cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fully Integrated Microfluidic Device for Direct Sample-to-Answer Genetic Analysis

Integration of microfluidics technology with DNA microarrays enables building complete sample-to-answer systems that are useful in many applications such as clinic diagnostics. In this chapter, a fully integrated microfluidic device [1] that consists of microfluidic mixers, valves, pumps, channels, chambers, heaters, and a DNA microarray sensor to perform DNA analysis of complex biological sample solutions is present. This device can perform on-chip sample preparation (including magnetic bead-based cell capture, cell preconcentration and purification, and cell lysis) of complex biological sample solutions (such as whole blood), polymerase chain reaction, DNA hybridization, and electrochemical detection. A few novel microfluidic techniques were developed and employed. A micromix-ing technique based on a cavitation microstreaming principle was implemented to enhance target cell capture from whole blood samples using immunomagnetic beads. This technique was also employed to accelerate DNA hybridization reaction. Thermally actuated paraffin-based microvalves were developed to regulate flows. Electrochemical pumps and thermopneumatic pumps were integrated on the chip to provide pumping of liquid solutions. The device is completely self-contained: no external pressure sources, fluid storage, mechanical pumps, or valves are necessary for fluid manipulation, thus eliminating possible sample contamination and simplifying device operation. Pathogenic bacteria detection from ~mL whole blood samples and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis directly from diluted blood were demonstrated. The device provides a cost-effective solution to direct sample-to-answer genetic analysis, and thus has a potential impact in the fields of point-of-care genetic analysis, environmental testing, and biological warfare agent detection.
Ethical Issues: Perspective 2: The Fundamental Role of Personhood

The syndrome of dementia is an irreversible decline in cognitive abilities that causes significant dysfunction. It is distinguished from “normal age-related memory loss,” which affects most people by about age 70 in the form of some slowing of cognitive skills and a deterioration in various aspects of memory. Since 1997, a degree of cognitive impairment that is greater than normal age-related decline but not yet diagnosable as dementia has been labeled “mild cognitive impairment,” or MCI, with about a third of those in this category “converting” to dementia each year.
Molecular Pathogenicity of Leishmania in Intracellular Parasitism of Macrophages: Association of Virulent Phenotype with Increased Expression of a Major Membrane Glycoprotein and Microsomal N-Acetylglucosaminyl-Transferase

Molecular mechanism of virulence in protozoal infection remains largely unknown. Of particular relevance are glycoproteins, especially those on the parasite surface, as they have been often implicated in the evasion of host immunity or invasion of host cells. Since glycosylation of proteins is known to change their properties and possibly their functions (Schwarz & Datema 1982), molecular regulation of this pathway may bear on the expression of surface glycoproteins as virulent determinants.
Sensor Webs of Earth Science Instruments to Improve our Understanding of Natural Phenomena and Physical Processes

The demonstration of high quality scientific observations from small satellites has signaled the opportunity to employ new Earth science observing strategies using constellations or swarms of these relatively inexpensive platforms. While replacement of the existing observing strategies with those based on smallsats is not indicated, they do offer the promise of completely new observing strategies that can measure characteristics of natural phenomena and physical processes that were not possible with the monolithic Battlestar Galactica type systems. Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSM) are starting to take shape, as described in this Session. Variations in configurations are possible including geometry and composition and the degree of autonomy in operations. A number of sensor web information technologies have been matured, but mostly focused on ground based systems. Some useful technologies have also matured in other domains, such as machine learning and the Internet of Things. New technology development is needed, guided by a framework to prioritize new investments. Such a framework would also encourage division of labor and collaboration among Governments, companies and educational institutions.
Fuel property changes of switchgrass during one-year of outdoor storage

Abstract Like all biomass, both quantitative and qualitative changes in switchgrass may occur during outdoor storage. Evaluating the effects of long-term storage on the qualitative properties of energy crops provides an understanding of maintaining fuel quality. Two upland varieties of switchgrass, Cave-In-Rock and Trailblazer, were harvested, baled and stored outdoors under a protective tarp. Core samples from each variety were taken monthly for one year; on-site moisture was recorded and fuel analyses (proximate, ultimate and mineral/ash) were evaluated every three months during the storage period to determine storage and variety effects. In addition to fuel analyses, fuel quality parameters of fouling and slagging indices, T250, silica value and alkali% as Na2O were determined for the first and final months of storage. Average on-site moisture for the Cave-In-Rock and Trailblazer varieties were 12.4 and 12%, respectively for the whole year. Trends in fuel analysis only showed decreasing ash and increasing oxygen for both varieties over the storage period. Storage time significantly influenced carbon content; the energy value was also significantly different for both varieties as values varied from 17.7 to 18.4 MJ/kg for both varieties. Significant differences between varieties were observed for ash, volatiles, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen contents. The fuel quality parameters show that the Cave-In-Rock variety maintains a higher melting point and reduced heat transfer in addition to a less and more stable susceptibility to boiler fouling. However, the Trailblazer variety had favorable silica values and percentage of alkali as Na2O compared to the Cave-In-Rock variety.
Alternation Trading Proofs and Their Limitations

