cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Past, present, and future perspectives of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding: A systematic review in methods, monitoring, and applications of global eDNA

Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a novel method of assessing biodiversity wherein samples are taken from the environment via water, sediment or air from which DNA is extracted, and then amplified using general or universal primers in polymerase chain reaction and sequenced using next-generation sequencing to generate thousands to millions of reads. From this data, species presence can be determined, and overall biodiversity assessed. It is an interdisciplinary method that brings together traditional field-based ecology with in-depth molecular methods and advanced computational tools. As an emerging monitoring method, there are many pitfalls and roadblocks to be considered and avoided, but the method may still have the ability to revolutionize modern biodiversity surveys for the molecular era. In this paper, we review the basic methodology, benefits, and concerns of eDNA metabarcoding, and systematically cover the applications of the method in global ecology thus far, including biodiversity monitoring across all habitats and taxonomic groups, ancient ecosystem reconstruction, plant-pollinator interactions, diet analysis, invasive species detection, pollution responses, and air quality monitoring. We also discuss the future applications of the method as well as expected technological advances and how they may impact the way that eDNA metabarcoding may used in the future. eDNA metabarcoding is a unique method still in development and will likely remain in flux for some time as technology advances and procedures become standardized. However, as metabarcoding is optimized and its use becomes more widespread, it is likely to become an essential tool for ecological monitoring and global conservation study.
Recommendations for Evaluating Innovative Products for the Visually Handicapped.

Points out the increasing need for systematic studies on the effectiveness and utility of products for the visually handicapped. Reviews formal evaluations of the Optacon to identify exemplary proc...
Oral traditions and mounds, owls and movement at Poverty Point: An archaeological ethnography of multispecies embodiments and everyday life:

Collaborative and Indigenous archaeologies call on researchers to recenter theory and practice on descendant peoples' lives and ways of knowing. Extending this project, this article takes story and...
Repurposing a historic school building as a teacher’s village: exploring the connection between school closures, housing affordability, and community goals in a gentrifying neighborhood

The redevelopment of urban school buildings of historical value has the potential to contribute to the needs of current residents. Using a case study from Chicago, IL—where more than 50 schools in ...
Normative ranges of nasal airflow variables in healthy adults

Virtual surgery planning based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of nasal airflow has the potential to improve surgical outcomes for patients with nasal airway obstruction (NAO). Virtual surgery planning requires normative ranges of airflow variables, but few studies to date have quantified inter-individual variability of nasal airflow among healthy subjects. This study reports CFD simulations of nasal airflow in 47 healthy adults. Anatomically accurate three-dimensional nasal models were reconstructed from cone beam computed tomography scans and used for steady-state inspiratory airflow simulations with a bilateral flowrate of 250 ml/s. Normal subjective sensation of nasal patency was confirmed using the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation and visual analog scale. Healthy ranges for several CFD variables known to correlate with subjective nasal patency were computed, including unilateral airflow, nasal resistance, airspace minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA), heat flux (HF), and surface area stimulated by mucosal cooling (defined as the area where HF > 50 W/m2). The normative ranges were targeted to contain 95% of the healthy population and computed using a nonparametric method based on order statistics. A wide range of inter-individual variability in nasal airflow was observed among healthy subjects. Unilateral airflow varied from 60 to 191 ml/s, airflow partitioning ranged from 23.8 to 76.2%, and unilateral mCSA varied from 0.24 to 1.21 cm2. These ranges are in good agreement with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry data from the literature. A key innovation of this study are the normative ranges of flow variables associated with mucosal cooling, which recent research suggests is the primary physiological mechanism of nasal airflow sensation. Unilateral HF ranged from 94 to 281 W/m2, while the surface area stimulated by cooling ranged from 27.4 to 64.3 cm2. These normative ranges may serve as targets in future virtual surgery planning for patients with NAO.
Exploration of How People with Mobility Disabilities Rate Community Barriers to Physical Activity

Background and Significance: People with mobility disabilities (such as people who use a cane, walker, or wheelchair) are less likely to be physically active. Previous studies have identified community barriers to physical activity. However, these studies did not measure how people with mobility disabilities rated community barriers to physical activity. This study examined how people with mobility disabilities rate community barriers and explore relationships between these barriers and engagement in physical activity. Methods: Study participants (n = 150) were recruited from an accessible fitness center and an independent living center. Participants completed the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments and the Physical Activity and Disability Survey. Results: The most frequently reported community barriers were excessive crime or fear of crime (40.7%) and cars driving too fast (40.7%). The highest rated barrier was lack of accessible transportation to a fitness center, with a median rating of 5 out of 5. There was a significant, negative correlation between strength exercise and built environment and perceptions of safety. There was no significant correlation between aerobic exercise and built environment and perceptions of safety. Conclusion: People with disabilities face community barriers which contribute to a disparity in opportunities to be physically active. Future intervention studies are needed to determine whether physical activity rates change after improvements are made to make physical activity more accessible for people with disabilities.
CCR2 signaling in breast carcinoma cells promotes tumor growth and invasion by promoting CCL2 and suppressing CD154 effects on the angiogenic and immune microenvironments

