cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensing Lanthanide Metal Content in Biological Tissues with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

The development and validation of MRI contrast agents consisting of a lanthanide chelate often requires a determination of the concentration of the agent in ex vivo tissue. We have developed a protocol that uses 70% nitric acid to completely digest tissue samples that contain Gd(III), Dy(III), Tm(III), Eu(III), or Yb(III) ions, or the MRI contrast agent gadodiamide. NMR spectroscopy of coaxial tubes containing a digested sample and a separate control solution of nitric acid was used to rapidly and easily measure the bulk magnetic susceptibility (BMS) shift caused by each lanthanide ion and gadodiamide. Each BMS shift was shown to be linearly correlated with the concentration of each lanthanide ion and gadodiamide in the 70% nitric acid solution and in digested rat kidney and liver tissues. These concentration measurements had outstanding precision, and also had good accuracy for concentrations ³10 mM for Tm(III) Eu(III), and Yb(III), and ³3 mM for Gd(III), gadodiamide, and Dy(III). Improved sample handling methods are needed to improve measurement accuracy for samples with lower concentrations.
The Monodromy Rings of the Necklace Graphs

A necklace graph is a Feynman graph obtained from a single loop graph by replacing each internal line by a multiplet (i.e. a set of one or more internal lines joining the same two vertices). In this paper the monodromy rings of the necklace graphs are determined.
Measuring complexity of environmental gradients

Analysis of vegetation response to environmental gradients should take into account the spatial complexity of the environmental property itself. Whether a gradient exists on the landscape or in abstract space, the spatial variability of environmental factors often invalidates the implicit assumption that the gradient is continuous. There is a need to know how variable the spatial pattern of a gradient is and how much deviation from the general trend may be expected. Geostatistics is shown to provide a useful method for analyzing spatial variability. If the assumptions for its use can be met, the fractal dimension can be used in combination with geostatistics to provide a quantitative index of gradient complexity. An example is given, showing that an hypothesized gradient of shoreline erosion disturbance along Delaware Bay either does not exist or is so complicated by short-range, local factors that any longer-range gradient is relatively unimportant. Such complex environmental patterns are thought to be common in nature. Geostatistics, fractals, or similar spatial methods can be utilized to detect and measure such complexity.
Stochastic optimal controller design for unknown networked control system under TCP

In this paper, stochastic optimal control design has been considered for linear networked control system (NCS) in the presence of network imperfections such as packet losses and random delays. For evaluating the impact of network reliability on controller performance, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is considered with NCS. With uncertain system dynamics and unknown network imperfections, proposed stochastic optimal approach, referred to as adaptive dynamics programming (ADP), uses a novel observer and value function estimator to solve the state estimation and infinite horizon optimal regulation of NCS with the TCP protocol. Update laws for tuning the unknown parameters of novel observer and estimator are derived. Stability region of the linear NCS with and without the adaptive observer is given. Lyapunov theory is used to show that all signals are asymptotically stable (AS) in the mean and the estimated control and observed state signals converge to optimal control inputs and actual states of NCS respectively. Simulation results are included to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The attractive rotational barrier in nitrosomethane

Abstract An ab initio LCAO MO SCF calculation has been carried out on staggered and eclipsed forms of nitrosomethan. The rotational barrier found(1.05 kcal/mole) is in excellent agreement with the experimental value (1.10 kcal/mole). An energy component analysis shows nitrosomethane to be an attractive dominant barrier, thereby unequivocally demonstrating the possibility of a small scale, attractive covalent force as the controlling effect in some three fold barriers.
LMFBR subassembly response to simulated local pressure loadings

Abstract The structural response of liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) subassemblies to local accidental events is of interest in assessing the safety of such systems. Problems to be resolved include failure propagation modes from pin to pin and from subassembly to subassembly. Factors which must be considered include: (a) the geometry of the structure, (b) uncertainty of the pressure-energy source, (c) uncertainty of materials properties under reactor operating conditions, and (d) the difficulty in performing in-pile or out-of-pile experiments which would simulate the above conditions. The main effort in evaluating the subassembly response has been centered around the development of appropriate analyses based on the finite element technique. Analysis has been extended to include not only the subassembly duct structure itself, but also the fluid environment, both within subassemblies and between them. These models and codes have been devised to cover a wide range of accident loading conditions, and can treat various materials as their properties become known. The effort described here is centered mainly around an experimental effort aimed at verifying, modifying or extending the models used in treating subassembly damage propagation. To verify the finite element codes under development, a series of out-of-pile room temperature experiments has been performed on LMFBR-type subassembly ducts under various loading conditions. The duct sections were instrumented to measure internal pressure, duct midflat strains and deflection of the mid-flat and corners. Since moderate deflections were expected, and effect influence on the radial deformation would occur over a relatively short length. Preliminary calculations and subsequent static and dynamic tests demonstrated that for the range of deformations expected in single subassembly prior to failure, a shortened duct section of only 30.48 cm in length was sufficient to provide a central section over which axially uniform conditions prevailed. As a result, with axial motion of the end plates constrained, the deformation over the uniform deflection range corresponds to two-dimensional, plane-strain conditions and a two-dimensional, finite element computer code could be applied. Tests were subsequently performed on several ducts made of type 316 stainless steel which were either annealed or 50% cold-worked. Material properties of the ducts used in the experiments were determined by testing samples obtained from each duct. Also, diamond point hardness measurements were obtained across the subassembly duct flats in order to establish that the material properties were uniform. Comparisons were then made between the code calculations and experimental results which demonstrated remarkable agreement, thus lending confidence to the code's ability to predict duct response, at least under quasi-static loading. Further preliminary work was performed on the dynamic response of hexcans to a pressure pulse designed to duplicate a postulated local event.
The deposition of Mo nanoparticles on Au(1 1 1) from a Mo(CO)6 precursor: effects of CO on Mo–Au intermixing

