cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjuvants prolonging the residual activity of dichlorvos and mevinphos in the laboratory.

Seventy-four materials were screened as potential adjuvants to prolong toxicity of dichlorvos and mevinphos on 3rd-instar larvae of the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant, and 4th-instar larvae of the southern armyworm, Prodenia eridania (Cramer). Residues of the toxicants and toxicant-adjuvant combinations on lima bean foliage (‘Fordhook 242’), when 24 hours old, were infested with insects. After 24 additional hours the respomes to the combinations were compared with responses to the toxicant alone. Most adjuvants tested appeared to have some promise. Four materials, Keltose (alginate). Dacagin (polysaccharide gum), Plaskon 9405 (polyester resin), and Hetron HLR 254 (unsaturated polyester resin), were exceptionally effective. Patterns of effectiveness were observed also among individuals and categories of adjuvants. Klucel G (cellulose ether) and Methoccl MC 8000 (hydroxymethyl cellulose) were effective only in combination with mevinphos. Cellosize QP 52,000 (hydroxyethyl cellulose) and Hetron PR 130 (polyester resin) were only effective with dichlorvos. Klucel I (cellulose ether) was effective with both toxicants but only against Mexican bean beetle. On a numerical basis the carbohydrate, polyester resin, and polyvinyl derivatives categories were superior to the other categories. Approximately 90% of the above-mentioned materials produced minimum mortalities of 85%, even though they contain only about 50% of the materials tested.
Diseases in the Byzantine World with Special Emphasis on the Nephropathies

Using medical manuscripts and texts from the Byzantine period (330-1453), this article describes various, to date little discussed, aspects of Byzantine nosology, public health and therapeutics. Many
Side chain modified sterols as probes into insect molting hormone metabolism. II: synthesis of monofluorocholesterols.

Abstract The hydroxylations of the cholesterol side chain at C-20, 22, and 25 are key terminal events in ecdysone biogenesis. We have prepared the C-20, C-22, C-24, and C-25 monofluorinated cholesterols as potential inhibitors of these hydroxylation events, and preliminary bioassay results in Manduca sexta are reported. The synthesis of [26 14 C]-20-fluorocholesterol is also described. Although the 20-, 22-,and 25-monofluorocholesterols do not appear to affect larval growth and development, the 24-fluoro isomer shows a moderate retardation of growth and a modest increase in mortality.
Conversation as a key to the understanding of human nature

(1961). Conversation as a key to the understanding of human nature. Today's Speech: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 25-28.
Hypoxia induces changes in expression of isoforms of the divalent metal transporter (DMT1) in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.

Abstract Although hypoxia has been shown to increase the expression of a variety of proteins involved in iron homeostasis, including transferrin and its receptor, little is known about the effect of low oxygen on formation of isoforms of the major iron transport protein, divalent metal transporter 1, DMT1. Accordingly, we examined the effects of hypoxia on expression and subcellular distribution of the different isoforms of DMT1 in rat PC12 cells. Treatment with low oxygen modestly increased expression of protein and mRNA levels for both the +IRE and −IRE species of DMT1. In contrast, expression of the exon 1A containing species of DMT1 was greatly increased by hypoxia as indicated by Western blot and real-time RT-PCR analysis. Message levels for the 1A isoforms increased approximately 60-fold after exposure of PC12 cells to 1% oxygen for 5 h. The subcellular distribution of exon 1A isoforms of DMT1 remained consistently in the cytoplasmic milieu of the cell after hypoxic exposure, as also did the distribution of +IRE species of DMT1. The −IRE species of DMT1, however, responded to hypoxia by becoming increasingly associated with the regions adjoining the outer cellular membranes, while a portion partially colocalized with an early endosomal marker (EEA). Hypoxia also caused a significant increase in the uptake of manganese in PC12 cells. In summary, these results demonstrate that hypoxia selectively increases expression of exon 1A containing species of DMT1 with lesser increases in either the +IRE or −IRE isoforms the transporter.
Research note on the Taiwan relations act: Executive and legislative differences

Since the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, the executive branch and the legislative branch have diverged on US‐Taiwan relations. As the executive branch created its version of the TRA, the Congress exerted its influence by adding security provisions. Yielding to the influence of Congress, President Carter accepted and signed into law the TRA. The 1982 Joint Communique contradicts the TRA. President Reagan signed this Communique which pledges that the US will decrease its arms sales to Taiwan. However, the TRA binds the US, by law, to sell a sufficient amount of defensive weapons to Taiwan for its security. How can the US provide sufficient amounts of defensive weapons to Taiwan if the US is decreasing its arms sales to Taiwan? The security provisions that Congress placed in the TRA comes into conflict with a presidential foreign policy statement. This paper finds that there is and has been a divergence of actions that occur even though the rhetoric and statements made by both sides seem simi...
Revised moment propagation method for scalar transport

