cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crossing District Lines: The Impact of Urban–Suburban Desegregation Programs on Educational Attainments:

Interdistrict desegregation programs, which provide opportunities for urban children of color to attend suburban schools, are a potential means of addressing persistent racial inequalities in educa...
Optogenetic inhibition of either the anterior or posterior retrosplenial cortex disrupts retrieval of a trace, but not delay, fear memory

Previous work investigating the role of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in memory formation has demonstrated that its contributions are not uniform throughout the rostro-caudal axis. While the anterior region was necessary for encoding CS information in a trace conditioning procedure, the posterior retrosplenial cortex was needed to encode contextual information. Using the same behavioral procedure, we tested if there was a similar dissociation during memory retrieval. First, we found that memory retrieval following trace conditioning results in increased neural activity in both the anterior and posterior retrosplenial cortex, measured using the immediate early gene zif268. Similar increases were not found in either RSC subregion using a delay conditioning task. We then found that optogenetic inhibition of neural activity in either subregion impairs retrieval of a trace, but not delay, memory. Together these results add to a growing literature showing a role for the retrosplenial cortex in memory formation and retention. Further, they suggest that following formation, memory storage becomes distributed to a wider network than is needed for its initial consolidation.
Comparing the effects of four propagation methods on hybrid chestnut seedling quality

Abstract Extensive resources have been used to breed hybrid chestnuts for reintroduction into the historical range of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata). Improving seedling quality is an efficacious method to improving restoration outcomes and nursery propagation methods can be selected to improve seedling quality, increasing the likelihood of survival. Four production methods (bed grown, air prune beds, container grown, and a multi-container method) and three media types (field soil, peat-perlite-vermiculite mix, and pine bark-rice hulls-sand mix) were compared across four measures of seedling quality (height, root collar diameter, root volume, and number of first order lateral roots) to examine their effects on seedling quality. Additional analyzes of survival and cost per seedling were conducted as well. Air prune beds performed comparably in both seedling quality and cost to standard bed grown and container grown seedlings with potential advantages over these two methods. Multi-container method seedlings underperformed compared to bed grown and container grown seedlings. A decision tree was produced to assist nurseries in selecting a propagation method most appropriate to their nursery, intended restoration site, and constraints.
Perioperative Management of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Background Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common primary tumor of the biliary tract although it accounts for only 2 % of all human malignancies. We herein review hilar cholangiocarcinoma including its risk factors, the main classification systems for tumors, current surgical management of the disease, and the role chemotherapy and liver transplantation may play in selected patients.
A Behavior-Analytic Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders

A pediatric feeding disorder results when a child fails to eat or drink enough to sustain adequate growth or nutrition. Although a number of factors are implicated in the etiology and maintenance of feeding disorders, the emphasis in the present chapter is on the environmental variables that may contribute to the development of a feeding disorder and the evidence-based, behavioral assessment and intervention strategies used to treat feeding problems. This chapter will serve as a primer for healthcare treatment providers who have encountered a child with a feeding disorder or who are looking to begin applied research in the area of pediatric feeding disorders.
Efficient contact state graph generation for assembly applications

An important aspect in the design of many automated assembly strategies is the ability to automatically generate the set of contact states that may occur during an assembly task. In this paper, we present an efficient means of constructing the set of all geometrically feasible contact states that may occur within a bounded set of misalignments (bounds determined by robot inaccuracy). This set is stored as a graph, referred to as an Assembly Contact State Graph (ACSG), which indicates neighbor relationships between feasible states. An ACSG is constructed without user intervention in two stages. In the first stage, all hypothetical primitive principle contacts (PPCs; all contact states allowing 5 degrees of freedom) are evaluated for geometric feasibility with respect to part-imposed and robot-imposed restrictions on relative positioning (evaluated using optimization). In the second stage, the feasibility of each of the various combinations of PPCs is efficiently evaluated, first using topological existence and uniqueness criteria, then using part-imposed and robot-imposed geometric criteria.
Kinesin-like microtubule motors in early development.

Publisher Summary Kinesins (more generally, kinesin-like proteins or KLPs) are a superfamily of microtubule-based motors that have been implicated in diverse microtubule-dependent functions, including organelle and vesicle transport, meiosis, mitosis, and cytokinesis. This chapter describes molecular methods for isolation of zebrafish KLP (zKLP) motor cDNAs, for production of antibodies to zKLPs, and for generation of green fluorescent protein-tagged zKLP expression constructs that may be used to perturb KLP-dependent processes in developing zebrafish embryos. Recently, a Xenopus KLP, Xklpl, has been shown to be required both for normal mitotic divisions and for redistribution and aggregation of the germ plasm in early embryos. Given the evolutionary conservation of developmental processes, it is likely that orthologous KLPs are involved in mitosis, localization of developmental determinants, and other functions in the zebrafish embryo. With the completion of large-scale screens for early-acting developmental mutations and the identification of mutations that arrest early morphogenesis or perturb cell-fate determination, epiboly, and dorsoventral pattern formation, zebrafish now possess an unprecedented genetic resource for analysis of KLP functions in embryogenesis.
Rate-distortion optimized video streaming with multiple deadlines