Abstract Density functional theory and slab models are used to study the effects of CO on the configuration of Mo/Au(1 1 1) interfaces. In the absence of CO, the theoretical calculations show site exchange or intermixing after depositing Mo atoms on Au(1 1 1). The presence of CO prevents Mo–Au intermixing and, thus, enhances the mobility of Mo on the surface. This phenomenon can explain a novel growth mode found when using Mo(CO) 6 as a precursor for the preparation of metal nanoparticles on Au(1 1 1).
Social Patterns of Turn‐taking: Nonverbal Regulators

Comparison of middle- and working-class speakers finds a significant difference in the type, number, and rate of nonverbal behaviors used in regulating conversation.
The effect of humoral components on the cellular response to textured and nontextured PTFE

The investigation was undertaken to determine the role that humoral components play in the biological response to ion beam textured and smooth PTFE. It was found that exudates obtained from smooth PTFE implants contained factors capable of promoting the attachment and growth of cells in vitro. Exudates obtained from textured PTFE contained significantly more growth promoting activity at 2 days after implantation and significantly more attachment promoting activity at 2 and 7 days after implantation than corresponding exudates obtained from smooth PTFE. The underlying reasons for the temporal nature of these results are not known, but cellular mechanisms were proposed to explain the observed differences. In order to examine protein adsorption to implants in vivo, a technique was developed utilizing the Selye air pocket and electrocautery to minimize cell adhesion to the implants. The results demonstrated the dynamic quality of protein adsorption to surfaces and indicated that the nature of protein exchange at the material surface differed between textured and smooth PTFE for the first 30 min post-implantation. Both albumin and fibrinogen were identified on textured and smooth surfaces, but fibronectin was not identified on any of the surfaces.
Developing a Short Form of Benton's Judgment of Line Orientation Test: An Item Response Theory Approach

The Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) test was developed to be, in Arthur Benton's words, "as pure a measure of one aspect of spatial thinking, as could be conceived" (Benton, 1994, p. 53). The JLO test has been widely used in neuropsychological practice for decades. The test has a high test-retest reliability (Franzen, 2000), as well as good neuropsychological construct validity as shown through neuroanatomical localization studies (Tranel, Vianna, Manzel, Damasio, & Grabowski, 2009). Despite its popularity and strong psychometric properties, the full-length version of the test (30 items) has been criticized as being unnecessarily long (Straus, Sherman, & Spreen, 2006). There have been many attempts at developing short forms; however, these forms have been limited in their ability to estimate scores accurately. Taking advantage of a large sample of JLO performances from 524 neurological patients with focal brain lesions, we used techniques from item response theory (IRT) to estimate each item's difficulty and power to discriminate among various levels of ability. A random item IRT model was used to estimate the influence of item stimulus properties as predictors of item difficulty. These results were used to optimize the selection of items for a shorter method of administration that maintained comparability with the full form using significantly fewer items. This effectiveness of this method was replicated in a second sample of 82 healthy elderly participants. The findings should help broaden the clinical utility of the JLO and enhance its diagnostic applications.
10 Gb/s broadband silicon electro-optic absorption modulator

Abstract Here we propose a design for a novel broadband silicon electro-optic absorption modulator. The device is simply a 100 µm long silicon waveguide with a Schottky diode integrated in it. Modulation is achieved through free-carrier absorption, not interference effects, enabling operation over the entire bandwidth of the waveguide. The high overlap between the modulated carrier density and the optical mode enables high speed (> 10 Gb/s), small footprint and modulation depths of ∼ 4.6 dB.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DE NOVO COMPLEX CHROMOSOME REARRANGEMENT AND POSTNATAL CONFIRMATION IN ABORTUS WITH INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DE NOVO COMPLEX CHROMOSOME REARRANGEMENT AND POSTNATAL CONFIRMATION IN ABORTUS WITH INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION
Recombinant interferon alpha-2b in the management of malignant pleural effusions

