cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Oxygen Flow Calorimeter for Determining the Heating Value of Kilogram-Size Samples of Municipal Solid Waste

A new calorimeter is being developed at the National Bureau of Standards to determine the enthalpies of combustion of kilogram-size samples of minimally processed municipal solid waste (MSW) in flowing oxygen near atmospheric pressure. The organic fraction of 25 gram pellets of highly processed MSW has been burned in pure oxygen to CO2 and H2O in a small prototype calorimeter. The carbon content of the ash and the uncertainty in the amount of CO in the combustion products contribute calorimetric errors of 0.1 percent or less to the enthalpy of combustion. Large pellets of relatively unprocessed MSW have been successfully burned in a prototype kilogram-size combustor at a rate of 15 minutes per kilogram with CO/CO2 ratios not greater than 0.1 percent. The design and construction of the kilogram-size calorimeter has been completed. Preliminary trial combustions are being performed.
CeMnNi4: Impostor half metal

Recent experiments show CeMnNi$_{4}$ to have a nearly integer magnetic moment and a relatively large transport spin polarization, as probed by Andreev reflection, suggesting that the material is a half metal or close to it. However, the calculations reported here show that it is not a half metal at all, but rather a semimetal of an unusual nature. Phonon properties should also be quite unusual, with rattling low-frequency Mn modes. Nontrivial transport properties, including a large thermolectric figure of merit, $ZT,$ are predicted in the ferromagnetic state of the well ordered stoichiometric CeMnNi$_{4}$
A new analysis of Spitzer observations of Comet 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 1

Abstract We present a new analysis of Spitzer observations of Comet 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 1 taken on UT 2003 November 21, 23, and 24, similar to a previous investigation of the observations (Stansberry et al., 2004), but using the most recent Spitzer data pipeline products and intensive image processing techniques. Analysis of images from the IRAC 5.8 and 8.0 μ m bands and the MIPS 24.0 and 70.0 μ m bands resulted in photometry measurements of the nucleus after a suite of coma modeling and removal processes were implemented. SW1 was not identified in the 5.8 μ m image from the previous work so its incorporation into this analysis is entirely new. Using the Near Earth Asteroid Thermal Model (Harris, 1998) resulted in a nucleus radius measurement of R = 30.2 - 2.9 + 3.7 km and an infrared beaming parameter value of η = 0.99 - 0.19 + 0.26 . We also measured an infrared geometric albedo, p 5.8 = 0.5 ± 0.5 . Extrapolating a 0.04 V-band albedo and using a normalized reflectivity gradient S ′ = 14.94 ± 1.09 [% (1000 A) −1 ] (Duffard, R., et al. [2014]. Astron. Astrophys. 564, A92) we recover an infrared albedo of p 5.8 = 0.31 in the near infrared consistent with the value recovered from thermal modeling. The dust composition extracted from IRS spectra are very comet-like, containing mainly amorphous ferromagnesian silicates (but with a minority of crystalline silicates as well), water ice, and metal sulfides.
Relation of Gastroesophageal Reflux to Yield Sphincter Pressures

Esophageal motility studies, utilizing constant catheter perfusion, with simultaneous intraluminal pH measurements were performed in 58 patients to study the relation of lower esophageal sphincter pressures to reflux. Patients with symptomatic hiatal hernias, incompetent lower sphincters in the absence of a demonstrable hiatal hernia, and prior vagotomies were compared with normal control subjects. Reflux did not occur in the control group. Reflux in the abnormal groups, as monitored by the intraluminal electrode, was associated with sphincter pressures that were significantly lower than those in the control group. Patients with the most marked degree of reflux demonstrated the lowest sphincter pressures. Variability in sphincter pressure and configuration was seen in hiatal hernia patients on repeat studies; the degree of reflux was related consistently to sphincter pressure present at the time. The relationship of reflux to low sphincter pressure was seen in all groups (hiatal hernia, incompetent lower sphincter, and postvagotomy).
Implementing e-books: Faculty and student experiences

Abstract The undergraduate faculty of a public nursing program redesigned their curriculum to a concept-based model and implemented electronic textbooks (e-books) for all students. Quantitative data from faculty and students reported more proficiency and satisfaction with e-books over time. Both groups expressed neutral feelings regarding e-books enhancing learning. Qualitative data revealed perceived benefits including searchability and portability of e-books; barriers included eye strain and time to master e-books use.
Integration of Visual Stimuli by the Crayfish Central Nervous System

