cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing alkyl-, silyl-, and halo-substituent effects on the electron affinities of silyl radicals.

Neutral anion energy differences for a large class of α-substituted silyl radicals have been computed to determine the effect of alkyl, silyl, and halo substituents on their electron affinities. In particular, we report theoretical predictions of the adiabatic electron affinities (AEAs), vertical electron affinities (VEAs), and vertical detachment energies (VDEs) for a series of methyl-, silyl-, and halo-substituted silyl radical compounds. This work utilizes the carefully calibrated DZP++ basis set (Chatgilialoglu, C. Chem. Rev. 2002, 102, 231), in conjunction with the pure BLYP and OLYP functionals, as well as with the hybrid B3LYP, BHLYP, PBE1PBE, MPW1K, and O3LYP functionals. Bromine has the largest effect in stabilizing the anions, and the BLYP/DZP++ AEA for SiBr3 is 3.29 eV. The other predicted electron affinities are for SiH3 (1.37 eV), SiH2CH3 (1.09 eV), SiH2F (1.54 eV), SiH2Cl (1.94 eV), SiH2Br (2.05 eV), SiH2(SiH3) (1.77 eV), SiH(CH3)2 (0.92 eV), SiHF2 (1.86 eV), SiHCl2 (2.53 eV), SiHBr2 (2.67 e...
Autologous melanoma vaccine induces inflammatory responses in melanoma metastases: Relevance to immunologic regression and immunotherapy

Human primary malignant melanoma is often accompanied by a host response of infiltrating lymphocytes suggestive of tumor antigen – induced immunity and correlated in some tumors with prognosis. Whereas metastatic melanoma deposits typically are not inflamed and contain relatively few lymphocytes and dendritic immune cells, immunization with autologous melanoma-cell vaccine may induce a clinical inflammatory response associated with mononuclear-cell infiltration. In this study, we characterize immune responses to dermal and subcutaneous melanoma metastases in dinitrophenyl (DNP)-pre-sensitized patients immunized with DNP-conjugated melanoma cells. Patients so treated develop cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity responses to DNP-conjugated autologous mononuclear cells, and approximately one-half show clinical evidence of inflammation and regression of metastases within 2-4 months. Whereas pre-vaccination biopsies of metastatic melanoma failed to reveal significant infiltration by lymphocytes, biopsies obtained after vaccination and coincident with clinical inflammation were markedly infiltrated preponderantly by T cells with a CD8 + phenotype. Clustering of these cells about individual degenerating melanoma cells in a manner analogous to “satellitosis” was a consistent feature of this reaction. Enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR by melanoma cells were invariably associated with zones of T-cell infiltration, whereas diminished or absent expression was observed in relatively unaffected regions of tumors. Numerous HLA-DR + , CD4 + , CD1 - , Leu-1 - dendritic cells were also associated with zones of early T-cell infiltration. These data indicate that clinical inflammation and regression of metastatic melanoma induced by autologous melanoma-cell vaccine involves activated T cells with cytotoxic - suppressor phenotype and dendritic cells putatively capable of local antigen presentation. ICAM-1 upregulation on melanoma cells is a likely mediator of ligand interaction between infiltrating T cells and target cells in this model of antigen-induced host antitumor response. Structural alterations identified in this setting (e.g., tumor cell satellitosis) may provide additional insight into identifying features of naturally occurring host immune responses to primary cutaneous melanomas.
Maternal Differential Treatment in Later Life Families and Within-Family Variations in Adult Sibling Closeness

Objectives. In this article, we explore within-family differences in the closeness of sibling ties in adulthood. Specifically, we consider the sibship as a network and investigate the ways in which perceptions of mothers’ differential treatment play a role in within-family variations in sibling closeness in midlife. Method. Data were analyzed from 2,067 adult sibling dyads nested within 216 later life families, collected as part of the Within-Family Differences Study-II. Results. Respondents reported the greatest closeness to siblings whom they perceived as favored by their mothers when they were not favored themselves, whereas respondents were less likely to choose siblings whom they perceived as disfavored by their mothers when they did not perceive themselves as disfavored. Discussion. Variability in the strength of sibling ties within families suggests that some individuals receive greater benefits from this relationship than do their brothers and sisters. These findings shed new light on such within-family variations in sibling closeness by identifying how specific patterns of maternal differential treatment draw offspring toward some siblings and away from others.
Performance of Larval Florida Pompano Fed Nauplii of the Calanoid Copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus

Abstract The Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus is a highly prized marine fish species, the larviculture of which currently includes the feeding of live rotifers and nauplii of brine shrimp Artemia spp. However, no previous studies have evaluated the feeding of copepod nauplii. In this study, the growth and survival of Florida pompano larvae fed nauplii of the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus were compared with those of larvae fed the standard reference diet of enriched rotifers Brachionus plicatilis. Experiments were conducted during the first 7–9 d posthatch (DPH), a period preceding the provision of Artemia nauplii. Treatments included feeding only copepod nauplii during the first day, the first three days, and on all days, as well as copepod nauplii mixed with rotifers during the entire experiment. In addition, the dietary effects on larval fatty acid composition were examined. Feeding copepod nauplii at a density of 2.0–3.5 nauplii/mL during the first day or the first three days of feedi...
Client–therapist agreement on target problems, working alliance, and counseling outcome

It is widely asserted that clients and therapists should agree on which client problems are to be the focus of treatment. According to working alliance theory, client-therapist agreement on therapy objectives contributes to treatment success. However, few empirical studies exist of the relevance of target problem agreement to therapy outcome. We examined the relationships among actual client-therapist agreement on target problems, working alliance (perceived agreement), and therapy outcome. Client-counselor dyads completed target complaint lists and symptom ratings at 3 points during therapy. Improvement and working alliance ratings were also completed after the 4th session and at a final ratings point. Fourth-session target complaint agreement and working alliance contributed to the prediction of therapy outcome. However, actual target complaint agreement was unrelated to working alliance (perceived agreement) ratings. Implications for working alliance theory are discussed.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of a case of HIV-associated anaplastic myeloma.

Plasma cell neoplasia occurs much less frequently than high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma in HIV-infected patients, but is nevertheless an AIDS-associated malignancy. In this report, we describe the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) findings of a mass in the left parotid region with plasmablastic features that occurred in a 41-yr-old HIV-infected homosexual man whom we diagnosed as having anaplastic myeloma. The patient had normochromic, normocytic anemia with a hematocrit of 21%, a white blood count of 2.2 x 10(9)/l with 76% neutrophils, and a CD4 count of 31%. He also had elevated levels of calcium (13.2 mg/dl), alkaline phosphatase (25,400 IU/l), blood urea nitrogen (2,600 mg/dl), and creatinine (2.5 mg/dl). Serum protein electrophoresis showed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia without any monoclonal component. A bone survey revealed multiple punched-out lytic lesions. FNA smears showed large plasmacytoid cells with eccentrically placed nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and moderate amounts of basophilic cytoplasm. By immunocytochemical staining, tumor cells were negative for CD19, CD20, and leukocyte-common antigen (LCA), but strongly positive for CD38 and kappa light chain. Anaplastic myeloma and plasmablastic lymphoma were considered in the differential diagnosis. Although the cytomorphologic and immunophenotypic findings of our case overlapped with those of plasmablastic lymphoma, the pattern of bone involvement with punched-out lytic lesions and absence of localization of the tumor to the mucosa of the oral cavity led us to a diagnosis of anaplastic myeloma. The patient initially received antiretroviral therapy followed by thalidomide and pulse dexamethasome therapy, but his response was poor. His HIV load increased, and his malignancy rapidly progressed with the development of multiple vertebral lesions, extraosseous extension, and eventually cord compression. He died of the disease less than 2 mo after presentation.
Unusual Applications of Research: Studies of Fertility in Underdeveloped Areas

A few years ago I described the problems involved in an opinion survey of Arab Nomads. I feel that this study reached the limits of the unusual, and that anything I say now will be somewhat anti-climactic. With this limitation in mind I think it can be said that the research under consideration in this article is unusual both in terms of its content and in terms of the population under study. (1) The content of the studies is delicate, concerning sexual patterns and birth control; (2) the studies involve the application of interviewing methods developed largely in literate English-speaking cultures, to semi-literate peoples of entirely different cultures. Since, in a discussion of "unusual" research, it would be difficult to consider survey content without considering the special characteristics of the population under study, both these aspects will be treated in this article. Let me give a brief description of the two projects I will discuss.
Survey paper: A partial history of the early development of continuous-time nonlinear stochastic systems theory

