cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The European community's system of generalized tariff preferences: A critique

In mid‐1971 the European Community introduced a system of generalized tariff preferences for less developed countries, hailing its scheme as a ‘generous response’ to the needs of those countries. This paper explores tentatively how generous the European tariff preference scheme is, in terms of its likely stimulus to exports from and investment in the less developed countries. It also assesses the impact of the scheme on the assumption of United Kingdom membership in the Community. It concludes that whether Britain is in or out, the European scheme, based as it is on rather restrictive tariff quotas keyed to past trade data, will offer little help in furthering the economic objectives of developing countries.
A comparison of H2 addition to 3 ms partial oxidation reactions

Abstract We compare the effects of adding large amounts of H2 to 3 ms partial oxidation reactions, ethane to ethylene, propane to olefins, and methane and ammonia to HCN. It is found that H2 can be safely added at the 2/1 H2/O2 stoichiometry in the presence of these fuels without any homogeneous reactions, flames, or explosions. For all of these systems the addition of H2 increases the selectivities to the desired products while strongly decreasing CO and CO2. Addition of H2 forces water formation near the front face of the catalyst which consumes O2 and allows dehydrogenation processes to dominate.
A high level power model for Network-on-Chip (NoC) router

This paper presents a high level power estimation methodology for a Network-on-Chip (NoC) router, that is capable of providing cycle accurate power profile to enable power exploration at system level. Our power macro model is based on the number of flits passing through a router as the unit of abstraction. Experimental results show that our power macro model incurs less than 5% average absolute cycle error compared to gate level analysis. The high level power macro model allows network power to be readily incorporated into simulation infrastructures, providing a fast and cycle accurate power profile, to enable power optimization such as power-aware compiler, core mapping, and scheduling techniques for CMP. As a case study, we demonstrate the use of our model for evaluating the effect of different core mappings using SPLASH-2 benchmark showing the utility of our power macro model.
Comparing outcomes of slings with versus without enterocystoplasty for neurogenic urinary incontinence.

Purpose: We compared 2 cohorts of children with neurogenic urinary incontinence undergoing bladder neck sling with and without augmentation to determine relative continence outcomes, catheterization intervals, anticholinergic requirements and health related quality of life improvement as perceived by the patients and their parents.Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients followed through our spina bifida program underwent a structured postoperative interview by a research nurse to assess continence, interval between catheterizations and anticholinergic use. In addition, the child and parent together answered a health related quality of life satisfaction survey to determine the impact of surgery from their perspectives.Results: There were 18 patients undergoing sling with augmentation and 23 with sling alone. Overall improved continence rate was 83%, with no difference between outcomes in patients with vs without augmentation. However, the interval between catheterizations was longer and the use of anti...
Hedging derivatives in the banking industry: Evidence of investor confusion

Abstract Hedging derivatives are complex instruments that require particular scrutiny by bank regulators to ensure that a bank’s risk profile is consistent with sound banking practices. The Basel II agreement envisions a system of banking oversight that includes market discipline as a key element of the regulatory framework. A necessary condition in achieving market discipline is that market participants must be able to decipher the underlying conditions from reported results. We examine the relationship between investor confusion and the income effects arising from fair value recognition of hedging derivatives in the banking industry. We use abnormal trading volume as a proxy for investor confusion, and we find a positive and significant relationship between fair value accounting incomes and two alternative measures of abnormal trading volume. The findings suggest that accounting requirements alone may be insufficient to communicate the complexities of hedging derivatives to investors in a way that achieves the market discipline prescribed by Basel II. Bank regulators may need to augment extant efforts for transparency to ensure that risks are adequately communicated to the market.
Carbonyl ligand substitution at rhodium in the heterometallic cluster [PPN]2[Re7C(CO)21Rh(CO)2]. A reactivity comparison with mononuclear (n5-C5H5Rh(CO)2 and related compounds

Abstract The heteometallic cluster compound [PPN]2[Re7C(CO)21Rh(CO)2] reacts with tertiary phosphines and phosphites selectively at the rhodium center to form the mono-substituted products [PPN]2[Re7C(CO) (L)]. Isolated compounds have been characterized by standard analytical and spectroscopic methods. Kinetics studies have shown that the reaction proceeds by an overall second-order process, first order in complex and first order in nucleophile. The second-order rate constants have been analysed in terms of electronic and steric effects. The substitution rates at the rhodium center in the cluster are compared with those for the analogous mononuclear complexes (n5-C5H4X)Rh(CO)2 previously studied by Basolo and co-workers.
The Fibular Collateral Ligament-Biceps Femoris Bursa An Anatomic Study