Alternation trading proofs are motivated by the goal of separating NP from complexity classes such as Logspace or NL; they have been used to give super-linear runtime bounds for deterministic and co-nondeterministic sublinear space algorithms which solve the Satisfiability problem. For algorithms which use n o(1) space, alternation trading proofs can show that deterministic algorithms for Satisfiability require time greater than n cn for c < 2cos(π/7) (as shown by Williams [21,19]), and that co-nondeterministic algorithms require time greater than n cn for \(c<\sqrt[3]{4}\) (as shown by Diehl, van Melkebeek and Williams [5]). It is open whether these values of c are optimal, but Buss and Williams [2] have shown that for deterministic algorithms, c < 2cos(π/7) is the best that can obtained using present-day known techniques of alternation trading.
Abstract #4964: Functional loss of E-cadherin inactivates protein kinase D1 (PKD1) and promotes metastasis

Approximately 90% of all cancer deaths arise from the metastatic distribution of primary tumors. We and others previously demonstrated that Protein kinase D1 (PKD1), a serine/threonine kinase that is activated by diacylglycerol and phorbol esters, was down-regulated in advanced prostate and gastric cancer. We show that re-expression of PKD1 in metastatic prostate cancer (PC) cell line not only suppresses expression of mesenchymal markers, such as vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin but also induces expression of epithelial markers like E-cadherin and \#946;-catenin. In contrast, knockdown PKD1 by siRNA increases expression of mesenchymal markers in PC cell lines. Our farther mechanistic studies revealed that PKD1 interacts with E-cadherin and \#946;-catenin. Knockdown E-cadherin prevented PKD1 membrane attachment and activation. Forced-expression of full-length E-cadherin in an E-cadherin negative cell line restored PKD1 membrane attachment and activated PKD1. Furthermore, expression of the intracellular domain of E-cadherin also blocked PKD1 activation, suggesting of dominant negative effect. Since the loss of expressionof E-cadherin has been linked to increased invasiveness in several malignancies,we hypothesize that loss of expression of E-cadherin or/and increased cytoplasm/nuclear staining of E-cadherin (the soluble E-cadherin) in cancer patients would block PKD1 activation and potentiate progress of tumor metastasis. Indeed, using a novel \#946;-catenin phosphorylation specific antibody pT120, which has been developed and characterized recently as an indicator for PKD1 activity, we found that PKD1 activity is high in normal prostate tissue, but dramatically decreased in prostate cancer samples with Gleason grade greater than 7. Our data suggest that PKD1 inactivation is one consequence of E-cadherin loss in tumors and contributes to metastatic dissemination. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 4964.
The Effect of the Topology Adaptation on Search Performance in Overlay Network

In this paper, the proposed research work study and focus on the effect of overlay topology adaptation and improved the search performance in a P2P overlay network. Two different search methods: Guided search vs. blind search have been studied and investigated with the aim to improve the network performance. The bi-direction graph has been used to represent the proposed P2P overlay network as a simulation model, where vertices represent the network nodes and edge represents virtual connection between the nodes. In this work, two different search methods have been studied under these circumstances, they are DFS and BFS. Further, the algorithms were examined under scale-free network topology and topology adaptation. A simulation scenario result has shown that the search and performance are better under the adapation of P2P overlay network than the random scale-free in terms of result and the quality of search performance. The tools used in this model were Java and Matlab.
Segmental Response of the Inferior Esophageal Sphincter to Elevated Intragastric Pressure

Summary Intraluminal pressures recorded from the stomach and esophagus of 3 asymptomatic normal subjects demonstrated that in 2 subjects only the intraabdominal segment of the inferior esophageal sphincter maintained the sphincteric barrier against reflux when intragastric pressure was elevated by the application of extrinsic pressure to the abdominal wall.
Parameter Variation Due to Noise

This chapter contains sections titled: Preview AGC Limiter Effects of Gain Variation on Loop Parameters Effect of AGC or Limiter on an Optimized Loop Appendix: Modified Bessel Functions
Kruskal-Wallis Test

The Kruskal-Wallis (Kruskal & Wallis, 1952) is a nonparametric statistical test that assesses the differences among three or more independently sampled groups on a single, non-normally distributed continuous variable. Non-normally distributed data (e.g., ordinal or rank data) are suitable for the Kruskal-Wallis test. In contrast, the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), which is a parametric test, may be used for a normally distributed continuous variable. The Kruskal-Wallis test is an extension of the two-group Mann-Whitney U (Wilcoxon rank) test. Thus, the Kruskal-Wallis is a more generalized form of the Mann-Whitney U test and is the nonparametric version of the one-way ANOVA. Keywords: ANOVA; nonparametric; ranks
Sediment and discharge yields within a minimally disturbed, headwater watershed in North Central Pennsylvania, USA, with an emphasis on Superstorm Sandy