For the crayfish, properties of visually reacting interneurone types in the optic nerve are described on the basis of single-unit analysis. Sustaining fibres show: (a) ‘surround’ inhibition over the whole retina, including the excitatory field; (b) ‘on’ and ‘off’ effects at field boundaries; (c) a dark discharge in deteriorated preparations; (d) an increase in adapted firing rate and response to flashes in an ‘excited state’ of the preparation; (e) increased overall impulse frequency to fast-moving shadows at frequencies of 2-10/sec. which elicit short bursts. Dimming fibres, having mainly reversed properties, show: (a) bursts followed by adaptation to a lower ferquency level of spikes on light dimming; (b) total inhibition by illumination for times proportional to light intensity; (c) responsiveness to quickly moving shadows. 'Jittery’ movement fibres lack directional sensitivity. For them: (a) total illumination and contrast have, within a wide range, no effect on discharges to moving targets; (b) large, dark cards moved at constant speed are seen only near their visual field boundary; (c) the less predictable the movement of a small dark object is, the longer its excitatory effect lasts; (d) responsiveness of field parts exposed is decreased for long durations; (e) no firing is caused by active or passive eye motions. Space-constant fibres show changed location and size of their excitatory fields with eye position. Their potential visual fields below the horizontal plane are unresponsive, due to inhibition caused mainly by statocyst input. Two eye muscle motor fibres, also under statocyst control, are influenced by light on the limited sensory fields of two pairs of identifiable sustaining fibres. The two motor fibres, which innervate antagonistic muscles, are reversely excited and inhibited by these fields.
Identification of a novel substitution in the constant region of a gene coding for an amyloidogenic κ1 light chain

Abstract Current concepts regarding the association between immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain structure and AL amyloidosis (AL) emphasize Ig variable region amino acid substitutions because the majority of light chain amyloid fibrils that have been sequenced contain amino termini of the variable region with only small amounts of the constant region. In this report, we describe a patient with rapidly progressive AL whose amyloid deposits contained primarily monoclonal κ light chain constant region fragments. We sequenced and analyzed this AL protein, determining that it was an O18-O8 κ 1 variant and that the constant region possessed an unusual Ser→Asn substitution at position 177. Using pre-mortem bone marrow cells, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA for this AL protein (HCAK1) and, using DNA from post-mortem somatic tissue, we cloned and sequenced the patient’s κ germline O18-O8 donor and κ constant region ( Cκ ) gene segments. The cDNA that coded for HCAK1 contained a variable region that was derived from O18-O8 , showing 96.1% homology to germline, and a Cκ that had a nucleotide substitution (A G C to A A C), resulting in the 177 Ser→Asn replacement. Two Cκ genes were cloned from somatic tissue DNA, one identical to a known Cκ sequence and another containing this substitution which likely is a new Cκ allotype. Our findings indicate that further investigation is warranted into the contributions genetic polymorphisms and light chain constant regions may make to amyloidogenesis.
Role of Integrins in Cancer: Survey of Expression Patterns

Tumor cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth, invasion to surrounding tissues, and metastatic spread to distant sites. Mortality from cancer is often due to metastasis since surgical removal of tumors can enhance and prolong survival. The integrins constitute a family of transmembrane receptor proteins composed of heterodimeric complexes of noncovalently linked alpha and beta chains. Integrins function in cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesive interactions and transduce signals from the ECM to the cell interior and vice versa. Hence, the integrins mediate the ECM influence on cell growth and differentiation. Since these properties implicate integrin involvement in cell migration, invasion, intra- and extra-vasation, and platelet interaction, a role for integrins in tumor growth and metastasis is obvious. These findings are underpinned by observations that the integrins are linked to the actin cytoskeleton involving talin, vinculin, and alpha-actinin as intermediaries. Such cytoskeletal changes can be manifested by rounded cell morphology, which is often coincident with tumor transformation via decreased or increased integrin expression patterns. For the various types of cancers, different changes in integrin expression are further associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor progression leading to metastasis appears to involve equipping cancer cells with the appropriate adhesive (integrin) phenotype for interaction with the ECM. Therapies directed at influencing integrin cell expression and function are presently being explored for inhibition of tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Such therapeutic strategies include anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies, peptidic inhibitors (cyclic and linear), calcium-binding protein antagonists, proline analogs, apoptosis promotors, and antisense oligonucleotides. Moreover, platelet aggregation induced by tumor cells, which facilitates metastatic spread, can be inhibited by the disintegrins, a family of viper venom-like peptides. Therefore, adhesion molecules from the integrin family and components of angiogenesis might be useful as tumor progression markers for prognostic and for diagnostic purposes. Development of integrin cell expression profiles for individual tumors may have further potential in identifying a cell surface signature for a specific tumor type and/or stage. Thus, recent advances in elucidating the structure, function, ECM binding, and signaling pathways of the integrins have led to new and exciting modalities for cancer therapeutics and diagnoses.
Subverting Forced Identities, Violent Acts, and the Narrativity of Race: A Diasporic Analysis of Black Women's Radical Subjectivity in Three Novel Acts