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women, due mainly to metastatic disease. Invasive tumors exhibit aberrations in recruitment and activity of immune cells, including decreased cytotoxic T cells. Restoring the levels and activity of cytotoxic T cells is a promising anticancer strategy; but its success is tumor type dependent. The mechanisms that coordinate recruitment and activity of immune cells and other stromal cells in breast cancer remain poorly understood. Using the MMTV-PyVmT/FVB mammary tumor model, we demonstrate a novel role for CCL2/CCR2 chemokine signaling in tumor progression by altering the microenvironment. Selective targeting of CCR2 in the PyVmT mammary epithelium inhibited tumor growth and invasion, elevated CD8+ T cells, decreased M2 macrophages and decreased angiogenesis. Co-culture models demonstrated these stromal cell responses were mediated by tumor-derived CCL2 and CCR2-mediated suppression of the T-cell activating cytokine, CD154. Coculture analysis indicated that CCR2-induced stromal reactivity was important for tumor cell proliferation and invasion. In breast tumor tissues, CD154 expression inversely correlated with CCR2 expression and correlated with relapse free survival. Targeting the CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway may reprogram the immune angiogenic and microenvironments and enhance effectiveness of targeted and immunotherapies.
Left branch extraction, object shift, and freezing effects in Tumbalá Ch’ol

Ch’ol (Mayan) exhibits asymmetries in what is available for left branch extraction. While both numerals and interrogative possessors are able to extract from absolutive subject position, only numerals may extract from absolutive object position. To capture this asymmetry, I provide evidence that objects with overt possessors always undergo object shift, blocking left branch extraction. This follows from the Freezing Principle (Ross 1974; Wexler & Culicover 1977), or a ban on extraction from a moved constituent. Objects with numeral modifiers do not obligatorily undergo object shift and therefore may extract from the object. In addition to numerals and interrogative possessors, I present and analyze possibilities for other elements to extract out of various positions. I situate this work within Agree-based theories of extraction (e.g. Rackowski & Richards 2005; van Urk & Richards 2015; Branan 2018) and discuss this proposal’s theoretical implications. Unless otherwise noted, all data comes from the author’s fieldwork.
A framework for probabilistic fire loss estimation in concrete building structures

Abstract A framework is proposed for the probabilistic estimation of yearly economic losses due to fire in concrete building structures. The fire loss estimation accounts for the uncertainties in the occurrence and growth of a fire as well as the response of the building. The assessment performs a fire hazard analysis, response analysis, damage analysis, and loss analysis. The response analysis relies on three-dimensional finite element modeling of the building structure. The expected direct loss for the building is determined by summing the expected losses under fires in different locations, weighted by the annual probabilities of fire occurrence in each location. To achieve this goal, we propose fire-specific engineering demand parameters (EDP) that are measurable and associated with damage states. One EDP addresses section damage due to temperature penetration, while a second EDP addresses component damage linked to deformations. We also define a set of fragility functions and consequence functions based on the selected damage states. The presented framework is applied to a case study of a five-story reinforced concrete frame building. Direct losses are evaluated at about 188 k$ for scenarios of single-compartment fire, conditional to the occurrence of severe fire. Losses are mostly related to nonstructural components and content. Although the case study focuses on single-compartment fires, losses in case of fire spreading within the building can be incorporated as well using event tree analysis with the conditional probability of the respective fire scenarios. The yearly fire loss framework presented in this paper can be adopted for other types of buildings and can be integrated into the workflow for the hazard vulnerability assessment of a community.
Data-driven reduced-order models via regularised Operator Inference for a single-injector combustion process

This paper derives predictive reduced-order models for rocket engine combustion dynamics via Operator Inference, a scientific machine learning approach that blends data-driven learning with physics...
Slaughtering a cow in early childhood education: Pedagogic meetings with destruction as change

This article explores the concept of change in education through an examination of the entangled processes of destruction and creation made visible during a Norwegian kindergarten’s tradition of participating in a cow-slaughter in its local community. The article offers a methodological exploration, activating the theoretical perspectives of relational ontology, plasticity and critical animal studies. We present the event as a narrative and analyze it through these three perspectives, with special attention paid to unintentional change and change as an ontological concept. The discussion illuminates how children grasped destruction as change through creativity and play, and how ethical complexities are entangled with education, animal-based food production, traditions, play, and research.
Rhabdomyolysis and Multisystem Organ Failure Due to Fulminant Ehrlichiosis Infection