We estimated discharge and suspended sediment (SS) yield in a minimally disturbed watershed in North Central Pennsylvania, USA, and compared a typical storm (September storm, 4.80 cm) to a large storm (Superstorm Sandy, 7.47 cm rainfall). Depending on branch, Sandy contributed 9.7–19.9 times more discharge and 11.5–37.4 times more SS than the September storm. During the September storm, the upper two branches accounted for 60.6% of discharge and 88.8% of SS at Lower Branch; during Sandy these percentages dropped to 36.1% for discharge and 30.1% for SS. The branch with close proximity roads had over two-three times per area SS yield than the branch without such roads. Hysteresis loops showed typical clockwise patterns for the September storm and more complicated patterns for Sandy, reflecting the multipeak event. Estimates of SS and hysteresis in minimally disturbed watersheds provide useful information that can be compared spatially and temporally to facilitate management.
Ras-dependent activation of MAP kinase pathway mediated by G-protein βγ subunits

MITOGEN-ACTIVATED protein kinases, MAP kinases or ERKs (extracellular signal-regulated kinases) are rapidly stimulated by growth-promoting factors acting on a variety of cell-surface receptors1,2. In turn, ERKs phosphorylate and regulate key intra-cellular enzymes and transcription factors involved in the control of cellular proliferation3,4. The tyrosine-kinase class of growth-factor receptors transmits signals to ERKs in a multistep process that involves Ras and a limited number of defined molecules5. In contrast, ERK activation by G-protein-coupled receptors is poorly understood3,6, as is the role of ras in this signalling pathway7,8. We have explored in COS-7 cells the mechanism of ERKs activation by ml and m2 muscarinic receptors, typical examples of receptors coupled through Gq proteins to induce phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and to Gi proteins to inhibit adenylyl cyclase, respectively9. Here we present evidence that ERK activation is mediated by βγ subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins acting on a ras-dependent pathway.
The Complementarity Between Neutron Capture and Heavy-Ion Reactions in Nuclear Structure Studies

For the study of the structure of atomic nuclei a great variety of methods are employed. In the experimental field, the spectroscopy of radioactive decay, the spectroscopy of the radiation following neutron capture, conventional reaction studies with light charged particles, investigations with heavy-ion reactions, high-resolution electron-scattering experiments, photonuclear reaction studies, reactions with unstable particles at high-energy accelerators, and optical methods, in particular with lasers,1) yield a wealth of data which contain information about nuclear structure.
TOXICITY OF ENZYMES FROM CLOSTRIDIUM HISTOLYTICUM

In previous investigations, strains of Clostridium histolyticum producing proteolytic enzymes were identified and a medium formulated for maximum yields (MacLennan et al., 1953); chemical and physical conditions were determined for the precipitation and recovery of these enzymes (Mandl et al., 1953). The enzymes have been used in the treatment of experimental third degree burns (Howes et al., 1959). They were produced on a large scale for treatment of burns and other necrotizing lesions of connective tissues through liquefaction of the partially denatured and denatured collagen. For such use, toxicities of the enzymes must be known. Toxicity depends on the concentration of the enzyme protein, the type of enzyme, the conditions under which the enzyme is allowed to act on the tissue, and on the length of time treatment is continued. C. histolyticum elaborates several enzymes or toxins. The amount of lethal neurotoxin (a-toxin) produced varies with different strains and apparently also with the medium used and the length of incubation. There may be an inverse relationship with the total proteolytic activity produced since less lethal toxin was elaborated by the more proteolytic strains under otherwise identical conditions. In the present study incubation time was kept constant at 18 to 24 hr but volumes and concentrations of medium constituents were varied. Toxicities were also compared for several batches produced in exactly the same way. Strains H4 and 230-2 were selected originally by MacLennan et al. (1953) from 80 strains of C. histolyticum because they were found to produce an abundance of proteolytic enzymes and no or relatively minute amounts of a-toxin. These strains were used to produce the enzymes studied here. For comparison, strain 823 which was selected for good peptidase production and found to produce more lethal toxin has been included.
Migrant labour and economic development.

This discussion argues the following: that the movement of what has traditionally been termed "migrant labor" in and between developing countries can be important for development in a number of ways thus far given little or no atteniton in the literature; and the impact of labor movements varies greatly from country to country and area to area depending particularly on the length of absence of the laborer from his/her home area and on the similarities and differences between the economic and physical environments of the migrants home and the area or areas in which he/she works while away from home. The net effect on economic development of a particular movement of economically productive persons may be analyzed in terms of changes in production productivity and consumption in both the labor supplying (home) and the labor receiving (host) areas. Such changes may come about through variations in the relative supplies of productive factors in the volume of consumer demand in the home and host areas and through transfers of attitudes institutions and techniques of production. Movements of economically productive persons may help to induce changes in economic activities other than those in which they are directly employed. Both the direction and the magnitude of these effects are likely to vary from 1 pattern of migration to another. There appears to be an implicit assumption in the literature that whether or not the net economic effect is positive most of the impact on the supplying economy is negative. The economic impact of migrants is very much a function of the economic characteristics of the supplying economy and the host economies with which it is linked by migrants. Areas supplying migrants are likely to benefit from net additions to both human and physical capital from a widening of consumption expectations and horizons and from technological change especially after migrants return from the host economy. Whether or not these beneficial effects will be outweighed by decreases in output depends primarily on the extent to which migrants absences are coordinated with the structure and time pattern of employment opportunities in the home and host areas. Areas receiving migrants are most likely to benefit from low wages development of unused resources and the spread of new technology. Additionally they may gain entrepreneurs and additions to physical capital especially if some migrants settle permanently. Migrants may contribute to development problems by increasing inflationary pressures or by adding to social and political tensions but their presence may serve to stimulate production and investment in both the private and the public sectors.
Response of upland rice to fertilizer phosphorus and its residual value in an ultisol

