cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptation to group home living for adults with mental retardation as a function of previous residential placement

Changes in adaptive functioning subsequent to a group home placement was assessed for deinstitutionalized and previously non-institutionalized adults with mental retardation. Results indicated that both groups experienced a significant increase in overall adaptive functioning subsequent to group home placement. The results also indicated that neither group experienced a significantly greater increase in adaptive behaviour compared to the other. Additionally, it was found that the deinstitutionalized group functioned at a higher adaptive level overall than did the previously non-institutionalized group. These results are consistent with previous research regarding the benefits of a group home placement on deinstitutionalized individuals. This research extends previous research by demonstrating that group home placements also have a significant impact on the adaptive behaviour of previously non-institutionalized individuals.
Abstract 2156: Targeting polo-like kinase 1 with novel inhibitors of the polo-box domain.

Polo-like Kinase 1 (PLK1) is a central player in cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression. Observations that PLK1 is over-expressed in many cancer types have led to efforts to target this protein therapeutically. Several ATP-binding site inhibitors of PLK1 have advanced to clinical trials, but these compounds inhibit at least three of the four known mammalian PLKs to varying degrees. This is problematic because, for example, PLK3 acts as a tumor suppressor and has opposing functions to PLK1. Moreover, a recent study identified a single point mutation near the ATP binding site that renders PLK1 resistant to several structurally unrelated ATP-based inhibitors, while retaining kinase activity. The Polo-box domain (PBD) of each PLK is a phospho-peptide binding motif that determines substrate recognition and subcellular localization. Our approach is to target the PBD of PLK1 to achieve desired PLK1 selectivity and improve efficacy. We recently reported a structure-activity relationship for a series of fragment-ligated inhibitory peptides (FLIPs) designed to be selective for the PBD of PLK1 (Mol. Cancer Ther., 2012, 11, 1683-1692). Our most potent compound in that class possessed a binding affinity to the PLK1 PBD (IC50 value of 8.6 μM), and insignificant levels of PLK3 binding up to 600 μM, which represents at least a 100-fold selectivity. The compound was able to induce cellular phenotypes consistent with a PLK1 knockdown, including aberrant mitoses and induction of apoptosis. Here, we report the development of new FLIP analogues with improved potency in binding to the PLK1 PBD. Specifically, we have designed, synthesized, and tested new benzoic acid capping groups to exploit a hydrophobic cleft in the PBD binding site. This newer generation of compounds possess binding affinities to the PLK1 PBD with IC50 values below 1 μM. Studies are in progress to determine PLK1 selectivity and activity in cells. Future studies will explore the ability of PBD-targeted compounds to circumvent resistance to ATP-based compounds. Citation Format: Merissa Baxter, Sandra Craig, Campbell McInnes, Michael D. Wyatt. Targeting polo-like kinase 1 with novel inhibitors of the polo-box domain. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2156. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2156
Tetraethynylethylene, a molecule with four very short CC single bonds. Interpretation of the infrared spectrum

Abstract The (HCC) 2 CC(CCH) 2 molecule recently synthesized by Rubin, Knobler, and Diederich has been studied using ab initio molecular quantum mechanics. The experimental crystal structure shows significant distortions from D 2h symmetry, so the equilibrium geometry has been determined via the self-consistent-field method using a double zeta plus polarization basis set. The structure of the isolated molecule displays perfect D 2h symmetry. Theoretical vibrational frequencies and infrared intensities make possible an interpretation of the observed IR spectrum. Some attention is given to the molecular orbitals of this the first C 10 H 4 isomer to be prepared in the laboratory.
Trade and Technology Incentives and Bilateral Cooperation

This article develops a theory of how economic incentives alter a state's external payoff environment and affect its internal preferences and choices. Externally, incentives offer an exchange of economic gains from trade and technology transfer for political concessions. Incentives may be compelling in altering state behavior and fostering bilateral cooperation over time, especially when: (1) both the sender and the recipient stand to gain in economic terms through the creation of new trade; (2) the recipient's total utility for the goods or gains from trade remains substantially positive (this situation typically occurs when technology is a part of the package because technology alters a state's overall productive capacity); and (3) the sender has market power in the traded goods. Internally, incentives shape state preferences in a cooperative direction in four important ways, in contrast to sanctions. First, societal actors in the sender state who stand to gain economically from expanded trade lend support over time for an incentive thereby improving the policy's legitimacy and endurance. Public opinion is likely to follow the lead of elites. Second, certain actors in the recipient state who can appropriate the economic benefits tend to ally with the sender state and reinforce its efforts to move the recipient's policy preference in the direction of the sender's intent. Third, incentives are unlikely to create an impetus to elude or undermine its influence through the search for third-party suppliers or to create the economic conditions that invite new entrants. Finally, incentives convey more-precise information to decision-makers in the recipient state and in a manner that is unlikely to be filtered or avoided by them. As for the dependent variable of international cooperation, the theoretical argument commends investigation of diffuse factors that shape state preferences and influence cooperation. While incentives are “under-theorized” in the international relations literature (despite considerable interest in economic coercion), they are not unnoticed by policy-makers. This article examines three pertinent historical case studies, in part to help generate hypotheses on how incentives work but also to offer some policy advice as to when incentives might work and what factors contribute to or detract from their practical effectiveness. The article concludes with suggestions for further research.
Microglia exhibit clonal variability in eliciting cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses independent of class I expression.