A previously healthy 51-y-old male presented to his local emergency department with subjective fevers, myalgias, dyspnea, and generalized weakness that had been progressive for several weeks. He was initially diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, septic shock, and rhabdomyolysis requiring transfer to a tertiary care facility. He was treated for sepsis with broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids, and a fluid bolus before transfer. Once he arrived at the tertiary care facility, he developed respiratory failure requiring intubation and ventilatory support. Ceftriaxone and metronidazole were started in the intensive care unit to cover common causes of community-acquired versus aspiration pneumonia, and doxycycline was included to cover tick-borne disease based on a history of tick exposure from working in his rural yard. Blood polymerase chain reaction testing later confirmed ehrlichiosis. The patient had a prolonged hospital course requiring ventilatory support and vasopressors, followed by a 4-wk stay in a rehabilitation unit after discharge. Wilderness medical providers should counsel their patients on prevention of tick bites and keep tickborne illness in the differential for acute illness, based on local epidemiology.
Development of PARP inhibitor combinations for castration resistant prostate cancer unselected for homologous recombination repair mutations

Genetic instability is a hallmark of cancer and, with the introduction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, is a targetable feature of many tumors. Currently, two PARP inhibitors, olaparib and rucaparib, have received approval as monotherapy by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of men with castration resistant prostate cancer with selected mutations involving the homologous recombination (HR) pathway. However, it is currently debated whether an HR mutation is a prerequisite for response or if patients with HR-proficient mCRPC may also benefit from their use when combined with other targeted or immunotherapeutic agents. Several large phase III trials of PARP inhibitors with novel androgen axis inhibitors in groups of unselected patients are underway. Additionally, there are several early phase trials combining PARP inhibitors with radioligands or immunecheckpoint inhibitors. Here we discuss the currently ongoing or recently concluded trials of PARP inhibitor based combinatorial therapies in unselected patients with mCRPC, the rationale behind these trials, and how these may impact the treatment paradigm in men with mCRPC.
Kidney Transplantation From Hepatitis C Viremic Deceased Donors to Aviremic Recipients in a Real-world Setting.

Transplantation of hepatitis C viremic (HCV+) deceased donor kidney transplants (DDKT) into aviremic (HCV-) recipients is a strategy to increase organ utilization. However, there are concerns around inferior recipient outcomes due to delayed initiation of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and sustained HCV replication when implemented outside of a research setting. Methods This was a retrospective single-center matched cohort study of DDKT recipients of HCV+ donors (cases) who were matched 1:1 to recipients of HCV- donors (comparators) by age, gender, race, presence of diabetes, kidney donor profile index, and calculated panel-reactive antibody. Data were analyzed using summary statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests for between-group comparisons, and linear mixed-effects models for longitudinal data. Results Each group consisted of 50 recipients with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The 6-mo longitudinal trajectory of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate did not differ between groups. All recipients had similar rates of acute rejection and readmissions (all P > 0.05). One case lost the allograft 151 d posttransplant because of acute rejection, and 1 comparator died on postoperative day 7 from cardiac arrest. HCV+ recipients initiated DAA on average 29 ± 11 d posttransplant. Ninety-eight percent achieved sustained virologic response at 4 and 12 wks with the first course of therapy; 1 patient had persistent HCV infection and was cured with a second course of DAA. Conclusions Aviremic recipients of HCV+ DDKT with delayed DAA initiation posttransplant had similar short-term outcomes compared with matched recipient comparators of HCV- donors.
Development of a Conductive Filament for 3D Printing

The prospects for developing a new conductive filament that may be used in 3D printing are discussed. The filament is produced from metal powder with the addition of a plastic binder. Determination of the minimum quantity of plastic required to ensure adequate strength, thermoplasticity, and conductivity of the filament is considered.
The development of cohesion in a learner corpus

This study examines the use of cohesive devices (pragmatic markers and conjunctions) in a 24,000-word corpus of transcribed oral data from 47 learners and native speakers of English. Both of these cohesive devices increase with proficiency level, but not in the same way. Conjunction use seems to increase steadily, and only the differences between the highest and lowest proficiency levels were found to be statistically significant. Pragmatic marker use, however, remains fairly stable across the three lowest proficiency levels and rises drastically for the two highest proficiency levels, and the two higher proficiency levels are significantly different from the two lower levels in their use of pragmatic markers. The results are compared to native speaker rates of cohesive device use for the same tasks and under the same conditions.
Tulp1 is involved in specific photoreceptor protein transport pathways.