The anatomy of the fibular collateral ligament-biceps femoris bursa is described. The bursa is located lateral to the distal quarter of the fibular collateral ligament and forms an inverted "J" shape around the anterior and anteromedial portions of the ligament. Its most distal margin is just proximal to the fibular head where the fibular collateral ligament inserts, and its more proximal aspect is at the superior edge of the anterior arm of the long head of the biceps femoris muscle. We found this structure in all 50 knees dissected; there was a constant anatomic location of the fibular collateral ligament-biceps femoris bursa in all specimens. Measurement of the anatomic dimensions of the bursa revealed a mean width of 8.4 mm and a mean height of 18 mm. Knowing the prevalence, shape, size, and anatomic location of this bursa may aid the clinician in the differential diagnosis of lateral knee pain.
Soluble Model of Evolution and Extinction Dynamics in a Rugged Fitness Landscape

We consider a continuum version of a previously introduced and numerically studied model of macroevolution [P. Sibani, M. R. Schimdt, and P. Alstr\o{}m, Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 2055 (1995)] in which agents evolve by an optimization process in a rugged fitness landscape and die due to their competitive interactions. We first formulate dynamical equations for the fitness distribution and the survival probability. Secondly, we analytically derive the ${t}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ law which characterizes the lifetime distribution of biological genera. Thirdly, we discuss other dynamical properties of the model as the rate of extinction and conclude with a brief discussion.
Sorption of organic gases in a furnished room

Abstract We present experimental data and semi-empirical models describing the sorption of organic gases in a simulated indoor residential environment. Two replicate experiments were conducted with 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a 50-m3 room finished with painted wallboard, carpet and cushion, draperies and furnishings. The VOCs span a wide volatility range and include ten hazardous air pollutants. VOCs were introduced to the static chamber as a pulse and their gas-phase concentrations were measured during a net adsorption period and a subsequent net desorption period. Three sorption models were fit to the measured concentrations for each compound to determine the simplest formulation needed to adequately describe the observed behavior. Sorption parameter values were determined by fitting the models to adsorption period data then checked by comparing measured and predicted behavior during desorption. The adequacy of each model was evaluated using a goodness of fit parameter calculated for each period. Results indicate that sorption usually does not greatly affect indoor concentrations of methyl-tert-butyl ether, 2-butanone, isoprene and benzene. In contrast, sorption appears to be a relevant indoor process for many of the VOCs studied, including C8–C10 aromatic hydrocarbons (HC), terpenes, and pyridine. These compounds sorbed at rates close to typical residential air change rates and exhibited substantial sorptive partitioning at equilibrium. Polycyclic aromatic HCs, aromatic alcohols, ethenylpyridine and nicotine initially adsorbed to surfaces at rates of 1.5–>6 h−1 and partitioned 95–>99% in the sorbed phase at equilibrium.
Signal-to-noise and acquisition duration improvements for a hybrid-PMT and photodiode-based multiwavelength diffuse optical tomography system

A new optical parallel detection system of both frequency and continuous wave domains was developed to improve the data quality and accuracy in recovery of all breast optical properties. This new system combines frequency domain (FD) measurements using photomultiplier tubes and continuous wavelengths (CW) measurements using photodiode detectors in order to incorporate addition NIR wavelengths up to 948nm. The FD measurements use 6 wavelengths (660, 735, 785, 808, 826, and 849 nm) while the CW use three wavelengths (903, 912, and 948nm). The frequency domain part of the system is described in detail and steps taken to improve signal to noise ratio are discussed. Furthermore, different acquisition procedures were tested in order to reduce the duration of a complete 9 wavelength acquisition.
Epidermal growth factor potentiates cortisone‐induced cleft palate in the mouse

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) injected into pregnant mice increased the frequency of cleft palate (CP) in cortisone-treated mouse fetuses. EGF alone produced proliferation and thickening of the epithelium of the palatal processes, but CP was not significantly increased over saline injected controls. Cortisone alone produced thinning of the palatal epithelium and caused CP in 61 percent of formed fetuses. The combination of EGF and cortisone treatment induced CP in 100 percent of formed fetuses; epithelial thickening still occurred with the combination treatment. Thus, EGF may be teratogenic under special circumstances. These observations suggest that the relative thickness of the palatal shelf epithelium may not be a critical factor in the fusion of the palatal shelves.
The Evolution of John Nash's Male Melancholia: From Honor to Hope to Humor

This article is a response to the psychoanalytic study of mathematical genius John Nash by Donald Capps, and I apply Capps's own theory of male melancholia to John Nash. Capps interpreted Nash's life by dividing it into three phases: 1) predelusional; 2) delusional; and 3) postdelusional. I correlate Capps's three forms of male religiousness (i.e., honor, hope, and humor) with these three phases, respectively. The explanatory value of this interpretation is that it locates Capps's psychobiography of Nash within Capps's larger writings, thus providing an understanding of Nash as a deeply (if unconventionally) religious man.
A Revision of the Multicultural Counseling Awareness Scale