Twenty-one patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) were prospectively entered into a nonrandomized, single-armed study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant interferon (IFN) alpha-2b (INTRON A; Schering-Plough; Kenilworth, NJ) as an intrapleural palliative agent. From March 1989 through February 1993 (48 months), 21 patients were entered into the study. No symptomatic effusion recurred and no substantial side effects were associated with treatment. This suggests recombinant IFN alpha-2b represents a safe and effective intrapleural agent for the palliation of MPE.
Pass the Pork: Measuring Legislator Shares in Congress

Linear regression models are frequently used to analyze distributive politics in the U.S. Congress; however, authors have used a variety of specifications with different implicit assumptions about how bicameralism shapes legislative bargaining. I derive a model that describes district or state spending authorizations as the aggregation of spending secured by multiple legislators working on behalf of overlapping constituencies. This bicameral shares model allows the disaggregation of House and Senate influence through simulta neous estimation of the relative bargaining power of the two chambers and the advantages that accrue to legislators holding partisan, committee, and other relevant affiliations. In the 2005 transportation bill, the model better predicts the functional form of small state advan tage than recently employed specifications in the literature.
The Symptom Improvement of Adjunctive Hypochlorous Acid Nasal Cavity Irrigation in Post-Surgically Intractable Chronic Sinusitis

Background and ObjectivesZZLow concentration hypochlorous acid is known for being an endogenous anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent. Saline irrigation has been used as an adjunctive treatment for patients with chronic sinusitis. In this study, we tried to compare the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid and saline nasal irrigation to patients with intractable sinusitis after surgery. Subjects and MethodZZA total of 35 patients who had a frequent relapse of chronic sinusitis or had persisting symptoms post-surgically were recruited. The experimental group was given hypochlorous acid and saline nasal irrigation, while the control group was given saline nasal irrigation for eight weeks. The curative effects were assessed on the basis of the symptom score, nasal endoscopic score, bacterial culture, and inflammatory cytokines on the first day, fourth week, and eighth week after treatment. ResultsZZA total of 26 participants were assessed. The study finally consisted of 15 patients in experimental group and 11 in the control group. The symptom scores in the experimental group were substantially lower before, and after four and eight weeks of treatment. However, there was no specific difference in symptom score improvement between the two groups. The endoscopic score improved in experimental group (p＜0.01). Similar tendencies were shown in the bacterial culture test of both groups. In the experimental group, the values of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β decreased in the fourth week, whereas they increased in the eighth week. ConclusionZZHypochlorous acid nasal irrigation may be to used as an alternative adjunctive treatment in addition to saline irrigation. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2011;54:610-6 Key WordsZZHypochlorous acid ㆍChronic sinusitis ㆍSaline irrigation.
Analysis of T cell responses to poly-L(GluLys) at the clonal level. I: Presence of responsive clones in nonresponder mice

The synthetic random copolymer of L-glutamic acid and L-lysine (GL) is weakly or nonimmunogenic in all inbred strains of mice. Theories proposed to account for nonresponsiveness to GL include a deficient T cell repertoire, failure of antigen-presenting cells to present the antigen and/or the presence of suppressor cells. In this study we examine mechanisms for nonresponsiveness to GL. We demonstrate the existence of GL-reactive T cells which can be isolated with a relatively high frequency. These clones, which were derived following immunization of H-2d mice with poly(LGluLLysLTyr), also respond to several GL-containing polypeptides including the terpolymers of GL with phenylalanine, alanine (GLA) or leucine. Although recognition of GLA by heterogeneous T cell populations usually occurs in association with I-A determinants, these clones recognize GLA, as well as the other GL-containing polymers, in association with I-E determinants. Analysis of the antigen and alloreactivity patterns of these clones indicated that they expressed distinct antigen receptors. These studies imply that the T cell repertoire of "nonresponder" H-2d mice includes multiple GL-reactive T cell clones and that the antigen-presenting cells of these mice are effective in processing and presenting GL.
TheB locus (MHC) in the chicken: Association with the fate of RSV-induced tumors

The fate of tumors induced by Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) was determined in anF 2 population segregating at three alloantigen loci. TheF 1 resulted from crossing tumor-resistant RPRL line 61 (B 2 B 2 D 3 D 3 I 2 I 2) with tumor-susceptible RPRL line 151 (B 5 B 5 D 4 D 4 I 8 I 8). Among theF 2 segregantsB 2 B 2,B 2 B 5, andB 5 B 5, the percentage of chicks dying of terminal tumors (by 70 days post-inoculation) was 5, 26, and 93, respectively (P≦0.01). NeitherD orI genotypes nor sex significantly affected tumor growth. In chickens with terminal tumors, the incidence of metastatic lesions was also significantly associated withB genotypes. Thus, the MHC chromosomal region in the chicken appears to exert a crucial role in determining the outcome of RSV-induced tumors.
Quantifying organic solar cell morphology: a computational study of three-dimensional maps

