cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of nanoparticle surface area by measuring unattached fraction of radon progeny

A number of studies on the exposure of nanometer aerosols have indicated that health effects associated with low-solubility inhaled particles in the range of 1–100 nm may be more appropriately associated with particulate surface area than mass concentration. Such data on correlation between number, surface area and mass concentration are needed for exposure investigations, but the means for measuring aerosol surface area are not readily available. In this paper we propose a method for particle surface area assessment based on a new approach, deposition of the “unattached fraction of radon progeny” onto nanometer aerosols. The proposed approach represents a synthesis of: (1) Derived direct analytical correlation between the “unattached fraction” of radon progeny and surface area particle concentration in the range of 1–100 nm particle diameter; (2) Experimental data on correlation between the unattached fraction of radon progeny and particle surface area for particles with diameter in the range of 44 nm–2.1 μm.
A broad bean mitochondrial atp6 gene with an unusually simple, non-conserved 5' region.

A nucleotide sequence of broad bean mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that contains an atp6 gene of 876 ntp is presented. Relative to other plant atp6 genes, this broad bean gene comprises a 90 ntp non-conserved 5′ region, a 759 ntp highly conserved central region and a 27 ntp non-conserved 3′ region. The non-conserved, 5′ region of the broad bean atp6 gene differs from the corresponding regions of most other plant atp6 genes in that it contains only one potential translation initiation codon and, following this codon, a 63 ntp segment that predicts an amino acid sequence with a predominance of alternating leucines.
Effects of chronic clonidine administration parasympathetic-evoked rat saliva

Effects of chronic administration of clonidine on parasympathetic-evoked saliva from both parotid and submandibular glands were investigated. Clonidine at 1 mg/kg/day for 5 or 7 days caused a significant reduction in the salivary secretion (flow rate and total volume) evoked by parasympathetic nerve stimulation of parotid but not submandibular glands. Ion concentrations (Na, K and Ca) of parasympathetically nerve-evoked parotid saliva were not altered. However, the total protein concentration as well as output, amylase activity, and output of such saliva were markedly increased. Possible mechanisms for clonidine-induced increase in nerve-elicited salivary protein concentration include release of neuropeptides, and changes in adrenergic receptor binding which need further study.
Commercialization and Late-Stage Development of a Semisynthetic Antifungal API: Anidulafungin/d-Fructose (Eraxis)

Many years ago anidulafungin 1 was identified as a potentially useful medicine for the treatment of fungal infections. Its chemical and physical properties as a relatively high molecular weight semisynthetic derived from echinocandin B proved to be a significant hurdle to its final presentation as a useful medicine. It has recently been approved as an intravenous treatment for invasive candidaisis, an increasingly common health hazard that is potentially life-threatening. The development and commercialization of this API, which is presented as a molecular mixture of anidulafungin and d-fructose is described. This includes, single crystal X-ray structures of the starting materials, the echinocandin B cyclic-peptide nucleus (ECBN·HCl) and the active ester 1-({[4′′-(pentyloxy)-1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-4-yl]carbonyl}oxy)-1H-1,2,3-benzotriazole (TOBt). Details of the structure and properties of starting materials, scale-up chemistry and unusual crystallization phenomena associated with the API formation are discu...
Chromium removal by activated sludge

Abstract Much attention has been given to groundwater contamination due to the release of hazardous constituents from treatment and disposal facilities. Since some of the constituents entered groundwater aquifers in much shorter times than had been calculated, regulatory agencies have become concerned that hazardous constituents may be escaping from units not currently regulated under hazardous waste management programs. One of the major concerns of regulators is that unlined earthen surface impoundments in industrial wastewater treatment trains may be leaking heavy metals such as chromium and other hazardous constituents into the groundwater. The Environmental Protection Agency has moved toward bringing such impoundments under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. In addition, EPA is now proposing to list hexavalent chromium as a hazardous air pollutant due to its possible release from the mist of cooling towers, citing hexavalent chromium's potent carcinogenicity as the primary ...
Detection and classification characteristics of arrays of carbon black/organic polymer composite chemiresistive vapor detectors for the nerve agent simulants dimethylmethylphosphonate and diisopropylmethylphosponate.

