cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of flow properties of microcrystalline cellulose - Avicel PH102

Abstract Earlier work showed that a batch of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, Avicel PH102) exhibited minimum acceptable flow properties required for successful high speed tableting. The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of using Avicel PH102 as a reference indicator of minimum powder flow by examining the reproducibility of flow properties of seven batches of Avicel PH102. Powder flow properties have been characterized in terms of flow function, flow factor, cohesion, bulk density, effective angle of internal friction, angle of linearized yield locus, and angle of internal friction at steady-state flow. Results show that the measured flow function is independent of operator. Batch-to-batch flow functions are not statistically different at 95% confidence level suggesting acceptable reproducibility. These results corroborate that Avicel PH102 may be used as a reference powder for predicting flow performance of a new formulation during high speed tableting.
Biofuels and food prices: separating wheat from chaff.

Abstract Biofuels are produced from agricultural commodities, so they represent a competing demand for those commodities. Therefore, it is clear that biofuels have some impact on agricultural commodity prices, so the food–fuel debate surrounds the relative contribution of biofuels to agricultural commodity price increases compared with other drivers. In this paper we have argued that there are many causes for the increase in food commodity prices—not biofuels alone. These include global supply and demand trends, regional or commodity specific supply disruptions, changes in the value of the US$, macroeconomic issues such as recession or financial crisis, trade policy changes, and biofuels. As for biofuels, we have argued that one must distinguish between biofuels driven by market forces and biofuels driven by government policy. Clearly the biofuel industries in the US, Brazil, and Europe were created with government support. However, at least in the US, the market is the major driver today for corn based ethanol. We have also argued that higher commodity prices adversely affect the poor, particularly the urban poor. However, there is another side to this picture, which is the supply increases that can be induced all over the world via the higher commodity prices. If governments establish policies that are conducive to supply growth, the higher commodity prices offer an opportunity to at least partially close the yield gap between developing and developed countries, thereby helping poor farmers in developing countries. Developing country farmers have already shown that markets work with the huge expansion in cropped area in many regions due to higher commodity prices.
Thermally Forced Surface Winds on an Equatorial Beta Plane

Abstract The vertical structure of the low-level atmospheric response to an elevated large-scale, low-frequency heat source in the Tropics is explored using linear tidal theory on an equatorial beta plane. Through the calculation of the projection of a large-scale, low-frequency thermal source onto the meridional eigenfunctions, the contributions from a set of discrete meridional eigenfunctions with positive equivalent depths, and a continuous spectrum of meridional eigenfunctions with negative equivalent depth, are examined. The positive equivalent depth eigenfunctions have been discussed in some literature while the continuous spectrum of the negative equivalent depth eigenfunctions is new. The authors find that, at lower frequencies, the forced response is mainly supported by those continuous modes for which the absolute values of the negative equivalent depths are neither very small nor very large. The implications of these results for thermally driven surface winds are discussed and summarized by Eqs...
The effects of gregarine parasites, body size, and time of day on spermatophore production and sexual selection in field crickets

In laboratory experiments measuring the rate of spermatophore production in the field crickets Gryllus veletis and G. pennsylvanicus by confining single males with a conspecific female, 0–10 spermatophores were produced by each male within 24 h. The number of spermatophores produced was unrelated to a male's body size, but was significantly negatively correlated with the natural levels of gregarines, a protozoan gut parasite, in the males. Spermatophore production in the laboratory peaked between 0600 and 1000 h, as did the proportion of courtship songs given by male crickets in the field, suggesting that mating may occur more frequently in the morning. When single males were placed in jars with two conspecific females, 49% transferred spermatophores to both females, whereas 51% of males only gave spermatophores to one of the females. The results support the hypothesis that parasites are important in sexual selection, and are used to propose a new interpretation of post-copulatory guarding in crickets.
Regulation of the immune response to polyvinylpyrrolidone:effect of antilymphocyte serum on the response of normal and nude mice.

Abstract The plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses of normal and congenitally thymus-deficient (nude) mice to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were compared. Normal and nude mice responded similarly to an optimally immunogenic dose of PVP. Antithymocyte serum or antilymphocyte serum treatment of immunized mice caused a five to 10-fold increase in the PVP-specific PFC response in normal mice; the response in nude mice was not increased by such treatment. The data suggest that, although thymus-derived cells are not an absolute requirement in the immune response to PVP, these cells can regulate the magnitude of the immune response to this antigen.
Paucity of intraepidermal FoxP3-positive T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in contrast with spongiotic and lichenoid dermatitis.