Establishing how fabrication conditions quantitatively affect the morphology of organic blends opens the possibility of rationally designing higher efficiency materials; yet such a relationship remains elusive. One of the major challenges stems from incomplete three-dimensional representations of morphology, which is due to the difficulties of performing accurate morphological measurements. Recently, three-dimensional measurements of mixed organic layers using electron tomography with high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) provided maps of morphology with high resolution and detail. Using a simple, yet powerful, computational tool kit, these complex 3D datasets are converted into a set of physically meaningful morphology descriptors. These descriptors provide means for converting these large, complicated datasets (∼5 × 107 voxels) into simple, descriptive parameters, enabling a quantitative comparison among morphologies fabricated under different conditions. A set of P3HT:endohedral fullerene bulk-heterojunctions, fabricated under conditions specifically chosen to yield a wide range of morphologies, are examined. The effects of processing conditions and electrode presence on interfacial area, domain size distribution, connectivity, and tortuosity of charge transport paths are herein determined directly from real-space data for the first time. Through this characterization, quantitative insights into the role of processing in morphology are provided, as well as a more complete picture of the consequences of a three-phase morphology. The analysis demonstrates a methodology which can enable a deeper understanding into morphology control.
Cocaine detoxification by combinatorially substituted β-Cyclodextrin libraries

Abstract Per-6-substituted- and A,C,E(F)-tri-6-substituted-6-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) libraries were generated using solution-phase combinatorial chemistry techniques starting from the corresponding iodo precursors and different combinations of individual amine nucleophiles. Using a high throughput electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) screen to monitor the hydrolysis of cocaine, certain libraries showed the ability to specifically hydrolyze the methyl ester of cocaine, with the most active per-6-substituted β-CD library I producing complete hydrolysis in 24 h. The cocaine hydrolytic activity in this series showed structure–activity relationships which appeared to involve specific interaction between the amine side chains and the cocaine molecule. Comparison of the composition of the most active per-6-substiuted β-CD libraries and A,C,E(F)-tri-6-substituted-6-deoxy-β-CD libraries ( I and XV ) showed three common side chains ( 3 , 4 , and 5 ), suggesting that active side chains in the tri-substituted β-CD library might be predicted from evaluation of the more easily prepared per-6-substituted-6-deoxy-β-CD series.
Software engineering certification in today's environment

There's a major gap between the education of software engineers and the skills they need in industry. Certification programs can help ensure that new graduates are prepared for the real world and that professional training programs are effective.
Non-specific adhesion on biomaterial surfaces driven by small amounts of protein adsorption.

This work explores how long-range non-specific interactions, resulting from small amounts of adsorbed fibrinogen, potentially influence bioadhesion. Such non-specific interactions between protein adsorbed on a biomaterial and approaching cells or bacteria may complement or even dominate ligand–receptor mating. This work considers situations where the biomaterial surface and the approaching model cells (micron-scale silica particles) exhibit strong electrostatic repulsion, as may be the case in diagnostics and lab-on-chip applications. We report that adsorbed fibrinogen levels near 0.5 mg/m2 produce non-specific fouling. For underlying surfaces that are less fundamentally repulsive, smaller amounts of adsorbed fibrinogen would have a similar effect. Additionally, it was observed that particle adhesion engages sharply and only above a threshold loading of fibrinogen on the collector. Also, in the range of ionic strength, I, below about 0.05 M, increases in I reduce the fibrinogen needed for microparticle capture, due to screening of electrostatic repulsions. Surprisingly, however, ionic strengths of 0.15 M reduce fibrinogen adsorption altogether. This observation opposes expectations based on DLVO arguments, pointing to localized electrostatic attractions and hydration effects to drive silica–fibrinogen adhesion. These behaviors are benchmarked against microparticle binding on silica surfaces carrying small amounts of a polycation, to provide insight into the role of electrostatics in fibrinogen-driven non-specific adhesion.
A new species of Pseudopyrochroa Pic, 1906 (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae) from the Mae Chaem District, Thailand

A new species of the fire-colored beetle genus Pseudopyrochroa Pic, 1906, is described from the Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The new species, Pseudopyrochroa inthanonensis sp. nov., is superficially similar to Pseudopyrochroa basalis (Pic), Pseudopyrochroa cardoni (Fairmaire) and Pseudopyrochroa fainanensis (Pic) by virtue of body color, antennal form and prothoracic shape. It is the second species of the genus known from Thailand, the other being Pseudopyrochroa diversicornis (Blair).
Graph models for waves in thin structures

A brief survey on graph models for wave propagation in thin structures is presented. Such models arise in many areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering (dynamical systems, nanotechnology, mesoscopic systems, photonic crystals etc). Considerations are limited to spectral problems, although references to works with other studies are provided.
Abelian crossed products and scalar extensions of central simple algebras

Let $\cal{A}$ be a central simple algebra over a field k and G be a commutative group with $ \left| G \right| = \deg \left( \cal{A} \right) $ . It is proved that there exists a regular field extension E/k preserving indices of k-algebras such that $ {\cal{A}} \otimes _k E $ is a crossed product with the group G. Bibliography: 11 titles.
Organophosphorus insecticides in agricultural and residential runoff: field observations and implications for total maximum daily load development.