The moment propagation (MP) method was used to study the transport of a passive scalar by a turbulent fluid. Numerical results show that the MP method does not accurately capture the evolution of a scalar field at moderate Reynolds numbers. A theoretical analysis proves that the diffusivity derived from the MP model depends on fluid velocity, which limits the range of Peclet number. We describe an improved MP model (MP2) which eliminates the velocity-dependent diffusion, leading to more accurate predictions of scalar transport in high-velocity flows; at low velocities both methods give similar results. We test the model for a variety of simple flows and find that accurate results can be obtained at grid Peclet numbers in excess of 10.
Identifying DNA-Binding Sites and Analyzing DNA-Binding Domains Using a Yeast Selection System

Abstract We describe genetic methods using yeast to analyze a DNA-binding protein to determine (i) the sequence of the DNA sites to which the protein binds and (ii) the location of the domain and specific amino acid residues in the protein responsible for DNA binding. These methods take advantage of the fact that a hybrid protein consisting of a particular DNA-binding domain and a transcriptional activation domain activates expression of a reporter gene that contains binding sites for the DNA-binding domain. We describe two applications of these methods. First, DNA fragments that contain binding sites for the DNA-binding protein of interest can be recovered from a library of fragments by their ability to mediate transcriptional activation of a reporter gene. If enough DNA fragments are identified, the consensus sequence of the DNA-binding site can usually be recognized. In addition, some of the DNA fragments may be derived from actual target genes regulated by the DNA-binding protein, and therefore these fragments might be used to identify such target genes. Second, a reporter gene whose expression inhibits cell growth and whose promoter contains binding sites for the DNA-binding protein can be used to select mutants defective in the DNA-binding domain. This procedure allows one to localize the DNA-binding domain within the protein and to identify amino acids important for DNA binding. The mutations that inactivate the DNA-binding domain are highly informative, since the method avoids the recovery of "uninteresting" mutations that simply destabilize the protein or prevent its synthesis. In principle, the methods we describe can be applied to any DNA-binding protein.
α-synuclein regulation of dopamine transporter

The development of effective therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration requires a better understanding of the early events that precede neuronal loss. Recent work in various disease models has begun to emphasize the significance of presynaptic dysfunction as an early event that occurs before manifestation of neurological disorders. Dysregulation of dopamine (DA) homeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, drug addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) is essential for the maintenance of DA homeostasis in the brain. α-synuclein is a 140-amino acid protein that forms a stable complex with DAT and is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. In this review we will examine the prevailing hypotheses for α-synuclein-regulation of DAT biology.
EVALUATION OF POWER OF TESTS INVOLVING COVARIATES UNDER NONCONSTANT VARIANCE

In many experiments where pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements are taken, investigators wish to determine if there is a difference between two treatment groups. For this type of data, the post-treatment variable is used as the primary comparison variable and the pre-treatment variable is used as a covariate. Although most of the discussion in this paper is written with the pre-treatment variable as the covariate the results are applicable to other choices of a covariate. Tests based on residuals have been proposed as alternatives to the usual covariance methods. Our objective is to investigate how the powers of these tests are affected when the conditional variance of the post-treatment variable depends on the magnitude of the pre-treatment variable. In particular, we investigate two cases. [1] The conditional variance of the post-treatment variable gradually increases as the magnitude of the pre-treatment variable increases. (In many biological models this is the case.) [2] The conditional varia...
Fundamental studies of hydrodesulfurization by metal surfaces

Abstract Fundamental studies of desulfurization chemistry induced by single-crystal transition-metal surfaces are reviewed with emphasis on recent work. Specifically, the chemistry associated with clean, modified and multimetallic systems is addressed. A brief of our experimental approach, including the use of systematic variation in CS bond enthalpies for mechanistic studies, is discussed. Studies of thiol reactions on Mo(110) have shown that desulfurization occurs via homolytic CS bond dissociation in the thiolate intermediate. Furthermore, the relative rates of desulfurization can be correlated with CS bond strengths. The product distributions for molecules that form radical or cation intermediates and undergo various rearrangement reactions are used to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Adsorbates like oxygen and sulfur passivate the surface toward CS and CH bond scission in most cases. However, oxygen substitution also occurs when thiols react on some oxygen-covered surfaces. No synergistic reactivity was observed for thiol chemistry on bimetallic CoMo surfaces.
Scaling of the anomalous Hall effect in the insulating regime

