cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Transport Theory of Neutron Wave Propagation in Polycrystalline Media

The propagation of neutron waves in polycrystalline moderators is analyzed via a modeled velocity-dependent transport theory. Analytical results are made possible by the use of a simple model of th...
The Importance of Assay Imprecision near the Screen Cutoff for Newborn Screening of Lysosomal Storage Diseases

For newborn screening (NBS) of lysosomal storage diseases, programs measure enzymatic activities in dried blood spots (DBS) and, in most cases, act on samples where the measurement is below a specific cutoff value. The rate of false positives and negatives in any NBS program is of critical importance. The measured values across a population of newborns are governed by many factors, and in this article we focus on assay imprecision. Assay parameters including the Analytical Range and the Z-Factor have been discussed as a way to compare assay performance for NBS of lysosomal storage diseases. Here we show that these parameters are not rigorously connected to the rate of false positives and negatives. Rather, it is the assay imprecision near the screen cutoff that is the most important parameter that determines the rate of false positives and negatives. We develop the theoretical treatment of assay imprecision and how it is linked to screen performance. What emerges is a useful type of parametric plot that allows for rigorous assessment of the effect of assay imprecision on the rate of false positives and false negatives that is independent of the choice of screen cutoff value. Such plots are useful in choosing cutoff values. They also show that a high assay imprecision cannot be overcome by changing the cutoff value or by use of postanalysis, statistical tools. Given the importance of assay imprecision near the cutoff, we propose that quality control DBS are most useful if they span a range of analyte values near the cutoff. Our treatment is also appropriate for comparing the performance of multiple assay platforms that each measure the same quantity (i.e., the enzymatic activity in DBS). The analysis shows that it is always best to use the assay platform that gives the lowest imprecision near the cutoff.
Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy using fast scintillators and digital electronics

Abstract Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) is a non-destructive radiological technique widely used in material science studies. PALS typically relies on an analog coincidence measurement setup and allows the estimate of the positron lifetime in a material sample under investigation. The positron trapping at vacancies in the material results in an increased positron lifetime. In this work, we have developed and optimized a PALS experimental setup using organic scintillators , fast digitizers, and advanced pulse processing algorithms. We tested three pairs of different organic scintillators: EJ-309 liquid, EJ-276 newly developed plastic, and BC-418 plastic, and optimized the data processing parameters for each pair separately. Our high-throughput data analysis method is based on single-pulse interpolation and a constant fraction discrimination (CFD) algorithm. The setup based on the BC-418 detector achieved the best time resolution of 198 . 3 ± 0 . 8 ps. We used such optimized setup to analyze two single-crystal quartz samples and found lifetimes of 161 ± 4 ps, 343 ± 12 ps and 1 . 34 ± 0 . 05 ns , in good agreement with the characteristic time constants of this material. The proposed experimental set up achieves a time resolution comparable to the minimum positron lifetime in quartz, which makes it possible to accurately characterize material vacancies by discriminating between the lifetimes of either the spin singlet or triplet states of positronium . The optimized data processing algorithms are relevant to all the applications where fast timing is important, such as nuclear medicine and radiation imaging.
A unique variant of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus that induces pheromone binding protein MUP: Critical role for CTL

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) WE variant 2.2 (v2.2) generated a high level of the major mouse urinary protein: MUP. Mice infected with LCMV WE v54, which differed from v2.2 by a single amino acid in the viral glycoprotein, failed to generate MUP above baseline levels found in uninfected controls. Variant 54 bound at 2.5 logs higher affinity to the LCMV receptor α-dystroglycan (α-DG) than v2.2 and entered α-DG-expressing but not α-DG-null cells. Variant 2.2 infected both α-DG-null or -expressing cells. Variant 54 infected more dendritic cells, generated a negligible CD8 T cell response, and caused a persistent infection, while v2.2 generated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and cleared virus within 10 days. By 20 days postinfection and through the 80-day observation period, significantly higher amounts of MUP were found in v2.2-infected mice. Production of MUP was dependent on virus-specific CTL as deletion of such cells aborted MUP production. Furthermore, MUP production was not elevated in v2.2 persistently infected mice unless virus was cleared following transfer of virus-specific CTL.
Corrosion Diagnostic and Prognostic Technologies

