cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Modes of Catalyst Deactivation by Coking for Cumene Cracking over Zeolites

Abstract The deposition of coke deactivates a catalyst by the suppression of active sites and/or by choking of pores. The so-called Constant-Coke Arrhenius Plot technique can assess the magnitudes of these two modes of deactivation using reaction experiments under process conditions. For cumene cracking over REY zeolite, a TGA has been used as a continuous-flow microreactor to monitor coke levels, with activity measured by an on-line GC. Using modifications described previously for small-pore catalysts, we show that both temperature and coke level influence the relative importance of site suppression and pore choking in the deactivation of the zeolite. At relatively high temperatures, site suppression is predominant at all coke levels studied here. At lower temperatures, pore choking is more important at low levels of coke, with site suppression increasing in importance at the higher coke levels. The results are consistent with a physical model developed.
Familial biochemical patterns: III. Hemoglobin levels in the dentist and his wife

Five hundred and sixteen adult subjects were divided into three groups—172 dentists, their 172 wives and 172 other women aged‐paired to the wives—who were studied in terms of similarities in their hemoglobin levels. The data reveal a statistically significant coefficient of correlation (r= +0.317) only in the married couples. This together with a higher correlation in the older (r=+0.347) versus the younger (r=+0.275) couples indicates the possible influence of environmental forces. It is concluded that husbands and wives become alike chemically largely because they have similar social (alcohol, tobacco), dietary, sleeping and exercise habits and are subjected to similar psychic stresses.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a new binuclear Ni(II) complex supported by 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane

Abstract A new synthetic binuclear nickel(II) compound ([Ni2(tacud)2(μ-H2O)(μ-Cl)2]Cl2 (1); tacud = 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane) is reported. Compound 1 contains two Ni(II) ions bridged by two chloro and one aqua ligand resulting in a short Ni···Ni distance of 3.0187(10) A. Each nickel is capped by terminal tacud ligands and possesses distorted octahedral geometry. This compound exhibits a new structural motif for metal complexes supported by tacud. Compound 1 exhibits two solvent dependent transitions in the UV–vis spectrum. Variable temperature SQUID magnetic susceptometry studies on 1 indicate mild ferromagnetism exists at room temperature (μeff = 4.78 μB) which increases upon temperature lowering. Magnetic analysis of 1 in the temperature range 2–300 K confirm weakly ferromagnetic behavior with J = +2.28 cm−1.
Interferon Induces NF-κB-inducing Kinase/Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor-dependent NF-κB Activation to Promote Cell Survival

Type I interferons (IFNs) play critical roles in the host defense by modulating the expression of various genes via the IFN-dependent activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription and NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappa B) transcription factors. Previous studies established that IFNalpha/beta activates NF-kappaB to promote cell survival through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, which involves serine phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB alpha. We now describe a second pathway by which IFNs activate NF-kappaB that is independent of IkappaB degradation. This pathway involves NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) and the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-2 (TRAF2) and results in IFNalpha/beta-induced processing of the p100/NF-kappaB2 precursor into p52. IFNalpha/beta stimulates NF-kappaB DNA binding and NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Whereas expression of NIK and TRAF2 constructs causes NF-kappaB activation, expression of dominant negative NIK and TRAF2 constructs blocks IFN-promoted NF-kappaB activation and IFN-stimulated kappaB-dependent transcription and IFNalpha/beta-induced processing of the p100/NF-kappaB2 precursor into p52. In contrast, PI3K does not mediate IFNalpha/beta-induced p100 processing, although PI3K is involved in the pathway resulting in IkappaB alpha degradation. Moreover, whereas IFN promotes cell survival in lymphoblastoid cells, expression of dominant negative NIK and TRAF2 constructs enhances IFN-induced apoptosis. Our results for the first time place NIK and TRAF2, previously shown to function in TNF signaling, within the IFN signal transduction pathway. Thus, IFN induces NF-kappaB activation to mediate IFN-dependent cell survival signals through a "canonical" pathway of IkappaB alpha proteolysis mediated by PI3K/Akt and a "noncanonical" pathway of p100 processing mediated by NIK/TRAF.
Queen Alexandra Range 93148: A new type of pyroxene pallasite?