This article explores the making of Black women's radical subjectivity in Black women's writings. Black women's radical subjectivity shatters the boundaries of geopolitical spaces traditionally defined through citizenship while creating alternative social imaginaries that represent a space where home and belongingness may be attained and self-determination realized. It is from the examination of Black women's textualities that one can detect an upheaval of nation-state racial formations that subverts the policing power of the state to force and essentialize racial identities. In this article, the authors trace the process of subverting forced identities, violent acts, and the narrativity of race. The authors analyze the lives, the movements, and the actions of the Black female protagonists from three geopolitical contexts as portrayed in the following novels: African American author Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Caribbean author Michelle Cliff's No Telephone to Heaven, and South African author Lauretta...
Preparation and 1-carbon homologation of boronic ester substituted Δ2-isoxazolines: The 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to vinyl boronic esters

Abstract The dipolar cycloaddition of a variety of nitrile oxides to pinacol vinylboronate ( 2 ) is described. In addition, the 1-carbon homologation of the boronic ester substituted Δ 2 -isoxazolines obtained from the cycloadditions has been carried out employing iodomethyllithium.
Hadamard matrices of order 4(2p + 1)

Abstract It is shown in this paper that if p is a prime and q = 2 p − 1 is a prime power, then there exists an Hadamard matrix of order 4(2 p + 1).
Design and Synthesis of Biotin Chain-Terminated Glycopolymers for Surface Glycoengineering

Biotin chain-terminated glycopolymers were generated by cyanoxyl-mediated free-radical polymerization using a biotin-derivatized arylamine initiator with high conversion (75%) and low polydispersity (1.30). Streptavidin-biotinylated glycopolymer binding was verified by SDS-PAGE gel shift assay and patterned glycocalyx-mimetic surfaces successfully fabricated.
The Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress for Women after Spousal Emotional Abuse.

Emotionally abused women experience negative psychological outcomes long after the abusive spousal relationship has ended. This study compares forgiveness therapy (FT) with an alternative treatment (AT; anger validation, assertiveness, interpersonal skill building) for emotionally abused women who had been permanently separated for 2 or more years (M = 5.00 years, SD = 2.61; n = 10 per group). Participants, who were matched, yoked, and randomized to treatment group, met individually with the intervener. Mean intervention time was 7.95 months (SD = 2.61). The relative efficacy of FT and AT was assessed at p < .05. Participants in FT experienced significantly greater improvement than AT participants in depression, trait anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, self-esteem, forgiveness, environmental mastery, and finding meaning in suffering, with gains maintained at follow-up (M = 8.35 months, SD = 1.53). FT has implications for the long-term recovery of postrelationship emotionally abused women.
Effect of pH and Temperature on the Kinetics of Odor Oxidation Using Chlorine Dioxide

Increasing public concerns over odors and air regulations in nonattainment zones necessitate the remediation of a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated in the poultry-rendering industry. Currently, wet scrubbers using oxidizing chemicals such as chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are utilized to treat VOCs. However, little information is available on the kinetics of ClO2 reaction with rendering air pollutants, limiting wet scrubber design and optimization. Kinetic analysis indicated that ClO2 does not react with hexanal and 2-methylbutanal regardless of pH and temperature and implied that aldehyde removal occurs primarily via mass transfer. Contrary to the aldehydes, ethanethiol or ethyl mercaptan (a model compound for methanethiol or methyl mercaptan) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) rapidly reacted with ClO2. The overall reaction was found to be second and third order for ethanethiol and DMDS, respectively. Moreover, an increase in pH from 3.6 to 5.1 exponentially increased the reaction rate of ethanethiol (e.g., k2 = 25-4200 L/mol/sec from pH 3.6 to 5.1) and significantly increased the reaction rate of DMDS if increased to pH 9 (k3 = 1.4 x 10(6) L2/mol2/sec). Thus, a small increase in pH could significantly improve wet scrubber operations for removal of odor-causing compounds. However, an increase in pH did not improve aldehyde removal. The results explain why aldehyde removal efficiencies are much lower than methanethiol and DMDS in wet scrubbers using ClO2.
Preservation of soil samples for assay of urease activity

Abstract Studies with 10 soils selected to obtain a wide range in properties indicated that several drying and storage treatments are satisfactory for preserving soil samples for assay of urease activity. The following treatments of field-moist soils had no effect on the values obtained in assay of urease activity: freeze-drying (−60°C) for 60 h; air-drying (22°C) for 48 h; oven-drying (55°C) for 24 h; storage at 20, 5, −10 or −20°C for times ranging from 1 day to 3 months. No change in urease activity occurred when air-dried soils were stored at 21–23°C for times ranging from 1 week to 1 year.
Efficient Synthesis of Narrowly Dispersed Brush Copolymers and Study of Their Assemblies: The Importance of Side Chain Arrangement