We develop the theory of the scaling of the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in the insulating regime, which is observed in experiments to relate the anomalous Hall and diagonal conductivities by ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{xy}^{\text{AH}}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{xx}^{1.40\ensuremath{\sim}1.75}$ for a large range of materials. This scaling is qualitatively different from that observed in metals. Basing our theory on the phonon-assisted hopping mechanism and percolation theory in random networks, we derive a general formula for the anomalous Hall conductivity, in which the percolation theory averaging of the random-linked triad clusters is a key aspect that captures the correct observed physics. We show that it scales with the longitudinal conductivity as ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{xy}^{\text{AH}}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{xx}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ with $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ predicted to be $1.33\ensuremath{\leqslant}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\leqslant}1.76$, quantitatively in agreement with the experimental observations. Our theory predicts that this scaling remains similar regardless of whether the hopping process is of long-range (variable-range hopping) or short-range type (activation hopping), or is influenced by interactions, i.e., the Efros-Shklovskii regime. Our theory completes the understanding of the AHE phase diagram in the insulating regime.
Analytical modeling of graphene nanoribbon Schottky diodes

This paper presents graphene nanoribbon (GNR) Schottky diode through an analytical approach. To achieve an analytical relation for channel current, first an analytical equation for potential distribution within the GNR is offered. Then by using the WKB approximation, transmission probability through Schottky barriers is derived. Finally the channel current is analytically achieved, which is a function of physical and electrical parameters including gate insulator thickness, Schottky barrier height, drain bias voltage, gate bias voltage, GNR width, and subband number. To get a rectification behavior of presented device, two different metals have been considered at the two ends of a p-type semiconducting GNR resulting in asymmetric contacts. The effect of different parameters such as gate bias voltage, GNR width, and contact metals on the rectification behavior is investigated. We demonstrate that the rectification characteristic, threshold voltage, reverse saturation current, and reverse turn-on voltage can be tuned through the use of these parameters. The derived analytical current well describes the rectifying behavior of presented GNR Schottky diode.
Field evaluation of live virus mumps vaccine.

A double-blind evaluation of the antigenicity, clinical reactions, and efficacy of the Jeryl Lynn strain, level B, of live, attenuated mumps virus vaccine was carried out among school children. The efficacy of the vaccine in protecting against mumps was calculated to be 95.6 per cent during the five-month period after immunization.
Symmetric dimuons from neutrinos

Abstract We show quantitatively that neutrino produced dimuons of charm origin are strongly suppressed in a symmetrical region of the E ( μ − ), E ( μ + ) scatter plot. An appreciable event rate in this region would be a signal for new physics beyond charm.
Genetics of resistance to the geminivirus, Bean dwarf mosaic virus, and the role of the hypersensitive response in common bean.

Bean dwarf mosaic virus (BDMV) is a single-stranded DNA virus (genus: Begomovirus, family: Geminiviridae) that infects common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and causes stunted plant growth, and mosaic and mottle symptoms in leaves. BDMV shows differential pathogenicity in common bean, infecting germplasm of the Andean gene pool (e.g., the snap bean cultivar Topcrop), but not that of the Middle American gene pool (e.g., the pinto bean cultivar Othello). Resistance to BDMV in Othello is associated with development of a hypersensitive response (HR) in vascular (phloem) tissues. In this study, Middle American germplasm representing the four recognized races (i.e., Durango, Guatemala, Jalisco, and Mesoamerica) and the parents of Othello were inoculated with BDMV and a BDMV-green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. All genotypes showed partial or complete resistance to BDMV and BDMV-GFP, indicating the widespread distribution of resistance in the Middle American gene pool. A number of BDMV-resistant germplasm did not show the HR, indicating it is not correlated with resistance. In the F1, F2, and F3 of reciprocal crosses between Othello and Topcrop, a single dominant allele, Bdm, conferred BDMV resistance.
The Missing Beat: Press Coverage of Congressional Elections in Eight Metropolitan Areas

Campaign press coverage is a potentially important influence on voters in congressional elections. This paper compares coverage of U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and gubernatorial campaigns in eight metropolitan newspapers during a one-month period in 1978. Analysis shows that House campaigns are given considerably less attention than Senate and gubernatorial races, that incumbents are more likely than challengers to receive coverage, and that the most competitive races have a somewhat greater likelihood of being covered. The substance of House and Senate campaign coverage in most papers suggests greater press interest in campaign activity and "horserace" elements than in issues and candidate qualifications.
Lack of effect of electric field exposure on rats: a data re-evaluation.

