cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing detoxification and degradation of wood-preserving and petroleum wastes in contaminated soil

Abstract This study was undertaken to evaluate in-situ soil bioremediation processes, including degradation and detoxification, for two types of wood preserving wastes and two types of petroleum refining wastes at high concentrations in an unacclimated soil. The soil solid phase, water soluble fractions of the soil, and column leachates were evaluated. Two bioassays, a mutagenic potential asay (Ames assay) and an aqueous toxicity assay (Microtox ™ assay) were used to evaluate detoxification; high performance liquid chromatography was used to evaluate chemical concentration and degradation for eight polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The group of non-carcinogenic PAHs studied demonstrated greater degradation, ranging from 54–90% of mass added for the four wastes; the carcinogenic group of PAHs studied exhibited degradation ranging from 24–53% of mass added. Although no mutagenicity was observed in waste/soil mixtures after one year of treatment, Microtox ™ toxicity was observed in water soluble fractions and in leachate samples. An integration of information concerning degradation of hazardous constituents with bioassay information represents an approach for designing treatability studies and for evaluating the effectiveness of in-situ bioremediation of contaminated soil/waste systems. When combined with information from waste, site and soil characterization studies, the data generated in treatability studies may be used in predictive mathematical models to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of use of on-site bioremediation for treatment of wastes in soil systems; (2) develop appropriate containment structures to prevent unacceptable waste transport from the treatment zone; and (3) design performance monitoring strategies.
Behavior and endocrine concentrations do not distinguish sex in monomorphic juvenile howlers (Alouatta palliata)

Behavioral observations on juvenile mantled howlers are limited by visually undifferentiated genitalia; however, animals can be sexed when they are very young or if they are captured. Behavioral data and fecal samples from juveniles during month-long field studies from 1993 to 1995 were analyzed to determine whether there are developmental differences in behavior or hormone concentrations that can be used to differentiate males from females. The subjects were juveniles of known sex and age from five different social groups on Hacienda La Pacifica, Costa Rica. Based on 749.8 hr of focal-animal sampling, there were no sex differences in daily activity patterns. There were no sex differences in proximity to mothers and other group members, and age differences reflected howler life-history patterns. There were no differences in estradiol or testosterone concentration by age or sex. Juvenile monomorphy thus extends beyond morphology to behavioral and hormonal similarity as well. Most juveniles are forced out of their natal groups and remain solitary until they join new groups by supplanting all same-sex adult group members. Monomorphy may allow them to spend more time in natal groups, and thus both reduce the solitary period and allow the juveniles to improve social skills needed for later immigration. While this strategy may benefit juvenile howlers, it remains a problem for those who wish to study juvenile sex differences from a distance. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1–8, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
θ-Isoform of PKC is required for alterations in cytoskeletal dynamics and barrier permeability in intestinal epithelium: a novel function for PKC-θ

Using intestinal Caco-2 cells, we previously showed that assembly of cytoskeleton is required for monolayer barrier function, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Because the θ-i...
Digital photoplethysmography to detect deep venous thrombosis in the emergency department

Study objectives: We determine the sensitivity and specificity of digital photoplethysmography (DPPG) performed by emergency physicians in patients suggestive of a deep venous thrombosis. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study conducted in the 2 emergency departments (EDs) of Summa Health System. The EDs treat a combined 97,000 patients per year. On average, 88 patients per month are evaluated for deep venous thrombosis with duplex scans; approximately 23% are positive for deep venous thrombosis. We enrolled consecutive ED patients aged 18 years or older and with lower extremity symptoms of deep venous thrombosis requiring venous duplex scanning, who gave consent to participate. Patients were excluded if they were unable to comply with DPPG testing, had fragile or broken skin in the area on which the DPPG probe was placed, had inadequate arterial flow to the lower extremities, did not complete the required testing (duplex ultrasonography and DPPG), had a deep venous thrombosis in the previous 6 months, were at least 13 weeks pregnant, or were previously enrolled. A trained emergency physician performed and interpreted the DPPG. All patients underwent noninvasive duplex scanning; the vascular surgeons' interpretation was the criterion standard. Emergency physicians were blinded to the duplex result, and the vascular technologists and vascular surgeons were blinded to the results of the DPPG. The primary study outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of the DPPG. Results: Results are presented as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study was discontinued early because of technical problems with the software and scans, resulting in poor quality control and low sensitivity. We evaluated the data on 116 total legs in 101 total patients (15 patients had bilateral legs evaluated). Twenty-eight legs in 23 patients were excluded because of technically inadequate scans (24% of legs; 95% CI 17% to 33%), which left 88 eligible legs in 78 patients. The prevalence of deep venous thrombosis was 12.5% (95% CI 6% to 22%). Using the old software, the sensitivity of DPPG was 40% (4/10; 95% CI 12% to 47%), and the specificity was 63% (49/78; 95% CI 51% to 74%). The manufacturer used the data obtained to reprogram the DPPG software; the sensitivity of DPPG with the new software was 90% (9/10; 95% CI 55% to 100%), and the specificity was 51% (40/78; 95% CI 40% to 63%). The sensitivity for above-knee deep venous thrombosis was 100% (95% CI 66% to 100%). Conclusion: The sensitivity for above-knee deep venous thrombosis using the new software is promising but requires further study before it can be recommended for ED use.
Aperiodic metal-dielectric optical filters

