cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal ion analysis in contaminated water samples using anodic stripping voltammetry and a nanocrystalline diamond thin-film electrode

Abstract Boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond thin-film electrodes were employed for the detection and quantification of Ag (I), Cu (II), Pb (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II) in several contaminated water samples using anodic stripping voltammetric (ASV). Diamond is an alternate electrode that possesses many of the same attributes as Hg and, therefore, appears to be a viable material for this electroanalytical measurement. The nanocrystalline form has been found to perform slightly better than the more conventional microcrystalline form of diamond in this application. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPASV) was used to detect these metal ions in lake water, well water, tap water, wastewater treatment sludge, and soil. The electrochemical results were compared with data from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) and or atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) measurements of the same samples. Diamond is shown to function well in this electroanalytical application, providing a wide linear dynamic range, a low limit of quantitation, excellent response precision, and good response accuracy. For the analysis of Pb (II), bare diamond provided a response nearly identical to that obtained with a Hg-coated glassy carbon electrode.
SH2 and PTB domains in tyrosine kinase signaling

Intracellular signaling pathways that involve protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are critical for the control of most cellular processes. Dysfunctions in PTKs, or in the signaling pathways that they regulate, result in a variety of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, immune deficiency, and many others. SH2 (Src homology region 2) and PTB (phosphotyrosine-binding) domains are small protein modules that mediate protein-protein interactions involved in many signal transduction pathways. Both domains were initially identified as modules that recognize phosphorylated tyrosines in receptor tyrosine kinases and other signaling proteins. Subsequent studies have shown that, while binding of SH2 domains to their target proteins is strictly regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, most PTB domains actually bind to their (nonphosphorylated) targets constitutively. The functions of SH2 and PTB domains include targeting of their host proteins to different cellular compartments, assembly of key components of signaling pathways in response to extracellular signals, and the control of autoinhibition, activation and dimerization of their host proteins. The information flow from the cell surface to different cellular compartments to regulate the cell cycle, cell shape and movement, cell proliferation, differentiation and cell survival are all controlled in part by SH2 and PTB domains that can recognize phosphotyrosine or particular amino acid sequence motifs in a wide variety of target molecules.
Experimental Studies of Transverse Stress Effects on the Critical Current of a Sub-Sized ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Superconducting Cable

Large superconducting magnets will play a central role in the success of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and for the future of fusion energy. Cable-in-conduit conductors (CICC) will be used for the ITER magnets. As a CICC is energized, electromagnetic forces accumulate across the conductor, pressing strands transversely against one side of the conduit. We have developed a device to study the effect of transverse stress on a sub-sized cable using a mechanical load that simulates the Lorentz loads in the ITER Central Solenoid conductor. The test sample is a single turn (about 110 mm diameter) circular cable composed of 36 superconducting strands (cabling pattern of 3 x 3 x 4 ). The transverse stress is applied to the cable using a conical wedge that converts a vertical force into a radial (transverse) force. The vertical force is provided by a linear actuator. The stress on the cable is measured using two independent techniques: (1) strain gages applied directly to the ring where the cable is located and (2) a load cell located outside the cryostat. The device was successfully tested using a 20T, 190 mm bore Bitter magnet at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), FSU, and a first series of tests were carried out showing a degradation of the critical current as a function of transverse stress. The maximum transverse stress was 100 MPa, for which the cable critical current degraded to roughly 30% of its initial value.
High-Lift Optimization Design Using Neural Networks on a Multi-Element Airfoil

Roxana M. GreenmanAerospace EngineerNASA Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California 94035-1000, U. S. A.Tel: 650-604-3997, Fax: 650-604-2238E-mail: rgreenman@mail.arc.nasa.govKarlin R. RothAerospace EngineerNASA Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California 94035-1000, U. S. A.Tel: 650-604-6678, Fax: 650-604-2238E-mail: kroth@mail.arc.nasa.govABSTRACTThe high-lift performance of a multi-element airfoil wasoptimized by using neural-net predictions that were trainedusing a computational data set. The numerical data was gener-ated using a two-dimensional, incompressible, Navier-Stokesalgorithm with the Spaiart-Allmaras turbulence model. Becauseit is difficult to predict maximum lift for high-lift systems, anempirically-based maximum lift criteria was used in this studyto detemaine both the maximum lift and the angle at which itoccurs. Multiple input, single output networks were trainedusing the NASA Ames variation of the Levenherg-Marquardtalgorithm for each of the aerodynamic coefficients (lift, drag,and moment). The artificial neural networks were integratedwith a gradient-based optimizer. Using independent numericalsimulations and experimental data for this high-lift configura-tion, it was shown that this design process successfully opti-mized flap deflection, gap, overlap, and angle of attack tomaximize lift. Once the neural networks were trained and inte-grated with the optimizer, minimal additional computerresources were required to perform optimization runs with dif-ferent initial conditions and parameters. Applying the neuralnetworks within the high-lift rigging optimization processreduced Me amount of computational time and resources by83% compared with traditional gradient-based optimization pro-cedures for multiple optimization runs.NOMENCLATURECa drag coefficient, C a - D/(q_c)Ct lift coefficient, C l - L/(q=c)C m moment coefficient, C,. --M/(q=c 2)C e.,is
New expansions in old clades: population genetics and phylogeny of Gnatholepis species (Teleostei: Gobioidei) in the Pacific