An effective and economically efficient phosphorus (P) management strategy requires accounting for the residual value of P fertilizer. Despite a great deal of research on soil P much remains unknown about the residual value of fertilizer P to upland rice in the humid tropics of Africa. A field experiment was conducted for six years (1993–1998) to determine the response of four promising upland rice cultivars to fertilizer P applied at 0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg P ha−1 as triple superphosphate (TSP) only once in 1993, and its residual value in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1998. The experimental site was located on an Ultisol, low in available P, in the humid forest zone of Cote d'Ivoire. Grain yields of the rice cultivars were significantly increased by fertilizer P in 1993, and by the fertilizer P residues in the subsequent years although the magnitude of response decreased rapidly with time since the fertilizer was applied. The levels of Bray 1 extractable P in the soil fell below the critical value in the 1994...
Neutron-Capture Gamma Rays in Cl 36

$\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidences on the gamma rays following thermal neutron capture in ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{35}$ have been measured. Combining these results with the energy levels in ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{36}$ known from the ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{35}(d, p){\mathrm{Cl}}^{36}$ reaction and the ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{35}(n, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Cl}}^{36}$ gamma-ray spectrum measured by other workers, a decay scheme is constructed which un-ambiguously places most of the known gamma rays in ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{36}$. An examination is made of the reduced widths of gamma rays emanating from the capturing state, and it is shown that the reduced widths for gamma rays of the same multipolarity can fluctuate widely, and that these fluctuations do not appear to be correlated with the final-state shell model configuration. It is also shown that the reduced widths for $E1$ and $M1$ transitions emanating from the capturing state are significantly smaller than those calculated from the single-particle estimate, and that $E1$ transitions are more intense than $M1$ transitions by about a factor of four. Evidence is presented for there being collective motion present in some of the higher excited states in ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{36}$.
Rate equations for the phonon peak in resonant-tunneling structures

The ratio of the phonon peak current to the main peak current in double-barrier resonant-tunneling structures is significantly enhanced by barrier asymmetry. Previously, using the Keldysh formalism, we derived analytical expressions, valid in the zero-temperature, high-bias regime, which explained this effect. We now provide analytical expressions valid for finite temperature and bias obtained from (i) an intuitive derivation using a rate equation approach and (ii) a more general derivation using the Keldysh formalism. The results of the two different approaches are shown to be essentially identical for the experimental device parameters. The finite temperature expressions shed light on the effect of the Pauli exclusion factors in the contacts on the current. In particular, we show that in a transmission formulation, the transmission coefficients, T(\ensuremath{\varepsilon},\ensuremath{\varepsilon}'), are themselves functions of the Fermi factors in the contacts.
Preliminary evaluation of a unique freezing technology for bovine spermatozoa cryopreservation

Artificial insemination (AI) and semen cryopreservation has significantly improved the breeding potential of male animals. However, current freezing techniques commonly result in reduced semen quality. Ten years ago, a unique freezing technology (UFT) was developed for the freezing of foodstuffs and other materials. Previous work from this laboratory has demonstrated the UFT to be a superior method of freezing for a number of cell types. In a preliminary study, the UFT was compared with the conventional freezing methodology of bovine semen. Semen samples were collected from an angus (Bull A) and a gelbivich bull (Bull B), prepared using a conventional bovine cryoprotectant, and frozen in the UFT or in liquid nitrogen (LN) mist. The samples were stored in LN before being thawed and assessed for the semen parameters of motility and forward progression. Preliminary results suggest the UFT is equivalent to current techniques in the cryopreservation and recovery of bovine semen, and with modification, possibly a superior technique for semen freezing. Further studies using larger sample populations, and using a CASA system to evaluate motility, forward progression and linearity are merited.
Single electron pulse height distribution of photomultipliers

Abstract The single electron response of twelve RCA 8055 and three RCA 6341A photomultipliers have been investigated by mesuring the pulse height distribution of the dark current pulses of the respective tubes. A peaked distribution was found in the case of the RCA 8055, while the other type resulted in a monotonically decreasing distribution which was closely exponential.
Nocturnal/daytime urine noradrenergic measures and sleep in combat-related PTSD

