kts. For purposes of exposition, the vehicle description contains no rotor or actuator dynamics. The design example indicates the manner in which significant uncertainty exists in the vehicle model. The advantage of using a sequential loop closure technique to reduce the cost of feedback is demonstrated by example.
Induction by an hepatic carcinogen, 1-nitroso-5,6-dihydrouracil, of single and double strand breaks of liver DNA with rapid repair☆

Abstract The nitrosoureas derived from 3 naturally occurring ureides were administered to rats and the velocity sedimentation of hepatic DNA in alkaline and neutral sucrose gradients determined. The potent hepatocarcinogen 1-nitroso-5,6-dihydrouracil induced apparent double strand as well as single strand breaks in liver DNA within 30 minutes. This damage seemed to be repaired within 4 hours. In contrast, 1-nitrosohydantoin and δ-nitroso-L-citrulline, neither of which are known hepatocarcinogens, did not modify the velocity sedimentation of hepatic DNA.
An Empirically-based Statewide System for Identifying Quality Pre-Kindergarten Programs

This study presents an empirically-based statewide system that links information about pre-kindergarten programs with children’s school readiness scores to certify pre-kindergarten classrooms as promoting school readiness. Over 8,000 children from 1,255 pre-kindergarten classrooms were followed longitudinally for one year. Pre-kindergarten quality indicators of intentional instruction, an early literacy focus, and professional development were key predictors of kindergarten outcomes. A latent profile analysis identified pre-kindergarten classrooms that were high on pre-kindergarten quality indicators and high on kindergarten outcomes (67.3%), low on pre-kindergarten quality and kindergarten outcomes (21.3%), or low on quality but high on outcomes (11.4%). The last group of classrooms was likely to serve middle-class children and not use the state program model. This project demonstrates how a scientific approach can inform stakeholders and parents about the effectiveness of early childhood programs.
Approximate Confidence Limits for System Reliability

Abstract A method is presented for obtaining system confidence limits based on component test results. The technique consists of estimating the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimate of system reliability, equating this to the estimate of the variance in binomial sampling, and solving for and , the pseudo-numbers of system tests and successes. These are then substituted into the incomplete beta function and confidence limits obtained in the usual way for binomial sampling.
Radiation condition and scattering problem for time-harmonic acoustic waves in a stratified medium with a nonstratified inhomogeneity

In this paper, a generalized Sommerfeld radiation condition is presented for the scattering waves in a stratified medium with a nonstratified inhomogeneity. Using integral equation methods, the uniqueness and existence of the direct scattering problem are proved. Relations between the scattered acoustic waves in the far field and the sound profile of the inhomogeneity are obtained. Using these relations, the author proves three reciprocity relations between the free-wave far-field patterns and the guided-wave far-field pattern vectors corresponding to incident distorted plane waves and normal mode waves. Then conditions under which a set of far-field patterns is complete in a Hilbert space are determined using the reciprocity relation. These properties are important in investigating inverse scattering problems
Regulation of NF-κB activation in T cells via association of the adapter proteins ADAP and CARMA1

The adapter protein ADAP regulates T lymphocyte adhesion and activation. We present evidence for a previously unrecognized function for ADAP in regulating T cell receptor (TCR)–mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Stimulation of ADAP-deficient mouse T cells with antibodies to CD3 and CD28 resulted in impaired nuclear translocation of NF-κB, a reduced DNA binding, and delayed degradation and decreased phosphorylation of IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB). TCR-stimulated assembly of the CARMA1–BCL-10–MALT1 complex was substantially impaired in the absence of ADAP. We further identified a region of ADAP that is required for association with the CARMA1 adapter and NF-κB activation but is not required for ADAP-dependent regulation of adhesion. These findings provide new insights into ADAP function and the mechanism by which CARMA1 regulates NF-κB activation in T cells.
Detection of bacterial β-galactosidase activity in individual Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells by flow cytometry

A fluorogenic substrate and trapping reagent have been used to detect β-galactosidase activity expressed in S. cerevisiae from an Escherichia coli lacZ gene segment encoded on a recombinant plasmid. The measurement may be made in less than 1 msec using a flow cytometer, facilitating rapid experimental characterization of plasmid instability.
iv) Management of the spine in cerebral palsy