Species of the reef goby genus Gnatholepis exhibit enormous geographic ranges with little evidence of population segregation detectable based on mitochondrial DNA. To determine if genetic differentiation is evident with more rapidly evolving markers, seven microsatellite loci were screened from the species Gnatholepis anjerensis and G. scapulostigma and population segregation was tested among fish from across the South Pacific. Both AMOVA and pairwise FST analyses showed that, in concordance with previous mitochondrial results, most genetic variance occurs within individual populations, as population differentiation is evident only over the largest distances (>3,700 km). This result is contrasted with previous studies demonstrating that despite their relatively long larval periods, some gobiid fishes exhibit population differentiation on small (<100 km) geographic scales. Coalescence analysis showed that current Pacific populations of these species originated in the Pleistocene, presumably related to sea level fluctuations associated with episodes of glaciation. However, rate analysis based on a phylogeny of Gnatholepis species indicates that the species themselves are much older, consistent with a complex history of rapid, short-term population contractions and expansions, with corresponding rapid dispersal.
Unraveling navigational strategies in migratory insects

Long-distance migration is a strategy some animals use to survive a seasonally changing environment. To reach favorable grounds, migratory animals have evolved sophisticated navigational mechanisms that rely on a map and compasses. In migratory insects, the existence of a map sense (sense of position) remains poorly understood, but recent work has provided new insights into the mechanisms some compasses use for maintaining a constant bearing during long-distance navigation. The best-studied directional strategy relies on a time-compensated sun compass, used by diurnal insects, for which neural circuits have begun to be delineated. Yet, a growing body of evidence suggests that migratory insects may also rely on other compasses that use night sky cues or the Earth's magnetic field. Those mechanisms are ripe for exploration.
Phylogenetic Diversity of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities in the Anoxic Zone of the Cariaco Basin

Microbial community samples were collected from the anoxic zone of the Cariaco Basin at depths of 320, 500, and 1,310 m on a November 1996 cruise and were used to construct 16S ribosomal DNA libraries. Of 60 nonchimeric sequences in the 320-m library, 56 belonged to the epsilon subdivision of the Proteobacteria (epsilon-Proteobacteria) and 53 were closely related to ectosymbionts of Rimicaris exoculata and Alvinella pompejana, which are referred to here as epsilon symbiont relatives (ESR). The 500-m library contained sequences affiliated with the fibrobacteria, the Flexibacter-Cytophaga-Bacteroides division, the division Verrucomicrobia, the division Proteobacteria, and the OP3 candidate division. The Proteobacteria included members of the gamma, delta, epsilon and new candidate subdivisions, and gamma-proteobacterial sequences were dominant (25.6%) among the proteobacterial sequences. As in the 320-m library, the majority of the epsilon-proteobacteria belonged to the ESR group. The genus Fibrobacter and its relatives were the second largest group in the library (23.6%), followed by the delta-proteobacteria and the epsilon-proteobacteria. The 1,310-m library had the greatest diversity; 59 nonchimeric clones in the library contained 30 unique sequences belonging to the planctomycetes, the fibrobacteria, the Flexibacter-Cytophaga-Bacteroides division, the Proteobacteria, and the OP3 and OP8 candidate divisions. The proteobacteria included members of new candidate subdivisions and the beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon-subdivisions. ESR sequences were still present in the 1,310-m library but in a much lower proportion (8.5%). One archaeal sequence was present in the 500-m library (2% of all microorganisms in the library), and eight archaeal sequences were present in the 1,310-m library (13.6%). All archaeal sequences fell into two groups; two clones in the 1,310-m library belonged to the kingdom Crenarchaeota and the remaining sequences in both libraries belonged to the kingdom Euryarchaeota. The latter group appears to be related to the Eel-TA1f2 sequence, which belongs to an archaeon suggested to be able to oxidize methane anaerobically. Based on phylogenetic inferences and measurements of dark CO(2) fixation, we hypothesized that (i) the ESR are autotrophic anaerobic sulfide oxidizers, (ii) sulfate reduction and fermentative metabolism may be carried out by a large number of bacteria in the 500- and 1,310-m libraries, and (iii) members of the Euryarchaeota found in relatively large numbers in the 1,310-m library may be involved in anaerobic methane oxidation. Overall, the composition of microbial communities from the Cariaco Basin resembles the compositions of communities from several anaerobic sediments, supporting the hypothesis that the Cariaco Basin water column is similar to anaerobic sediments.
Implicit geometric constraint detection in freehand sketches using relative shape histogram

