cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comment on “association between lithium biphenylide and biphenyl”

Abstract Our report in 1970 of association between lithium biphenylide and biphenyl in solution in methyltetrahydrofuran is incorrect. The phenomena which we observed arise through introduction of sodium into the solution by reaction with pyrex glass.
Fundamentals of analyses of processes

A number of popular restrictions on the range of validity of thermodynamics are reviewed and found to be invalid, and the separation into first law and second law analyses of a process is discussed and shown to be unjustifiable and misleading. As a result of these reviews and discussions, we conclude that: (i) we should stop claiming that we can perform first and second law analyses separately; (ii) in every process, we should use at least both the energy and entropy balances simultaneously; and (iii) we should recognize the dynamic character of thermodynamics and the need to include in our analyses states that are not thermodynamic equilibrium.
Phosphate and Modified Beef Connective Tissue Effects on Reduced Fat, High Water-added Frankfurters

The effects of acidic, neutral and alkaline phosphates and amounts of modified beef connective tissue (0, 10 or 20%) were determined on the characteristics of 20% fat/20% water-added frankfurters or 10% fat/30% water-added frankfurters. Processing yields were lowest in both formulations with acidic phosphate. Cured meat color intensity was higher with the acidic phosphate than with alkaline or neutral phosphates. Alkaline or neutral phosphate samples partially recovered losses in emulsion stability that had occurred due to connective tissue level. The additional of 20% connective tissue improved processing yields and decreased cohesiveness of 10% fat/30% water added frankfurters. Connective tissue addition had no effect on microbial stability. Acidic phosphates might be more effective in direct treatment of high collagen materials in a preblend rather than in direct addition into a frankfurter formulation.
Dynamics of double-barrier heterostructures with doped barriers

Abstract A time-dependent Schrodinger equation has been solved numerically for a double-barrier and a quantum-well resonant tunnelling structure, with special emphasis on the system where barriers are doped specially by negative delta-function potentials (δ-potentials) which broaden the widths of the resonances and in turn decrease the dwell times. The strengths of the delta functions can be such that they may form bound states in the barrier regions, but the states bound to the δ-potential are very shallow. For this study, the delta-function potentials are replaced by equivalent barriers of different heights and widths. It is found that for a certain strength of the δ-potential or parametric value of the equivalence barriers in the barriers of the resonant tunneling structure, there are three resonance states very close together. The square of the wavefunctions trapped in the well region for the states oscillate in time for a broad wavepacket in k-space, whereas the wavefunction trapped in the whole structure decays exponentially. The oscillating part resembles the quantum beats.
Spatially selective NMR with broad-band radiofrequency pulses

Abstract The problem of non-invasive spatial localization in NMR is approached by constructing a spatially selective composite pulse sequence and incorporating it into a recently developed difference scheme. The composite sequence described, which requires nine phase-shifted π pulses, functions only over a narrow range of radio-frequency (rf) field strengths while remaining effective over a broad range of resonance frequencies. Relying upon the field gradient of a surface coil to label regions in space by local rf amplitudes, the pulse inverts all nuclear spins at a selected distance from the coil across a broad range of chemical shifts. This approach will allow the observation of chemically shifted NMR signals from specific regions of a material or organism. Computer simulations are presented, and the method is demonstrated experimentally on a phantom sample using a surface coil.
Secondary doping: A new concept in conducting polymers

Phenomenologically, a primary dopant for a conducting polymer is a substance which drastically changes the electronic, optical, magnetic, and/or structural properties of the polymer and is accompanied by a large increase in conductivity. Phenomenologically, a secondary dopant is an apparently “inert” substance which, when applied to a primary-doped polymer, induces still further changes in the above properties including a further increase in conductivity. The concept of secondary doping will be illustrated using polyaniline and its derivatives.
Exploring the effects of pulsed ultrasound at 205 and 616 kHz on the sonochemical degradation of octylbenzene sulfonate

Compared to continuous wave (CW) ultrasound, pulsed wave (PW) ultrasound has been shown to result in enhanced sonochemical degradation of octylbenzene sulfonate (OBS). However, pulsed ultrasound was investigated under limited pulsing conditions. In this study, pulse-enhanced degradation of OBS was investigated over a broad range of pulsing conditions and at two ultrasonic frequencies (616 and 205 kHz). The rate of OBS degradation was compared to the rate of formation of 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid (HTA) following sonolysis of aqueous terephthalic acid (TA) solutions. This study shows that sonication mode and ultrasound frequency affect both OBS degradation and HTA formation rates, but not necessarily in the same way. Unlike TA, OBS, being a surface active solute, alters the cavitation bubble field by adsorbing to the gas/solution interface of cavitation bubbles. Enhanced OBS degradation rates during pulsing are attributed to this adsorption process. However, negative or smaller pulse enhancements compared to enhanced HTA formation rates are attributed to a decrease in the high-energy stable bubble population and a corresponding increase in the transient bubble population. Therefore, sonochemical activity as determined from TA sonolysis cannot be used as a measure of the effect of pulsing on the rate of degradation of surfactants in water. Over relatively long sonolysis times, a decrease in the rate of OBS degradation was observed under CW, but not under PW conditions. We propose that the generation and accumulation of surface active and volatile byproducts on the surface and inside of cavitation bubbles, respectively, during CW sonolysis is a contributing factor to this effect. This result suggests that there are practical applications to the use of pulsed ultrasound as a method to degrade surface active contaminants in water.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Induces Oxidative Stress and Activates Nuclear Transcription Factor-κB in Human Keratinocytes