ABSTRACT We report on the design and fabrication of metal-dielectric photonic band-gap structures (MDPBGs) with high transmission and broad spectral bandwidth in the visible range. Using the complex refractive index measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry, we have designed structures with an aperiodic thickness distribution which show a flat passband transmission (64% ± 1.5%) over more than 150 nm within the visible spectrum. Using e-beam deposition, we demonstrate the growth of continuous 12 nm Ag layers on Al 2 O 3 , and MDPBGs with five periods of Al 2 O 3 /Ag/Al 2 O 3 that show more than 49% ± 2.5% transmission and at least 150 nm bandwidths. When comp ared to dielectric-dielectric stacks, the use of metallic layers provides excellent out-of-band rejection, in particular beyond the IR edge where the MDPBG acts collectively as a metallic solid. Such structures co uld thus be used as hot mirrors with extremely high and broad out-of-band rejection. Keywords: thin films, metal-dielectric photonic bandgap struct ures, aperiodic multilayer structures, optical filters
Multidecadal High-Resolution Hydrologic Modeling of the Arkansas-Red River Basin

Abstract Land surface heterogeneity and its effects on surface processes have been a concern to hydrologists and climate scientists for the past several decades. The contrast between the fine spatial scales at which heterogeneity is significant (1 km and finer) and the coarser scales at which most climate simulations with land surface models are generated (hundreds of kilometers) remains a challenge, especially when incorporating land surface and subsurface lateral fluxes of mass. In this study, long-term observational land surface forcings and derived solar radiation were used to force high-resolution land surface model simulations over the Arkansas–Red River basin in the Southern Great Plains region of the United States. The most unique aspect of these simulations is the fine space (1 km2) and time (hourly) resolutions within the model relative to the total simulation period (51 yr) and domain size (575 000 km2). Runoff simulations were validated at the subbasin scale (600–10 000 km2) and were found to ...
A corrected space group for Sulfolobus sulfataricus 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine phosphorylase II

5′-Deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) catalyzes the phosphorolytic cleavage of 5′-deoxy-5′-methyl­thioadenosine (MTA), a byproduct of polyamine biosynthesis. The Sulfolobus sulfataricus genome encodes two MTAPs. SsMTAP I has broad substrate specifity, accepting guanosine, inosine, adenosine and MTA, while SsMTAP II is specific for MTA. SsMTAP I forms a donut-shaped hexamer, while SsMTAP II is a hexamer formed from trimers packed face to face. The structure of SsMTAP II was originally determined in space group P1 (PDB entry 2a8y) and showed R32 pseudosymmetry. Post-analysis using phenix.xtriage showed that the correct space group is C2. Here, the structure refined in space group C2 is reported and the factors that initially led to the incorrect space-group assignment are discussed.
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Collaborative Practice

Successful collaborative practice between an acute care nurse practitioner and a physician impacts positively on patient care. Collaboration among disciplines can provide the patient with superior care that is organized, efficient, and prompt. Collaboration also gives each partner in the relationship a great deal of professional satisfaction. The acute care setting in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology provides an excellent environment for collaboration. The patient with head and neck cancer has many complicated medical and nursing problems that challenge the efficiency of this integrative practice model. In this article, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of this practice model in the management of this patient population.
Chemical Reactions of Organic Molecules Adsorbed at Ice: 2. Chloride Substitution in 2-Methyl-2-propanol

A new reaction is reported on the ice surface, namely the conversion of adsorbed 2-methyl-2-propanol [(CH3)3COH] to adsorbed 2-chloro-2-methylpropane [(CH3)3CCl] in the presence of absorbed HCl. The reaction was studied using temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry on ultrathin ice films under ultrahigh vacuum. Formation of (CH3)3CCl occurs at two temperatures: at or below 155 K and at 185 K. The lower-temperature process occurs at the surface of the film, but the origin of product at 185 K is unclear. The yield of the surface reaction product is low, approximately 0.04 monolayers. Importantly, adsorbed HCl is unreactive toward 2-methyl-2-propanol; reactive chlorine is derived from a dissociatively ionized state in the very near surface region of the film. The lower-temperature pathway for chloride substitution is observed only at the surface of an amorphous film, an observation that may have implications regarding the nature of surface reaction sites. Possible mechanisms of the surface react...
Restoration of high-potential cytochrome b-559 in Photosystem II particles in liposomes