Abstract Microglia are important immunoregulatory cells within the central nervous system (CNS). Viral infection of primary microglia and splenic macrophage clones revealed that both exhibited a heterogeneous, but relatively low, sensitivity to cytolysis mediated by CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The majority of clones were poor in processing and presenting epitopes, despite triggering lysis when coated with peptide. These characteristics were retained by stable microglia lines. Reduced lysis did not correlate with class I expression and IFN-γ treatment only partially enhanced recognition. In contrast, targeting the epitope into the endoplasmic reticulum restored cytolysis to levels achieved with exogenous peptide. An inherent resistance to cytolysis was revealed by efficient engagement of T cells in competition assays and the inability of saturating peptide to enhance cytolysis. These data suggest that microglia heterogeneity in antigen processing, in addition to low sensitivity to CTL lysis, contributes to limited CD8 + T cell responses and viral CNS persistence.
Coupling between protein and reaction dynamics in enzymatic processes: application of Grote-Hynes Theory to catechol O-methyltransferase.

The generalized Langevin equation (GLE)-based Grote−Hynes (GH) theory is used to calculate the transmission coefficients, κ, for the methyl transfer from S-adenosylmethionine to catecholate both in aqueous solution and in the catechol O-methyltransferase active site. Values of κ, which measures the deviation of the rate constants from the Transition State Theory (TST) predictions, are obtained by means of rare event molecular dynamics simulations. The results are 0.62 ± 0.04 and 0.83 ± 0.03 for the aqueous and enzymatic environments, respectively, while the Grote−Hynes predictions are 0.58 ± 0.09 and 0.89 ± 0.03, respectively. The Kramers theory estimates are much smaller, about 0.01 and 0.1, respectively. Thus, the enzymatic transmission coefficient is closer to TST predictions than the value obtained in solution. In addition, our results show that the enzymatic coefficient is also closer to its nonadiabatic (or frozen environment) limit than is the solution coefficient. These findings can be understood ...
Contextual factors in the assessment and management of aggression in dementia patients

Aggressive behaviors associated with dementia present serious problems for patients and caregivers. Aggression, which has often been assumed to be an inherent feature of dementia, may actually be adaptive for dementia patients who have limited skills available to manage an environment that becomes increasingly complex as cognitive deterioration progresses. When aggression in dementia patients is examined within a functional analytic framework, it emerges as an adaptive, albeit undesirable, means of communicating distress or discomfort. Idiographic assessment of the influence of setting events, environmental antecedents, and consequences associated with aggression may assist in the development of proactive interventions that modify environmental influences associated with aggressive behavior. Modifying environmental precipitants rather than relying on interventions that attempt to directly eliminate aggression from the patient's already impoverished behavioral repertoire is presumed to be more humane.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide and Methemoglobinemia in Term Infants with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Inhaled Nitric Oxide and Methemoglobinemia in Term Infants with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
A nuclear-track-recording polymer of unique sensitivity and resolution

Abstract CR-39 is a commercially available, optically clear, amorphous, thermoset plastic in which nuclear particle tracks can be revealed by etching in a hot NaOH solution. Its uniformity of response (
Applying the Loyalty Matrix to Evaluate Casino Loyalty Programs

A well-established loyalty matrix classifies customers into four quadrants based on their frequency of purchase and attitude toward a hospitality business. These quadrants represent four distinct t...
Cellular video-phone assisted transmission and interpretation of prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram in acute st-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) reduces the time to reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the reliability of using cellular video-phone (VP) assisted interpretation of ECG is unknown. Methods: We studied the interphysician reliability in interpreting the ECG assisted with VP compared to print ECG interpretation. Twenty-seven physicians prospectively interpreted the ECG transmitted from the field in real-time using VP and later using the same printed ECG. The time to completion, accuracy of interpretation, and physician rating of the VP technology were recorded. Results: Similar high interphysician reliability was observed with both VP assisted and printed ECG interpretation including presence of ST-segment elevation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]= 0.98 [95% CI 0.96–1] vs. 0.99 [95% CI 0.99–1]) and pathologic Q wave (ICC = 0.99 [95% CI 0.98–1] vs. 1 [95% CI 1]), respectively. The mean time to transmit and interpret the ECG with VP versus printed ECG was 3.9 ± 1.9 versus 2.1 ± 0.9 minutes, respectively, P < 0.01. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best, the average rating of VP ease of use was 4.4 ± 0.5 and utility to recommend treatment was rated a 5. Conclusion: Cellular VP-assisted transmission and interpretation in real-time of prehospital ECG has high interphysician reliability, similar to the printed ECG interpretation. Future studies testing whether VP decreases the ischemic time and expedites the reperfusion of STEMI patients are needed. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:112–118)
Mathematical analysis of transport properties of polymer films for food packaging. II. Generalized water vapor models