Carbon nanotubes are now becoming an important material for use in day to day life because of their unique physical properties. The toxicological impact of these materials has not yet been studied in detail, thereby limiting their use. In the present study, the toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was assessed in human keratinocyte cells. The results show increased oxidative stress and inhibition of cell proliferation in response to treatment of keratinocytes with SWCNT particles. In addition, the signaling mechanism in keratinocytes upon exposure to SWCNT particles was investigated. Results from the study suggest that SWCNT particles activate NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner in human keratinocytes. Further, the mechanism of activation of NF-κB was due to the activation of stress-related kinases by SWCNT particles in keratinocytes. In conclusion, these studies show the mechanism of toxicity induced by SWCNT particles.
Effects of vaporization on debris cloud dynamics

Abstract Experimental techniques are discussed for studying the debris products produced by plane shock loading of specimens to final temperatures sufficient to cause vaporization. These techniques have been applied to a study of the shock-induced vaporization of cadmium. The expansion products produced by shock reflection from a free surface were studied by allowing the debris to stagnate against a time-resolved interferometer gauge that allowed measurement of the stagnation pressure history. The experimental results were modeled in one dimension with Eulerian and Lagrangian computer wave codes utilizing detailed equations of state for cadmium. These comparisons illustrate that vaporization of cadmium occurs under essentially equilibrium conditions and that good agreement with experimental results is obtained under the assumption of instantaneous vaporization. Another observation is that the vapor expansion appears to be a centered expansion wave, with a density distribution differing from the computer calculation.
Enhanced transient reactivity of an O-sputtered Au(111) surface

The interaction of SO{sub 2} with oxygen-sputtered Au(111) surfaces ({theta}{sub oxygen} {le} 0.35 ML) was studied by monitoring the oxygen and sulfur coverages as a function of SO{sub 2} exposure. Two reaction regimes were observed: oxygen depletion followed by sulfur deposition. An enhanced, transient sulfur deposition rate is observed at the oxygen depletion point. This effect is specifically pronounced if the Au surface is continuously exposed to SO{sub 2}. The enhanced reactivity towards S deposition seems to be linked to the presence of highly reactive, under-coordinated Au atoms. Adsorbed oxygen appears to stabilize, but also to block these sites. In absence of the stabilization effect of adsorbed oxygen, i.e. at the oxygen depletion point, the enhanced reactivity decays on a timescale of a few minutes. These observations shed a new light on the catalytic reactivity of highly dispersed gold nanoparticles.
TNF superfamily member TWEAK exacerbates inflammation and demyelination in the cuprizone-induced model

Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathology of multiple neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis. We examined the role of the TNF family member TWEAK in neuroinflammation. Cuprizone-fed mice undergo neuroinflammation and demyelination in the brain, but upon removal of cuprizone from the diet, inflammation is resolved and remyelination occurs. Using this model, we demonstrate that mice lacking TWEAK exhibit a significant delay in demyelination and microglial infiltration. During remyelination, mice lacking the TWEAK gene demonstrate only a marginal delay in remyelination. Thus, this study identifies a primary role of TWEAK in promoting neuroinflammation and exacerbating demyelination during cuprizone-induced damage.
The influence of seasonality and species effects on surface fine roots and nodulation in tropical legume tree plantations

Fine roots comprise a dynamic carbon pool in forests. Legumes, widespread in the tropics, have a specialized strategy of nitrogen acquisition. However, the belowground dynamics of this group are poorly understood. We studied the seasonal and spatial variation in surface fine root mass (FRM) and nodulation over 2 years in plantations of four legume species (Dalbergia retusa, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Gliricidia sepium, Leptolobium panamense) in a dry forest in Costa Rica. We measured soil moisture, FRM, and nodule mass at 2 soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm) and at 2 distances from the tree bole (1 and 2 m). Mean FRM per species ranged from 10 to 17 g m−2 during the dry season to 86–116 g m−2 the following wet season. Species differed in belowground foraging strategies: G. sepium and L. panamense had ~41 % more roots in the surface layer, but in D. retusa plantations, 44.3 % more roots were in the deeper layer. In G. sepium and L. panamense, nodulation fluctuated seasonally, while the other species did not nodulate. FRM varied in synchrony with rainfall and responded to interannual precipitation anomalies. Thus, FRM is a sensitive component of the forest carbon pool, vulnerable to shifts in species composition and climate regimes.
Test research on effects of waste ceramic polishing powder on the permeability resistance of concrete