Trace elements, including the rare earth elements, were measured in olivine and orthopyroxene from Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 93148, and in olivine from two main group pallasites, Springwater and Mount Vernon. Although QUE 93148 was originally classified as a lodranite, a variety of data including oxygen isotopic compositions (Goodrich and Righter, 2000), preclude a genetic relationship with the acapulcoites/lodranites. Incompatible trace element (e.g., Ti, Zr) distributions in orthopyroxene do indicate large amounts of melting and are consistent with the ultramafic assemblage observed in this meteorite. Trace element abundances in olivine are consistent with suggestions that QUE 93148 may be related to the main group pallasites (Goodrich and Righter, 2000), although there are some inconsistencies. Its trace element distributions are most like those of the pyroxene pallasites, suggesting that it may have formed in a similar manner. QUE 93148 may represent a new type of pyroxene pallasite with links to the main group pallasites.
The perceived levels of job satisfaction among police officers: A descriptive review

Whereas job satisfaction is a popular research topic among industrial and organizational psychologists, police organizational researchers have all but ignored the area of job satisfaction. Considering its link to many organizationally important factors, such as productivity, morale, and personnel turnover, research on job satisfaction in policing should be important. The identification of how satisfied police officers are with various jobrelated factors can be extremely useful to the police executive. This article examines perceived satisfaction of a purposive sample of 2611 police officers, with respect to 23 job-specific and three global job satisfaction items.
Calculations of hailstone growth in a sloping steady updraft

Abstract Analytical solutions to the equations of growth and motion of hailstones in updrafts with cloud water contents that vary linearly with height are used to investigate hail growth in a model cloud. The model storm is steady and two‐dimensional and is constructed by compositing sections with linear variations of vertical air velocity and cloud water content so as to approximate the Fleming storm. Hail embryos are introduced at various positions in the updraft and their subsequent history calculated. A strong correlation is found between the embryo starting position and its trajectory and final size. Embryos starting in the central portions of the updraft are carried up rapidly and displaced far from the updraft. Embryos starting near the upshear edge of the updrafr have a simple arcing up and down trajectory and produce small hailstones that can be expected to melt before reaching the ground. Embryos starting near the downshear edge of the updraft give rise to the largest hailstones and have recircu...
Clinical and electrophysiologic features of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy: lack of evidence for an associated peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical and electrophysiologic features of an unselected population of patients diagnosed clinically or genetically with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), and to discern any association with a peripheral neuropathy. Methods Patients with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of OPMD were retrospectively identified and characterized in terms of clinical and electrophysiologic features. Results Fourteen patients who met the design criteria were identified and included. All had progressive ptosis and dysphagia, and most had ophthalmoparesis and proximal limb weakness. The electromyographic findings were similar to findings in other dystrophic diseases. Nine out of 10 patients had normal sural sensory nerve action potentials (mean amplitude 14.2 μV, range 0–22 μV). Conclusions The electrophysiologic findings associated with OPMD are similar to changes noted in other dystrophic diseases. These findings argue against an association between OPMD and peripheral neuropathy. Significance OPMD may not be associated with a peripheral neuropathy, as has been previously suggested.
Alcohol screening scores and the risk of new-onset gastrointestinal illness or related hospitalization.

BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol use is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, including liver disease, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and pancreatitis.
IR laser induced ionization in SF6hydrocarbon mixtures

Abstract Intense infrared pulses (> 16 J/cm2) are observed to produce ions in flowing mixtures of ≈1% saturated hydrocarbon in SF6 at a pressure of 1 torr. Hydrocarbons are necessary for the ionization process and decrease in efficiency with increasing size (CH4 > C2H6 > C3H8). The production of F atoms by multiple-photon fragmentation of SF6 is essential to the ionization, and a likely mechanism involves F atomhydrocarbon reactions to produce energetic free-radicals which undergo chemionization.
Outcomes of Pressure-Induced Cranial Neuropathies from Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis

ObjectivesAllergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) may present with significant bone erosion of the orbital walls or cranial base. Although proptosis is fairly common, cranial neuropathies are rarely reported. The objectives of this study are to describe strategies for AFRS-induced neuropathies and evaluate ophthalmologic outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center.Subject and MethodsA retrospective review identified 9 patients treated from 2008 to 2014 with AFRS-induced cranial neuropathies. Data regarding patient demographics, preoperative imaging, ophthalmologic symptoms, surgical intervention, histopathologic findings, and postoperative sinonasal and ophthalmologic outcomes were recorded.ResultsPatients with AFRS (average age, 38 years) presented with optic neuropathy or abducens nerve palsy. Clinical presentation included unilateral visual loss secondary to optic nerve compression (n = 5), diplopia from unilateral (n = 2) or bilat...
A reinforcement learning model of precommitment in decision making.

Addiction and many other disorders are linked to impulsivity, where a suboptimal choice is preferred when it is immediately available. One solution to impulsivity is precommitment: constraining one's future to avoid being offered a suboptimal choice. A form of impulsivity can be measured experimentally by offering a choice between a smaller reward delivered sooner and a larger reward delivered later. Impulsive subjects are more likely to select the smaller-sooner choice; however, when offered an option to precommit, even impulsive subjects can precommit to the larger-later choice. To precommit or not is a decision between two conditions: (A) the original choice (smaller-sooner vs. larger-later), and (B) a new condition with only larger-later available. It has been observed that precommitment appears as a consequence of the preference reversal inherent in non-exponential delay-discounting. Here we show that most models of hyperbolic discounting cannot precommit, but a distributed model of hyperbolic discounting does precommit. Using this model, we find (1) faster discounters may be more or less likely than slow discounters to precommit, depending on the precommitment delay, (2) for a constant smaller-sooner versus larger-later preference, a higher ratio of larger reward to smaller reward increases the probability of precommitment, and (3) precommitment is highly sensitive to the shape of the discount curve. These predictions imply that manipulations that alter the discount curve, such as diet or context, may qualitatively affect precommitment.
Emotion Regulation: Past, Present, Future