Deterioration or spoilage of dehydrated food products stored in flexible packaging materials depends on the partial pressure of water vapor in the environment of the stored food. Mathematical analysis of the diffusion of water vapor through semipermeable polymer films using Nernst-Planck equations is combined with non-liner water sorption isotherms on food to establish criteria and optimum conditions for storage stability of dehydrated food. Langmuir, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), Halsey, Oswin and Freundlich isotherms are used for various ranges of water activity. It is shown that a single parameter, the permeability-sorption constant, based on the physical properties of the polymer and the sorptive properties of the food, accounts for both diffusion and adostption and can be used to accurately determine maximum storage times and can be used to accurately determine maximum storage times and to optimize the selection of packaging films. The theory is extended to thermodynamically compatible solute-polymer systems, where the polymer film is swollen appreciably by the diffusing species.
Streptococcus pyogenes Malate Degradation Pathway Links pH Regulation and Virulence

The ability of Streptococcus pyogenes to infect different niches within its human host most likely relies on its ability to utilize alternative carbon sources. In examining this question, we discovered that all sequenced S. pyogenes strains possess the genes for the malic enzyme (ME) pathway, which allows malate to be used as a supplemental carbon source for growth. ME is comprised of four genes in two adjacent operons, with the regulatory two-component MaeKR required for expression of genes encoding a malate permease (maeP) and malic enzyme (maeE). Analysis of transcription indicated that expression of maeP and maeE is induced by both malate and low pH, and induction in response to both cues is dependent on the MaeK sensor kinase. Furthermore, both maePE and maeKR are repressed by glucose, which occurs via a CcpA-independent mechanism. Additionally, malate utilization requires the PTS transporter EI enzyme (PtsI), as a PtsI– mutant fails to express the ME genes and is unable to utilize malate. Virulence of selected ME mutants was assessed in a murine model of soft tissue infection. MaeP–, MaeK–, and MaeR– mutants were attenuated for virulence, whereas a MaeE– mutant showed enhanced virulence compared to that of the wild type. Taken together, these data show that ME contributes to S. pyogenes' carbon source repertory, that malate utilization is a highly regulated process, and that a single regulator controls ME expression in response to diverse signals. Furthermore, malate uptake and utilization contribute to the adaptive pH response, and ME can influence the outcome of infection.
Sulfur pool sizes and stable isotope ratios in HUMEX peat before and immediately after the onset of acidification

Total nonsulfate sulfur (TS), reduced inorganic sulfur (RIS), ester sulfate (ES) and carbon bonded sulfur (CBS) pool sizes, and TS and RIS stable sulfur isotopes were examined in peat cores from control and experimental sites within the Skjervatjern catchment before and 8.5 months after the onset of acidification. The total amount of excess sulfate added to the catchment up to this point was less than expected due to mechanical problems. There have been no observable effects on sulfur cycling within the peat soils. The results from this study, however, provide insight into the natural factors controlling sulfur cycling in this system and suggest that dissimilatory sulfate reduction plays a key role. For instance, the control site, which apparently receives the highest input of sulfate because of its position within the catchment drainage system, has the highest TS, RIS, and CBS pool sizes, the lowest C:S ratios, and the most negative [delta][sup 34]S TS ratios. All of these characteristics are consistent with a dissimilatory origin for a substantial portion of the peat sulfur. Thus, a mechanism that can potentially store and neutralize at least some of the acidic sulfate to be added to this system is already in operation. The ultimatemore » ability of dissimilatory reduction to store sulfur will be tested as the acidification of the Skjervatjern catchment proceeds and will provide important information on how other wetland ecosystems respond to excessive acidic sulfate inputs. 28 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.« less
The anterior midgut of larval yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti): effects of amino acids, dicarboxylic acids, and glucose on the transepithelial voltage and strong luminal alkalinization.

Isolated anterior midguts of larval Aedes aegypti were bathed in aerated mosquito saline containing serotonin (0.2 µmol L−1) and perfused with NaCl (100 mmol L−1). The lumen negative transepithelial voltage (Vte) was measured and luminal alkalinization was determined through the color change of luminal m-cresol purple from yellow to purple after luminal perfusion stops. Addition of 10 mmol L−1 amino acids (arginine, glutamine, histidine or proline) or dicarboxylic acids (malate or succinate) to the luminal perfusate resulted in more negative Vte values, whereas addition of glucose was without effect. In the presence of TRIS chloride as luminal perfusate, addition of nutrients did not change Vte. These results are consistent with Na+-dependent absorption of amino acids and dicarboxylic acids. Effects of serotonin withdrawal indicated that nutrient absorption is stimulated by this hormone. Strong luminal alkalinization was observed with mosquito saline containing serotonin on the hemolymph-side and 100 mmol L−1 NaCl in the lumen, indicating that alkalinization does not depend on luminal nutrients. Omission of glucose or dicarboxylic acids from the hemolymph-side solution had no effect on luminal alkalinization, whereas omission of amino acids significantly decelerated it. Re-addition of amino acids restored alkalinization, suggesting the involvement of amino acid metabolism in luminal alkalinization. J. Exp. Zool. 311A: 719–726, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
External-cavity difference-frequency source near 3.2 μm, based on combining a tunable diode laser with a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser in AgGaS 2

