cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A transition to degeneration triggered by oxidative stress in degenerative disorders

Although the activities of many signaling pathways are dysregulated during the progression of neurodegenerative and muscle degeneration disorders, the precise sequence of cellular events leading to degeneration has not been fully elucidated. Two kinases of particular interest, the growth-promoting Tor kinase and the energy sensor AMPK, appear to show reciprocal changes in activity during degeneration, with increased Tor activity and decreased AMPK activity reported. These changes in activity have been predicted to cause degeneration by attenuating autophagy, leading to the accumulation of unfolded protein aggregates and dysfunctional mitochondria, the consequent increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ultimately oxidative damage. Here we propose that this increased ROS production not only causes oxidative damage but also ultimately induces an oxidative stress response that reactivates the redox-sensitive AMPK and activates the redox-sensitive stress kinase JNK. Activation of these kinases reactivates autophagy. Because at this late stage, cells have become filled with dysfunctional mitochondria and protein aggregates, which are autophagy targets, this autophagy reactivation induces degeneration. The mechanism proposed here emphasizes that the process of degeneration is dynamic, that dysregulated signaling pathways change over time and can transition from deleterious to beneficial and vice versa as degeneration progresses.
Infant heart-rate measurement and oxygen desaturation detection with a digital video camera using imaging photoplethysmography.

To assess the feasibility of using an ordinary digital video camera to measure heart rate and detect oxygen desaturations in healthy infants. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured with a video camera by detecting small color changes in 28 infants’ foreheads and compared with standard pulse oximetry measures. Multivariable regression examined the relationship between infant characteristics and heart-rate measurement precision. The average bias of camera heart-rate measures was −4.2 beats per minute (BPM) and 95% limits of agreement were ±43.8 BPM. Desaturations detected by camera were 75% sensitive (15/20) and had a positive predictive value of 20% (15/74). Lower birth-weight was independently correlated with more precise heart-rate measures (8.05 BPM per kg, [95% CI 0.764–15.3]). A digital video camera provides accurate but imprecise measures of infant heart rate and may provide a rough screening tool for oxygen desaturations.
Instant FLIM enables 4D in vivo lifetime imaging of intact and injured zebrafish and mouse brains

Traditional fluorescence microscopy is blind to molecular microenvironment information that is present in a fluorescence lifetime, which can be measured by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). However, most existing FLIM techniques are slow to acquire and process lifetime images, difficult to implement, and expensive. Here we present instant FLIM, an analog signal processing method that allows real-time streaming of fluorescence intensity, lifetime, and phasor imaging data through simultaneous image acquisition and instantaneous data processing. Instant FLIM can be easily implemented by upgrading an existing two-photon microscope using cost-effective components and our open-source software. We further improve the functionality, penetration depth, and resolution of instant FLIM using phasor segmentation, adaptive optics, and super-resolution techniques. We demonstrate through-skull intravital 3D FLIM of mouse brains to depths of 300 µm and present the first in vivo 4D FLIM of microglial dynamics in intact and injured zebrafish and mouse brains for up to 12 h.
Incidence of Dysphonia and Dysphagia Exceeds Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury During Thyroid Surgery

Summary Objectives To determine the prevalence of separate and combined voice and swallowing impairments before and after total thyroidectomy and to delineate risk factors for these symptoms. Methods Retrospective review of 592 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from July 2003 to August 2015. Results Combined voice and swallowing problems occurred preoperatively in 4.7% (11/234), 3.3% (3/92), and 6.0% (16/266) of patients with malignancy, hyperthyroidism, and benign euthyroid disease, respectively. Postoperatively, prevalence was 5.1%, 2.2%, and 1.9%, respectively. Benign euthyroid disease (20.7%) had the greatest risk of preoperative dysphagia (P = 0.003) and the largest glands (P Conclusions Total thyroidectomy resolved dysphagia but increased dysphonia in benign and malignant euthyroid patients. Voice and swallowing problems following thyroidectomy occurred more frequently than intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve transection, confirming symptoms often occur in the absence of suspected nerve injury.
Evaluating COVID-19 reporting data in the context of testing strategies across 31 low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: The case count for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the predominant measure used to track epidemiological dynamics and inform policy decision-making. Case counts, however, are influenced by testing rates and strategies, which have varied over time and space. A method to interpret COVID-19 case counts consistently in the context of other surveillance data is needed, especially for data-limited settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Statistical analyses were used to detect changes in COVID-19 surveillance data. The pruned exact linear time change detection method was applied for COVID-19 case counts, number of tests, and test positivity rate over time. With this information, change points were categorized as likely driven by epidemiological dynamics or non-epidemiological influences, such as noise. FINDINGS: Higher rates of epidemiological change detection are more associated with open testing policies than with higher testing rates. This study quantified alignment of non-pharmaceutical interventions with epidemiological changes. LMICs have the testing capacity to measure prevalence with precision if they use randomized testing. Rwanda stands out as a country with an efficient COVID-19 surveillance system. Subnational data reveal heterogeneity in epidemiological dynamics and surveillance. INTERPRETATION: Relying solely on case counts to interpret pandemic dynamics has important limitations. Normalizing counts by testing rate mitigates some of these limitations, and an open testing policy is key to efficient surveillance. The study findings can be leveraged by public health officials to strengthen COVID-19 surveillance and support programmatic decision-making.
Environmental Microbiology for Engineers