This article reports the results of 2 studies designed to test and revise the Multicultural Counseling Awareness Scale (J. G. Ponterotto et al., 1996). Collective results support the 2-factor extraction (Knowledge and Awareness) as the best fit model and provide initial indices of validity and internal consistency reliability for the newly titled Multicultural Counseling Knowledge and Awareness Scale. Este articulo informa los resultados de 2 estudios disenados para probar y revisar la Escala de Conciencia de Consejeria Multicultural (J. G. Ponterotto et al., 1996). Los resultados colectivos sostienen la extraccion de 2 factures (el Conocimiento y la Conciencia) como el mejor modelo y proporcionan los indices iniciales de validez y fiabilidad de la consistencia interna para la nuevamente titulada Escala de Conocimiento y Conciencia de Consejeria Multicultural.
Analysis of the amino acid and sugar composition of streptococcal cell walls by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract A procedure for determining the amino acid and sugar composition of streptococcal peptidoglycan—polysaccharide complexes by capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC—MS) was established. Amino acids are analysed as butyl heptafluorobutyl derivatives and sugars as alditol acetates. These two different groups of compounds are derivatized independently but chromatography in both cases utilizes the same OV-1701 fused-silica capillary column which simplifies GC—MS analysis. The butyl heptafluorobutyl procedure incorporates new pre- and post- derivatization clean-up steps. Additionally, selected-ion monitoring MS allows amino acids to be readily analysed without interference from background noise.
Friction Stir Processing of a High Entropy Alloy Al0.1CoCrFeNi

High entropy alloys are a new class of metallic materials with a potential for use in structural applications. However, most of the studies have focused on microhardness and compressive strength measurements for mechanical properties determination. This study presents the tensile deformation behavior of a single-phase, face-centered cubic Al0.1CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA). Friction stir processing was carried out to refine the grain size. Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction were carried out for microstructural examination. The grain size of the alloy was on the order of millimeters in the as-received condition. The average grain size after friction stir processing of the alloy was 14 ± 10 micrometers. The mechanical properties were determined through microhardness measurement and mini-tensile tests. The friction stir processed alloy showed a total elongation of ~75% for the mini-tensile sample used and yield strength of 315 MPa. It is an exceptional combination of strength and ductility. Friction stress was determined to be 174 MPa and the Hall–Petch coefficient was 371 MPa (µm)1/2. Such a high value of Hall–Petch coefficient suggests that grain boundary strengthening can be a very effective strengthening mechanism for the HEA Al0.1CoCrFeNi.
Primary nasopharyngeal chemodectoma.

Primary nasopharyngeal chemodectoma is a rare neoplasm that can be diagnosed preoperatively by arteriography. We are reporting the second patient with a primary nasopharyngeal chemodectoma in the English literature and reviewing the pertinent literature.
Soviet agricultural procurement pricing: A study in perversity☆

The relationship between Soviet agricultural procurement prices and quantities is examined in the light of the existence of bonuses for above-trend sales (BATS) and zonal price differentiation (ZPD). That BATS leads to a positive relationship between prices and quantities as harvest conditions vary is shown to hold for the individual farm. Planners are apt, however, to be more concerned with the “average” price of a crop, which is closely related to the subsidy bill. This price is more likely to be “perverse” under ZPD than BATS, although neither guarantees perversity. Data suggest that such perversity is a common occurrence. J. Comp. Econ., March 1985, 9(1), pp. 24–45. Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61761.
Creating an Intercultural Learning Opportunity: Zagreb, Croatia and Plattsburgh, New York

In the spring of 2009 I embarked on a teaching experiment in which I joined an online SUNY–Plattsburgh class taking my Anthropology of Human Rights course with a conventional class at the Universit...
Isodicentric Y mosaicism involving a 46, XX cell line: Implications for management

Carriers of isodicentric Y (idicY) mosaicism exhibit a wide range of clinical features, including short stature, gonadal abnormalities, and external genital anomalies. However, the phenotypic spectrum for individuals carrying an idicY and a 46, XX cell line is less clearly defined. A more complete description of the phenotype related to idicY is thus essential to guide management related to pubertal development, fertility, and gonadoblastoma risk in mosaic carriers. Findings from the evaluation of twin females with an abnormal karyotype, 48, XX, +idic(Yq) x2/47, XX, +idic(Yq)/46, XX, are presented to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary care in the management of multifaceted disorders of sex development.
Automated annotation of chemical names in the literature with tunable accuracy