Waste ceramic polishing powder, as a type of waste common in the ceramic industry, is produced during grinding and polishing of ceramic tiles. In this paper, waste ceramic polishing powder, as a supplementary cementitious material, was used for the preparation of concrete. With the aid of tests, this paper discusses the effects of waste ceramic polishing powder on the permeability resistance of concrete. In this study, 12 groups of concrete were designed, including one control group; four groups of concrete mixed with waste ceramic polishing powder; four groups of concrete mixed with fly ash; three groups of concrete mixed with waste ceramic polishing powder and fly ash simultaneously, and the cement substitution rate in each group were different. Tests showed that the permeability resistance of the concrete mixed with waste ceramic polishing powder is superior to that of the control group, and in particular, the most desirable permeability resistance is achieved when the cement substitution rate is 30 %; with the difference in the cement substitution rate, the permeability resistance of the concrete mixed with waste ceramic polishing powder varies similarly to that of the concrete mixed with fly ash; the permeability resistance of the concrete mixed with waste ceramic polishing powder and fly ash simultaneously is superior to that of the concrete mixed with either.
Situation awareness using heterogeneous models

Maintaining situation awareness is a fundamental yet challenging task. In many domains, it's not the lack of data that complicates this task. Instead, the challenge is that relevant information is oftentimes obscured by the shear volume of available data, data that in some cases is incomplete or incorrect. For such domains, it may be difficult to quickly identify and adjudicate relevant information from the volume of available data. Helping analysts sift through the noise to find relevant data and to then help them interpret the implications of these data is one of the goals of the research described in this paper. In this paper, we describe two complimentary modeling approaches aimed at supporting situation awareness. Specifically, normalcy models are used to automatically identify anomalous situations that may merit analyst investigation (for example, detection of unusual airline flight patterns). Suitable for domains with uncertain data, the second modeling approach involves the discovery and use of fuzzy event-based models supporting predictive course-of-action (COA) identification and assessment. Using these models, observation data is automatically fused against COA models, allowing analysts to quickly identify and interpret unfolding complex activities. This paper presents an overview of these two types of models and briefly describes how machine learning technology is used to support rapid development and adaptation of these models.
Coexisting cummingtonite and aluminous hornblende from garnet amphibolite, Boehls Butte area, Idaho, USA☆

Abstract Electron microprobe analyses of green hornblende and coexisting cummingtonite from garnet amphibolite show identical Fe/Mg ratios ( = 0.9). Cummingtonite is iron-magnesium silicate with very little calcium and aluminum and practically no alkalies. In contrast, the hornblende has 1.5 tetrahedral Al, 0.9 octahedral Al and a considerable amount of Ca and alkalies. Comparison with the hornblendes from the Sierra Nevada shows a higher relative amount of tschemakite molecule in the hornblendes from Idaho where pressures during the recrystallization were higher.
Differentiating variables that predict positive angiograms in gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Purpose Nuclear medicine tagged red blood cell (NM RBC) studies are frequently performed prior to catheter angiography for detection and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding. Given the relatively higher sensitivity of nuclear scintigraphy, prescreening prior to catheter angiography would be useful. Here, we retrospectively determined useful predictors for catheter angiography GI bleed detection. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed with patients whom had both a positive NM RBC study and a catheter angiogram for the evaluation of GI bleeding. Each study was evaluated for time elapsed before positive NM RBC study (NM RBC Time) and before performance of catheter angiogram (CA Time). In addition, clinical variables including severity of bleed, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) status, cardiovascular vital signs, changes in hemoglobin/hematocrit (H/H), and transfusion status were evaluated. Simple t-tests were used to identify differentiating variables, which were then incorporated into predictive discriminant functions. Results 95 studies were derived from 85 patients. 30/95 were positive on CA for GI bleed (80% colon; 20% small bowel). There was no bias on the outcome of the catheter angiography for gender (p=0.66) or age (p=0.19). NM RBC time correlated negatively with a positive catheter angiogram (p=0.03) with 93% becoming positive within 60 minutes. Similarly CA time was also negatively correlated (p=0.02) with 90% of the positive CA performed by 8 hours. Clinical factors at the time of referral including ICU admission (p=0.1), number of transfusions (p=0.15), laboratory values such as change in H/H (p=0.25), and vital signs including hypotension (p=0.48) and tachycardia (p=0.18) did not differentiate CA outcome. Discriminant functions involving 5 differentiating variables were able to successfully predict CA outcomes 79% of the time: 1) severity of hemorrhage 2) NM RBC Time, 3) hemoglobin, 4) heart rate at time of referral, and 5) difference in heart rate from the patient’s baseline. Conclusion Statistically significant predictors for positive CA are routinely available at time of consultation. They include prompt NM RBC Time and prompt performance of CA.
Effect of FTO Gene and Physical Activity Interaction on Trunk Fat Percentage Among the Newfoundland Population