AgGaS2 has been used to generate more than 2 μW of cw mid-infrared radiation near 3.2 μm by difference-frequency mixing of the outputs of an extended-cavity diode laser near 795 nm (pump wave) an a compact diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm (signal wave). An external ring enhancement cavity was used to build up the signal power inside the nonlinear crystal by as much as 14.5 times. The novel mid-infrared source incorporating a single diode laser could be angle-tuned from 3.155 to 3.423 μm (from 3170 to 2921 cm−1). This system was used to detect the Doppler-broadened fundamental ν3-asymmetric stretch vibration of methane (CH4) by both direct and wavelength-modulation absorption spectroscopy.
Study of new magneto-dielectric substrate for compact antenna application

This paper presents investigation on a new type of magneto-dielectric substrate for compact antenna application. The magneto-dielectric polymer material studied has tailored magnetic permeability and dielectric permittivity that are beneficial for many microwave applications. Microstrip patch antenna designs are used to evaluate the material. Our simulation and measurement results indicate that this new type of magneto-dielectric materials may be very useful in antenna applications and lead to compact and wideband antennas. Technique to reduce loss in this kind of materials will also be discussed.
Triage of geriatric patients in the emergency department: validity and survival with the Emergency Severity Index.

Study objective We evaluate the validity of the Emergency Severity Index (version 3) (ESI) triage algorithm in a geriatric emergency department (ED) population and determine the association between ESI categorization and survival. Methods Validity was assessed using a retrospective analysis of hospitalization, ED length of stay, and observed resource use compared with resource utilization estimated at triage by the ESI. Survival analysis was conducted for the same cohort. The study was exempted by the hospital institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived. Results During the investigation, 1,087 patients older than 65 years were registered in the ED. Six patients were identified as direct admissions, and 152 were found to be repeat visitors, leaving 929 subject visits for analysis. In this cohort, hospitalization was associated with ESI triage assignment (Kendall's τ-b=−0.476; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.524 to −0.425). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the predictive ability of the ESI for hospitalization was 0.77 (95% CI 0.748 to 0.806). Length of stay was associated with ESI assignment (Kruskal-Wallis test, P =.000). The relationship between triage categorization and resource utilization was significant (Spearman's correlation=−0.683; 95% CI −0.716 to −0.647). ESI categorization was associated with vital status at 1 year (Kaplan-Meier χ 2 67.85; df =4; P =.0000). Conclusion When used to triage patients older than 65 years, the ESI algorithm demonstrates validity. Hospitalization, length of stay, resource utilization, and survival were all associated with ESI categorization in this cohort.
On Probability and Systematics: Possibility, Probability, and Phylogenetic Inference

Bininda-Emonds, O. R. P., and H. N. Bryant. 1998. Properties of matrix representation with parsimony analyses. Syst. Biol. 47:497– 508. Bininda-Emonds, O. R. P., J. L. Gittleman, and A. Purvis. 1999. Building large trees by combining phylogenetic information: A complete phylogeny of the extant Carnivora (Mammalia). Biol. Rev. 74:143– 175. Bryant, D., and M. A. Steel. 1995. Extension operation on sets of leaflabelled trees. Adv. Appl. Math. 16:425–453. Creevey, C. J., D. A. Fitzpatrick, G. K. Philip, R. J. Kinsella, M. J. O’Connell, M. M. Pentony, S. A. Travers, M. Wilkinson, and J. O. McInerney. 2004. Does a tree-like phylogeny only exist at the tips in the prokaryotes? Proc. R. Soc. B 271:2551–2558. Gordon, A. D. 1986. Consensus supertrees: the synthesis of rooted trees containing overlapping sets of labeled leaves. J. Classif. 3:31–39. Kennedy, M., and R. D. M. Page. 2002. Seabird supertrees: Combining partial estimates of Procellariform phylogeny. Auk 199:88–108. Maddison, W. P. 1989. Reconstructing character evolution on polytomous cladograms. Cladistics 5:365–377. Nixon, K. C., and J. M. Carpenter. 1996. On consensus, collapsibility and clade concordance. Cladistics 12:305–321. Pisani, D., and M. Wilkinson. 2002. MRP, taxonomic congruence and total evidence. Syst. Biol. 51:151–155. Pisani D., A. M. Yates, M. C. Langer, and M. J. Benton. 2002. A genuslevel supertree of the Dinosauria. Proc. R. Soc. B 269:915–921. Purvis, A. 1995. A modification to Baum and Ragan’s method for combining phylogenetic trees. Syst. Biol. 44:251–255. Ragan, M. A. 1992. Phylogenetic inference based on matrix representation of trees. Mol. Phy. Evol. 1:53–58. Semple, C., and M. Steel. 2003. Phylogenetics. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
Frequency and spectrum of ENU-induced mutation in the ΦX174 transgene in mouse splenic lymphocytes and their significance to spontaneous transgenic rodent mutation frequencies