Background: FoxP3 is the most specific available marker for regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tumor-associated FoxP3-positive Tregs have been identified in various neoplasms, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). FoxP3 expression in CTCL varies across groups; few studies have compared CTCL with inflammatory conditions. Methods: Lesional skin biopsies from 20 patients with CTCL [13 mycosis fungoides (MF); 7 Sezary syndrome (SS)] and 22 with inflammatory dermatoses (11 spongiotic; 11 lichenoid or interface) were examined for FoxP3 expression by immunohistochemistry. Epidermal FoxP3-positive lymphocytes were counted as a percentage of the total epidermal CD3-positive T-cell population. Results: FoxP3-positive T cells composed the minority of infiltrate in all major categories. Lower numbers of epidermal FoxP3-positive T cells were observed in CTCL, particularly MF, than in inflammatory dermatoses (P < .001). CTCL neoplastic T cells did not express FoxP3. Conclusion: FoxP3-positive T cells are less frequently encountered in MF than in inflammatory dermatoses. FoxP3-positive T cells occur in higher proportions in the dermis than in the epidermis and probably correlate with coexisting inflammatory components. CTCL neoplastic cells do not typically express a Treg phenotype and are associated with low numbers of FoxP3-positive Tregs in the infiltrate. FoxP3 expression by immunohistochemistry may aid histologic evaluation of these conditions. Wada DA, Wilcox RA, Weenig RH, Gibson LE. Paucity of intraepidermal FoxP3-positive T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in contrast with spongiotic and lichenoid dermatitis.
1242 THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT BODY POSITIONS ON PULMONARY FUNCTION IN NEONATES RECOVERING FROM RESPIRATORY DISEASE

To evaluate alterations in pulmonary function with positioning, 9 intubated neonates (wt. [mean] 2.3 kg., gest. age 34 wks., FiO2 .29, CPAP or PEEP 4 cm H2O) were studied in 4 positions (SC= supine control, PR=prone-abdomen restricted, PF=prone-abdomen hanging free, SF=supine followup). After 30 min. in each position; arterial blood gases, lung mechanics, and funct. residual cap. (FRC) were measured. Mean values in supine control were: pO2 67 torr, pC02 42 torr, RR 54 breaths/min., lung compliance (CL) 1.7 ml/cm H2O, tidal volume (VT) 4.15 cc/kg, minute ventilation (VE) 263 ml/kg/min, FRC 26 ml/kg. In PR compared to SC: pO2 increased 12 torr (mean); FRC decreased 15%. In the PF compared to SC: pO2 increased 15 torr, mean FRC was unchanged but increased in 5/8 pts. In PF compared to PR: pO2 increased 6 torr; mean FRC was unchanged but increased in 5/7 pts. All comparisons of CL, pCO2, VE between the above groups were unchanged. In SF compared to PF: pO2 decreased 9 torr, FRC decreased 27%, CL decreased 44%, pCO2 was unchanged, VE decreased 20%. Summary of trends: 1) compared to supine control pO2 increased in both prone positions and FRC decreased in prone-abdomen restricted; 2) PF was better of 2 prone positions for increasing FRC. This study demonstrates that prone positioning improves oxygenation in neonates and that the prone-abdomen free is the best prone position for increasing lung volumes in infants with respiratory disease.
Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency: 9-year follow-up of a patient on chronic biotin therapy and a review of the literature

We report on the long-term medical and neurodevelopmental follow-up of a patient with the rare and potentially lethal disease, holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency. He was originally treated prenatally with biotin megatherapy and for 9 years with 6 mg/day since his only episode of fulminant acidosis at 3 months of age. While growth and general health have been normal, the patient has exhibited signs of minimal brain dysfunction. However, evaluation of unaffected siblings suggests that this may be unrelated to his metabolic disease. A review of the literature and recommendations for optimal treatment are provided.
Spatio-temporal regulation of RAG2 following genotoxic stress

V(D)J recombination of lymphocyte antigen receptor genes occurs via the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) through the activity of RAG1 and RAG2. The co-existence of RAG-independent DNA DSBs generated by genotoxic stressors potentially increases the risk of incorrect repair and chromosomal abnormalities. However, it is not known whether cellular responses to DSBs by genotoxic stressors affect the RAG complex. Using cellular imaging and subcellular fractionation approaches, we show that formation of DSBs by treating cells with DNA damaging agents causes export of nuclear RAG2. Within the cytoplasm, RAG2 exhibited substantial enrichment at the centrosome. Further, RAG2 export was sensitive to inhibition of ATM, and was reversed following DNA repair. The core region of RAG2 was sufficient for export, but not centrosome targeting, and RAG2 export was blocked by mutation of Thr(490). In summary, DNA damage triggers relocalization of RAG2 from the nucleus to centrosomes, suggesting a novel mechanism for modulating cellular responses to DSBs in developing lymphocytes.
Kinetics and mechanism of cellulose pyrolysis