This article is a survey of the early development of selected areas in nonlinear continuous-time stochastic control. Key developments in optimal control and the dynamic programming principle, existence of optimal controls under complete and partial observations, nonlinear filtering, stochastic stability, the stochastic maximum principle and ergodic control are discussed. Issues concerning wide bandwidth noise for stability, modeling, filtering and ergodic control are dealt with. The focus is on the earlier work, but many important topics are omitted for lack of space.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Improves Survival in Severely Burned Military Casualties with Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Acute kidney injury in severely burned patients is associated with high mortality. We wondered whether early use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) changes outcomes in severely burned military casualties with predetermined criteria for acute kidney injury. Methods: Between November 2005 and June 2007, casualties admitted to our burn intensive care unit after sustaining burns in Iraq and Afghanistan, who subsequently developed acute kidney injury or circulatory shock or both, underwent CRRT. Baseline demographic, laboratory, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Both 28-day mortality and in-hospital mortality were evaluated and compared with a consecutive group of burn casualties with greater than 40% total body surface area (TBSA) burns, acute kidney injury, or nephrology consultation in the 2 years before the existence of our CRRT program. Results: One hundred forty-seven severely burned military casualties were admitted to our intensive care unit before CRRT program initiation, and 102 were admitted after CRRT program initiation. Before the CRRT program, 16 patients were identified as having >40% TBSA burns with kidney injury with or without nephrology consultation (control group); 18 were treated with CRRT since (CRRT group). Groups were similar for %TBSA, %full-thickness TBSA, incidence of inhalation injury, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and Injury Severity Score. Of the CRRT patients, seven soldiers were treated for isolated acute kidney injury, whereas 11 were treated for a combination of acute kidney injury and shock. The dose of therapy was 50.2 ± 13 mL/kg/h with a treatment course of 5.2 ± 3 days. Of the 11 patients in the CRRT group treated for shock, eight were off vasopressors by 24 hours and the remaining three within 48 hours. None of the patients in the control group were placed on renal replacement therapy with nephrology consultation in eight patients. Both 28-day mortality (22% vs. 75%, p = 0.002) and in-hospital mortality (56% vs. 88%, p = 0.04) were lower in the CRRT group compared with that in the control group. Conclusion: Aggressive application of CRRT in severely burned casualties with kidney injury significantly improves survival.
Perceptual field dependence and psychopathology: replication and critique.

The claim of Witkin, et al. that perceptual field-dependence (as measured by the Rod-and-frame Test and the Embedded-figures Test) is a global trait that cuts across levels of intelligence and psyc...
Responses of single lingual nerve fibers to thermal and chemical stimulation

The goals of this study were to characterize the responses of: (1) thermally-sensitive fibers of the lingual branch of the trigeminal nerve to cooling from 35 degrees to 10 degrees C at a rate of 1 degrees C/s; and (2) these neurons to a mid-range concentration of NaCl (150 mM), glucose (150 mM), citric acid (0.3 mM), and quinine-HCl (3 mM) at 35 degrees and 25 degrees C. A cluster analysis of 47 neurons' responses to cooling revealed two major groups and one minor group. Group 1 neurons (n=19) had a shorter latency, exhibited faster time-to-peak activity, and responded over a smaller range of temperature compared to Group 2 neurons (n=22). Group 3 neurons (n=6) exhibited the longest response latency and responded over a wider cooler range of temperature. Twenty-five out of thirty-one thermally-sensitive, non-tactile lingual neurons responded weakly to at least one chemical stimulus, with some neurons responding to 2, 3, or all 4 chemical stimuli. Group 1 neurons responded to more chemical stimuli at 35 degrees C, while Group 2 neurons responded more at 25 degrees C. Under their optimal temperature conditions, Group 1 and Group 2 neurons responded most often to citric acid and least often to glucose, with NaCl and Q-HCl eliciting an intermediate number of responses. As a whole, the responses of thermally-sensitive fibers to chemical stimulation were modest at best with an absence of chemical specificity. There was no evidence of a 'best' stimulus, although there was a suggestion of temporal coding.
Wave Climate and Nearshore Lakebed Response, Illinois Beach State Park, Lake Michigan

The Lake Michigan outer nearshore zone (water depths ≈5 to 25 m) off Illinois Beach State Park is subjected to a spectrum of wave conditions, including those generated by major storms. Only under these major storm conditions is there a realistic potential for wave-lakebed interaction (and associated wind-driven currents) to cause a significant net modification to the outer nearshore lakebed, which, in turn, may promulgate change in the inner nearshore (surf) zone. Analysis of bathymetric and sediment grain-size data, used in conjunction with published wave hindcast data, wave propagation modeling, and previous studies in the area, indicates that this potential occurs, most likely, on a scale of years. Although such storms can generate bottom currents well in excess of what is required to mobilize the fine to very fine sands that are present, little compelling evidence was found, on the basis of gross comparisons with previous studies (1946, 1973, 1978), that there have been rapid or pronounced changes in the outer nearshore lakebed. Nonetheless, grain-size data suggest that sands are episodically transported in a net southerly direction. At least over the time period represented by this and previous studies, any modification of the outer nearshore zone lakebed would seem to be modest and gradual. If so, whereas the outer nearshore zone may be a factor in the long-term adjustment of the shoreline, any rapid change in shoreline position, or any conspicuous change in the rate of shoreline adjustment, is more likely controlled by factors other than those linked to the outer nearshore zone.
The role of NK cell activity in the pathogenesis of poly I:C accelerated and spontaneous diabetes in the diabetes prone BB rat