Open image in new window This chapter addresses the development and utility of fundamental diagnostic and prognostic algorithms to assist in early detection of corrosion initiation and progression so that immediate remediation can be taken to avoid further structural deterioration while limiting significantly repair and replacement costs. Corrosion, in its different stages, is a significant challenge affecting the operational integrity of a vast variety of equipment and processes. Corrosion prevention costs are amounting to billions of dollars each year. As complex equipment age, exposure to corrosion processes is increasing at a substantial and alarming rate contributing to equipment degradation and leading to failure modes. Major efforts have been underway over the past years to develop and implement corrosion prevention and protection materials/processes to extent the useful life of critical equipment/facilities preventing rapid deterioration and retirement. Early corrosion detection is urgently required to warn the operator/maintainer of impending detrimental events that endanger the integrity and life of critical aerospace and industrial processes exposed to corrosive environments. Accurate prediction of the growth of corrosion states is an essential component of the architecture aiming to provide estimates of the time remaining for remediation while the system/process is required to complete a current task or mission. The enabling technologies build upon the sensing modalities, corrosion modeling tools and methods detailed in previous chapters. Corrosion modeling has been addressed over the past years from multiple investigators on behalf of government agencies and industry (see Chapter on Corrosion Modeling). We take advantage of these efforts to formulate the corrosion diagnostic and prognostic algorithms. We use case studies and examples illustrating the theoretical developments.
Recent Milestones in Unraveling the Full-Field Structure of Dynamic Shear Cracks and Fault Ruptures in Real-Time: From Photoelasticity to Ultrahigh-Speed Digital Image Correlation

The last few decades have seen great achievements in dynamic fracture mechanics. Yet, it was not possible to experimentally quantify the full-field behavior of dynamic fractures, until very recently. Here, we review our recent work on the full-field quantification of the temporal evolution of dynamic shear ruptures. Our newly developed approach based on digital image correlation combined with ultrahigh-speed photography has revolutionized the capabilities of measuring highly transient phenomena and enabled addressing key ques- tions of rupture dynamics. Recent milestones include the visualization of the complete displacement, particle velocity, strain, stress and strain rate fields near growing ruptures, capturing the evolution of dynamic friction during individual rupture growth, and the detailed study of rupture speed limits. For example, dynamic friction has been the big- gest unknown controlling how frictional ruptures develop but it has been impossible, until now, to measure dynamic friction during spontaneous rupture propagation and to understand its dependence on other quantities. Our recent measurements allow, by simul- taneously tracking tractions and sliding speeds on the rupturing interface, to disentangle its complex dependence on the slip, slip velocity, and on their history. In another application, we have uncovered new phenomena that could not be detected with previous methods, such as the formation of pressure shock fronts associated with “supersonic” propagation of shear ruptures in viscoelastic materials where the wave speeds are shown to depend strongly on the strain rate.
Development of an Integrated Process Plant for the Conversion of Shale Gas to Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is an important member of the glycol group and is widely used in the industry as a raw material particularly for producing polyester compounds, food additives, and antifreeze. In t...
COVID-19 and Academia: Considering the Future of Academic Conferencing

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to mitigate its spread have presented numerous challenges for academia. Conferences are one challenge for academia in a COVID-19 environment. The pr...
Men and muscularity research: a review

Over the past 25 years, understanding males’ interest in and outcomes of muscularity has developed into a major area of study. Research has been fueled by the development of measures of both the attitudinal and behavioral aspects of a desire to increase muscularity. Our research purpose was to critically assess muscularity research. Using a database search, the ancestry approach, and searching key journals, we identified empirical refereed journal articles with men as participants published from 2000 to 2019 to serve as our data. Our analyses revealed several individual characteristics (e.g., perfectionism, holding to traditional masculine norms) and socio-cultural influences (e.g., media, verbal commentary) that fueled men’s desire to be muscular. In experimental research, exposure to muscular male ideal images has resulted in low body image scores for young men in investigations that utilized pre-test, post-test designs. In survey research, muscularity was positively related to several risky behaviors or behaviors that could become risky if taken to the extreme. Overall, the reviewed research was conducted in western countries and researchers primarily utilized non-probability samples of undergraduate men. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Acute aerobic exercise mediates G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression in human PBMCs.

Abstract Aims G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), a cytosolic enzyme desensitizing G protein-couple receptors (e.g., β-adrenergic receptors [β-ARs]), is involved in regulation of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and inflammatory response. Since cellular GRK2 levels change quickly in response to exogenous/endogenous stimuli, this study examined whether GRK2 levels in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would increase during acute aerobic exercise and be associated with plasma IL-6 and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Main methods Eighteen subjects (8 men and 10 women), ages 18 to 30 years, were recruited to perform a 30-minute bout of acute aerobic exercise at 75% VO 2max . Key findings Our results demonstrated that women exhibited significantly greater exercise-induced GRK2 expression in PBMCs compared to men. IL-6 modulation is independent of GRK2 expression. Furthermore, the percent change in GRK2 expression was negatively correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness levels (relative VO 2max ), but not plasma IL-6. Significance Acute aerobic exercise induces a greater GRK2 expression in women than men, while increased cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with exercise-induced GRK2 expression in PBMCs. Gender could be a contributor to regulate this GRK2 responsiveness to acute aerobic exercise.
Person-Computer Interface using Touch Screen Devices

Within recent years, the advent of microprocessor technology and reduction in cost of optical electronic devices has allowed Touch Screen Devices (TSD's) to become a viable option for person-comput...
Convection in a Shallow Cavity