Arrays of conducting polymer composite vapor detectors have been evaluated for performance in the presence of the nerve agent simulants dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP) and diisopropylmethylphosponate (DIMP). Limits of detection for DMMP on unoptimized carbon black/organic polymer composite vapor detectors in laboratory air were estimated to be 0.047−0.24 mg m^(-3). These values are lower than the EC_50 value (where EC_50 is the airborne concentration sufficient to induce severe effects in 50% of those exposed for 30 min) for the nerve agents sarin (methylphosphonofluoridic acid, 1-methylethyl ester) and soman (methylphosphonofluoridic acid, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl ester), which has been established as ∼0.8 mg m^(-3). Arrays of these vapor detectors were easily able to resolve signatures due to exposures to DMMP from those due to DIMP or due to a variety of other test analytes (including water, methanol, benzene, toluene, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, vinegar, and tetrahydrofuran) in a laboratory air background. In addition, DMMP at 27 mg m^(-3) could be detected and differentiated from the signatures of the other test analytes in the presence of backgrounds of potential interferences, including water, methanol, benzene, toluene, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, vinegar, and tetrahydrofuran, even when these interferents were present in much higher concentrations than that of the DMMP or DIMP being detected.
Surface energy gradient driven convection for generating nanoscale and microscale patterned polymer films using photosensitizers

The Marangoni effect describes how fluid flows in response to gradients in surface energy. This phenomenon could be broadly harnessed to pattern the surface topography of polymer films if generalizable techniques for programming surface energy gradients existed. Here, a near UV–visible light (NUV–vis) photosensitizer, 9,10-dibromo-anthracene (DBA), was doped into thin films of a model polymer, poly(isobutyl methacrylate). After exposure to light through a photomask and heating above the glass transition, thermolysis of photo-oxidized DBA and grafting to the polymer promoted flow of the film material into the exposed regions. This mechanism did not significantly alter the molecular weight of PiBMA or the film's glass transition temperature, but resulted in an increase in film surface energy as indicated by a decrease in water contact angle. Film height variations of 580 nm were produced using a mask with 12.5 μm features; a mask with 800 nm features was also employed to generate topographic features of corresponding width without expensive contacting equipment. Due to the broad absorbance spectra of DBA, highly accessible and/or unconventional light sources may be employed in this process; this advantage was demonstrated by patterning with sunlight. The nonspecific radical-mediated nature of the DBA grafting reaction makes this a promising approach for many classes of polymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1195–1202
Production of supported metal catalysts by the decomposition of metal carbonyls (review)

Abstract The following text is a review of efforts made to produce highly dispersed metal catalysts via the thermal decomposition of metal carbonyls. It is shown that on hydroxylated supports the decomposition of all metal carbonyls follows a characteristic pattern. Low-temperature (
Amyloid Formation via Supramolecular Peptide Assemblies

Amyloid fibrils have been classically defined as linear, nonbranched polymeric proteins with a cross β-sheet structure and the ability to alter the optical properties of the amyloid-specific dye Congo Red. Mounting evidence suggests that soluble oligomeric peptide assemblies ∼2-20 nm in diameter are critical intermediates in amyloid formation. Using a pathogenic prion protein peptide comprised of residues 23−144, we demonstrate that, under quiescent but not agitated conditions, much larger globular assemblies up to 1 μm in diameter are made. These globules precede fibril formation and directly interact with growing fibril bundles. Fibrils made via these large spherical peptide assemblies displayed a remarkable diversity of ultrastructural features. Fibrillization of the Aβ1−40 peptide under similar conditions yielded similar results, suggesting a mechanism of general amyloid formation that can proceed through intermediates much larger than those previously described. Our data suggest that simply changing ...
B73-12 Fault Detection in Digital Circuits

Problems of testing switching networks have been with us since the first computer was built and have become more difficult as the technology moved from discrete components to integrated circuits. Consequently, there has been an increasing interest in this area. This book covers methods of deriving efficient tests for different classes of switching circuits.
Parylene Interposer as Thin Flexible 3-D Packaging Enabler for Wireless Applications

This paper presents a novel, all-Parylene, thin, flexible 3-D packaging technology with an application demonstration of wireless powering. Parylene is utilized as a base substrate of a packaging interposer, and multilayer thin films are conformally stacked on the Parylene substrate. High-density (450 pF/mm2) metal-insulator-metal capacitors are implemented with an ultrathin (~47 nm) deposition of Parylene-N. The energy storage capabilities as well as RF characteristics are characterized. To demonstrate interposer applicability, an RF energy-harvesting study is performed by implementing a rectifier circuit on the Parylene interposer utilizing embedded capacitors of wide-ranging values and an antenna. Finally, substrate folding tests are performed to verify the applicability of the Parylene interposer in a flexible form factor without undergoing degradation in energy-harvesting capability. The thin-film flexible capacitors are demonstrated to not short-circuit even under the stress of folding the interposer.
Teaching Students the Importance of Accuracy in Research: A Reply to McDonald and Peterson

McDonald and Peterson (this issue) criticize my suggestion that introductory experimental psychology students be taught the importance of accuracy by giving them an A or F for the results sections of laboratory reports. However, the empirical basis for their objections has little relevance, and classroom observations demonstrate the beneficial results of appropriate use of reinforcement and punishment principles.
Influence of composition and Cu impregnation method on the performance of Cu/CeO2/YSZ SOFC anodes