We extend a recently-proposed framework for the rate-distortion optimized transmission of packetized media. The original framework assumed that each packet has a single arrival deadline and that a packet is useless if it arrives after its deadline. In practice, however, packets may be associated with multiple deadlines. Examples include the case of compressed video that uses bi-directional prediction and the case of decoders that can recover from late packet arrivals through the accelerated retroactive decoding of the dependency chain. We extend the original framework to consider multiple deadlines. In our experimental results for the case of the accelerated retroactive decoding of late packets, the multiple-deadline formulation yields up to a 3.15 dB improvement in rate-distortion performance compared to the original, single-deadline formulation. The results indicate, furthermore, that accelerated retroactive decoding offers significant benefit only when coupled with a scheduler that considers multiple deadlines.
Comments on Rod Ellis's "The Structural Syllabus and Second Language Acquisition" Implicit Knowledge, Second Language Learning, and Syllabus Construction

a In his TESOL Quarterly article (Vol. 27, No. 1, Spring 1993), Rod Ellis attempts to make a case for the role of a structural syllabus as a means to promote "gradual mastery" of implicit second language knowledge. Ellis proposes a two-dimensional model of skill learning which is similar to the analysis control model proposed by Bialystok (1982). However, the invocation of a distinction between implicit and explicit knowledge to replace one of Bialystok's constructs, the dimension of analysis, leads to confusion and theoretical incoherence because it is not clear how Ellis's definitions of implicit and explicit knowledge relate to similar distinctions in cognitive psychology and L2 research (e.g., Hulstijn, 1990; Logan, 1988; McLaughlin, 1987; Reber, 1989; Shiffrin & Schneider, 1977). No empirical evidence from this research is adduced to support assertions Ellis makes about implicit knowledge which are fundamental to his proposals for pedagogy. In particular, it is unclear how Ellis motivates claims about the nature of the interface between implicit and explicit knowledge, and the form of implicit knowledge. In his model of second language acquisition processes, Ellis replaces Bialystok's (1982) +/analyzed distinction with a distinction between two types of knowledge, explicit and implicit. For Bialystok, this dimension represents a continuum of analysis, with early language being toward the unanalyzed end of the scale and analyzed language characterizing the later, more developed system. For Ellis this is a dichotomy between interfaced, but distinct implicit and explicit "types" of knowledge. Bialystok's dimension of control is referred to as the "declarative" to "procedural" (Anderson, 1983) dimension by Ellis. Language development is characterized as the process whereby explicit declarative
Biological Systematics: Principles and Applications (Second Edition)

The first edition of this handy-sized textbook by Randall (Toby) Schuh was warmly received by reviewers (Crowe, 2001; Forey, 2001). Almost ten years on, and with Andy Brower now on board as co-auth...
Waiting for election season

Why do countries frequently wait long periods of time before initiating disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over antidumping duties? Since the WTO usually rules in favor of the complainant, countries should initiate disputes as quickly as possible to limit the time their domestic industries are subject to these duties. However, countries often wait years before initiating a dispute. I argue that government leaders time disputes around their elections to gain political support from large domestic industries, particularly in developing countries with fewer economic resources and countries with highly contested domestic politics, where even small electoral gains are crucial. Using data on all WTO disputes over antidumping duties, I run a discrete time hazard model and find evidence that countries are more likely to bring up a dispute the closer they get to elections. As expected, the effect is particularly strong for divided governments and developing countries as elections draw near.
B. Traven: A Vision of Mexico

Author of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and other popular novels about Mexico, B. Traven surrounded his identity with mysteries designed to confound biographers. Now Heidi Zogbaum has produced a study of this enigmatic yet important author, linking his oeuvre with both Mexican and German politics of the 1920s and 1930s. Most previous works on Traven have been either literary studies or mere attempts to establish his identity. Past theories, for example, have labelled him the illegitimate son of Kaiser Wilhelm II or of Mexican President, Adolfo Lopez Mateos. Dr Zogbaum, however, systematically explores for the first time Traven's fascination with the great political episodes of his day. The German writer who would call himself B. Traven came to Mexico in 1924, drawn like many other left-wing intellectuals by the country's revolutionary experiment. In the following years he wrote novels and short stories that initially glorified, then criticized, the country's economic and political systems. His huge output introduced German, British and US audiences to recent developments in Mexico and to the country's rural workers, whose exploitation continued nearly unchecked under the new regime. The book is organized chronologically, taking the reader through Traven's career from his arrival in Mexico to his final writings in 1940. In the course of her analysis, Dr Zogbaum provides detailed discussions of all of Traven's major novels, showing how Mexican history inspired him and shaped his works. In addition, this study reveals how events in Germany, where Traven's primary audience lived, affected his writing. While entertaining his readers, Traven sought also to further their political education, using events in Mexico as starting points for commentary on Hitler's dictatorship. Finally, Dr Zogbaum establishes the value of Traven's works as historical sources documenting the notorious logging trade of southern Mexico. Scholars of modern German literature and proletarian fiction should find this volume useful. However, its treatment of Traven in the context of contemporary politics should make this book an equally useful source for anyone interested in revolutionary Mexico and the far-reaching economic problems the country still faces.
Hydrodechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyl

Abstract The catalytic hydrodechlorination of a complex polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture was studied in a batch reactor using a 61% Ni on kieselguhr catalyst from 25 to 100 °C at 50 atm of H2. Ethanol was used as a solvent and NaOH as an acid acceptor. Aromatic hydrodechlorination of chlorinated biphenyls is a consecutive single-step process; ortho-substituted chlorine is the least labile due to steric effects. In the reaction sequence below, φφi indicates a biphenyl molecule substituted with i chlorine atoms distributed over the two rings. First-order pseudo-homogeneous relative rate constants for the liquid phase study are noted: Similar behavior was observed in a gas-phase pulse microreactor over a series of 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.35 wt% Pd on α-Al2O3 catalysts at 220 ± 5 °C, 2.3 atm of H2, and space time of ~10−2 sec (based on H2 carrier gas flow rate). The corresponding values of the relative rate constants were 1.0, 0.85, 0.50, 0.70, and 0.95. These values of relative rate constants pass through a minimum as a result of the combined influence of statistical and steric factors. Highly ortho-substituted materials cannot adsorb in a planar configuration. The relative first-order rate constant for ortho to (meta + para) hydrodechlorination k o k mp = 0.52 for the nickel catalyst. Reaction behavior is consistent with the mechanism requiring adsorption of the benzene ring and charge delocalization at the aromatic chlorine: For hydrodechlorination, the carbon-chlorine double bond is regarded as the reactive species.
The Role of a Research Seminar for Child Psychiatry Residents

A major problem confronting the field of child and adolescent psychiatry is the development of teaching strategies to stimulate research activities and an appreciation of research. A teaching approach is described which emphasizes major research concepts using a programmed instruction method and illustrating these concepts with clinical cases. Fourteen child psychiatry residents participated in the seminar during a 3-year period. Overall, trainees' evaluation of the seminar was positive, and they demonstrated a high level of understanding across major research topics. In addition, the seminar may have contributed to an increased preference for academic careers by graduating residents.
Purification of Schwann Cells from the Neonatal and Injured Adult Mouse Peripheral Nerve

This protocol describes the use of immunopanning for acute purification and primary culture of Schwann cells from intact neonatal and injured adult mouse sciatic nerve.
Shape space planner for shape-accelerated balancing mobile robots

This paper introduces shape-accelerated balancing systems as a special class of underactuated systems wherein their shape configurations can be mapped to the accelerations in the position space. These systems are destabilized by gravitational forces and have non-integrable constraints on their dynamics. Balancing mobile robots, such as the ballbot, are examples of such systems. The ballbot is a human-sized dynamically stable mobile robot that balances on a single ball. This paper presents a shape trajectory planner that uses dynamic constraint equations to plan trajectories in the shape space, which when tracked will result in approximate tracking of desired position trajectories. The planner can handle systems with more shape variables than position variables, and can also handle cases where a subset of the shape variables is artificially constrained. Experimental results are shown on the ballbot with arms where different desired position space motions are achieved by tracking shape space motions of either body lean angles, or arm angles or combinations of the two; and also by tracking only the body lean motions while the arm angles are artificially constrained.
Endoscopic snare papillectomy for tumors of the duodenal papillae