The structure of longitudinal rolls of a fluid with a low Prandtl number in a differentially heated shallow cavity is considered. Computational results, carried out by a pseudo-spectral method, include the calculation of velocity and temperature fields. The secondary variables including energy, transfer rates from the base flow, transfer from the buoyancy field, and dissipation fields, give a physical picture of the flow. The experimental investigation verified the existence of the longitudinal rolls, with wavelengths and oscillation frequencies in reasonable agreement with theory. However, they occurred at much larger Grashof number than expected, which suggests a need for a secondary stability study for transverse stationary cells.
Eye Blinking in Profound Postanoxic Coma with EEG Suppression

ABSTRACT.We report two cases of postanoxic coma resulting in generalized suppression of the EEG background and notable for the presence of frequent eye blinking. Various movements, including eye blinking, have been reported in burst-suppression EEG recordings in such patients. There have been, however, no previous reports of similar activity with generalized EEG suppression.The presence of blinking behavior in postanoxic coma suggests that, at least in some cases, the movements are the result of release of brainstem motor circuits from cortical inhibition. Although potentially misleading in the clinical setting, these movements do not appear to reflect any form of seizure activity and do not appear to alter the prognosis of postanoxic coma.
18 – Tissue Culture, Cell Growth, and Analysis

Tissue culture is one of the most important research tools in cell biology. Tissue culture supplies and work areas must be sterile. This is difficult when many people are working in the laboratory. Access to the area of the facility dedicated to tissue culture should be limited to those people who are actually culturing cells. It is necessary to have the proper laboratory environment and equipment to perform tissue culture successfully. Ideally, the tissue culture area should be physically isolated from the general traffic flow of the laboratory. All precautions must be employed continuously to avoid contamination of the dedicated tissue culture work area, which should have at least three air changes per hour and contain the following equipment: a tissue culture incubator; laminar flow high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered hood; centrifuge; inverted phase microscope; and a hemocytometer/light microscope and/or a Coulter counter for cell counting. Also, a refrigerator, autoclave, standard freezer (−4°C), ultralow freezer (−80°C), and a liquid nitrogen storage system (− 130°C) for the long-term preservation of frozen cell lines should be available.
Cationic liposome-nucleic acid complexes for gene delivery and silencing: Pathways and mechanisms for plasmid DNA and siRNA

Motivated by the promises of gene therapy, there is great interest in developing non-viral lipid-based vectors for therapeutic applications due to their low immunogenicity, low toxicity, ease of production, and the potential of transferring large pieces of DNA into cells. In fact, cationic liposome (CL) based vectors are among the prevalent synthetic carriers of nucleic acids (NAs) currently used in gene therapy clinical trials worldwide. These vectors are studied both for gene delivery with CL-DNA complexes and gene silencing with CL-siRNA (short interfering RNA) complexes. However, their transfection efficiencies and silencing efficiencies remain low compared to those of engineered viral vectors. This reflects the currently poor understanding of transfection-related mechanisms at the molecular and self-assembled levels, including a lack of knowledge about interactions between membranes and double stranded NAs and between CL-NA complexes and cellular components. In this review we describe our recent efforts to improve the mechanistic understanding of transfection by CL-NA complexes, which will help to design optimal lipid-based carriers of DNA and siRNA for therapeutic gene delivery and gene silencing.
Sequence of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase. V. Sequence of a 44-residue peptide obtained by cyanogen bromide cleavage.

Abstract The amino acid sequence of a 44-residue peptide from cyanogen bromide cleavage of carboxymethylated bovine glutamate dehydrogenase has been established. This was accomplished by a study of peptides obtained after hydrolysis by trypsin, chymotrypsin, and thermolysin of this large peptide and from other peptides obtained by hydrolysis of the entire protein.
High Resolution Mapping of the Orion Nebula Region at 30, 50 and 100 Microns

The central ~4’ x 4’ region of the Orion Nebula-OMC1 complex has been mapped with 20” resolution in well-defined bands at 30, 50, and 100 µ from the NASA C-141 infrared observatory. These data provide detailed information about the distribution of matter, luminosity, and temperature in this region. The principal results are the following: A) At all three wavelengths, the surface brightness peaks sharply at the position of the infrared cluster, which includes the Becklin-Neugebauer and Kleinmann-Low objects, to the northwest of the Trapezium. The total 25 to 130 µ luminosity from a 30” region centered on this peak is 4 x 104 LO. B) This emission peak is resolved spatially at all three wavelengths, with a characteristic half-width of 35”. C) The color temperature of the emission at the peak is ~120 K. The temperature decreases uniformly away from this peak as expected for a dust cloud heated by a central luminosity source. D) At all three wavelengths, the surface brightness of the emission in the direction of the H II region is measured to be less than 10% of the peak surface brightness. The color temperature of this emission is ≤ 200 K. E) At 50 µ and 100 µ, there is a strong suggestion of a ring of emission surrounding the H II region, which is well-correlated with the position of optically visible ionization fronts. F) The previously identified bar of emission associated with the ionization front near θ2A Orionis is not resolved at any wavelength and is smaller than 30’ in NW-SE extent. G) The total 25–130 µ emission from the region mapped is ~ 2 x 10 LO, The infrared cluster and the Trapezium cluster appear to make roughly equal contribution to this luminosity.
Amortized E-Cash