Modern emotion theories emphasise the adaptive value of emotions. Emotions are by no means always helpful, however. They often must be regulated. The study of emotion regulation has its origins in the psychoanalytic and stress and coping traditions. Recently, increased interest in emotion regulation has led to crucial boundary ambiguities that now threaten progress in this domain. It is argued that distinctions need to be made between (1) regulation of emotion and regulation by emotion; (2) emotion regulation in self and emotion regulation in others; and (3) conscious and nonconscious emotion regulation. Using a process model of emotion generation, this review considers promising research on basic processes and individual differences in emotion regulation and poses five theoretical challenges.
The lateral transport of indoleacetic acid-C14 in geotropism.

Die Hypothese, dass eine geotropische Reizung von Hafer-Koleoptilen eine Querverschiebung des Wuchsstoffes zur Folge hat, ist mit radioaktiverβ-Indolylessigsaure (Indol-CH2C14OOH) bestatigt worden. Das Verhaltnis der aus der oberen und der unteren Flanke von Koleoptil-Zylindern mit Agarblockchen abgefangenen Indolylessigsaure wurde gleich 40:60 gefunden.
Application of Invariant Set Theory to

This article presents a method to predict the material state and process conditions sufficient to cause a peak in flow stress associated with dynamic recrystallization. The method uses an in- ternal variable approach to material modeling and the local invariant set theorem to establish a criterion for the peak stress. The criterion is an analytic expression of material structure and imposed conditions that guarantee asymptotic stability. The criterion shows an interaction be- tween dislocation density, volume fraction recrystallized, temperature, and strain rate for the material to avoid the first peak in stress. Strain does not appear in the criterion. The criterion is partially validated by comparison with dynamic recrystallization data for isothermal, constant strain-rate conditions. A computer simulation of the model and criterion for oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper correlate well with experimental data. A diagram based on a sim- plified version of the criterion is presented that describes a region in strain rate, temperature, and strain space within which the first peak in stress is avoided as structure is evolving. The method may be applicable to other material kinetic processes. The first peak in flow stress resulting from dynamic recrystallization is an example phenomenon for application of the method.
Self-awareness without inner speech: a commentary on Morin.

Abstract Morin’s identification of inner speech with self-awareness is problematic. Taylor’s description of her experience before, during, and after her stroke and operation is also problematic; it is at times confusing and difficult to comprehend conceptually. Rather than being global, her deficits in self-awareness seem piecemeal. She describes self-awareness that exists independent of inner speech. I offer interpretations of her experience alternative to those of Morin and Taylor.
Eating Behaviors Among School-age Children Associated With Perceptions of Stress

Eating has been theorized to be useful as a coping strategy in response to stressful situations. However, investigation of this behavior in children is limited. The present study is a secondary cross-sectional analysis of longitudinal data that were collected from cohorts of fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grader students. Perceived stress was correlated with unhealthy eating behaviors (r = .13, p < .001), as well as with the use of eating as a coping mechanism (r = .24, p < .001). Hispanic children reported using eating as a coping mechanism most frequently, followed by African-American and Caucasian children. School-age children who experience high levels of stress may be at risk for developing unhealthy eating habits in order to cope; continued examination of these relationships is suggested. Future research should focus on the development of interventions to encourage positive coping mechanisms and healthy eating behaviors.
On Unit-Root Tests When the Alternative Is a Trend-Break Stationary Process

Minimum t statistics to test for a unit-root are available when the form of break under the alternative evolves according to the crash, changing growth, and mixed models. It is shown that serious power distortions occur if the form of break is misspecified, and thus the practitioner should use the mixed model as the appropriate alternative in empirical applications. The mixed model may reveal useful information regarding the location and form of break. The maximum F statistic for the joint null of a unit-root and no breaks is shown to have greater and less erratic power compared to the minimumt statistic. Stronger evidence against the unit-root is found for the Nelson-Plosser series and U.S. Postwar quarterly real gross national product.
Kinetics of Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of 6-line ferrihydrite under anaerobic flow conditions.