A significant portion of the biomedical and chemical literature refers to small molecules. The accurate identification and annotation of compound name that are relevant to the topic of the given literature can establish links between scientific publications and various chemical and life science databases. Manual annotation is the preferred method for these works because well-trained indexers can understand the paper topics as well as recognize key terms. However, considering the hundreds of thousands of new papers published annually, an automatic annotation system with high precision and relevance can be a useful complement to manual annotation. An automated chemical name annotation system, MeSH Automated Annotations (MAA), was developed to annotate small molecule names in scientific abstracts with tunable accuracy. This system aims to reproduce the MeSH term annotations on biomedical and chemical literature that would be created by indexers. When comparing automated free text matching to those indexed manually of 26 thousand MEDLINE abstracts, more than 40% of the annotations were false-positive (FP) cases. To reduce the FP rate, MAA incorporated several filters to remove "incorrect" annotations caused by nonspecific, partial, and low relevance chemical names. In part, relevance was measured by the position of the chemical name in the text. Tunable accuracy was obtained by adding or restricting the sections of the text scanned for chemical names. The best precision obtained was 96% with a 28% recall rate. The best performance of MAA, as measured with the F statistic was 66%, which favorably compares to other chemical name annotation systems. Accurate chemical name annotation can help researchers not only identify important chemical names in abstracts, but also match unindexed and unstructured abstracts to chemical records. The current work is tested against MEDLINE, but the algorithm is not specific to this corpus and it is possible that the algorithm can be applied to papers from chemical physics, material, polymer and environmental science, as well as patents, biological assay descriptions and other textual data.
Undergraduate Bioinformatics Workshops Provide Perceived Skills

Bioinformatics is becoming an important part of undergraduate curriculum, but expertise and well-evaluated teaching materials may not be available on every campus. Here, a guest speaker was utilized to introduce bioinformatics and web-available exercises were adapted for student investigation. Students used web-based nucleotide comparison tools to examine the medical and evolutionary relevance of a unidentified genetic sequence. Based on pre- and post-workshop surveys, there were significant gains in the students understanding of bioinformatics, as well as their perceived skills in using bioinformatics tools. The relevance of bioinformatics to a student’s career seemed dependent on career aspirations.
The Effects of Multisensory Imagery in Conjunction with Physical Movement Rehearsal on Golf Putting Performance

A multiple-baseline design was used to evaluate the effects of a pre-shot putting routine on the putting performance of four NCAA Division I golfers. The routine involved a combination of multisensory imagery and simulated putting movements. Results suggested that the intervention was effective for some participants. Discussion focuses on directions for future research and the use of single-subject design procedures in sport psychology and related disciplines.
ABO discrepancy caused by an auto anti-N.

This report describes an auto anti-N reacting at a high thermal amplitude that caused an ABO cell and serum discrepancy.
NIR light penetration in unfrozen samples of rat brain gray matter

Optical tissue properties have been widely investigated and studied in human and animal tissue due to its importance in the medical laser applications. However, published data on the optical properties of neural tissue in rodents are rare. The aim of this study was to measure the penetration depth of light into the rat brain gray mater at NIR wavelengths. Sample preparation is an important factor in measurements of tissue optical properties. Although shock and slow freezing are standard procedures, they alter the optical properties of biological tissue. In this study, intact slices of gray matter were cut in the range of 300 to 1500µm without prior freezing to the brain samples. We found the penetration depth in the rat gray matter to be 0.39±0.036mm. Compared to the data reported in literature for the human brain, the rat brain gray matter attenuates the NIR light much more strongly.
ADHD, learning, and academic performance in Phenylketonuria

Despite having average intellectual abilities, academic difficulties are relatively common in children and adolescents with PKU. These academic difficulties may be a function of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning deficits, and processing speed deficits, all of which are known to affect academic performance in non-PKU populations. This review focuses on what is currently known about academic performance in youth with PKU and offers suggestions for future research.
Human Leukocyte Antigen and Leprosy: Study in Northern Louisiana and Review

We examined the relationship of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) phenotype to leprosy in six sporadic cases in northern Louisiana and in the world literature through pooling of the results of several studies. We found that HLA antigens DR2 and DQwl were associated with leprosy in the six cases in northern Louisiana (relative risks, 4.57 for DR2 and 4.53 for DQwl), but the results are not statistically significant. We pooled the Louisiana study and other population studies of HLA and leprosy. The results of the pooling show DR2 and DQwl to be associated with leprosy (relative risks, 2.65 for DR2 and 2.73 for DQwl), and these associations are highly statistically significant (P less than 1 x 10(-8) for DR2 and P = 3.6 x 10(-8) for DQwl). Further, we pooled studies of lepromatous leprosy patients vs. controls and studies of tuberculoid leprosy patients vs. controls and found that DR2 and DQwl are associated with both the lepromatous and the tuberculoid forms of leprosy and that these associations are statistically significant. We consider the associations of DR2 and DQwl in these population studies to be evidence for an HLA-associated genetic influence on susceptibility to leprosy.
Barriers to Exercise in People With Parkinson Disease