Three recent investigations of the possible effects of 60 Hz electric fields on rats have yielded apparently contradictory results. While one group of investigators reported that chronic exposure to a 15 kV/m field caused several biological effects, the other two groups did not find these effects at 25 kV/m and 100 kV/m, respectively. A re-examination of the data from the 15 kV/m experiments indicates that the reported effects were probably artifacts due to improper statistical analysis and to a cage design which resulted in transient electric shocks (spark discharges) to the exposed rats. Hence, the results of all three investigations are consistent with a lack of biological effects from chronic exposure to 15–100 kV/m electric fields.
New Caledonian carbon sinks at the onset of Antarctic glaciation

During the latest Eocene, as Earth9s climate transitioned from a greenhouse to an icehouse state, likely forced by declining atmospheric carbon dioxide pressure ( p CO 2 ), a large tract of basic and ultrabasic seafloor breached sea level in the New Caledonian region of the southwestern Pacific Ocean. A plausible mechanism for CO 2 drawdown at this precise time, 35–34 Ma, invokes weathering of the seafloor rocks, composed of highly soluble Ca- and Mg-rich silicates, and related organic carbon burial. Carbon burial fluxes based on estimates of paleo-area, paleo–erosion rate, and paleo–sedimentation rate suggest a peak perturbation of 0.3–0.5 Emol (10 18 mol) m.y. −1 This perturbation may have been sufficient to lower atmospheric p CO 2 ∼100 ppmv, thus triggering growth of the East Antarctic ice sheet and a host of related environmental changes.
Actinobacillosis of Cattle in the United States

So far as I have been able to determine, the finding of Actinobacillus lignieresi in cattle in this country had not been reported until recently,1 although thirty years have elapsed since Lignieres and Spitz2 first described this organism as one of the etiologic agents of bovine actinomycosis in Argentina. The work of Lignieres and Spitz has been fully confirmed by Higgins3 in Canada, Nocard4 in France, Griffith,5 Bosworth6 and Davies and Torrance7 in Great Britain, Magnusson 8 and Hulphers 9 in Sweden, Bongert9 in Germany and Gunst9 in Holland. Reference is made to the articles by these observers for details regarding the multiple etiology of bovine actinomycosis. M'Fadyean 10 has expressed the present status of this question abroad. Only a summary of the essential facts will be presented here. The clinical or pathologic condition in cattle called actinomycosis is caused by several agents, the two most significant of which are Actinomyces bovis (also called Streptothrix) and Actinobacillus lignieresi. There is little in the tissue reactions to distinguish the two infections, although the distribution of lesions is somewhat different. Most of the infections of bone are caused by Actinomyces bovis, and most of those of the tongue, glands and soft tissues in general are caused by Actinobacillus lignieresi, but there are exceptions. The organisms themselves are different. Their chief point of similarity is the ability to form in tissues the aggregations called "sulphur bodies." Actinomyces bovis is a gram-positive, rod-shaped or filamentous organism, growing best under reduced oxygen tension; Actinobacillus lignieresi is a small, gram-
Adaptive hypertext narrative as city planning

This essay explores an analogy that might offer new ideas for the construction of adaptive hypertext narrative systems. The analogy is not with the production of a literary work but with city planning, in particular Christopher Alexander's iterative model for gradual change. In this model, there is no overall plan for the city; instead there are multiple local interventions guided by local insufficiencies and a library of spatial patterns. Applied to narrative hypertext this model would stress multiple local additions to a growing landscape of nodes and links. The results should provide more kinds of novelty and surprise than with conventional authoring software, but would have to deal with problems of narrative unity and closure.
Nuclear and mitochondrial interaction involving mt-Nd2 leads to increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production.

NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2, encoded by the mtDNA, has been associated with resistance to autoimmune type I diabetes (T1D) in a case control study. Recently, we confirmed a role for the mouse ortholog of the protective allele (mt-Nd2a) in resistance to T1D using genetic analysis of outcrosses between T1D-resistant ALR and T1D-susceptible NOD mice. We sought to determine the mechanism of disease protection by elucidating whether mt-Nd2a affects basal mitochondrial function or mitochondrial function in the presence of oxidative stress. Two lines of reciprocal conplastic mouse strains were generated: one with ALR nuclear DNA and NOD mtDNA (ALR.mtNOD) and the reciprocal with NOD nuclear DNA and ALR mtDNA (NOD.mtALR). Basal mitochondrial respiration, transmembrane potential, and electron transport system enzymatic activities showed no difference among the strains. However, ALR.mtNOD mitochondria supported by either complex I or complex II substrates produced significantly more reactive oxygen species when compared with both parental strains, NOD.mtALR or C57BL/6 controls. Nitric oxide inhibited respiration to a similar extent for mitochondria from the five strains due to competitive antagonism with molecular oxygen at complex IV. Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide generated by xanthine oxidase did not significantly decrease complex I function. The protein nitrating agents peroxynitrite or nitrogen dioxide radicals significantly decreased complex I function but with no significant difference among the five strains. In summary, mt-Nd2a does not confer elevated resistance to oxidative stress; however, it plays a critical role in the control of the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production.
The high altitude student platform (HASP) for student-built payloads