Prominent heightened arousal symptoms and clinical/laboratory findings implicate the central noradrenergic system in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Heightened arousal frequently manifests in relation to sleep in PTSD. Central noradrenergic systems have a role in regulating arousal levels during sleep. We therefore evaluated noradrenergic production via urinary excretion in relation to sleep/wake activity in PTSD patients and controls. Twenty patients--all Vietnam veterans diagnosed with combat-related PTSD--and eight non-ill, non-combat-exposed controls had overnight sleep studies under medication and substance-free conditions. In association with sleep recording, subjects saved their urine for 24 hours in three 8-hour collections in order to obtain "daytime" (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM to MN) and "nocturnal" (MN to 8:00 AM) catecholamine measures. PTSD patients had decreased sleep efficiency relative to controls and increased REM density; 24-hour norepinephrine and MHPG (the more centrally derived metabolite) did not differ between patients and controls. "Nocturnal" excretion of MHPG minus the average of the two "daytime" values was negative in the controls, slightly positive in the patients, and differed significantly between the two groups. "Nocturnal minus daytime" MHPG also correlated negatively with total sleep time in the PTSD patients (R = -.45, p < .05). Our data support a relationship of nondiminished central noradrenergic activity at night, and sleep disturbance, in chronic, combat-related PTSD.
Towards a Political Economy of Transportation Policy and Practice in Nairobi

“The streets and infrastructure of most of Africa’s cities are being over-whelmed by traffic, leading to rising levels of hazardous air pollution andimpacts on the economy. Africa should consider the mistakes made oncontinents, such as Europe, which indicates that trying to build your way out ofthe problem by constructing more and more roads can be expensive and deliveronly short-term benefits.”Achim Steiner, United Nations Under Secretary-General and Executive Directorof the Nairobi based UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
The effect of electrolyzed oxidative water applied using electrostatic spraying on pathogenic and indicator bacteria on the surface of eggs

Research was conducted to compare the effectiveness of electrolyzed oxidative (EO) water applied using an electrostatic spraying system (ESS) for killing populations of bacteria that are of concern to the poultry industry. Populations of pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes), and the indicator bacterium Escherichia coli were applied to eggs and allowed to attach for 1 h. EO water completely eliminated all Salmonella typhimurium on 3, 7, 1, and 8 out of 15 eggs in Repetitions (Rep) 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, even when very high inoculations were used. EO water completely eliminated all Staphylococcus aureus on 12, 11, 12, and 11 out of 15 eggs in Rep 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. EO water completely eliminated all Listeria monocytogenes on 8, 13, 12, and 14 out of 15 eggs in Reps 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. EO water completely eliminated all Escherichia coli on 9, 11, 15, and 11 out of 15 eggs in Reps 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Even when very high concentrations of bacteria were inoculated onto eggs (many times higher than would be encountered in industrial situations), EO water was found to be effective when used in conjunction with electrostatic spraying for eliminating pathogenic and indicator populations of bacteria from hatching eggs.
Smoking and anxiety in combat veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A review.

Abstract There is growing evidence that smoking, and in particular heavy smoking, is prevalent in Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the pathways responsible for development and perpetuation of smoking in this clinical population have not been identified. Relevant smoking, substance abuse, and anxiety disorder research is reviewed. Although an association between smoking and PTSD has not been directly tested, there is evidence that such research is warranted. Suggestions for future research are offered.
Oral strontium ranelate treatment markedly improves implant osseointegration

Category 1. Systemic and local regulation of skeletal metabolism 201 Oral strontium ranelate treatment markedly improves implant osseointegration L. Maimoun, R. Rizzoli, P. Ammann Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospital,
A deep survey of H I-selected galaxies: The sample and the data

In a 21 cm neutral hydrogen survey of approximately 55 deg2 out to a redshift of cz = 8340 km s-1, we have identified 75 extragalactic H I sources. These objects comprise a well-defined sample of extragalactic sources chosen by means that are independent of optical surface brightness selection effects. In this paper we describe the Arecibo survey procedures and H I data, follow-up VLA H I observations made of several unusual sources, and Kitt Peak B-, R-, and I-band photometry for nearly all of the galaxies. We have also gathered information for some of the optically detected galaxies within the same search volume. We examine how samples generated by different types of search techniques overlap with selection by H I flux. Only the least massive H I object, which is among the lowest mass H I sources previously found, does not have a clear optical counterpart, but a nearby bright star may hide low surface brightness emission. However, the newly detected systems do have unusual optical properties. Most of the 40 galaxies that were not previously identified in magnitude-limited catalogs appear to be gas-dominated systems, and several of these systems have H I mass-to-light ratios among the largest values ever previously found. These gas-dominated objects also tend to have very blue colors, low surface brightnesses, and no central bulges, which correlate strongly with their relative star-to-gas content.
Contemporary Carbon Dynamics in Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Southeastern Plains of the United States