In this paper we report the kinetics and chemistry of cellulose pyrolysis using both a Pyroprobe reactor and a thermogravimetric analyzer mass spectrometer (TGA-MS). We have identified more than 90% of the products from cellulose pyrolysis in a Pyroprobe reactor with a liquid nitrogen trap. The first step in the cellulose pyrolysis is the depolymerization of solid cellulose to form levoglucosan (LGA; 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol). LGA can undergo dehydration and isomerization reactions to form other anhydrosugars including levoglucosenone (LGO; 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-4-one), 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-β-d-glucopyranose (DGP) and 1,6-anhydro-β-d-glucofuranose (AGF; 2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-4,6,7-triol). The anhydrosugars can react further to form furans, such as furfural (furan-2-carbaldehyde) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF; 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carbaldehyde) by dehydration reactions or hydroxyacetone (1-hydroxypropan-2-one), glycolaldehyde (2-hydroxyacetaldehyde), and glyceraldehyde ...
Reduction of methemoglobin by cobaltocytochrome c catalyzed by mediators.

The reduction of methemoglobin by cobaltocytochrome c (Cocyt c) has been measured using nine mediators of different half-reduction potentials, Em, 7. The rate increases with the increase of Em, 7 for the mediator but dropped precipitously when it becomes more positive than the Em, 7 for the methemoglobin/hemoglobin couple. The reaction is most efficient with phenazine methosulfate, therefore it was studied in detail. The reaction is first order in the concentrations of Cocyt c and phenazine methosulfate. The average second-order rate constant for Cocyt c+ phenazine methosulfate (M) Cocyt c++ M−. is 2.9 × 104 M−1 s−1 at 25 °C, 0.1 M phosphate pH 7.0. There is a slight negative temperature dependence of k1 at low temperature; at higher temperatures the process has ΔH+≈ 27 kJ mol−1 and ΔS+≈– 75 J mol−1 K−1. The effect of anions reflects the dependence of Em,7 for the methemoglobin/hemoglobin couple with various anions. There is no significant effect on k1 by the addition of inositol hexakisphosphate. The variation of k1 with pH is complicated. The experimental rate constants are compared with values calculated with the theory of nonadiabatic multiphonon process of electron tunneling.
Major discrepancies between clinical and postmortem diagnoses in critically ill cancer patients: Is autopsy still useful?

Objective: Describe the major discrepancies between the clinical and postmortem findings in critically ill cancer patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Materials and Methods: Retrospectively review of the medical records of all cancer patients who were admitted to the MICU and underwent postmortem examination over 6 year period. The records were reviewed for demographics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, clinical cause of death, and postmortem findings. Results: There were 70 patients who had complete medical records. Mean age was 54.7 years (standard deviation (SD) ±14.8 years). Twenty-six patients had hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation (group I), 21 patients had hematological malignancies (group II), and 23 patients had solid malignancies (group III). The APACHE II score on admission to the MICU was 24.2 ± 8.0. Sixty-seven patients were mechanically ventilated, and the MICU stay was (mean ± SD) 9.0 ± 11.6 days. Major discrepancies between the clinical and postmortem diagnoses (Goldman classes I and II) were detected in 15 patients (21%). The most common missed diagnoses were aspergillosis, pulmonary embolism, and cancer recurrence. There were no differences between groups regarding the rate of major discrepancies. Conclusion: Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill cancer patients, autopsies continue to show major discrepancies between the clinical and postmortem diagnoses. Autopsy is still useful in this patient population.
Performance of Lot-Sizing Rules In an MRP System With Different Operating Conditions

In this paper we report the results of analyses which indicate that traditional thought on the relationship between stockout frequency, inventory level, capacity level, and inventory rules should be re-examined. A significant finding is that lot-sizing rules can affect aggregate plans as they relate to capacity requirements.
Comparison of low salinity tolerance in Callinectes sapidus rathbun and Callinectes similis williams postlarvae upon entry into an estuary

Planktonic larvae of estuarine crabs are commonly exported to the continental shelf for development and then return to coastal and estuarine areas as postlarvae (megalopae). Megalopae returning to estuaries must be adapted to survive in brackish water whereas those of coastally distributed species should not need such adaptations. We investigated 1) whether megalopae of the estuarine crab Callinectes sapidus and the coastal crab Callinectes similis undergo changes in salinity tolerance upon entry into an estuary and 2) what factors induce those changes. Megalopae were collected at a coastal site and a nearby estuarine site and exposed to a range of salinities (5, 10, 15, 20 and 30) for 6 h. Percent survival was determined after 24 h reintroduction to the collection site water. We also investigated 1) whether increased salinity tolerance was induced by reduced salinity or estuarine chemical cues, 2) the time to acclimation and 3) the salinity necessary for acclimation. C. sapidus megalopae from the estuarine site were more likely to survive exposure to low salinities than those from the coastal site. C. sapidus megalopae from the coastal site exhibited increased survival after acclimation to salinities of 27 and 23 for 12 h. Estuarine chemical cues had no effect on salinity tolerance. C. similis megalopae were less likely to survive at low salinities and did not exhibit an acclimation response upon exposure to reduced salinities. These results suggest that megalopae of C. sapidus are physiologically adapted to recruit to estuaries whereas megalopae of C. similis are unable to acclimate to low salinity conditions.
An fMRI framework for identifying statistical differences in blood oxygenated level dependent response levels: A brain injury demonstration