Abstract Cerebral palsy is the commonest cause of neuromuscular scoliosis. The effects of cerebral palsy scoliosis are to cause trunk decompensation and decrease sitting balance. These effects can often be ameliorated by orthotic management, but a small number of patients come to surgical treatment. The objectives of surgical treatment are to give the patient a balanced trunk over a level pelvis. In order to achieve this, in patients with large curvatures, it is often necessary to perform sequential anterior and posterior spinal surgery. This is a very major undertaking, and the multisystem effects of cerebral palsy must be taken into account when surgery is contemplated if good results are to be achieved with safety.
Management and Outcomes of Coronary Artery Perforation During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Coronary perforation is a particularly feared complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. The optimal management and predictors of adverse outcomes for these patients remain to be defined. Advances in management such as the use of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents have not been critically examined in terms of efficacy. We analyzed a cohort of patients who sustained coronary perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention at our institution during a 9-year period to examine the trends in incidence, management, and outcomes. The patient medical records were reviewed, and detailed angiographic analysis was undertaken to identify the predictors of adverse outcomes, including the development of tamponade, the requirement for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, and in-hospital death. One year of follow-up was attempted for all patients. Seventy-two cases of coronary perforation were identified, with an overall incidence of 0.19%. The perforation grade and presence of chronic renal insufficiency were the only predictors of mortality on multivariate regression analysis. The use of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents to manage perforations was not associated with any reduction in adverse outcomes, such as the development of tamponade, the need for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, or in-hospital death. In conclusion, coronary perforation remains a feared complication in the contemporary interventional era with significant in-hospital mortality. Emphasis should be placed on preventing this complication whenever possible, including exercising particular caution in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. The treatment of such patients should be tailored to the severity of the perforation. The optimal treatment of these patients needs to be defined, and the efficacy of covered stents needs to be studied prospectively.
COMBUSTION DYNAMICS IN A HIGH ASPECT RATIO ENGINE

A large eddy simulation (LES) based design tool for modeling rectangular cross-section, high aspect ratio (AR) combustors has been developed and tested against experimental results. The combustor is part of a miniature power generator in which a free piston fitted with permanent magnets is oscillated by the out-of-phase heat release from two opposed high AR combustors. This device is placed inside a permanent magnetic coil, where the pistom motion generates electric power. The combustor geometry is governed by the desire to mass-produce the device using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. Since ignition, flame propagation, heat losses, and quenching have been shown to be seriously affected by this combustor's geometry, standard design tools developed for low AR engines can not be used for these devices. Instead, LES methodology has been developed to address this. A wall heat transfer model is used for effectively handling the intense heat transfer in the system. The piston motion is treated by a Cartesian grid scheme. A miniaturized, high AR power generator in which the piston is moved by a single combustor and a spring was designed and built. The LES model provided significant guidance for the location of the inlet and exhaust ports during the design process. Comparison of the experimental results and predictions shows that flame behavior is well captured by the model, as are wall and exhaust temperatures. However, because mass losses between piston and cylinder were neglected and because the use of global kinetics did not permit the proper treatment of wall quenching, the model tends to overprechidt both pressure pulse frequency and amplitude, as well as work generated by the device. A more sophisticated treatment of combustion chemistry is expected to improve agreement between experimental results and the model.
Educated guesses and income distribution

Abstract The matching of jobs and workers depends on the level of knowledge in the economy. In this paper, a natural ‘threshold’ arises and hence there are two possible steady states asymptotically.
An approach for assessing RNA-seq quantification algorithms in replication studies