Abstract An outstanding issue with aerospace workforce development is what should be done at the university level to attract and prepare undergraduates for an aerospace career. One approach adopted by many institutions is to lead students through the design and development of small payloads (less than about 500 grams) that can be carried up to high altitude (around 30 km) by a latex sounding balloon. This approach has been very successful in helping students to integrate their content knowledge with practical skills and to understand the end-to-end process of aerospace project development. Sounding balloons, however, are usually constrained in flight duration (∼30 min above 24 km) and payload weight, limiting the kinds investigations that are possible. Student built picosatellites, such as CubeSats, can be placed in low Earth orbit removing the flight duration constraint, but the delays between satellite development and launch can be years. Here, we present the inexpensive high altitude student platform (HASP) that is designed to carry at least eight student payloads at a time to an altitude of about 36 km with flight durations of 15–20 h using a small zero-pressure polyethylene film balloon. This platform provides a flight capability greater than sounding balloons and can be used to flight-test compact satellites, prototypes and other small payloads designed and built by students. The HASP includes a standard mechanical, power and communication interface for the student payload to simplify integration and allows the payloads to be fully exercised. HASP is lightweight, has simple mission requirements providing flexibility in the launch schedule, will provide a flight test opportunity at the end of each academic year.
Resonances in Electron Impact on Diatomic Molecules

In this review we present the energies, configuration, and other properties of resonances (also called "compound states" and "temporary negative ions") in diatomic molecules. Much of the information is presented in the form of tables and energy level diagrams. Vibrational, rotational, and electronic excitation are discussed whenever these processes have given information on resonances; often these excitation processes proceed via resonances. The paper is divided according to molecular species (${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, CO, NO, ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$), but the main conclusions are discussed by the nature of the processes involved.
Inhibition of macromolecular synthesis in tumors by L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone

Abstract L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone was observed to inhibit the incorporation of [ 3 H] amino acids into protein and [ 3 H] thymidine incorporation into DNA in Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells in vitro Similar effects were seen with several Morris hepatomas and a transplanted colon tumor in rats, and were accompanied by decreased uptake of isotope into acid soluble tissue fractions. Under the same conditions, there was no significant inhibition in regenerating liver and there was an increased uptake of [ 3 H] amino acids in the livers of normal and tumor bearing rats.
The Role of Self-Beliefs in Predicting Postschool Outcomes for Deaf Young Adults

The aim of this study was to explore the role of self-beliefs in predicting postschool outcomes for deaf young adults in transition from secondary settings. Three self-level constructs were explored: self-concept, self-determination, and expectations about the future. This study utilized data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) that collected longitudinal data from youths with disabilities across the nation, 550 of which were deaf or hard of hearing and met the selection criteria in this study. This study examined the relationships between these deaf adolescents’ self-beliefs and actual future achievements that were reached as they transitioned to adult life, in three domains: life, employment, and education. Despite the generally positive self-beliefs of deaf individuals, which were, in some cases, related to postschool outcomes, the self-beliefs assessed in this study did not emerge as comprehensive predictors of postschool attainments. Findings suggest that for deaf individuals, successfully navigating transitions to adult life involves dimensions beyond individual agency. Positive self-beliefs are clearly a part of successfully attaining postschool outcomes, but deaf individuals may not have full access to equitable opportunities to capitalize on these beliefs.
Temporal variations in mortality: a comparison of U.S. suicides and motor vehicle fatalities, 1972-1976

Among the various types of mortality, motor vehicle fatalities (MVF) and suicides are two that are very responsive to social, economic, and psychological factors. The analysis of the temporal patterns of suicides and MVF points to important but neglected forces affecting them. This paper examines the daily patterns of MVF and suicides for the United States from 1972 to 1976. The effects of the day of the week, month, year, and holidays on these types of mortality are estimated. Total MVF and suicides, as well as daily differentials by sex, age, and race, are analyzed with regression techniques. The results show that temporal variations are stronger in MVF than in suicides but are present in both. MVF tend to peak on Saturday, in the summer months, in 1972 and 1973, and on holidays. Suicides are generally highest on Monday, in the spring months, in 1975 and 1976, and on nonholidays. Differentials in the temporal patterns are evident. For instance, whites generally have a sharper decline in suicides on holidays than do nonwhites. The holiday peak in MVF for the 60 and over population is Christmas, while it is New Year's for the younger age groups. Males exhibit a greater increase in suicides from March to May than do females. Finally, the results of a comparison of the daily patterns of MVF and suicides revealed a negative correlation. This contrasted with the strong positive relationship between MVF and suicides generally found in cross-sectional studies. The implications of these findings are briefly discussed.
Generation and Structural Analysis of Silicon Nanoparticles