Objective: The general concept surrounding fMRI data analysis for decision support is leveraging previously hidden knowledge from publicly available metadata sources with a high degree of precision. Methods and materials: Normalized fMRI scans are used to calculate cumulative voxel intensity curves for every subject in the dataset that fits chosen demographic criteria. The voxel intensity curve has a direct linear relationship to the subject's neuronal activity. In the case of head trauma, a subject's voxel intensity curve would be statistically compared to the weighted average curve for every subject in dataset that is demographically similar. If the new subject's neuronal activity falls below the threshold for their demographic group, the brain injury detection (BID) system would then pinpoint the areas of deficiency based on Broadmann's cortical areas. Analysis: The analysis presented in this paper indicates that statistical differences among demographic groups exist in BOLD fMRI responses. Conclusion: Useful knowledge can in fact be leveraged from mining stockpiled fMRI data without the need for unique human identifiers. The BID system offers the radiologist a statistically based decision support for brain injury.
A Canonical Correlation Analysis of Occupational Mobility

Abstract The method of canonical correlation between sets of dummy variables is used to assign weights to the categories of occupational mobility tables, in order to test two assumptions: 1. The socioeconomic distance between occupations determines the correlation across individuals in a mobility table. 2. The relative status of occupations has remained constant over time. The weights which yield the maximum correlation are found to correlate very highly with measures of socioeconomic status, thus validating the first assumption. Since the maximum correlation between fathers' and sons' occupations is obtained by assigning similar weights to both sets, the second assumption is also validated.
Tocqueville as Critical Race Theorist: Whiteness as Property, Interest Convergence, and the Limits of Jacksonian Democracy

This article demonstrates that there are affinities between Tocqueville’s commentary on race and race relations in Democracy in America and the core assumptions of the critical race theory movement...
Hydrologic alterations in the Wabash River watershed, USA

Flow alteration of streams from anthropogenic impacts is ubiquitous worldwide. In this paper, we examine flow alteration in a single watershed, the Wabash River and suggest potential impacts on aquatic assemblages. The Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) software was used to evaluate hydrological variables generated from daily discharge data of 80 USGS gauging stations, during the past several decades. We used the approach of regressions of hydrological variables against time to identify hydrologic change. An average of 6.9 hydrologic variables (of 33 variables) were significantly altered at each station, and stations with larger watersheds had an increased number of altered variables. A principal components (PC) analysis of altered hydrologic variables resulted in three of four PC axes that were correlated with watershed area. Significant results were: (1) larger streams were more likely to have hydrologic alteration than smaller streams; (2) streams with upstream dams had increased minimum flows for 1-, 3-, 7- and 30-day intervals, decreased maximum flows for 1-, 3-, 7- and 30-day intervals, increased fall rates, decreased summer monthly flows and decreased high pulse counts; (3) the presence of agriculture in upstream watersheds resulted in an increased number of zero flow days, increased low pulse counts and decreased high flows during October and April. No significant differences were detected in hydrologic alteration based on urban land-use of upstream watersheds. Hydrologic alterations in the Wabash River watershed have undoubtedly resulted in ecological degradation. We suggest that changes in assemblages during the past century are linked to these hydrologic alterations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopy of Rb atoms in hollow-core fibers

Recent demonstrations of light-matter interactions with atoms and molecules confined to hollow waveguides offer great promise for ultralow-light-level applications. The use of waveguides allows for tight optical confinement over interaction lengths much greater than what could be achieved in bulk geometries. However, the combination of strong atom-photon interactions and nonuniformity of guided light modes gives rise to spectroscopic features that must be understood in order to take full advantage of the properties of such systems. We use light-induced atomic desorption to generate an optically dense Rb vapor at room temperature inside a hollow-core photonic band-gap fiber. Saturable-absorption spectroscopy and passive slow-light experiments reveal large ac Stark shifts, power broadening, and transit-time broadening, that are present in this system even at nanowatt powers.
Septic pulmonary embolism : Presenting features and clinical course of 14 patients