Tulp1 plays a critical role in protein transport from the photoreceptor inner segment (IS) to the outer segment (OS). To dissect which OS protein transport pathways are affected in the absence of Tulp1, we surveyed the localization of proteins destined for the OS in tulp1−/− mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the localization of several classes of OS proteins as well as proteins involved in OS protein transport in young tulp1−/− mice prior to retinal degeneration. Comparisons were made to wild-type littermates. The absence of Tulp1 did not affect the transport of several phototransduction and OS structural proteins including phosphodiesterase, rhodopsin kinase, ROM-1, peripherin/RDS, and the cation channel. However, other phototransduction proteins such as rhodopsin, cone opsins, guanylate cyclase 1, and guanylate cyclase-activating proteins 1 and 2 were mislocalized to additional photoreceptor compartments. Two proteins that translocate in response to light stimulation were affected differently in tulp1−/− retinas; transducin translocated correctly whereas arrestin did not. In addition, chaperone proteins critical in the transport of rhodopsin-containing post-Golgi vesicles, Rab6, Rab8, and Rab11, were severely disrupted in tulp1−/− retinas. We conclude that Tulp1 is required for the correct transport of specific integral membrane proteins and their respective binding partners. Other classes of OS resident proteins do not appear to be affected. These differences support the hypothesis that Tulp1 plays a specific, critical role in photoreceptor OS protein transport pathways.
Complete heart block alternating with normal rhythm and normal A-V conduction

Abstract 1. 1. Two cases showing complete A-V block with alternating periods of normal rhythm and normal conduction time are reported. 2. 2. In both cases frequent Adams-Stokes seizures occurred during the period of fluctuating rhythm. 3. 3. In one case definitely and in the other probably, permanent A-V dissociation was eventually established with the disappearance of syncopal attacks.
Discussion Addendum for: Formation of γ‐Keto Esters from β‐Keto Esters: Methyl 5,5‐dimethyl‐4‐oxohexanoate

Methods for the preparation of donor-acceptor (push-pull) cyclopropanes for the purpose of incorporating a single carbon between two carbonyl groups have been developed by a number of research groups. This article describes the works of research groups for the formation of α-keto esters from α-keto esters Keywords: Donor-acceptor cyclopropanes, β-keto esters, zinc-mediated chain extension, β-keto amides, β-keto phosphonates, β-substituted γ-keto ester, aldol reaction, 3,4,5-Trisubstituted-γ-lactone, β-proline derivatives, Papyracillic acid
Examining bias in the impulsive sensation seeking (ImpSS) Scale using Differential Item Functioning (DIF) – An item response analysis

Abstract Impulsive sensation seeking, an important index of the disinhibited pursuit of novelty with minimal concern for potential negative consequences, varies with important health behaviors like drug use and unsafe sex. Previous work reveals associations between impulsive sensation seeking and gender, age, ethnicity and education. Links to these sociodemographic variables should arise from actual differences in the trait and not potential biases in items on the scale. The current study employed item response theory (IRT) analyses to identify differential item functioning (DIF)—a variation in scores that arises from group membership that is independent of genuine differences on the trait. Analyses of data from a large sample of Internet responders revealed DIF on multiple items of a popular index of impulsive sensation seeking. Items showed DIF in analyses related to gender, age, ethnicity and education. These results suggest that sociodemographic differences in impulsive sensation seeking should be interpreted with caution as they may be due to idiosyncratic interpretation of items rather than true group differences on the underlying trait. Future research should explore how these biases might affect links between impulsive sensation seeking and related psychological and behavioral outcomes.
Effects of cerebellar retractions on the cochlear nerve an experimental study on rhesus monkeys

Cerebellar retractions were performed in the cerebellopontine (CP) angle of rhesus monkeys to study the relationship between changes in brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and/or compound action potentials (CAP) from the cochlear nerve, and morphological changes in the cochlear nerve in order to investigate the nature of cochlear nerve injuries caused by this surgical procedure. The changes in the BAEP and/or CAP from the cochlear nerve that were seen during cerebellar retraction were similar to those seen in human patients during operation. After completion of each experiment the temporal bones were prepared for histological examination. Hemorrhages often developed at the fundus of the internal auditory canal as a direct result of cerebellar retraction. These hemorrhages were located at the area cribrosa, where the branches of the internal auditory artery penetrate the cribriform plate. As the hemorrhages appeared to be due to avulsion rupture of these branches, they were considered to be the probable cause of the sudden loss of all the components of the auditory responses. The cochlear nerve fibers, especially those at the basal turn of the cochlea, avulsed simultaneously at the area cribrosa in most cases.
Does diagnosis influence end-of-life decisions in the neonatal intensive care unit?

To determine the influence of physiological status and diagnosis at the time of death on end-of-life care. Retrospective descriptive study in a regional referral level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of infants who died from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2008. Infants were categorized based on diagnosis (very preterm, congenital anomalies or other) and level of stability. Primary outcome was level of clinical service provided at end of life (care withheld, care withdrawn or full resuscitation). From 1999 to 2008, there were 414 deaths in the NICU. Congenital anomaly was the leading diagnosis at the time of death, representing 45% of all deaths. Comparing mode of death, very preterm newborns were more likely than infants with congenital anomalies to have received cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the time of death (26% vs 13%, P<0.01) and were significantly more unstable (75% vs 52%, P<0.01). Infants aged 22 to 24 weeks were mostly unstable and significantly more likely to receive CPR than infants with any other diagnosis. Over the 10-year period, very preterm infants were more likely to be physiologically unstable and to receive CPR at the time of death than infants with any other diagnosis. This finding was especially true for infants at the edge of viability (22 to 24 weeks). These differences in end-of-life care suggest that the quality of life and medical futility may be viewed differently for the least mature infants.
Titration of oxygen chemisorbed on platinum: Experiment and simulation