One way to gain a more comprehensive picture of the complex function of a cell is to study the transcriptome. A promising technology for studying the transcriptome is RNA sequencing, an application of which is to quantify elements in the transcriptome and to link quantitative observations to biology. Although numerous quantification algorithms are publicly available, no method of systematically assessing these algorithms has been developed. To meet the need for such an assessment, we present an approach that includes (1) simulated and real datasets, (2) three alignment strategies, and (3) six quantification algorithms. Examining the normalized root-mean-square error, the percentage error of the coefficient of variation, and the distribution of the coefficient of variation, we found that quantification algorithms with the input of sequence alignment reported in the transcriptomic coordinate usually performed better in terms of the multiple metrics proposed in this study.
First feeding of freshwater fish larvae with live feed versus compound diets: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of published results was used to quantify differences in mortality and growth of freshwater fish larvae when live feed was replaced by compound diets at first feeding. A mean relative risk of 2.4560 (95% confidence interval = 2.0879–2.8891), calculated with 75 observations from 47 studies conducted with 27 freshwater fish species according to a random effects model, indicated that larvae fed on compound diets have a 2.5 times higher chance to die than those fed on live feed. Compared to Artemia nauplii as sole live feed, compound diets were more effective (causing a lower mortality) when replacing zooplankton other than Artemia nauplii. A mean effect size (Hedges’ d) of −3.1813 (95% confidence interval = −3.8099 to −2.5527), calculated (random effects model) from 51 values determined in 33 studies with 21 fish species, represents the size of the negative effect that compound diets would have on growth of larvae. Numerical differences obtained in this study could be use to monitor future development of larval diets.
Provider Knowledge of Trivalent Inactivated and High-Dose Influenza Vaccines

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess provider knowledge about trivalent inactivated and high dose influenza vaccines. Hence, a 20-item survey was distributed to providers within the Internal Medicine department at an urban academic medical center. Results Two hundred and eighty-one (24.5%) providers responded. The correct response rate was 63.2%. The highest performing subspecialties were infectious diseases (80.5%), endocrinology (69.2%), and pulmonary (68%). Those who received an influenza vaccine during the most recent season scored significantly higher than those who did not (63.6% vs. 43.6%, p = .001). Areas where respondents did poorly included questions pertaining to contraindications to immunizations (27.4%), common adverse events after immunization (29.2%), target antigen (73.5%), number of strains in the trivalent inactivated vaccine (62.9%), and time to immunity (61.4%). High dose vaccine knowledge was poor, with 37% of providers unaware of its existence. Conclusion Significant gaps in provider knowledge exist regarding both trivalent inactivated and high dose influenza vaccines.
Complete nucleotide sequence and full-length cDNA clone of S.A.AR86 a South African alphavirus related to Sindbis.

S.A.AR86 and Girdwood S.A., two South African Sindbis-like arboviruses, are closely related antigenically to the Swedish isolate, Ockelbo82 [Lundstrom, J. O., Vene, S., Saluzzo, J. F., and Niklasson, B. (1993) Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 49(5), 531-537]. Each of these viruses is associated with human disease, and Girdwood S.A. was isolated from a human case. In addition, S.A.AR86 is unique among Sindbis-like viruses in that adult mice remain sensitive to lethal infection with S.A.AR86. The complete genomic sequences of S.A.AR86 and Girdwood S.A. were determined. The S.A.AR86 RNA genome contained 11,663 nucleotides, excluding the 5' CAP structure and 3' poly(A) tail. In comparison to the consensus sequence of the prototype Egyptian Sindbis strain AR339, S.A.AR86 differed at 5.57% of the nucleotides, including a 54-nucleotide deletion, two insertions of 6 nucleotides each, and a 3-nucleotide insertion in the 3' terminal one-third of the S.A.AR86 nsP3 gene. S.A.AR86 is one of only three alphaviruses sequenced to date that does not have an opal termination codon between the nsP3 and the nsP4 genes. These genes are separated by a cysteine codon in the S.A.AR86 genome. The genome of Girdwood S.A. was 11,717 nucleotides in length, excluding the 5' CAP and 3' poly(A) tail. Girdwood S.A. contained an opal termination codon between nsP3 and nsP4 and did not have the large 54-nucleotide deletion in nsP3, although Girdwood S.A. did contain the remaining insertions and deletions characteristic of S.A.AR86. S.A.AR86 was more closely related to Girdwood S.A. than to the Egyptian isolate, and the South African isolates as a group were more closely related to the Swedish isolate. Comparison of the S.A.AR86 sequence to that of Ockelbo82, Girdwood S.A., and Sindbis virus AR339 revealed several codons where S.A.AR86 differed from the conserved amino acid encoded by the other three viruses. These changes may be related to the ability of S.A.AR86 to initiate a lethal central nervous system infection in adult mice. To fulfill a prerequisite for testing this hypothesis, a full-length cDNA clone of S.A.AR86 was constructed from which infectious genomic RNA replicas could be derived. The sequence of this clone differed from the S.A.AR86 genomic RNA sequence at four translationally silent positions, and virus derived from the clone reproduced the adult mouse neurovirulence phenotype of its biological progenitor.
669 APS-SPR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS-PLAYERS AND STRATEGIES