Background Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is an uncommon disorder with an insidious onset and is difficult to diagnose. Study objectives To characterize the presenting features and clinical course of patients with SPE. Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary care, referral medical center. Patients Fourteen subjects with SPE diagnosed during a 6-year period between 1996 and 2002. Interventions None. Results The median age of these patients was 37.5 years (range, 14 to 81 years) and included five women. Presenting symptoms included fever (93%), dyspnea (36%), pleuritic chest pain (29%), cough (14%), and hemoptysis (7%). The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 18 days (range, 5 to 180 days). A potential source or underlying condition that predisposed to SPE was identified in all 14 patients and included Lemierre syndrome (4 patients), central venous catheter infection (3 patients), prosthetic cardiac valve (2 patients), and pacemaker infection (2 patients). Two patients had a focal extrapulmonary infection, and one patient was an IV drug user. Most common pathogens were staphylococcal species (eight patients) and fusobacterium (four patients). Chest radiographic presentation was usually nonspecific, but CT was more helpful and revealed multiple nodular opacities peripherally, often with cavitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in eight patients and demonstrated infectious vegetations in four cases. Aside from antimicrobial therapy and removal of infected devices, the management of these patients included cardiac surgery (two patients), thoracoscopic surgery with decortication (one patient), and tube thoracostomy (one patient). All 14 patients recovered from their illness. Conclusions We conclude that SPE presents with variable and often nonspecific clinical and radiographic features. The diagnosis is usually suggested by the presence of a predisposing factor, febrile illness, and CT findings of multiple, nodular lung infiltrates peripherally, with or without cavitation.
Design, discussion, and dissent in open bug reports

While studies have considered computer-mediated decision-making in several domains, few have considered the unique challenges posed in software design. To address this gap, a qualitative study of 100 contentious open source bug reports was performed. The results suggest that the immeasurability of many software qualities and conflicts between achieving original design intent and serving changing user needs led to a high reliance on anecdote, speculation, and generalization. The visual presentation of threaded discussions aggravated these problems making it difficult to view design proposals and comparative critiques. The results raise several new questions about the interaction between authority and evidence in online design discussions.
Targeted analysis and discovery of posttranslational modifications in proteins from methanogenic archaea by top-down MS

For more complete characterization of DNA-predicted proteins (including their posttranslational modifications) a "top-down" approach using high-resolution tandem MS is forwarded here by its application to methanogens in both hypothesis-driven and discovery modes, with the latter dependent on new automation benchmarks for intact proteins. With proteins isolated from ribosomes and whole-cell lysates of Methanococcus jannaschii (approximately 1,800 genes) using a 2D protein fractionation method, 72 gene products were identified and characterized with 100% sequence coverage via automated fragmentation of intact protein ions in a custom quadrupole/Fourier transform hybrid mass spectrometer. Three incorrect start sites and two modifications were found, with one of each determined for MJ0556, a 20-kDa protein with an unknown methylation at approximately 50% occupancy in stationary phase cells. The separation approach combined with the quadrupole/Fourier transform hybrid mass spectrometer allowed targeted and efficient comparison of histones from M. jannaschii, Methanosarcina acetivorans (largest Archaeal genome, 5.8 Mb), and yeast. This finding revealed a striking difference in the posttranslational regulation of DNA packaging in Eukarya vs. the Archaea. This study illustrates a significant evolutionary step for the MS tools available for characterization of WT proteins from complex proteomes without proteolysis.
A graded risk index of burn severity

The purpose of this investigation was to develop an objective and quantitative scale to measure the severity of burn injury. The scale which best describes the estimation sample consists of seven variables: sex, age, percentage body surface burned, percentage second-degree burn, percentage third-degree burn, number of critical sites burned, and the presence of inhalation injury. These variables were the “best ”predictive subset of the larger group of 40 variables, for the estimation sample utilized in the study. The scale was assessed for predictive validity to outcome mortality and successfully cross-validated to a different set of patients from burn centers and a sample of patients from community hospitals.
USE OF OFFICE DISCIPLINE REFERRALS IN SCHOOL-WIDE DECISION MAKING: A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

Problem-solving approaches incorporating interventions at multiple levels have gained in popularity in recent years. One such model, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), was developed to assist schools to more effectively promote positive student behavior through a systematic and recursive approach to developing and assessing school-wide behavioral interventions. The focus of this article is on how data such as office discipline referrals (ODRs) can be used to inform decisions made by school problem-solving teams. Following a brief overview of the PBIS model, specific recommendations are offered for school psychologists related to the collection and use of ODRs for intervention design, revision, and evaluation. In addition, preliminary data from a case-study implementation are reviewed, highlighting the use of a data-based decision-making model for promoting positive student behavior. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 19–27, 2007.
Contrasting spring and summer phytoplankton dynamics in the nearshore Southern California Bight