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of FTO gene and physical activity interaction on trunk fat percentage. DESIGN AND METHODS: Subjects are 3,004 individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador whose trunk fat percentage and physical activity were recorded, and who were genotyped for 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FTO gene. Subjects were stratified by gender. Multiple tests and multiple regressions were used to analyze the effects of physical activity, variants of FTO, age, and their interactions on trunk fat percentage. Dietary information and other environmental factors were not considered. RESULTS: Higher levels of physical activity tend to reduce trunk fat percentage in all individuals. Furthermore, in males, rs9939609 and rs1421085 were significant (α = 0.05) in explaining central body fat, but no SNPs were significant in females. For highly active males, trunk fat percentage varied significantly between variants of rs9939609 and rs1421085, but there is no significant effect among individuals with low activity. The other SNPs examined were not significant in explaining trunk fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS: Homozygous male carriers of non-obesity risk alleles at rs9939609 and rs1421085 will have significant reduction in central body fat from physical activity in contrast to homozygous males of the obesity-risk alleles. The additive effect of these SNPs is found in males with high physical activity only.
Growth and ultrastructure of Arabidopsis root hairs: the rhd3 mutation alters vacuole enlargement and tip growth

The root hairs of plants are tubular projections of root epidermal cells and are suitable for investigating the control of cellular morphogenesis. In wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh, growing root hairs were found to exhibit cellular expansion limited to the apical end of the cell, a polarized distribution of organelles in the cytoplasm, and vesicles of several types located near the growing tip. The rhd3 mutant produces short and wavy root hairs with an average volume less than one-third of the wild-type hairs, indicating abnormal cell expansion. The mutant hairs display a striking reduction in vacuole size and a corresponding increase in the relative proportion of cytoplasm throughout hair development. Beadlabeling experiments and ultrastructural analyses indicate that the wavy-hair phenotype of the mutant is caused by asymmetric tip growth, possibly due to abnormally distributed vesicles in cortical areas flanking the hair tips. It is suggested that a major effect of the rhd3 mutation is to inhibit vacuole enlargement which normally accompanies root hair cell expansion.
New Genera and Species of the Phyline Plant Bugs from Thailand (Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae)

Abstract Three new genera of the plant bug subfamily Phylinae are established. Each genus is described to accommodate single undescribed species found in central Thailand. Randallopsallus paracastaneae, Brendaphylus soloccidens, and Ellacapsus sensibilis are diagnosed and described. Habitus images of live individuals are provided for all species. These taxa are placed in the tribe Phylini.
Syntheses and characterization on nickel group complexes of two new 1,2-dithiolenes containing the tetrathioethylene unit

Abstract The synthesis of the 1,2-dithiolene dianion, (bis(methylthio)-1,2-dithiolate: MTDT2−) along with bis complexes with Ni(III). Pd(III) and Pt(III) are reported. In addition, the syntheses of the Pt(III) and Pd(III) complexes of a second 1,2-dithiolene (5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate: DDDT2−) which also contains the tetrathioethylene unit are reported. The reduced, M(II), complexes can also be isolated in an air free environment. Cyclic voltammetric data for each complex were typical of ‘dithiolenes’. These data allowed the authors to determine a stability order for 1,2-dithiolene complexes for both M(II) and M(III) oxidation states. ESR data were obtained for all new M(III) complexes. A rhombic symmetry was evident from the presence of three well defined g values in frozen glass spectra. We were able to utilize the Maki approach to determine the ground state electronic configurations for the Ni(III) and Pd(III) complexes. Those results support a dyz HOMO for both Ni(III)L22− and Pd(III)L2−. Comparison of the Pt(III) data with that for other Pt(III) dithiolenes suggest a 2B2g ground state.
Characterizing Liquid Redistribution in a Biphasic Vibrating Vocal Fold Using Finite Element Analysis