Background Tumors of the major and the minor duodenal papillae can be malignant or premalignant, and traditionally are treated by surgical excision. This study evaluated the safety and the outcome of endoscopic snare resection of such tumors. Methods All patients with tumors of the major or the minor papilla treated by endoscopic snare resection over a 10-year period (1994-2003) were identified from an ERCP database. Patients with tumors that had endoscopic features of malignancy and those proven to be cancerous by biopsy were excluded. Papillectomy was performed by electrosurgical snare resection. A pancreatic stent usually was placed before or after excision. Residual tumor was eradicated by repeated procedures. Endoscopic surveillance was at the discretion of the endoscopist. Results Seventy snare resections were performed in 55 patients (mean age 59 years). Histopathologic diagnoses were the following: adenoma (45 patients; 7 with focal high-grade dysplasia, 6 with intraductal extension), adenocarcinoma (5), carcinoid tumor (2), gastric heterotopia (1), and normal histology (2). Fourteen patients had familial adenomatous polyposis. Of the 39 patients with isolated extraductal adenoma per cholangiogram, two underwent surgical resection because of persistent high-grade dysplasia, and 37 were successfully treated by endoscopic papillectomy alone. During follow-up (mean 30 months), 18 of 37 patients (49%) had no recurrence, 7 had recurrent adenoma (mean time interval to recurrence 27 months), two died of unrelated illnesses, and 10 are awaiting follow-up. Of the 6 patients with intraductal adenoma per cholangiogram, two underwent surgical resection, two had intraductal photodynamic therapy, and two had endoscopic snare resection. Intraductal tumor in the 4 latter patients was eliminated, although it recurred in one of the patients who had photodynamic therapy. Of the 7 patients with adenocarcinoma or carcinoid tumor, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 3 and palliative papillectomy was performed in 4 unsuitable for surgery. One patient with carcinoid tumor of the minor papilla is alive, without recurrence, at 5 years after papillectomy. There were 10 procedure-related complications (14.5%), including pancreatitis (5), bleeding (4), and mild perforation (1). There was no procedure-related death. Conclusions Most adenomas of the duodenal papillae without intraductal extension can be fully resected by snare papillectomy. However, adenoma recurs in about a third of patients. Endoscopic therapy appears to be a reasonable alternative to surgery for management of papillary tumors. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the true recurrence rate and if endoscopic re-treatments are effective.
Differential effects of the EGF family of growth factors on protein secretion, MAPK activation, and intracellular calcium concentration in rat lacrimal gland.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of the EGF family of growth factors and EGF receptor subtypes (ErbB1-4) present in lacrimal gland and determine the effects of these growth factors on different functions of rat lacrimal gland. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression in the lacrimal gland of selected members of the EGF family of growth factors, namely EGF, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α), heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF), and heregulin. The presence of ErbB receptors was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis. The effects of EGF, TGF-α, HB-EGF, and heregulin on protein secretion from lacrimal gland acini were examined using a fluorescent assay for peroxidase, a marker of protein secretion. Fura-2 tetra-acetoxymethyl ester was used to measure the effects of the growth factors on intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) in acini. MAPK activation in acini by these growth factors was also examined by western blot analysis using antibodies specific to phosphorylated p42/44 MAPK and total p42 MAPK. Rat lacrimal gland expressed EGF, TGF-α, HB-EGF, and heregulin mRNA, and all four ErbB receptors were present in the lacrimal gland as detected by western blot analyses. ErbB 1 and ErbB2 were located in basal and lateral membranes of acinar and ductal cells. The location of ErbB3 could not be determined while ErbB4 was found in ductal cells. Heregulin (10−7 m ) significantly increased protein secretion in lacrimal gland acini whereas all growth factors tested significantly increased [Ca2+]i at 10−7 m . TGF-α (10−9 m ), heregulin (10−7 m ), EGF (10−7 m ), and HB-EGF (10−7 m ) significantly increased the amount of phosphorylated MAPK in lacrimal gland acini. We conclude that all members of the EGF family of growth factors studied are synthesised in rat lacrimal gland, could activate all four ErbB receptors that are present in this tissue, and differentially activate lacrimal gland functions.
The fatigue behaviour of welded web attachments

Abstract Several superstructures located in the United States contain welded web details possessing low fatigue resistance. The cracking of several steel pier bents on the Dan Ryan Rapid Transit Line in Chicago and small cracks observed in other bridges with similar details has demonstrated that this is true. The objective of this paper is to examine the fatigue resistance of two commonly used web attachments. The first attachment considers a flange plate passing through the web of a girder and attached by welds on one or both sides. The second detail considers flange plates welded on both sides of the girder web. The stress distribution along the eventual crack path is used to predict the fatigue resistance of these details. The predicted fatigue resistance under cyclic load for the detail without web penetration and for details which penetrate relatively thin webs and were attached by welds on each side were in good agreement with other test results on long attachments. The predictions and test results fall within the fatigue limits of cover-plated beam data used to derive design provisions for the AASHTO Bridge Specification ( Category ). Tests with web penetrations in girders with thick webs typically gave results much more severe. This can mainly be attributed to lack of fusion in the web behind the weld and its adverse affect on the stresses in the weld. The applicability of Category E to such details is dependent upon the thickness of the web to which it is attached and the size of the welds used to connect the flange to the girder web that it passes through.
A highly asynchronous minimum spanning tree protocol