In order to take advantage of the sketch-based interaction, many methods have been proposed to beautify freehand sketches. Most of these efforts are dedicated to sketch segmentation and recognition, while some important information implied in the sketches, such as geometric constraints, are largely ignored. Thus, the final beautified results by these methods do not fully reflect the true intentions from users. In this paper, a statistical approach called Relative Shape Histogram (RSH) is introduced to detect the implied geometric constraint in sketches. The basic idea arises from such a discovery that the same geometric constraints between two geometric primitives have similar relative shape histograms. By computing the similarity between RSHs, the implicit geometric constraints between two segmented primitives are inferred. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, a user-based experiment is conducted and the results are presented in this paper.
Aeromedical transport of patients with post-traumatic cardiac arrest

Patients experiencing cardiac arrest secondary to trauma make up 8% to 15% of air ambulance scene flights in reported series. Our study examined the role of aggressive physician intervention at the accident scene in conjunction with rapid air transport to a trauma center in reducing the mortality after post-traumatic cardiac arrest. We retrospectively studied 67 patients who experienced cardiac arrest before the arrival of the flight team. Fifty-eight patients were victims of blunt trauma, and nine sustained penetrating trauma. Forty-seven patients were transported to the base hospital; 20 were pronounced dead at the scene after resuscitation attempts were made. Six patients developed a pulse and blood pressure and were hospitalized; none survived to hospital discharge. Review of autopsy data revealed that the majority of patients had head or thoracoabdominal injuries or both that were incompatible with life. We conclude that physician intervention at the scene and rapid aeromedical transport are not likely to improve mortality after traumatic cardiac arrest.
Gene-environment interactions affect long-term depression (LTD) through changes in dopamine receptor affinity in Snap25 deficient mice

Genes and environmental conditions interact in the development of cognitive capacities and each plays an important role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. Multiple studies have indicated that the gene for the SNARE protein SNAP-25 is a candidate susceptibility gene for ADHD, as well as schizophrenia, while maternal smoking is a candidate environmental risk factor for ADHD. We utilized mice heterozygous for a Snap25 null allele and deficient in SNAP-25 expression to model genetic effects in combination with prenatal exposure to nicotine to explore genetic and environmental interactions in synaptic plasticity and behavior. We show that SNAP-25 deficient mice exposed to prenatal nicotine exhibit hyperactivity and deficits in social interaction. Using a high frequency stimulus electrophysiological paradigm for long-term depression (LTD) induction, we examined the roles of dopaminergic D2 receptors (D2Rs) and cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), both critical for LTD induction in the striatum. We found that prenatal exposure to nicotine in Snap25 heterozygote null mice produced a deficit in the D2R-dependent induction of LTD, although CB1R regulation of plasticity was not impaired. We also show that prenatal nicotine exposure altered the affinity and/or receptor coupling of D2Rs, but not the number of these receptors in heterozygote null Snap25 mutants. These results refine the observations made in the coloboma mouse mutant, a proposed mouse model of ADHD, and illustrate how gene×environmental influences can interact to perturb neural functions that regulate behavior.
Early antibiotic administration but not antibody therapy directed against IL-6 improves survival in septic mice predicted to die on basis of high IL-6 levels.

Elevated interleukin (IL)-6 levels correlate with increased mortality following sepsis. IL-6 levels >14,000 pg/ml drawn 6 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) are associated with 100% mortality in ND4 mice, even if antibiotic therapy is initiated 12 h after septic insult. Our first aim was to see whether earlier institution of antibiotic therapy could improve overall survival in septic mice and rescue the subset of animals predicted to die on the basis of high IL-6 levels. Mice (n = 184) were subjected to CLP, had IL-6 levels drawn 6 h later, and then were randomized to receive imipenem, a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, beginning 6 or 12 h postoperatively. Overall 1-wk survival improved from 25.5 to 35.9% with earlier administration of antibiotics (P 14,000 pg/ml, 25% survived if imipenem was started at 6 h, whereas none survived if antibiotics were started later (P 14,000 pg/ml. These results demonstrate that earlier systemic therapy can improve outcome in a subset of mice predicted to die in sepsis, but we are unable to demonstrate any benefit in similar animals using targeted therapy directed at IL-6.
Organ Weight Standards for Human Fetuses