Quantifying carbon dynamics over large areas is frequently hindered by the lack of consistent, high-quality, spatially explicit land use and land cover change databases and appropriate modeling techniques. In this paper, we present a generic approach to address some of these challenges. Land cover change information in the Southeastern Plains ecoregion was derived from Landsat data acquired in 1973, 1980, 1986, 1992, and 2000 within 11 randomly located 20-km × 20-km sample blocks. Carbon dynamics within each of the sample blocks was simulated using the General Ensemble Biogeochemical Modeling System (GEMS), capable of assimilating the variances and covariance of major input variables into simulations using an ensemble approach. Results indicate that urban and forest areas have been increasing, whereas agricultural land has been decreasing since 1973. Forest clear-cutting activity has intensified, more than doubling from 1973 to 2000. The Southeastern Plains has been acting as a carbon sink since 1973, with an average rate of 0.89 Mg C/ha/yr. Biomass, soil organic carbon (SOC), and harvested materials account for 56%, 34%, and 10% of the sink, respectively. However, the sink has declined continuously during the same period owing to forest aging in the northern part of the ecoregion and increased forest clear-cutting activities in the south. The relative contributions to the sink from SOC and harvested materials have increased, implying that these components deserve more study in the future. The methods developed here can be used to quantify the impacts of human management activities on the carbon cycle at landscape to global scales.
Eating patterns in normal weight individuals: Bulimia, restrained eating; and the night eating syndrome

Prevalence of eating behaviors and components of three patterns—bulimia, restrained eating, night eating syndrome (NESI—are described in 232 normal weight adults. Some components of eating patterns occurred frequently fe.g., guilt about eating), but items suggesting pathology were rare (e.g., self-in- duced vomiting). The prevalence of bulimia and NES is under 1 %, whereas 14% manifested the restrained eating pattern. More women than men man- ifest bulimic and restrained eating patterns; sexes were comparable on NES. Although the restrained eating pattern and bulimia were highly correlated, neither was correlated with NES or with attributes associated with NES.
Superficial musculoaponeurotic system elevation and fat graft reconstruction after superficial parotidectomy.

Objective/Hypothesis: Elevation of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) with or without fat graft interposition during superficial parotidectomy prevents a concave facial deformity and Frey's syndrome. Study Design: Retrospective, case-control study. Methods: Charts for 248 patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy were reviewed for pathologic, radiographic, clinical, and operative data. Sixteen patients who underwent SMAS elevation and 34 patients who underwent SMAS elevation with fat graft interposition were included in two study groups. Nonreconstructed controls were randomly selected from a pool of patients who had unilateral, superficial parotidectomy and were matched based on pathologic specimen volume. Patients were surveyed for their postoperative symptoms. Results: Patients undergoing SMAS elevation alone (n = 16) compared with controls (n = 19) had greater facial symmetry (12% vs. 32%, P = .147) and a lower incidence of symptomatic Frey's syndrome (6.3% vs. 18.6%, P = .382). Patients undergoing SMAS elevation and fat graft interposition (n = 34) compared with controls (n = 38) had less facial asymmetry (9% vs. 39%, P = .002) and a lower incidence of symptomatic Frey's syndrome (6% vs. 28%, P = .04). Complications among the study and control groups were comparable. Conclusions: Simultaneous reconstruction of a superficial parotidectomy defect using SMAS elevation with or without fat grafting may improve postoperative facial symmetry and decrease the incidence of symptomatic Frey's syndrome without increasing complications.
Host Function Specified by Bacillus pumilus Plasmid pPL7065

Plasmid pPL7065 ( approximately 4.7 x 10(6) daltons; approximately 20 copies per chromosome) determines the production of, and immunity or resistance to, a killing activity in strains of Bacillus pumilus. Plasmid pPL7065 is compatible with plasmid pPL576 ( approximately 28 x 10(6) daltons; approximately 2 copies per chromosome).
Local externalities and societal adoption of technologies

In this paper we study the effect of local network externalities on the societal adoption of competing technologies. Three cases are examined: single non-sponsored technology, single sponsored technology, and two non-sponsored technologies. The efficiency and predictability of the technology adoption process for each case is investigated. We demonstrate non-predictability for single technology case and efficiency for the two technology case. We show the firm sponsoring a technology may choose a strategy that leads to the extinction of the technology.
Fatal Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia 8 Months After Prior Exposure to Heparin

r l T o t t d w p m EPARIN-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA (HIT) is a syndrome of thrombocytopenia caused by circulating Ig ntibodies (“HIT antibodies”) that bind to heparin platelet actor 4 complexes.1 HIT with thrombosis (HITT) is HIT with he clinical syndrome of arterial or venous thrombosis because f platelet activation. The frequency of development of HIT ntibodies depends on the type of heparin exposure (higher with nfractionated heparin [UFH] compared with low–moleculareight heparin [LMWH]) and the patient population (surgical atients higher than medical patients). Cardiac surgical patients ho are exposed to UFH perioperatively have a 50% incidence f detectable HIT antibodies.1 In orthopedic surgical patients, he incidence is 15% with exposure to UFH but only 8% with xposure to LMWH.1 Not all patients who develop HIT antiodies will become thrombocytopenic. Clinical HIT with hrombocytopenia below 100,000/ L is uncommon, and hrombosis (HITT) is rare (0%-5% of patients).2-5 Thrombocytopenia develops generally within 4 to 15 days of xposure to heparin but occasionally can occur within hours rapid-onset HIT) because of the presence of circulating HIT ntibodies formed after a recent exposure.6-8 Of 73 patients dentified to have had rapid-onset HIT over a period of 15 ears, most had received heparin (all UFH) within the previous weeks and all within the previous 100 days.6 The authors describe a case of fatal rapid-onset HIT in a patient f previously unknown HIT status who had received UFH more han 1 year and LMWH 8 months before the current admission.
Effect of microencapsulation on immunogenicity of a bovine herpes virus glycoprotein and inactivated influenza virus in mice