Efficient, one-pot preparation of synthetically challenging, high molecular weight (MW), narrowly dispersed brush block copolymers and random copolymers in high conversions was achieved by ring-opening metathesis (co)polymerization (ROMP) of various macromonomers (MMs) using the highly active, fast-initiating ruthenium olefin metathesis catalyst (H2IMes)(pyr)2(Cl)2RuCHPh. A series of random and block copolymers were prepared from a pair of MMs containing polylactide (PLA) and poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) side chains at similar MWs. Their self-assembly in the melt state was studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In brush random copolymers containing approximately equal volume fractions of PLA and PnBA, the side chains segregate into lamellae with domain spacing of 14 nm as measured by SAXS, which was in good agreement with the lamellar thickness measured by AFM. The domain spacings and order−disorder transition temperatures of brush random copolymers were insensi...
Organizational and management strategies in response to US market trends

This paper describes major trends in the health care market. They include increased health care costs, the growth of managed care, emphasis on quality of care, consumer choice and the growth of the elderly and uninsured populations. The relationship between cost, quality, managed care and choice are explored in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. A clearer understanding of these trends enables managers in health care organizations to make strategic decisions resulting in organizations' survival and growth.
STIP: Spatio-Temporal Intersection Protocols for Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous driving is likely to be the heart of urban transportation in the future. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to increase the safety of passengers and also to make road trips shorter and more enjoyable. As the first steps toward these goals, many car manufacturers are investing in designing and equipping their vehicles with advanced driver-assist systems. Road intersections are considered to be serious bottlenecks of urban transportation, as more than 44% of all reported crashes in U.S. occur within intersection areas which in turn lead to 8,500 fatalities and approximately 1 million injuries every year. Furthermore, the impact of road intersections on traffic delays leads to enormous waste of human and natural resources. In this paper, we therefore focus on intersection management in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) research. In the future, when dealing with autonomous vehicles, it is critical to address safety and throughput concerns that arise from autonomous driving through intersections and roundabouts.Our goal is to provide vehicles with a safe and efficient passage method through intersections and roundabouts. We have been investigating vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications as a part of co-operative driving in the context of autonomous driving. We have designed and developed efficient and reliable intersection protocols to avoid vehicle collisions at intersections and increase traffic throughput. In this paper, we introduce new V2V intersection protocols to achieve the above goals. We show that, in addition to intersections, these protocols are also applicable to vehicle crossings at roundabouts. Additionally, we study the effects of position inaccuracy of commonly-used GPS devices on some of our V2V intersection protocols and suggest required modifications to guarantee their safety and efficiency despite these impairments. Our simulation results show that we are able to avoid collisions and also increase the throughput of the intersections up to 87.82% compared to common traffic-light signalized intersections.
A subclass model for non-linear pattern classification

Abstract This paper describes a pattern classification model called “classification on subclasses”. The model and its computation scheme are based on the theoretic foundation of minimizing the cross-entropy of the distribution functions that bear considerable complexity and non-linearity. In this model, pattern classes are configured and described by a number of subclasses each associated with a distribution formulated according to the regularization principle. This modeling technique provides a simplified solution to a group of non-linear pattern classification problems. Simulation shows a high classification rate on pattern samples with complex distributions.
Paradise Lost: Age-Dependent Mortality of American Communes, 1609–1965

Theorists agree that the risk of folding changes as organizations age, but there is little consensus as to the general form or generative processes of age-dependent mortality. This article investigates four such processes (maturation, senescence, legitimation and obsolescence), which have been taken as competing accounts. Using two analytical levers – elaborating on the time shapes of these processes and distinguishing aging of organizations from aging of their templates (designs) - this paper differentiates these four processes and tests them jointly. Analysis of mortality rates for American communes from 1609 through 1965 strongly supports the proposed effects of maturation and senescence at the organization level and legitimation at the level of organizational templates. Results give weaker evidence that obsolescence of templates influenced mortality and that environmental drift exacerbated obsolescence.
Bubo masquerading as an incarcerated inguinal hernia

A 44-year old, male, tattooed, leather jacket clad, Harley-Davidson motorcyclist arrived at the emergency room with a tender, irreducible mass, presenting at the external inguinal ring. In 1998, lung biopsy was read as miliary granuloma. No herniation was found on urgent preperitoneal exploration. Incision of the mass showed acid-fast bacilli. Culture later revealed Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). A blood count showed CD4 lymphopenia; HIV was negative and remains so 2 years later.
Homologous IM-9 Lymphocyte Radioreceptor and Receptor Modulation Assays for Human Serum Growth Hormone

Radioreceptar assays for human GH (hGH) have been developed using the IM-9 cultured human lymphoid ceil receptor. Varying degrees of nonspecific interference with [I25I] hGH binding to these cells occurs in the presence of serum. We have modified the traditional IM-9 competitive binding assay for hGH and abolished the nonspecific serum effects. The modified competitive assay is sensitive to as little as 2 ng/ml hGH, and it has been validated by the quantitative recovery of purified pituitary hGH in hypopituitary serum. Sera from stimulated normals, acromegalics, and patients with severe growth retardation were assayed. The RIA to radioreceptor assay ratios for these groups were 0.98 ± 0.10, 0.97 ± 0.18, and 2.43 ± 0.54, respectively. The assay has potential usefulness in screening and predicting growth-retarded patients most likely to respond to exogenous hGH therapy. In addition, a sensitive receptor modulation assay, which uses the ability of hGH to regulate its homologous IM-9 receptors, is described. ...
Magnetization of spin impurities in ferromagnets