Five hundred fifty-eight fresh human embryos and fetuses were obtained from the universities of Washington and Michigan following spontaneous loss, elective termination, or neonatal death within 2 days of delivery. The body weights ranged from 1.5 to 1500 g. Each of these autopsied specimens was morphologically normal. Specimens from diabetic or hypertensive mothers were not included. Correlations between fetal body weight and weights of adrenal, brain, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and thymus were established. For analysis, regression curves were calculated as quadratic equations of best fit by the weighted least squares. The relation of the weights of brain, heart, and liver to body weight appeared linear. The ratios of thymus, spleen, and kidney to body weight were nonlinear and gradually increased. The ratios of lung and adrenal weights to body weight were also nonlinear and gradually decreased. Ninety-five percent prediction intervals were generated for each of the eight organs using a computerized statistical package. The results compare closely with smaller studies in the literature.
Autonomous cross-domain knowledge transfer in lifelong policy gradient reinforcement learning

Online multi-task learning is an important capability for lifelong learning agents, enabling them to acquire models for diverse tasks over time and rapidly learn new tasks by building upon prior experience. However, recent progress toward lifelong reinforcement learning (RL) has been limited to learning from within a single task domain. For truly versatile lifelong learning, the agent must be able to autonomously transfer knowledge between different task domains. A few methods for cross-domain transfer have been developed, but these methods are computationally inefficient for scenarios where the agent must learn tasks consecutively. In this paper, we develop the first cross-domain lifelong RL framework. Our approach efficiently optimizes a shared repository of transferable knowledge and learns projection matrices that specialize that knowledge to different task domains. We provide rigorous theoretical guarantees on the stability of this approach, and empirically evaluate its performance on diverse dynamical systems. Our results show that the proposed method can learn effectively from interleaved task domains and rapidly acquire high performance in new domains.
Validation Methods for Finite Element Automobile Crash Modeling Based on Wavelet/Wavelet Packet Decompositions

Validation methods for the finite element automobile crash modeling were developed using wavelet analysis. Based on the decompositions on wavelet packet bases, two types of signal energy distributions were established with respect to: (a) frequency index, and (b) time position and frequency index, which provide a common basis for the comparison between the simulation results and the test data in terms of the variation of amplitue with respect to frequency and time. Based on the decompositions on wavelet bases, correlation analysis was used to evaluate the differences in pulse shape and peak timing between the simulation results and the test data for the gross motions and major impact pulses. The use of the methods was illustrated in the validation of a 1997 Honda Accord finite element model for full frontal impact.
A Novel Human Actin-Binding Protein Homologue That Binds to Platelet Glycoprotein Ib

Glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX-V is one of the major transmembrane complexes present on the platelet surface. Its extracellular domain binds von Willebrand factor (vWF) and thrombin, while its intracellular domain associates tightly with the cytoskeleton through the actin-binding protein (ABP)-280, also known as filamin. In the present study, a full-length cDNA coding for a human ABP homologue has been cloned and sequenced. This protein was identified by the yeast two-hybrid screening procedure via its interaction with the intracellular domain of GPIb. Initially, a 1.3-kb partial cDNA was isolated from a megakaryocyte-like cell line (K562) cDNA library followed by a full-length cDNA of 9.4 kb that was identified in a human placenta library. The full-length cDNA encoded a protein of 2,578 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 276 kD (ABP-276). The amino terminal 248 amino acids contained an apparent actin binding domain followed by 24 tandem repeats each containing about 96 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of the protein shared a high degree of homology with human endothelial ABP-280 (70% identity) and chicken filamin (83% identity). However, the 32 amino acid Hinge I region in ABP-280 that contains a calpain cleavage site conferring flexibility on the molecule, was absent in the homologue. An isoform containing a 24 amino acid insertion with a unique sequence at the missing Hinge I region was also identified (ABP-278). This isoform resulted from alternative RNA splicing. ABP-276 and/or ABP-278 were present in all tissues examined, but the relative amount varied in that some tissue contained both forms, while other tissue contained predominately one or the other. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
The Transition to Kindergarten: Predicting Socio-Behavioral Outcomes for Children With and Without Disabilities

The transition to kindergarten is regarded as a critical early childhood developmental milestone with important implications for later school outcomes. Little prior research has focused on predictors of socio-behavioral kindergarten outcomes using longitudinal research designs. Further, few studies have examined kindergarten transition using samples of children both with and without disabilities. The goal of the current study was to explore predictors of socio-behavioral kindergarten outcomes in children with and without developmental disabilities over time. Data collection involved parent, preschool teacher, and kindergarten teacher reports of child behavior and involvement in kindergarten transition practices across three time points during transition. Results of hierarchical linear regression analyses demonstrated that preschool child behavioral variables (i.e., adaptive and problem behavior) were stronger predictors of kindergarten outcomes relative to caregiver concerns and involvement in transition preparation. Best practices in kindergarten transition programming for children with and without disabilities are discussed.
Influence of prochlorperazine on hydrocortisone inhibition of in vitro leucocyte migration.