We previously found that aqueous-based spermine-alginate or spermine-chondroitin sulfate microcapsules enhanced rotavirus-specific humoral immune responses after intramuscular inoculation of mice. To extend our observations with whole, infectious rotavirus to vaccine strategies which include inactivated virus and purified proteins, we determined the capacity of aqueous-based microcapsules to enhance virus-specific immune responses to bovine herpes virus type 1 glycoprotein D (BHV-1-gD) or ether-treated influenza virus. We found that spermine-alginate microcapsules decreased the quantity of BHV-1-gD necessary to induce protein-specific antibodies about 5000-fold. However, spermine-alginate microcapsules did not enhance influenza virus-specific antibody responses. Microcapsules composed of spermine-chondroitin sulfate did not enhance either BHV-1-gD or influenza virus-specific immune responses. Possible mechanisms of enhancement of virus-specific antibody responses by microencapsulation are discussed.
Regulation adequacy analysis under high wind penetration scenarios in ERCOT nodal

Summary form only given. The significant expansion of wind power capacity in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will increase the amount of ancillary services (AS) necessary to maintain ERCOT system frequency targets. This paper analyzes ERCOT regulation adequacy from a simplifed dynamical model of ERCOT validated by empirical data. The model includes a representation of system frequency response characteristics; a stochastic, empirical-based model of wind power expansion; and a model of net load forecast error based on current performances. The simulation uses current ERCOT methodology for determining regulation, and NERC Balancing Authority Standards to examine frequency control performance.
On the automorphism group of the conformal superalgebra.

Abstract There is no automorphism of the conformal superalgebra that induces PT (parity and time reversal) on space time. Those conformal transformations that induce PT must change the sign of the odd brackets. In particular, in any implementation of conformal supersymmetry, CP can preserve but CPT must (at best) reverse the sign of the odd brackets (C, charge conjugation).
A Review of Clinical Trials of Therapies for Osteoporosis Using Fracture as an End Point

As the population ages, fragility fractures grow in importance as a public health problem. The principal goal of osteoporosis therapy is primary and secondary fracture prevention. A growing choice of therapies is now available for the treatment of osteoporosis. In this article, we review their efficacy using fracture prevention as an end point. The considerable heterogeneity among studies with regard to patient age, past fracture history, fracture site, and analytical methods precludes the possibility of performing a meaningful meta-analysis. Fracture outcomes have been reported in clinical trials with calcium supplementation, vitamin D supplementation, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), calcitonin, etidronate, alendronate, sodium fluoride (NaF), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and raloxifene. Compelling evidence for fracture prevention has been provided for calcium and vitamin D supplementation and alendronate treatment. Evidence of fracture prevention exists for ERT, raloxifene, calcitonin, etidronate, and PTH. Data on NaF are inconsistent. Across agents, there is a trend toward greater efficacy for patients at greatest risk of fracture.
Dealing with Myths of Hedge Fund Investment

THOMAS SCHNEEWEIS is a professor at the School of Management of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. R ecent events in financial markets have focused interest on the existence and operations of a relatively new form of investment entity, the hedge fund. While many definitions for hedge funds exist, they are basically ‘‘loosely regulated private pooled investment vehicles that can invest in both cash and derivative markets on a leveraged basis for the benefits of its investors.’’ Unfortunately, there are a number of myths surrounding hedge funds and the risk and return opportunities that hedge funds offer. In a short comment one cannot cover in detail all of the misconceptions about the performance of hedge funds or other alternative investments. In fact, journals such as The Journal of Alternative Investments exist to permit a better long term understanding of many of the new alternative investment forms. However, despite a wide range of research conducted on hedge funds and their performance, the following are a number of popular misconceptions.
The zero-two law for positive contractions is valid in all Banach lattices

It is shown that the zero-two law for positive contractions, as established recently by Y. Katznelson and L. Tzafriri (1986), holds in all Banach lattices.
Variation in a Population of Theropoda (Dinosauria): Allosaurus from the Cleveland-Lloyd Quarry (Upper Jurassic), Utah, USA

Abstract. Ontogenetic and individual variation in a population of the large theropod Allosaurus cf. A. fragilis was examined using the Bjork superimposition method on the premaxillae, maxillae, lachrymal, postorbital, and jugal. This method allows utilization of incomplete specimens without having to estimate (fabricate) missing data. In addition, it visually shows regions of ontogenetic change and variation. Comparison of these results with other morphometric studies of the same specimens show that most allometric trends are not supported. Instead, ontogenetic change is mostly isometric. In addition, the wide range of individual variation in all the skull elements analyzed makes some autapomorphic characters used to define other theropod taxa suspect.
Monitoring Ion Channel Charge Displacements using Radio Frequencies