Background Exercise is known to reduce disability and improve quality of life in people with Parkinson disease (PD). Although barriers to exercise have been studied in older adults, barriers in people with chronic progressive neurological diseases, such as PD, are not well defined. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify perceived barriers to exercise in people with PD. Design The study had a cross-sectional design. Methods People who had PD, dwelled in the community, and were at stage 2.4 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale participated in this cross-sectional study (N=260; mean age=67.7 years). Participants were divided into an exercise group (n=164) and a nonexercise group (n=96). Participants self-administered the barriers subscale of the Physical Fitness and Exercise Activity Levels of Older Adults Scale, endorsing or denying specific barriers to exercise participation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the contribution of each barrier to exercise behavior, and odds ratios were reported. Results Three barriers were retained in the multivariate regression model. The nonexercise group had significantly greater odds of endorsing low outcome expectation (ie, the participants did not expect to derive benefit from exercise) (odds ratio [OR]=3.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.08–7.42), lack of time (OR=3.36, 95% CI=1.55–7.29), and fear of falling (OR=2.35, 95% CI=1.17–4.71) than the exercise group. Limitations The cross-sectional nature of this study limited the ability to make causal inferences. Conclusions Low outcome expectation from exercise, lack of time to exercise, and fear of falling appear to be important perceived barriers to engaging in exercise in people who have PD, are ambulatory, and dwell in the community. These may be important issues for physical therapists to target in people who have PD and do not exercise regularly. The efficacy of intervention strategies to facilitate exercise adherence in people with PD requires further investigation.
Learning automata approach to hierarchical multiobjective analysis

A novel approach to hierarchical multiobjective analysis using the theory of learning automata is introduced. The problem is modeled as several hierarchies of automata involved in stochastic identical payoff games at the various levels. It is shown that if suitable learning algorithms are chosen at all the levels, the overall performance of the system will improve at each stage. The relevance of the model to multilevel optimization problems is illustrated by considering a simple problem of labeling images consistently. >
Design of an EBIS for RHIC

An Electron Beam Ion Source (EBIS) can be used to produce beams of high charge state heavy ions, and is an excellent choice for injection into a synchrotron, since short pulses of high intensity can be produced for single-or few-turn injection into the ring. As a result of successful experiments on a test EBIS at BNL, we are now confident that an EBIS meeting RHIC requirements can be built. This EBIS would be part of a new linac-based preinjector which would serve as a modern alternative to the existing Tandem preinjectors, offering improvements in performance and operational simplicity. The BNL test EBIS, which is a 1/2 trap-length prototype of the RHIC EBIS, has produced > 10/sup 9/ ions per pulse of Au/sup 32+/, in 10-20 microsecond pulses, and has exceeded our design goals. Performance of the test EBIS is summarized and the design of the RHIC EBIS presented.
Betting on God: why considerations of simplicity won't help

In his famous Wager, Blaise Pascal attempted to adduce prudential grounds on which to base a belief in God. His argument founders, however, on the notorious ‘Many Gods Problem’ the problem of selecting among the many equi-probable gods on offer. Lycan and Schlesinger try to treat the Many Gods Problem as a problem of empirical over-determination, attempting to overcome it using methodologies familiar from empirical science. I argue that their strategy fails, but that the Many Gods Problem can be solved (or dissolved) nevertheless. The solution I offer both avoids the problem faced by Lycan and Schlesinger, and does so while respecting the original Pascalian intuitions to a greater extent than any solutions thus far proffered.
Artificial neural networks in manufacturing: concepts, applications, and perspectives

New approaches and techniques are continuously and rapidly introduced and adopted in today's manufacturing environment. Recently, there has been an explosion of interest in applying artificial neural networks to manufacturing. Artificial neural networks have several advantages that are desired in manufacturing practice, including learning and adapting ability, parallel distributed computation, robustness, etc. There is an expectation that neural network techniques can lead to the realization of truly intelligent manufacturing systems. This paper introduces the basic concepts of neural networks and reviews the current application of neural networks in manufacturing. The problems with neural networks are also identified and some possible solutions are suggested. The aim of the authors is to provide useful guidelines and references for the research and implementation of artificial neural networks in the field of manufacturing. >
A laboratory for building computers

A workstation laboratory allows undergraduate students to build complete, functioning computers--in simulation. The simulation extends down to the gate and signal levels, with effective modeling of delays and transitions, so reasonable assurance of the validity of the designs can be obtained. The computers constructed in this laboratory are complete with peripheral equipment including tapes and disks, and the students furnish a rudimentary operating system. The student operating-systems receive executable binary objects on the tapes, transfer them to the disk, and initiate their execution. The executable objects and the operating system are produced by a standard C compiler. Students must limit their C-language source code and data types used so the compile binaries will be executable on the 16-bit wide, Motorola 680X0-like computer they construct. The computers are constructed in an hierarchical manner from the gates and medium-scale components available in the digital simulator used in this laboratory.
Replication Factors MCM2 and ORC1 Interact with the Histone Acetyltransferase HBO1