The readsorption of ferrous ions produced by the abiotic and microbially mediated reductive dissolution of iron oxy-hydroxides drives a series of transformations of the host minerals. To further understand the mechanisms by which these transformations occur and their kinetics within a microporous flow environment, flow-through experiments were conducted in which capillary tubes packed with ferrihydrite-coated glass spheres were injected with inorganic Fe(II) solutions under circumneutral pH conditions at 25 °C. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to identify the secondary phase(s) formed and to provide data for quantitative kinetic analysis. At concentrations at and above 1.8 mM Fe(II) in the injection solution, magnetite was the only secondary phase formed (no intermediates were detected), with complete transformation following a nonlinear rate law requiring 28 and 150 h of reaction at 18 and 1.8 mM Fe(II), respectively. However, when the injection solution consisted of 0.36 mM Fe(II), goethite was th...
Antibody restores catalytic activity of a small molecular weight fragment of human prostatic acid phosphatase.

Abstract Human prostatic acid phosphatase was dissociated into subunits and the subunits further cleaved by cyanogen bromide. The subunits and cyanogen bromide-derived peptides were catalytlcally inactive. In the presence of specific antibodies directed against human prostatic acid phosphatase, both the subunit polypeptides and one of the cyanogen bromide-derived peptides (C5) regained catalytic activity.
Behavior of mercury in biosystems. III. Biotransference of mercury through food chains.

This study was conducted to follow the biotransference of radioactive mercury in a simple model food chain which consisted of four trophic levels: from mercury resistant bacteria to mosquito larvae; then from larvae to guppies (small fish); and finally from guppies to Cichlids (big fish). Factors affecting this biotransference in the various trophic levels were also examined.
Morphological instability prior to particle engulfment by a solidifying interface

Abstract The presence of a particle in the melt ahead of a solidifying interface induces local interfacial deformations if the thermal conductivity of the particle (kp) differs from that of the melt (kl). Results of a stability analysis show that poor (good) heat conducting particles, kp/kl 1) have a destabilizing (stabilizing) effect.
Fatigue behavior of A356-T6 aluminum cast alloys. Part I. Effect of casting defects

Abstract The influence of casting defects on the room temperature fatigue performance of a Sr-modified A356-T6 casting alloy has been studied using un-notched polished cylindrical specimens. The numbers of cycles to failure of materials with various secondary arm spacings (SDAS) were investigated as a function of stress amplitude, stress ratio, and casting defect size. To produce pore-free samples, HIP-ed and Densal™ treatments were applied prior to the T6 heat treatment. It was observed that casting defects have a detrimental effect on fatigue life by shortening not only the crack propagation period, but also the initiation period. Castings with defects show at least an order of magnitude lower fatigue life compared to defect-free ones. The decrease in fatigue life is directly correlated to the increase of defect size. HIP-ed alloys show much longer fatigue lives compared to non-HIP-ed ones. There seems to exist a critical defect size for fatigue crack initiation, below which fatigue crack initiates from other competing initiators such as eutectic particles and slip bands. A fracture mechanics approach has been used to determine the number of cycles necessary to propagate a fatigue crack from a casting defect to final failure. Fatigue life of castings containing defects can be quantitatively predicted using the size of the defects. Moreover, the fatigue fracture behavior of aluminum castings is well described by Weibull statistics. Crack originating from different defects (such as porosity and oxide films) can be readily identified from the Weibull modulus and the characteristic fatigue life. Compared with oxide films, porosity is more detrimental to fatigue life.
Verification and Validation in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer Using Experimental Uncertainty Analysis Concepts

An approach to verification and validation (V&V) using experimental uncertainty analysis concepts to quantify the result of a validation effort is discussed. This is the approach to V&V being drafted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Performance Test Code Committee, PTC 61: Verification and Validation in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer. The charter of the committee is “Provides procedures for quantifying the accuracy of modeling and simulation in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer.” The committee is initially focusing its efforts on drafting a standard for V&V in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer based on the concepts and methods of experimental uncertainty analysis. This will leverage the decades of effort in the community of experimentalists that resulted in the ASME Standard PTC 19.1 “Test Uncertainty” and the ISO international standard “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement.”Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Spawning Characteristics of Adfluvial Rainbow Trout in a North Idaho Stream: Implications for Error in Redd Counts

Abstract We examined redd microhabitat characteristics of an adfluvial population of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in Trail Creek, a third-order tributary to Deep Creek in the Kootenai River drainage, Idaho. We also monitored timing of spawning in relation to stream temperature and discharge. A total of 103 suspected redds were found; 51 of these were measured and checked for the presence of eggs. Thirty-four were actual redds (contained eggs), while 17 were test digs that did not contain eggs. Rainbow trout began spawning on 14 April 2005, 13 d after peak discharge (1.9 m3/s), as mean daily temperature exceeded 4.0°C. Redds had a mean area of 1.19 m2 (SD = 0.62; range = 0.27–2.40 m2), a mean water depth at the pit head of 0.18 m (SD = 0.08; range = 0.05–0.38 m), and a mean water velocity at the pit head of 0.39 m/s (SD = 0.15; range = 0.08–0.67 m/s). Area, total length, and width were the only microhabitat variables that differed statistically between redds and test digs; the mean area of the test di...
Protein folding: from the levinthal paradox to structure prediction.