The titration of chemisorbed oxygen by carbon monoxide to form carbon dioxide has been studied from 373 to 673 K over polycrystalline platinum. The pressure transients for CO and CO2 have been measured and simulated numerically. A complex Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism is found which fits all the data, and it is not necessary to invoke Eley–Rideal kinetics. The results fall into two temperature regimes, above and below 473 K, which are characterized by different Arrhenius parameters. A change in activation energy with oxygen coverage is also found below 473 K.
117 Sn and 119 Sn Hyperfine Structure in the Rotational Spectrum of Tin Monosulfide Recorded Using Laser Ablation-source Equipped, Chirped-pulse Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy

Abstract Tin metal has been ablated with pulsed radiation from a Nd:YAG laser ( λ = 1064 nm). Carbonyl sulfide, diluted in high pressure argon, has been pulsed into the resultant Sn plasma. One of the results of this experiment has been the production of SnS. These events have allowed a rotational spectrum of tin monosulfide to be studied using a chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The resolution of the spectrum obtained was sufficient to observe hyperfine structure from the 117Sn and 119Sn-containing SnS molecules. Tin nuclear spin-rotation hyperfine constants are reported for the first time.
STUDIES ON IMMUNOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE PNEUMOCOCCI : III. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A VARIETY OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE AND THE TYPE II VARIETY OF DIPLOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE (PNEUMOCOCCUS).

The paper reports evidence of an immunological relationship between one variety of Saccharomyces ceremsise and the Type II variety of Diplococcus pneumonix (Pneumococcus). The most convincing data consisted of the reactions of the Type II bacteria with potent antiyeast serum which agglutinated, and protected mice against these pneumococci as well as the average antiserum obtained by immunization of rabbits with Type II bacteria themselves. The reactivity of the antiyeast serum is strictly specific to the Type II variety of Pneumococcus in the sense that it is entirely devoid of antibodies reactive with Type I or III. The results of absorption experiments with both the antiyeast (rabbit) serum and the anti-Type II (horse) serum were the same as those usually obtained in analogous experiments with immunologically related, but not identical, kinds of bacteria. The immunological relationship of the yeast and the Type II pneumococcus is apparently based upon S-anti-S reactions. It represents an example of heterogenetic specificity which is of particular interest because of the wide genetic separation of the pathogenic schizomycete and the saprophytic ascomycete. Data on the individual irregularity in the yeast-agglutinating capacity of serum from non-immunized or "normal" rabbits are presented as experimental facts.
CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Consumers' willingness to buy biotechnology products will depend on biotechnology's willingness to educate consumers.
Origin of the Golgi complex in germ cells in the developing ovary of the bat.

Dense lamellar bodies (DLB) were noted in immature cells in the developing ovary of the free-tailed bat. The DLB appear to be formed in the nucleus. They pass through the nuclear membrane into the cytoplasm. There they give rise to parallel stacks of flattened cisternae which are representative of typical dictyosomes. During the first meiotic prophase the dictyosomes aggregate to form the Golgi complex.
Assessment of the integrity of study blindness in a pediatric clinical trial of risperidone.

Objective: Controlled clinical trials in pediatric psychopharmacology rely on blinded parents and clinical evaluators for outcome data, but little is known about the success of the masking procedures. The blindness of clinical evaluators and parents was examined in a clinical trial of risperidone in autism. Methods: Clinical evaluators and parents were asked to guess individual treatment assignments at the end of an 8-week placebocontrolled trial of risperidone in children (aged 5–17 years) with autism. Clinical evaluators did not have access to adverse event data. Results: The rates of correctly guessing individual treatment assignment (risperidone or placebo) were significantly greater than chance for both clinical evaluators and parents (P < 0.001). Clinical evaluators associated improvement with attribution to risperidone, and lack of improvement with attribution to placebo, in both the risperidone and placebo treatment arms. Parents associated improvement with attribution to risperidone only in the placebo treatment arm. Parents reported that adverse events influenced their guesses, but presence of adverse events was not associated with correctness of guess. Conclusion: Improvement was associated with attribution to active treatment regardless of actual treatment assignment, and adverse events did not appear to be a threat to study blindness. (J Clin Psychopharmacol 2005;25:565–569)
Low reserve kidney

Abstract As the result of a five year follow-up study of a series of toxemic patients originally diagnosed as having “low reserve kidney,” it has been found necessary to alter the concept of this condition as proposed by Stander and Peckham in 1926. It is our present opinion that the condition is limited to primiparae, and that it manifests itself, usually not before the last month of gestation, by the presence of a moderate degree of hypertension and a small amount of albumin in the urine. Ordinarily it clears up rapidly in the early puerperium and does not recur with subsequent pregnancies. Clinically the course is mild and does not resemble true preeclampsia.
Effect of Syngas Composition and CO2-Diluted Oxygen on Performance of a Premixed Swirl-Stabilized Combustor