Stages of Bioprocessing Bioagents of Bioprocessing Microbial Metabolism and its control Molecular Biology and Genetics of Microorganisms Selection of Pure Cultures Classifications and Identifications of Prokaryotes Periodic Table of Physiological Groups of Prokaryotes Nutrition and Growth Cultivation of Microorganisms and Downstream Processes Microbial Adaptations and Engineering Control Microbial Natural Ecosystems Microbial Engineering Ecosystems Public Health Microbiology for Engineers Microbiology of Water Treatment Microbiology of Aquatic Ecosystems Microbiology of Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment Microbiology of Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Microbiology of Solid Wastes Biotreatment Microbiology of Soil Bioremediation Microbial Geotechnology Microbial Aerosols Microbiology of Exhaust Gases Biotreatment Biocorrosion, Biodeterioration and Biofouling Biomonitoring and Biosafety Environmental Nanobiotechnology Environmental Engineering of Closed Microbial Ecosystems
Meeting Walter Kohn in Internment Camp

As a consequence of the ill-advised internment of Austrian and German refugees in Great Britain in May/June 1940 (ordered by Winston Churchill: “Collar the Lot”),Walter Kohn and I met in internment camps in Britain and, later, Canada where we were shipped in July, 1940. We often talked, and I was sometimes piqued by the realization that though Walter was the younger of us (by over a year), he was clearly the smarter. And although the spirit among our group of young internees was generally upbeat, we sometimes had fights — verbal and occasionally physical. (I still remember with horror throwing a bowl of soup in Walter’s face after an especially provocative argument — a nasty action for which I now — 62 years later — sincerely apologize.)
Hot-Melt Extrusion: from Theory to Application in Pharmaceutical Formulation

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a promising technology for the production of new chemical entities in the developmental pipeline and for improving products already on the market. In drug discovery and development, industry estimates that more than 50% of active pharmaceutical ingredients currently used belong to the biopharmaceutical classification system II (BCS class II), which are characterized as poorly water-soluble compounds and result in formulations with low bioavailability. Therefore, there is a critical need for the pharmaceutical industry to develop formulations that will enhance the solubility and ultimately the bioavailability of these compounds. HME technology also offers an opportunity to earn intellectual property, which is evident from an increasing number of patents and publications that have included it as a novel pharmaceutical formulation technology over the past decades. This review had a threefold objective. First, it sought to provide an overview of HME principles and present detailed engineered extrusion equipment designs. Second, it included a number of published reports on the application of HME techniques that covered the fields of solid dispersions, microencapsulation, taste masking, targeted drug delivery systems, sustained release, films, nanotechnology, floating drug delivery systems, implants, and continuous manufacturing using the wet granulation process. Lastly, this review discussed the importance of using the quality by design approach in drug development, evaluated the process analytical technology used in pharmaceutical HME monitoring and control, discussed techniques used in HME, and emphasized the potential for monitoring and controlling hot-melt technology.
Trace-Based Specification of Law and Guidance Policies for Multi-Agent Systems

Policies have traditionally been a way to specify properties of a system. In this paper, we show how policies can be applied to the Organization Model for Adaptive Computational Systems (OMACS). In OMACS, policies may constrain assignments of agents to roles, the structure of the goal model for the organization, or how an agent may play a particular role. In this paper, we focus on policies limiting system traces; this is done to leverage the work already done for specification and verification of properties in concurrent programs. We show how traditional policies can be characterized as law policies; that is, they must always be followed by a system. In the context of multiagent systems, law policies limit the flexibility of the system. Thus, in order to preserve the system flexibility while still being able to guide the system into preferring certain behaviors, we introduce the concept of guidance policies. These guidance policiesneed not always be followed; when the system cannot continue with the guidance policies, they may be suspended. We show how this can guide how the system achieves the top-level goal while not decreasing flexibility of the system. Guidance policiesare formally defined and, since multiple guidance policiescan introduce conflicts, a strategy for resolving conflicts is given.
Bare carbon/silicate theories

Several theories involving bare silicate grains, combined with carbon in either amorphous or graphitic form, are discussed and contrasted to the other grain theories outlined at this Symposium. The assumption of bare grains is justified, and power-law size distributions are strongly indicated from both theoretical and observational standpoints. Various successes and problems of these and other theories are discussed. All of the theories discussed in this Symposium can probably explain the observed extinction and polarization in general terms, but certain crucial observations, such as the wavelength behavior of the polarization and extinction in the wavelength range near the strong silicate absorption bands, will probably be able to discriminate among them.
OXYGEN AND CARBON ISOTOPE ANALYSIS OF HUMAN TOOTH ENAMEL FROM THE NEW KINGDOM SITE OF TOMBOS IN NUBIA