This article is a personal perspective on the developments in the field of protein folding over approximately the last 40 years. In addition to its historical aspects, the article presents a view of the principles of protein folding with particular emphasis on the relationship of these principles to the problem of protein structure prediction. It is argued that despite much that is new, the essential elements of our current understanding of protein folding were anticipated by researchers many years ago. These elements include the recognition of the central importance of the polypeptide backbone as a determinant of protein conformation, hierarchical protein folding, and multiple folding pathways. Important areas of progress include a detailed characterization of the folding pathways of a number of proteins and a fundamental understanding of the physical chemical forces that determine protein stability. Despite these developments, fold prediction algorithms still encounter difficulties in identifying the correct fold for a given sequence. This may be due to the possibility that the free energy differences between at least a few alternate conformations of many proteins are not large. Significant progress in protein structure prediction has been due primarily to the explosive growth of sequence and structural databases. However, further progress is likely to depend in part on the ability to combine information available from databases with principles and algorithms derived from physical chemical studies of protein folding. An approach to the integration of the two areas is outlined with specific reference to the PrISM program that is a fully integrated sequence/structural-analysis/fold-recognition/homology model building software system.
Performance Limits of a Radio-Inertial Lateral Control System for Automatic Landing

Parameter optimization techniques are utilized to explore the performance limits of a set of simplified radioinertial lateral path guidance systems subject to stochastic gusts, radio measurement noise and a constraint on rms control surface activity. The hybrid systems are shown to have rms lateral path errors less than half those of the pure radio systems for equivalent effector activity. The systematic generation of optimized solutions is shown to be particularly valuable in providing a performance bound for a system, against which the performance of a realizable configuration may be measured:
Inhibition of cytomegalovirus-stimulated human cell ornithine decarboxylase by α-difluoromethylornithine

Abstract 1. The relationship between synthesis of putrescine, human cytomegalovirus DNA synthesis, cell DNA synthesis, and human cytomegalovirus replication has been studied. 2. Stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity by shifting low serumarrested whole human embryo cells to high serum medium is inhibited more than 99% by 2.5 mM dl -α-difluoromethylornithine. The addition of dl -α-difluoromethylornithine to human cells arrested in low serum and subsequently stimulated by the addition of fresh high serum-containing medium, causes a greater percent inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase activity than when the drug is added to growing human cells. 3. Increased ornithine decarboxylase activity produced by infection of low serum-arrested human cells was inhibited by 5.0 mM of dl -α-difluoromethylornithine. However, at a concentration of 5.0 mM, neither dl -α-methylornithine nor dl -α-difluoromethylornithine affected human cytomegalovirus growth or was toxic to these cells. These data suggest that the increased putrescine synthesis produced by infection is not required for virus replication. 4. The addition of 5.0 mM dl -α-difluoromethylornithine had no effect on human cytomegalovirus DNA synthesis or human cytomegalovirus-induced stimulation of cell DNA synthesis. However, 5.0 mM dl -α-difluoromethylornithine significantly reduced the stimulation of cell DNA synthesis caused by treatment with mock infecting fluid.
Offensive and Defensive Marketing: Closed-Loop Duopoly Strategies

Offensive and Defensive Marketing: Closed-Loop Duopoly Strategies A modified Lanchester game is used to develop closed-loop strategies for offensive and defensive marketing expenditures of duopolistic competitors in a market share rivalry. Analysis of the model reveals that The last result would appear to have particularly important implications for both practice and research.
In vitro biosynthesis of isopentenylacetophenones in Eupatorium rugosum

Abstract The biosynthesis of dehydrotremetone in Eupatorium rugosum has been investigated by feeding radioactive precursors to intact plants. The carbon atoms of acetate-[1- 14 C] and acetate-[2- 14 C] were identified in dehydrotremetone by degradation of the molecule. From the pattern of labeling it was concluded that the acetophenone moiety was derived from acetate via the polyacetate pathway. From the incorporation of mevalonate it appeared that the furan ring and its side chain were formed from an isoprenoid compound. Potential aromatic intermediates were chemically synthesized and also fed to plants but only tremetone was found to be efficiently incorporated into dehydrotremetone. Neither 4-hydroxyacetophenone nor 4-hydroxy-3[isopenten-(2)-yl]-acetophenone were efficiently incorporated into dehydrotremetone.
Controlled Tissue Expansion in the Distal Extremities of Dogs