The development of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and diabetes in the diabetes prone (DP) BB rat animal model of IDDM is thought to be due to an autoimmune process. Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated but not proven to play a pathogenetic role in BB rats due to the increased NK cell number and activity found in these animals. We have recently reported that poly I:C, an inducer of cytokines and a potent enhancer of NK cell function, accelerates the development of diabetes in DP BB rats and induces diabetes in diabetes resistant (DR) BB rats. Since we have further demonstrated that poly I:C administration to BB rats increases NK cell number and levels of inducers of NK cell activity, interferon-α and IL-6 which is described therein, we tested the hypothesis that NK cell activity plays an important role in poly I:C accelerated disease. The role of NK cells in poly I:C accelerated diabetes and spontaneous diabetes was examined by determining whether selective depletion of NK cells using a rat NK cell specific antibody (anti-NKR-P1 antibody) alters the development of diabetes. The treatment of BB rats with anti-NKR-P1 antibody resulted in a significantly lower mean NK cell activity of splenic mononuclear cells than that found in control animals. However, the development of diabetes and degree of insulitis was not significantly different between treatment groups. BB rats administered anti-NKR-P1 antibody with poly I:C had a lower mean splenocyte NK cell activity and lower mean NK cell number within the peripheral blood and inflamed islets than rats administered poly I:C alone. However, anti-NKR-P1 antibody administration did not alter the accelerated development of diabetes or the degree of insulitis in poly I:C treated animals. These data document that NK cells do not play a major role in the pathogenesis of poly I:C accelerated diabetes or spontaneous diabetes in the DP BB rat.
Spectral sensitivity in the pigeon.

Measurements of light- and dark-adapted absolute thresholds were obtained from three pigeons at 15 wavelengths ranging from 380 mμ to 700 mμ. Pecking responses caused a stimulus patch to fluctuate in intensity up and down across the pigeon’s threshold, and a record of the intensity provided the sensitivity data. The sensitivity of the birds was followed throughout a period of 80 min following a standard pre-exposure to white light. Four complete dark adaptation curves were obtained from each bird at each wavelength. Spectral sensitivity functions derived from these curves place the photopic maximum at 560–580 mμ, and the scotopic maximum at about 500 mμ. The scotopic function is fitted closely by aphakic human data. The photopic function shows inflections that may be related to similar inflections in corresponding human curves. The functions are quite similar to those found in electrophysiological studies of the pigeon eye. They also correspond rather well to the absorption spectra of chicken rhodopsin and iodopsin.
THE USE OF PROGRAMMED MATERIALS IN THE ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC CONTINGENCIES1

Programmed handwriting materials were used to examine the effects of different reinforcement contingencies on the academic performance of six public school kindergarten children. The children's responses to these materials provided an educationally relevant dependent variable for the analysis of factors that affected the accuracy of their responses and the attainment of criterion performances. Variations in the complexity of most academic materials, which confound the analysis of contingencies, were eliminated by the programmed sequence so that the differential effects of three reinforcement conditions were observed. The three conditions were: baseline without tokens, tokens contingent on correct writing responses, and noncontingent tokens. It was consistently observed that the children were more accurate when their correct responses produced tokens, and that noncontingent tokens reduced accuracy below baseline levels.
Semantic Connectivity: An Approach for Analyzing Symbols in Semantic Networks

We argue that the notions of “symbol” and “symbolic connectivity” can be rigorously developed both from the point of view of the theoretical literature on the symbol and from the point of view of semantic network theory. The theoretical literature, inspired mainly by the literary metaphor, typically takes interpretive density as the chief dimension underlying symbolic expression. Density measures have also dominated the analysis of semantic networks. There is now a sizeable amount of work on the generation of such networks from linguistic data. The majority of that work locates the network and displays it. When attempts are made to analyze the network, the focus is typically on the density (i.e., the number of links) of particular concepts (which serve as the nodes) within the network and on the inferences that can be made about the communicative prominence of such concepts in light of their density. While density is a useful way of analyzing the communicative “connectivity” of a symbol in a message, it provides only one dimension for analyzing connectivity within a semantic network. In this article we offer two further dimensions — conductivity and consensus — with which to analyze semantic networks for connectivity. We illustrate a typology based on these three dimensions. These dimensions and the associated typology form a useful conceptual device that enables the researcher both to specify and differentiate semantic objects within a rich typology for a given domain of analysis. We show this device at work by applying the dimensions and typology to different communication contexts and by discussing other possible domains where they can be applied.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF MINIMUM WAGE LEGISLATION