This study examines the feasibility of using oxygen isotope analysis of tooth carbonate to identify immigrants from the New Kingdom site of Tombos in Nubia (n = 30). In comparison with published data, the results (δ 18 O ca,VSMW = 31.4‰) imply a substantial presence of immigrants. However further analysis of these data strongly suggests the need to consider hydro-logical and cultural factors such as the contribution of aquifer waters to the Nile, use of groundwater sources, and differences in handling and storage of water. The carbon isotope analysis, in conjunction with published 87 Sr/ 86 Sr data, provides additional support for the presence of immigrants at Tombos.
Distributed versus Centralized Storage and Control forParallel Branch and Bound: Mixed Integer Programming on the CM-5

This paper describes parallel, non-shared-memory implementation of the classical general mixed integer branch and bound algorithm, with experiments on the CM-5 family of parallel processors. The main issue in such an implementation is whether task scheduling and certain data-storage functions should be handled by a single processor, or spread among multiple processors. The centralized approach risks creating processing bottlenecks, while the more decentralized implementations differ more from the fundamental serial algorithm. Extensive computational tests on standard MIPLIB problems compare centralized, clustered, and fully decentralized task scheduling methods, using a novel combination of random work scattering and rendezvous-based global load balancing, along with a distributed “control by token” technique. Further experiments compare centralized and distributed schemes for storing heuristic “pseudo-cost” branching data. The distributed storage method is based on continual asynchronous reduction along a tree of redundant storage sites. On average, decentralized task scheduling appears at least as effective as central control, but pseudo-cost storage should be kept as centralized as possible.
José Rizal: Philippine National Hero and Ophthalmologist

Jose Rizal (1861-1896) is one of the most revered figures in Philippine history. He was a multifaceted intellectual and a political activist, best known for his political writings that inspired the Philippine revolution and ultimately led to his execution by the Spanish colonizers. Rizal was also a physician who trained in ophthalmology under 2 prominent European ophthalmologists, Louis de Wecker and Otto Becker.
Identification of nucleotides responsible for enhancer activity of sterol regulatory element in low density lipoprotein receptor gene

Sterol-dependent regulation of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor promoter has been localized previously to a 16-base pair sequence, designated repeat 2, in the 5'-flanking region of the gene. In the current study, we show that the central 10 nucleotides of repeat 2 are crucial for the sterol regulatory activity. This sequence includes an octamer, designated sterol regulatory element 1 (SRE-1), which was identified previously in the promoter of the gene for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase, a sterol-regulated enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. We made a series of single-base substitutions within a 1471-base pair fragment of the intact LDL receptor promoter, introduced the mutant plasmids into hamster cells by transfection, and measured mRNA levels in the absence and presence of sterols. Substitutions within the 10-base pair sequence in repeat 2 largely prevented the induction of transcription which occurs in the absence of sterols. None of these point mutations affected transcription in the presence of sterols. Like an enhancer, the SRE-1 in repeat 2 functioned in an orientation-independent manner. We interpret these findings to indicate that the SRE-1 of the LDL receptor promoter is a conditional positive element that cooperates with other elements to enhance transcription in the absence of sterols and loses its function in the presence of sterols.
The Immunosuppressive Role of IL-32 in Lymphatic Tissue during HIV-1 Infection

One pathological hallmark of HIV-1 infection is chronic activation of the immune system, driven, in part, by increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The host attempts to counterbalance this prolonged immune activation through compensatory mediators of immune suppression. We recently identified a gene encoding the proinflammatory cytokine IL-32 in microarray studies of HIV-1 infection in lymphatic tissue (LT) and show in this study that increased expression of IL-32 in both gut and LT of HIV-1-infected individuals may have a heretofore unappreciated role as a mediator of immune suppression. We show that: 1) IL-32 expression is increased in CD4(+) T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells in vivo; 2) IL-32 induces the expression of immunosuppressive molecules IDO and Ig-like transcript 4 in immune cells in vitro; and 3) in vivo, IL-32-associated IDO/Ig-like transcript 4 expression in LT macrophages and gut epithelial cells decreases immune activation but also may impair host defenses, supporting productive viral replication, thereby accounting for the correlation between IL-32 levels and HIV-1 replication in LT. Thus, during HIV-1 infection, we propose that IL-32 moderates chronic immune activation to avert associated immunopathology but at the same time dampens the antiviral immune response and thus paradoxically supports HIV-1 replication and viral persistence.
Modifications of benzene myelotoxicity and metabolism by phenobarbital, SKF-525A and 3-methylcholanthrene.