Controlled tissue expansion using a 100 cc rectangular silicone elastomer expander was performed in the mid-antebrachium and mid-crus of eight adult mixed-breed dogs. Two expander inflation schedules were followed. Group 1 dogs (n = 4) underwent expander inflation using 10 cc sterile saline every other day, and group 2 dogs (n = 4) underwent expander inflation using 15 cc sterile saline every other day until the nominal volume (100 cc) was attained. Significant mean postexpansion increases in skin surface area of 94.1 cm2 (35.9%) and 108.9 cm2 (37.3%) were measured in the antebrachium and crus, respectively (p < .05). In a second procedure, the expanders were removed and skin flaps were developed from the redundant tissue generated during the expansion process. Single pedicle advancement flaps and transposition flaps were used to cover surgically created defects measuring 5 x 10 cm in the antebrachium and crus. Single pedicle advancement flaps consistently measured 10 x 10 cm and could be advanced to cover defects involving one third of the mid-antebrachial or mid-crural circumference. Transposition flaps were rotated up to 170 degrees and the donor site defects were easily closed under minimal or no tension. Complications included an abscess in one dog and seroma formation in four dogs. Differences in success or complication rates between group 1 dogs and group 2 dogs were not observed; an accelerated inflation schedule using 15 cc sterile saline every other day was recommended.
Sibling Incest Dynamics: Therapeutic Themes and Clinical Challenges

Increasing empirical evidence points to the prevalence and devastating effects of sibling incest. The dynamics of incestuous sibling relationships are complex and typically embedded in severely dysfunctional families. Often confused and/or distressed by their incestuous experiences, many victims fail to disclose the abuse. Left undisclosed and untreated, unresolved issues of mutuality and consequent shame and guilt can lead to life-long emotional problems and dysfunctional behavioral patterns that are difficult to repair. Two cases illustrate common therapeutic themes, the importance of timely disclosure and coordinated, multi-dimensional treatment approaches, as well as the therapeutic challenges of assisting sibling incest victims who present for treatment as adults.
Multiple frontiers in hydrology unite for greater good

Water issues are a growing concern worldwide. Negative impacts on water are threatening environmental integrity at scales ranging from global climate change to local waste disposal. The many mission-oriented agencies spend billions of dollars annually to address water problems. Ultimately, effective response will require research in hydrology that integrates expertise from a wide variety of disciplines to work on theory, methods, and tools.
Surface characteristics of the cardiac prostheses in vivo.

The pseudoneointima (PNI) deposited onto a cardiac prosthesis surface reflects many factors of biocompatibility, surface morphology, flow distribution, design, animal's physiological condition, and duration. In the evaluation of any prosthesis, the PNI is one of the prime considerations from both material and functional standpoints. Historically, Dacron fabric has been used as an internal lining for cardiac prostheses. However, we have observed cracks on the Dacron fibers, fiber fracture, fiber protrusion, and poor attachment to the diaphragm, which can cause potentially disastrous complications. In addition, there are basic differences in the PNI formation on aldehyde-treated pericardium and natural aortic valves as compared to the Dacron fabric. 1 Minimal degeneration takes place on the chemically treated natural tissue compared with the fabric surface. Intact cells on the tissue suggest a greater compatibility. In later specimens (13 and 24 days), there is active cell infiltration into the pericardium structure with capillary formation. 2 The deposits on natural tissue are mostly fibrin, with minimum cellular involvement and a trend toward reduction in thickness. 3 Fibroblast cells are found on the natural tissue as early as 7 days but were not observed on the Dacron fabrics. Based on these findings, the Dacron fabric-covered diaphragm studied was not favorable for use in long-term implantation of cardiac prostheses.
Real-time region growing algorithm for image segmentation and target tracking

A real-time region growing algorithm is presented for subsequent use in image segmentation, image restoration, and target tracking. The importance of this algorithm is that it is a real-time technique with possible hardware implementation and its ability to operate on noisy and complex images. The algorithm is tested on a variety of complex images with different levels of illumination. >
Normal growth and development of fetal external genitalia demonstrated by sonography

Purpose Our aim in this retrospective sonographic study was to describe the normal growth and development of fetal external genitalia. Methods We reviewed the sonograms of anatomically normally fetuses, obtained over a 5-year period, and measured transverse scrotal diameter or penile length in male fetuses and bilabial diameter in female fetuses. Transverse scrotal diameter was measured from the midpoint of the lateral scrotal wall to the midpoint of the opposite lateral wall; penile length, from the base of the shaft to the tip; and bilabial diameter, from the midpoint of the lateral labial margin to the midpoint of the opposite lateral labial margin. Results We examined sonograms from 1,182 fetuses and measured transverse scrotal diameter in 304 and penile length in 494 male fetuses and bilabial diameter in 384 female fetuses. The fetuses ranged from 14 to 41 weeks' menstrual age. Transverse scrotal diameter, penile length, and bilabial measurements were highly correlated with menstrual age (r = 0.941, r = 0.860, and r = 0.898, respectively). We found that growth of fetal external genitalia is similar to that for other parameters of fetal growth, such as biparietal diameter and femur length. Conclusions The results of this study may be helpful in understanding the natural course of the growth and development of fetal external genitalia. In addition, the data we gathered may be useful in combination with other biometric data for estimating fetal age and may help in detecting abnormalities in the fetal external genitalia. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:465–472, 2003
Spatial extreme value analysis to project extremes of large-scale indicators for severe weather.