A perceived disadvantage of transgenic rodent mutation assays is that spontaneous mutant frequencies are high compared to those of endogenous genes and may consequently reduce sensitivity to induced mutation. We have previously argued that unrepaired G:T mismatches from spontaneous deamination of 5-methylcytosine at CpG sites could be converted to apparent in vivo mutations in the bacterial recovery systems because of rapid, random, mismatch repair in Escherichia coli. In this study, we have measured mutation frequencies in spleen of male mice induced by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) using the PhiX174 transgene, which is not subject to mismatch repair in E.coli, using single-burst analysis, a unique method to identify in vivo mutation. In order to compare our results to those using the lacI and cII transgenes, we converted all mutant frequencies to base pair substitution (bps) mutation frequencies per nucleotide based on mutant spectra from this study and published literature. We found this frequency in control spleen to be similar for lacI (3.8 +/- 0.7 x 10(-8)) and PhiX174 (3.1 +/- 1.2 x 10(-8)) at 6 weeks of age. We found a strong age dependence for spontaneous lacI mutation that extrapolated to a value at conception (1.8 +/- 0.9 x 10(-8)) that was not significantly different from the human germ line bps mutation frequency per nucleotide of 1.7 +/- 0.2 x 10(-8). These two transgenes provided similar mutational responses to 40 mg/kg ENU, 7- to 9-fold. In contrast, the cII target gene in the same tissue produces both spontaneous and induced mutation frequencies approximately 10 times higher, for unknown reasons. We conclude that the spontaneous mutant frequencies measured by the lacI and PhiX174 transgenes in this moderately dividing tissue accurately measure in vivo mutation frequencies at early ages. For these two transgenes, seemingly high mutant frequencies may reflect the expected accumulation of somatic mutation with age.
Fin Induced Laminar Interactions on Sharp and Spherically Blunted Cones

The flowfield structure (surface streamlines and shock patterns), and pressure and heat-transfer distributions associated with small fins mounted near the base of a 7° half-angle cone are measured. The tests are conducted in a hypersonic freestream at a Mach number of 10, freestream unit Reynolds numbers of 0.12 and 0.6 x 10 6/ foot, and wall to total temperature ratio of 0.27. Vehicle geometry (nose bluntness, and fin sweep, shape, thickness, and cant) and orientation (angles of attack and roll) are systematically varied. Fin leading-edge pressure and heat transfer agree with swept infinite cylinder predictions; fin side heating agrees with blunt swept slab theory. Flow patterns, heating and pressure in the fin-cone region are characteristic of corner flow geometries.
The histology and histochemistry of oogenesis in the water strider, Gerris remigis Say.

In each ovariole of Gerris remigis, nurse cells arise by mitotic divisions at the anterior end of the germarium. These cells enlarge as they move posteriorly. This size increase is possibly caused by fusion of cells, but probably by endopolyploidy as well. The nurse cells then establish connections with a central trophic core, which receives the products of subsequent nurse cell degradation. Two possible pathways of nuclear degradation are suggested: one involves the condensation of chromatin within the nucleus; the other, the release of DNA as fine granules into the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic areas containing such DNA are also rich in proteinaceous granules, but have a meager content of RNA. The remainder of the cytoplasm of the mature nurse cells contains a high concentration of RNA, as do the nucleoli. Posteriorly the trophic core connects via nutritive cords with each developing oocyte in the prefollicular region and in the anterior vitellarium. RNA is apparently contributed to the ooplasm via the trophic stream. Patches of cytoplasmic DNA are present in the young oocytes; the origin and fate of this DNA is uncertain. During early oocyte maturation chromosomal stainability decreases, and the nucleolus enlarges. In previtellogenic stages, numerous proteinaceous bodies appear in association with the nucleolus-chromosome complex. These bodies, like the nucleolus, have only a low RNA content. They may pass to the cytoplasm, but cannot be traced with certainty. During the latter part of this period a complex population of small proteinaceous and lipid preyolk bodies accumulates peripherally in the oocyte. Definitive protein and lipid yolk are probably derived by the enlargement and inward migration of these bodies. The oocytes are each surrounded by a layer of follicle cells proliferated in the prefollicular region. These become binucleate and enlarge as the enclosed oocytes grow and elongate. RNA also increases in the nucleoli and cytoplasm of the follicle cells as they move posteriorly in the vitellarium. There is no evidence of transfer of nucleic acids or protein from the follicle cells to the oocyte. The nurse cells are therefore implicated as the major source of nucleic acids for the maturing oocyte.
Fractional order plasma position control of the STOR-1M tokamak