Abstract : Direct calculation of the spectral weight function of spin impurities in ferromagnets provides a rationale for the empirical fact that the impurity magnetization obeys the molecular field theory more accurately than does the host. (Author)
Separation and isolation of trace impurities in l-tryptophan by high-performance liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) profiling method was developed to separate trace impurities in L-tryptophan products associated with the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) epidemic. The test portion was dissolved in water, and the solution was filtered and chromatographed on a silica-based C18 reversed-phase HPLC column by using linear gradient elution with water and acetonitrile-water (80:20); both solvents contained 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid for ion-pairing. The method was used to profile 200 test samples from six manufacturers of L-tryptophan. The method was modified to include the use of a C18 disposable cartridge to retain the 1,1'-ethylidene-bis(L-tryptophan) (peak E, peak 97 or EBT), the impurity most strongly associated with EMS, and to remove the L-tryptophan before HPLC separation and quantitation. Recoveries of EBT added to test portions (2 micrograms/g and above) averaged 80%.
Digital watermarking on EBCOT compressed images

In this research, we propose an approach to combine the image compression and the image watermarking schemes in an effective way. The image coding scheme under our consideration is EBCOT (Embedded Block Coding with Optimized Truncation) which is the basis of JPEG2000 VM (Verification Model). The watermark is embedded when the compressed bit-stream is formed, and can be detected on the fly during image decompression. With the proposed integrated method, watermark embedding and retrieval processes can be done very efficiently compared with existing watermarking schemes. The embedded watermark is robust against various signal processing attacks including compression and filtering while the resulting watermarked image maintains good perceptual quality. Furthermore, the watermark can be detected progressively and ROI (Region of Interest)-based watermarking can be easily accomplished.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Searching and browsing large scale image database using keywords and ontology

Automatic image annotation is a promising solution to enable keyword-based semantic image retrieval. In this demo, we present our image search engine I-Search implemented using a multi-level semantic image annotation algorithm. By incorporating a domain-specific ontology into the autogenerated annotations, we are able to organize large scale natural image databases into hierarchical structures for browsing and keyword-based searching without referring to external text information.
Fibroblast growth factor expression during skeletal fracture healing in mice.

Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are important signaling molecules that regulate many stages of endochondral bone development. During the healing of a skeletal fracture, several features of endochondral bone development are reactivated. To better understand the role of FGFs in skeletal fracture healing, we quantitatively evaluated the temporal expression patterns of Fgfs, Fgf receptors (Fgfrs), and molecular markers of bone development over a 14-day period following long bone fracture in a mouse model. These studies identify distinct groups of FGFs that are differentially expressed and suggest active stage-specific roles for FGF signaling during the fracture repair process.
The catalytic formation of the fluorescent condensation product of N1-methylnicotinamide and alkaline acetone.

Abstract 1. 1. A study of the factors affecting the fluorescence activity of the product resulting from the condensation of N1-Me and alkaline acetone is reported. 2. 2. The data indicate that many inorganic cations and anions, as well as hydrogen peroxide, increase the apparent fluorescence. 3. 3. The increased fluorescence is due to the formation of larger amounts of the fluorescent condensation product. 4. 4. These factors are discussed in relation to the use of the analytical procedure when applied to biological material.
Predicting compliance behavior from moral judgment scales

Abstract Two experiments with college males examined the relationship between moral judgment and compliance in a modified Asch paradigm. In Experiment 1 moral judgment was assessed with the written form of Kohlberg's dilemmas. Stage of moral judgment interacted with type of compliance, with Stage 4 subjects showing a compromise response between their own perceptions and the responses of others. In Experiment 2 moral judgment was assessed with Rest's Defining Issues Test. Compliance was found to be negatively related to level of moral judgment. The relationship found between moral judgment and compliance in the two experiments was interpreted in terms of a trend away from external standards and toward internal standards with higher levels of moral judgment.
Charged local anesthetics block ionic conduction in the sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel

We have examined the effect of the charged local anesthetics QX314, QX222, and Procaine on monovalent cation conduction in the Ca2+ release channel of the sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. All three blockers only affect cation conductance when present at the cytoplasmic face of the channel. QX222 and Procaine act as voltage-dependent blockers. With 500 Hz filtering, this is manifest as a relatively smooth reduction in single-channel current amplitude most prominent at positive holding potentials. Quantitative analysis gives an effective valence of approximately 0.9 for both ions and Kb(0)s of 9.2 and 15.8 mM for QX222 and Procaine, respectively. Analysis of the concentration dependence of block suggests that QX222 is binding to a single site with a Km of 491 microM at a holding potential of 60 mV. The use of amplitude distribution analysis, with the data filtered at 1 to 2 kHz, reveals that the voltage and concentration dependence of QX222 block occurs largely because of changes in the blocker on rate. The addition of QX314 has a different effect, leading to the production of a substate with an amplitude of approximately one-third that of the control. The substate's occurrence is dependent on holding potential and QX314 concentration. Quantitative analysis reveals that the effect is highly voltage dependent, with a valence of approximately 1.5 caused by approximately equal changes in the on and off rates. Kinetic analysis of the concentration dependence of the substate occurrence reveals positive cooperativity with at least two QX314s binding to the conduction pathway, and this is largely accounted for by changes in the on rate. A paradoxical increase in the off rate at high positive holding potentials and with increasing QX314 concentration at 80 mV suggests the existence of a further QX314-dependent reaction that is both voltage and concentration dependent. The substate block is interpreted physically as a form of partial occlusion in the vestibule of the conduction pathway giving a reduction in single-channel current by electrostatic means.
Forecasts of Typhoon Irma using a Nested–Grid Model

Abstract A three-layer, triply-nested, tropical cyclone forecast model was initialized from hand-analyzed, synoptic-scale wind data. The primitive-equation forecast model, which was developed by Harrison (1973), provides for movement of the nested grids and for an analytic heating function following the storm crew. The technique for initializing the nested-grid model is described by Elsberry and Ley (1976). The particular storm selected for the tests was a late season typhoon (Irma) that had been forecast to recurve in advance of a middle-latitude trough. Both the nested-grid model and a coarse-mesh version predicted correctly the non-recurvature of Irma and the subsequent westerly track. These limited tests with the moveable, triply-nested model, coupled with the results of other modeling groups, suggest considerable promise of useful motion forecast guidance based on dynamical models.
The distinguishing number of the hypercube

Abstract The distinguishing number of a graph G is the minimum number of colors for which there exists an assignment of colors to the vertices of G so that the group of color-preserving automorphisms of G consists only of the identity. It is shown, for the d -dimensional hypercubic graphs H d , that D ( H d )=3 if d ∈{2,3} and D ( H d )=2 if d ⩾4. It is also shown that D ( H d 2 )=4 for d ∈{2,3} and D ( H d 2 )=2 for d ⩾4, where H d 2 denotes the square of the d -dimensional hypercube. This solves the distinguishing number for hypercubic graphs and their squares.
Compact LED-based phase fluorimeter detection system for chemical and biosensor arrays

This paper describes a design for an inexpensive phase fluorimeter based on blue or green light emitting diodes for use with chemical and biological sensors with fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetime-based transduction. The phase fluorimeter is based on a personal computer, two frequency synthesizers and off-the-shelf optical and electronic components and has an estimated lifetime resolution better than 10 ps. The phase fluorimeter is especially well-suited for implementation with arrays of chemically sensitive elements. The data acquisition system allows rapid monitoring of light emission from fluors or phosphors immobilized in the chemically sensitive array elements, each of which can be designed to be responsive to a particular chemical analyte. This paper describes chemically sensitive elements based on ultrathin films of porous polymers and on self-assembled monolayers. The paper focuses on methods for detection of low levels of luminescence emission from micropatterned array elements that comprise sensor arrays. Of particular importance is the detection of low levels of fluorescence and phosphorescence from SAMs of alkanethiolates on thin gold and silver films. Methods for enhancing the luminescence yield from these SAMs include optimization of the dielectric environment of the luminescent dyes and surface plasmon resonance enhanced excitation.
Effect of Rounding the Edges in the Base of a Rider on the Stress Intensity Factors in a Body with Edge Cracks