Summary: Concurrently high values of the maximum potential wind speed of updrafts (Wmax) and 0-6 km wind shear (Shear) have been found to represent conducive environments for severe weather, which subsequently provides a way to study severe weather in future climates. Here, we employ a model for the product of these variables (WmSh) from the NCAR/NCEP reanalysis over North America conditioned on their having extreme energy in the spatial eld in order to project the predominant spatial patterns of WmSh. The approach is based on the Heernan and Tawn conditional extreme value model. Results suggest that this technique estimates the spatial behavior of WmSh well, which allows for exploring possible changes in the patterns over time. While the model enables a method for inferring the uncertainty in the patterns, such analysis is dicult with the currently available inference approach. A variation of the method is also explored to investigate how this type of model might be used to qualitatively understand how the spatial patterns of WmSh correspond to extreme river ow events. A case study for river ows from three rivers in northwestern Tennessee is studied, and it is found that advection of WmSh from the Gulf of Mexico prevails while elsewhere WmSh is generally very low during such extreme events.
Mixed-severity fire regime in a high-elevation forest of Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Fire regime characteristics of high-elevation forests on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, were reconstructed from fire scar analysis, remote sensing, tree age, and forest structure measurements, a first attempt at detailed reconstruction of the transition from surface to stand-replacing fire patterns in the Southwest. Tree densities and fire-/non-fire-initiated groups were highly mixed over the landscape, so distinct fire-created stands could not be delineated from satellite imagery or the oldest available aerial photos. Surface fires were common from 1700 to 1879 in the 4,400 ha site, especially on S and W aspects. Fire dates frequently coincided with fire dates measured at study sites at lower elevation, suggesting that pre-1880 fire sizes may have been very large. Large fires, those scarring 25% or more of the sample trees, were relatively infrequent, averaging 31 years between burns. Four of the five major regional fire years occurred in the 1700s, followed by a 94-year gap until 1879. Fires typically occurred in significantly dry years (Palmer Drought Stress Index), with severe drought in major regional fire years. Currently the forest is predominantly spruce-fir, mixed conifer, and aspen. In contrast, dendroecological reconstruction of past forest structure showed that the forest in 1880 was very open, corresponding closely with historical (1910) accounts of severe fires leaving partially denuded landscapes. Age structure and species composition were used to classify sampling points into fire-initiated and non-fire-initiated groups. Tree groups on nearly 60% of the plots were fire-initiated; the oldest such groups appeared to have originated after severe fires in 1782 or 1785. In 1880, all fire-initiated groups were less than 100 years old and nearly 25% of the groups were less than 20 years old. Non-fire-initiated groups were significantly older (oldest 262 years in 1880), dominated by ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, or white fir, and occurred preferentially on S and W slopes. The mixed-severity fire regime, transitioning from lower-elevation surface fires to mixed surface and stand-replacing fire at higher elevations, appeared not to have been stable over the temporal and spatial scales of this study. Information about historical fire regime and forest structure is valuable for managers but the information is probably less specific and stable for high-elevation forests than for low-elevation ponderosa pine forests.
Case-Control Association Testing with Related Individuals: A More Powerful Quasi-Likelihood Score Test

We consider the problem of genomewide association testing of a binary trait when some sampled individuals are related, with known relationships. This commonly arises when families sampled for a linkage study are included in an association study. Furthermore, power to detect association with complex traits can be increased when affected individuals with affected relatives are sampled, because they are more likely to carry disease alleles than are randomly sampled affected individuals. With related individuals, correlations among relatives must be taken into account, to ensure validity of the test, and consideration of these correlations can also improve power. We provide new insight into the use of pedigree-based weights to improve power, and we propose a novel test, the M QLS test, which, as we demonstrate, represents an overall, and in many cases, substantial, improvement in power over previous tests, while retaining a computational simplicity that makes it useful in genomewide association studies in arbitrary pedigrees. Other features of the M QLS are as follows: (1) it is applicable to completely general combinations of family and case-control designs, (2) it can incorporate both unaffected controls and controls of unknown phenotype into the same analysis, and (3) it can incorporate phenotype data about relatives with missing genotype data. The methods are applied to data from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 14 Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism, where the M QLS detects genomewide significant association (after Bonferroni correction) with an alcoholism-related phenotype for four different single-nucleotide polymorphisms: tsc1177811 ( P =5.9×10 −7 ), tsc1750530 ( P =4.0×10 −7 ), tsc0046696 ( P =4.7×10 −7 ), and tsc0057290 ( P =5.2×10 −7 ) on chromosomes 1, 16, 18, and 18, respectively. Three of these four significant associations were not detected in previous studies analyzing these data.
Task- Related Interactions Among Teachers and Exceptional, At-Risk, and Typical Learners in Inclusive Classrooms