Conclusions1. Addition to blood of 100 μg/ml of hydrocortisone or of 0.1 to 10 g/ml of prochlorperazine results in inhibition of leucocyte migration. Addition of both compounds together results in less inhibition than is obtained with either compound alone. 2. Reserpine at concentrations of 0.1 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml is less inhibiting to leucocyte migration than is prochlorperazine. Addition of both reserpine and hydrocortisone to blood results in less inhibition to leucocyte migration than when hydrocortisone alone is added. 3. Thorazine at concentrations of 0.001 μg/ml to 1 μg/ml is inhibitory to leucocyte migration. Addition of both thorazine and hydrocortisone to blood, results in less inhibition to leucocyte migration than when hydrocortisone alone is added.
Effects of Adrenocorticotropin and Dietary Ascorbic Acid on Delayed Type Hypersensitivity to Human Gamma Globulin in Chickens

Three trials were conducted to assess the effects of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and dietary ascorbic acid (AA) on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to human gamma globulin (HGG) in chickens. Broiler chicks received AA at 0, 150, or 300 mg/Kg of feed (ppm) continuously from hatching, were sensitized at 5 wk of age to HGG emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant, and 2 wk postsensitization, were challenged with an intradermal injection of HGG into a wattle. Birds from each AA group received ACTH at either HGG sensitization, challenge, or both. There were uninjected controls and a vehicle control group, which received gelatin at both sensitization and challenge. The ACTH and gelatin injections were given at 12-h intervals beginning 12 h prior to HGG. Responses to DTH were determined as wattle indices. In all three trials, birds that received ACTH at challenge exhibited a DTH response at 18 and 24 h postchallenge that suppressed, compared with that of controls. Birds that received ACTH at sensitization had a greater wattle response than that of birds that received ACTH at challenge, and this effect was enhanced by dieting AA. In Trial 2, birds that received ACTH at sensitization had a greater wattle response at 18 h post HGG challenge than that of controls. Total leucocyte numbers were unaffected; however, heterophil:lymphocyte ratios were lower in birds that received ACTH at sensitization than in birds that received ACTH at challenge and birds that received ACTH at challenge had fewer lymphocytes. Whether given at challenge or at sensitization, ACTH decreased plasma AA when measured at those times. The 300 ppm level of AA increased plasma AA concentration. Adrenal gland and wattle AA levels were unaffected; however, spleen AA concentration was lower in birds given ACTH at challenge.
Changes in plasma zinc related to fasting and dietary protein intake of Japanese quail.

SummaryDay-old Coturnix coturnix japonica of both sexes were fed a purified diet containing deficient, requirement, or excess amount of zinc (7, 25, or 75 mg of zinc per kg of diet, respectively) for 4 wk. The plasma zinc concentrations reflected the level of zinc intake during this time. All birds except non-fasted controls and one group of supplemented birds were fasted for 24 hr. There was no decrease in plasma zinc in the deficient birds after fasting; however, there was a significant decrease in birds receiving 25 or 75 mg of zinc per kg of diet. Following the fast, supplements consisting of complete diets or dietary components were fed, with or without added zinc (75 mg of zinc per kg of diet) for 4 hr. In birds that had received normal or excess zinc, there was a marked decrease in plasma zinc from the 24-hr fasting value when the supplement contained either soybean or egg white protein. When zinc was added to the supplement, the effect of protein on plasma zinc level was unchanged. Supplements of ...
Migrating to the Cloud: The Sullivan University Experience

The growth in data traffic within higher institutions has always been accompanied with the adoption of a more scalable IT infrastructure. With the increasing budgetary constraints, cloud computing a disruptive technology presents an attractive means to address the scalability challenges while realizing the potential of ubiquitous IT services. The on-demand business proposition of the cloud provides virtualized resources software, platform, and infrastructure with far-reaching efficiencies that have lowered the initial and operating IT costs for both small and large organizations. In migrating to the cloud environments, various organizations encounter challenges and experiences which are worthy of considerations by new entrants and established users. In this paper, the authors present the experiences of Sullivan University in transitioning to the complex cloud environment, in which a mixture of pilot and phased conversion steps were deployed in the migration process.
Acne: pathogenesis and treatment.

Treatment for acne is far from optimal. This is understandable when we consider that the pathogenesis of the disease is still controversial and there are only limited means of controlling the process at different levels. Of the therapeutic agents that are available, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin A acid used in combination have given the best results in the majority of patients. Benzoyl peroxide inhibits the formation of free fatty acids in sebum, and vitamin A acid prevents follicular hyperkeratosis.
Fine Needle Aspiration of the Kidney and Adrenal Gland

AbstractExperience with percutaneous fine needle aspiration of 21 lesions of the kidney and adrenal gland is discussed. The correct diagnosis of tumor, infection or hematoma was made in 20 of 21 patients, for an accuracy of 95 per cent. No complications were encountered in this series.
Expansion of Inadequate Volume of Coagulum For Pyelolithotomy: An Experimental and Clinical Study

