cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Behavioral Deficits with Loss of Neurofibromin Emerge from Peripheral Chemosensory Neuron Dysfunction

Summary Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with Nf1 loss in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a group of peripheral sensory neurons. Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 attenuates ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromones, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. This disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 regulates social behaviors and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.
COVID-19 Impact on Ride-hailing: The Chicago Case Study

A dramatic traffic volume reduction has been observed worldwide and across the United States since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This event provides us with a unique opportunity to investigate the changes in ride-hailing travel prior and during the pandemic and the resulting significant drop in economic activities associated with the pandemic. In this paper, we collected and analyzed trip-by-trip ride-hailing data from the City of Chicago over 6 months (January to June) in 2019 and 2020. The results from Chicago show a significantly greater decrease in the number of ride-hailing trips compared to those using personal vehicles during the pandemic. In most cases, the average travel distances lengthened while the average travel times shortened. Pooled trips decreased significantly (71%) in early March and disappeared completely on March 17 when Uber and Lyft suspended trip pooling. Short trips that used to occur within the same census tracts decreased remarkably. To our knowledge this is the first effort to analyze ride-hailing data as related to COVID-19. We hope that this effort serves as a first step towards conducting other studies in other cities.
The Lind–Lehmer Constant for $\mathbb{Z}_2^r \times \mathbb{Z}_4^s$

For a finite abelian group the Lind–Lehmer constant is the minimum positive logarithmic Lind–Mahler measure for that group. Finding this is equivalent to determining the minimal nontrivial group determinant when the matrix entries are integers. For a group of the form G=ℤ2r×ℤ4s with |G|≥4 we show that this minimum is always |G|−1, a case of sharpness in the trivial bound. For G=ℤ2×ℤ2n with n≥3 the minimum is 9, and for G=ℤ3×ℤ3n the minimum is 8. Previously the minimum was only known for 2- and 3-groups of the form G=ℤpk or ℤpk. We also show that a congruence satisfied by the group determinant when G=ℤpr generalizes to other abelian p-groups.
Anaerobic Fungal Mevalonate Pathway Genomic Biases Lead to Heterologous Toxicity Underpredicted by Codon Adaptation Indices

Anaerobic fungi are emerging biotechnology platforms with genomes rich in biosynthetic potential. Yet, the heterologous expression of their biosynthetic pathways has had limited success in model hosts like E. coli. We find one reason for this is that the genome composition of anaerobic fungi like P. indianae are extremely AT-biased with a particular preference for rare and semi-rare AT-rich tRNAs in E coli, which are not explicitly predicted by standard codon adaptation indices (CAI). Native P. indianae genes with these extreme biases create drastic growth defects in E. coli (up to 69% reduction in growth), which is not seen in genes from other organisms with similar CAIs. However, codon optimization rescues growth, allowing for gene evaluation. In this manner, we demonstrate that anaerobic fungal homologs such as PI.atoB are more active than S. cerevisiae homologs in a hybrid pathway, increasing the production of mevalonate up to 2.5 g/L (more than two-fold) and reducing waste carbon to acetate by ~90% under the conditions tested. This work demonstrates the bioproduction potential of anaerobic fungal enzyme homologs and how the analysis of codon utilization enables the study of otherwise difficult to express genes that have applications in biocatalysis and natural product discovery.
Preferential expansion of pro-inflammatory Tregs in human non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the USA. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) normally function to temper immune responses and decrease inflammation. Previous research has demonstrated different subsets of Tregs with contrasting anti- or pro-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine Treg subset distributions and characteristics present in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Peripheral blood was collected from healthy controls (HC) and NSCLC patients preceding surgical resection, and mononuclear cells were isolated, stained, and analyzed by flow cytometry. Tregs were defined by expression of CD4 and CD25 and classified into CD45RA+Foxp3int (naive, Fr. I) or CD45RA−Foxp3hi (activated Fr. II). Activated conventional T cells were CD4+CD45RA−Foxp3int (Fr. III). Samples from 23 HC and 26 NSCLC patients were collected. Tregs isolated from patients with NSCLC were found to have enhanced suppressive function on naive T cells. Cancer patients had significantly increased frequencies of activated Tregs (fraction II: FrII), 17.5 versus 3.2 % (P < 0.001). FrII Tregs demonstrated increased RORγt and IL17 expression and decreased IL10 expression compared to Tregs from HC, indicating pro-inflammatory characteristics. This study demonstrates that a novel subset of Tregs with pro-inflammatory characteristics preferentially expand in NSCLC patients. This Treg subset appears identical to previously reported pro-inflammatory Tregs in human colon cancer patients and in mouse models of polyposis. We expect the pro-inflammatory Tregs in lung cancer to contribute to the immune pathogenesis of disease and propose that targeting this Treg subset may have protective benefits in NSCLC.
Complications: Bleb Leaks

Controversy exists regarding the effect of early postoperative bleb leaks on trabeculectomy outcomes. The Flourouracil Filtering Surgery Study found that early wound leaks were strongly associated with failure [29]. However, other authors have not found this association, though the number of leaks in their studies was small [1, 9, 18]. In my experience, the extent of early bleb leakage doesaffect trabeculectomy success. An incision line leak must be closed or the bleb will not form, conjunctival scarring will occur, and the bleb will eventually fail. However, small or pinpoint leaks often can heal spontaneously without affecting long-term bleb success. Other potential complications of an early leak are anterior chamber shallowing and a route for the development of endophthalmitis. Management of the leak depends on the leak’s cause and severity.
A Reassessment of Heavy-Duty Truck Aerodynamic Design Features and Priorities