In this paper, we present an efficient distributed protocol for constructing a minimum-weight spanning tree (MST). Gallager, Humblet and Spira [5] proposed a protocol for this problem with time and message complexities O(N log N) and O(E + N log N) respectively. A protocol with O(N) time complexity was proposed by Awerbuch [1]. We show that the time complexity of the protocol in [5] can also be expressed as O((D + d)log N), where D is the maximum degree of a node and d is a diameter of the MST and therefore this protocol performs better than the protocol in [1] whenever D + d < N/log N. We give a protocol which requires O(min(N, (D + d)log N)) time and O(E + N log N log N/ log log N) messages. The protocol constructs a minimum spanning tree by growing disjoint subtrees of the MST (which are referred to as fragments). Fragments having the same minimum-weight outgoing edge are combined until a single fragment which spans the entire network remains. The protocols in [5] and [1] enforce a balanced growth of fragments. We relax the requirement of balanced growth and obtain a highly asynchronous protocol. In this protocol, fast growing fragments combine more often and therefore speed up the execution.
Purified Human Vitamin D Receptor Overexpressed in Escherichia coli and Baculovirus Systems Does Not Bind 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Hormone Efficiently Unless Supplemented with a Rat Liver Nuclear Extract

Abstract We report here that highly purified human vitamin D receptor (hVDR) derived from E. coli or baculovirus expression systems does not exhibit saturable, high affinity 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) ligand binding when these preparations alone are analyzed. Inclusion of rat liver nuclear extract, which does not itself contain detectable 1,25(OH)2D3 binding activity, is required to endow hVDR isolated from bacterial or insect cells with the property of high affinity hormone binding (Kd 0.13-0.22 nM). This observation should facilitate the valid assay of 1,25(OH)2D3 binding activity and kinetics in samples of overexpressed hVDR. Moreover, since rat liver nuclear extract contains retinoid X receptors and possibly other auxiliary factors capable of forming heterodimers with hVDR that in turn associate with vitamin D responsive elements, we hypothesize that like DNA binding, 1,25(OH)2D3 binding to hVDR requires the cooperation of a co-receptor or some uncharacterized receptor activating/stabilizing factor.
Monensin Efficacy in Rations Containing Suboptimal Energy or Protein

Abstract Experiments were performed with growing chicks to assess the effects of rations deficient in energy and protein on feed intake, quantity of monensin ingested, and overall anticoccidial efficacy. Experiment 1 employed a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial design where four levels of monensin (0, 70, 90, and 110 ppm) were added to rations containing either 17 or 23.5% crude protein. In Experiment 2, identical levels of monensin were added to diets containing either 2600 or 3200 kcal metabolizable energy/kg. Both studies were conducted in the presence and the absence of infections produced by Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella. Chicks fed diets deficient in protein consumed significantly more feed and gained less weight than those fed rations adequate in protein. Likewise, protein-deficient chicks consumed more monensin per kilogram of body weight gain. In Experiment 2, weight gain and feed intake were greater in birds fed adequate energy, but the quantity of monensin consumed per kilogram of weight gain was greatest in energy-deficient chicks. In both experiments coccidial lesions and oocyst output were controlled more effectively as monensin dosage was increased. Neither protein nor energy interacted significantly with monensin when lesion scores and oocyst output were evaluated. Thus, these studies indicate that coccidiosis control offered by the monensin concentrations studied is independent of the protein or energy content of the ration.
A Model for an Ascaris Muscle Cell

Muscle cells in the nematode Ascaris suum undergo bouts of oscillation in the behaving worm, these being correlated with progressing waves of contraction along the body of the worm. The bouts have three time scales: a rough period of 7-20 s, 10-20 short bursts of spikes within a bout, and three to eight spikes per burst. This paper has two aims: showing that there is consistency between measurements of individual currents and measurements on whole muscle cells, and creating a building block to eventually explain the locomotion in this ‘simple’ system. A realistic model for a single Ascaris suum muscle cell is developed using existing data from experiments which have established the types of ionic currents in the muscle cell and many of their kinetic properties. Numerical simulations are carried out. The model cell reproduces the two shorter time scales present. It has some robustness with regard to parameter changes, but also allows for the different numbers of spikes per burst seen in recordings from muscle cells. The third time scale, the length of a bout, may originate from some system effect, a combination of neural and stretch effects and possibly a secondary effect of the calcium-activated chloride channel.
The mechanism of ultraviolet bonding of perfluoropolyether lubricants (used in magnetic recording)

It has recently been reported that thin films of perfluoropolyethers can be bonded to a variety of substrates under illumination with 185-nm ultraviolet light. In the present work, the authors examine the mechanism through which the bonding of the perfluoropolyethers to the substrate takes place. The perfluoropolyethers undergo dissociative electron attachment caused by photoelectrons that are generated by the interaction of the ultraviolet light with the substrate. This dissociative electron attachment results in the formation of a negative ion and a radical. It is suggested that subsequent radical propagation and termination steps then cross-link the perfluoropolyether and bond it to the substrate. >
Control of diapause induction by a change in photoperiod in Melanoplus sanguinipes