We analyzed a 9-yr record of ocean color data from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) together with a 4-yr record of satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) measurements to investigate potential mechanisms influencing nearshore phytoplankton variability in the Southern California Bight. We also compared in situ physicochemical conditions at four shoreline stations during a year with an extensive nearshore dinoflagellate red tide (2005) to those of the following year when there was no extended red tide (2006). SeaWiFS data indicated that in spring, chlorophyll a (Chl a) and nitrate (NO ― 3 ) were inversely correlated to SSTs, consistent with an upwelling-dominated system, but in summer Chl a and NO ― 3 were unrelated to SST. Summer dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations were not well correlated between alongshore sampling stations, but showed a significant effect of tide stage (low vs. high). Mean summer nearshore Chl a was positively, linearly related to rainfall in the previous winter. The relationship between summer Chl a and winter precipitation could be due either to direct freshwater inputs during the winter rainy season or to delayed input via groundwater discharge. A first-order analysis of nutrient delivery from both surface runoff and groundwater discharge showed that they could sustain summer blooms of up to 7540 and 1700 km 2 , respectively—areas on the order of the study site. However, precipitation-induced physical changes to the nearshore water column cannot be conclusively ruled out as a potential causative mechanism.
Niche-related learning in laboratory paradigms: the case of maze behavior in Norway rats.

The general hypothesis underlying this paper is that behavior in traditional paradigms of laboratory learning is based on niche-related mechanisms. The specific hypothesis is that the behavior of Norway rats in laboratory mazes is based on niche-related mechanisms related to trail following and navigating. I evaluate seven types of evidence for this hypothesis: (a) resemblance of maze behavior to behavior in unconstrained settings; (b) importance of experimenter tuning of apparatus and procedures; (c) overdetermination of laboratory behavior; (d) reverse-engineering of niche-related mechanisms from laboratory data; (e) prediction of laboratory results from ecological data; (f) contribution of specific relative to general mechanisms; and (g) phylogenetic conservation and ecologically-based convergence and divergence of maze mechanisms. I conclude there is strong evidence for the hypothesis that behavior of rats in laboratory mazes is based on niche-related mechanisms. I suggest that a niche-related approach to laboratory learning paradigms has conceptual generality and the potential to facilitate connections with the study of neurophysiology, genetics, and evolution.
Revision of the net-winged midge genus Horaia Tonnoir and its phylogenetic relationship to other genera within the tribe Apistomyiini (Diptera: Blephariceridae)

Abstract Based partly on recent collections from Nepal and northern Thailand, new data are added to the knowledge of Horaia Tonnoir. Pupal and larval stages of H. montana Tonnoir are re-described, larval descriptions for H. manaliella (Kaul) are provided, and two new species, H. diminutiva and H. namtoki, and a new subspecies, H. montana piedmonti, are described. Dichotomous keys to adults, pupae and instar IV larvae of blepharicerid genera from south-east Asia and of all known species of the genus Horaia are provided. Phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Apistomyiini suggests that Horaia is a monophyletic genus closely related to a clade containing Apistomyia Bigot and Parapistomyia Zwick. This clade is, in turn, sister to a weakly supported clade comprising Theischingeria Zwick +Austrocurupira Dumbleton. The New Zealand endemics Peritheates Lamb +Neocurupira Lamb are proposed as sister group to other apistomyiines, within which Nothohoraia Craig + (Curupirina Stuckenberg +Nesocurupira Stuckenberg) is sister group to the remaining genera. The proposed phylogeny supports Zwick’s Antarctic origin hypothesis for the biogeography of the Apistomyiini in Asia and Australasia.
Active edge maps for medical image registration

Applying edge detection prior to performing image registration yields several advantages over raw intensity- based registration. Advantages include the ability to register multicontrast or multimodality images, immunity to intensity variations, and the potential for computationally efficient algorithms. In this work, a common framework for edge-based image registration is formulated as an adaptation of snakes used in boundary detection. Called active edge maps, the new formulation finds a one-to-one transformation T(x) that maps points in a source image to corresponding locations in a target image using an energy minimization approach. The energy consists of an image component that is small when edge features are well matched in the two images, and an internal term that restricts T(x) to allowable configurations. The active edge map formulation is illustrated here with a specific example developed for affine registration of carotid artery magnetic resonance images. In this example, edges are identified using a magnitude of gradient operator, image energy is determined using a Gaussian weighted distance function, and the internal energy includes separate, adjustable components that control volume preservation and rigidity.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Does cadence of Iguana iguana displays facilitate individual recognition

Iguanid lizards communicate threat, courtship and territorial advertisement through stereotyped headbob displays. It has been hypothesized that slight interindividual differences in these displays might enhance individual recognition and maintain dominance relationships within populations, but the precise display elements responsible have not been determined. The purpose of this study was to examine if experimentally induced differences in displays would decrease recognition of individual conspecifics. Specifically, social interactions between adult male green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were examined at normothermic and hypothermic body temperatures. Whereas the cadence (rate of muscle contraction) of stereotypic displays of individual lizards was slowed at hypothermic body temperature (Q10 ≃ 1.6), the amplitude (maximal muscle contraction) of hypothermic displays remained constant relative to normothermic displays. Normothermic lizards viewing a display from a hypothermic lizard responded to that display as if it were performed at a normothermic cadence. During paired encounters between lizards (one hypothermic, one normothermic), dominant/subordinate dyads within the group were unusually maintained regardless of which individual was hypothermic. The exception occurred when dominant individuals at the lowest experimental body temperatures retreated from subordinate individuals. The results suggest that individual lizards recognized their relative social status even when cadence of displays was radically altered, indicating that cadence alone probably does not function in individual recognition. Other morphological, display elements, or scent cues may provide information useful in individual recognition.
Nonlocal reactive transport with physical, chemical, and biological heterogeneity