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins, together with the origin recognition complex (ORC) proteins and Cdc6, play an essential role in eukaryotic DNA replication through the formation of a pre-replication complex at origins of replication. We used a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify MCM2-interacting proteins. One of the proteins we identified is identical to the ORC1-interacting protein termed HBO1. HBO1 belongs to the MYST family, characterized by a highly conserved C2HC zinc finger and a putative histone acetyltransferase domain. Biochemical studies confirmed the interaction between MCM2 and HBO1 in vitro and in vivo. An N-terminal domain of MCM2 is necessary for binding to HBO1, and a C2HC zinc finger of HBO1 is essential for binding to MCM2. A reverse yeast two-hybrid selection was performed to isolate an allele of MCM2 that is defective for interaction with HBO1; this allele was then used to isolate a suppressor mutant of HBO1 that restores the interaction with the mutant MCM2. This suppressor mutation was located in the HBO1 zinc finger. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that the interaction between MCM2 and HBO1 is direct and mediated by the C2HC zinc finger of HBO1. The biochemical and genetic interactions of MYST family protein HBO1 with two components of the replication apparatus, MCM2 and ORC1, suggest that HBO1-associated HAT activity may play a direct role in the process of DNA replication.
Extent of reaction in open systems with multiple heterogeneous reactions

The familiar batch concept of extent of reaction is reexamined for systems of reactions occurring in open systems. Because species concentrations change as a result of transport processes as well as reactions in open systems, the extent of reaction has been less useful in practice in these applications. It is shown that by defining the extent of the equivalent batch reaction and a second contribution to the extent of reaction due to the transport processes, it is possible to treat the description of the dynamics of flow through porous media accompanied by many chemical reactions in a uniform, concise manner. This approach tends to isolate the reaction terms among themselves and away from the model partial differential equations, thereby enabling treatment of large problems involving both equilibrium and kinetically controlled reactions. Implications on the number of coupled partial differential equations necessary to be solved and on numerical algorithms for solving such problems are discussed. Examples provided illustrate the theory applied to solute transport in groundwater flow.
A Clinician's Perspective on Incorporating Therapeutic Lifestyle Change into Clinical Practice

This article describes the unique perspective of a clinician who was originally trained as an acute care specialist but in recent years had the opportunity to witness the positive impact of therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) programs in managing chronic diseases. Through experience gained from conducting a multi-center clinical trial investigating the effects of TLC program in people with metabolic syndrome, Dr. Mark S. McIntosh discusses various aspects and challenges pertinent to implementing a successful TLC program. Patients, physicians, lifestyle counselors, work places, and home environment are all critical in forming an alliance for transforming the current sick-care approach to preventive, wellness-focused approach that is far more efficient, rewarding, and financially sustainable. Key words : therapeutic lifestyle change, lifestyle counselor, lifestyle medicine, metabolic syndrome, dietary modification
Orchids smarter than scientists: an approach to Oncidiinae (Orchidaceae) taxonomy

When initiating a project in plant taxonomy it is necessary to carefully examine the type specimen for each taxon that has been described. Just as important, however, is to explore the natural habitats of the plants because that is where the dynamics occur, which is the logical source for the necessary data.
VISOR: A Unified Framework for Business Modeling in the Evolving Digital Space

The scientific objectives of this project are to advance our theoretical understanding of the structure of business models for digital platforms by devising a unified framework that brings together multiple elements and underlying drivers. This will allow us to better understand current and future business models, and to help the creation and categorization of a business model repository that researchers can continuously contribute to over time. This will also facilitate analyzing, from a more theoretical approach, the effects of disruptions and game changers. Understanding the theoretical structure of digital business models will also enable us to map the likely evolution of business models for the future.
Nanocasting of Periodic Mesoporous Materials as an Effective Strategy to Prepare Mixed Phases of Titania

Mesoporous titanium dioxide materials were prepared using a nanocasting technique involving silica SBA-15 as the hard-template. At an optimal loading of titanium precursor, the hexagonal periodic array of pores in SBA-15 was retained. The phases of titanium dioxide could be easily varied by the number of impregnation cycles and the nature of titanium alkoxide employed. Low number of impregnation cycles produced mixed phases of anatase and TiO₂(B). The mesoporous TiO₂ materials were tested for solar hydrogen production, and the material consisting of 98% anatase and 2% TiO₂(B) exhibited the highest yield of hydrogen from the photocatalytic splitting of water. The periodicity of the pores was an important factor that influenced the photocatalytic activity. This study indicates that mixed phases of titania containing ordered array of pores can be prepared by using the nanocasting strategy.
Planarization processes and applications - I. Undoped GeO2-SiO2 glasses