Abstract The effect of a liposome environment on cytochrome b-559 was examined in two types of Photosystem II particles. A substantial fraction of the low-potential cytochrome b-559 of Photosystem II core particles, which do not evolve oxygen, was restored to a high-potential form in the liposome preparation. A preparation of oxygen-evolving Photosystem II particles, which was selected on the basis of having a relatively low rate of oxygen evolution (68 μmol oxygen/mg chlorophyll per h), showed very little high-potential cytochrome b-559 and a less-than-normal amount of variable-yield fluorescence. In the liposome preparation, however, these particles showed considerably more high-potential cytochrome b-559, an almost-normal amount of variable-yield fluorescence and a substantially greater rate of oxygen evolution (183 μmol oxygen/mg chlorophyll per h).
Cellular control models with linked positive and negative feedback and delays. I. The models

Basic techniques from biochemical kinetics are used to develop models for a cellular control system with linked positive and negative feedback. The models are represented by a system of nonlinear differential equations with delays. The lac operon provides an example of a control system where the transcription of the operon is controlled by induction or positive feedback control and catabolite repression or negative feedback control. These processes are linked through the metabolism of lactose.
Colony Wide Behavioral Contexts of Stridulation in Imported Fire Ants ( Solenopsis invicta Buren)

Red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, possess stridulatory organs and stridulate in a variety of contexts. We used a stethoscope mounted microphone to study stridulation at the colony level in the context of emigration, disturbance, and excavation. In conjunction with preliminary observations of nest and foraging activities, our results suggest stridulation serves multiple functions in S. invicta. Stridulation was not significantly increased in colonies during responses to disturbance, and only marginally during colony emigration. Colonies involved in excavation, however, exhibited a significant increase in stridulatory activity. Four possible explanations for the function of stridulation in this context are discussed in relation to the stridulatory behavior of individuals, solitary wasps, and published literature on formicid stridulation.
What should be impossible: resolution of the mononuclear gallium coordination complex, Tris(benzohydroxamato)gallium(III).

Chirality of metal complexes has been of theoretical interest to chemists since the time of Werner2 and the relative stability of such complexes was explained by Taube’s application of crystal field theory.3 Metal complex chirality also has important practical applications in areas as varied as chiral metal catalysts 4,5 and microbial iron transport. 6-8 Recently, chiral supramolecular clusters have demonstrated that a stable, chiral nanovessel can be prepared by coupling the chiral metal centers that form the vertexes of the cluster. 9 Understanding the stability and racemization mechanisms of chiral metal complexes is essential to rational development of applications based on chiral metal coordination complexes and to enable design of more robust chiral supramolecular assemblies. Very few resolved chiral complexes of labile metals have been reporteds they should be impossible. The d 10 Ga 3+ ion has no ligand field stabilization and is consequently considered a classic example of a “labile” metal ion. We report here the resolution of simple complexes of this cation. The hydroxamate functional group (R(OH)NC(O)R′) is a common iron-binding motif found in siderophores, small molecules synthesized by bacteria as iron-transport agents. Deprotonation of the N(OH) to give the hydroxamate anion results in a powerful bidentate ligand. When R ) H, further deprotonation (usually as the metal complex) gives the hydroximate anion [(O)NdC(O)] 2- . Octahedral coordination of a metal by three hydroxamate ligands can potentially exist in two geometrical isomers by virtue of the two different donor atoms of the hydroxamate. Each of these fac (previously denoted as cis) and mer (previously denoted as trans) geometrical isomers can exist as either ⁄ or ¢ optical isomers. The ¢ and ⁄ isomers for the fac geometrical isomers are shown in Figure 1. Although a metal hydroxamate complex can potentially exist as four possible isomers, X-ray crystallography has found only the two fac geometrical isomers of the Fe(III) 10 and Ga(III) 11 benzohydroxamate complexes. This fac geometry has also been found in the potassium salt of tris(thiobenzohydroximato)chromium(III) 12 and the isostructural ferric complex. 13 In solution 1 H NMR also shows only one isomer for the Ga complex. Resolution of the ⁄ and ¢ isomers of the kinetically inert tris
High-tech indicators: assessing the competitiveness of selected European countries

Western European nations, along with the USA and Japan, have been recognised as the world's most competitive economies. Eastern European nations have generally been considered to lag. This paper explores whether these descriptions remain accurate and the prospects for change over the coming decade. The Georgia Tech ‘High Tech Indicators’ (HTI) contribute to the US National Science Foundation (NSF) Science & Engineering Indicators. We cover 33 highly developed and rapidly industrialising countries. Our model of technological competitiveness contains four components – National Orientation, Socioeconomic Infrastructure, Technological Infrastructure, and Productive Capacity – contributing to ‘Technological Standing.’ We present indicator values, derived from survey and statistical panel data, for 13 European nations (plus the USA as a benchmark), for 1993–2005, and draw inferences about future high tech competitiveness. We see limited technological progress of the Eastern European nations. European prospects ...
High Energy Neutrino Emission from the Earliest Gamma-Ray Bursts