Abstract When a natural porous medium is viewed from an eulerian perspective, incomplete characterization of the hydraulic conductivity, chemical reactivity, and biological activity leads to nonlocal constitutive theories, irrespective of whether the medium has evolving heterogeneity with fluctuations over all scales. Within this framework a constitutive theory involving nonlocal dispersive and convective fluxes and nonlocal sources/sinks is developed for chemicals undergoing random linear nonequilibrium reactions and random equilibrium first-order decay in a random conductivity field. The resulting transport equations are solved exactly in Fourier-Laplace space and then numerically inverted to real space. Mean concentration contours and various spatial moments are presented graphically for several covariance structures. © 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Effect of pressure on the complete phase behavior of binary mixtures

Using Gibbs-Duhem integration and semigrand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, temperature vs. composition phase diagrams for a binary Lennard-Jones mixture, σ11/σ22 = 0.85 and ϵ11/ϵ22 = 1.6, are calculated at several reduced pressures in order to examine the effects of pressure on complete phase behavior (that is, equilibrium between vapor, liquid, and solid phases). Interference is observed between the vapor–liquid and solid–liquid coexistence regions at the lowest pressure. As the pressure increases, the vapor–liquid coexistence region shifts to higher temperatures, while the solid–liquid coexistence region remains essentially unaffected. Eventually, the vapor–liquid coexistence region lifts off the solid–liquid coexistence region, ending the interference. Pressure vs. temperature projections for binary Lennard-Jones mixtures at σ11/σ22 = 0.85, 0.9, and 0.95, and ϵ11/ϵ22 = 0.45 and 1.6 are also presented to explore how the three-phase loci (solid–liquid–vapor and solid–solid–liquid) change with variations in diameter ratio and well-depth ratio. It is found that as the diameter ratio decreases, the maximum pressure in the solid–liquid–vapor locus decreases and the characteristic shape of the solid–liquid coexistence region changes from peritectic to eutectic. As the well-depth ratio decreases, the maximum pressure in the solid–liquid–vapor locus increases. For one mixture, σ11/σ22 = 0.9 and ϵ11/ϵ22 = 1.6, a quadruple point of solid–solid–liquid–vapor coexistence is located. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 215–225, 2004
Are (0, 2) models string miracles?

Abstract String theory exhibits a number of string miracles. These are “accidental” relations between couplings in the low-energy effective action which cannot be understood in terms of the symmetries of that action. It is shown that the existence of (0, 2) models need not be a string miracle, but can often be understood in terms of a discrete R symmetry. This understanding points to many new (0, 2) models, including some with gauge group SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1). Discrete R symmetries also protect some massless particles from acquiring a mass at special points in the moduli space of the conformal field theory. From a two dimensional point of view, this can be understood in terms of index theorems not only in the R but also in the NS sector. An important tool in the study of string compactification and conformal field theory is the perturbative expansion around a conformal field theory. We prove that the expansion of the space time superpotential around a space-time supersymmetric vacuum does not miss non-perturbative effects (as long as we do not expand around a boundary of moduli space). This shows that certain results which have been obtained to all orders in this expansion are exact. Also, it shows that the construction of the (0, 2) models in perturbation theory around (2, 2) models is exact as well.
Autism and lactic acidosis

Four patients are described who have two coexistent syndromes: the behavioral syndrome of autism and the biochemical syndrome of lactic acidosis. One of the four patients also had hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria. These patients raise the possibility that one subgroup of the autism syndrome may be associated with inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism.
On the dynamics of a novel ocean wave energy converter

Abstract Buoy-type ocean wave energy converters are designed to exhibit resonant responses when subject to excitation by ocean waves. A novel excitation scheme is proposed which has the potential to improve the energy harvesting capabilities of these converters. The scheme uses the incident waves to modulate the mass of the device in a manner which amplifies its resonant response. To illustrate the novel excitation scheme, a simple one-degree of freedom model is developed for the wave energy converter. This model has the form of a switched linear system. After the stability regime of this system has been established, the model is then used to show that the excitation scheme improves the power harvesting capabilities by 25–65 percent even when amplitude restrictions are present. It is also demonstrated that the sensitivity of the device's power harvesting capabilities to changes in damping becomes much smaller when the novel excitation scheme is used.
Polychlorinated biphenyl, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, and polychlorinated dibenzofuran contamination in PCB disposal facilities