Abstract The effect of photoperiod on diapause induction, developmental time and body size was examined in Melanoplus sanguinipes , the lesser migratory grasshopper. Contrary to what is found in most insects, facultative diapause-egg production is found to be controlled by changing rather than constant photoperiods. In addition, developmental time is shown to be faster under short-day photoperiods than long-day photoperiods. And finally, body size is larger under long-day photoperiods and smaller under short-day photoperiods. Implications of these results for the regulation of the seasonal life cycle of M. sanguinipes in the field are discussed.
Functional forms and the estimation of a state's sales tax revenue: Tennessee as a case study

Problems of specifying a proper functional form for estimating sales tax revenues of a state are discussed. A general functional form is introduced, in which linear and log-linear forms are special cases. The maximum likelihood approach and data for Tennessee are used to estimate parameters in the general form. Empirical results disclose that the null hypotheses indicating the functional form is linear or log-linear are both rejected. The best functional form obtained from the general form provides not only better R2 and Durbin-Watson statistic, but also generates estimates of sales tax collections with smaller errors than the linear and log-linear forms.
Tree Encroachment Impacts Carbon Dynamics in a Sand Prairie in Wisconsin

6 Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 74:2010 Published online 12 Feb. 2010 doi:10.2136/sssaj2009.0223 Received 15 June 2009. *Corresponding author (bscharenbroch@mortonarb.org). © Soil Science Society of America, 677 S. Segoe Rd., Madison WI 53711 USA All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher. Tree Encroachment Impacts Carbon Dynamics in a Sand Prairie in Wisconsin Forest, Range & Wildland Soils
Dermatologic Findings of Ankyloblepharon-Ectodermal Defects-Cleft Lip/Palate (AEC) Syndrome

Hay–Wells syndrome, caused by mutations in the p63 gene, is an autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia with the main features of ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum, ectodermal defects, and cleft lip/palate, from which the disorder's other name, AEC syndrome, is derived. The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias convened the International Research Symposium for AEC Syndrome on November 8–10, 2006, at Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX with appropriate IRB approval. This multidisciplinary conference was the largest gathering of such patients to date and allowed us to further characterize dermatologic features of AEC syndrome, which included: sparse and wiry hair, nail changes, past or present scalp erosions, decreased sweat production, palmar/plantar changes, and unique pigmentary anomolies. Early recognition of the features of AEC syndrome and subsequent early diagnosis is important in minimizing invasive diagnostic studies, improving morbidity and mortality, and providing genetic counseling. Skin erosions, especially those of the scalp, were identified as the most challenging cutaneous aspect of this syndrome. Although the reasons for the skin erosions and poor healing are not known, mutations of p63 may lead to a diminished store of basal cells capable of replenishing the disrupted barrier. Therapeutic strategies currently under exploration include gene therapy, as well as epidermal stem cell therapy. Until then, gentle wound care and limiting further trauma seem to be the most prudent treatment modalities. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux and Sinusitis, Otitis Media, and Laryngeal Malignancy: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

This study was conducted to review and evaluate the published evidence for an association between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and 3 supraesophageal pathologies: sinusitis, otitis media, and laryngeal malignancy. Relevant articles were located using MEDLINE (search limits: 1966-2001, English language, human studies). Only new data or new analyses of previous data were included. Relevant articles were designated by their level of evidence, based on published standards, and grouped by pathology. An overall grade was assigned to each group for the strength of evidence for or against an association. The search produced 152 articles, 42 of which met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail. There is grade C evidence for a positive association between GER and sinusitis (57 articles screened, 14 articles included); for a negative association between GER and otitis media (28 articles screened, 10 articles included); and for a positive association between GER and laryngeal malignancy (67 articles screened, 18 articles included). The published literature weakly supports a positive association between GER and both sinusitis and laryngeal malignancy, and a negative association between GER and otitis media.
Autothermal reforming of butanol to butenes in a staged millisecond reactor: Effect of catalysts and isomers