Future energy systems based on gasification of coal or biomass for co-production of electrical power and fuels may require gas turbine operation on unusual gaseous fuel mixtures. In addition, global climate change concerns may dictate the generation of a CO2 product stream for end-use or sequestration, with potential impacts on the oxidizer used in the gas turbine. In this study the operation at atmospheric pressure of a small, optically accessible swirl-stabilized premixed combustor, burning fuels ranging from pure methane to conventional and H2-rich and H2-lean syngas mixtures is investigated. Both air and CO2-diluted oxygen are used as oxidizers. CO and NOx emissions for these flames have been determined from the lean blowout limit to slightly rich conditions (ϕ ∼ 1.03). In practice, CO2-diluted oxygen systems will likely be operated close to stoichiometric conditions to minimize oxygen consumption while achieving acceptable NOx performance. The presence of hydrogen in the syngas fuel mixtures results ...
Dynamics of electron solvation in molecular clusters.

Solvated electrons, and hydrated electrons in particular, are important species in condensed phase chemistry, physics, and biology. Many studies have examined the formation mechanism, reactivity, spectroscopy, and dynamics of electrons in aqueous solution and other solvents, leading to a fundamental understanding of the electron-solvent interaction. However, key aspects of solvated electrons remain controversial, and the interaction between hydrated electrons and water is of central interest. For example, although researchers generally accept that hydrated electrons, eaq , occupy solvent cavities, another picture suggests that the electron resides in a diffuse orbital localized on a H3O radical. In addition, researchers have proposed two physically distinct models for the relaxation mechanism when the electron is excited. These models, formulated to interpret condensed phase experiments, have markedly different time scales for the internal conversion from the excited p state to the ground s state. Studies of negatively charged clusters, such as (H2O)n - and I - (H2O)n, offer a complementary perspective for studying aqueous electron solvation. In this Account, we use time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES), a femtosecond pump-probe technique in which mass-selected anions are electronically excited and then photodetached at a series of delay times, to focus on time-resolved dynamics in these and similar species. In (H2O)n - , TRPES gives evidence for ultrafast internal conversion in clusters up to n ) 100. Extrapolation of these results yields a p-state lifetime of 50 fs in the bulk limit. This is in good agreement with the nonadiabatic solvation model, one of the models proposed for relaxation of eaq . Similarly, experiments on (MeOH)n - up to n ) 450 give an extrapolated p-state lifetime of 150 fs. TRPES investigations of I - (H2O)n and I - (CH3CN)n probe a different aspect of electron solvation dynamics. In these experiments, an ultraviolet pump pulse excites the cluster analog of the charge-transfer-to-solvent (CTTS) band, ejecting an electron from the iodide into the solvent network. The probe pulse then monitors the solvent response to this excess electron, specifically its stabilization via solvent rearrangement. In I - (H2O)n, the iodide sits outside the solvent network, as does the excess electron initially formed by CTTS excitation. However, the iodide in I - (CH3CN)n is internally solvated, and both experimental and theoretical evidence indicate that electrons in (CH3CN)n - are internally solvated. Hence, these experiments reflect the complex dynamics that ensue when the electron is photodetached within a highly confined solvent cavity.
Silica-supported tantalum clusters: catalysts for conversion of methane with n-butane to give ethane, propane, and pentanes

Si02-supported tantalum clusters were prepared by adsorption of the precursor Ta(CH2Ph)5 (Ph is phenyl) on the support followed by treatments in H2 at 523, 623, and 723 K. The resultant clusters, had approximate average diameters of 0.3, 0.8, and 2 nm, as determined by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The samples were tested as catalysts for conversion of methane with n-butane in a once-through flow reactor operated at atmospheric pressure and 523 K, and EXAFS spectroscopy was used to characterize the used catalysts. The results show that (a) the catalysts are active for the conversion of methane with n-butane to give ethane, propane, and pentanes; (b) catalytic activity decreased to nearly zero over a time on stream of 22 h; (c) the catalyst incorporating the smallest clusters exhibited the highest initial activity and that incorporating the largest clusters exhibited the lowest activity; (d) each used catalyst contained clusters of approximately the same nuclearity as the respective fresh catalyst, but with Ta–Ta bond lengths approximately 0.17 A longer than those found in the fresh catalysts. The data are consistent with catalysis by the supported clusters, and the product distributions are consistent with disproportionation of n-butane accompanied by the reaction of methane with propane to give other alkanes.
Synthesis of Vitamin E-Carnosine (VECAR): New Antioxidant Molecule with Potential Application in Atherosclerosis