Development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for nonpoint source pollutants requires mass flux estimates for targeted compounds from contributing sources. We measured organophosphorus insecticide concentrations in surface runoff from agricultural and residential land-use sites in a southern Californian watershed over the course of runoff-producing irrigation and rainfall events. Event mean concentrations (EMCs) for chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion exhibited considerable variability among irrigation and storm runoff events at agricultural sites; residential storm runoff EMCs for these compounds were considerably less variable. Event loads and EMCs were higher for runoff events following reported insecticide applications. Organophosphorus insecticide EMCs were not consistently correlated with hydrologic characteristics of runoff events. Our results indicate that on an area basis, loads from residential land may exceed those from sites planted in row crops for a given rainfall depth, suggesting that...
Teratoma of thyroid gland in infancy: Review of the literature and two case reports

Teratomas of the cervical area are relatively rare tumors--only 132 cases have been reported. This paper adds two more cases to the literature and reviews the important clinical aspects of the disease. This tumor commonly presents in early infancy with increasing respiratory distress; polyhydramnios is commonly associated with tumors greater than 10 cm in diameter. They are always benign in infants and are believed to arise from the thyroid gland. Prompt surgical removal is mandatory. Thyroid function studies should be initiated preoperatively, if feasible, and definitely postoperatively to avoid the possible complication of hypothyroidism in the young infant.
Applying LiDAR technology for tree measurements in burned landscapes

Wildfires burn several million hectares in the United States annually. Time is critical in gathering information from burned landscapes for post-fire recovery planning. A technology to obtain spatial vegetation information across landscapes is Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR). We compared tree positional and height measurements, primarily from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), between field-based and LiDAR-derived measurements at three south-western Oregon (USA) sites. The sites represented a range of tree mortality from minimal to extensive. Our primary objective was to determine whether significant differences existed between field and LiDAR tree measurements in burned landscapes. Secondary objectives were to examine whether LiDAR pulse intensities in burned landscapes could differentiate coniferous from deciduous trees, discern fire-killed from live trees, and whether other tree measurement parameters were related to pulse intensities. No significant differences were detected between field-based and LiDAR-derived horizontal positions. Tree height differences between field-based and LiDAR measurements were significant at one site likely owing to dense canopy and measurement biases. Mean and maximum LiDAR intensities were significantly different between live and dead (fire-killed) trees in two of three sites. Additionally, crown diameter and tree sweep were significant in explaining variation in maximum LiDAR intensities at all sites.
Heavy shoulder DNA

Abstract A distinct type of DNA, termed heavy shoulder DNA, is described. It manifests by producing a non-gaussian skewing to the heavy side of main band DNA analyzed by analytical ultracentrifugation. It differs from satellite DNA in that it does not form a distinct band and does not contain a disproportionate amount of repetitious sequences.
Utility of Observation Units for Young Emergency Department Chest Pain Patients

Abstract Background Determining which patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) require further work-up for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can be difficult. The utility of routine observation for cardiac testing in low-risk young adult patients has been questioned. Study Objectives We investigated the rate of positive findings yielded by routine cardiac observation unit work-up in patients aged 40 years or younger. Methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged 18–40 years who were evaluated for ACS in an ED-based observation unit. Data were collected by trained abstractors from electronic medical records. Results A total of 362 patients met inclusion criteria. Of those, 239 received stress testing, yielding five positive and nine indeterminate results. One other patient had acute troponin elevation while under observation. The positive stress test patients and troponin-elevated patient underwent cardiac angiography. Only one positive stress test patient showed significant coronary stenosis and received coronary interventions. In follow-up data, one patient had an adverse cardiac outcome within 1 year of index visit, but no coronary interventions. Thus, only 3 patients had adverse cardiac events, with only one patient warranting intervention discovered by observation unit stress testing and a second via serial cardiac markers. Conclusion Routine observation of symptomatic young adults for ACS had low yield. Observation identified one patient with acute cardiac marker elevation and further stress testing identified only one patient with intervenable ACS, despite a high false-positive rate. This suggests that observation and stress testing should not be routinely performed in this demographic absent other high-risk features.
Electrochemistry of covalently mercurated uridine nucleotides. Diffusion and surface-confined pathways for the two-electron reduction of the carbon-mercury bond