We discuss the high energy neutrino emission from gamma-ray bursts resulting from the earliest generation (``population III'') stars forming in the Universe, whose core collapses into a black hole. These gamma-ray bursts are expected to produce a highly relativistic, magnetically dominated jet, where protons can be accelerated to ultrahigh energies. These interact with the photons produced by the jet, leading to ultrahigh energy photomeson neutrinos as well as secondary leptons and photons. The photon luminosity and the shock properties, and thus the neutrino spectrum, depend on the mass of the black holes as well as on the density of the surrounding external gas. We calculate the individual source neutrino spectral fluxes and the expected diffuse neutrino flux for various source parameters and evolution scenarios. Both the individual and diffuse signals appear detectable in the 1--300 PeV range with current and planned neutrino detectors such as IceCube and ARIANNA, provided the black hole mass is in excess of 30--100 solar masses. This provides a possible test for the debated mass of the progenitor stellar objects, as well as a probe for the early cosmological environment and the formation rate of the earliest structures.
Coordination of circadian timing in mammals

Time in the biological sense is measured by cycles that range from milliseconds to years. Circadian rhythms, which measure time on a scale of 24 h, are generated by one of the most ubiquitous and well-studied timing systems. At the core of this timing mechanism is an intricate molecular mechanism that ticks away in many different tissues throughout the body. However, these independent rhythms are tamed by a master clock in the brain, which coordinates tissue-specific rhythms according to light input it receives from the outside world.
Speckle Propagation Through The Turbulent Atmosphere

A tutorial review of the analysis of speckle propagation through the turbulent atmosphere is presented. It includes the effects of the turbulent atmosphere on a laser source as it propagates to the target and on the target induced speckle field as it propagates back to the receiver. Formulations for the first and second order statistics of the received intensity are developed and illustrated with numerical examples and experimental data.
Advances from Japan

The Blue Laser Diode. GaN Based Light Emitters and Lasers. SHUJI NAKAMURA and GERHARD FASOL. Springer-Verlag, New York, 1997. xvi, 343 pp., illus. $69.96 or DM 98. ISBN 3-540-61590-3.
Valid Adjustment of Randomized Comparisons for Binary Covariates

In randomized trials, the treatment influences not only endpoints but also other variables measured after randomization which, when used as covariates to adjust for the observed imbalance, become pseudo-covariates. There is a logical circularity in adjusting for a pseudo-covariate because the variability in the endpoint that is attributed not to the treatment but rather to the pseudo-covariate may actually represent an effect of the treatment modulated by the pseudo-covariate. This potential bias is well known, but we offer new insight into how it can lead to reversals in the direction of the apparent treatment effect by way of stage migration. We then discuss a related problem that is not generally appreciated, specifically how the absence of allocation concealment can lead to this reversal of the direction of the apparent treatment effect even when adjustment is for a true covariate measured prior to randomization. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The secondary heart field is a new site of calcineurin/Nfatc1 signaling for semilunar valve development.

Abstract Semilunar valve malformations are common human congenital heart defects. Bicuspid aortic valves occur in 2–3% of the population, and pulmonic valve stenosis constitutes 10% of all congenital heart disease in adults (Brickner et al., 2000) [1] . Semilunar valve defects cause valve regurgitation, stenosis, or calcification, leading to endocarditis or congestive heart failure. These complications often require prolonged medical treatment or surgical intervention. Despite the medical importance of valve disease, the regulatory pathways governing semilunar valve development are not entirely clear. In this report we investigated the spatiotemporal role of calcineurin/Nfatc1 signaling in semilunar valve development. We generated conditional knockout mice with calcineurin gene disrupted in various tissues during semilunar valve development. Our studies showed that calcineurin/Nfatc1 pathway signals in the secondary heart field (SHF) but not in the outflow tract myocardium or neural crest cells to regulate semilunar valve morphogenesis. Without SHF calcineurin/Nfatc1 signaling, the conal endocardial cushions—the site of prospective semilunar valve formation—first develop and then regress due to apoptosis, resulting in a striking phenotype with complete absence of the aortic and pulmonic valves, severe valve regurgitation, and perinatal lethality. This role of calcineurin/Nfatc1 signaling in the SHF is different from the requirement of calcineurin/Nfatc1 in the endocardium for semilunar valve formation (Chang et al., 2004) [2] , indicating that calcineurin/Nfatc1 signals in multiple tissues to organize semilunar valve development. Also, our studies suggest distinct mechanisms of calcineurin/Nfat signaling for semilunar and atrioventricular valve morphogenesis. Therefore, we demonstrate a novel developmental mechanism in which calcineurin signals through Nfatc1 in the secondary heart field to promote semilunar valve morphogenesis, revealing a new supportive role of the secondary heart field for semilunar valve formation.
Theoretical models of laser-induced ionization of transparent materials: current issues and recent improvements

The aim of this paper is to give a critical review of the influence of constant effective-mass approximation on the results provided by current theoretical models of laser-induced ionization of the solids transparent at input laser wavelength. Making transparent qualitative analysis of the models, we come to conclusion that assuming electrons and holes to have constant effective mass, one eliminates specific photo-ionization effects taking place at high intensity. The assumption of constant effective mass of conduction-band electrons is also shown to provide wrong description of the avalanche ionization almost at any laser wavelength and intensity. The presented analysis allows to give simple quantitative criteria determining the range of laser and material parameters for which the effective mass can be assumed constant.
Mechanisms of Nucleotide Cofactor Interactions with the RepA Protein of Plasmid RSF1010