We present an e-cash scheme which provides a trade-off between anonymity and efficiency, by amortizingth e cost of zero-knowledge and signature computation in the cash generation phase.Our work solves an open problem of Okamoto in divisible e-cash. Namely, we achieve results similar to those of Okamoto, but (1) based on traditional complexity assumptions (rather than ad hoc ones), and (2) within a much crisper definitional framework that highlights the anonymity properties, and (3) in a simple fashion.
Chapter 3 Probing the unique size-dependent properties of small Au clusters, Au alloy clusters, and CO-chemisorbed Au clusters in the gas phase

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews recent studies in the laboratory on the structural and electronic properties, and chemical bonding in elemental gold clusters, gold alloy clusters, and CO-chemisorbed gold clusters in the gas phase, which represent further examples to demonstrate the diverse and expanding chemistry of gold. The chapter also studies the planarity in small elemental Au cluster anions; the tetrahedral Au20 cluster; icosahedral gold cage clusters. The findings are not only fundamental in cluster science and physical chemistry, but may also have important potential applications. This series of stable cage clusters demonstrated the potential of fine-tuning electronic properties of gold with the central heteroatom. The chapter illustrates that this new concept may not only extend the understanding of Au chemistry but may also be highly valuable in predicting the structures and chemical bonding in many Au alloy clusters. The PES data also revealed important activation mechanisms of Au clusters by CO chemisorption and provided a natural interpretation for cooperative coadsorption of CO and O2 on Au clusters, which may hold the key for understanding nanogold catalytic CO oxidation at low temperatures. Gold, the noblest metal in the periodic table, seems to hold many surprises in the nano regime. It is anticipated that many more secrets of nanogold are still waiting to be discovered.
Suicide Rates and State Laws Regulating Access and Exposure to Handguns.

Objectives. Using previous research, we examined the impact of 4 handgun laws (waiting periods, universal background checks, gun locks, and open carrying regulations) on suicide rates.Methods. We used publicly available databases to collect information on statewide laws, suicide rates, and demographic characteristics for 2013.Results. Each law was associated with significantly lower firearm suicide rates and the proportion of suicides resulting from firearms. In addition, each law, except for that which required a waiting period, was associated with a lower overall suicide rate. Follow-up analyses showed a significant indirect effect on overall suicide rates through the proportion of suicides by firearms, indicating that the reduced overall suicide rate was attributable to fewer suicide attempts, fewer handguns in the home, suicide attempts using less lethal means, or a combination of these factors. States that implemented any of these laws saw a decreased suicide rate in subsequent years, whereas the onl...
On ‘The Eviction of Critical Perspectives’

Critiques of gentrification and the highlighting of the resulting displacement and evictions have become quite unfashionable as an aging group of urban scholars, especially in the UK, is increasingly enamoured by ‘regeneration’ and other policy-driven questions. Without question there has been an ‘eviction of critical perspectives’, as Slater suggests, lubricated by a broader neoliberal shift, concerning this major process of class-based city rebuilding.
Studies in Sensitization to Halogenated Hydroxyquinolines and Related Compounds

In earlier publications (1) we called attention to the increasing use of quinoline compounds as topical therapeutic agents in cutaneous diseases, and we reported our experiences with a previously untested compound, 5,7-diiodo-8-hydroxy-quinoline (hereafter called Diodoquin). While the index of sensitization of the various quinolines has never been precisely established, sensitization occurred only once in our own series of 150 patients treated with Diodoquin.
Genomic and clinical characteristics of microduplications in chromosome 17

Genomic disorders have been increasingly recognized as a significant source of clinically relevant phenotypes largely fostered by advances in technologies for genome-wide analyses. Molecular and clinical studies of copy number variants involving chromosome 17 began with locus-specific studies of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A, OMIM #118220) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP, OMIM #162500), which laid the foundation for the paradigm of duplication/deletion and gene-dosage for our understanding of genomic disorders. With the clinical introduction of high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) the number of recognized genomic disorders including microduplications has been increasing rapidly. A relatively high proportion of disease-associated copy number variants map to chromosome 17. This may result from its unique structural features, such as relative abundance of segmental duplications and interspersed repetitive elements, high gene content, and the presence of dosage-sensitive genes. These genomic rearrangements are mediated by diverse mechanisms including Non-Allelic Homologous Recombination (NAHR), Non-Homologous End-Joining (NHEJ), and Fork Stalling and Template Switching (FoSTeS). We provide specific examples of chromosome 17 microduplications with the emphasis on their phenotype, specific clinical features aiding in their diagnosis, and counseling.
Architecture must document functional evidence to explain the living rhythm