We study the dependence of the stress intensity factors in a body containing an edge arbitrarily oriented crack on the radius R of rounding of the edges in the base of a rider pressed with unilateral friction to the damaged body near the crack mouth. Within the framework of the two-dimensional problem, this body is modeled by an elastic half plane with edge cut and the action of the rider is replaced by a load reproducing the distribution of pressure established by Aleksandrov and Romalis [Contact Problems in Machine Building, Mashinostroenie, Moscow, 1986] in the contact zone of two elastic cylinders with initial contact strip. The numerical results are obtained for the identical materials of contacting bodies for a half length of the initial contact zone b = [5; 10] mm, the following values of the radius: R = [0.1; 1.0; 10.0; 100.0] mm, and different inclination angles of the edge crack, relative positions of the rider and the crack, and crack lengths.
A randomized controlled trial of a probiotic, VSL#3, on gut transit and symptoms in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Summary Aim : To investigate the effects of a probiotic formulation, VSL#3, on gastrointestinal transit and symptoms of patients with Rome II irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhoea. Methods : Twenty-five patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome were randomly assigned to receive VSL#3 powder (450 billion lyophilized bacteria/day) or matching placebo twice daily for 8 weeks after a 2-week run-in period. Pre- and post-treatment gastrointestinal transit measurements were performed in all patients. Patients recorded their bowel function and symptoms daily in a diary during the 10-week study, which was powered to detect a 50% change in the primary colonic transit end-point. Results : There were no significant differences in mean gastrointestinal transit measurements, bowel function scores or satisfactory global symptom relief between the two treatment groups, pre- or post-therapy. Differences in abdominal bloating scores between treatments were borderline significant (P = 0.09, analysis of covariance). Further analysis revealed that abdominal bloating was reduced (P = 0.046) with VSL#3 [mean post- minus pre-treatment score, − 13.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), − 2.5 to − 24.9], but not with placebo (P = 0.54) (mean post- minus pre-treatment score, − 1.7; 95% CI, 7.1 to − 10.4). With the exception of changes in abdominal bloating, VSL#3 had no effect on other individual symptoms: abdominal pain, gas and urgency. All patients tolerated VSL#3 well. Conclusion : VSL#3 appears to be promising in the relief of abdominal bloating in patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This is unrelated to an alteration in gastrointestinal or colonic transit.
Polymer latex particle size measurement through high speed dielectric spectroscopy

Dielectric techniques have been implemented to study aqueous colloidal suspensions. A four electrode cell was used in two configurations; the first, a sweep of frequencies using a sequence of standard single frequency null-balance measurements, and the second relying on the dielectric response to a Fourier synthesized pseudo random white noise (FSPN) with measurements performed using correlation techniques in the time domain. Single frequency measurements, which take on the order of 5–10 min per spectrum, were performed on polymer latex standards of varying size, latex concentration, and electrolyte concentration and were extended from 0.02 to over 500 kHz. It was found that the central relaxation frequency fc was inversely propotional to the square of the particle size, consistent with previous experimental results. Experiments were performed at different particle concentration and ionic strengths, and the magnitude and breadth of the dielectric dispersion was analyzed in terms of current theories. The distribution of relaxation times was found to be in general qualitative agreement with those predicted by some existing theories. The results indicate that a wide range of conditions exist in terms of latex concentration and ionic environment where the rapid and accurate measurement of polymer latex particle size and size distribution is feasible. FSPN measurements, which take on the order of seconds, were shown to be accurate over a moderate frequency range for model electrical network studies but were only partially successful for aqueous suspensions of latex because of high frequency limitations in the electronics. Experimental details and difficulties concerning the application of this technique are discussed.
Predicting and quantifying the structure of tropical dry forests in South Florida and the Neotropics using spaceborne imagery

Aim This research examines environmental theories and remote sensing methods that have been hypothesized to be associated with tropical dry forest structure. Location Tropical dry forests of South Florida and the Neotropics. Methods Field measurements of stand density, basal area and tree height were collected from 22 stands in South Florida and 30 stands in the Neotropics. In South Florida, field measurements were compared to climatic (temperature, precipitation, hurricane disturbance) and edaphic (rockiness, soil depth) variables, spectral indices (NDVI, IRI, MIRI) from Landsat 7 ETM+, and estimates of tree height from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and the National Elevation Dataset (NED). Environmental variables associated with tropical dry forest structure in South Florida were compared to tropical dry forest in other Neotropical sites. Results There were significant correlations among temperature and precipitation, and stand density and tree height in South Florida. There were significant correlations between (i) stand density and mean NDVI and standard deviation of NDVI, (ii) MIRI and stand density, basal area and mean tree height, and (iii) estimates of tree height from SRTM with maximum tree height. In the Neotropics, there were no relationships between temperature or precipitation and tropical dry forest structure, however, Neotropical sites that experience hurricane disturbance had significantly shorter tree heights and higher stand densities. Main conclusions It is possible to predict and quantify the forest structure characteristics of tropical dry forests using climatic data, Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery and SRTM data in South Florida. However, results based on climatic data are region-specific and not necessarily transferable between tropical dry forests at a continental spatial scale. Spectral indices from Landsat 7 ETM+ can be used to quantify forest structure characteristics, but SRTM data are currently not transferable to other regions. Hurricane disturbance has a significant impact on forest structure in the Neotropics.
I. Multicentre clinical trial on the effects of diet on low birthweight infants

Optimal dietary management of preterm infants is uncertain partly because it has been based largely on short term studies rather than on clinical outcome data. We introduce as a possible model for further trials, the structure of a large five-centre study designed to investigate dietary influences on morbidity and long term neurodevelopment, growth and clinical outcome. Currently, >600 unselected preterm infants (<1850g), both ill and well, have been randomised into 4 parallel trials involving paired comparisons of banked milk (BBM), adapted formula, or preterm formula (PTF) fed as sole diets or in conjunction with maternal milk. Overall postrandomization incidence of NEC (3.6%), death (5.8%) and serious metabolic complications are used to illustrate the very large calculated sample sizes required to provide adequate reassurance on clinical safety of available diets. In the short term BBM fed infants, compared with those fed PTF, have reduced steady gains in weight (p<0.001), length and OFC (p<0.02), different body proportions (reduced ratio; length or OFC: weight2, (p<0.01), and marginally lower body water (by deuterium isotope dilution). Whereas at 2 kg, a PTF fed infant born at 1kg/28 weeks has maintained its birth centile, weight falls <3rd centile (Lubcenko) on breastmilk. These continuing trials will test the hypotheses that early growth influences neurodevelopment and programmes future growth.
Senate working on reauthorization of water resources development bill