The dynamics of the nucleotide binding to a single, noninteracting nucleotide-binding site of the hexameric helicase RepA protein of plasmid RSF1010 has been examined, using the fluorescence stopped-flow method. The experiments have been performed with fluorescent analogs of ATP and ADP, TNP-ATP, and TNP-ADP. In the presence of Mg2+, the association of the cofactors proceeds as a sequential three-step process.The sequential nature of the mechanism indicates the lack of significant conformational equilibria of the helicase prior to nucleotide binding. The major conformational change of the RepA helicase - nucleotide complex occurs in the formation of (H-N)2., which is characterized by a very high value of the partial equilibrium constant and large positive changes of the apparent enthalpy and entropy. Strong stabilizing interactions between subunits of the RepA hexamer contribute to the observed dynamics and energetics of the internal transitions of the formed complexes. Magnesium mediate the efficient and fast conformational transitions of the protein, independent of the structure of the cofactor phosphate group. The ssDNA bound to the enzyme preferentially selects a single intermediate of the RepA - ATP analog complex, (H-N)2, while the DNA has no effect on the intermediates of the RepA - ADP complex. Allosteric interactions between the nucleotide- and the DNA-binding site are established in the initial stages of the complex formation. In the presence of the ssDNA, all transitions in nucleotide binding become sensitive to the structure of the cofactor phosphate group.
Prospects for Universal Immunization: Strategies for Achievement

The technology experience management abilities and international organization now exist for universal immunization coverage in most areas of the world. Unprecedented improvements in immunization coverage have been achieved in recent years because of the collaborative efforts of the international agencies and individual countries. The major barriers still existing include a shortage in technology effective use of new vaccines lack of resources and increasing costs lack of long-term funding lack of necessary personnel the need for more political commitment public response and the fatalistic attitudes of the public. These can potential be solved by providing for long-term eternal support for some countries by improving the training available to health workers by enlisting the involvement of political leaders and by mobilizing all segments of society to improve the health of their children so that immunization does not become the responsibility of the health departments alone. (authors modified)
Heme Coordination Versatility in a Truncated Hemoglobin

GlbN, the “truncated” hemoglobin from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, coordinates the heme iron with His46 (E10, distal) and His70 (F8, proximal). Displacement of His E10 by an exogenous ligand (e.g., cyanide in the ferric state) drives a significant conformational change allowing Tyr22 (B10), Gln43 (E7) and Gln47 (E11) to establish a hydrogen bond network stabilizing the distal ligand.THB1, a closely related hemoglobin from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, also binds cyanide and forms the same network of interactions. However, in the absence of an exogenous ligand, the neutral amino group of Lys53 (E10) coordinates the heme iron on the distal side [1]. Because of the importance of the coordination scheme in controlling the reactivity of heme proteins, the flexibility of the truncated hemoglobin fold, and the rarity of lysine coordination, we explored the ability of GlbN to use lysine at position E10 as an axial ligand. The His46Lys replacement yielded a protein with UV-Vis and NMR spectra similar to those of His46Leu and comparable pH response, suggesting that GlbN does not accommodate lysine coordination at position E10. However, the spectra were incompatible with water coordination and suggested that in the ferric state these variants were low-spin endogenously hexacoordinate complexes. We performed amino acid replacements within the distal H-bond network to characterize the perturbed heme environment and ligand sets. A combination of pH titrations and NMR experiments illustrates the delicate balance of interactions governing the heme pocket conformation of GlbN.[1] Johnson et al. (2014) Biochemistry 53:4573Supported by NSF grant MCB-1330488
Foundationalism, epistemic dependence, and defeasibility

This paper is an examination of modest foundationalism in relation to some important criteria of epistemic dependence. The paper distinguishes between causal and epistemic dependence and indicates how each might be related to reasons. Four kinds of reasons are also distinguished: reasons to believe, reasons one has for believing, reasons for which one believes, and reasons why one believes. In the light of all these distinctions, epistemic dependence is contrasted with defeasibility, and it is argued that modest foundationalism is not committed to criteria of epistemic dependence on which foundational beliefs are indefeasible. Modest foundationalism is contrasted with coherentism and is shown to be hospitable to a causal criterion of epistemic dependence, compatible with reliabilism, and neutral with respect to skepticism.
Clinical studies of families with hearing loss attributable to mutations in the connexin 26 gene (GJB2/DFNB1)