Abstract It has recently been suggested that the primary myelotoxic species generated from benzene is not produced directly from the parent compound, but from phenol or an even later metabolite (11). Several compounds that alter the activities of microsomal oxidative and conjugating enzymes were studied for their effects on benzene's myelotoxicity and metabolism. Phenobarbital (PB) protected animals from leucopenia and increased both to total amount of phenol as well as the amount of unconjugated phenol excreted in the urine. SKF-525A had no effect on the leucopenia, whereas it reduced the conversion of benzene to phenol without changing the excretion of unconjugated phenol. 3-Methylcholanthrene also did not prevent the leucopenia, but it did increase the conversion of benzene to phenol and the amount of unconjugated phenol excreted during the first days of the experiment. These data indicate that the early phases of benzene's metabolism may be modulated by the drug pretreatments employed, but myelotoxicity was abated only by PB. We conclude that the marrow effect of benzene is due to a metabolic product other than phenol and, furthermore that the formation of this toxic principle is not strictly dependent on the rate of phenol production.
On the outcome of the Coulombic fission of a charged isolated drop

Abstract Observations on the Coulombic fission of isolated drops of diameterDcharged near the Rayleigh limit show that they often form a transient Taylor cone through which many droplets much smaller thanDare emitted. Sometimes, however, the products of the explosion are only a few, and their size is comparable toD. We argue that the “fine fission” mode takes place under the same conditions generally leading to the formation of a steady Taylor cone; namely,Dhas to be much larger than the charge relaxation lengthdm= (γτ2/ρ)1/3(τ = ϵϵ0/Kis the electrical relaxation time; ϵ0is the electrical permittivity of vacuum; ϵ,K, γ, and ρ are the dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, surface tension, and density of the liquid). Otherwise, no Taylor cone may form and the explosion must proceed through a “rough fission” mode. Consequently, although drops of low conductivity liquids may break up into a few large and probably unequal fragments, more conducting drops are bound to explode with little mass loss, producing many very small and relatively monodisperse daughter droplets. For the case of polar liquids for whichD >> dm, we reason that the emissions from the exploding drop must be quasi-steady, with characteristics similar to those of steady electrified cone-jets supported on a capillary tube. In addition, the liquid flow rateQthrough the cone-jet forming on the exploding drop must be near the threshold value, which is on the order ofQm= γτ/ρ. This fixes approximately the size and charge of the fission products to be on the order ofdmand of the Rayleigh limit, respectively. No quantitative data are available for the size of the daughters from exploding polar liquids. Furthermore, the electrical conductivityKhas not been reported for the polar liquids whose Coulombic explosions have been studied so far. But the present predictions agree qualitatively with available measurements on the relative charge over mass loss in Coulomb fissions.
Careers for Persons with Disabilities

Role models are crucial to the success of all youth. Handicapped individuals in particular can benefit from the opportunity to witness the success of others who are disabled. One of the Jobs Project's major goals is to develop and disseminate descriptions of a range of jobs currently held by individuals who are handicapped. We suggest that this information be used by instructors, rehabilitation counselors, and other human service personnel to expand the career horizons not only of individuals who are disabled, but also their families, potential employers, and other educators and human service workers. Readers may obtain information about Jobs Project publications by writing to the authors at the Vocational Studies Center, 964 Educational Sciences Building, 1025 W. Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706.
Interfacial Tension of Chlorinated Aliphatic DNAPL Mixtures as a Function of Organic Phase Composition

This research evaluates the ability of three models to predict the organic liquid−water interfacial tension (IFT) of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures that are dense nonaqueous-phase liquids (DNAPLs). Prediction of the IFT is relevant to quantify processes such as DNAPL trapping in soil pores and kinetic interphase mass transfer. Three models are evaluated: the Fu et al. method (FU) [Fu, J.; Buqiang, L.; Zihao, W. Chem. Eng. Sci. 1986, 41 (10), 2673−2679]; a modified version of the Apostoluk and Szymanowski method (AS) [Apostoluk, W.; Szymanowski, J. Solvent Extr. Ion Exch. 1996, 14 (4), 635−651], and a simple linear ideal mixing theory (LIMT). The FU and AS methods require knowledge of NAPL-phase mole fractions and mutual solubilities. The LIMT method requires the pure organic liquid IFT and DNAPL-phase mole fraction as model input. Forty chlorinated DNAPL mixtures were used. The mixtures include two-, three-, and four-component DNAPL mixtures of tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,2-cis-...
Abatement cost functions for incentive-based policies in the automobile market

This paper compares the outcomes of policies that target vehicle holdings with those that target vehicle usage using data from the US Consumer Expenditure Survey. Results show that a higher price of gasoline shifts vehicle holdings towards more fuel efficient vehicles and reduces the annual demand for miles, whereas imposing a fee on vehicles or a feebate program only shifts vehicle holdings towards more fuel efficient vehicles and has little to no impact on the demand for miles. While it is relatively expensive to reduce CO2 emission through incentive-based policies, achieving any abatement level is more expensive through imposing fees on vehicles than gasoline taxes. In addition, the maximum amount of abatement attainable by a feebate program is relatively small and the same amount could be achieved by imposing a $0.73 gasoline tax per gallon.
Frequency domain simulations of charge-density-wave strains: Comparison with electro-optic measurements