Two questions are addressed in this paper. (A) Why do labor unions and certain employer organizations respectively promote and impede minimum wage legislation? (B) Do these groups have significant impacts on minimum wages? Question (A) is examined in the context of models that identify the economic self-interest of unionized skilled workers and capitalists in legal wage floors. Question (B) is approached by a median legislator utility maximization model that leads to Tobit estimation of the relationship between state minimum wage rates and measures of statewide organized labor and capital and average hourly earnings.
Template-Directed Assembly of a de Novo Designed Protein

Many naturally occurring biomaterials are composed of laminated structures in which layers of beta-sheet proteins alternate with layers of inorganic mineral. These ordered laminates often have structural and mechanical properties that differ significantly from those of nonbiological materials. An important step in the construction of novel biomaterials is the creation of composites wherein a de novo designed protein assembles into an ordered structure. To achieve this goal, we layered a de novo protein onto the surface of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The protein was derived from a combinatorial library of novel sequences designed to fold into amphiphilic beta-sheet structures. Atomic force microscopy reveals that the protein assembles on the HOPG surface into ordered fibers aligned in three orientations at 120 degrees to each other. The symmetry and extent of the ordered regions indicate that the hexagonal lattice underlying the graphite surface templates assembly of millions of protein molecules into a highly ordered structure.
Middle Cenozoic Depositional, Tectonic, and Sea Level History of Southern San Joaquin Basin, California

The Eocene to lower Miocene fill of the southern San Joaquin basin contains three complete depositional sequences--the Tejon, San Emigdio, and Pleito--each of which corresponds to a formal formation. The Tejon sequence (lower to middle Eocene) is marine and incorporates nearshore, shelf, slope, and basinal deposits. The San Emigdio (upper Eocene to lower Oligocene) and Pleito (upper Oligocene) sequences intertongue eastward with alluvial-fan deposits of the Tecuya Formation. The lower part of the San Emigdio sequence was deposited by a westward-prograding Gilbert-type delta. The upper part of the San Emigdio sequence and lower part of the Pleito sequence were deposited by a system of shelf fan-deltas that prograded at least 10 km to the west. The middle and upper parts of the Pleito sequence were deposited by a slope fan-delta in relatively deep (hundreds of meters) water. Regional transgression during the early Eocene initiated deposition in the southern San Joaquin basin. The lower San Emigdio Gilbert-type delta prograded from the shelf edge during a lowstand in eustatic sea level at approximately 40 Ma. Relative highstand deposits in the San Emigdio and Pleito Formations consist of widespread progradational shallow-marine and nonmarine facies. The Eocene to early Miocene tectonic history of the southern San Joaquin basin included three distinct periods of increasingly intense activity. Rapid early to middle Eocene subsidence of the basin was associated with the emplacement of the Salinian block. Late Eocene to early Oligocene uplift and subsidence occurred in two discrete pulses, and a seismically(?) generated submarine-slumping episode triggered the change from shelf fan-deltas to slope fan-deltas. During the late Oligocene to early Miocene, the southern San Joaquin basin was disrupted by major uplift, proximal volcanism, and syndepositional faulting, as the Mendocino triple junction migrated past the study area, and San Andreas fault-related tectonism was initiated. In general, local tectonic events, rather than eustatic ea level events, seem to have exerted the predominant control on middle Cenozoic sedimentation in the southern San Joaquin basin.
Perforated diode neutron detector modules fabricated from high-purity silicon

Abstract Compact neutron detectors are being designed and tested for use as low-power real-time personnel dosimeters. The neutron detectors are pin diodes that are mass produced from high-purity Si wafers. Each detector has thousands of circular perforations etched vertically into the device. The perforations are backfilled with 6LiF to make the pin diodes sensitive to thermal neutrons. The prototype devices deliver 4.7% thermal neutron detection efficiency while operating on only 15 V, showing a 9% increase in efficiency over identical planar devices.
The psychology of AMBER Alert: Unresolved issues and implications

Abstract The AMBER alert system is likely affected by a number of psychological processes, yet remains understudied. The system assumes people will remember Alert information accurately and notify police, but psychological research on related phenomena (e.g., memory, willingness to help) indicates that people may not be able or willing to act in ways the promote the success of the system. In addition, the system is intended to deter child abductions, however, the system could prompt copycat crimes from perpetrators seeking publicity. The system could also cause a precipitation effect in which a perpetrator who sees the Alert could decide to murder the child immediately to avoid capture. Policy recommendations are made based on psychological research and theory, although more research is needed to develop the most effective system possible.
Is schizoaffective disorder a stable diagnostic category: a retrospective examination.