We have generated 20 to 100 nm sized silicon nanoparticles and analyzed their morphologies using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The particles are formed by deposition of silicon vapor onto silicon wafers and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). On silicon substrates, the particles are close to spherical with relatively narrow size distributions and they are randomly located. On graphite substrates the particles are arranged in chains. Within the chains they show strong deformations in the contact areas. We relate this to covalent inter-particle interactions.
Weak bonding of carbon atoms at corner sites in titanium-carbide nanocrystals

Abstract Recent experiments suggest that carbon atoms are disfavored at corner sites in transition-metal carbide nanocrystals. We examine this issue theoretically within density-functional theory, by focusing on the 3×3×3 titanium-carbide nanocrystals: Ti 14 C 13 and Ti 13 C 14 . The former species has metal atoms at the corners and is seen experimentally in great abundance, while the latter has carbon atoms at the corners and is not seen at all in the experiments. Our energetic and vibrational calculations indicate that carbon atoms are significantly more weakly bound to corner sites than are metal atoms. Possible consequences of these weakened corner-carbon bonds are discussed.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Section 504

How educators can best serve the needs of students with attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is rapidly becoming a major issue. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one avenue actively pursued by advocacy groups to obtain services for children with ADHD. As a result, Section 504 is experiencing a resurgence; however, because it has had little educational application since the inception of public law 94-142, many educators are unaware of the requirements posed by Section 504. A review of relevant office of civil rights rulings on eligibility, assessment, and accommodations for children with ADHD is provided.
What drives long‐distance dispersal? A test of theoretical predictions

Long-distance dispersal (LDD) may contribute disproportionately to species persistence in fragmented landscapes, non-native invasions, and range shifts in response to climate change. However, direct data on LDD are extremely limited, leaving us with little understanding of why it occurs. I used six years of mark–recapture data on the stream salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus to test theoretical predictions of how variation in habitat quality affects LDD. Frequency of LDD was quantified using the kurtosis of yearly movement distributions from recaptured animals in a 1-km headwater stream. Temporal and spatial variation in habitat quality were quantified with spatially explicit data on the body condition and dispersion of individuals throughout the study stream. Using information-theoretic model selection criteria, I found that LDD increased during periods of low average body condition and low spatial variation in body condition. Consistent with basic theory, my results indicate that temporal variation i...
Microfluidic Large-Scale Integration: The Evolution of Design Rules for Biological Automation

Microfluidic large-scale integration (mLSI) refers to the development of microfluidic chips with thousands of integrated micromechanical valves and control components. This technology is utilized in many areas of biology and chemistry and is a candidate to replace today’s conventional automation paradigm, which consists of fluid-handling robots. We review the basic development of mLSI and then discuss design principles of mLSI to assess the capabilities and limitations of the current state of the art and to facilitate the application of mLSI to areas of biology. Many design and practical issues, including economies of scale, parallelization strategies, multiplexing, and multistep biochemical processing, are discussed. Several microfluidic components used as building blocks to create effective, complex, and highly integrated microfluidic networks are also highlighted.
Split-replicates correlation of water content in cotton

The range of water content in US cottons equilibrated to moisture equilibrium at standard textile testing conditions and analyzed by standard Karl Fischer Titration is small, <0.8%. This presents a challenge in obtaining accurate test data to calibrate fast sensors. A dozen raw cottons, nine American and three international, were analyzed for water by standard Karl Fischer Titration. The number of replicates analyzed, blending, and two conditioning systems – either standard room or closed chamber in the standard room with salt solution to control humidity – were examined. Split-replicates correlation within samples, by splitting out either half the available number or three replicates at a time, was used as the measure of correlation. The split-correlation results depended on the number of replicates, mixing of the laboratory sample, and method of conditioning. These results suggest that good correlations are possible when mean water content is the dependent variable in regressions with fast sensor data. ...
Parameter optimization in linear systems with arbitrarily constrained controller structure

An algorithm is given for optimization of constant parameters in the controller for a time invariant linear system. The algorithm may be applied to linear controllers of arbitrary structure with any degree of decentralization in the distribution of information. Most important, it is not necessary to provide an initial controller of the specified structure which stabilizes the system. Rather, the structural constraints are initially relaxed to whatever degree necessary to obtain a stabilizing controller. The algorithm then gradually restores the constraints, converges to a local optimum solution, when one exists, and stabilizes any open loop system possessing a controllable unstable subspace. The necessary conditions while the optimum parameters must satisfy are developed for the arbitrarily constrained controller. The method of satisfying these necessary conditions involves use of a standard conjugate direction search together with a combined multiplier and penalty method for invoking the structural constraints. While attention is focused on the deterministic control problem, it is noted that systems with driving disturbances and measurement uncertainty may be handled with no significant modification of the algorithm. The result is a very practical tool for system design via parameter optimization.
Heat shock protein 72 expression allows permissive replication of oncolytic adenovirus dl1520 (ONYX-015) in rat glioblastoma cells