This work deals with plasma position estimation, modeling, and control for the ‘Saskatchewan Torus 1 - Modified (STOR-1M)’ tokamak. The basic operating mechanism and system details are presented initially to provide the reader with a complete understanding of the plant and the control objective. The data required for plasma position estimation and the methodology used is briefly presented, followed by plasma position modeling. An effective method for offline plasma position estimation is presented. The simulated results for position control using a standard (Ziegler-Nichols) ZN-PID controller and a (Fractional Order) FO-PI controller are compared with each other. The problems that arise when dealing with such a fast-operating and challenging system are detailed throughout. The results obtained using analog hardware to emulate the plasma position and purely analog FO-PI control are also included.
Using reference objects to improve vision-based bearing measurements

Robots perceiving its environment using cameras usually need a good representation of how the camera is aligned to the body and how the camera is rotated relative to the ground. This is especially important for bearing-based distance measurement. In this paper we show how to use reference objects to improve vision-based distance measurements to objects of unknown size. Several methods for different kinds of reference objects are introduced. These are objects of known size (like a ball), objects extending over the horizon (like goals and beacons), and objects with known shape on the ground (like field lines). We give a detailed description how to determine the rotation of the robotpsilas camera relative to the ground, provide an error-estimation for all methods and describe the experiments we performed on an Aibo robot.
A camera flash based projector system for true scale metric reconstruction

Computer vision techniques have been applied for rapid and accurate structure recovery in many fields. Most methods perform poorly in areas containing little or no texture and in presence of repetitive patterns. We present a portable, cost-effective pattern projector system powered by the flash of a camera, to aid the reconstruction of such areas. No calibration is required between the camera-projector, projector-scene or pattern. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our system on various representative surfaces like metal, clay, porcelain and natural fibres with different inherent colors/textures. A pipeline is presented to automatically generate textured, true scale metric models, which can be used for quantitative studies or visualization. The practability of our system is explored in the specific area of digital archiving of historically significant objects.
Net use, care and repair practices following a universal distribution campaign in Mali

The Government of Mali and the President’s Malaria Initiative conducted a long-lasting, insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution campaign in April 2011 in the Sikasso region of Mali, with the aim of universal coverage, defined as one insecticide-treated net for every two persons. This study examines how households in post- and pre-campaign regions value and care for nets. The study was conducted in October 2012 in Sikasso and Kayes in the southeast and western regions of Mali, respectively. The regions were purposively selected to allow for comparison between areas that had already had a mass distribution campaign (Sikasso) and areas that had not yet had a mass distribution campaign (Kayes). Study sites and households were randomly selected. Sleeping space questionnaires and structured interviews with household heads were conducted to obtain information on net use, perceived value of free nets in relation to other malaria prevention activities, and net care and repair practices. The study included 40 households, split evenly across the two regions. Forty interviews were conducted with household heads and 151 sleeping spaces were inventoried using the sleeping space questionnaire. Nets obtained through the free distribution were reported to be highly valued in comparison to other malaria prevention strategies. Overall, net ownership and use were higher among households in areas that had already experienced a mass distribution. While participants reported using and valuing these nets, care and repair practices varied. National net use is high in Mali, and comparatively higher in the region covered by the universal distribution campaign than in the region not yet covered. While the Government of Mali and implementing partners have made strides to ensure high net coverage, some gaps remain related to communication messaging of correct and consistent net use throughout the year, and on improving net care and repair behaviour. By focusing on these areas as well as improved access to nets, coverage and use rates should continue to increase, contributing to improvements in malaria control.
The design of Optical Limiters Based on the Formation of Bipolaron-Like Dications

During the past decade, there has been considerable effort in the design of new materials with greatly enhanced nonlinear absorption characteristics. In recent years, it has been shown that incorporation of bipolaronic charges in the pi-electron sequence in conjugated polymers or copolymers leads to enhanced third-order nonlinear optical properties. In this current study a design strategy for the synthesis of optical power limiting copolymers is presented whose properties are based on the photogeneration of stable bipolaron-like dications.
Proton-coupled electron transfer in Fe-superoxide dismutase and Mn-superoxide dismutase.

Abstract Fe-containing superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) and MnSOD are widely assumed to employ the same catalytic mechanism. However this has not been completely tested. In 1985, Bull and Fee showed that FeSOD took up a proton upon reduction [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 107 (1985) 3295]. We now demonstrate that MnSOD incorporates the same crucial coupling between electron transfer and proton transfer. The redox-coupled H + acceptor has been presumed to be the coordinated solvent molecule, in both FeSOD and MnSOD, however this is very difficult to test experimentally. We have now examined the most plausible alternative: that Tyr34 accepts a proton upon SOD reduction. We report specific incorporation of 13 C in the C ζ positions of Tyr residues, assignment of the C ζ signal of Tyr34 in each of oxidized FeSOD and MnSOD, and direct NMR observations showing that in both cases, Tyr34 is in the neutral protonated state. Thus Tyr34 cannot accept a proton upon SOD reduction, and coordinated solvent is concluded to be the redox-coupled H + acceptor instead, in both FeSOD and MnSOD. We have also confirmed by direct 13 C observation that the p K of 8.5 of reduced FeSOD corresponds to deprotonation of Tyr34. This work thus provides experimental proof of important commonalities between the detailed mechanisms of FeSOD and MnSOD.
Systematic investigation of droplet generation at T-junctions