Debate continues about whether clear nosologic boundaries can be drawn between schizoaffective disorder (SA), schizophrenia (SP), and bipolar disorder (BPD). This study attempted to clarify these boundaries. A retrospective review of the records of adult psychiatric inpatients with DSM-IV diagnoses of SA (n=96), SP (n=245), and BPD (n=203) was conducted. Patients were assessed at admission and discharge using standardized rating scales (completed by physicians and nurses) and self-report inventories. Differential improvement over time also was examined. Significant differences were found for gender, legal status at admission, age, LOS, episode number, and ethnicity. Overall, SA was rated by clinicians as intermediate between SP and BPD, although SA rated themselves as the most severe. SA was similar to SP on positive symptoms, intermediate on negative symptoms, and similar to BPD on mood- and distress-related symptoms. Independent of diagnosis, differences in change scores from admission to discharge were related to severity level at admission. Although several differences were found in symptom severity across domains, no syndrome was identifiable associated with the diagnosis of SA and the diagnosis was unstable over time, thereby bringing into question the validity of SA as a diagnostic entity.
On the number of infinite geodesics and ground states in disordered systems

We study first-passage percolation models and their higher dimensional analogs—models of surfaces with random weights. We prove that under very general conditions the number of lines or, in the second case, hypersurfaces which locally minimize the sum of the random weights is with probability one equal to 0 or with probability one equal to +∞. As corollaries we show that in any dimensiond≥2 the number of ground states of an Ising ferromagnet with random coupling constants equals (with probability one) 2 or +∞. Proofs employ simple large-deviation estimates and ergodic arguments.
Alginate and carrageenan immobilization effects on Schizosaccharomyces pombe activity and stability

Calcium alginate and kappa-carrageenan were evaluated as entrapment matrices for whole cells of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The fermentation activity of immobilized cells was enhanced by preincubation in nutrient medium. Alginate bead activity was significantly better than that with carrageenen beads (p<0.05). In grape must carrageenan beads disintegrated 10 times faster than alginate beads.
Specificity of pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase for pyrrolysine and pyrrolysine analogs

Pyrrolysine, the 22nd amino acid, is encoded by amber (TAG=UAG) codons in certain methanogenic archaea and bacteria. PylS, the pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase, ligates pyrrolysine to tRNA(Pyl) for amber decoding as pyrrolysine. PylS and tRNA(Pyl) have potential utility in making tailored recombinant proteins. Here, we probed interactions necessary for recognition of substrates by archaeal PylS via synthesis of close pyrrolysine analogs and testing their reactivity in amino acid activation assays. Replacement of the methylpyrroline ring of pyrrolysine with cyclopentane indicated that solely hydrophobic interactions with the ring-binding pocket of PylS are sufficient for substrate recognition. However, a 100-fold increase in the specificity constant of PylS was observed with an analog, 2-amino-6-((R)-tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxamido)hexanoic acid (2Thf-lys), in which tetrahydrofuran replaced the pyrrolysine methylpyrroline ring. Other analogs in which the electronegative atom was moved to different positions suggested PylS preference for a hydrogen-bond-accepting group at the imine nitrogen position in pyrrolysine. 2Thf-lys was a preferred substrate over a commonly employed pyrrolysine analog, but the specificity constant for 2Thf-lys was 10-fold lower than for pyrrolysine itself, largely due to the change in K(m). The in vivo activity of the analogs in supporting UAG suppression in Escherichia coli bearing genes for PylS and tRNA(Pyl) was similar to in vitro results, with L-pyrrolysine and 2Thf-lys supporting the highest amounts of UAG translation. Increasing concentrations of either PylS substrate resulted in a linear increase in UAG suppression, providing a facile method to assay bioactive pyrrolysine analogs. These results illustrate the relative importance of the H-bonding and hydrophobic interactions in the recognition of the methylpyrroline ring of pyrrolysine and provide a promising new series of easily synthesized pyrrolysine analogs that can serve as scaffolds for the introduction of novel functional groups into recombinant proteins.
Sol-Gel Transitions in the Living Cells of Conifers and their Relation to Resistance to Cold

THE cause of cold hardiness changes in overwintering phanerophytes has long been sought in the characteristics of the cytoplasm. Yet there are sharp disagreements on whether the cytoplasm becomes more viscous or less viscous in winter. At the same time the characteristics of the vacuole have not been so carefully studied by cytologists. Both Iljin and Rouschal1, however, believed that the extraordinary drought resistance of certain ferns was related to the ability of the vacuoles to gelate.
Aerosol delivery of liposomal all-trans-retinoic acid to the lungs.