In this study we have made novel observations with regards to potentiation of the tumoricidal activity of the oncolytic adenovirus, dl1520 (ONYX-015) in rat glioblastoma cell lines expressing heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) due to permissive virus replication. ONYX-015 is a conditionally replicating adenovirus that is deleted for the E1B 55 kDA gene product whose normal function is to interact with cell-cycle regulatory proteins to permit virus replication. However, many murine and rodent cell lines are not permissive for adenovirus replication. Previously, it has been reported that the heat shock response is necessary for adenovirus replication and that induction of heat shock proteins is mediated by E1 region gene products. Therefore, we hypothesized that HSP72 expression may allow for permissive replication of ONYX-015 in previously non-permissive cells. Rat glioma cell lines 9L and RT2 were transfected with a plasmids expressing HSP72 or GFP. After infection with ONYX-015, no tumoricidal activity is observed in GFP expressing cell lines despite adequate transduction. In contrast, HSP72 transfected cells show cytopathic effects by 72 hours and greater than 75% loss of viability by 96 hours. Burst assays show active virus replication in the HSP72 expressing cell lines. Therefore, 9L-HSP72 and RT2-HSP72 are ideal models to evaluate the efficacy of ONYX-015 in an immunocompetent rat model. Our study has implications for creating rodent tumor models for pre-clinical studies with E1 region deleted conditionally replicating adenovirus.
An analysis of correlation and predictability: what makes two-level branch predictors work

Pipeline flushes due to branch mispredictions is one of the most serious problems facing the designer of a deeply pipelined, superscalar processor. Many branch predictors have been proposed to help alleviate this problem, including two-level adaptive branch predictors and hybrid branch predictors.Numerous studies have shown which predictors and configurations best predict the branches in a given set of benchmarks. Some studies have also investigated effects, such as pattern history table interference, that can be detrimental to the performance of these predictors. However, little research has been done on which characteristics of branch behavior make predictors perform well.In this paper, we investigate and quantify reasons why branches are predictable. We show that some of this predictability is not captured by the two-level adaptive branch predictors. An understanding of the predictability of branches may lead to insights ultimately resulting in better or less complex predictors. We also investigate and quantify what fraction of the branches in each benchmark is predictable using each of the methods described in this paper.
Functional imaging in small animals using tomographic digital subtraction angiography

We propose the use of tomographic digital subtraction angiography (TDSA) for functional imaging in small animals. TDSA combines the advantages of high temporal resolution of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and high spatial resolution of micro-computed tomography (CT). TDSA augments projection imaging methods such as DSA by providing three-dimensional information using tomosynthesis or CT reconstruction algorithms. Thus, four-dimensional (4D) datasets with a temporal resolution on the order of 100 ms and spatial resolution ranging from 100 microns to 1 mm, depending on the scanning angle, can be obtained. The approach is based on the novel paradigm that the same time density curves can be reproduced in a number of consecutive injections of microL volumes of contrast at a series of different angles of rotation.
Tacrolimus Ointment is Effective for Psoriasis on the Face and Intertriginous Areas in Pediatric Patients

Children with psoriasis often have involvement of the face and intertriginous areas. While corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for plaque-type psoriasis, the face and intertriginous areas are more sensitive to local effects of topical steroid use such as cutaneous atrophy. Topical tacrolimus has shown promise in adult patients as an alternative antiinflammatory without the cutaneous side effects of steroids. Eleven patients between 6 and 15 years of age with facial or inverse psoriasis were evaluated in a 6-month, single-center, open-label trial. Clinical evaluations were made at baseline and days 30, 90, and 180. Severity was assessed using the physician's global assessment of improvement relative to baseline, a 6-point rating scale for signs of disease (erythema, infiltration, desquamation), and an overall severity score. Within the first 30 days of treatment, every patient had cleared or achieved excellent improvement with the use of tacrolimus ointment. Statistically significant improvement was achieved in each sign of disease and the overall severity score. The only adverse event reported in 6 months of observation was significant pruritus in one patient. We therefore conclude that tacrolimus ointment is an effective treatment for psoriasis on the face or intertriginous areas in children.
A Note on Decisionmaking Processes for Multiple-Choice Test Items

Wilcox and Wilcox (1988) illustrate how latent class models can be used to analyze the decisionmaking strategies adopted by examinees when responding to multiple-choice test items. In particular, they derived and tested what they called a second response conditional probability (SRCP) model for a 30-item test of spatial ability. A criticism of their method and results is that their SRCP model did not give a good fit to data for 6 of the 30 items on the test. One suggestion made by Wilcox and Wilcox for solving this problem was to increase the number of distractors or at least to choose distractors with the goal of testing whether a specific model does indeed give a good fit to data. The purpose of this note is to illustrate that this approach can yield improved results. In particular, the SRCP model is now found to give a good fit to data for 29 of the 30 items. For the one item where a poor fit was obtained, the responses made by males fit the model, whereas the responses made by females did not. Adding one more latent parameter to the SRCP model gives a good fit to all 30 items.
Ontology Driven Decision Support System Architecture for Gait Analysis