Objective. This retrospective study describes the phenotype associated with the single most common cause of genetic hearing loss. The frequency of childhood deafness is estimated at 1/500. Half of this hearing loss is genetic and ∼80% of genetic hearing loss is nonsyndromic and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Approximately 50% of childhood nonsyndromic recessive hearing loss is caused by mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) gene (GJB2/DFNB1), making it the most common form of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss with a carrier rate estimated to be as high as 2.8%. One mutation, 35delG, accounts for ∼75% to 80% of mutations at this gene. Methods. Hearing loss was examined in 46 individuals from 24 families who were either homozygous or compound heterozygous for Cx26 mutations. A subset of these individuals were examined for vestibular function, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response, temporal bone computed tomography, electrocardiography, urinalyses, dysmorphology, and thyroid function. Results. Although all persons had hearing impairment, no consistent audiologic phenotype was observed. Hearing loss varied from mild-moderate to profound, even within the group of families homozygous for the common mutation 35delG, suggesting that other factors modify the phenotypic effects of mutations in Cx26. Furthermore, the hearing loss was observed to be progressive in a number of cases. No associations with inner ear abnormality, thyroid dysfunction, heart conduction defect, urinalyses, dysmorphic features, or retinal abnormality were noted. Conclusion. Newborns with confirmed hearing loss should have Cx26 testing. Cx26 testing will help define a group in which ∼60% will have profound or severe-profound hearing loss and require aggressive language intervention (many of these patients will be candidates for cochlear implants). Pediatrics 1999;103:546-550; connexin 26, GJB2, DFNB1, hearing loss, nonsyndromic recessive hearing loss.
Application of Multivariate Statistical Analysis to Geochemical Differentiation of Dolomite

Multivariate statistical analysis of major and minor element geochemical data is used to analyze dolomite in the offshore facies of the Bonneterre Formation (Cambrian), southern Missouri. Relationships among geochemical data are established, using factor analysis, which differentiate two dolomites having different diagenetic histories. Application of Bayes' formula to the geochemical data permit discriminant functions to be constructed, containing only two geochemical parameters, which identify the major dolomite types. The results of factor analysis are consistent with previous analysis of the dolomite based on petrography and stratigraphic occurrence. This method is easy to use and may be useful in cases where petrographic methods or non-statistical analysis of geochemical data are unable to differentiate dolomite types.
You Expect What ? Students’ Perceptions as Resources in Acquiring Commitments and Capacities for Civic Engagement

This mixed-method analysis presents a model of college students’ civic commitments and capacities for community action. Quantitative findings indicate that after controlling for background characteristics, campus contexts, and college experiences, students’ acquisitions of commitments to and skills for contributing to the larger community are largely influenced by the extent to which students perceive their campus as one that advocates for its students to be active and involved citizens. Qualitative findings convey the behaviors and types of speech that students view as legitimate public advocacy by peers, faculty, and administrators. Qualitative insights also reveal the ways in which students’ exposure to campus-based public advocacy influences their civic skills, and their understandings of social responsibility.
Influence of syllable period on song encoding properties of an ascending auditory interneuron in the cricketAcheta domestica

1. L3 is a prothoracic auditory interneuron which has an ascending axon projecting to the brain. It is rather broadly tuned and most sensitive to carrier frequencies around 16 kHz (mean threshold=60 dB) and at 4–5 kHz (mean threshold=70 dB, Fig. 1). 2. During open field stimulation L3's excitatory response increases rather linearly as sound intensity is increased and is 10–15 dB more sensitive to ipsilateral stimulation (Fig. 2). With closed field stimulation L3 is 45 dB more sensitive to ipsilateral sound at 16 kHz, and at least 20 dB more sensitive at 5 kHz (Fig. 3). With closed field sound, contralateral stimulation at subthreshold intensities (5 and 16 kHz) usually results in hyperpolarization (Fig. 3). 3. L3's excitatory response to 16 kHz on the ipsilateral side is suppressed by low frequencies on the same side and by low and high frequency sounds from the contralateral side (Fig. 4). 4. In open and closed field conditions, the number of spikes/syllable decrements in response to successive syllables of each chirp (Fig. 5). This response is dependent on the syllable period (SP) of the song, with the greatest decrement occurring in response to SPs of 50–70 ms; longer and shorter SPs cause less decrement (Figs. 6–7). At both 5 kHz and 16 kHz the ability of L3 to encode syllables (standard SD = 23 ms) within a chirp is dependent on the SP. At short SPs L3 fires throughout the chirp, while at longer SPs (50–200 ms) L3 responds with a distinct burst of firing for each pulse. At SPs of 200 ms or more, no decrement occurs (Fig. 8).
Echium oil reduces plasma lipids and hepatic lipogenic gene expression in apoB100-only LDL receptor knockout mice.