Abstract In this study, we report on how different impregnation procedures affect the distribution and morphology of the Cu component in Cu/CeO 2 /YSZ (YSZ, yttria-stabilized zirconia) composite anodes and how this affects anode performance. Two different methods for Cu addition to the porous YSZ anode were investigated: impregnation using aqueous solutions of Cu(NO 3 ) 2 and impregnation using aqueous solutions of Cu(NO 3 ) 2 plus urea. The latter method produced a homogeneous distribution of Cu throughout the anode while the former resulted in a higher concentration of Cu near the exposed surface relative to that in the bulk. Studies of the thermal stability of the deposited copper layers and the influence of the Cu distribution on cell performance when operating with humidified H 2 as the fuel are also presented.
Soluble expression in E. coli of a functional interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein module fused to thioredoxin: Correlation of vitamin A binding regions with conserved domains of C-terminal processing proteases

Abstract The exchange of all-transretinol and 11-cisretinal between the photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium is mediated by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). IRBP contains binding sites for retinoids, docosahexaenoic acid and probably cell surface and matrix receptors. IRBP arose through the quadruplication of an ancient protein, represented by its carboxy-terminal module (module 4 in amphibians and mammals). Module 4 has retinol binding activity and is composed of regions coded for by each ofIRBP'sfour exons. Determining the function of the exons has been hampered by insoluble expression of module 4 inEscherichia coli.Here, we found that module 4 ofXenopusIRBP (X4IRBP), as well as its exon segments, can be expressed in a soluble form as thioredoxin fusion proteins. The recombinant proteins were purified by ion exchange and arsenical-based affinity chromatography. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry confirmed that the sequence of X4IRBP is correct. All-transretinol binding was characterized by monitoring enhancement of retinol fluorescence, quenching of intrinsic protein fluorescence, and transfer of energy to the bound retinol. Retinol bound to X4IRBP at 2.20±0.29 sites with aKD=1.25±0.39. One of the two sites was localized to Exons(2+3) and had aKD=0.26±0.13 μ m . This site, which supported protein quenching and energy transfer, probably contains at least one of the two conserved tryptophans present in this segment. The second site was localized to Exon 4. This site supported the enhancement of retinol fluorescence but not protein quenching or energy transfer and had aKD=1.94±0.20 μ m . Exon 1 had no retinol binding activity. The location of the retinol binding regions correlated with the distribution of domains conserved between IRBPs and the newly recognized family of C-terminal processing proteases (CtpAs), proteins which bind and cleave non-polar carboxy termini.
Sauerstoffaufnahme und respiratorische Funktionen in großen Höhen1

Zusammenfassung Der Einflus von grosen Hohen auf die O2-Aufnahme bei korperlicher Arbeit und auf die respiratorischen Funktionen in Ruhe und bei korperlicher Arbeit wurde untersucht. Die Untersuchungen zeigen, das bei der Arbeit auf dem Fahrradergometer fur alle Vpn. die gleiche Relation zwischen Arbeitsintensitat und O2-Aufnahme in verschiedenen Hohen besteht. Der Wirkungsgrad ist also nicht von der Hohe beeinflust. Die nicht reduzierte Lungenventilation V37 steigt in der Hohe stark an und erreicht Werte von mehr als 120 Liter pro Min. bei korperlicher Arbeit. Die reduzierte Lungenventilation V0 wurde bei gleicher O2-Aufnahme in allen untersuchten Hohen konstant gefunden. In allen Hohen lagen die alveolaren O2-Spannungen hoher bei der Arbeit als in Ruhe. In grosen Hohen ist die maximale O2-Aufnahme durch die Lungenventilation begrenzt. Das Versuchsmaterial dieser Abhandlung entstammt: »The International High Altitude Expedition to Chile« 1935. Die Expedition wurde unterstutzt vom Fatigue Laboratory und Milton Fund, Harvard; Duke University; die Universitat von Kopenhagen; Carlsberg-und Rask-Orsted-Fond, Kopenhagen; King's College, Cambridge University; the Corn Industries Research Foundation; Columbia University; the National Research Council, the Royal Society, London; the Josiah Macy Foundation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, und von zahlreichen Institutionen in Chile.
Effect of Enrichment Procedure upon Auxotroph Recovery in Escherichia coli K-12

Proline-requiring auxotrophs are recovered preferentially after mutant enrichment procedures (e.g., penicillin) which perturb the cell envelope, but not after procedures (e.g., thymineless death) which affect other cellular targets. This probably stems from effects of penicillin and similar antibiotics upon proline metabolic and transport enzymes associated with the cell envelope.
Maternal separation suppresses TGFα mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex of male and female neonatal C57BL/6 mice

Abstract Male C57BL/6 mice that undergo maternal separation (MS) early in life demonstrate higher levels of anxiety upon reaching adulthood compared to normally reared offspring. This study reports that neonatal males and females that undergo MS have reduced mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in emotionality, compared to normally reared animals. TGFα expression was unaffected by MS in the hippocampus. These data indicate that MS leads to a brain region-specific suppression of TGFα expression early in development.
A Comparison of Item Parameter Standard Error Estimation Procedures for Unidimensional and Multidimensional Item Response Theory Modeling