Abstract Natural antioxidants such as carnosine and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) provide protection against several oxidative stress–related diseases such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's. The synthetic combination of α-tocopherol and carnosine can take advantage of the cellular transport mechanism of α-tocopherol by α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) to colocate α-tocopherol and carnosine at the interface between a lipophilic and a hydrophilic domain and protect both from oxidation. Successful synthesis of a novel heterodimer of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and carnosine, VECAR was carried out in a total of nine steps. The VECAR design uses a 13-carbon phytyl-chain mimic to link carnosine to Trolox at the C2 carbon position. This design feature is anticipated to maintain binding to α-TTP, while maintaining the antioxidant activity of the two heterodimer components. Our results confirmed that there was no loss in antioxidant activity in VECAR using an in-vitro DPPH assay, versus α-tocopherol and Trolox. Supp...
Scale lengths of shear velocity heterogeneity at the base of the mantle from S wave differential travel times

Resolving the seismic velocity heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle is essential for understanding the chemical and dynamical processes operating in the boundary layer between the core and the mantle. Several regions of the lowermost mantle appear to have abrupt increases in shear velocity several hundred kilometers above the core-mantle boundary, at the top of the D{sup {prime}{prime}} layer. This structure is revealed by seismic wave energy refracted by the velocity increase, resulting in an extra arrival (Scd) in teleseismic S wavetrains at distances from 65 to 95{degree}. Anomalies in differential travel times of the extra arrival relative to direct S (which turns at shallower depths in the midmantle) or ScS (which reflects from the core-mantle boundary below the velocity increase) provide probes of the velocity heterogeneity in the lowermost mantle with better vertical resolution than provided by conventional ScS-S measurements. We explore the spatial patterns in Scd-S, ScS-Scd, and ScS-S differential time residuals for paths through the lower mantle beneath Alaska, Eurasia, and India (all being regions with coherent Scd phases) to place constraints on the strength and scale lengths of shear velocity heterogeneity and/or variable topography of the lower mantle discontinuity in these regions. The observed patterns are poorlymore » predicted by existing global tomographic models. Significant small-scale heterogeneity, with lateral length scales of 200{endash}500 km or less, exists even within regions that display a relatively uniform D{sup {prime}{prime}} discontinuity structure over scale lengths of 1500{endash}2000 km. The strongest travel time variations are associated with structure above the D{sup {prime}{prime}} region, in contrast to common assumptions. Rapid lateral fluctuations in ScS-Scd differential times suggest that the anomalies accumulate within a relatively thin zone, less than the overall thickness of D{sup {prime}{prime}}. (Abstract Truncated)« less
Germ cell atypia in undescended testes hinges on the aetiology of cryptorchidism but not the abdominal location per se.

Testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS), which precedes germ cell tumours, has been associated with coexistence or a history of testicular maldescent in 20-30% of human cases. The objective of this study was to determine if the abdominal location of the testis by itself affects differentiation of germ cells and why only some undescended testes manifest atypical germ cells. Groups (n = 4-6) of pregnant Dutch-Belted rabbits were treated on alternate days between gestation days 15 and 30 with anti-androgenic chemicals - p,p' l,l-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE; 100 mg/kg bw; oral), or flutamide (50 mg/kg; s.c.); oestrogenic chemical octylphenol (150 mg/kg; oral); or nothing. Groups (n = 4) of neonatal male pups from untreated litters were either implanted with oestradiol (0.5 mg; 60-day release), surgically rendered cryptorchid before testes transcended inguinal canal, or left untreated. Of the pups exposed in utero, four of the 12 DDE, two of the nine flutamide and one of the four octylphenol pups were unilaterally cryptorchid. All animals treated with oestradiol were bilaterally cryptorchid. Light and electron microscopic evaluation at 24-26 weeks revealed presence of atypical germ cells in the undescended testes of DDE-, octylphenol-, and oestradiol-exposed animals but not in flutamide-treated or surgical cryptorchids. These atypical cells exhibited morphological hallmarks of CIS, which included large nuclei with irregular contours, meandering nucleoli, swollen mitochondria, unusual cytoplasmic inclusions and occasional mitotic figures. As transformation of germ cells to CIS-like cells did not occur in flutamide or surgical groups, this phenomenon seems to be directly associated with the type of the chemical assault but not with the abdominal location of the testis per se.
Rehabilitative surgery for aspiration. A clinical analysis

• Operative intervention for refractory aspiration necessitates an understanding of its prognostic implications. The closure procedures most often performed are evaluated, comparing and rating technical difficulty, degree of closure, reversibility, and vocalization, both immediately and after reconstruction. The epiglottic oversew was shown to have merit. Its distinctive features include the potential for postclosure phonation as well as the opportunity for sequential reversal. Both of these features make mastering the technique worthwhile. ( Arch Otolaryngol 1983;109:809-811)
Sum-SINR/sum-capacity optimal multisignature spread-spectrum steganography