The central theme of surgical procedures is to interact structure and function. Two reviews of architecture by Torrent-Guasp and Lunkenheimer provide anatomic observations, and then only deduce, rather than test and verify functional relationships. Lunkenheimer previously showed the reciprocal helical configuration of the connective tissue scaffold, a weave-like network that may be the lattice for the descending and ascending segments of Torrent-Guasp's apical loop formed from the helical band. Lunkenheimer stresses cardiac development from a blood vessel, and exposes the need to disregard heart formation by a band that develops between the pulmonary artery and aorta. Torrent-Guasp's band-like concept is confirmed by MRI and sonomicrometer measurements, together with early systolic filling by ongoing, unopposed contraction of the ascending segment of the apical loop. This muscular component contradicts conventional concepts that elastic recoil causes rapid ventricular filling. However, direct physiologic measurements show that Torrrent-Guasp's physiologic timing sequence must be revised. While presumption is an important first step, proof of the marriage of structure and function happens only with measurement, a critical step before surgical action.
Contribution of Italian Geodesy to the progress of other sciences

The contributions of Italian Geodesy to sciences which have different objectives and methods are briefly outlined. They concern Hydraulics, Glaciology, Photogrammetry, shielding of gravitation, Geology, Astronomy and the theory of measures.
Prognostic Significance of Coexistent Bulky Metastatic Central Nervous System Disease in Patients With Leptomeningeal Metastases

Objective: To assess the clinical significance of bulky metastatic central nervous system disease in patients with leptomeningeal metastases. Patients and Methods: Forty patients (24 women and 16 men) ranging in age from 32 to 74 years (median, 56.5 years) with cytologically documented leptomeningeal metastases were demonstrated by cranial or spinal magnetic resonance imaging to have either no bulky central nervous system metastatic disease (group A; 20 patients) or bulky central nervous system metastatic disease (group B; 20 patients). Twenty-nine patients were treated with involved-field radiotherapy, and all patients were treated with sequential intraventricular chemotherapy. Results: Median survival was 7 months in group A (range, 5-12 months) as compared with 4 months in group B (range, 2-12 months) (P Conclusions: In patients with leptomeningeal metastases, neuroradiographic demonstration of bulky metastatic central nervous system disease independently predicts survival and is useful in determining which patients are candidates for intraventricular chemotherapy.
Mathematical treatment of hot pressing of reactor fuel

Abstract The general phenomenon of mechanical densification of uranium oxide fuel pellets, usually referred to as hot pressing, is characterized by plastic volume change exhibited by the fuel during reactor operations. Much of the fuel behavior under instantaneous plastic flow and creep, including crack healing and fuel redistribution, can be related analytically to hot pressing. This is examined in this paper, along with the general problem of the elastic-plastic creep behavior of light water reactor fuel, by first describing a mathematical model for the material's instantaneous and time-dependent inelastic response. This model is based on developing a yield potential function and flow rule which admit plastic volume changes. The yield potential function is essentially an extension of the von Mises yield condition to include a dependence on the first invariant of the stress tensor. Similarly a creep flow rule is postulated in which the creep hot pressing parameter is assumed to be constant and is related to Poisson's ratio.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of zafirlukast on upper and lower respiratory responses to cat challenge

Abstract Background: Zafirlukast, a leukotriene antagonist, has been shown to have protective effects against a variety of asthma triggers. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate zafirlukast's effects on upper and lower airway responses to cat allergen exposure with use of a well-characterized cat exposure model. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial 18 subjects with cat-induced asthma were randomly assigned to receive 1 week each of zafirlukast or placebo followed by a 1-hour cat challenge. Upper and lower respiratory symptoms were rated and spirometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed. Challenges were stopped early if the subject was too uncomfortable or had a >50% decrease in FEV 1 . Results: Overall changes in FEV 1 were significantly different with zafirlukast treatment ( P = .02). Significant differences in FEV 1 change were detected at 15 and 30 minutes ( P = .027 and .05, respectively) but not at 45 and 60 minutes. Changes in acoustic rhinometry were also significantly different at 15 and 30 minutes ( P = .05 and .0005, respectively) but not at 45 and 60 minutes. Challenge length was significantly longer with zafirlukast versus placebo after adjustment for differences in allergen exposure ( P = .022). Respiratory symptom scores were significantly different (lower respiratory, P P = .038) through the first 30 minutes of the challenge after adjustment for allergen exposure. Conclusions: Zafirlukast was significantly more effective than placebo in preserving pulmonary function and nasal anatomy and extending challenge length when cat-sensitive asthmatic subjects were exposed to high levels of cat allergen. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:704-10.)
Selective inhibition of JH esterases from cockroach hemolymph

Juvenile hormone III was tritium labeled on the methyl ester and utilized with other substrates in an investigation of inhibition and substrate specificity of hemolymph esterases from the cockroach, Blaberus giganteus. The structure of labeled juvenile hormone III was supported both chemically and biochemically. Forty-two potential inhibitors were examined, and the best inhibitors included phosphoramidothiolates and S-phenylphosphates. One of these inhibitors was found useful in hormone biosynthesis studies dealing with the enzymatic conversion of methyl farnesoate to juvenile hormone in corpora allata homogenates. Several commonly used inhibitors of carboxyesterases caused only weak inhibition of JH esterases. Gel filtration elution patterns, inhibitor relationships, and specific activities of the hemolymph esterases indicate that juvenile hormones I and III are degraded by similar if not identical enzymes. In some cases, α-naphthyl acetate and juvenile hormone esterase activity could be differentially inhibited. Hemolymph esterases were not capable of degrading ethyl or isopropyl conjugated esters of two juvenoids or three model substrates.
New milestone in NATO Logistic Information Management system

As with many large organisations, EU recognises the advantages that being able to work in a standard way brings. EU and NATO nations will use a Logistic Information Management (LIM) concept that couples available information technology with logistic processes and practices. The Logistic Information Management will focus on identifying logistic information requirements that meet the EU nation's needs. Implementation of this concept should reduce management and support costs, the logistic footprint and logistic support delivery time. It should also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of multinational logistic support.
Chronic Cough in Children

Importance Chronic cough is a common complaint among pediatric patients, but little information exists on the types of diagnoses in these patients and therapeutic outcomes. Objective To characterize pediatric patients with chronic cough presenting to otolaryngology clinics, identify common causes and treatments, and evaluate therapeutic outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective analysis, all medical records for pediatric patients seen at 2 otolaryngology clinics at a single tertiary care academic medical center from January 2009 through June 2013 were searched for relevant diagnostic codes. Patients younger than 18 years presenting with chronic cough (cough of >4 weeks’ duration) were selected for study; 58 patients met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Interventions Each patient was evaluated by the clinician via history, physical examination, and various tests and procedures, depending on the individual case, including flexible laryngoscopy, imaging tests, and/or airway evaluations. Each patient underwent treatment based on the working diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes included final diagnosis, response to treatment (as indicated by resolution of cough after initial therapy), and diagnostic workup undergone. Results Among the 58 included patients, the 3 most common diagnoses were related to infection (n = 23; 34%), airway hyperreactivity (n = 14; 24%), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (n = 14; 24%). Initial response to treatment was observed in 83% of patients (n = 48), while the remaining 17% (n = 10) required further evaluation. All 10 patients for whom initial treatment failed (100%) had a diagnosis involving airway hyperreactivity ( P P = .002) and to contain pertinent positive findings (OR, 12.8; 95% CI, 1.15-142.6; P = .04) in patients for whom treatment failed. Conclusions and Relevance Chronic cough in the pediatric otolaryngology setting differs from the typical presentation in the primary care setting. The top 3 causes encountered by the practicing otolaryngologist in a pediatric patient are infection, airway hyperreactivity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. If initial otolaryngologic treatment fails, chest radiography and early pulmonary consult are recommended.
Evidence for the existence of an Einstein-type phonon mode in the resistivity of pure cadmium

The temperature-dependent resistance of pure cadmium crystals, parallel and perpendicular to the hexagonal axis, can be described as the sum of three contributions: a term $\ensuremath{\propto}{T}^{3}$, a Gr\"uneisen-Bloch term, and an exponential term dominant for $Tg5$ K. As suggested earlier by Hsu and Falicov, this term can be interpreted as an extra scattering contribution due to an Einstein-type phonon mode with $40l{\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{E}l50$ K.
Observations on organic aggregates in the vicinity of coral reefs

The abundance of organic aggregates is reported for a variety of coral-reef sites and surrounding waters. There is no net increase of aggregates forming from dissolved organic matter and streaming off the reefs into the lagoons, though the organic components and the aeration of this water might be conducive to aggregate formation. Also, although the waters flowing from the surrounding oceans across the reefs and into the lagoons contribute organic components, the concentration of organic aggregates in the latter habitats is not in excess of quantities in surrounding oceanic waters.
Spatiotemporal Imaging with Partially Separable Functions

Spatiotemporal imaging has a wide range of applications from functional neuroimaging, cardiac imaging to metabolic cancer imaging. A long-standing practical problem lies in obtaining high spatiotemporal resolution because the amount of data required increases exponentially as the physical dimension increases. This paper describes a new way for spatiotemporal imaging using partially separable functions. This model admits highly sparse sampling of the data space, providing a novel, effective way to achieve high spatiotemporal resolution. Practical imaging data will also be presented to demonstrate the performance of the new method.
Stability of mixed-convection flow in a tall vertical channel under non-Boussinesq conditions

We have examined the linear stability of the fully developed mixed-convection flow in a differentially heated tall vertical channel under non-Boussinesq conditions. The Three-dimensional analysis of the stability problem was reduced to an equivalent two-dimensional one by the use of Squire's transformation. The resulting eigenvalue problem was solved using an integral Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method. Although Squire's theorem cannot be proved analytically, two-dimensional disturbances are found to be the most unstable in all cases. The influence of the non-Boussinesq effects on the stability was studied. We have investigated the dependence of the critical Grashof and Reynolds numbers on the temperature difference. The results show that four different modes of instability are possible, two of which are new and due entirely to non-Boussinesq effects.
Devolatilization of large coal particles at high pressure

Abstract Devolatilization times of large (0.1 and 0.2 g) Utah hvBb and North Dakota lignite coal particles, in the range 15–30 s, were measured in air at 101 and 507 kPa, at air temperatures of 900 and 1200 K in a convective flow reactor. Visual observations indicated infrequent heterogeneous ignition of the lignite prior to devolatilization and occasional explosion of bituminous coal particles during devolatilization. Devolatilization times were correlated with temperature, pressure and particle size. Power-law exponents for tests at 101 kPa and 900 K were determined to be 2.5 for Utah hvBv coal and 2.2 for North Dakota lignite. At 507 kPa and 900 K, exponents decreased to 1.6 for both Utah and North Dakota coals. At 101 kPa and 1200 K, exponents were 1.9 for Utah coal and 1.6 for North Dakota lignite.
The Insulin Receptor and Insulin of the Atlantic Hagfish: Extraordinary Conservation of Binding Specificity and Negative Cooperativity in the Most Primitive Vertebrate

The North Atlantic hagfish, a cyclostome that is representative of the most primitive vertebrates still alive, diverged from the other vertebrates about 500 million years ago. Hagfish insulin, which differs from porcine insulin in 18 (38%) of its amino acids, had a potency of 5-10% that of porcine insulin in stimulating glucose oxidation and deoxyglucose transport in rat adipocytes and was 5-10% as potent as porcine insulin in binding to insulin receptors on rat adipocytes and human (IM-9) lymphocytes. Like all other naturally occurring insulins, hagfish insulin accelerated the dissociation of 125 I-porcine insulin from insulin receptors and the degree of the acceleration was related to its occupancy of the receptor. The insulin receptor of the hagfish erythrocyte showed the time, temperature, and pH dependence of binding and the negative cooperativity that are characteristic of all other insulin receptors. That the negative cooperativity is fully conserved in such an ancient insulin and receptor suggests that it is an important functional feature of this hormone-receptor system. The hagfish receptor showed the same absolute affinity and rank order of preference for insulins and insulin analogues (chicken > pork > proinsulin > guinea pig > desoctapeptide) found with other receptors of less primitive vertebrates, which supports the conclusion that the receptor for insulin is functionally better conserved evolutionary than the hormone. However, uniquely, hagfish insulin was more potent in binding to hagfish receptors than to mammalianreceptors; with all other species of insulins studied, the affinity of the hormone for homologous receptor was the same as for receptors of heterologous species.
Functional properties of a synthetic chicken parathyroid hormone-related protein 1-36 fragment.

The biologic activities of human parathyroid hormone-related protein [hPTHrP(1–34] and bovine PTH [bPTH(1-34)] are remarkably similar despite marked sequence divergence in their primary binding domain, residues 25–34. Chicken PTHrP (cPTHrP) is identical to hPTHrP through residue 21. However, in the 25–34 region, cPTHrP displays three fewer basic residues than hPTHrP and contains five residues not present in any other member of the PTH/PTHrP family. To assess the biologic consequences of these structural differences, we compared the activities of synthetic [36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 and hPTHrP(1–34)NH2 with those of bPTH(1–34) in avian systems (chicken renal plasma membranes and 19 day chick embryonic bone cells) and mammalian systems [canine renal plasma membranes and rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR-106-H5)]. In both avian and mammalian systems the binding affinity of [36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 (0.8–3.4 nM) was approximately one-half that of hPTHrP(1–34)NH2 (0.4–1.1 nM). The potencies of [36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 and hPTHrP(1–34)NH2 for activation of adenylate cyclase were similar in canine renal membranes (5.2 and 6.7 nM) and chick bone cells (1.0 nM). In UMR-106 cells and chicken renal membranes the potency of [36Tyr[cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 for activation of adenylate cyclase was about one-half that of [36Tyr]hPTHrP(1–36)NH2. Binding of 125I-[36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 to chick bone cells and chicken renal membranes was completely displaced by bPTH(1–34) and hPTHrP(1–34)NH2: thus there was no evidence for a distinct chicken PTHrP receptor. In general, [36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 and hPTHrP(1–34)NH2 activated adenylate cyclase similarly despite their sequence differences in the 25–32 region. This suggests that basic residues in the 25–32 region are not required for the peptide to assume a biologically active conformation at the receptor. In cross-linking studies, both 125I-hPTHrP(1–34)NH2 and 125I-[36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 labeled a major 85 kD PTH/PTHrP receptor component in canine renal plasma membranes. 125I-hPTHrP(1–34)NH2 also labeled a ≤14 kD receptor fragment, whereas 125I-[36Tyr]cPTHrP(1–36)NH2 did not. The present results suggest that retained sequence features in the 25–32 region may be critical determinants of receptor binding and that sequence differences in this region alter the sites of interaction of PTHrP peptides with the PTH/PTHrP receptor.
The Effect of Bubble Size on Fine Particle Flotation

Abstract Expressions for the probability of collision (Pc) and adhesion (Pa) have been derived for fine particle flotation by calculating the trajectory of particles as they flow past a bubble in streamline How. Three different flow regimes have been considered in the present work, i.e., Stokes, potential and intermediate. For the intermediate flow conditions in which most flotation operations are carried out, the particle trajectories have been determined using an empirical stream function derived in the present work. For the case of a very hydrophobic coal sample, the values of the probability of collection (P) determined experimentally have been found to be in close agreement with the theoretically predicted Pc values over a range of bubble and particle sizes The expression for Pa has been derived by determining the time it takes for a particle to slide along the surface of a bubble after collision. It has been assumed that the bubble-particte adhesion occurs when the sliding time is equal to or exceed...
The Supervisory Relationship and the Process of Evaluation: Recommendations for Supervisors

How does the quality of a supervisory relationship affect supervisors' evaluations of supervisees? Supervisees' learning and evaluation take place in the context of the supervisory relationship, the quality of which can either foster learning and evaluation or hinder these processes. This article outlines how the quality of the supervisory relationship can impact supervisees' learning and supervisors' evaluations of supervisees. Recommendations on how to prevent and repair weak supervisory relationships, and evaluate in the context of lenient and weak supervisory relationships are provided.
A piecewise linear proof that the singular norm is the Thurston norm

Abstract A natural generalization of the Thurston norm is the singular norm. We prove that on a compact oriented 3-manifold, the singular norm is the Thurston norm. This theorem, conjectured by William Thurston, has been proven by David Gabai using sutured manifold hierarchies, foliation theory and minimal surface techniques. Our proof is combinatorial and, except for the existence of sutured manifold hierarchies, mostly self-contained.
Impact of Fees Among Low-Income Clients in a Training Clinic

Many therapists believe clients must pay a fee in order for therapy to be effective. This study conducted a review of 1,125 client records in a southeastern university’s marriage and family therapy training clinic to determine how paying fees impacted therapy attendance and outcomes. The results indicated that the amount of fee paid did not predict therapy attendance or outcomes. These findings, consistent with previous research, suggest that fee payment has limited impact on achievement of therapeutic gains.
“Back from the Future”: A Powerful Age-Progression Technique

This paper briefly reviews the benefits of using age-progression techniques in hypnotherapy, followed by a detailed explanation and illustration of the "back-from-the-future" technique with two case examples, including their outcome. The patients presented with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and a sense of futurelessness. Following the hypnotherapeutic intervention, patients were instructed to take time to reflect on the session and to write down the specific experiences they had on their voyage into the future focusing on their visual images, auditory sensations, experiences with other senses (touch, smell, and taste), as well as thoughts, emotions, and self-perceptions. Follow-up validated that the patients maintained their therapeutic accomplishments several months after the initial interventions.
Bitolterol compared to isoproterenol in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Twenty-eight patients with advanced emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis and severe airflow obstruction were randomly assigned to receive either bitolterol or isoproterenol aerosol delivered by a metered dose device which was administered three times daily. Randomization resulted in similar patients with like degrees of airflow obstruction and responsiveness to a test dose of inhaled bronchodilator. Significantly greater improvement in airflow was achieved by administration of bitolterol compared to isoproterenol. Pharmacologic responses continued after 90 days of daily dosing. Roth drugs were well tolerated and side effects included mild degrees of tachycardia for both drugs. Two patients assigned to isoproterenol stopped therapy during the study due to side effects. This study indicates that bitolterol is more effective than isoproterenol in degree and duration of bronchodilatation in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Laboratory observations of impact-generated magnetic fields

Radiofrequency emissions have been observed previously during vertical hypervelocity impacts into hard targets, but the dominant magnetic signatures of these events were attributed to amplification of the applied magnetic field1–3. Here we report laboratory experiments which document spontaneous magnetic fields generated by low-angle, hypervelocity impacts in a low-field environment. Low-angle impacts enhance the production of a partially ionized vapour cloud (a dusty plasma) which expands above the impact point4,5. The observed spontaneous magnetic fields may result from runaway thermal electrons producing a toroidal field confined to this plasma and by non-aligned thermal and electron density gradients producing a vertical field within the target6,7. These new observations hold promise both for experimentally probing early-time impact phenomena and for understanding the anomalously high thermal magnetic remanence observed in a young lunar impact melt returned by Apollo 17 (ref. 8). They also may provide clues for understanding the enigmatic record of broad-scale magnetic anomalies on the Moon9,10 and anticipated palaeomagnetic signatures from future missions such as the Soviet rendezvous with Phobos.