The electrochemical reduction of 5-mercuriuridine monophosphate, diphosphate, and triphosphate nucleotides at mercury electrodes in aqueous solution is reported. Both diffusion-controlled and surface-confined electrode reactions were observed. In aqueous KCl electrolytes, the diffusion-controlled pathway involved the two-electron reduction of the carbon−mercury bond to give the parent nucleotide. In D2O solution, the corresponding 5-deutero nucleotide was formed. All three mercurated nucleotides formed compact monolayers on the mercury electrode surface in accord with the Langmuir isotherm. Anomalies in the voltammetric behavior and the adsorption isotherm of the 5-mercuriuridine monophosphate in KCl solution are ascribed to the formation of polymeric anions by coordination of the mercury substituent with the nitrogen of the pyrimidine ring. The reduction mechanism of the surface-confined nucleotides is more complex than the diffusion-controlled reaction. For the surface reaction, two one-electron steps (...
Propagation directions of hydromagnetic waves in interplanetary space: Pioneer 10 and 11

The real and imaginary parts of spectral matrices of magnetic field fluctuations near 4 and 5 AU are used separately to generate estimates of hydromagnetic wave normal directions over the frequency range 0.00001 to 0.01 Hz in the spacecraft frame. Both procedures suggest the predominance of the Alfven mode over the fast and slow MHD modes among transverse magnetic field perturbations. Both procedures also show that the Alfven mode is more common among transverse perturbations at 4 AU than at 5 AU. Statistical techniques are for estimating uncertainties in computed wave normal directions and it is concluded that the real parts of the spectral matrices are more useful than the imaginary parts in specifying wave normals at times of magnetic quiet in the solar wind near 4 and 5 AU.
Recombinant alpha-2 interferon for treatment of hairy cell leukemia without prior splenectomy

Splenectomy has been the traditional initial treatment for hairy cell leukemia, with medical treatment reserved for resistant disease. This report describes two patients treated with recombinant alpha-2 interferon without prior splenectomy. Both patients responded well to interferon therapy. Alpha-2 interferon may become the initial therapy of choice for hairy cell leukemia.
Peritonitis in childhood nephrotic syndrome: 1970-1980.

• A retrospective review (1970 through 1980) of 351 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome disclosed 24 episodes of peritonitis in 19 patients. Twenty-six percent of the patients had more than one episode. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common agent (50%), but Escherichia coli remained important (25%). Four cases (16%) were culture-negative. Signs of peritoneal irritation were present in all patients, including the 16 children receiving corticosteroid therapy. No morphological subtype of nephrotic syndrome could be demonstrated to be at increased risk for the development of peritonitis. Significantly decreased IgG levels and an apparent susceptibility to pneumococcal infection among blacks may be important risk factors. ( Am J Dis Child 1982;136:732-736)
Prognostication and Risk-Adapted Therapy of Hodgkin's Lymphoma Using Positron Emission Tomography

The use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for response assessment in lymphoma is now widespread. Prognostic information obtained from PET performed after two to three cycles of chemotherapy may guide more individualized, risk-adapted therapeutic strategies. Progress in the risk stratification of Hodgkin's lymphoma through midtreatment PET is reviewed, with a focus on management implications in newly diagnosed and relapsed disease. How to tailor treatment on the basis of the interim PET result is not yet defined but is the subject of ongoing trials.
Hunting The Hunters: Spatial And Temporal Relationships Of Predators That Hunt At The Same Sites

Newly emerged crab spiderlings Misumena vatia (Clerck 1757) that recruit to goldenrod Solidago spp. inflorescences are subject to predation by small jumping spiders (Salticidae), principal among them being middle-instar Pelegrina insignis (Banks 1892). I censused goldenrod inflorescences to determine whether the distribution and abundance of crab spiderlings and small jumping spiders were related to one other. The censuses demonstrated a modest negative relationship in the presence of the two species to each other on the inflorescences of goldenrod clones. On inflorescences cleared of spiders and stocked with 20 dyed crab spiderlings, a strongly negative relationship occurred between numbers of recruiting jumping spiders and crab spiderlings on the first two days, but on the third and fourth days a significant positive relationship occurred. A similar pattern occurred on clones cleared of spiders and stocked with 20 spiderlings and three jumping spiders, but the shift to a positive relationship took place after a single day. This shift in behavior apparently occurred after the spiderlings found satisfactory hiding and hunting sites. Seventeen of the 39 jumping spiders captured at these sites during the two experiments had dye on their mouthparts, indicating that they had captured crab spiderlings during this time.
Empirical versus Theoretical Claims about Extreme Counterfactuals: A Response