The present study was motivated by the recognition that standard errors (SEs) of item response theory (IRT) model parameters are often of immediate interest to practitioners and that there is curre...
Transmitting balanced translocation carrier information within families: A follow-up study

Approximately 1 of 500 individuals is a carrier of a balanced chromosome translocation. Since many translocations are inherited, many (but not all) relatives of carriers have a need to be informed of their potential carrier status. Presently, no data are available as to what extent individuals identified as balanced carriers inform at-risk relatives of the problem. We interviewed 12 balanced translocation carriers to learn whether such information had been transmitted to relatives. The 12 propositi had 36 surviving sibs and 21 surviving parents. Of the 36 sibs, 32 were informed of their risk. The four sibs not informed were from two families. Only 16 of the 32 informed sibs had subsequent carrier testing. Of the 21 surviving parents, 14 were told by their children of their carrier status; subsequently, three parent couples were tested. This survey provides data showing that individuals do not always disclose genetic risk information to relatives. Therefore, genetic professionals need to determine if they have a duty to transmit such information to at-risk relatives in light of the harm that may occur when information is withheld.
Throughput differentiation using coloring at the network edge and preferential marking at the core

In this paper we introduce an innovation in differentiated services architecture consisting of adaptive two-level coloring at the edge and preferential marking at the core. We identify general properties of these two processes which, when met, guarantee a desirable fixed point for the network; i.e., one where aggregated flow rates meet or exceed given targets in an over-provisioned network. Specific mechanisms realizing the aforementioned properties lead to so-called active rate management controllers for edge coloring, and a preferentially-marking, active queue management controller at the core. We discuss stability of the fixed point for this network, and validate results using ns simulations.
Soil community feedback and the coexistence of competitors: conceptual frameworks and empirical tests

A growing body of empirical work suggests that soil organisms can exert a strong role in plant community dynamics and may contribute to the coexistence of plant species. Some of this evidence comes from examining the feedback on plant growth through changes in the composition of the soil community. Host specific changes in soil community composition can generate feedback on plant growth and this feedback can be positive or negative. Previous work has demonstrated that negative soil community feedback can contribute to the coexistence of equivalent competitors. In this paper, I show that negative soil community feedback can also contribute to the coexistence of strong competitors, maintaining plant species that would not coexist in the absence of soil community dynamics. I review the evidence for soil community feedback and find accumulating evidence that soil community feedback can be common, strongly negative, and generated by a variety of complementary soil microbial mechanisms, including host-specific changes in the composition of the rhizosphere bacteria, nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and mycorrhizal fungi. Finally, I suggest topics needing further examination.
A Review of: “Antonio Giustozzi. Koran, Kalashnikov, and Laptop: The Neo-Taliban Insurgency in Afghanistan.”

Koran, Kalashnikov, and Laptop: The Neo-Taliban Insurgency in Afghanistan, (heretofore KKL) was written according to its author Antonio Giustozzi, “in just three months between the end of 2006 and ...
Symbiotic interactions in the EVOLVE III ecosystem model

Abstract Parasitic feeding mechanisms were introduced into the EVOLVE III ecosystem model. The modified system exhibited a number of interesting behaviors, including obligative and facultative parasitism, transient facultative mutualism and nonsymbiotic feeding. Speciation and massive die-offs were also observed. The introduction of a symbiotic capability altered the coevolutionary development of traits that exhibited an arms race when the symbiotic capability was not present. Stable mutualisms were not possible in the present version of the model due to the restriction that organisms were not allowed to feed both on other organisms and from the environment at the same time. The ecosystem biomass increased with increased symbiotic activity. Biomass was influenced by the balance of virulence and resistance traits in the population and decreased as these traits became more disparate.
Behavior Problems in Children with the Presenting Problem of Poor School Performance

Used 3 methods of assessing behavioral disturbance in 79 children presenting with poor school performance to an interdisciplinary evaluation center. Findings revealed a very high frequency of behavior problems, particularly of the internalizing type, but few differences in frequency or type of behavior problems among 4 subgroups: children with learning disabilities, mental retardation, borderline intellectual functioning, and without learning disabilities or cognitive impairment. Behavioral problems were associated with lower perceptions of self-worth and family functioning characterized as more controlling, and less supportive. Findings are discussed in terms of the need for interactional models of learning and behavior problems.
Logic programming semantics using a compact data structure

A fixpoint semantics is given for logic programming using domain theory, with undefined as one truth value, allowing negation, and arbitrary data structures. This generalizes the conventional semantics, and agrees with it on 'successes' for Horn clause programs. Consequences of requiring the data structure to be a compact topological space and the given relations to be continuous are investigated, extending results in the last chapter of Lloyd's book.
3D Fractals From Periodic Surfaces