For any given digital host image or audio file (or group of hosts) and any (block) transform domain of interest, we find an orthogonal set of signatures that achieves maximum sum-signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (sum- SINR) spread-spectrum message embedding for any fixed embedding amplitude values. We also find the sumcapacity optimal amplitude allocation scheme for any given total distortion budget under the assumption of (colored) Gaussian transform-domain host data. The practical implication of the results is sum-SINR, sumcapacity optimal multiuser/multisignature spread-spectrum data hiding in the same medium. Theoretically, the findings establish optimality of the recently presented Gkizeli-Pados-Medley multisignature eigen-design algorithm.
Draft Genome Sequence of Dactylonectria macrodidyma, a Plant-Pathogenic Fungus in the Nectriaceae

ABSTRACT Dactylonectria macrodidyma is part of the Nectriaceae, a family containing important plant pathogens. This species possesses the ability to induce disease on grapevine, avocado, and olive. Here, we report the first draft genome of D. macrodidyma isolate JAC15-245. The assembled genome was 58 Mbp and contained an estimated 16,454 genes.
Autonomous Model Learning for Reinforcement Learning

Stochastic modeling is an excellent way of capturing system dynamics so that alternative control strategies can be evaluated and compared. I will discuss attributes that make some problems amenable to autonomous learning of system dynamics. I will then present recent advances in my lab concerning the design of learning algorithms with formal learning-time guarantees in the "KWIK" (knows what it knows) formalism along with their implementation on robotic and software control problems.
Eliminating Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome By Using GnRH Agonist Instead of HCG

Background: A successful embryo cryopreservation program is key to increasing cumulative pregnancy rates and reducing the need for subsequent ovarian stimulations. Objective: This retrospective study evaluates the overall efficacy of an IVF program that includes fresh blastocyst transfer and subsequent thawed blastocyst transfer cycles. Materials and Methods: Patients received pituitary suppression using either GnRH agonist (GnRHa) or antagonist, and controlled ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. Patients were given either hCG or GnRHa for oocyte maturation. Retrieved oocytes were fertilized conventionally or by ICSI. Embryos were grown in sequential media, and blastocysts were transferred on day 5 or 6. Supernumerary blastocysts were frozen using a slow freezing technique. Thawed embryos were transferred within 1-1.5 hours of thaw. Results: This study includes 94 consecutive non-donor IVF cycles with stimulations initiated between April 1 and October 5, 2004 and with patients less than 35 years of age. Of these, 92 (98%) had retrievals, 86 (91%) had embryo transfers, 37 (41%) achieved clinical pregnancy, and 47 (50%) had frozen supernumerary embryos. Of the 47 fresh embryo cycles that produced frozen supernumerary embryos, 21 (45%) achieved clinical pregnancy. Of the 39 cycles that had embryo transfer but did not produce frozen supernumerary embryos, 16 (41%) achieved clinical pregnancy. Between April 1 and November 3, 2004, there were 19 non-donor frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles for this age group, of which 14 (74%) achieved clinical pregnancy. Based on these findings, the calculated cumulative pregnancy rate for patients under 35 years of age is 60%, based on one ovarian stimulation and assuming patients with frozen embryos will elect one FET cycle if their fresh cycle fails. In the subgroup of patients with frozen supernumerary embryos, the calculated cumulative pregnancy rate is 85% per retrieval, assuming patients have one FET cycle if their fresh cycle fails. Conclusion: Improved blastocyst cryopreservation allows high cumulative pregnancy rates, while reducing the need for subsequent stimulations.
A MIXED MODELS APPROACH TO THE AGE-PERIOD-COHORT ANALYSIS OF REPEATED CROSS-SECTION SURVEYS, WITH AN APPLICATION TO DATA ON TRENDS IN VERBAL TEST SCORES

We develop a mixed (fixed and random effects) models approach to the age-period-cohort (AFC) analysis of micro data sets in the form of a series of the repeated cross-section sample surveys that are increasingly available to sociologists. This approach recognizes the multilevel structure of the individual-level responses. As a substantive illustration, we apply our proposed methodology to data on verbal test scores from 15 cross-sections of the General Social Survey, 1974–2000. These data have been the subject of recent debates in the sociological literature. We show how our approach can be used to shed new light on these debates by identifying and estimating age, period, and cohort components of change.
Sterol metabolism during embryogenesis of Periplaneta Americana (L.).

Abstract The qualitative and quantitative metabolism of sterol and sterol esters was studied in the developing embryos of Periplaneta americana . Adult females contained 2·7 mg of sterol which consisted almost exclusively of cholesterol. The sterol content of the developing embryos remained constant though the proportion of esterified sterol increased. Twenty-five different fatty acids occurred in the sterol esters. These fatty acids were actively metabolized during embryogenesis. It is concluded that the developing embryo, like the adult, lacks sterol biosynthetic capacity.
Detection of flow maldistribution in packed‐beds via tracers

Presentation d'une procedure, appelee methode LT (Laplace Transform), pour le decouplage des effets des particules des effets de l'ecoulement externe a partir d'une courbe de reponse obtenue par traceur