In response to the data-based measures of model dependence proposed in King and Zeng (2006), Sambanis and Michaelides (2008) propose alternative measures that rely upon assumptions untestable in observational data. If these assumptions are correct, then their measures are appropriate and ours, based solely on the empirical data, may be too conservative. If instead, and as is usually the case, the researcher is not certain of the precise functional form of the data generating process, the distribution from which the data are drawn, and the applicability of these modeling assumptions to new counterfactuals, then the data-based measures proposed in King and Zeng (2006) are much preferred. After all, the point of model dependence checks is to verify empirically, rather than to stipulate by assumption, the effects of modeling assumptions on counterfactual inferences.
An Analysis of the Impact of Manure Disposal Regulations on Dairy Farms

State regulations concerning animal waste disposal can be satisfied by the adoption of alternative manure disposal systems. A linear programming analysis of 25 dairy operations in Massachusetts shows that significant reductions in farm income and changes in optimum farm plans result when these systems are imposed upon the dairy business.
Outcomes for Implementation Research: Conceptual Distinctions, Measurement Challenges, and Research Agenda

An unresolved issue in the field of implementation research is how to conceptualize and evaluate successful implementation. This paper advances the concept of “implementation outcomes” distinct from service system and clinical treatment outcomes. This paper proposes a heuristic, working “taxonomy” of eight conceptually distinct implementation outcomes—acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, implementation cost, penetration, and sustainability—along with their nominal definitions. We propose a two-pronged agenda for research on implementation outcomes. Conceptualizing and measuring implementation outcomes will advance understanding of implementation processes, enhance efficiency in implementation research, and pave the way for studies of the comparative effectiveness of implementation strategies.
Women and Politics in Early Tudor England

Political historians working on the early Tudor period have traditionally concentrated on institutions – monarchy, council, parliament, courts, and administrative bodies – that excluded women. The very definition of politics underlying the dominant historiography has thus made it seem both natural and inevitable to write history as if the world of high politics, the world that really counted, were exclusively male.
Integrating engagement and first year problem solving using game controller technology

Entering college students in computer science and computer engineering face not only a challenging first year experience, but also typically must complete a grueling programming class for which many students are ill-prepared. While much work has focused on difficulties in such classes, our experience is that students who are ill prepared yet capable need a motivating and engaging factor to offset their challenges in the class. In this paper, we describe an ongoing project that integrates the Nintendo Wii Remote into such freshman class. By integrating a technically rich, familiar device into the classwork, students are challenged to learn about the device and engaged by learning how to use it in their coursework. We will describe technical and pedagogical challenges and their respective solutions. We also present initial feedback in using the Wii Remote in a Computer Engineering freshman problem-solving course.
Endothelial Cell Interactions With Synthetic Peptides From the Carboxyl-Terminal Heparin-Binding Domains of Fibronectin

Abstract Fibronectin (FN) plays an important role in endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. Within FN, a number of functional domains have been identified, including the 33/66-kD carboxyl-terminal heparin-binding fragments, which support the adhesion of vascular endothelial cells. A number of synthetic peptides representing amino acid sequences within the 33/66-kD fragments have been shown to promote the adhesion, spreading, and migration of a variety of cell types. Our working hypothesis is that one or more of these sequences may also mediate vascular endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and migration to the 33/66-kD fragments. In support of this hypothesis, we have demonstrated that endothelial cells from various sources adhered in a concentration-dependent manner to surfaces coated with FN, the 33/66-kD fragments, and synthetic peptides derived from the 33/66-kD fragments of FN. FN and the 33/66-kD fragments also promoted endothelial cell spreading and migration. Although each of the six synthetic peptides tested supported endothelial cell adhesion, only one of these peptides within the carboxyl-terminal heparin-binding domain (FN-C/H-V) promoted endothelial cell spreading and migration. Cell spreading on FN-C/H-V, as well as on FN and the 33/66-kD fragments, was associated with the formation of a well-developed actin cytoskeleton and the formation of focal contacts. FN-C/H-V (but not scrambled FN-C/H-V) inhibited cell spreading on FN and the 33/66-kD fragments in a concentration-dependent manner. FN-C/H-V had a modest effect on the adhesion of a clonal population of rat heart endothelial cells (RHE-1A) to the 33/66-kD fragments of FN and no effect on RHE-1A cell adhesion to FN. These findings suggest that peptide FN-C/H-V is unique among this group of peptides derived from the 33/66-kD heparin-binding fragments of FN in its ability to promote the adhesion, spreading, and migration of vascular endothelial cells and further suggest that the sequence defined by this peptide plays an important role in vascular endothelial cell interactions with the 33/66-kD fragments of FN.
Functional Development of Rumen Mucosa. II. Metabolic Activity