Fractals are ubiquitous as in natural objects and have been applied in designing porous structures such as micro antenna and porous silicon. The seemingly complex and irregular structures can be generated based on simple principles. In this paper, we present three approaches to construct 3D fractal geometries using a recently proposed periodic surface model. By applying iterated function systems to the implicit surface model in the Euclidean or parameter space, 3D fractals can be constructed efficiently. Porosity is also proposed as a metric in fractal design.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
NJML+: An Extension of the NJML Method to Handle Protein Sequence Data and Computer Software Implementation

While the maximum-likelihood (ML) method of tree reconstruction is statistically rigorous, it is extremely time-consuming for reconstructing large trees. We previously developed a hybrid method (NJML) that combines the neighbor-joining (NJ) and ML methods and thus is much faster than the ML method and improves the performance of NJ. However, we considered only nucleotide sequence data, so NJML is not suitable for handling amino acid sequence data, which requires even more computer time. NJML+ is an implementation of a further improved method for practical data analyses (including protein sequence data). Our extensive simulations using nucleotide and amino acid sequences showed that NJML+ gave good results in tree reconstruction. Indeed, NJML+ showed substantial improvements over existing methods in terms of both computational times and efficiencies, especially for amino acid sequence data. We also developed a "user-friendly" interface for the NJML+ program, including a simple tree viewer.
Failure of vitamin E in clinical trials : Is gamma-tocopherol the answer?

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a crucial role in atherosclerosis. However, prospective clinical trials of dietary antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, such as α-tocopherol (AT), have not yielded positive results. AT supplementation decreases γ-tocopherol (GT) levels. GT is an antioxi-dant with potent anti-inflammatory activity, and plasma GT levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular diseases. Thus, studies using pure GT, alone or in conjunction with AT, will elucidate its utility in cardiovascular disease prevention .
Goitrogens in Food and Water

Epidemiologic and experimental evidence reviewed in this article emphasizes the complex and multifactorial etiology of endemic goiter. The important role of iodine deficiency as an etiologic factor in endemic goiter is firmly established, but there is evidence that other environmental factors can play an equally important role in the pathogenesis of this condition. Chemical categories, sources, and sites of action of the various classes of naturally occurring goitrogens and antithyroid agents are reviewed in this article. Evidence of the presence of these compounds in foodstuffs and drinking water is discussed. Bacterial contamination of water supplies also appears to be important in the development of goiter. Microorganisms appear to intervene in the biosynthesis and degradation of organic goitrogenic pollutants or may induce thyroid growth-promoting activity in the host, or both. Malnutrition and poor socioeconomic conditions, as for iodine deficiency, enhance the action of environmental goitrogens. Thus, a coordinated multidisciplinary approach is essential to solving this public health problem.
Teams: Communication in Multidisciplinary Care

Correspondence: Richard T. Penson, M.R.C.P., M.D., Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey 9066, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2617, USA. Telephone: 617-726-5867; Fax: 617-724-6898; e-mail: rpenson@partners.org Received April 7, 2006; accepted for publication April 7, 2006. ©AlphaMed Press 1083-7159/2006/$20.00/0 Abstract Shortly before his death in 1995, Kenneth B. Schwartz, a cancer patient at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founded The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center at MGH. The Schwartz Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing compassionate health care delivery that provides hope to the patient and support to caregivers, and encourages the healing process. The Center sponsors the Schwartz Center Rounds, a monthly multidisciplinary forum where caregivers reflect on important psychosocial issues faced by patients, their families, and their caregivers, and gain insight and support from fellow staff members. The evolving field of oncology increasingly requires a team of medical specialists working in unison to deliver optimal medical care. While this coordination may maximize the technical synergy of care, it can challenge interprofessional and interdisciplinary connections. Poor and miscommunication and conflicts between staff and between the family and providers adversely affect patient care and quality of life. Furthermore, lack of communication leaves a vacuum that sucks in fear. A recent Newsweek article highlighted the challenges of practicing in the age of high-tech medicine. The author had to beg for a prognosis for her critically ill and dying husband, with unhelpful subspecialists failing to communicate the bigger picture. This article explores the tough issue of how teams handle uncertainty and bad news and how patients and families can be better supported in the multifaceted paradigm of modern care. The Oncologist 2006;11:520–526
Naturally-occurring biological control: western flower thrips impact on spider mites in California cotton

Western flower thrips (WFT) are the principal naturally-occurring enemies of spider mites in San Joaquin Valley (California) cotton. They are also the basis for an effective season-long pest management program that evolved over 20 yr through research involving ≈34 research and extension entomologists, research technicians and graduate students. This program also included Geocoris spp., Orius tristicolor (White), Nabis spp., and Chrysopa carnae Stephens. A principal consequence of this cumulative research is the reduction in the number of insecticide applications against cotton pests from an average of 10–12 per season prior to 1965, to about 1.5 today.
Design for an extensible Croquet-based framework to deliver a persistent, unified, massively multi-user, and self-organizing virtual environment