Although the details are not even written for forthcoming legislation to reauthorize the U.S. federal Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), three broad themes emerged during a 20 September hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). First, passage of the WRDA bill, which would authorize water projects around the country, already appears to have bipartisan support, as well as support from conservation, industry, and labor groups. WRDA was last reauthorized in 2007 when the Senate voted 79–14 in broad bipartisan support to override President George W. Bush's veto of the $23 billion bill. Second, although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—which manages, operates, and maintains a vast water resources infrastructure including more than 600 dams, 926 harbors, and 12,000 miles of commercial inland navigation channels—received some praise for its projects, it was also criticized as being a bureaucracy in need of repair. Third, WRDA legislation is operating under different ground rules than in the past. EPW committee chair Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said that she has been working with Republicans on WRDA legislation and that she hopes to move forward with a bill later this year—possibly bringing it up for a markup during Congress's lame duck session following the national election in November. She said that would be a way to set a marker for leadership on both sides of the congressional aisle to move forward with the bill. Boxer said she would “get my dream bill in place” and then provide it to committee ranking member James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and other Republicans for their comments.
Genetic ablation of carotene oxygenases and consumption of lycopene or tomato powder diets modulate carotenoid and lipid metabolism in mice

Carotene-15,15'-monooxygenase (CMO-I) cleaves β-carotene to form vitamin A, whereas carotene-9',10'-monooxygenase (CMO-II) preferentially cleaves non-provitamin A carotenoids. Recent reports indicate that β-carotene metabolites regulate dietary lipid uptake, whereas lycopene regulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor expression. To determine the physiologic consequences of carotenoids and their interactions with CMO-I and CMO-II, we characterized mammalian carotenoid metabolism, metabolic perturbations, and lipid metabolism in female CMO-I(-/-) and CMO-II(-/-) mice fed lycopene or tomato-containing diets for 30 days. We hypothesized that there would be significant interactions between diet and genotype on carotenoid accumulation and lipid parameters. CMO-I(-/-) mice had higher levels of leptin, insulin, and hepatic lipidosis but lower levels of serum cholesterol. CMO-II(-/-) mice had increased tissue lycopene and phytofluene accumulation, reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and cholesterol levels, but elevated liver lipids and cholesterol compared with wild-type mice. The diets did not modulate these genotypic perturbations, but lycopene and tomato powder significantly decreased serum insulin-like growth factor 1. Tomato powder also increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor expression, independent of genotype. These data point to the pleiotropic actions of CMO-I and CMO-II supporting a strong role of these proteins in regulating tissue carotenoid accumulation and the lipid metabolic phenotype as well as tomato carotenoid-independent regulation of lipid metabolism.
Adverse outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is determined by diaphragmatic agenesis, not by antenatal diagnosis

Abstract Background/Purpose : The authors studied their congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) cases retrospectively to ascertain if classical CDH and diaphragmatic agenesis (DA) have separate clinical manifestations, whether antenatally diagnosed cases behave differently from those not diagnosed antenatally, and if antenatal diagnosis before 25 weeks carries a worse prognosis. Methods : The authors performed a retrospective review of 23 infants with CDH treated at their institution between January 1996 and March 1999. The patients were divided into 3 groups that were analyzed: DA and classical CDH, antenatally diagnosed and nonantenatally diagnosed, and antenatally diagnosed before 25 weeks and after 25 weeks. Results : There were 8 cases of DA and 11 cases of classical CDH. Four infants died without operation and could not be classified. Neonates with DA had significantly longer mean duration of preoperative stabilization compared with classical CDH (5.25 ± 2.76 days v 1.36 ± 1.0 days) and postoperative mechanical ventilatory support (15.7 ± 3.0 days v 4.9 ± 3.0 days). Fifty percent of DA patients died; all classical CDH patients survived. Twelve cases were diagnosed antenatally, 6 before 25 weeks' gestation. Antenatally diagnosed cases had no statistically significant difference in mortality rates from those not diagnosed antenatally; 50% of those diagnosed before 25 weeks survived. Conclusions : DA cases require more preoperative preparation and postoperative ventilation and have a bad prognosis compared with classical CDH. Antenatal diagnosis of CDH does not convey a different prognosis. Fifty percent of CDH patients with antenatal diagnosis before 25 weeks survive.