The reflow behavior of undoped glass films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using germane, silane. and oxygen has been studied in several annealing ambient atmospheres. Such films offer the potential for both trench etchrefill and interlevel dielectric applications. Film synthesis was carried out at 200°C using a dual coil inductively coupled plasma system. Oxide film composition was determined using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Auger energy spectroscopy. Cross‐sectional scanning electron microscopy has been employed to study the flow behavior of glass films of varying compositions over silicon trenches. Reflow was studied over the temperature range from 600 to 1050°C. The lowest temperature at which complete planarization was observed was 750 and 850°C in steam and inert gas ambient atmospheres, respectively, for films containing approximately 85 mol % . Surprisingly, it was discovered that the steam anneals caused a decrease in the Ge composition of as‐deposited germanosilicate glasses. This offers the potential for establishing a reflow hierarchy, which may have application in the planarization of interlevel dielectrics for ultralarge scale integrated circuits. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Effects of buffer additives and thermal processing methods on the solubility of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) proteins and the immunoreactivity of its major allergen

This study examines the potential of two buffer additives (Tween 20 and DTT) to improve the solubility of proteins from shrimp subjected to different heat treatments and the allergenicity of tropomyosin in the extracts. The concentration of soluble proteins extracted by all the buffers from processed shrimp was significantly reduced compared with untreated samples. The concentration of total soluble proteins from heat treated shrimp increased significantly when phosphate buffer containing both surfactant and reducing agent was used as the extraction buffer. However, the concentrations of heat-stable proteins in the buffers were mostly similar. The electrophoretic profile of extracted proteins showed that tropomyosin is very stable under the different heat treatment methods used in this study except for high pressure steaming where the intensity of tropomyosin band was reduced. Competitive inhibition ELISA showed that high pressure steaming reduced the allergenicity of tropomyosin compared with other heat treatments methods.
Effects of cystic fibrosis airway secretions on rat lung: role of neutrophil elastase

Products of inflammatory cells present in pulmonary secretions may compromise lung structure and function. To investigate the pathogenic potential of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway secretions, we instilled CF sputum sol into the lungs of healthy rats and measured the resulting lung injury and inflammation. The ability of a neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibitor, L-680,833, to mitigate these responses was also investigated. CF sputum sol instilled into rat lungs induced hemorrhage, an increase in epithelial permeability, and neutrophil recruitment to the airspaces. However, when sputum sol was preincubated with NE inhibitor before instillation, hemorrhage was completely prevented, suggesting that NE within the CF airway secretions was responsible for the observed hemorrhagic injury. NE-inhibitor treatment had no effect on the observed increases in bronchoalveolar lavage albumin level or neutrophil numbers. Rats treated orally with NE inhibitor before instillation of sputum sol were also protected from hemorrhagic injury. These results demonstrate that NE within CF airway secretions causes lung tissue damage and that animals can be protected from such damage with an oral anti-elastase.
Influence of Temperature on Oviposition, Quiescence, and Mortality of Rhinocyllus conicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Influence of temperature on oviposition, quiescence, and mortality of Rhinocyllus conicus Froelich, a thistle head weevil, was investigated at different constant temperatures ranging from 15 to 36°C. Mean fecundity varied from a low of 6.6 eggs per female at 15°C to 123.6 eggs per female at 22.5°C. Fecundity was more or less constant in the range 19.5–36°C. Overwintering adults began oviposition in response to increased temperature and presence of musk thistle, Carduus thoermeri Weinmann, buds. These features of oviposition suggest an adaptation of R. conicus for synchrony with its weed host, musk thistle. Mortality, measured as cumulative 50% mortality, at the different temperatures was compared between sexes; males had a shorter life span than females, and both sexes had shorter lives at higher temperatures.
Influence of polyethyleneimine graftings of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on their accumulation and elimination by and toxicity to Daphnia magna.

Modifications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for different applications may change their physicochemical properties such as surface charge. Assessments of the extent to which such modifications influence CNT ecotoxicity, accumulation, and elimination behaviors are needed to understand potential environmental risks these variously modified nanoparticles may pose. We have modified carbon-14 labeled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with polyethyleneimine (PEI) surface coatings to increase their aqueous stability and to give them positive, negative, or neutral surface charges. Uptake and elimination behaviors of Daphnia magna exposed to PEI-coated and acid-modified MWNTs at concentrations of approximately 25 and 250 μg/L were quantified. PEI surface coatings did not appear to substantially impact nanotube accumulation or elimination rates. Although the PEI-modified nanotubes exhibited enhanced stability in aqueous solutions, they appeared to aggregate in the guts of D. magna in a manner similar to acid-treat...
Participation in the Virtual Environment of Blended College Courses:An Activity Study of Student Performance

This paper describes a study of success factors in the introductory semester of liberal studies blended courses offered at the bachelor of science level. The influence of student participation in the online course environment was examined, as measured by the number of times students logged into the learning management system (LMS) and average session length. These measures were correlated with final course grades to increase understanding of the participation patterns of successful students. The resulting patterns and their implications are identified. We observe that students with an intermediate number of logins and average session length tended to exhibit the optimal level of course performance with students who logged in near the low or high amount of times tending to receive lower grades.
Late-Life Disability Trends and Trajectories