We describe a design for a collaborative virtual learning environment (VLE) to support massively multi-user and multi-institutional learning communities. This architecture extends Croquet to encompass a tier of distributed cache servers that allow intelligent caching and pre-fetching of objects, scene definitions, and textures. The design also provides for interactivity servers tied to specific regions in the VLE. Interactivity servers provide persistence for neighborhoods, coordinate modification and transient phenomena for locales in the virtual space, and ensure trust relations by managing user identification, authentication, and authorization via integration with existing institutional authentication infrastructure. This system supports real-time interactions that promote a self organizing, interdisciplinary knowledge sharing system within a scalable VLE in a manner that ensures accountability and trust relations.
Commentary on "Meta-analysis of six-month memantine trials in Alzheimer's disease." Wuthering forest plots: distinguishing the forest from the plots.

The efficacy of memantine for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease patients was established on the basis of two 6-month and one 3-month trials showing efficacy in cognition, daily function, and clinically relevant improvement compared with placebo, and the drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 on this basis. By contrast, only one of three placebo-controlled trials in mild to moderate AD patients was statistically significant on cognitive and clinical assessment. In 2005 the FDA did not approve memantine for mild AD, perhaps in part on the basis of these trials. The manufacturer-sponsored meta-analysis of six 6-month memantine trials appearing in this issue of the Journal is interesting in the context of memantine’s current FDA-approved indication for moderate to severe AD, because it statistically combines moderate to severe AD trials with mild to moderate AD trials and then claims that memantine has efficacy “across the spectrum” of AD, and that “arbitrary divisions into severity groups” might not be necessary for drug development.
Evidence that Purifying Selection Acts on Promoter Sequences

We tested whether functionally important sites in bacterial, yeast, and animal promoters are more conserved than their neighbors. We found that substitutions are predominantly seen in less important sites and that those that occurred tended to have less impact on gene expression than possible alternatives. These results suggest that purifying selection operates on promoter sequences.
Regulating duty free sales and tobacco advertising in airports: a call for action

According to the United Nations' World Tourism Organization, there were an estimated 880 million international travelers in 2009, or roughly 13% of the world's population. While tobacco remains one of the world's leading causes of preventable disease and death, prompting numerous governments around the world to implement policies to protect the public's health from the harm caused by tobacco, many international airports remain exempt from tobacco control restrictions. Tobacco advertising and tobacco sales are largely unregulated in many international airports, exposing hundreds of millions of travelers each year to the tobacco industry's influence. Consequently, airports may represent one of the last remaining havens for the tobacco industry.
Fast Multidimensional Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition Using a Data Compression Technique

AbstractThe process of obtaining key information on climate variability and change from large climate datasets often involves large computational costs and removal of noise from the data. In this study, the authors accelerate the computation of a newly developed, multidimensional temporal–spatial analysis method, namely multidimensional ensemble empirical mode decomposition (MEEMD), for climate studies. The original MEEMD uses ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) to decompose the time series at each grid point and then pieces together the temporal–spatial evolution of climate variability and change on naturally separated time scales, which is computationally expensive.To accelerate the algorithm, the original MEEMD is modified by 1) using principal component analysis (PCA) to transform the original temporal–spatial multidimensional climate data into principal components (PCs) and corresponding empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs); 2) retaining only a small fraction of PCs and EOFs that contain sp...
Characterization and Mitigation of Temperature Sensitivity Within Mobile Retroreflectometer Unit

Mobile retroreflectometers have demonstrated great potential as a tool to assess the retroreflectivity of pavement markings, on both project and network levels. Such devices can collect and process much more data than their handheld predecessors can. However, studies have shown concerns with repeatability and reproducibility. Successful integration of pavement marking retroreflectivity readings into a pavement management system hinges on the accuracy of the collected data. Previous research has centered on data collection techniques to minimize error (collection frequency, averaging), but little research has focused on the technology and the components making measurement possible. Results were summarized for the characterization and the mitigation of a temperature sensitivity uncovered during the Florida Department of Transportation's evaluation of a mobile retroreflectometer unit. During routine data collection, offsets in the measured retroreflectivity were observed between results from repeat runs on t...
Economic Pressure and Marital Conflict in Retirement-Aged Couples:

Tests of the relationship between economic difficulties and marital distress have generally excluded retirement-aged couples. Given the aging U.S. population and the upcoming retirement of the baby boom cohort, this research gap is problematic.To rectify this omission, this study uses longitudinal data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH; N = 3,853) and assesses whether the family stress model operates differently for three retirement-aged groups of couples (one group that retired before the study, one that retired during the study, and one group of retirement-aged couples that did not retire during the study) and a comparison group of younger couples. The family stress model did not operate for married couples that began the NSFH already retired but did operate for the two other retirement-aged couples. The authors discuss the potential mechanisms behind these findings and the implications for the upcoming retirement of the baby boom cohort.
The Aging Surgeon: Implications for the Workforce, the Surgeon, and the Patient