Purpose: To optimize the delivery of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) to lung tissue, we determined the potential of vehiculating the drug in liposomes (L-ATRA) and delivering it via aerosol. Liposomes may provide a means to prevent local irritation of lung tissue and reduce pulmonary toxicity, prolong therapeutic levels and generate high drug concentrations at the tumor sites. Cumulatively, this would result in reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced drug efficacy. Methods: Previous studies have shown that liposomes can serve as excellent carriers for otherwise poorly soluble ATRA. Delivery of ATRA to the lung tissue of mice was accomplished by nebulization of L-ATRA. The liposomes in the aerosol were relatively uniform (309 ± 138 nm), stable, and retained the drug well. Results: The drug was effectively delivered at high concentrations (10 ± 2 μg/g of tissue) to the lungs of mice and was retained for at least up to 96 h after a single exposure to L-ATRA aerosol. No appreciable levels of ATRA were detected in the blood or the liver of treated mice. The aerosol-delivered ATRA was biologically active as demonstrated by its ability to induce the expression of tissue-type transglutaminase. Conclusion: Aerosol delivery of L-ATRA offers an effective way to deliver high levels of ATRA to the lung without apparent pulmonary toxic effects.
Some applications of elastic notch theory to problems of geodynamics

This paper is concerned with the behavior of surface features of the earth which are, or have been, acted on by a stress field. The theory used in this paper is that of classical elasticity. Mathematical models are made which represent perfectly elastic two-dimensional regions which have a notch (or protrusion as a reversed notch can be considered to be). The regions are assumed to be semi-infinite and the notch on the free surface. The loads, or boundary conditions, are then prescribed. The problem of determining the distribution of stress is then considered. Solutions to this problem are presented for the cases of a circular notch, a generalized circular notch and a type of notch whose mathematical representation is given parametrically. Using these solutions and applying a criterion for failure, it is possible to predict what the general trend of the faulting should be in an actual body which the model may represent. Possible applications to geological structures are indicated.
The Abundance of Fish Larvae in Estuaries: Within-Tide Variability at Inlet and Immigration

The larvae of winter spawning fishes immigrating through Beaufort Inlet into the Pamlico Sound estuarine system (North Carolina, United States) were passively sampled during 14 flood tides and nine of the following ebb tides. Five taxa were abundant in the catches. Pelagic species were represented by Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus. Nonpelagic taxa were represented by Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus, spot, Leiostomus xanthurus, pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, and flatfishes of the genus Paralichthys. The sampling was continuous and the sample duration varied between 4 min and 32 min. The longest samples furnished the most accurate and precise estimates of the mean tidal abundance. Sampling 10 min each hour of the tide was the most efficient protocol for determining the mean tidal abundance. The abundance patterns was shown to differ according to the pelagic or nonpelagic behavior of the larvae. Analyses suggested the nonpelagic taxa rely on astronomical tides and vertical migrations synchronous with the direction of the tide flow to be transported upstream in the estuary. These larvae were not dependent upon the strength of the tide to penetrate the inlet. In contrast, menhaden larvae seemed to rely primarily on strong food tides to enter the estuarine area, probably because the vertical positioning of the species within the water column is not dependent upon the direction of the tide. However, if larvae were present outside of the inlet, strong flood tides indiscriminately brought pelagic and nonpelagic species into the estuary.
Simultaneous spectral determination of both base composition and concentration of DNA.

Abstract This method provides a simultaneous spectral determination for both base composition and base concentration of DNA. Spectra of standard deoxynucleotide mixtures (adenylate with thymidylate and guanylate with cytidylate), hydrolyzed in 1 N acid, are directly proportional to spectra for DNA treated similarly. The significant products from hydrolysis are free purine bases and intact pyrimidine deoxynucleotides. There is a linear relation between the sum of the chosen differential absorbancies of the standard spectra and base composition. The base concentration of DNA is proportional to base concentration of the standards at an isosbestic point. The determinations are linear for base compositions of 0–100 mole % and for base concentrations of 0–100 μ M . Analyses of various DNA samples of animal and bacterial origin illustrate the practical application of the method. Literature values for base composition and phosphorus analyses for base concentration furnish comparisons with spectrally determined values as a test for accuracy. The method is not applicable to single-chain DNA's or to DNA's having unusual bases in high proportion.
Consciousness As a Dissipative Structure: An Extension of the Newman Model

Newman's model of health as the expansion of consciousness and Prigogine's theory of dissipative structures provide the framework for the development of a model of consciousness as a dissipative structure. Relationships among Type A behavior, temporal orientation, and death anxiety are examined and explicated within the human field pattern of consciousness as a dissipative structure. Type A behavior, future orientation, and death anxiety are proposed as manifestations of consciousness with the potential to evolve to higher levels in accordance with Prigogine's theory. Preliminary research findings related to the model and suggestions for future research are also presented.
Estimation and prediction for mixtures of the exponential distribution

Abstract Let x be a random variable whose distribution is an unknown mixture of exponentials with different means θ. From a random sample x1,...,xn of x values we show that E(θǀx > a) can be estimated for any given a > 0. We can therefore predict the average of all future observations taken on those x values in the sample that exceed a.
Real-time system scenarios