Abstract We have studied changes in charge-density-wave strain under application of square-wave currents of variable amplitude and frequency by numerically solving the phase-slip augmented diffusion model introduced by Adelman et al. [T.L. Adelman, M.C. de Lind van Wijngaarden, S.V. Zaitsev-Zotov, D. DiCarlo, R.E. Thorne, Phys. Rev. B 53 (1996) 1833]. The frequency dependence of the strain, at each position and amplitude, was fitted to a modified harmonic oscillator expression, and the position and current dependence of the fitting parameters determined. In particular, the delay time (1 /resonant frequency) vanishes adjacent to the contact and grows with distance from the contact, and both the delay time and relaxation time decrease rapidly with increasing current (and phase-slip rate), as experimentally observed in the electro-optic response of blue bronze. We have also found that pinning the phase at the contacts causes more rapid changes in strain between the contacts than allowing the phase to flow outside the contacts.
The Amount of Interstellar Carbon Locked in Solid Hydrogenated Amorphous Carbon

Some form of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (HAC) is widely regarded as a likely component of dust in the diffuse interstellar medium of the Galaxy. The most direct observational evidence is the ∼2950 cm −1 C-H stretch feature seen in absorption along heavily attenuated lines of sight. We have used the measured properties of one well-characterized HAC sample, together with well-established correlations between the structural, optical, and infrared (IR) characteristics of HAC materials in general, to estimate the amount of carbon relative to hydrogen that must be bound in this particular solid in interstellar space. The solution to this problem remains uncertain because of the strong dependence of the ∼2950 cm −1 mass-absorption coefficient upon the H/C ratio in HAC materials. We estimate that about 80 ppM carbon relative to hydrogen is locked up in interstellar HAC grains with H/C ≃ 0.5. A H/C ratio lower than this value would require higher carbon depletions and result in a ∼ 2950 cm −1 absorption profile inconsistent with observations. Substantially higher H/C ratios, which would imply carbon depletions as low as 20 ppM, would lead to materials exhibiting efficient blue-green photoluminescence, which is not observed. Combined with observations of the gas-phase interstellar abundance of carbon and the revised interstellar reference abundances of refractory elements, this result implies that the bulk of solid carbon in interstellar space is in the form of HAC. In addition to a careful analysis of the IR properties of HAC, we present a summary of the UV/visible optical properties, including the complex index of refraction, measured for one particularly well-characterized HAC sample that is shown to have an IR absorption spectrum which is quantitatively consistent with the latest IR observations of the diffuse interstellar medium. Subject headings: dust, extinction — infrared: ISM: lines and bands — ISM: abundances
Third world incomes before World War I: Some comparisons

Abstract Existing estimates and conjectures concerning per capita incomes in the Third World before World War I are summarized and are augmented with new ones derived from the work of the United Nations International Comparison Project (ICP). Inspection of the older estimates reveals that they present a misleading picture of the level and distribution of Third World incomes historically and are an unsound basis for some generalizations about Third World economic history. The radical revisions of the ICP for recent times are held to apply to the past as well, raising questions about existing accounts and overviews of the economic history of the Third World. The alleged desperate poverty of India and China before World War I is treated with particular skepticism. The historical estimates also are used to address questions of international economic convergence raised by W. Baumol 1986 , (American Economic Review, 76, 1072–1085).
Understanding the role of noise in stochastic local search: Analysis and experiments

Stochastic local search (SLS) algorithms have recently been proven to be among the best approaches to solving computationally hard problems. SLS algorithms typically have a number of parameters, optimized empirically, that characterize and determine their performance. In this article, we focus on the noise parameter. The theoretical foundation of SLS, including an understanding of how to the optimal noise varies with problem difficulty, is lagging compared to the strong empirical results obtained using these algorithms. A purely empirical approach to understanding and optimizing SLS noise, as problem instances vary, can be very computationally intensive. To complement existing experimental results, we formulate and analyze several Markov chain models of SLS in this article. In particular, we compute expected hitting times and show that they are rational functions for individual problem instances as well as their mixtures. Expected hitting time curves are analytical counterparts to noise response curves reported in the experimental literature. Hitting time analysis using polynomials and convex functions is also discussed. In addition, we present examples and experimental results illustrating the impact of varying noise probability on SLS run time. In experiments, where most probable explanations in Bayesian networks are computed, we use synthetic problem instances as well as problem instances from applications. We believe that our results provide an improved theoretical understanding of the role of noise in stochastic local search, thereby providing a foundation for further progress in this area.
Language Ideologies in English Language Learner Contexts: Implications for Latinos and Higher Education:

The concept of ideologies and language ideologies that drives this study is one rooted in the social practice of people. This qualitative study seeks to develop an understanding of how teachers' language ideologies mediate their instructional practices with English language learners (ELLs). Given that success in higher education highly depends on the ability to participate in academic discourse, structuralist and reductive literacy practices, mediated by structuralist language ideologies, put ELL students at a distinct disadvantage to be full participants in higher education.
A new species of the rare African wool-carder bee genus Anthidioma (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from Namibia : short communication

The African bee genus Anthidioma Pasteels is a rare representative of the megachilid tribe Anthidiini that occurs in Namibia and the Western Cape Province, South Africa (Michener 2007). The genus was proposed by Pasteels (1984) based upon a female with long, abundant hairs and without the common yellow maculations found on the body of most anthidiine bees (i.e. Anthidioma chalicodomoides Pasteels; Figs 1-4).
Effects of exercise breaks on performance, muscular load, and perceived discomfort in data entry and cognitive tasks

An effective work-rest schedule is an economical way to potentially reduce physical and psychological problems associated with computer usage. In this study, three different work-rest schedules were investigated: 60-min work/10-min rest, 30-min work/5-min rest, and for the third schedule (15/micro), the participants received four breaks from each hour in addition to a 14-min break after 2 h (three of these breaks were 30 s in length and the fourth break was 3 min in length). The study also considered the effect of the type of task. Participants were asked to enter alphanumeric data as a data entry task and to solve addition/subtraction problems as a cognitive task.The results indicated that the effect of work-rest schedule was significant on various perceived discomfort categories and the performance of the subjects. Similarly, the type of task had significant effects on discomfort, performance, and muscular load levels. The 15/micro schedule was superior to the other schedules in terms of discomfort levels of the neck, back, and elbow/arm, eyestrain, speed, accuracy, and performance for both tasks. The lowest levels of trapezius muscle tension for data entry and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) for cognitive tasks obtained with the 15/micro schedule. The cognitive task resulted in a higher psychological discomfort (nervousness, tiredness, dizziness, and headache), but lower physical discomfort and performance than the data entry task. The results of the study suggest that the 15/micro schedule is preferable to the longer and infrequent rest break schedules considering upper extremity discomfort, eyestrain, speed, accuracy, and performance of participants.
Iron oxidation stimulates organic matter decomposition in humid tropical forest soils

Humid tropical forests have the fastest rates of organic matter decomposition globally, which often coincide with fluctuating oxygen (O2 ) availability in surface soils. Microbial iron (Fe) reduction generates reduced iron [Fe(II)] under anaerobic conditions, which oxidizes to Fe(III) under subsequent aerobic conditions. We demonstrate that Fe (II) oxidation stimulates organic matter decomposition via two mechanisms: (i) organic matter oxidation, likely driven by reactive oxygen species; and (ii) increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) availability, likely driven by acidification. Phenol oxidative activity increased linearly with Fe(II) concentrations (P < 0.0001, pseudo R(2) = 0.79) in soils sampled within and among five tropical forest sites. A similar pattern occurred in the absence of soil, suggesting an abiotic driver of this reaction. No phenol oxidative activity occurred in soils under anaerobic conditions, implying the importance of oxidants such as O2 or hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) in addition to Fe(II). Reactions between Fe(II) and H2 O2 generate hydroxyl radical, a strong nonselective oxidant of organic compounds. We found increasing consumption of H2 O2 as soil Fe(II) concentrations increased, suggesting that reactive oxygen species produced by Fe(II) oxidation explained variation in phenol oxidative activity among samples. Amending soils with Fe(II) at field concentrations stimulated short-term C mineralization by up to 270%, likely via a second mechanism. Oxidation of Fe(II) drove a decrease in pH and a monotonic increase in DOC; a decline of two pH units doubled DOC, likely stimulating microbial respiration. We obtained similar results by manipulating soil acidity independently of Fe(II), implying that Fe(II) oxidation affected C substrate availability via pH fluctuations, in addition to producing reactive oxygen species. Iron oxidation coupled to organic matter decomposition contributes to rapid rates of C cycling across humid tropical forests in spite of periodic O2 limitation, and may help explain the rapid turnover of complex C molecules in these soils.
Non‐surgical embryo auto‐transfer in the mare

Summary The feasibility of collecting equine embryos non-surgically and returning them non-surgically to the same donor mare for the continuation of that pregnancy is described. Sixteen reproductively normal, cycling mares were the subject of 65 embryo collection attempts between May and October. The embryo was held outside the mare for three different time spans (0, 2 and 4 h) before replacing it into the uterus of the same animal. Two different methods of non-surgical embryo collection were compared. From 23 collections that involved flushing only the ipsilateral uterine horn on Day 6 post ovulation, 12 embryos (52 per cent) were recovered. From 31 collections that involved flushing the whole uterus on Day 8, 25 embryos (81 per cent) were recovered. None of the non-surgical auto-transfers resulted in a full term pregnancy. In 11 mares in which single horn flushing on Day 6 had not produced an embryo, reflushing the whole uterus on Day 8 also failed to yield any embryos. There was no significant difference in the onset of the next oestrus in mares flushed on Day 6 as compared with Day 8, nor did the overall mean (± sd) oestrous cycle lengths of these flushed mares (21.5 ± 4.75 days) differ from those of normal, unflushed mares. Mares that had an embryo replaced in their uteri, either on Day 6 or Day 8, showed no prolongation of their oestrous cycles.
Fundamental differences in the nature of electrically active point-defects in plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited and thermal oxide structures