Surgeons suffer from the same physiologic impairments common to all people with advancing age. These impairments not only affect the surgeon but also the patients under their care. This article delineates the epidemiologic context of the graying population of surgeons and the cognitive and physiologic changes that occur as the result of aging, the consequence of which is that greater experience does not necessarily equate with better clinical outcomes. This work also addresses potential methods for the ongoing evaluation of the aging surgeon and how elder surgeons may be best used as they reach the conclusion of their career.
Expressed cDNAs from Embryonic and Larval Stages of the Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)

We used an expressed sequence tag approach to initiate a study of the genome of the horn fly, Hematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). Two normalized cDNA libraries were synthesized from RNA isolated from embryos and first instars from a field population of horn flies. Approximately 10,000 clones were sequenced from both the 5' and 3' directions. Sequence data from each library was assembled into a database of tentative consensus sequences (TCs) and singletons and used to search public protein databases and annotate the sequences. Additionally, the sequences from both the egg and larval libraries were combined into a single database consisting of 16,702 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) assembling into 2886 TCs and 1,522 singleton entries. Several sequences were identified that may have roles in the horn fly's resistance to insecticides. The availability of this database will facilitate the design of microarray and other experiments to study horn fly gene expression on a larger scale than previously possible. This would include studies designed to investigate metabolic-based insecticide resistance, identify novel antigens for vaccine-based control approaches, and discover new proteins to serve as targets for new pesticide development.
Silibinin enhances the repair of ultraviolet B-induced DNA damage by activating p53-dependent nucleotide excision repair mechanism in human dermal fibroblasts

Ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) is the main cause of DNA damage in epidermal cells; and if not repaired, this DNA damage leads to skin cancer. In earlier studies, we have reported that natural flavonolignan silibinin exerts strong chemopreventive efficacy against UVB-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis; however mechanistic studies are still being actively pursued. Here, we investigated the role of nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway in silibinin's efficacy to repair UVB-induced DNA damage. Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were exposed to UVB (1 mJ/cm2) with pre- or post- silibinin (100 μM) treatment, and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) formation/repair was measured. Results showed that post-UVB silibinin treatment accelerates DNA repair via activating the NER pathway including the expression of XPA (xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A), XPB, XPC, and XPG. In UVB exposed fibroblasts, silibinin treatment also increased p53 and GADD45α expression; the key regulators of the NER pathway and DNA repair. Consistently, post-UVB silibinin treatment increased the mRNA transcripts of XPA and GADD45α. Importantly, silibinin showed no effect on UVB-induced DNA damage repair in XPA- and XPB-deficient human dermal fibroblasts suggesting their key role in silibinin-mediated DNA damage repair. Moreover, in the presence of pifithrin-α, an inhibitor of p53, the DNA repair efficacy of silibinin was compromised associated with a reduction in XPA and GADD45α transcripts. Together, these findings suggest that silibinin's efficacy against UVB-induced photodamage is primarily by inhibiting NER and p53; and these findings further support silibinin's usage as a potential inexpensive, effective, and non-toxic agent for skin cancer chemoprevention.
A rolling-horizon pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic model for warfarin inpatients in transient clinical states.

Aim: To design a pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic model to make individualized and adaptive international normalized ratio (INR) predictions for warfarin inpatients in changing clinical status. Methods: We tested a new model on 60 inpatients at Columbia University. The model personalizes four submodels and minimizes the number of parameters to be estimated. Prediction accuracy was assessed by prediction error, absolute prediction error and percentage absolute prediction error. Results: The INRs were accurately predicted 5 days into the future. Median prediction error: 0.01–0.12; median absolute prediction error: 0.17–0.5 and median percentage absolute prediction error: 9.85–26.06%. Conclusion: Patients exhibit interindividual and intertemporal variability. The model captures the variability and provides accurate and personalized INR predictions.
Other Related Properties

In Chapter 3 we have studied the fundamental properties and related distribution theory of the multivariate normal distribution using the specific functional form of its density function. Most of the results given there have been obtained by direct algebraic calculations. In this chapter we study some related properties with a more general approach. We show that the multivariate normal density function belongs to certain large classes of density functions. Consequently, it has all the common properties possessed by density functions in those classes. This approach allows us to apply more general and powerful mathematical tools for deriving useful results.
A comparison of the socially influenced behavior of college students and college-age dropouts