AbstractThe unit volume (4 to 18ml.) of cryoprecipitate provided by the blood bank is sometimes inadequate to fill a given pelviocaliceal system. The effect of diluting the cryoprecipitate with urine, saline and water to increase this volume was investigated. Samples of cryoprecipitate were expanded with urine, saline solution and water in proportions of 3:1 and 1:1 at 37C. One part of 10 per cent calcium chloride was added to the various dilutions for each 20 parts of unexpanded cryoprecipitate. All samples resulted in tenacious coagula. The mean generation time of the coagula was 2.25 minutes with water expansion, and 3 to 4.5 minutes when diluted with urine and saline. The mean tensile strength decreased 44 to 64 per cent with water expansion, and 7 to 32 per cent when diluted with urine and saline. Water expansion is not recommended because of the marked decrease in generation time and tensile strength. In patients cryoprecipitate expanded with urine or saline provided tenacious coagula.
Low-profile broadband reflector antenna designed for low mutual coupling

This paper describes a low-profile X-band center-fed reflector antenna with a novel compact feed that features low-cost PCB fabrication, peak realized gain of 24 dBi, and low sidelobes (<− 25dB) in the E and H plane. This reflector has a diameter of 22.54 cm and height of 5.3cm with the focus located in the aperture plane, i.e. F/D ratio of 0.25, making it challenging to achieve pattern symmetry with high illumination and spillover efficiencies. The illumination and spillover efficiencies were optimized, while maintaining a reflection coefficient of less than −10 dB from 9.6 GHz to 11.1 GHz. A −73 dB of isolation was achieved between two reflector antennas separated by 57.2cm, making it suitable for array, MIMO, or simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STAR) operations.
5.02 – State of the World's Water Resources

Water is widely recognized as a critical Earth resource that is essential for human prosperity and healthy ecosystems. Although over 70% of our planet is covered by water, only a small fraction is freshwater that is ready for human consumption. Furthermore, freshwater resources vary widely both in space and in time that is often in conflict with water demand. The staggering 1.1 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion without proper sanitation are well documented, resulting in a loss of 2 million people per year (mostly children under the age of 5), which is comparable in its magnitude (relative to global population) to regional death tolls of exceptional heat waves. Less emphasized is the fact that the vast majority of people (900 million) suffering from water scarcity are extremely poor, living under the one-dollar-per-day poverty line, which represent an inequity gap between the top and the bottom third of the global population similar in magnitude as the difference between the top third and the wealthiest 1%. The world population experiencing water scarcity is expected to increase in both absolute and relative numbers and possibly reach two-thirds of the total population in the next several decades. Changing climate will likely play minor role, while growing population will exacerbate water shortages.
An examination of job interchange relationships and induction-based proofs in single machine scheduling

We provide a generalization of Lawler’s (Mathematical programming the state of the art. Springer, Berlin, pp 202–234, 1983) Theorem on solutions to permutation scheduling problems when the objective function admits a particular job interchange relation. We complete Lawler’s result with a straight-forward proof by induction on n, the number of jobs. A notable application is \(1 ||\varSigma {w}_{j} C_{j}\) where the objective of total weighted completion time admits WSPT (i.e., scheduling jobs in non-decreasing order of \(p_{j}/w_{j}\)). We provide new proofs by induction for the optimality of WSPT as well as for SPT in the unweighted case.
Specificity in the Reaction between Anti-Pyrimidine Nucleoside Antibodies and DNA

The chemical coupling of nucleosides and nucleotides to proteins to form antigenic conjugates has been reported (Erlanger and Beiser, 1964). The antibodies elicited by such conjugates have been shown to be specific for the coupled moiety, and can react with denatured, but not native, DNA. One of the potential applications of such antibodies is their use as probes for the detection of localized single-stranded regions (in which the paired bases are not hydrogen-bonded) within native DNA molecules. Such regions might be of biological importance in replication or transcription, or might provide flexibility in a double-stranded helical molecule. Before such studies were undertaken, it was considered desirable to investigate the reaction of anti-nucleoside antibodies, specifically anti-cytidine and anti-thymidine, with native DNA molecules which had been modified chemically so as to contain exposed or nonhydrogen-bonded bases. These studies would serve as a model for future investigations.
Determination of the Thermoelastic States of Piecewise Inhomogeneous Thermosensitive Bodies with Cylindrical Interfaces