Abstract We have investigated plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) and thermal oxides using electron spin resonance (ESR). We have been able to show that electron injection into PECVD oxides results in the generation of neutral E′ centers. The E′ center is an unpaired electron on a silicon backbonded to three oxygens. However, in thermal oxides, E′ centers are generated by hole injection, not electron injection; thermal oxide E′ centers are positively charged. Thus, there are fundamental differences in the point-defects in thermally grown and PECVD oxides.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy of 4‐tert‐butylpyridine on a silver electrode

We report the observation of large surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) (106) for 4-tert-butylpyridine molecules adsorbed on a silver electrode surface in an electrochemical cell with electrode potential set at − 0.5 V. A decrease in electrode potential to − 0.3 V was accompanied by a decrease in relative intensities of the vibrational modes. However, there were no changes in vibrational wavenumbers. Comparison of both normal solution Raman and SERS spectra shows very large enhancement of the intensities of a1, a2, and b2 modes at laser excitation of 488 nm. Enhancement of the non-totally symmetric modes indicates the presence of charge transfer as a contributor to the enhancement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State-of-the-art, challenges, and future directions of nonlinear behavioral modeling

Practical and powerful nonlinear behavioral modeling technology, based on sound scientific and engineering principles, is becoming available for broad deployment in important real-world applications. A flurry of modern behavioral methods for characterizing, modeling, and designing nonlinear components and systems have been introduced from commercial vendors in the past few years. These developments usher in an exciting new era, where progress is expected to be rapid, producing fundamental change in the way the industry works. This article presents a selected survey of the state-of-the-art, key remaining challenges, and future directions for this dynamic and rapidly advancing field. Implications for vendors and consumers of nonlinear components are elucidated.
The specificity of the complement fixation test for amebiasis

1. Alcohol and acetone extracts ofE. histolytica yield a specific antigen. Specific antiamebic serum can be produced by the injection of this antigen.
Active Sites and the Non-Steady-State Dissolution of Hematite

Transient, non-steady-state responses of hematite dissolution rate to pH-jumps, from high to low pH, contain information about dissolution mechanisms and can be used to improve our understanding of dissolution processes operating under variable natural conditions. Our data show that, following each downward pH-jump, the hematite dissolution rate jumps up but then decays exponentially to a new steady state over a period of about 36 h. This requires that, after a pH-jump, the nature of the surface Fe sites themselves, and not only surface charge, gradually changes. Our results are consistent with the depletion of a reservoir of Fe sites active for dissolution on the hematite surface after a jump to pH 1, and show that such active sites can be reproducibly regenerated during returns to higher pH. We interpret the data with regard to long-standing crystal growth and dissolution models [e.g., Burton−Cabrera−Frank, BCF (Burton, W. K.; Cabrera, N.; Frank, F. C. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London Ser. A 1951, 243, 299...
A 260GHz broadband source with 1.1mW continuous-wave radiated power and EIRP of 15.7dBm in 65nm CMOS

Terahertz spectroscopy using silicon technology is gaining attraction for future portable and affordable material identification equipment. To do this, a broadband THz radiation source is critical. Unfortunately, the bandwidth of the prior CMOS works is not sufficient. In [1], the 300GHz signal source achieves 4.5% tuning range by changing the coupling among multiple oscillators. In [2], the DAR array has 3% tuning range with radiation capability. Alternative to the continuous device-tuning method, THz time-domain spectroscopy utilizing the broadband spectrum of picosecond pulses is widely used in the optics community [3]. In this paper, a high-power pulse-based sub-millimeter-Wave radiation source using 65nm bulk CMOS technology is reported. The architecture of this transmitter is shown in Fig. 8.2.1, where four differential core oscillator pairs are mutually coupled through four quadrature oscillators. Each core oscillator pair generates 2nd-harmonic signals at 260GHz that are power-combined after radiating through eight on-chip antennas. Four shunt switches, controlled by narrow pulses (width≈45ps) modulate the radiation. The pulses are generated by local digital circuit blocks with programmable repetition rate up to 5GHz. This way, the broadband spectrum of the pulses is upconverted to the carrier frequency of 260GHz. Without modulation, the chip achieves a continuous-wave radiated power of 1.1mW. Under modulation, the measured bandwidth of the source is 24.7GHz, which makes it suitable for many FTIR-based THz spectrometers. In addition, if the switches are modulated by digital data, this chip can also be used as a transmitter for sub-millimeter/THz wireless communications.
Enterocutaneous fistula closure with porcine submucosa derived fistula plug: a novel minimally invasive closure technique