Here we introduce a new technique to examine voltage-dependent ion-channel biophysics using radio frequency (RF) interrogating electric fields. The approach exposes the cell membrane to an RF electric field and measures vibrational electric current evoked by the RF field. Xenopus Oocytes transfected to express Shaker-B IR ion channels were used as the experimental model. A 500 kHz RF signal was applied to the membrane using extracellular bipolar metal electrodes, and RF charge displacement measurements were made during traditional two-electrode whole-cell voltage clamp. Voltage clamp was used to depolarize the oocytes and measure whole-cell K+ current at several transmembrane potentials. The RF interrogation signal was superimposed on top of the comparatively slow (DC) voltage clamp command signal. Results show that the measured RF membrane current was a function of DC membrane potential. The RF current was separated into conduction and displacement components to examine the voltage-dependent RF conductance, GRF, and capacitance, CRF. Remarkably, the RF capacitance, CRF, had a voltage sensitivity and half-activation voltage that correlated with the Shaker-B IR channel DC conductance measured using whole-cell voltage clamp. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that electrostatic interactions between the channel protein and K+ in the pore constrain the mobility of K+ and lead to changes in RF capacitance with membrane depolarization. The approach might offer a means to examine electrostatic interactions associated with ion channel function or to estimate voltage dependence of channel activation using extracellular RF signals. [supported by NIH R01DC04928, NSF IGERT DGE-9987616]
Kinetic Behavior and Mechanism of Inhibition in the Maillard Reaction. I. Kinetic Behavior of the Reaction Between D-Glucose and Glycine

SUMMARY The kinetic behavior of the Maillard reaction between D-glucose and glycine is discussed, and apparent rate constants–kl, from the induction period of the reaction, and Ka. t, from the steady-phase formation of melanoidins– are estimated. The free energies of activation for two steps with corresponding rate constants K1 and ka t are respectively found to be 26.5 and 26.1 kcal mole-1. Both steps have unfavorable negative entropy of activation. The overall rate expression is where I represents intermediates, g and G respectively glycine and glucose, B the brown products, and k's the rate constants. On the basis of kinetic considerations, hydroxymethyl furfural is ruled out as a major intermediate in the Maillard reaction.
[Beyond the photodynamic diagnosis: Searching for excellence in the diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer].

Cystoscopy is gold-standard method in non muscule invasive bladder cancer diagnosis. In the cistoscopic exploration 30% of tumors could be overlooked: it is due to a flat forms, little size tumours or difficult visualization. Photodynamic diagnosis reduces overlooked tumours rate, and has improved diagnosis on flat forms, with the consequence of increasing lap time to recurrence and decreasing the number of iterative cistoscopy; nevertheless the false positive rate is high. In the last years developed new optical devices who try to improve alone or associated diagnostic sensibility in cistoscopy without reduction of specificity. Among new devices we must emphasize some like Narrow Band Imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography or Laser Confocal Endomicroscopy.
Postschool Outcome Data Collection Programs: Examples from Two States.

There is a growing emphasis on academic performance and educational outcomes for students with disabilities. This focus is demonstrated, in part, by the federal requirement to collect post-school outcome data from these former students (i.e., Indicator 14). The purpose of this paper is to introduce two states' approaches to collecting post-school outcome data and offer recommendations and suggestions for implementing such data systems. The background and history of how these states developed systems to collect, analyze, and report post-school outcomes and how their data collection instruments were developed are described. Similarities, differences, and limitations of these systems are presented and recommendations for future research are provided.
Cycloaddition Reactions of transition metal-2-alkynyl complexes with diphenylketene, t-butylcyanoketene, N-sulfinylaniline, and N-Sulfinyl-p-toluenesulfonamide

Abstract The reactions of η5-C5H5Fe(CO)2CH2CCR (R = CH3 CP6H5, and CH2Fe(CO)2,(η5-C5H5), η5-C5H5-Mo(CO)3CH2CCC6H5, and Mn(CO)5CH2CCC6H5 ([M] CH2CCR) with the ketenes (C6H5)2CCO and (t-C4H9(CN)CCO and with the N-sulfinyl compounds C6H5NSO and p-CH3C6H4SO2NSO result in the formation of (3 + 2) cycloadducts of the reactants. The respective products of these reactions are [M] CC(R)C(O)C(C 6 H 5 ) 2 C H2, [M] CC(R)C(O)Ct-C 4 H 9 (CN)C H2, [M] CC(R)S (O)N(C6H5)CH2, and [M] CC(R)S(O)N(SO 2 C 6 H 4 CH 3 )CH 2 . These structures have been elucidated on the basis of infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopic data. No reactions were observed bet- ween η5-C5H5Fe(CO)2CH2CCCH3 and C2H5O2 CNNCO2C2H5 and between η5-C5H5Fe(CO)2R (R = CH3 and CH2C6H4OCH3-p) and the two ketenes.