We suggest a method for the determination of the thermoelastic state caused by plane axisymmetric temperature fields and surface loads in layered isotropic bodies with cylindrical interfaces. The temperature and coordinate dependences of the moduli of elasticity, coefficients of linear temperature expansion, and Poisson ratios are taken into account. The method is based on the solution of the systems of integral-algebraic equations for radial displacements. In the case of a cylinder, these systems are obtained from the integral representation of the solution of the problem for the ordinary differential equation with generalized derivatives. In this case, we use the Green function of the elasticity problem for a homogeneous cylinder. In the cases of a layered space with cylindrical cavity, a continuous cylinder, and the continuous space, the corresponding systems and the remaining relations required for the determination of the thermoelastic state are obtained as a result of the limit transitions. The relations for the determination of thermal stresses in the corresponding single-layer bodies are presented. The numerical investigations are performed for a three-layer cylinder with functionally gradient layer.
NKD Transcription Factors Are Central Regulators of Maize Endosperm Development

NAKED ENDOSPERM1 (NKD1) and NKD2 are duplicate INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) transcription factors important for maize (Zea mays) endosperm development. RNA-seq analysis of the nkd1 nkd2 mutant endosperm revealed that NKD1 and NKD2 influence 6.4% of the transcriptome in developing aleurone and 6.7% in starchy endosperm. Processes regulated by NKD1 and NKD2 include gene expression, epigenetic functions, cell growth and division, hormone pathways, and resource reserve deposition. The NKD1 and NKD2 proteins bind a consensus DNA sequence of TTGTCGT with slightly different properties. This motif was enriched in the promoters of gene transcripts differentially expressed (DE) in mutant endosperm. DE genes with a NKD binding motif in the 5′ promoter region were considered as likely direct targets of NKD1 and NKD2 regulation, and these putative direct target genes were notably enriched for storage proteins. Transcription assays demonstrate that NKD1 and NKD2 can directly regulate gene transcription, including activation of opaque2 and viviparous1 promoters. NKD2 functions as a negative regulator of nkd1 transcription, consistent with previously reported feedback regulation. NKD1 and NKD2 can homo- and heterodimerize through their ID domains. These analyses implicate NKD1 and NKD2 as central regulators of gene expression in developing maize endosperm.
Non-canonical Glucocorticoid Receptor Transactivation of gilz by Alcohol Suppresses Cell Inflammatory Response.

Acute alcohol exposure suppresses cell inflammatory response. The underlying mechanism has not been fully defined. Here we report that alcohol was able to activate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling in the absence of glucocorticoids (GCs), and upregulated glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (gilz), a prominent GC-responsive gene. Such a non-canonical activation of GR was not blocked by mifepristone, a potent GC competitor. The proximal promoter of gilz, encompassing five GC-responsive elements (GREs), was tested in a luciferase reporter system. Deletion and/or mutation of the GREs abrogated the promoter responsiveness to alcohol. Thus, the GR-GRE interaction transduced the alcohol action on gilz. Alcohol induced GR nuclear translocation, which was enhanced by the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor fomepizole, suggesting that it was alcohol, not its metabolites, that engendered the effect. Gel mobility shift assay showed that unliganded GR was able to bind GREs, and such interaction withstood clinically-relevant levels of alcohol. GR knockout via CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting or GILZ depletion via small RNA interference diminished alcohol suppression of cell inflammatory response to LPS. Thus, a previously unrecognized, non-canonical GR activation of gilz is involved in alcohol modulation of cell immune response.
Effects of Microbial and Heavy Metal Contaminants on Environmental/Ecological Health and Revitalization of Coastal Ecosystems in Delaware Bay

The presence of heavy metals, excess nutrients, and microbial contaminants in aquatic systems of coastal Delaware has become a public concern as human population increases and land development continues. Delaware's coastal lagoons have been subjected to problems commonly shared by other coastal Mid-Atlantic states: turbidity, sedimentation, eutrophication, periodic hypoxic/anoxic conditions, toxic substances, and high bacterial levels. The cumulative impact of pollutants from run-off and point sources has degraded water quality, reduced the diversity and abundance of various fish species, invertebrates, and submerged aquatic vegetation. The effects are especially pronounced within the manmade dead end canal systems. In this article, we present selected case studies conducted in the Delaware Inland Bays. Due to the ecological services provided by bivalves, our studies in Delaware Inland Bays are geared towards oysters with special focus on the microbial loads followed by the water quality assessments of the bay. The relationships between oysters (Crassostrea virginica), microbial loads and nutrient levels in the water were investigated. The heavy metal levels monitored near the waste water treatment plant in the inland bays are marginally higher than the recommended EPA limits Also, our studies confirmed that aerobic bacteria and Vibrionaceae levels are salinity dependent. Total bacteria in oysters increased when nitrate and total suspended solids increased in the waters. Studies such as these are important because every year millions of Americans consume raw oysters. Data collected over the last ten years from our studies may be used to build a predictive index of conditions that are favorable for the proliferation of human pathogenic bacteria. Results from this study will benefit the local community by helping them understand the importance of oyster aquaculture and safe consumption of oysters while making them appreciate their ecological and commercial values. This will also be of tremendous help to the commercial shellfish aquaculture farms to predict poor conditions to prevent oysters’ consumption when bacterial levels are high in water.
In vitro effect of high doses of morphine on Con A induced lymphokine production.