Late-life disability, broadly defined as difficulties in carrying out everyday tasks or participating in social activities due to a lack of “… fit between individuals and their environments”, is a topic of intense and sustained interest. Under this broad definition disability is complex and multidimensional, and can be associated with any of numerous physiological, cognitive, or health conditions ranging from arthritis to advanced dementia. Disability is a key indicator of population health, and the population of people with disabilities is an important target group for monitoring and intervention. For example, the interagency Healthy People 2020 initiative includes several goals aimed at those with disabilities. These goals include enhancing opportunities for such people to be included in community and health promotion activities; to receive well-timed interventions and services; to interact with their environment without barriers; and to participate in everyday life.
Framing of Climate Issues and “COP21”: U.S. Newspaper Coverage vs. Indian Newspaper Coverage

Using content analysis method and the theory of framing, this study compares news coverage of climate issues around the Paris Climate Conference 2015, also known as “COP21”, between U.S. and Indian newspapers. The findings, based on an analysis of 278 stories published by four leading newspapers in these countries, suggest that international politics-oriented conflict and strategy frame and environmental consequences frame dominated both U.S. and Indian newspaper coverage. Another important finding of this study is the Indian newspaper coverage, compared to the U.S. newspaper coverage, included more information on social progress and innovations toward environment-friendly initiatives.
35 Years of Corrosion Protection at the Kennedy Space Center

NASA began corrosion studies at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in 1966 during the Gemini/Apollo Programs with the evaluation of long-term protective coatings for the atmospheric protection of carbon steel. KSC’s Beach Corrosion Test Site (BCTS), which has been documented by the American Society of Materials (ASM) as one of the most corrosive, naturally occurring, environments in the world, was established at that time. With the introduction of the Space Shuttle in 1981, the already highly corrosive conditions at the launch pad were rendered even more severe by the acidic exhaust from the solid rocket boosters. In the years that followed, numerous studies have identified materials, coatings, and maintenance procedures for launch hardware and equipment exposed to the highly corrosive environment at the launch pad. This paper presents a historical perspective highlighting the lessons learned in over thirtyfive years of corrosion research, materials evaluation, and development work aimed at protecting and enhancing the safety and reliability of the nation’s launch infrastructure and hardware.
FORMVAR COATING EFFECTS ON HEAT TRANSFER FROM NbTi/Cu TO LIQUID HELIUM : DYNAMIC DETERMINATION OF THE FORMVAR THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

The effective thermal conductivity (keff) of a coating of formvar (polyvinyl formal), applied to NbTi/Cu, has been determined in the limit of long times of transient operation (step input in power). Data obtained show a nearly linear function keff of temperature (T). For short times a dynamic technique is presented which permits first order determination of the formvar thermal conductivity (kFV) from bare and coated conductor records provided there exists “structure” in the T-time records, e.g. maxima, minima. Data obtained appear to be consistent with k-values of other organic solids, and kFV exceeds keff.
Structure of a Human Astrovirus Capsid - Antibody Complex and Mechanistic Insights into Virus Neutralization

ABSTRACT Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are a leading cause of viral diarrhea in young children, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. There are no vaccines or antiviral therapies against HAstV disease. Several lines of evidence point to the presence of protective antibodies in healthy adults as a mechanism governing protection against reinfection by HAstV. However, development of anti-HAstV therapies is hampered by the gap in knowledge of protective antibody epitopes on the HAstV capsid surface. Here, we report the structure of the HAstV capsid spike domain bound to the neutralizing monoclonal antibody PL-2. The antibody uses all six complementarity-determining regions to bind to a quaternary epitope on each side of the dimeric capsid spike. We provide evidence that the HAstV capsid spike is a receptor-binding domain and that the antibody neutralizes HAstV by blocking virus attachment to cells. We identify patches of conserved amino acids that overlap the antibody epitope and may comprise a receptor-binding site. Our studies provide a foundation for the development of therapies to prevent and treat HAstV diarrheal disease. IMPORTANCE Human astroviruses (HAstVs) infect nearly every person in the world during childhood and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Despite the prevalence of this virus, little is known about how antibodies in healthy adults protect them against reinfection. Here, we determined the crystal structure of a complex of the HAstV capsid protein and a virus-neutralizing antibody. We show that the antibody binds to the outermost spike domain of the capsid, and we provide evidence that the antibody blocks virus attachment to human cells. Importantly, our findings suggest that a subunit-based vaccine focusing the immune system on the HAstV capsid spike domain could be effective in protecting children against HAstV disease.
Laboratory Investigation of Naturally Sourced Liquid Deicers and Subsequent Decision Support

AbstractFour commercially available snow- and ice-control products made from naturally sourced materials were tested laboratory. Using 23 wt. % NaCl (salt brine) as a control, ice-melting performan...