Summary Objectives Vocal fold tissue is biphasic and consists of a solid extracellular matrix skeleton swelled with interstitial fluid. Interactions between the liquid and solid impact the material properties and stress response of the tissue. The objective of this study was to model the movement of liquid during vocal fold vibration and to estimate the volume of liquid accumulation and stress experienced by the tissue near the anterior-posterior midline, where benign lesions are observed to form. Methods A three-dimensional biphasic finite element model of a single vocal fold was built to solve for the liquid velocity, pore pressure, and von Mises stress during and just after vibration using the commercial finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics (Version 4.3a, 2013, Structural Mechanics and Subsurface Flow Modules). Vibration was induced by applying direct load pressures to the subglottal and intraglottal surfaces. Pressure ranges, frequency, and material parameters were chosen based on those reported in the literature. Postprocessing included liquid velocity, pore pressure, and von Mises stress calculations as well as the frequency-stress and amplitude-stress relationships. Results Resulting time-averaged velocity vectors during vibration indicated liquid movement toward the midline of the fold, as well as upward movement in the inferior-superior direction. Pore pressure and von Misses stresses were higher in this region just after vibration. A linear relationship was found between the amplitude and pore pressure, whereas a nonlinear relationship was found between the frequency and pore pressure. Conclusions Although this study had certain computational simplifications, it is the first biphasic finite element model to use a realistic geometry and demonstrate the ability to characterize liquid movement due to vibration. Results indicate that there is a significant amount of liquid that accumulates at the midline; however, the role of this accumulation still requires investigation. Further investigation of these mechanical factors may lend insight into the mechanism of benign lesion formation.
The mean squared error of Geweke and Porter‐Hudak's estimator of the memory parameter of a long‐memory time series

We establish some asymptotic properties of a log-periodogram regression estimator for the memory parameter of a long-memory time series. We consider the estimator originally proposed by Geweke and Porter-Hudak (The estimation and application of long memory time series models. Journal of Time Ser. Anal. 4 (1983), 221–37). In particular, we do not omit any of the low frequency periodogram ordinates from the regression. We derive expressions for the estimator's asymptotic bias, variance and mean squared error as functions of the number of periodogram ordinates, m, used in the regression. Consistency of the estimator is obtained as long as m∞ and n∞ with (m log m)/n 0, where n is the sample size. Under these and the additional conditions assumed in this paper, the optimal m, minimizing the mean squared error, is of order O(n4/5). We also establish the asymptotic normality of the estimator. In a simulation study, we assess the accuracy of our asymptotic theory on mean squared error for finite sample sizes. One finding is that the choice m = n1/2, originally suggested by Geweke and Porter-Hudak (1983), can lead to performance which is markedly inferior to that of the optimal choice, even in reasonably small samples.
Evolution of polymer blend morphology during compounding in a twin-screw extruder

Abstract The evolution of blend morphology during compounding in a twin-screw extruder was investigated, putting emphasis on the effects of viscosity ratio, blend composition, and processing variables (barrel temperature profile and screw speed). For the study, we employed the following four blend systems: (i) polystyrene (PS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), (ii) PS/polycarbonate (PC), (iii) PS/high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and (iv) PS/polypropylene (PP). The choice of the above four blend systems was based on the difference in the melting temperature ( T m ) of a crystalline polymer and the critical flow temperature ( T cf ) of an amorphous polymer. Here T cf is defined to be approximately 55°C above the glass transition temperature ( T g ) and an amorphous polymer may be considered to flow at T ≥ T cf . The viscosities of the five polymers (PS, PMMA, PC, HDPE, and PP) chosen for melt blending were measured over a wide range of temperatures at shear rates ranging from 0.001 to 1000 s −1 . We conducted a ‘screw pullout’ experiment to investigate the evolution of blend morphology, determined by transmission or scanning electron microscopy, along the extruder axis. We found that the initial blend morphology depends very much on the difference in T cf or T m between the constituent components and, also, on the viscosities of the constituent components. We observed that a co-continuous morphology was formed at the front end of the extruder, which then transformed into a dispersed morphology towards the end of the extruder. We found that the blend ratio determined the state of dispersion for asymmetric blend compositions and the viscosity ratio determined the state of dispersion for the symmetric blend composition.
A history of the population attributable fraction and related measures.

Abstract Purpose Since Doll published the first PAF in 1951, it has been a mainstay. Confusion in terminology abounds with regard to these measures. The ability to estimate all of them in case-control studies as well as in cohort studies is not widely appreciated. Methods This article reviews and comments on the historical development of the population attributable fraction (PAF), the exposed attributable fraction (EAF), the rate difference (ID), the population rate (or incidence) difference (PID), and the caseload difference (CD). Results The desire for PAFs to sum to no more than 100% and the interpretation of the complement of a PAF as the proportion of a rate that can be attributed to other causes are shown to stem from the same problem: a failure to recognize the pervasiveness of shared etiologic responsibility among causes. A lack of appreciation that “expected” numbers of cases and deaths are not actually the numbers to be expected when an exposure or intervention appreciably affects person-time denominators for rates, as in the case of smoking and nonnormal body mass, makes many CD estimates inflated. A movement may be gaining momentum to shift away from assuming, often unrealistically, the complete elimination of harmful exposures and toward estimating the effects of realistic interventions. This movement could culminate in a merger of the academic concept of transportability with the applied discipline of risk assessment. Conclusions A suggestion is offered to pay more attention to absolute measures such as the rate difference, the population rate difference, and the CD, when the latter can be validly estimated and less attention to proportional measures such as the EAF and PAF.
Impaired specific antibody response and increased B-cell population in transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy

Background Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) is a heterogeneous disorder with poorly understood pathophysiology. Objectives To better characterize THI and improve understanding of its pathophysiology. Methods Twenty-four children with hypogammaglobulinemia defined by an IgG level less than 2 SDs below the mean on 2 occasions, who did not have other immunologic diagnoses, were followed and retrospectively reviewed. Results The average z-score for IgG level at presentation was −2.4 (mean age, 12 months; median age, 8 months), with a mean level of 254 mg/dL. Thirteen of 24 patients had IgA levels less than 2 SDs below the mean, 5 had IgM levels less than 2 SDs below the mean, and 7 of 23 had elevated IgE levels. Eighteen were followed up until their IgG levels normalized (mean age, 27 months; median age, 23 months), with 12 of 18 normalizing by 24 months and the remainder by 59 months. There was a significant association between presenting IgG z-score and duration of disease ( P = .05). Five of the 18 patients had absolute CD19 + B-cell counts greater than the 95% percentile for age ( P + B-cell count across all patients were greater than those of the age-matched controls ( P = .02). Most patients had nonprotective titers to Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, and one third had nonprotective titers to tetanus vaccine. Twenty patients carried at least one atopic diagnosis, and 13 of those had recurrent wheezing. Conclusions THI is associated with a number of immunologic abnormalities beyond just hypogammaglobulinemia. These abnormalities include impaired specific antibody responses and increased proportions of CD19 + B cells and may be suggestive of particular immunologic mechanisms that result in hypogammaglobulinemia.
Comparison of lab, pilot, and industrial scale low consistency mechanical refining for improvements in enzymatic digestibility of pretreated hardwood

Mechanical refining has been shown to improve biomass enzymatic digestibility. In this study industrial high-yield sodium carbonate hardwood pulp was subjected to lab, pilot and industrial refining to determine if the mechanical refining improves the enzymatic hydrolysis sugar conversion efficiency differently at different refining scales. Lab, pilot and industrial refining increased the biomass digestibility for lignocellulosic biomass relative to the unrefined material. The sugar conversion was increased from 36% to 65% at 5 FPU/g of biomass with industrial refining at 67.0 kWh/t, which was more energy efficient than lab and pilot scale refining. There is a maximum in the sugar conversion with respect to the amount of refining energy. Water retention value is a good predictor of improvements in sugar conversion for a given fiber source and composition. Improvements in biomass digestibility with refining due to lab, pilot plant and industrial refining were similar with respect to water retention value.
The economic impact of methane generation on dairy farms. A micro-analytic model

Abstract The object of this paper is to perform an analysis of the economic efficiency of methane generation on a typical 65-cow dairy farm, juxtaposed against prices and costs of auxiliary energy supplied by rural electrification. The most efficiently sized methane generation option examined is the use of methane to fuel a 30 kW generator with sales of surplus energy fed back to the utility. Whereas this option is still more expensive than present prices for electricity, this would not be the case under assumptions of escalations in relative fuel prices. On an individual farm basis, the economy is made better off by methane generation under this option by $195 per year, assuming electricity is priced at its marginal opportunity costs. The utility would incur $734 in revenue losses, but this figure represents the commensurate decrease in utility capacity and fuel. The merits of setting electricity tariffs equal to marginal costs are evidently part of the incentive for farmers to install this option. Given several scenarios of differently sized methane generators, the utility would promote the smallest facility for the farm, which in turn may be the least efficacious for the economy as a whole. This may conflict with national efficiency criteria so, therefore, regulation at the interface between the farmer and utility would have to be exercised.
Doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films: Thermal, electromagnetical and morphological analysis

Abstract Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films were obtained by anodic oxidation of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene. Thermal studies show that films are stable upto 150 °C; complete decomposition occurs above 390 °C. DC conductivity measurmetns show that the best samples have a resistivity ratio
Activation of Integrated Provirus Requires Histone Acetyltransferase p300 AND P/CAF ARE COACTIVATORS FOR HIV-1 Tat

A unique aspect of the retrovirus life cycle is the obligatory integration of the provirus into host cell chromosomes. Unlike viruses that do not integrate, retroviruses must conserve an ability to activate transcription from a chromatin context. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 encodes an unusual and an unusually potent transcriptional transactivator, Tat, which binds to a nascent viral leader RNA, TAR. The action of Tat has been well studied in various reductive model systems; however, the physiological mechanism through which Tat gains access to chromatin-associated proviral long terminal repeats (LTRs) is not understood. We show here that a nuclear histone acetyltransferase activity associates with Tat. Intracellularly, we found that Tat forms a ternary complex with p300 and P/CAF, two histone acetyltransferases (HATs). A murine cell defect in Tat transactivation of the HIV-1 LTR was linked to the reduced abundance of p300 and P/CAF. Thus, overexpression of p300 and P/CAF reconstituted Tat transactivation of the HIV-1 LTR in NIH3T3 cells to a level similar to that observed for human cells. By using transdominant p300 or P/CAF mutants that lack enzymatic activity, we delineated a requirement for the HAT component from the latter but not the former in Tat function. Finally, we observed that Tat-associated HAT is preferentially important for transactivation of integrated, but not unintegrated, HIV-1 LTR.
Comparison of MRI- and CT-based post-implant dosimetric analysis of transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy†