Dehydration and isomerization of butanol is studied in an autothermal short contact-time reactor containing a 1 wt% Pt stage followed by a zeolite or γ-Al2O3 stage downstream to convert butanol into butenes with up to 95% yield at residence times on the order of 100 ms. CH4 is fed as a sacrificial fuel to the Pt stage and butanol is fed between the stages to avoid undesired oxidation and reforming reactions of butanol over Pt. The energy released by CH4 catalytic partial oxidation drives downstream butanol dehydration and isomerization. The effect of catalyst is studied by comparing the performance of HZSM-5, HFER, and γ-Al2O3 catalysts. Higher yields (20%) of butenes were obtained with γ-Al2O3 and HFER than with HZSM-5. The absence of Br∅nsted acid sites in γ-Al2O3 and the small pore structure of HFER lead to reduced yields of large side products such as higher hydrocarbons that promote oligomerization reactions. A 95% butene yield is obtained with HFER at temperatures ranging from 280–350 °C and a 95% yield with γ-Al2O3 at temperatures between 320 and 350 °C. Only a 75% butene yield was obtained with HZSM-5 at 230 °C. The effect of hydrocarbon structure on product formation is studied by comparing conversions of each butanol isomer using a heated tube reactor at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C. The reactivity of butanol follows as: t-butanol > 2-butanol > iso-butanol > 1-butanol. trans-2-Butene and cis-2-butene are primarily formed from linear butanol isomers, while isobutene forms from branched butanol isomers. Conversions and product distributions of butanol isomers formed over HZSM-5 in a staged reactor are comparable (<10% difference across all species) with data using a heated tube reactor at similar temperatures. We successfully demonstrate an alternative pathway to dehydrate butanol into butenes with an autothermal staged reactor compared to conventional methods for applications in small-scale biomass utilization. The largest advantage of this reactor is the integration of highly exothermic autothermal stage and endothermic alcohol dehydration stage which provides an alternative processing technique to maintain the bed temperature.
Why temperature-dependent fission barriers should not be included in statistical model calculations.

The reduced nuclear density in the surface layer of a nucleus gives rise to an increase in the level density parameter and also makes the fission barrier of the nucleus temperature dependent. The manner in which these effects can be consistently incorporated in the transition state formalism for statistical model calculations is discussed. The naive replacement of zero temperature with temperature-dependent fission barriers in the standard formula to obtain the level density at the saddle-point configuration is incorrect. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Mevalonate kinase from the larva of the fleshfly, Sarcophaga bullata☆

Mevalonate kinase (ATP: mevalonate 5-phosphotransferase) has been isolated and purified one-hundred-and-tenfold from third-instar larvae of Sarcophaga bullata. The enzyme has also been isolated from aseptically cultured larvae, thereby establishing mevalonate kinase as a native protein of this insect. The product of the enzyme reaction has been analysed and identified by means of microchemical, chromatographic, and radiochemical procedures. In addition, rat liver preparations catalyse the incorporation of the product of this reaction, 5-phosphomevalonate, into a radioactive non-saponifiable fraction identified as squalene on the basis of thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography. The larval mevalonate kinase has a calculated molecular weight of 113,000 and has an apparent Michaelis constant for mevalonate of 6.2 × 10−4 M and for ATP of 4.7 × 10−3 M. Other enzyme properties and implications of the enzyme with insect terpenoid metabolism are discussed.
The cross-section trichometer: a new device for measuring hair quantity, hair loss, and hair growth.

BACKGROUND Office physicians are unable to measure hair quantity, hair loss, and hair growth in a simple and meaningful manner. One solution is to measure the cross-sectional area of a bundle of hair that is growing within a premeasured cross-section of scalp. OBJECTIVE The objective was to design a mechanical device that precisely measures the cross-sectional area of a bundle of hair and design a device that can precisely delineate an area of scalp. It was assumed that density and diameter changes are evidenced by changes in the bundle cross-sectional area and that growth and loss are the result of density and diameter changes. These assumptions were confirmed using various sized bundles of known diameter non-hair filaments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bundles of hair and surgical silk fibers were tested using a mechanical device that compressed the bundle and measured its cross-sectional area. Balding patients were categorized according to their observed severity of the loss. Bundles of their uncut hair from 4-cm2 scalp sites were measured and the values were compared to the patient's category of hair loss severity. RESULTS In patients with balding, there was a direct correlation between the bundle's cross-sectional area and the observed severity of the loss. The cross-sectional area was expressed as square millimeters of hair per square centimeter of skin × 100 (mm2/cm2× 100) and named the trichometric index (TI). Using surgical silk fibers, there was a direct correlation between the bundle's cross-sectional area and the number of filaments, the diameter of the filaments, and the dry weight of the filament bundle. Using aggregates of cut human hair, there was a direct correlation between the cross-sectional area and the dry weight of the bundle. CONCLUSION This prototype device shows promise as a diagnostic instrument for measuring changes in hair quantity (mass), hair diameter, and hair density, as evidenced by preliminary studies using silk sutures, cut human hair, and patients with various degrees of balding. Formal clinical studies are needed. Although the device itself showed a high degree of precision, the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurements can be compromised if the sampling method is not carefully performed using magnification. The device is intended for use on uncut hair that is more than 1 inch in length.
Microdiscectomy improves pain-associated depression, somatic anxiety, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar disc.