Opiate addicts are often exposed to doses of exogenous opiates as high as 2 grams of heroin per day (1). Opiates also concentrate in the spleen, thus exposing the cells of the immune system in addicts to high concentrations of these drugs (2). As a possible consequence of this, IV drug users are immunosup-pressed (3,4), causing them to be more susceptible to a variety of diseases including AIDS, a devastating illness which affects a significant percent of this population.
The importance of cohort research starting early in life to understanding child health.

Purpose of review The current review addresses the importance of the prospective cohort design in large, unselected populations starting early in life for understanding the origins of childhood health disorders. Recent findings Cohort studies originating in healthy populations have contributed to great advances in health, especially in cardiovascular diseases, but have only recently been applied systematically to study the origins of childhood disorders. Several large population-based pregnancy and/or birth cohorts have been developed in different parts of the world, and these are beginning to contribute to better understanding of the underlying causes of rare but important childhood disorders, such as autism. The environmental influences on child health outcomes (ECHO) Program is distinct in leveraging and building upon 84 existing cohorts to prospectively investigate the role of early-life exposures and underlying biological mechanisms in childhood health and disease, specifically perinatal conditions, obesity, neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma and related pulmonary disorders as well as optimum child health. ECHO is expected to comprise approximately 50 000 children. It is the first US study of this size and scope since the US Collaborative Perinatal Project of 1959-1966. Summary The ECHO project represents a new approach to cohort studies in childhood, efficiently making use of extant cohorts while adding new data collection elements that should permit novel insights into the underlying causes of several important pediatric conditions.
How Common Is Common Enough in Requirements-Engineering Practice?

When determining requirements-engineering practices in a complex organization in which different groups might have different needs, the trick is to determine which practices are “common enough” without being too restrictive or too loose.
Internship for Residents: To be or not to be

Public criticism of psychiatry is well taken in some areas, such as neglect of the chronic psychotic patient. Public mistrust of professionals in general is coupled with the demand for more physicians and student demand for relevance, all of which may lead to a degradation of scholarship. Graduate teaching should not be just to produce craftsmen; there must be opportunities to pursue “useless” knowledge. Government interference has added to the overmanagement of medicine. Rules and regulations proliferate—from the public, the National Board, and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)—while movements to shorten the undergraduate, medical school, internship, and residency years are gaining support. Change may be good, but large-scale changes must be adequately debated and discussed rather than casually ordered without proper evaluation. Psychiatrists serve as bridges between genetics, biology, and all of clinical medicine on the one hand and the behavioral sciences on the other. Their scholarship must not be neglected.
Scale effect on the time dependence of mineral dissolution rates in physically heterogeneous porous media

Abstract Hydrologic heterogeneity complicates the time dependent behavior of mineral dissolution rates and introduces large uncertainty in effective surface area estimation. In order to resolve the coupled evolution of mineral dissolution rates and mineral surface area over time in various fluid flow conditions, this study presents multiple reactive transport simulations of anorthite dissolution over 3000 years with 2D latticed random permeability fields on small (1 m × 1 m) and large (400 m × 400 m) domains. Physical heterogeneity is controlled by varying integral scales (λmin and λmax) and variance in permeability distribution ( σ ln k 2 ) conditions. Chemistry is simplified to a single dissolving primary mineral (anorthite) distributed homogeneously throughout the domain and a single secondary mineral (kaolinite) that is allowed to dissolve or precipitate. In a homogeneous domain, non-normalized effective mineral dissolution rate decreases over time as depletion of the dissolving mineral reduces reaction product concentration. When the reaction rate is normalized either by local or domain-averaged mineral surface area, the rate increases over time approaching the value of the predefined intrinsic rate constant as the effect of saturation state becomes negligible. In a small heterogeneous domain, the effect of physical heterogeneity is largely negligible regardless of the changes in control parameters. In large domains, however, large λ and σ ln k 2 contribute to develop low-reactive zones that preserve the reactive mineral from dissolution by limiting solute transport to slow diffusion. This preserved mineral fraction provides reactants in late time period resulting in gradual decrease of non-normalized effective mineral dissolution rate. If the rate is normalized by domain-averaged specific surface area, these remaining surface areas over-normalize effective dissolution rates resulting in ∼1.5 orders of magnitude reduction from the homogeneous case.
The Racial State

The racial state is one that is intricately associated with the origins, development and apparent permanence of particularly, modern, western nation states. The racial state stipulates a specific racial hierarchy and hegemony which further determines how racial conflict and accommodation will be accomplished between specific racial groups, ideas, and institutions within the society. The president, as the chief executive officer, is often the official face and voice of the racial state. This chapter will investigate how the President of the United States has served in this capacity.