Summary The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of diet on metabolic activity of rumen mucosa. Three Holstein calves were fed milk (M) and three received milk, hay, and grain (MHG). The calves were sacrificed at 16 wk of age. Mucosa from the anterior dorsal sac was stripped from the muscle and placed temporarily in ice-cold Ringer. Two-gram samples were incubated at 39C for 3 hr in Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate buffered at pH 7.2 in a 95:5 atmosphere of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Two hundred micromoles of acetate, propionate, butyrate, an equimolar mixture of these three, or glucose, were added to the medium. Mean uptake of these substrates was (micromoles per 100mg dry tissue per 3 hr) 5.9, 29.6, 44.1, 31.5, and 3.8, respectively, for MHG calves and 2.9, 5.8, 4.7, 5.8, and 4.2, respectively, for M calves. Ketones were produced from acetate, butyrate, and the equimolar mix. Percentage conversion of acetate and butyrate to ketones was 72 and 88, respectively, for MHG calves and 17 and 29, respectively, for M calves. The relationship of the metabolic activity to the structural development and absorptive ability of the rumen mucosa is discussed.
Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Psychometrics and Associations With Child and Parent Variables

Objective The factor structure and validity of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS; Crist & Napier-Phillips, 2001) were examined in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the original BPFAS five-factor model, the fit of each latent variable, and a rival one-factor model. None of the models was adequate, thus a categorical exploratory factor analysis (CEFA) was conducted. Correlations were used to examine relations between the BPFAS and concurrent variables of interest. Results The CEFA identified an acceptable three-factor model. Correlational analyses indicated that feeding problems were positively related to parent-reported autism symptoms, behavior problems, sleep problems, and parenting stress, but largely unrelated to performance-based indices of autism symptom severity, language, and cognitive abilities, as well as child age. Conclusion These results provide evidence supporting the use of the identified BPFAS three-factor model for samples of young children with ASD.
Aspergillus fumigatus RasA regulates asexual development and cell wall integrity.

The Ras family of proteins is a large group of monomeric GTPases. Members of the fungal Ras family act as molecular switches that transduce signals from the outside of the cell to signaling cascades inside the cell. A. fumigatus RasA is 94% identical to the essential RasA gene of Aspergillus nidulans and is the Ras family member sharing the highest identity to Ras homologs studied in many other fungi. In this study, we report that rasA is not essential in A. fumigatus, but its absence is associated with slowed germination and a severe defect in radial growth. The ΔrasA hyphae were more than two times the diameter of wild-type hyphae, and they displayed repeated changes in the axis of polarity during hyphal growth. The deformed hyphae accumulated numerous nuclei within each hyphal compartment. The ΔrasA mutant conidiated poorly, but this phenotype could be ameliorated by growth on osmotically stabilized media. The ΔrasA mutant also showed increased susceptibility to cell wall stressors, stained more intensely with calcofluor white, and was refractory to lysing enzymes used to make protoplasts, suggesting an alteration of the cell wall. All phenotypes associated with deletion of rasA could be corrected by reinsertion of the wild-type gene. These data demonstrate a crucial role for RasA in both hyphal growth and asexual development in A. fumigatus and provide evidence that RasA function is linked to cell wall integrity.
MEG-SIM Web Portal: A Database of Realistic Simulated and Empirical MEG Data for Testing Algorithms

MEG is a noninvasive measure of electrophysiological brain activity which provides excellent temporal and high spatial resolution. Because of its uniquely high temporal resolution relative to the more commonly used hemodynamic-based measures (fMRI, PET), the usefulness of MEG as a complementary neuroimaging method is becoming more widely recognized, particularly in the investigation of functional connectivity within and between large-scale brain networks. However, the available analysis methods for solving the inverse problem for MEG have yet to be compared and standardized. A comparison of analysis methods is further complicated by the fact that the different MEG systems have different data formats, noise cancellation methods, and sensor configurations. In order to facilitate this process, we established a website containing an extensive series of realistic simulated data for testing purposes (http://cobre.mrn.org/megsim/). In addition, we assert the usefulness of these datasets for training purposes, as they will provide an unambiguous answer to whether a trainee is correctly carrying out analyses. Here we present a brief rationale and description of the testbed created, including cases emphasizing functional connectivity (e.g., oscillatory activity) and the Default Mode Network (DMN). They are suitable for use with a wide assortment of analyses including equivalent current dipole (ECD), minimum norm, beamformers, independent component analysis (ICA), Granger causality/directed transfer function, and single-trial methods.
Vestal virgins and their families

This article reexamines the evidence for the relationships between the Vestal virgins and their natal kin from the second century BC to the third century ad. It suggests that the bond between these priestesses and their families remained strong throughout this period and that, as a consequence, interpretations of the Vestals' position within Roman society that emphasize the severing of agnatic ties through their removal from patria potestas may be misguided. When placed in the broader social and legal context, the ritual “capture” of these priestesses is shown to be a necessary feature of their priestly identity, which only marked the Vestals as extraordinary because of the unique intersection of religious and gender categories that characterized their office. Finally, the implications of these findings for the interpretation of Vestal virginity are discussed.