Abstract The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently completed industrial hygiene surveys in three PCB disposal facilities. Contamination levels of PCBs (surface and airborne) and PCDDs/PCDFs (surface) were characterized during normal operations. Ninety-five out of ninety-six air samples collected for PCBs exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 1.0 μg/m 3 . Seventy-four percent ( 86 117 ) of the PCB surface samples were above our contamination guideline of 100 μg/m 2 . Twelve surface samples were collected for the determination of the tetra- through octa-chlorinated PCDD and PCDF homologs and the 2,3,7,8-substituted isomers. Eleven (92%) of the samples were above our contamination guideline of 1.0 ng/m 2 (2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents). The 2,3,7,8-TCDD isomer was found in one facility.
High-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas display unique cytogenetic aberrations

Neuroendocrine tumors represent a spectrum of tumor types with different biologic and clinical features. The morphologic types include the low-grade typical and atypical carcinoids and the high-grade small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Cytogenetic descriptions of high-grade NECs are rare. Complete karyotypic descriptions of 34 high-grade NECs are reviewed: 7 extrapulmonary small cell NECs, 3 metastatic NECs of unknown primary, and 24 small cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs). Chromosomal deletions are more frequent than gains and often involve the entire chromosome arm. Typical aberrations are deletions of chromosome 3p, 5q, 10q, and 17p and gains of 1q, 3q, and 5p occurring as isochromosomes. Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) have different cytogenetic aberrations, but those with a metastatic phenotype display the identical aberrations as SCLC, a tumor known for its metastatic phenotype at onset. A genetic classification of lung cancer that incorporates the pattern of recurrent chromosome aberrations may be a better predictor of clinical outcome than a morphologic classification.
Adsorption of acetylene and benzene on the Pt(100) surface

Abstract Chemisorption of acetylene and benzene on Pt(100) has been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, flash dehydrogenation and LEED. Both hydrocarbons follow Langmuir adsorption kinetics. Adsorption of benzene and acetylene cause a decrease in the work function proportional to coverage and corresponding to a dipole moment of 1.5 D for benzene and 0.5 D for acetylene. UPS indicates π bonding for benzene. Acetylene shows a broadening and chemical shift of the π orbital and an increased splitting of the σ orbital energies. These data and flash dehydrogenation rule out σ-bonding of a vertical, partially dehydrogenated (C2H) molecule. They also favor π-bonding over bridging disigma bonding without completely ruling out the latter. Our results are compared with hydrocarbon adsorption on other transition metal surfaces and with bonding of acetylenic molecules in transition metal complexes.
An instrumental method for the estimation of organic carbon in seston, macrophytes and sediments

Abstract An instrumental method was developed to estimate organic carbon in relatively large samples of seston, macrophytes and sediments which meets the demands of the ecologist. It is a dry-combustion technique, wherein organic substances are burnt in an atmosphere of pure oxygen, at a relatively low temperature (550δC). After complete oxidation of the volatile compounds, CO 2 is detected by means of infra re absorption. The method was tested on a number of organic and inorganic substances, dried seston, macrophyte tissue and sediments, and compared with two manual techniques on the estimation of organic carbon in sediments. It is a rather fast technique (20 samples per hour), with a recovery level that approximates reality very closely. The results showed little variation, the range for macrophytes being less than 2% and for seston even within 1%.
Folate and cancer: a review of the literature.

Abstract Folate, a water‐soluble vitamin, part of the vitamin B complex, plays an important role in methylation reactions and DNA/RNA synthesis. This review examines the experimental and epidemiological evidence for the association between folate status and risk of cancer. Data have accumulated indicating that low folate status may promote carcinogenesis. Low folate levels are associated with cytogenetic abnormalities in vivo and in vitro. Findings from animal studies are conflicting and suggest that the effect of folate on neoplasia depends on factors such as the animal and tumor model, the type, timing, dose, and length of application of carcinogen, the stage of carcinogenesis, and the level and form of folate administered. Epidemiological studies examined the association between folate and cancer of the cervix, colorectum, lung, esophagus, and brain and suggest that low folate status may play an important role early in the neoplastic process. The potential for inhibition of precursor lesions in the cer...
Decisions about Life-Threatening Risks

As a society and as individuals, we Americans are preoccupied with risks, particularly risks to life. From AIDS to cancer to heart disease, from Alar to asbestos to benzene, from eating to drinking...
Moment method solution in order N/sup 1/2/ operations per incidence angle

The moment method expresses electromagnetic scattering problems in terms of an N by N full matrix Z. The impedance matrix localization (IML) method transforms this problem into one involving a matrix T. T has many small elements which may reasonably be approximated by zero. This physical interpretation is used as a guide to developing a more efficient numerical method.