This paper presents role of domain ontology in construction process and architecture of medical data warehouse and decision support system based on provided ontology. Domain described is in part of musculo-skeletal system of the lower limbs. In this paper we preset a way how to combine generics data mining method with data warehouse model and domain ontology in order to build intelligent system for gait analysis. This paper describes specific domain ontology of lower limbs and a ways how this ontology is mapped to data warehouse models and steps in decision support system creation.
Six cryptic species on a single species of host plant: morphometric evidence for possible reproductive character displacement

Diversification of some highly host-specific herbivorous insects may occur in allopatry, without shifts in host use. Such allopatric divergence may be accelerated by sexual selection operating on courtship displays. Wing size and shape may affect visual and vibrational courtship displays in tephritid fruit flies. Geometric morphometric methods were used to examine wings of six sympatric cryptic species in the neotropical genus Blepharoneura . All six species feed on flowers of the same species of host ( Gurania spinulosa ), a neotropical vine in the Cucurbitaceae. Three of the fly species court and mate in close proximity on the host. Thus, courtship behaviours could serve as important reproductive isolating mechanisms. Two sets of hypotheses were tested: (i) species differ in wing shape and wing size; and (ii) species are sexually dimorphic in wing size and wing shape. Wing size differed among a few species, but wing shape differed significantly among all six species. Sexual dimorphism in wing size was found in only one species, but sexual dimorphism in wing shape was found in two of the three species known to court on the same host plant. In the two sexually dimorphic species, wing shape differed among males, but not among females. This suggests that selection for reproductive character displacement might accelerate divergence in wing shape.
Conversion of failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass?

Abstract Background In the literature, late complications and treatment failures in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) have been reported. When the patient presents with failure of LAGB, surgeons have the option to convert it to a different procedure. The aim of our study is to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of converting LAGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Methods Between March 2008 and October 2012, a total of 54 patients underwent conversion of LAGB at our institution. Of these patients, 41 (75.9%) were converted to LRYGB, and 13 (24.1%) patients were converted to LSG. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed, noting the outcomes and complications of the procedure. Results Mean body mass index at the time of conversion was 41.8±6.5 kg/m 2 in LRYGB and 39.0±6.6 kg/m 2 in LSG. Mean percentage of excess weight loss was 57.4%±17.0% and 62.4%±19.6% in LRYGB, and it was 47.7%±4.2% and 65.6%±34.5% in LSG at 12 months ( P >.34) and 24 months ( P >.79) after conversion. Of LRYGB patients, 7 (17.5%) were readmitted as a result of abdominal pain, dehydration, and nausea/vomiting, and 4 (10.0%) patients required reoperation. One LSG patient (8.3%) was readmitted for new-onset severe reflux and underwent hiatal hernia repair. She was converted to LRYGB 32 months after the LSG procedure. Readmission rate ( P >.61) and reoperation rate ( P >.63) did not show statistical difference between the 2 procedures. Conclusion Converting LAGB to LSG and LRYGB both seem feasible and resulted in substantial further weight loss.
Gene expression modulation is associated with gene amplification, supernumerary chromosomes and chromosome loss in antimony-resistant Leishmania infantum

Antimonials remain the first line drug against the protozoan parasite Leishmania but their efficacy is threatened by resistance. We carried out a RNA expression profiling analysis comparing an antimony-sensitive and -resistant (Sb2000.1) strain of Leishmania infantum using whole-genome 70-mer oligonucleotide microarrays. Several genes were differentially expressed between the two strains, several of which were found to be physically linked in the genome. MRPA, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) gene known to be involved in antimony resistance, was overexpressed in the antimony-resistant mutant along with three other tandemly linked genes on chromosome 23. This four gene locus was flanked by 1.4 kb repeated sequences from which an extrachromosomal circular amplicon was generated in the resistant cells. Interestingly, gene expression modulation of entire chromosomes occurred in the antimony-resistant mutant. Southern blots analyses and comparative genomic hybridizations revealed that this was either due to the presence of supernumerary chromosomes or to the loss of one chromosome. Leishmania parasites with haploid chromosomes were viable. Changes in copy number for some of these chromosomes were confirmed in another antimony-resistant strain. Selection of a partial revertant line correlated antimomy resistance levels and the copy number of aneuploid chromosomes, suggesting a putative link between aneuploidy and drug resistance in Leishmania.