Teacher-child interactions with exceptional, at-risk, and typical learners were observed in three inclusive classrooms. The purpose of this study was to examine both the frequency and type of teacher and student initiations and responses. Observations were conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of one entire school year and based on naturally occurring teacher-child interaction. Behaviors included teacher initiations, student initiations, and teacher responses to student initiations. Although the number of interactions between teachers and children did not change over the year, the type of interactions did change during the year in relation to child group membership. Teachers initiated more task-related interactions with exceptional children and gave them more negative feedback compared to at-risk and typical learners, but only at the beginning of the year. In the middle of the year, teachers gave significantly more negative responses to the task-related and off-task initiations of students at risk t...
Saliency-Driven Image Acuity Modulation on a Reconfigurable Array of Spiking Silicon Neurons

We have constructed a system that uses an array of 9,600 spiking silicon neurons, a fast microcontroller, and digital memory, to implement a reconfigurable network of integrate-and-fire neurons. The system is designed for rapid prototyping of spiking neural networks that require high-throughput communication with external address-event hardware. Arbitrary network topologies can be implemented by selectively routing address-events to specific internal or external targets according to a memory-based projective field mapping. The utility and versatility of the system is demonstrated by configuring it as a three-stage network that accepts input from an address-event imager, detects salient regions of the image, and performs spatial acuity modulation around a high-resolution fovea that is centered on the location of highest salience.
Programming a Human Commensal Bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, to Sense and Respond to Stimuli in the Murine Gut Microbiota

Engineering commensal organisms for challenging applications, such as modulating the gut ecosystem, is hampered by the lack of genetic parts. Here, we describe promoters, ribosome-binding sites, and inducible systems for use in the commensal bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a prevalent and stable resident of the human gut. We achieve up to 10,000-fold range in constitutive gene expression and 100-fold regulation of gene expression with inducible promoters and use these parts to record DNA-encoded memory in the genome. We use CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) for regulated knockdown of recombinant and endogenous gene expression to alter the metabolic capacity of B. thetaiotaomicron and its resistance to antimicrobial peptides. Finally, we show that inducible CRISPRi and recombinase systems can function in B. thetaiotaomicron colonizing the mouse gut. These results provide a blueprint for engineering new chassis and a resource to engineer Bacteroides for surveillance of or therapeutic delivery to the gut microbiome.
Show or Tell? Feminist Dilemmas and Implicit Feminism at Girls’ Rock Camp:

Previous research demonstrates how activists who do not identify as feminist sometimes engage in “implicitly feminist practices.” In this paper, I extend this research by asking: Do self-identified feminists also employ such implicit strategies in the course of their activist efforts? If so, why would they “do” feminism implicitly? Based on participant observation and semistructured interviews at Girls Rock! Midwest—a week-long summer day camp program that aims to empower girls through rock music production—I develop the concept of implicit feminism. I define implicit feminism as a strategy practiced by feminist activists within organizations that are operating in an anti- and postfeminist environment in which they conceal feminist identities and ideas while emphasizing the more socially acceptable angles of their efforts. My research demonstrates how feminist-identified activists employ implicitly feminist practices as a strategic response to feminist dilemmas stemming from competing organizational deman...
Características de las operantes relacionales

La teoria de los marcos relacionales considera tipos especificos de respuestas relacionales aplicables arbitrariamente como operantes relacionales. Lo cual no requiere suponer nuevos procesos, pero si pensar las respuestas operantes en terminos funcionales. En este articulo se describen algunos aspectos sobre la vision funcional y un metodo para caracterizar matematicamente las operantes relacionales.
Closure of gap junction channels by arylaminobenzoates.

We determined the effect of flufenamic acid (FFA) and related derivatives on gap junction channel currents, applying the dual whole-cell patch-clamp technique to pairs of N2A neuroblastoma cells transfected with various connexins. FFA reduced gap junction channel currents in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner. Half-maximal concentrations for FFA-induced reduction of junctional conductance in cell pairs coupled by different connexins were similar (20 to 60 μM), indicating that FFA does not greatly discriminate between connexin subtypes. Hill coefficients for blockade were approximately 3, indicating a high degree of cooperativity. Analogs of FFA also reduced junctional conductance with similar potencies, whereas other unrelated chloride channel blockers had no effect. Inhibition of gap junction channels by FFA (pKa ∼ 3.8) was increased at low external pH, suggesting that the uncharged form of the drug is important for blockade. The effect of FFA did not seem to be mediated by direct binding of the drug to the pore of the gap junction channel. Internal application of high concentrations of FFA by addition to patch pipettes did not cause inhibition of channel currents. The magnitude of inhibition was neither voltage-dependent nor influenced by the nature of permeant ion. Single-channel recordings indicated that FFA reduced the channel-open probability without modifying the current amplitude and induced slow transitions between open and closed states. We propose that FFA inhibits gap junctions by inducing a conformational change in the protein upon binding to a site that is presumably located within the membrane.