We tested the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with echium oil (EO), which is enriched in stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4 n-3), the product of Δ-6 desaturation of 18:3 n-3, will decrease plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations and result in conversion of SDA to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the liver. Mildly hypertriglyceridemic mice (apoB100-only LDLrKO) were fed a basal diet containing 10% calories as palm oil (PO) and 0.2% cholesterol for 4 weeks, after which they were randomly assigned to experimental diets consisting of the basal diet plus supplementation of 10% of calories as PO, EO or fish oil (FO) for 8 weeks. The EO and FO experimental diets decreased plasma TG and VLDL lipid concentration, and hepatic TG content compared to PO, and there was a significant correlation between hepatic TG content and plasma TG concentration among diet groups. EO fed mice had plasma and liver lipid EPA enrichment that was greater than PO-fed mice but less than FO-fed mice. Down-regulation of several genes involved in hepatic TG biosynthesis was similar for mice fed EO and FO and significantly lower compared to those fed PO. In conclusion, EO may provide a botanical alternative to FO for reduction of plasma TG concentrations.
Final steady flow near a stagnation point on a vertical surface in a porous medium

Abstract This paper investigates the large time (final state flow) solutions for unsteady mixed convection boundary layer flow near a stagnation point on a vertical surface embedded in a Darcian fluid-saturated porous medium. Through numerical computations Nazar et al. [R. Nazar, N. Amin, I. Pop, Unsteady mixed convection boundary layer flow near the stagnation point on a vertical surface in a porous medium, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 47 (2004) 2681–2688] concluded that for values of the mixed convection parameter λ > −1, the governing boundary value problem (BVP) had a unique solution. If λc ≈ −1.4175 −1. We also present numerical evidence that a second solution exists for λ > −1, thus giving dual solutions for all λ > λc. It is also proven that if λ
On the melt infiltration of copper coated silicon carbide with an aluminium alloy

Pressure-assisted infiltration of porous compacts of Cu coated and uncoated single crystals of platelet shaped alpha (hexagonal) SiC was used to study infiltration dynamics and particulate wettability with a 2014 Al alloy. The infiltration lengths were measured for a range of experimental variables which included infiltration pressure, infiltration time, and SiC size. A threshold pressure (P(th)) for flow initiation through compacts was identified from an analysis of infiltration data; P(th) decreased while penetration lengths increased with increasing SiC size (more fundamentally, due to changes in interparticle pore size) and with increasing infiltration times. Cu coated SiC led to lower P(th) and 60-80 percent larger penetration lengths compared to uncoated SiC under identical processing conditions.
Computing descent direction of MTL robustness for non-linear systems

The automatic analysis of transient properties of nonlinear dynamical systems is a challenging problem. The problem is even more challenging when complex state-space and timing requirements must be satisfied by the system. Such complex requirements can be captured by Metric Temporal Logic (MTL) specifications. The problem of finding system behaviors that do not satisfy an MTL specification is referred to as MTL falsification. This paper presents an approach for improving stochastic MTL falsification methods by performing local search in the set of initial conditions. In particular, MTL robustness quantifies how correct or wrong is a system trajectory with respect to an MTL specification. Positive values indicate satisfaction of the property while negative values indicate falsification. A stochastic falsification method attempts to minimize the system's robustness with respect to the MTL property. Given some arbitrary initial state, this paper presents a method to compute a descent direction in the set of initial conditions, such that the new system trajectory gets closer to the unsafe set of behaviors. This technique can be iterated in order to converge to a local minimum of the robustness landscape. The paper demonstrates the applicability of the method on some challenging nonlinear systems from the literature.
Convective heat transfer from a partially premixed impinging flame jet. Part I: Time-averaged results

Abstract Axial and radial profiles of time-averaged local heat fluxes of methane–air jet flames impinging normal to a cooled plate are reported, as functions of equivalence ratio, Reynolds number, and nozzle-plate spacing. Time-resolved behavior for these conditions is examined in the companion paper, Part II. Flame structure was studied visually and photographed. Both premixed and diffusion flame behavior was observed. Nozzle-stabilized flames revealed a stable, axisymmetric flame structure at nozzle-plate spacings less than 14 diameters. At greater nozzle-plate spacings, buoyancy-induced instabilities caused the flame to oscillate visibly. Lifted flames exhibited varied flame structures dependent upon the Reynolds number, equivalence ratio, and nozzle-plate spacing, stabilizing in the free jet, at the stagnation zone, or downstream in the wall jet. Local heat flux measurements made in the stagnation zone and along the plate adjacent to the wall jet flame revealed correlation of the local heat flux to the flame structure. Negative heat fluxes resulted from cool gases impinging on the hotter plate. The magnitude of positive heat fluxes depended on the proximity of the flame to the sensor surface, the rate of heat release, and the local molecular and turbulent transport.
MULTICOMPONENT SUBSPACE CHIRP PARAMETER ESTIMATION USING DISCRETE FRACTIONAL FOURIER ANALYSIS

The Discrete Fractional Fourier Transform is a useful tool for multicomponent chirp parameter estimation, however much of the current work ignores the presense of noise. In recent work, a projection-subspace approach to DFrFTbased multicomponent chirp parameter estimation was proposed, to exploit the robustness of subspace decomposition methods. This paper refines the prior projection-subspace work to overcome limitations caused by the projection preprocessing, and presents a quantitative analysis of its per!
Possible existence of Weyl's vector meson

A quantum field theory for electroweak interaction and gravitational interaction with local scale invariance and local SU(2) \ensuremath{\bigotimes} U(1) gauge invariance is proposed. The requirement of local scale invariance leads to the existence of Weyl's vector meson which absorbs the Higgs particle remaining in the Weinberg-Salam model.
The rapid intranuclear accumulation of preexisting proteins in response to high plasmodial density in Physarum polycephalum.