BACKGROUND Emotional distress and depression are common psychological disturbances associated with low-back and leg pain. The effects of lumbar discectomy on pain, disability, and physical quality of life are well described. The effects of discectomy on emotional distress and mental well-being are less well understood. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of microdiscectomy on depression, somatization, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar discs. METHODS Patients undergoing surgical discectomy for single-level, herniated lumbar disc were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Back and leg pain, depression, somatic perception, and mental well-being were assessed. RESULTS One hundred patients were enrolled. All were available for 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, the visual analog scale for low-back pain (BP-VAS), visual analog scale for leg pain (LP-VAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ), and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 mental component summary scale (SF-36-MCS) were 6.3 ± 2.5, 6.3 ± 2.5, 19 ± 11, 9 ± 7, and 4 ± 14. BP-VAS and LP-VAS significantly improved by 6 weeks. Significant improvement in SF-36-MCS was observed by 6 weeks postoperatively, improvement in MSPQ score was observed 3 months postoperatively, and improvement in the ZUNG depression score was observed 12 months postoperatively. No statistical difference occurred during the remainder of follow-up for any outcome measured once improvement reached statistical significance. Eighteen patients were somatized preoperatively, 67% of which were nonsomatized 1 year postoperatively. Ten patients were clinically depressed preoperatively, 70% of which were nondepressed 1 year postoperatively. Improvement in SF-36-MCS, ZUNG, and MSPQ correlated (P < .001) with improvement in BP-VAS and LP-VAS. CONCLUSION The majority of patients somatized or depressed preoperatively returned to good mental well-being postoperatively. Improvement in pain and overall mental well-being was seen immediately after discectomy. Improvement in somatic anxiety and depression occurred months later. Microdiscectomy significantly improves pain-associated depression, somatic anxiety, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar disc.
Reliable Dimensions for Wisc Profiles

Measures of multivariate reliability are calculated for profiles of WISC subscales on three age groups. Profile dimensions based on reliability considerations are also established and matched across age groups and with factor analytic dimensions. While all possible differences among individual subscales are quite unreliable (about .51), a reduced set of five uncorrelated dimensions can be found with a more satisfactory reliability (about .87). In unrotated form, the maximally reliable dimension is essentially total IQ and the second maximally reliable dimension closely resembles a verbal-performance contrast. Four of the five rotated dimensions give a good match across age groups and with Verbal Comprehension, Relevancy, Perceptual Organization and Maze-specific factors. Guidelines for the interpretation and use of WISC subscale profiles are provided for both clinical and research uses.
Assessing prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer: avenues to a more complete picture?

overall 5-year survival rate of 15%, investigations are proceeding on multiple fronts to improve prognosis. Studies in prevention, early detection, risk assessment, surgical staging, and genetic and proteomic profiling are attempting to define new opportunities in lung cancer detection and therapy. The discovery of new targets and the application of targeted therapies are beginning to shape our understanding of the complex pathways that operate in this disease, leading to the development of pathogenesis-based therapies. 3 Numerous studies have focused attention on improving survival in early stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recently, cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy has been found to improve survival among patients with completely resected NSCLC. 4 This group of patients constitutes an important population for intervention, with as many as 200,000 individuals worldwide potentially eligible for adjuvant therapy each year. However, it has been suggested that NSCLC, particularly adenocarcinomas, can be considered to be a group of heterogeneous clinical disorders that share some molecular and cellular characteristics, but that have variable clinical behaviors and prognoses. 5,6 Can more sophisticated measures than histopathology alone be utilized to understand the heterogeneity that leads to these diverse clinical outcomes, and then to identify high-risk groups suitable for intervention? Prognostic assessments in the postsurgical patient population have been the focus of many investigations. 5 Two
Structural variants in heteroepitaxial growth

The occurrence of structural variants during epitaxial growth is examined using two-dimensional symmetry. The modeling of the materials includes equilibrium defect structures and reconstructions in addition to epitaxial strain and flaws. Specific results are presented for single and multi-terrace systems and for miscut substrates. Analytical results for planes on which variants nucleate in equal proportions are obtained simply, from two-dimensional symmetry arguments. These are used to discuss ways to inhibit the growth of unwanted variants.
Nicholas Lambert, Planning Armageddon: British Economic Warfare and the First World War

Nicholas Lambert is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute in London who has previously written about Admiral Jackie Fisher. His Planning Armageddon seeks to throw an entirely n...
Optimum Filling of Ferrite Phase Shifters of Uniform Dielectric Constant

Approximation methods are used to calculate the phase shift and loss for phase shifters containing ferrite and dielectric, with a uniform dielectric constant throughout the waveguide. If the RF magnetic loss in the ferrite is a significant fraction of the total loss, the overall performance of a phase shifter that is partially filled with ferrite may be superior to the fully filled case. Theoretical results relating performance to the amount of partial filling are presented for Faraday rotators in square and circular waveguides and a twin-slab phase shifter. Experimental results were obtained for a circular Faraday rotator.