Acceptance of abstracts submitted to the APS-SPR recognizes scientific achievement and is therefore highly valued and eagerly sought. As many as 12 abstracts were submitted by a single investigator in 1980. I have examined the characteristics of high output investigators (HOI's) who submitted 5 or more abstracts to the 1980 APS-SPR meeting and have evaluated the potential effects of multiple abstract submission on the selection process. Investigators whose name appeared last on 50% or more of the abstracts were excluded. Forty-five HOI's submitted 276 abstracts (mean 6.1) in contrast with 131 abstracts (mean 2.9) submitted by the same investigators in 1979. Of 276 abstracts, 228 (82%)concerned newborns; HOI's accounted for 39% of abstracts submitted to the neonatology subsection. Nineteen HOI's submitted 5 or more abstracts to a single subsection. Overall acceptance rate for abstracts from HOI's was 15% in comparison with 28% for investigators submitting only 1 abstract (P<.001). On the basis of the acceptance rate for single abstracts, one would predict that 81% of 45 HOI's would have one or more abstracts accepted. In actuality, one or more abstracts were accepted from only 64% of HOI's. These studies indicate that HOI's account for more than 20% of abstracts submitted to the APS-SPR and a particularly high proportion of abstracts submitted to the neonatology subsection. The likelihood of acceptance of a single abstract is not increased as a result of its being a member of an HOI's cohort.
The release of amino acids from nerve during stimulation.

Frog sciatic nerves were incubated for 24 hours in either glycine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, leucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamine, or pentanedioic acid (all labeled with C14), and the rates of release of these compounds were monitored under resting conditions and during stimulation. Upon stimulation, the rate or release of glutamic acid increased an average of 200% above the resting rate. This extra release is highly specific with regard to molecular size and structure, since of the compounds tested only glutamic acid gave significant increases in rates of release during stimulation. Ouabain (0.1 mM) had no effect on the rate of release; however, sodium azide (0.2 mM or 1.0 mM) completely eliminated the extra release during excitation, indicating that the increased permeability to glutamic acid is energy-dependent. Competition experiments show that the extra release of glutamic acid can be eliminated with 10 mM concentrations of non-isotopic choline. The hypothesis is advanced that glutamic acid is actively extruded by a highly specific carrier mechanism.
The isolated CH chromophore in CD2FH and CD3H

Abstract CH overtone spectra up to 10000 cm −1 for CD 2 FH have been predicted from an ab initio potential function. The predicted spectrum is fit to a model Hamiltonian similar to the one used by Peyerimhoff, Lewerenz and Quack in their analysis of CD 3 H. The model Hamiltonian for CD 3 H is re-examined in order to resolve the apparent discrepancy between the ab initio and model values of the cubic stretch-bend interaction constant. This discrepancy is only apparent since the ab initio force constant and the model stretch-bend interaction constant are not directly comparable.
Micellization of alkyl-propoxy-ethoxylate surfactants in water-polar organic solvent mixtures.

The effects of cosolvents (glycerol, ethanol, and isopropanol) on the self-assembly of novel alkyl-propoxy-ethoxylate surfactants in aqueous solutions have been investigated with a focus on the (i) quantification of solvent effects on the critical micelle concentration (cmc), (ii) free-energy contributions to micellization, (iii) local environment in the micellar solution, and (iv) structure of the micelles. The introduction of the polar organic solvents considered in this work into water decreases cohesive forces in the solvent mixture, resulting in an increase in the solubility of the surfactant molecules. As a result, micelle formation becomes less favorable and the cmc increases. The contribution of the cosolvent to the free energy of micellization is positive, and the data for different mixed solvents collapse onto a single straight line when plotted versus a function of the solubility parameters of the surfactant alkyl chains and the mixed solvents. The behavior of the poly(propylene oxide) part of ...