Droplet microfluidics has attracted much attention in recent years. For many droplet-based applications, researchers want to predict the size of the droplets in a certain experimental condition. To meet this need, van Steijn and colleagues proposed an elegant theoretical model that predicts the volume of droplets generated in a common channel configuration for forming a steady-state, continuous stream of droplets, the T-junction geometry. To determine the accuracy of this model in predicting droplet volume, we performed a systematic experimental study over two orders of magnitude in capillary number. We found that this model, albeit elegant, has a limited range of interfacial tension over which it can predict accurately the droplet volume. Our experimental results, together with fluid dynamic simulations, allowed us to highlight the importance of physical fluid properties when employing theoretical models.
Lava flows as kinematic waves

A recently proposed model for the emplacement of lava flows is reinterpreted as a kinematic wave theory for the depth of the flow. Explicit kinematic wave solutions and their properties are derived for three time-dependent boundary conditions of practical interest. These boundary conditions correspond to effusion rates that decrease, increase, and crest and broadly reflect types of eruption behavior documented in the geologic literature. Particular attention is given to the way source behavior propagates along the flow in relation to the advance of the flow itself.
Building Virtually Free Subject Area Expertise through Social Media: An Exploratory Study

Central to the ongoing success of the liaison model is the need for liaison librarians to stay informed and up-to-date about recent developments in the subject areas of their assigned academic departments and programs. This article describes an exploratory study conducted to determine whether information obtained from the social media accounts of discipline-based scholarly associations can be used by liaison librarians as a no-cost expedient method of staying informed and up-to-date. The results of the study provide insights into the disciplines and associations that are using social media, the social media platforms that associations are using, the quantity and type of information that associations are posting, and the potential for liaisons to use the information as a way of staying current in their assigned subject areas.
The complete guide to Sarbanes-Oxley

Turning 5 is a major milestone, whether one is talking about a child, a wedding anniversary, or a piece of legislation. As the Sarbanes-Oxley Act approaches age 5, it's appropriate to look back at how the Act has affected American businesses and also to look forward to assess future trends. After all, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act had the biggest impact on American business of any federal securities legislation since the New Deal. Understanding how Sarbanes-Oxley works and the demands it makes on corporations is especially critical for directors and managers of smaller public corporations. Until recently, the smallest public corporations have been partially insulated from the full costs of complying with the Act by Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission or SEC) rules deferring full application of SOX to such firms. The SEC has announced, however, that this limited regulatory relief will be coming to an end within the next two years. Accordingly, it appears that all public corporations will be required to fully comply Sarbanes-Oxley by 2008 at the latest. Managers and directors of small public corporations thus now face the same questions SOX has long posed for the largest companies: How do they comply with SOX? How does SOX affect relations within the firm? Should the company go private (a.k.a. "going dark") so as to avoid the need to comply with SOX. A practical guide to SOX basics thus could not be more timely. This is not a book for lawyers or accountants. I don't want you to get bogged down in legal or accounting technicalities. Rather, it is a non-technical, "plain English" guide for the managers and directors of the 13,000 or so thousand publicly held corporations subject to Sarbanes-Oxley, as well as the managers and directors of the thousands of large closely held corporations considering raising capital via an IPO, which would subject them to SOX, or otherwise facing market pressures to at least partially comply with SOX. The downloadable paper includes the Table of Comments and Chapter 1 of The Complete Guide to Sarbanes-Oxley.
Internet routing

Comprising an estimated 60,000 hosts, the DARPA Internet is the largest existing internet. This paper traces the routing information protocols used by Internet gateways to build routing tables that define the paths datagrams traverse as they travel between end systems. We articulate the weaknesses and limitations of the most commonly used routing protocols, including RIP, GGP, and HELLO and examine how the protocols interact with each other and with EGP. Finally, we trace the evolution of routing as the Internet has grown from a single backbone (ARPANET) to its present inclusion of the ARPANET, Milnet, and NSFnet cross-country networks.
Mechano-Responsive, Thermo-Reversible, Luminescent Organogels Derived from a Long-Chained, Naturally Occurring Fatty Acid