Patterns of yielding to social influence by educational dropouts and college students contrasted the major theoretical processes of influence. Typical informational social influence was demonstrated by the college students with low yielding on easy and high yielding on difficult tasks. The significant interaction of educational background and task difficulty that was displayed by a factorial analysis of variance design was produced by extremely high yielding of the dropouts on easy tasks and indicated a pattern of behavior interpreted as normative social influence.
The Effect of Deficiency and Excess in Rainfall upon the Hickory Bark Beetle

An epidemic of the Hickory Bark-Beetle started in Syracuse in 1912 and has extended to the present time, with a decided checking in 1915. This was preceded by semi-drought conditions over a period of several years before the epidemic started. While the trees were undoubtedly affected, as is shown by a study of the rings of growth, the indirect effect through the lessening of the vitality of the trees is not sufficient to account for all the phenomena. The greatest effect was the more direct one upon the insects themselves, as the deficiency came during the summer months. A deficiency at this time is beneficial to both adults and larvae, and an excess, as in 1915, acts as a distinct check. When the adults are active, continued rain kills many while feeding and establishing their burrows and also checks egg-laying. Excess rainfall, humidity and cloudiness kills the larvae because it produces an excess of water in the plant tissues and this is set free into the larval mines. Deficiency in rainfall has a beneficial effect upon both adults and larvae. This may be put to practical use. It is known that there has been a deficiency in rainfall extending over several years, an intelligent lookout can be made for the first signs of undue increase of dangerous forms and these can be controlled before they reach epidemic proportions.
Development of a minature pCO2 electrode for biomedical applications.

A miniaturepCO2 electrode for possible CO2 measurement in a biological system was constructed and evaluated. ThepCO2 electrode employed a miniature pH glass electrode and the Severinghaus configuration. The electrode was evaluated in both gas and liquid phases. A good linear relation existed between the measured electrode potential of thepCO2 electrode and the logarithm of the CO2 concentration at 20°C in both gas and liquid phases. The temperature dependence of the electrode over the temperature range of 20–60°C was evaluated. From 20 to 40°C, a change of CO2 of 0·15%/°C at a CO2 level of 9·6 mole% was observed. The response time,pCO2 and temperature-hysteresis effects, and long-term stability of thepCO2 electrode were also investigated and discussed.
The Allergist's Role in Detection of Severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Background Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) frequently presents as difficult to manage asthma or asthma with fixed obstruction and is well documented as being underdiagnosed in the population. Objective This study aimed to better describe allergists'/immunologists' involvement in the care of patients with AATD and whether they currently contribute to the underdiagnosis by lack of screening for the condition. Methods Using the Research Electronic Data Capture tool, we submitted a questionnaire to 500 patients with severe AATD (ZZ, SZ, ZNull, and FZ) through the Alpha-1 Foundation Research Registry to collect information about patient diagnosis and treatment patterns. Approximately 45% completed the questionnaire, leading to a final enrollment of 226 participants. Results Seventy-eight participants (34%) had seen an allergist, but only 11 (5%) were diagnosed with AATD by their allergist. Likewise, allergists prescribed alpha-1 augmentation therapy to only 5 (8%) of the 59 patients on augmentation therapy. Nearly 46% (n = 104) of all participants were diagnosed with either asthma (28%) or allergic disease (18%) before receiving a diagnosis of AATD. Eighteen patients had been treated with immunotherapy before their diagnosis of AATD, with 94% of these participants receiving treatment for 3 years or longer. Conclusions Our data suggest that specialists in Allergy and Immunology should consider and screen for AATD in patients with asthma in whom spirometry does not return to normal. Furthermore, we propose allergists/immunologists are well suited to screen and treat patients with AATD.
Beyond conventional wisdom: community cultural wealth and the college knowledge of African American youth in the United States

AbstractAfrican American youth are generally as likely as their peers from other racial and ethnic groups to aspire to earn a college degree; yet, in spite of their aspirations these students remain under-represented in college enrollment and graduation. Part of the disparity between these students’ aspirations and the realization of their goals may lie in their minimal college knowledge and nominal participation in postsecondary preparatory activities that have frequently been caused by the historic, and ongoing, systematic disenfranchisement of African Americans. During interviews, college students reflected on how similarly-aged family members, peers, co-workers, and parishioners assisted with various aspects of college preparation and enrollment. The community cultural wealth framework helps us understand the reason for, and importance of, this ‘lateral mentorship’ in the fulfillment of these students’ college aspirations. Consequently, educators and educational systems are challenged to be more respo...
Progress on the Research of Complex Metal Oxides Catalysts for the Selective Oxidation of Propane to Acrylic Acid

The development of complex metal oxide catalysts (CMO) for the selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid (AA) is reviewed in this article. Especially, the role-played by each metal element in the CMO (Mo_aV_bTe_cNb_dO_n and Mo_aV_bSb_cNb_dO_n), and the effects of metal ratio, mixing, drying, calcination atmosphere, and gas flow and pH value on the performance of the catalysts are discussed. In addition, the review prospects the direction of development in future.