The purpose of this work was to investigate how a recently developed MRI-based post-implant dosimetric analysis technique for ultrasound guided transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy (TIPPB) compared with the currently accepted CT-based technique. The study was based upon 3-mm MRI and CT scans of 15 patients who had received either 125I or 103Pd implantation. All images were acquired on post-operative day 1 and within 1 hr of each other. Prostate volumes were determined by the same physician. Sources were digitized and calculations performed using an in-house treatment planning system with a nearest neighbor seed sorting routine and AAPM TG43 formalism. Prostate volume, geometric source distribution spread (rcom), dose volume histogram (DVH), and tumor control probability (TCP) calculations were performed from both image sets. Differences in source localization were evaluated by comparing source spread and prescription isodose volumes. Differences in dosimetric analysis were evaluated through prostate-specific DVH and TCP comparisons. Prostate volume as determined from MRI was larger than that of CT by an average of +9.1% (R = 0.70). Calculated rcom was smaller by an average of −0.9 mm (R = 0.81) . Isodose volumes at 80, 90, 100, and 150% of the prescription dose differed by an average of +2.5, +2.9, −2.9, and +4.8%, respectively (R = 0.97, 0.98, 0.98, and 0.91). Percentage volume of the prostate encompassed by 80, 100, and 150% of the prescription dose differed by an average of −0.9, −0.9, and −0.1%, respectively (R = 0.34, 0.35, and 0.35). TCP differed by an average of −0.8% (R = 0.37). The results of this study further support our initial findings that MRI may be used to reliably localize the implanted sources for TIPPB. This study also demonstrated that MRI-based post-implant dosimetric analysis is possible. However, it is evident that differences in prostate localization from MRI to CT can result in significantly different assessments of prostate volume coverage. There is clearly a need to further quantify the differences between these two imaging modalities in this application and address whether greater accuracy in describing the dose-volume relationship based on improvements in visualization of the prostate gland from MRI will translate into improved correlation with treatment outcome. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 6:90–96, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Broadly tunable mid-infrared femtosecond optical parametric oscillator using all-solid-state-pumped periodically poled lithium niobate

We describe a high-repetition-rate femtosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO) that was broadly tunable in the mid infrared. The all-solid-state-pumped OPO was based on quasi-phase matching in periodically poled lithium niobate. The idler was tunable from approximately 1.7 µm to beyond 5.4 µm, with maximum average power levels greater than 200 mW and more than 20 mW of average power at 5.4 µm. We used interferometric autocorrelation to characterize the mid-infrared idler pulses, which typically had durations of 125 fs. This OPO had a pumping threshold as low as 65 mW of average pump power, a maximum conversion efficiency of >35% into the near-infrared signal, a slope efficiency for the signal of approximately 60%, and a maximum pump depletion of more than 85%.
Synthesis of Medium Ring Nitrogen Heterocycles via a Tandem Copper-Catalyzed C−N Bond Formation−Ring-Expansion Process

A simple method for the preparation of medium ring heterocycles (7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-membered) has been developed. The process employs a Cu-catalyzed coupling of a β-lactam with an aryl bromide or i...
Rate constants for the reaction of (sP) atoms with SO2 (M = N2O) over the temperature range 299–392 K

Abstract Third order rate constants have been determined for the reaction O + SO2 + N2O → SO3 + N2O over the temperature range 299–392 K using a modulation technique. The Arrhenius expression obtained is k2N2O = 3.32 × 1010 exp[−(2000±400)/RT] liter2 mole−2 s−1. This temperature dependence is in good agreement with recent flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence measurements using N2 as a third body.
The 4-[N-Methyl-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)amino]butyl Group as an Alternative to the 2-Cyanoethyl Group for Phosphate Protection in the Synthesis of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides

The 4-[N-methyl-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)amino]butyl group for phosphate protection in the synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides has been developed to completely prevent nucleobase alkylation by acrylonitrile that could potentially occur upon deprotection of the traditional 2-cyanoethyl phosphate protecting group. The properties of this new phosphate protecting group were evaluated using the model phosphotriester 9. The mechanism of phosphate deprotection was studied by treating 9 with concentrated NH4OH. NMR analysis of the deprotection reaction demonstrated that cleavage of the N-trifluoroacetyl group is rate-limiting. The resulting phosphotriester intermediate 13 was also shown to undergo rapid cyclodeesterification to produce O,O-diethyl phosphate 15 and N-methylpyrrolidine 16 (Scheme 2). Given the facile removal of the 4-[N-methyl-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)amino]butyl phosphate protecting group under mild basic conditions, its utilization in oligonucleotide synthesis began with the preparation of the...
Urinary tract injuries during laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy: Causes and prevention☆☆☆*

Two patients who had urinary fistulas after laparoscopic hysterectomy are described. In both cases the ureters were dissected free and the uterus was freed laparoscopically. Injury to the urinary tract occurred during transvaginal closure of the vaginal cuff. Preventative strategies are discussed.
Physical Activity Levels during Adventure-Physical Education Lessons.