The gelating ability of an α-diketo derivative of oleic acid, 9,10-dioxooctadecanoic acid (DODA), is investigated. DODA can gelate aromatic liquids and many other organic liquids. By contrast, none of the liquids examined can be gelated by the methyl ester of DODA. DODA is a more efficient gelator than stearic acid and the monoketo derivative due to its more extensive intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions. Formation of organogels of DODA can be induced by both thermal and mechanical stimuli, during which the luminescent and mechanical properties can be modulated significantly. The emission from DODA in 1-octanol exhibits a large, reversible, hypsochromic shift (≈25 nm) between its thermally cycled gel and sol states. The emission changes have been exploited to probe the kinetics of the aggregation and deaggregation processes. DODA is the simplest gelator of which we are aware that exhibits a reversible shift in the emission. Although the self-assembled fibrillar networks of the DODA gels in 1-octanol, benzonitrile, or silicone oil are crystalline, isothermal mechanical cycling between the gel and the sol states is rapid and can be repeated several times (i.e., they are thixotropic). The single-crystal structure of DODA indicates that extended intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions are crucial to the thermal and mechanical formation of DODA gels and the consequential changes in emissive and mechanical properties. From analyses of structural information, gelator packing, and morphology differences, we hypothesize that the mechanical destruction and reformation of the gel networks involves interconversion between the 3D networks and 1D fiber bundles. The thermal processes allow the fibrillar 3D networks and their 0D components (i.e., isolated molecules or small aggregates of DODA) to be interconverted. These results describe a facile approach to the design of mechano-responsive, thermo-reversible gels with control over their emission wavelengths.
Performance analysis of typical flue gas waste heat recovery systems of large size coal-fired utility boilers

Installing flue gas waste heat recovery system is an effective way to save energy for large size coal-fired utility boilers.Compared performance of fours typical kinds of flue gas waste heat recovery systems,and calculated the economic performance of these flue gas waste heat recovery systems of a 200MW Unit using the equivalent enthalpy method and the theory of energy conservation.The results showed that traditional Low Pressure Economizer(LPE)had the highest energy level;and combined phase-changing heat exchanger flue gas waste heat recovery system had the highest cost performance.
A proposed method of premunizing cattle with minimum inocula of Anaplasma marginale.

SUMMARY Previous investigators have shown that only a very minute dose of Anaplasma marginale infected blood is necessary to produce anaplasmosis in a susceptible bovine. The authors summarize earlier data in which a 5 ml. dose of inoculated carrier blood produced a 72% mortality in mature Jersey cows. This data is compared with the current data in which Jersey cows and 18-month-old Herefords were inoculated from the same carrier with 1 ml. doses of blood diluted 10−2 (0.01 ml.) in normal bovine sera. In Jersey cows, without treatment, there was a 12½% mortality. Eighteen-month-old Herefords showed no mortality and little or no clinical symptoms. The authors propose that the “minimum dose” idea of premunizing cattle be tried in the field in areas where premunition is warranted.
Implications of Maximal Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics

Widespread use of antibiotics is accelerating the production of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.Resistance is primarily a genetic phenomenon, but environment is also important.Certain pathogenic bacteria have the genetic potential of mutation and may be troublesome to future generations of mankind. Studies on antibiotic-resistant bacteria indicate maximal limits of tolerance of commonly used antibiotics and of serial viability of bacterial cultures in relation to antibiotics.
OXYGEN TRANSFER IN THREE PHASE FLUIDIZED BEDS

ABSTRACT The mass transfer characteristics of three phase fluidized beds for the absorption of oxygen in water were investigated. Overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients were experimentally measured for various types of three phase fluidized beds and for an equivalent bubble column. Values of overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients were determined based on the dispersion model. Comparison of the experimental results shows that the mass transfer performance of the three phase fluidized beds studied is superior to that of the bubble column. The results also show that the mass transfer performance of three phase fluidized beds is highly dependent on the bed particle properties. Large particles of high density material produce the best fluidized bed mass transfer performance.
Diphosphine-bridged digold(I) compounds: Structural and computational studies on the aurophilic interaction in Au 2 Cl 2 (μ-bpcd) and Au 2 Cl 2 (μ-bmi)

Abstract The reaction of AuCl(tht) with the diphosphine donors 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) and 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)- N -phenylmaleimide (bmi) in a 2:1 stoichiometry affords the diphosphine-bridged digold(I) complexes Au 2 Cl 2 (bpcd) ( 1 ) and Au 2 Cl 2 (bmi) ( 2 ), respectively. 1 and 2 have been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR spectroscopy ( 1 H and 31 P), and the solid-state structures established by X-ray crystallography. The X-Au-Au-X (X = Cl, P) atoms in both Au 2 dimers exhibit a gauche-type (staggered) interaction based on a torsion angle of −54° for 1 (X = Cl) and −70° for 2 (X = Cl, mean angle for the two independent molecules). Each Au 2 product displays a weak aurophilic interaction based on a Au-Au internuclear distance on the order of 2.9 A. The bonding in 1 and 2 has been investigated by electronic structure calculations and the composition of the HOMO and LUMO levels determined in the case of 2 . The potential energy surface for the interconversion of 2 to an alternative staggered conformation has been computed, and this transformation takes place through an eclipsed transition structure. The preference for a structure that contains a staggered orientation of Cl-Au-Au-Cl and P-Au-Au-Cl atoms is discussed.