Abstract When actively growing microplasmodia of the lower eukaryote Physarum polycephalum are gently pelleted and allowed to stand at high plasmodial densities for 45 min, three specific nuclear acidic proteins undergo dramatic quantitative changes. Two major proteins of molecular weight 46 000 and 94 000 increase 110 and 320%, respectively. The increase in these two proteins is not markedly attenuated during periods when 88% total protein synthesis is blocked by cycloheximide, and the specific radioactivities of these proteins from prelabeled and continuously labeled control and pelleted plasmodia are essentially identical. A third protein of molecular weight 34 000 decreases by 51 % during the 45 min period and when cycloheximide is present, a 36% decrease in this protein still occurs. The rapid changes which occur in these three proteins in response to high plasmodial density also develop, together with many other changes, during plasmodial differentiation, but only after about 6 h of starvation. It is concluded that the rapid increase in the 46 000 and 94 000 mol. wt proteins results from protein transfer phenomena rather than de novo synthesis and that these proteins perhaps function in the early reorganization of cell metabolism rather than in structural differentiation. In further comparative studies it has been observed that mature spherules of P. polycephalum contain a major acidic protein not present in growing or differentiating plasmodia and also that the complement of residual acidic proteins differs in starvation-induced vs cold-induced spherules.
Natriuretic Responses in Labile Hypertension

To characterize humoral and renal excretory responses following provocative maneuvers in subjects with labile hypertension, we measured plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone (PA), plasma norepinephrine (PNe), urinary norepinephrine (UNe), urinary sodium excretion (UNaV), urinary potassium excretion (UKV), and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) following both volume expansion with a 150 mEq Na diet and intravenous administration of 2 L normal saline over four hours, and volume contraction with a 10 mEq Na diet and 120 mg oral furosemide. Results from 37 labile hypertensives were compared to those from the same number of age-, race-, and sex-matched normal subjects or patients with fixed essential hypertension. PRA, PA, PNe, UNe, and UKV responses were no different in the three groups. UNaV and FENa during the saline load was greater in labile hypertensives than in the other groups. While FENa was inversely related to PRA in both normals and fixed hypertensives, no such relationship was found in subjects with labile hypertension. In labile hypertensives, FENa was correlated with PNe concentrations. Furthermore, in these subjects sodium excretion and norepinephrine excretion were associated as well. We suggest that labile hypertensives exhibit exaggerated natriuresis which may be mediated by neurogenic mechanisms.
Effects of thrombin, phorbol myristate acetate and prostaglandin D2 on 40-41 kDa protein that is ADP ribosylated by pertussis toxin in platelets.

Abstract Intact platelets were stimulated with thrombin and the amount of GTP-binding protein (G-protein) oligomers was assessed by measuring ADP ribosylation of 40–41 kDa protein by pertussis toxin in isolated membranes. The toxin substrate fell by 57–62% in 10–60 s, but then returned towards normal over 5 min. Recovery was greatly enhanced by removal of thrombin from receptors with hirudin. Phorbol myristate acetate increased ADP-ribosylatable protein, but only back to initial levels prior to PMA. In contrast prostaglandin D2 plus theophylline (which increase cyclic AMP) did not increase ADP ribosylation, but could completely block the fall of the toxin substrate caused by thrombin. These results indicate that activation of thrombin receptors promotes the dissociation of G-protein oligomers to release free α-subunits, and this effect can be modulated by protein kinase C and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. The possible relationships of these findings to the regulation of stimulus-response coupling in platelets is discussed.
Co-targeting c-Met and COX-2 leads to enhanced inhibition of lung tumorigenesis in a murine model with heightened airway HGF.

Background The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met pathway is often dysregulated in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). HGF activation of c-Met induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in downstream stimulation by prostaglandin E2 of additional pathways. Targeting both c-Met and COX-2 might lead to enhanced antitumor effects by blocking signaling upstream and downstream of c-Met. Methods Effects of crizotinib or celecoxib alone or in combination were tested in NSCLC cells in vitro and in mice transgenic for airway expression of human HGF. Results Proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells treated with a combination of crizotinib and celecoxib were significantly lower compared with single treatments. Transgenic mice showed enhanced COX-2 expression localized to preneoplastic areas following exposure to the tobacco carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, which was not present without carcinogen exposure. This shows that COX-2 activity is present during lung tumor development in a high HGF environment. After 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone treatment, a significant decrease in the number of lung tumors per animal was observed after 13-week treatments of crizotinib, celecoxib, or the combination compared with placebo ( p p Conclusions In the presence of high HGF, dual inhibition of c-Met and COX-2 may enhance antitumor effects. This combination may have clinical potential in NSCLCs with high HGF/c-Met expression or epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype.