cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
M-AMBI revisited: looking inside a widely-used benthic index

M-AMBI is a multimetric index for assessing the ecological quality status of marine and transitional waters. It is based on benthic macroinver- tebrates and integrates AMBI, a biotic index based on species sensitivity/tolerance, with diversity and rich- ness, making it compliant with the European Water Framework Directive. The success of AMBI paved the way for the introduction of M-AMBI, which was subsequently incorporated into the regulations of several European countries. The M-AMBI algorithm integrates the metrics by means of factor analysis (FA). In this paper, we first reproduced the algorithm using the open source R software. This enabled us to point out that FA is not functional to M-AMBI, and its omission does not appreciably change the results. We then enhanced the applicability of the index, making it independent of the number of samples. In this way, M-AMBI is closely approximated by the simple mean of the normalised metrics with no need for multivar- iate techniques. Finally, we further simplified the approach, presenting a bivariate version that is still highly correlated with M-AMBI, in which the consti- tutive metrics are reduced to a diversity measure and a species sensitivity index. The properties of this bivariate version include simplicity, transparency, robustness, and openness.
Determinants of successful peroneal artery bypass

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of long-term success with the peroneal artery bypass. Methods: Seventy-seven consecutive peroneal artery bypasses performed between 1981 and 1990 were reviewed to evaluate the influence of venous conduit modification, surgeon experience, patency of the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial artery at the ankle, and the quality of the peroneal collateral branches and pedal arch. The average follow-up was 34 months (range 1 to 92 months). Results: The 5-year primary and secondary patency rates were 61% and 92%, respectively. Modification of the vein graft at the initial procedure was necessary in 26 (34%). This led to a reduced ( p p p Conclusions: The peroneal artery should be selected for outflow when it is the single tibial runoff vessel and is preferable to a bypass to an inframalleolar arterial segment. The quality of the venous conduit and the technical skill of the surgeon are the two most important factors in the success of bypasses to the peroneal artery. (J VASC SURG 1993;17:97-106.)
Double entry multidimensional accounting

Abstract This paper presents a model of double entry multidimensional accounting in ‘physical terms’ using vectors of property rights. Property accounting gives a valuation-free description of the property transactions underlying the value transactions of ordinary accounting. Thus it avoids the valuation controversies of value accounting. Given any vector of valuation coefficients (e.g. prices or costs), a system of value accounting can be derived from a valuation-free system of property accounting by multiplying the property vectors by the value vector. The extension of double entry accounting to vectors is based on the modern mathematical formulaton of double entry bookkeeping using the group of differences.
Computer vision theory: The lack thereof

Abstract The first part of the paper presents a brief description of how science and the scientific method might apply to computer vision and then contrasts this perspectives with three strong papers in the pose detection area of computer vision. The contrast illuminates the shortcomings and the lack of a completed computer vision theory in these papers. The second part of the paper outlines a theoretical approach and problem statement to 3D object matching through a sensor projection, a Bayesian approach to the robust estimation of camera parameters, and to the hypothesis verification problem.
Suppression of soot formation in ethene laminar diffusion flames by chemical additives

The effects of methane, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, carbon dioxide, and carbon disulfideaddition on soot formation in ethene laminar diffusion flames were examined. In this study, one-dimensional (ID) laser-induced incandescence (LII) and fluorescence measurements were used to determine soot volume fraction and relative soot precursor concentration, respectively, in the ethene and (ethene + additive) flames. Up to 60% reductions in soot volume fraction were found with the addition of 25% methanol to an ethene diffusion flame. More significant soot reductions were observed with the addition of carbon disulfide. It has been shown that a more than 50% reduction in soot volume fraction was achieved by adding 9.5% CS 2 . Experimental results strongly suggest suppression of soot formation by methanol and carbon disulfide to be mainly a chemical effect.
Renal dysfunction after total body irradiation: dose-effect relationship: in regard to Kal and van Kempen-Harteveld (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2006;65:1228-1232).

To the Editor: We read with considerable interest the article on the dose-effect relationship for radiation-induced renal dysfunction by Drs. Kal and van Kempen-Harteveld (1). Their review concludes that a biologically effective dose (BED) to both kidneys above 21 Gy poses a risk of renal dysfunction that exceeds 20%. It would be highly relevant to radiological terrorism response issues to see what their dose-effect curve would look like if the conversion was to a single dose delivered at a high dose rate rather than to BED. Our calculation is that a BED of 21 Gy is roughly equivalent to a single dose (at high dose rate) of 6 Gy. This dose is higher than the 4.5 Gy we had estimated for a similar risk (2), but our estimate was based on a smaller dataset and on different assumptions about dose-rate effects. The connection between radiation-induced renal dysfunction after therapeutic total body irradiation, and radiological terrorism, comes from a consideration of how our estimate of survivable total body dose has changed since 1945. In 1945 at Nagasaki (3) the acute 50% lethal dose (LD50) has been estimated to be in the 2–4 Gy range, but in 1986 at Chernobyl (4) the LD50 was in the 5–6 Gy range. This difference reflected in part the different pre-existing health status and age structure of the exposed populations (5), but much of it was also due to advances in our knowledge of how to treat radiation injuries. In 2003, Anno et al. (5) estimated that the LD50 would be as high as 7 Gy when antibiotics and transfusion support were provided, and experimental studies (e.g., MacVittie et al. (6)) suggest that the addition of hematopoietic cytokines to supportive care could boost the LD50 by another 40%. With whole body doses of 7 Gy and above being acutely survivable, both our analysis (2) and that of Drs. Kal and van Kempen-Harteveld (1) imply that radiation nephropathy will be a significant risk for some radiation accident and radiological terrorism scenarios.
Expanding Hegemonic Masculinity: The Use of Irony in Young Men’s Stories About Romantic Experiences:

This study examines the use of irony in young men’s stories about romantic and sexual experiences. Because romantic experiences are central in the constitution of a heterosexual self, and because they are increasingly formulated in relation to traditional masculine norms and the simultaneous avowal and disavowal of effeminacy, they reveal an oscillation between complicity and resistance to hegemonic masculine norms. This oscillation is explored in stories about promiscuity, seduction, and vulnerability. Critical discursive analyses reveal how young men discursively pivot between complicity and resistance to traditional masculine norms, how this oscillation functions in the accomplishment of their romantic identities, how a sense of conventional masculinity is reclaimed, and what these processes reveal about the shifting nature of hegemonic masculinity in contemporary culture.
Thermodynamic Properties of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Subcooled Liquid State

Abstract A knowledge of the solution behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at ambient temperatures is required for predictions of their fate in the environment. Unsubstituted PAHs are crystalline at ambient temperatures, but their behavior in solution depends on the properties of the hypothetical subcooled liquid state, and these properties must be estimated. Enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs free energies of fifteen PAHs in the subcooled liquid state are calculated using available sublimation, melting, and heat capacity data. Because PAH melting points are as much as 250 K above ambient temperatures, heat capacity corrections can be important for the accurate extrapolation of thermodynamic data to the subcooled liquid state. For example, subcooled liquid vapor pressures, p(l), at 298 K calculated without heat capacity corrections are up to 6 times higher than those estimated with heat capacity corrections. Calculated values for p(l) are expressed as log p (l) = -A/T+B and used to develop a g...
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Hiccups, and Esophageal Ulcers

Excerpt To the editor: Chronic hiccups have been noted to occur in association with several esophageal diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease as described by Gluck and Pope (1). We rec...
Technical Change and the Rate of Profit: An Obituary for Okishio's Theorem:

The effects of technical change on the aggregate rate of profit are unclear. On the one hand, it is argued that laboursaving innovations cause the profit rate to fall. On the other hand, Okishio pr...
Detecting various types of differential splicing events using RNA-Seq data

More than 90% of human genes are alternatively spliced through different types of splicing. The high-throughput RNA-Seq technology provides unprecedented opportunities for detection of differential pre-mRNA alternative splicing between different transcriptomes. Besides differential expression analysis, differential splicing analysis may generate new understanding into cell development and differentiation as well as various human diseases. In this paper, we present a novel computational method for detecting types of differential splicing events between transcriptomes using RNA-Seq data. Our method utilizes sequential dependency of base-wise read coverage signals and detects significant differential splicing events in the form of five types of splicing events supported by junction reads. For each candidate splicing event, by taking ratio of normalized RNA-Seq splicing indexes at each nucleotide location of two samples, our method reduces the effect of sequencing and alignment biases. We employ a parametric statistical test and a change-point type of analysis on each candidate splicing event for differential splicing event detection. We applied our method on a public RNA-Seq data set of human H1 and H1 differentiation into neural progenitor cell lines and detected many significant differential splicing events falling into the five well-known types of alternative splicing. We also compared our method with the other two existing methods, and the results demonstrate that our method is a promising approach, which can uniquely detect more differential splicing events using RNA-Seq data.
A common epitope is recognized by monoclonal antibodies prepared against purified human neutrophil FcγRIII (CD16)

Abstract FcγRIII is one of two FcγR constitutively expressed by human neutrophils. We have prepared a panel of anti-FcγRIII mAb following immunization of mice with FcγRIII purified from human neutrophils. Ten mAb which reacted with neutrophils, NK cells, and monocyte-derived macrophages were produced. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that these mAb also identified macrophages in the red pulp of spleen. Competitive cross-inhibition binding assays demonstrated that nine of the ten mAb reacted with a common epitope that is spatially associated with the ligand binding site. These nine mAb blocked the binding of immune complexes to neutrophils by 65 to 90%. In addition, two other anti-CD16 mAb, which also blocked immune complex binding to neutrophils, inhibited the binding of each of these nine mAb to neutrophils. One of the mAb produced here, 214.1, failed to block immune complex binding. In addition to immunoprecipitating the native FcγRIII glycoprotein, mAb 214.1 was capable of immunoprecipitating a 28-kDa polypeptide following deglycosylation of FcγRIII isolated from neutrophils. The results of cross-competition experiments suggest that mAb 214.1 may recognize the epitope identified by mAb BW209/2. Thus mAb 214.1 identifies a polypeptide epitope distinct from the ligand binding site of FcγRIII on neutrophils.
The schrödinger equation in generalized coordinates

Abstract The form of the quantum mechanical Hamiltonian in generalized coordinates is discussed. Podolsky's correct form is generalized slightly, and possible misunderstandings of his result are mentioned.
Relating Electrical Response and Petrophysical Properties of Sands Subjected to Stress Changes

The spectral electrical responses (SER) and hydraulic properties of clean sands saturated with deionized water and subjected to varying stress levels in a laboratory environment are investigated and analyzed. A variation of the multi-Cole-Cole dispersion model that predicts the behavior of the SER of sands is suggested for the analysis. This dispersion model is described by circuit elements Ro, the bulk resistivity, chargeability m1, time constant τ1, and exponent c1, representing various conduction mechanisms. The values of , m1, c1, and τ1, which describe the SER are directly affected by changes in the applied stress and the attendant changes in hydraulic properties: porosity and hydraulic conductivity. It is observed that changes in the hydraulic properties of the sands due to changes in the applied effective stress are related to the circuit parameters characterizing this model. In general, a decrease in porosity results in an increase in the relaxation time constant τ1. The rate of increase in τ1 is ...
Improved streamflow forecasting using self-organizing radial basis function artificial neural networks

Streamflow forecasting has always been a challenging task for water resources engineers and managers and a major component of water resources system control. In this study, we explore the applicability of a Self Organizing Radial Basis (SORB) function to one-step ahead forecasting of daily streamflow. SORB uses a Gaussian Radial Basis Function architecture in conjunction with the Self-Organizing Feature Map (SOFM) used in data classification. SORB outperforms the two other ANN algorithms, the well known Multi-layer Feedforward Network (MFN) and Self-Organizing Linear Output map (SOLO) neural network for simulation of daily streamflow in the semi-arid Salt River basin. The applicability of the linear regression model was also investigated and concluded that the regression model is not reliable for this study. To generalize the model and derive a robust parameter set, cross-validation is applied and its outcome is compared with the split sample test. Cross-validation justifies the validity of the nonlinear relationship set up between input and output data.
Metabolic activation of aflatoxin B1: patterns of DNA adduct formation, removal, and excretion in relation to carcinogenesis.

(1982). Metabolic Activation of Aflatoxin B1: Patterns of DNA Adduct Formation, Removal, and Excretion in Relation to Carcinogenesis. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 581-602.
Galactic point sources of TeV antineutrinos

Abstract High energy cosmic ray experiments have identified an excess from the region of the Galactic Plane in a limited energy range around 10 18 eV (EeV). This is very suggestive of neutrons as candidate primaries, because the directional signal requires relatively-stable neutral primaries, and time-dilated neutrons can reach Earth from typical Galactic distances when the neutron energy exceeds an EeV. We here point out that if the Galactic messengers are neutrons, then those with energies below an EeV will decay in flight, providing a flux of cosmic antineutrinos above a TeV which is observable at a kilometer-scale neutrino observatory. The expected event rate per year above 1 TeV in a detector such as IceCube, for example, is 20 antineutrino showers (all flavors) and a 1° directional signal of 4 ν μ events. A measurement of this flux can serve to identify the first extraterrestrial point source of TeV antineutrinos.
BEHAVIORAL EVIDENCE FOR HEARING THROUGH THE LOWER JAW BY AN ECHOLOCATING DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS)

On the basis of disputed physiological evidence the fat-filled lower jaw of odontocete cetaceans has previously been hypothesized as the primary pathway to the inner ear for acoustic signals. To gain behavioral evidence, a dolphin was trained to perform an echolocation task while wearing suction cups over its eyes and either of two neoprene robber hoods over its lower jaw. One hood allowed returning acoustic signals to pass. The other substantially attenuated such signals. The dolphin's performance was significantly hindered while wearing the attenuating hood (P <. 001, ψ2) as would be expected if the lower jaw was critically important in the reception of high frequency signals.
SOCIOBIOLOGY, ETHICS, AND THEOLOGY

. The topic of sociobiology and ethics opens up a range of questions that have to do with important relationships: between the history of nature and human being, between biological evolution and psychosocial evolution, between is and ought, between language usages in one domain and another. The task of ethics is properly to discern what sociobiology has to tell us about the fundamentals of life and persuasively to direct our actions in accord with those fundamentals, in a manner that is consistent with our essential humanity. From the theological perspective all of this transpires within the creative will of God.
Expression and developmental regulation of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptors (OTR) in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal epithelium.

Although oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) are known for roles in parturition and milk let-down, they are not hypothalamus-restricted. OT is important in nurturing and opposition to stress. Transcripts encoding OT and OTR have been reported in adult human gut, and OT affects intestinal motility. We tested the hypotheses that OT is endogenous to the enteric nervous system (ENS) and that OTR signaling may participate in enteric neurophysiology. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed OT and OTR transcripts in adult mouse and rat gut and in precursors of enteric neurons immunoselected from fetal rats. Enteric OT and OTR expression continued through adulthood but was developmentally regulated, peaking at postnatal day 7. Coincidence of the immunoreactivities of OTR and the neural marker Hu was 100% in the P3 and 71% in the adult myenteric plexus, when submucosal neurons were also OTR-immunoreactive. Co-localization with NeuN established that intrinsic primary afferent neurons are OTR-expressing. Because OTR transcripts and protein were detected in the nodose ganglia, OT signaling might also affect extrinsic primary afferent neurons. Although OT immunoreactivity was found only in ~1% of myenteric neurons, extensive OT-immunoreactive varicosities surrounded many others. Villus enterocytes were OTR-immunoreactive through postnatal day 17; however, by postnatal day 19, immunoreactivity waned to become restricted to crypts and concentrated at crypt-villus junctions. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed plasmalemmal OTR at enterocyte adherens junctions. We suggest that OT and OTR signaling might be important in ENS development and function and might play roles in visceral sensory perception and neural modulation of epithelial biology.
Twisted amide reduction under Wolff-Kishner conditions: synthesis of a benzo-1-aza-adamantane derivative.

A synthesis of 4,5-benzo-1-aza-tricyclo[4.3.1.13,8]undecane (1), a benzo-1-aza-adamantane derivative, is described and features a previously unknown application of the Wolff−Kishner reduction of a nonresonance stabilized or “twisted” amide. An intermediate amino ester is converted to a severely “twisted amide”, which, when exposed to hydrazine in alcohol, provides the corresponding “twisted” amino hydrazone. Wolff−Kishner conditions (KOH/ethylene glycol, 200 °C) provide the reduced target 1 without hydrolysis to amino acid derivatives. These operations are conveniently performed in a single flask in high yield.
Microsensor technology: the Army's future force multiplier

The Army after Next will be lighter, faster, and more lethal than today's force. Survival of the force will be highly dependant on accurate and timely information about enemy forces and movements. CECOM NVESD has a number of ongoing efforts that directly support the vision of networked, low cost, low power, multifunction microsensor to enhance the lethality and survivability of the force. The three key technical areas of investigation: microsensor, signal processing, and communications.
Apparatus for the Continuous Monitoring of Surface Morphology via Fluorescence Microscopy during Monolayer Transfer to Substrates

Langmuir monolayers can be characterized at the air- subphase interface with fluorescence microscopy at the micron scale, but must be transferred to solid substrates for higher resolution imaging using atomic force microscopy. To utilize both techniques to characterize the same region of interest or to ensure that the deposition process is artifact-free, we have developed a transfer technique that allows for the continuous optical imaging of surface morphology as the monolayer is transferred from the air-subphase interface to the substrate. The advantages of this deposition technique are that it is simple and inexpensive and can be implemented in almost all Langmuir troughs and that artifacts associated with nonideal transfer can readily be identified. This new transfer technique is ideal for transferring rigid and viscous films that are difficult to deposit using the traditional Langmuir-Blodgett technique. This technique can also be used for transferring monolayers to germanium attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystals for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)-ATR spectroscopic measurements of protein conformation and lipid orientation while maintaining the desired monolayer morphologies.
Breathing gas mixtures different from air: an adaptation for survival under the ice of a facultative air-breathing fish.

Gaseous respiration by central mudminnows ( Umbra limi ), particularly their use of bubbles composed of gas mixtures other than air, may have evolved as an adaptation to the oxygen-depleted, carbon dioxide-rich water of winterkill lakes. Under simulated winterkill conditions, mudminnows frequently engulfed gaseous bubbles. Use of bubbles was not related to varying methane or nitrogen content (0 to 80 percent) when all bubbles contained 20 percent oxygen. When the oxygen content of bubbles varied (0 to 20 percent), fish visited bubbles randomly but remained longer and took fewer "breaths" at bubbles with high oxygen content. High temperature (16 ° to 34 ° C) and low p H (6.8 to 4.5) did not stimulate increased air-breathing when dissolved oxygen was sufficient .
Frequency-domain assessment of gear-tooth bending-fatigue damage-progression using the average-log-ratio, ALR, algorithm

Abstract Frequency-domain (rotational-harmonic) behavior of the average-log-ratio, ALR, gear-damage detection algorithm [MSSP 24 (2010) 2807–2823] [18] is utilized to explain behavior caused by tooth-bending-fatigue damage progression. For spur and helical gears, the strongest bending-fatigue damage contributions are typically found in the rotational-harmonic region below the tooth-meshing fundamental harmonic, where ALR increases almost monotonically with increasing damage. However, when the combined elastic/plastic deformation of a damaged tooth or teeth exceeds tooth tip/root/end relief magnitude, at tooth-contact initiation and/or termination, the lowest-order transmission-error discontinuity is changed from slope discontinuity to step discontinuity, resulting in transmission-error high-frequency (rotational-harmonic n ) behavior changing from proportional to 1/ n 2 to proportional to 1/ n , therefore indicating progression to severe damage. Decomposition of the ALR damage-detection metric into rotational-harmonic frequency bands using accelerometer recordings from a notched-tooth spiral-bevel gear test illustrates the above-described behavior, thereby showing increasing stages of damage progression prior to complete gear failure.
How Researchers Define Vulnerable Populations in HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials

In this study, we interviewed researchers, asking them to define vulnerable populations in HIV/AIDS clinical trials, and provide feedback on the federal regulations for three vulnerable populations. Interview data informed a conceptual framework, and were content analyzed to identify acceptability or disagreement with the regulations. Beginning with several characteristics of vulnerable enrollees identified by researchers, the conceptual framework illustrates possible scenarios of how enrollees could be considered vulnerable in clinical research. Content analysis identified barriers affecting HIV/AIDS researchers’ ability to conduct clinical trials with pregnant women, prisoners, and children, for which the regulations specify additional protections. This study challenges current thinking about federal regulations’ group-based approach to defining vulnerable populations.
Measurements of collision-broadened line widths in the v4-fundamental band of 12CH4 at low temperatures

Collision-broadened half-widths of several lines in the nu4 fundamental band of (C-12)H4 have been measured at low temperatures between 130 and 295 K using a tunable diode laser and the sweep integration technique. The broadening gases are H2, N2, He, and Ar. The temperature dependence of the measured line widths is described in terms of an exponent n, which is shown not only to be different for each broadening gas but also to depend upon the tetrahedral symmetry identification of the lines of CH4.
Comparison of flame ionization and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the detection of organometallics separated by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography.

Organotin compounds are separated by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and a comparison of the detection by flame ionization (FID) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is presented. Resolution, detection limits, linear dynamic range and reproducibility are the parameters compared between SFC-FID and SFC-ICP-MS, for the detection of tri- and tetraorganotin compounds. The resolution obtained in the SFC-FID system is not always observed in SFC-ICP-MS. Degradation in resolution is due to fluctuations in transfer line temperature. Baseline resolution for the organotins considered is achieved in both systems by using a longer column. Detection limits (DLs) are calculated as 3 sigma/S, where sigma is the standard deviation of the blank signal and S is the slope of the calibration curve. Detection limits of 10.3, 12.5, 12.0 and 9.0 pg are obtained for tetrabutyltin, tributyltin chloride, triphenyltin chloride and tetraphenyltin, respectively, using SFC-FID. An improvement in detection limits of one order of magnitude is achieved by SFC-ICP-MS for the same organotins (0.26, 0.80, 0.57 and 0.20 pg, respectively). The relative standard deviations using SFC-FID for five 50-nl injections, containing 0.5 ng Sn, ranged from 3.2 to 6.4%. Using SFC-ICP-MS, five replicate injections of 0.05 ng Sn give R.S.D.s from 1.3 to 3.4%.
Particle size/composition relationships of wind‐eroding sediments, Owens (dry) Lake, California, USA

Major, minor, and trace element concentrations were determined by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) in 118 aeolian sediment samples collected at six heights in seven locations along a 1.2 km transect during three sequential dust storms at Owens (dry) Lake, California, USA. Na and S concentrations covaried with each other (and inversely with Si and Ca), increased with height, and decreased with distance downwind and time. Mg, Al, Si, K, Mn, Fe, and Sr concentrations at northerly sites varied with height and location as opposed to nearly constant concentrations at southerly locations. Volumetric particle-size distribution (PSD) for each sample was determined via laser diffraction. PSDs of the collected sediment reflected a trimodal distribution:63% of samples peaked at 20-50 μm (silt), 11% at 50-100 μm (very fine sand) and 26% at 100-250 μm (fine sand). Most silty samples occurred during the first two events. Significant differences in element concentrations existed in relation to the PSDs. Na and S concentrations were proportional to the submicron to silt particle fraction during each event. Al, Ti, Mn, K, Fe, and Rb concentrations correlated with 100-500 μm (fine/medium sand) particles in the first two events and a wider PSD range 250-1000 μm (coarse sand) in the third event. The results suggest sodium sulfate aerosol emission during the first windstorm, while subsequent saltation-dominated events released more aluminosilicate minerals containing higher trace metal concentrations. These combined techniques reveal particle size/chemical fractionation and spatial variability of sediment properties during resuspension at aeolian 'hotspots,' with implications to geochemical cycling and aerosol source/receptor relationships.
Effects of HCl and Cl 2 additions on silicon oxidation kinetics

The growth kinetics of SiO2 films (100-18000A) on [100], 2Ωcm silicon have been investigated between 900-1100‡C with additions of 0-9 vol.% HC1 or 0-2 vol.% Cl2 to the dry oxygen ambient. The thickness-time data could best be fitted numerically to a mixed linear-parabolic equation that included a correction for fast initial growth. Equivalent amounts of chlorine (e.g., 2 vol.% HC1 or 1 vol.% Cl2) produced completely different effects on the rate of SiO2 growth. The quantitative effects of halogen additions were studied in greatest detail at 900‡C. At that temperature, the parabolic rate constant increased linearly with the HC1 concentration. At the same time, the linear rate constant remained constant. Both rate constants did change when Cl2 was used as an additive. The effect of HC1 additions on the parabolic rate constant reaches a maximum around 1000‡C. Possible mechanisms for the halogen effects are discussed,← and it is seen that the gas phase reaction 4 HC1 + 02 → 2 H2O + 2 Cl2 is not reflected in the growth kinetics.
On the Average Absolute Transport of the Deep Western Boundary Currents East of Abaco Island, the Bahamas

Abstract Data obtained from a line of absolute current profiler (PEGASUS) and CTD stations at 26.5°N, east of Abaco Island in the northern Bahamas, are used to estimate the average transport, and overall level of variability, of the deep (below 800 m) southward flow associated with the so-called “Deep Western Boundary Current”(DWBC) at this latitude. From April 1985 to September 1987 a total of 11 sections were made along a line extending from near the island boundary to 85 km offshore as part of the Subtropical Atlantic Climate Studies (STACS) program. In all but two cases (when PEGASUS data were obtained over the total depth), absolute velocities were determined from 0 to about 3000 db while CTD derived relative velocities were determined over the total depth. Using the combined datasets, it is possible to reference the relative geostrophic velocity with PEGASUS data, thereby obtaining an estimate of the absolute southward transport of the deep flow. The average value of transport determined in this man...
Retención urinaria transitoria en el reimplante ureteral extravesical bilateral simultáneo

OBJETIVOS Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo a los pacientes sometidos a reimplante ureteral bilateral extravesical simultaneo y se reportan los resultados y la incidencia de retencion urinaria transitoria. METODOS Se evaluan a 127 pacientes con reflujo vesicoureteral primario a los que se les realizo reimplante ureteral bilateral simultaneo en un periodo de 8 anos. El sexo fue femenino en 92 (72,4%) y masculino en 35 (27,6%). En todos los pacientes, al terminar el procedimiento, se dejo un cateter uretral tipo Foley en vejiga entre 24 y 72 horas. Postoperatoriamente se evaluaron con ultrasonidos del tracto urinario en el primer mes y con cistograma miccional en el tercero. RESULTADOS El seguimiento postoperatorio medio fue de 4.01 anos. No hubo ningun caso de obstruccion ureteral. El cistograma postoperatorio demostro la resolucion del reflujo vesicoureteral bilateral en 122 (96%) pacientes y persistencia del mismo en 5 (4%). Al retirar la sonda vesical postoperatoria 7/127 (5.5%) pacientes presentaron retencion urinaria. Se han dividido los pacientes en dos grandes grupos basados en el tiempo y en las variantes tecnicas quirurgicas empleadas. El primero (junio de 1998 a enero de 2001) lo constituyen 57 reimplantes extravesicales bilaterales con 5 (8.7%) casos de retencion urinaria transitoria, comenzando a miccionar de forma normal a las 24 horas, 48 horas, 72 horas, 5 dias y 4 semanas cada uno de los ninos. El segundo grupo (febrero de 2001 a Octubre de 2006) lo forman 70 reimplantes extravesicales bilaterales y hubo solo 2 (2.85%) casos de retencion urinaria transitoria, comenzando a orinar los dos de forma normal a las 24 horas.
Direct actions of organophosphate anticholinesterases on nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Four nerve agents and one therapeutic organophosphate (OP) anticholinesterase (anti-ChE) bind to acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, inhibit or modulate binding of radioactive ligands to these receptors, and modify events regulated by them. The affinity of nicotinic (n) ACh receptors of Torpedo electric organs and most muscarinic (m) ACh receptors of rat brain and N1E-115 neuroblastoma cultures for the OP compounds was usually two to three orders of magnitude lower than concentrations required to inhibit 50% (IC-50) of ACh-esterase activity. However, a small population of m-ACh receptors had an affinity as high as that of ACh-esterase for the OP compound. This population is identified by its high-affinity [3H]-cis-methyldioxolane ([3H]-CD) binding. Although sarin, soman, and tabun had no effect, (O-ethyl S[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl)] methyl phosphonothionate (VX) and echothiophate inhibited competitively the binding of [3H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]-QNB) and [3H]-pirenzepine ([3H]-PZ) to m-ACh receptors. However, VX was more potent than echothiophate in inhibiting this binding and 50-fold more potent in inhibiting carbamylcholine (carb)-stimulated [3H]-cGMP synthesis in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells--both acting as m receptor antagonist. All five OPs inhibited [3H]-CD binding, with IC-50s of 3, 10, 40, 100, and 800 nM for VX, soman, sarin, echothiophate, and tabun, respectively. The OP anticholinesterases also bound to allosteric sites on the n-ACh receptor (identified by inhibition of [3H]-phencyclidine binding), but some bound as well to the receptor's recognition site (identified by inhibition of [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin binding). Soman and echothiophate in micromolar concentrations acted as partial agonists of the n-ACh receptor and induced receptor desensitization. On the other hand, VX acted as an open channel blocker of the activated receptor and also enhanced receptor desensitization. It is suggested that the toxicity of OP anticholinesterases may include their action on n-ACh as well as m-ACh receptors if their concentrations in circulation rise above micromolar levels. At nanomolar concentrations their toxicity is due mainly to their inhibition of ACh-esterase. However, at these low concentrations, many OP anticholinesterases (eg, VX and soman) may affect a small population of m-ACh receptors, which have a high affinity for CD. Such effects on m-ACh receptors may play an important role in the toxicity of certain OP compounds.
A packet processor for a learning-based routing protocol

As the Internet expands significantly in number of users, servers, routers and other networking products, the IP based network architecture must evolve and change. There are already proposed alternative packet-switched network models that would eliminate some of the problems of IP based networks. Recently proposed Cognitive Packet Networks (CPN) is one of them and it shows similarity with the discrete active networks. CPN uses a neural network model with a reinforcement learning algorithm to find routes. In this paper, we present a packet processor architecture which supports this fast adaptive routing algorithm.
Metabolic regulation of amino acid uptake in marine waters

To determine the relationships among the processes of uptake, intracellular pool formation, and incorporation of amino acids into protein, we measured the uptake of dipeptides and free amino acids by bacterial assemblages in estuarine and coastal waters of the southeast U.S. The dipeptide phenylalanyl-phenylalanine (phe-phe) lowerd Vmax of phenylalanine uptake when the turnover rate of phenylalanine was relatively high. When the turnover rate was relatively low, phe-phe either had no effect or increased Vmax of phenylalanine uptake. An analytical model was developed and tested to measure the turnover time of the intracellular pool of phenylalanine. When phe-phe was not added the turnover time of the intracellular pool was 0.89 min. Addition of 1.0 nM phe-phe increased the turnover time of this pool to 3.8 min in waters where phe-phe lowered Vmax of phenylalanine uptake. These results suggested that the size of the intracellular pool is regulated, which precludes high assimilation rates of both phenylalanine and phe-phe. In waters with relatively low phenylalanine turnover rates, bacterial assemblages appear to have a greater capacity to assimilate phenylalanine and phe-phe simultaneously. Marine bacterial assemblages do not substantially increase the apparent respiration of amino acids when concentrations increase. We conclude that sustained increases in uptake rates and mineralization by marine bacterial assemblages in response to an increase in the concentration of dissolved organic nitrogen is determined by the rate of protein synthesis.
METHODS OF DETERMINISTIC CHAOS APPLIED TO THE FLOW OF THIN WAVY FILMS

The structure of thin, wavy falling films was studied to evaluate whether the random-appearing wave structure is a result of deterministic chaos or a purely stochastic process. The time-varying film thickness was obtained at different spatial locations near the point of wave inception for flow rates in the range of Re=3–10. Under all conditions the wave structure was aperiodic in nature and displayed none of the known transitions to chaos. However, the power spectra followed an exponential decay law at high frequencies that is characteristic of chaotic systems. The estimated attractor dimension, used to characterize the complexity of a chaotic system, was much higher than those of known model chaotic systems. It is demonstrated that these high values could be explained due to small levels of noise present in experimental situations. Since experimental data are seldom noise free, a basic limitation in applying these methods to experimental measurements is demonstrated.
Relationships between redundancy analysis, canonical correlation, and multivariate regression

This paper attempts to clarify the nature of redundancy analysis and its relationships to canonical correlation and multivariate multiple linear regression. Stewart and Love introduced redundancy analysis to provide non-symmetric measures of the dependence of one set of variables on the other, as channeled through the canonical variates. Van den Wollenberg derived sets of variates which directly maximize the between set redundancy. Multivariate multiple linear regression on component scores (such as principal components) is considered. The problem is extended to include an orthogonal rotation of the components. The solution is shown to be identical to van den Wollenberg's maximum redundancy solution.
Prostate cancer cell growth inhibition by tamoxifen is associated with inhibition of protein kinase C and induction of p21waf1/cip1†

BACKGROUND Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and modulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are both associated with tamoxifen treatment, and both appear to be important in the regulation of prostate cancer cell growth. Investigations were performed which sought to measure the efficacy, and to elucidate the mechanism of growth inhibition by tamoxifen, in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. METHODS Growth assays were performed on PC3, PC3-M, and DU145 prostate cancer cells. TGF-β was measured by ELISA; p21waf1/cip1 and retinoblastoma (Rb) protein levels were measured by Western blot; PKC activity was measured by kinase assay; and effects upon cell cycle were measured by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS IC50s for growth inhibition ranged from 5.5–10 μM, and were not affected by estrogen. Tamoxifen-mediated growth inhibition was not associated with induction of TGF-β. However, tamoxifen treatment was associated with inhibition of PKC, which was followed by induction of p21waf1/cip1, Rb dephosphorylation, and G1/S phase cell cycle arrest. Similar effects were observed with the known PKC inhibitor, Ro31-8220. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that micromolar concentrations of tamoxifen inhibit prostate cancer cell growth by inhibition of PKC, resulting in induction of the p21waf1/cip1 protein. Prostate 37:51–59, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The frontal wishbone: anatomic and clinical implications.

Background The interfrontal septal cell, which often takes the shape of a wishbone on axial CT scan, was first described by Van Alyea more than 50 years ago; however, its potential role in disease of the frontal sinus was only recently recognized. The purpose of this study was to correlate the incidence and dimensions of this "frontal wishbone" (FWB) with the presence of frontal sinus disease. Methods The dimensions, drainage pathways, and disease state of the FWB were measured in 150 consecutive sinus CT scans performed at a tertiary care referral center. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate the FWB configuration to the presence of frontal sinus disease. Results A FWB was present in 77.3% of patients. The wishbone drained through a discrete ostium into either the left (54.8%), the right (45.2%), or the bilateral (0.8%) frontal sinuses. In those scans with mucosal thickening or opacification of the frontal sinus (36%), concurrent FWB disease was found in 82%. Patients with a large (>1 cm) FWB in the anterior-posterior dimension were more likely to have a diseased frontal sinus (p = 0.02). Conclusion The term FWB is used to describe an air cell within the interfrontal septum, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of frontal sinus disease.
The effect of salinity on growth and survival of Penaeus vannamei, with observations on the interaction of IHHN virus and salinity

Abstract Penaeus vannamei juveniles (initial mean weight=1.6 g) were cultured at salinities of 5, 15, 25, 35, and 49 ppt for 35 days. Highest mean final weights and greater than 2g/week growth were obtained in the lowest salinities tested, 5 and 15 ppt. Mean final weights at 5 and 15 ppt were not significantly different, but were significantly greater than at the higher salinities tested. Mean final weights at 25 and 35 ppt were not significantly different, but were significantly greater than at 49 ppt. Mean final weights by treatment were: 12.4 g (5 ppt), 12.2 g (15 ppt), 10.8 g (25 ppt), 11.1 g (35 ppt), and 9.8 g (49 ppt). Survival was not significantly different among salinity treatments. A second population of juveniles (initial mean weight=2.2 g), infected with IHHN virus (infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus), was compared concurrently at 25 and 49 ppt. The growth pattern was similar, with significantly higher mean final weights at 25 ppt than at 49 ppt. Additionally, a significant interaction between population and salinity level (two-way ANOVA, P=0.035) indicated that the IHHN-positive population had relatively lower growth at the high salinity level. Mean final weights in the second population were 10.3 g (25 ppt) and 8.5 g (49 ppt). As in the population not infected with IHHN, survival was not significantly different among treatments.
Concurrent measurements of cerebral blood flow, sodium, lactate, and high‐energy phosphate metabolism using 19F, 23Na, 1H, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

A new NMR technique for nondestructive, noninvasive, nonradioactive concurrent measurements of blood flow and several energy-dependent metabolites were applied to in situ cat brain during high cerebral blood flow states (seizures) and low flow states (carotid occlusion plus hemorrhagic shock). An inductively coupled, quadruple-tuned surface coil with a 50-ohm match at all relevant frequencies was used for both excitation and receiving. A broadband spectometer was used to measure the 31P spectrum (PCr, ATP, Pi, and pH), a water-suppressed 1H spectrum (lactate), 23Na, and 19F (blood flow via CHF3 washout). Each nucleus was excited at an independently determined rate. Sodium, with a short T1, was excited more frequently than phosphorus. The results qualitatively agreed with other techniques. Blood flow greatly increased during seizures with a 10% decrease in the Na signal, minimal lactate accumulation, no pH shift, and a change in the PCr-to-Pi ratio from 3.4 to 1.7. During carotid occlusion plus hypotension blood flow, PCr and ATP decreased to less than 10% of baseline values. Changes in PCr and Pi preceded parallel changes in Na and ATP. These experiments demonstrated the feasibility of concurrent measurements of physiologically induced changes in high-energy phosphates, lactate, sodium, and blood flow from the same volume of brain, in a nondestructive manner using NMR spectroscopy. © 1988 Academic Press, Inc.
The Domesticated Gene

Enough of the “selfish gene,” already. It was a clever mental exercise once. But the anthropomorphism has also been grossly misleading. Even Richard Dawkins now seems to acknowledge as much (2006). The phrase fundamentally confuses levels in biology. It implies that genes can have intent and moral perspective (de Waal, 2009: pp. 38–45). The notion emerged just as sociobiology began promoting the genetics of behavior, and it was all too easy to consider all behavior “selfish.” Explanations of cooperation, “altruism,” and eusociality were reduced to genes through the concepts of inclusive fitness and kin selection. The supremacy of the individual seemed to epitomize Darwinism. These concepts thus gradually became entrenched, and now appear in virtually every textbook: another sacred bovine? Recently, however, E. O. Wilson, the prominent founder and advocate of sociobiology, has renounced kin selection in explaining societies with a single reproductive individual (Nowak et al., 2010). Three decades of research have shown that many cooperative-breeding societies (such as termites) do not exhibit the required haplo-diploid genetic structure. Moreover, many species that do (including sawflies and horntails) are not social. The documented cases and the explanation do not align. Rather, the societies – from ants and honeybees to beetles, shrimp, and naked mole rats – all seem to have nests with restricted access, guarded by just a few individuals. The social cooperation seems just an “ordinary” adaptation to certain conditions. The striking reproductive structure, Wilson now contends, is an evolutionary consequence – not a cause – of the social organization. Wilson's dramatic turnabout illustrates a wider shift in perspectives about how cooperation evolves (Brosnan & Bshary, 2010). For decades William Hamilton's (1964) notion of kin selection has largely eclipsed Robert Trivers' (1971) concept of reciprocity. While the former is ubiquitous in introductory textbooks, the latter is nearly always …