Adventure-physical education has been proposed to promote adolescents’ physical development, but little is known about physical activity levels during such lessons. Using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time, we observed students’ (ages 11–14 years) physical activity levels in co-educational classes during 43 adventure-physical education lessons at seven public schools. The mean percentage (±SD) of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 28.3% (±16.3%). The greatest percentage of lesson time was spent in two activities—high elements (24.1% ± 36.5%) and initiatives (22.3% ± 32.4%). When data were aggregated across all lessons, 40.0% of the time in high elements and 13.7% of the time in initiatives was spent in MVPA. Of all MVPA time, 31.5% occurred in high elements and another 12.6% in initiatives. Compared with traditional physical education lessons, less time is spent in MVPA during adventure lessons. Efforts to increase MVPA should target high elements and initiative...
Modular Design and Option Value: The Impact of System Architecture on Developer Productivity

How do system design decisions affect the ability of the system to adapt to uncertain future demands? While a variety of studies explore the link between a system’s design and its technical perform...
Investigation of Tumor Angiogenesis in an Id Mouse Model: Role of Host-Tumor Interactions

The role of host-tumor interactions in tumor angiogenesis was studied in an id mouse model. Although many previous studies have described the effects of certain host factors (age, nutritional status, tumor location, etc.) on experimental tumor systems, the effects of these factors on tumor angiogenesis have not been reported. In preliminary studies we inoculated cloned tumor cells id into syngeneic mice and found positional differences in tumor growth that did not correlate with measured angiogenesis levels. In addition, while tumor growth was inhibited by radiation, tumor-induced (but not fibroblast-induced) angiogenesis was not. This id system may provide an assay not only for examining the effect of host factors on tumor angiogenesis, but also for elucidation of the mechanisms underlying neovascular induction and host response.
Automatic optimism: Biased use of base rate information for positive and negative events

Abstract People generally judge that positive events will occur in their lives and negative events will not, even when both events have the same objective likelihood to occur. In four studies, we examined the possibility that this optimistic bias is the result of people’s automatic affective reactions to future events. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate, in two different contexts, that people are consistently optimistic in their predictions, despite identical base rates for positive and negative events. In Study 2, optimistic bias was not influenced by incentives for motivated reasoning or rewards for accuracy, suggesting that bias was the result of automatic processes. Studies 3 and 4 showed that optimistic bias was more pronounced when predictions were speeded and when participants made predictions after exposure to affectively valenced words. Together, these findings suggest that people optimistically interpret base rates and that this optimism is due to an effortless affective process.
Exact probabilities for contingency tables using binomial coefficients

The use of binomial coefficients in place of factorials to shorten the calculation of exact probabilities for 2 × 2 and 2 ×r contingency tables is discussed. A useful set of inequalities for estimating the cumulative probabilities in the tail of the distribution from the probability of a single table is given. A table of binomial coefficients with four significant places andn through 60 is provided.
Olive and Silk respond.

The authors defend their claim that the decay of gravitinos would make a significant contribution to the cosmic gamma radiation spectra near 1 Mev. (AIP)
Are we alone? Stories from the frontline of Kepler's search for Earth's twin (Presentation Video)

Kepler vaulted into the heavens on March 7, 2009, initiating NASA’s search for Earth-size planets orbiting Sun-like stars in the habitable zone, where liquid water could exist on the planetary surface and support alien biology. Never before has there been a photometer capable of reaching a precision near 20 ppm in 6.5 hours while conducting nearly continuous and uninterrupted observations for several years. The flood of exquisite photometric data over the last 4 years on 190,000+ stars has provoked a watershed of results. Over 2,700+ candidate planets have been identified of which an astounding 1171 orbit 467 stars. Over 120+ planets have confirmed or validated and the data have also led to a resounding revolution in asteroseismology. Recent discoveries include Kepler-62 with 5 planets total of which 2 are in the habitable zone, and are 1.4 and 1.7 times the radius of the Earth. Designing and building the Kepler photometer and the software systems that process and analyze the resulting data presented a daunting set of challenges, including how to manage the large data volume, how to detect miniscule transit signatures against stellar variability and instrumental effects, and how to review hundreds of diagnostics produced for each of ~20,000 candidate transit signatures. The challenges continue into flight operations, as the photometer and spacecraft have experienced aging and changes in hardware performance over the course of time. The success of Kepler sets the stage for TESS, NASA’s next mission to detect Earth’s closest cousins.