Learning Objectives To discuss management of enterocutaneous fistula and describe enterocutaneous fistula repair using a porcine submucosa derived fistula plug. Background Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) continues to be a serious surgical problem. The majority of ECF require a surgical procedure including adhesiolysis or resection of the fistulous tract and/or segment of bowel, which are associated with mortality rates of 5-20% and prolonged hospital stay. Less invasive treatments for ECF have been investigated, including fibrin glue, collagen plugs and gelfoam. The Cook Biodesign Advanced Tissue RepairTechnology (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN), a porcine submucosa derived fistula plug, is a novel treatment for ECF closure with documented overall clinical benefit of 42% and complete closure rate of 21%. Clinical Findings/Procedure Details Fistulography is performed to define the length, course and relationships of the fistula tract. A sheath is inserted into the cutaneous opening. A cytology brush is used to abrade the tract to denude the tract of granulation tissue. The tract is flushed and the delivery sheath is advanced over a stiff guide wire. The fistula plug is loaded into the sheath. Flange positioning is confirmed prior to plug deployment. The plug is withdrawn to the internal opening. Once appropriately positioned, the external portion of the plug is trimmed to length. Tethers are used to secure fistula plug to a Molnar disc at the site of the external fistula opening. Post procedural management includes no strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks, dietary restrictions and stool softeners. The flange is expected to remain in place for 2-4 weeks. If flange is retained beyond an 8-week period, the patient is monitored for bowel obstruction, erosion, perforation or flange migration. Additional potential complications include fistula recurrence, bleeding, plug migration, infection, abscess or seroma formation. Conclusion and/or Teaching Points 1. ECF remains a serious surgical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. 2. The Cook Biodesign Advanced Tissue RepairTechnology: a porcine submucosa derived fistula plug, is a novel and feasible minimally invasive technique for fistula closure.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in aqueous media via non-covalent functionalization: Effect of dispersant on the stability, cytotoxicity, and epigenetic toxicity of nanotube suspensions

As the range of applications for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) rapidly expands, understanding the effect of CNTs on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems has become an important research priority, especially in light of recent reports of the facile dispersion of CNTs in a variety of aqueous systems including natural water. In this study, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were dispersed in water using a range of natural (gum arabic, amylose, Suwannee River natural organic matter) and synthetic (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Triton X-100) dispersing agents (dispersants) that attach to the CNT surface non-covalently via different physiosorption mechanisms. The charge and the average effective hydrodynamic diameter of suspended SWCNTs as well as the concentration of exfoliated SWCNTs in the dispersion were found to remain relatively stable over a period of 4 weeks. The cytotoxicity of suspended SWCNTs was assessed as a function of dispersant type and exposure time (up to 48 h) using general viability bioassay with Escherichia coli and using neutral red dye uptake (NDU) bioassay with WB-F344 rat liver epithelia cells. In the E. coli viability bioassays, three types of growth media with different organic loadings and salt contents were evaluated. When the dispersant itself was non-toxic, no losses of E. coli and WB-F344 viability were observed. The cell viability was affected only by SWCNTs dispersed using Triton X-100, which was cytotoxic in SWCNT-free (control) solution. The epigenetic toxicity of dispersed CNTs was evaluated using gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) bioassay applied to WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells. With all SWCNT suspensions except those where SWCNTs were dispersed using Triton X-100 (wherein GJIC could not be measured because the sample was cytotoxic), no inhibition of GJIC in the presence of SWCNTs was observed. These results suggest a strong dependence of the toxicity of SWCNT suspensions on the toxicity of the dispersant and point to the potential of non-covalent functionalization with non-toxic dispersants as a method for the preparation of stable aqueous suspensions of biocompatible CNTs.
An analytical model for the optimization of the laser bending of titanium Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo

Abstract The laser bending of Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo sheets is analyzed using a well-known conduction model of a traveling Gaussian heat source, which can relate process variables to physical events known to occur at particular temperatures. For instance, incipient melting takes place at specific combinations of the process parameters. Those combinations were derived from dimensionless groups and series of calculations, all conveniently regrouped into empirical expressions. Comparisons of those expressions with observed process parameter combinations for incipient melting allowed the adjustment of the model. After verifying that the derived expressions could predict accurately incipient melting, a similar approach was applied for bending. The model and its derived expressions were used to correlate process variables, temperatures, and measured bending angles. Results of the analysis show that bending was initiated for an estimated surface temperature of 0.48 of the melting temperature. Bending angle was found to attain a maximum at approximately 0.65 of the melting temperature. This corresponds to conditions where the thermal gradients within the thickness and the yielded widths, as calculated from the adjusted model, were both large. By analogy with the empirical expressions for incipient melting, a simple dimensionless equation was derived to help find process parameters to maximize bending angle and therefore assist in the optimization of the process conditions.