Two computer systems are specified which are functionally similar to subsets of existing US Navy ship and submarine systems. The computer system descriptions represent no specific system either deployed, under development, or proposed. For each system, the computer system performance requirements and computer equipment selection criterion are given. The intent is to provide meaningful test problems for university-based computer science research of real-time distributed systems. The distributed processing scenarios assume that the research testbed systems contain at least three processors. >
Deuterium ion extraction and neutron production from a piezoelectric transformer plasma source

Summary form only given. A piezoelectric transformer plasma source (PTPS) is being developed as a plasma ion source for D(d, n)3 He neutron production. The PTPS consists of a lithium niobate piezoelectric disc in a differentially pumped chamber with controlled gas flow from an external source. The PTPS was previously characterized using a range of gas flows, extraction voltages, and aperture geometries. This ion source has been used for preliminary neutron production measurements using a target at high voltage. Ion current measurements are presented for deuterium gas at PTPS internal pressures from 0.5 to 4 Torr, extraction voltages up to 1.5 kV, and a range of duty cycles and operating times. Ion current yields on the order of 10 μA are presented. The PTPS was also operated with a high voltage dc source coupled with a deuterium impregnated palladium foil. Preliminary neutron yields are presented.
Resection versus expectant management of small incidentally discovered nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Background Sporadic, nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) are diagnosed with increasing frequency. We compared the risk of tumor growth, metastasis, and mortality between patients treated versus those treated expectantly. Method A retrospective study of patients seen at our institution with sporadic NF-PNETs, with ≥12 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed. Results Between 1999 and 2014, 35 patients with an incidentally discovered nonfunctional PNET were identified. Twenty underwent resection and 15 were followed with imaging. In the operative group, 8 had NF-PNETs Conclusion Incidentally discovered NF-PNETs
Prediabetes as a Therapeutic Target

BACKGROUND: The term “prediabetes” is used to describe a condition that involves impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG). IGT is defined by a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose concentration >140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) but <200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), and IFG is defined by a fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), but <126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L). Studies have shown that people with prediabetes tend to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years and are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and death even before the development of diabetes. CONTENT: In this minireview we discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of prediabetes. The rationale for therapeutic intervention in people with prediabetes, the goals of intervention, and the specific tools for intervention are presented. Emphasis is placed on data from randomized controlled clinical trials, whenever such data are available. SUMMARY: Approximately 57 million Americans have prediabetes and are consequently at risk for cardiometabolic complications. Lifestyle modifications (dietary restriction and exercise) and certain medications can prevent the development of diabetes in persons with prediabetes. Lifestyle intervention also has been demonstrated to decrease cardiovascular disease risk markers, although data on clinical events are lacking.
An Efficient Algorithm for Constraint Handling in Combinatorial Test Generation

Combinatorial testing has been shown to be a very effective testing strategy. An important problem in combinatorial testing is dealing with constraints, i.e., restrictions that must be satisfied in order for a test to be valid. In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm, called IPOG-C, for constraint handling in combinatorial testing. Algorithm IPOG-C modifies an existing combinatorial test generation algorithm called IPOG to support constraints. The major contribution of algorithm IPOG-C is that it includes three optimizations to improve the performance of constraint handling. These optimizations can be generalized to other combinatorial test generation algorithms. We implemented algorithm IPOG-C in a combinatorial test generation tool called ACTS. We report experimental results that demonstrate the effectiveness of algorithm IPOG-C. The three optimizations increased the performance by one or two orders of magnitude for most subject systems in our experiments. Furthermore, a comparison of ACTS to three other tools suggests that ACTS can perform significantly better for systems with more complex constraints.
Strengthening children's resilience through parenting: a pilot study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to describe the research literature on the science of children's resilience and show its application to parenting interventions for high-risk families. Information about the design and conduct of pilot work to develop a parent program with homeless mothers was included to illustrated this application. Design/methodology/approach – The design of this report was descriptive. The scientific rationale for promoting children's resilience. The scientific rationale for strengthening children's resilience by focusing on parent's promotion of attachment, executive function skills, and stress/reduction mindfulness was detailed, and the design and format of a pilot parent program was outlined. Findings – Substantial research evidence affirmed the importance of strengthening children's resilience in high-risk families. Details from pilot work with homeless mothers illustrated the process by which activities were included in workshops to promote children's resilience. Future wor...
Sufism as Medium and Method of Translation: Mughal Translations of Hindu Texts Reconsidered

During the height of the Mughal Empire in pre-colonial South Asia (16th–17th century CE), Muslim nobles facilitated the translation of numerous Hindu Sanskrit texts into the Persian language. While...