Between 1973 and 1982, the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center conducted "coast-down" tests demonstrating means for reducing the drag of trucks, buses, and motor homes. Numerous configurations were evaluated using a box-shaped test van, a two-axle truck, and a tractor-semitrailer combination. Results from three configurations of the test van are of interest now in view of a trucking industry goal of a 0.25 drag coefficient for tractor-semitrailer combinations. Two test van configurations with blunt-base geometry, similar to present day trucks (one configuration has square front comers and the other has rounded front comers), quantify the base drag increase associated with reduced forebody drag. Hoemer's equations predict this trend; however, test van results, reinforced by large-scale air vehicle data, indicate that Hoemer's formula greatly underestimates this dependence of base drag on forebody efficiency. The demonstrated increase in base drag associated with forebody refinement indicates that the goal of a 0.25 drag coefficient will not be achieved without also reducing afterbody drag. A third configuration of the test van had a truncated boattail to reduce afterbody drag and achieved a drag coefficient of 0.242. These results are included here and references are identified for other means of reducing afterbody drag.
Encryption based security for ISDN communication: technique and application

The current evolution of the public integrated services digital network (ISDN) with its complete end to end digital connectivity provides an excellent platform for networking and reliable data communications. The primary objective of the present work is to develop and implement methodologies for successful data encryption schemes which can be embedded into the ISDN customer premises equipment (CPE) and require no software upgrades of the switching equipment. This will make the public ISDN network look like a private network to the security conscious user. Furthermore, secure data communication is provided over circuit switched voice or data channels. Widely used encryption and keying schemes based upon the data encryption standard (DES), secret key cryptography, and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) public key cryptography algorithms are being investigated for their applicability in the ISDN environment. Initial investigations show that a HYBRID cryptographic approach, RSA for authentication, and DES for encryption, may be most appropriate. Efforts are underway to develop a hardware and software implementation for the HYBRID approach. In the paper, the authors discuss possible standards for ISDN security that will allow data (including voice) transmitted over the ISDN basic rate interface (BRI) line to be encrypted so that only the intended receiver can decipher it. The ideas presented can easily be transported to the packet switched channels, primary rate interface (PRI) and possibly to broadband ISDN (BISDN). >
HOSPITAL, RADIOLOGY, AND PICTURE ARCHIVING AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Images generated during the course of patient evaluation and management are an integral part of the medical record and must be retained according to local regulations. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) makes it possible for images from many different imaging modalities to be distributed via a standard internet network to distant viewing workstations and a central archive in an almost seamless fashion. The DICOM standard is a truly universal standard for the dissemination of medical images. Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) refers to the infrastructure that links modalities, workstations, the image archive, and the medical record information system into an integrated system, allowing for efficient electronic distribution and storage of medical images and access to medical record data. This paper discusses the important elements to a successful PACS implementation in a practice, including how it interacts with other practice computing systems.
Pamidronate in Prevention of Bone Complications in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

PURPOSE: Pamidronate is effective in reducing bony complications in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have known osteolytic lesions. However, pamidronate does not increase survival and is associated with additional financial costs and inconvenience. We conducted a post-hoc evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of pamidronate using the results of two randomized trials that evaluated pamidronate 90 mg administered intravenously every month versus placebo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The trials differed only in the initial systemic therapy administered (hormonal or chemotherapy). Total skeletal related events (SREs), including surgery for pathologic fracture, radiation for fracture or pain control, conservatively treated pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, or hypercalcemia, were taken directly from the trials. Using a societal perspective, direct health care costs were assigned to each SRE. Each group’s monthly survival was equal and was projected to decline using observed median survivals. The c...
In-training assessments used in the United States surgical residency programmes.

Introduction Quality and safety concerns have always been the impetus for evaluating surgical competence. This paper provides a focused overview of key historical events that lead to the development and implementation of surgical training standards and competency assessments in the United States. Methods Focused review of surgical literature. Results The following events were found to correlate with the development and implementation of training standards and competency assessments: (i) The Flexner Report issued in 1910; (ii) The American Medical Association's 1928 endorsement of the ‘Essentials of Approved Residencies and Fellowships’; and (iii) The formation of several major surgical organizations – American College of Surgeons (1913), American Board of Surgery (1937), Residency Review Committee for Surgery (1950) and Association of Program Directors in Surgery (1966). Discussion The process by which competence is assessed in the US surgical training programmes is multifactorial and heavily linked to the structure and function of several national organizations in surgery and medicine.
Indented antenna array for full-duplex repeater

An indented antenna array is proposed for its low return loss and mutual coupling which may help to reduce the feedback in two-way full-duplex repeater. The essential idea is to take advantage of the different phase delays between the transmitting return and receiving paths created by the indention. An indention with linear progressive phase delays can make transmitting returns destructively combined while the receiving paths constructively combined. For the same reason, the antenna array front to back ratio can be improved as the aperture is no longer symmetrical toward both front and back sides. The reduction of transmitting to receiving (T/R) leakage due to the improved return loss and the increase of isolation due to a lower mutual coupling make these arrays ideal for full-duplex repeater applications. An eight-element indented dipole array is designed and simulated in ADS. The results demonstrate 18dB T/R isolation and at least 7dB front to back ratio improvement, which implies 14dB improvement in mutual coupling.
ν=5/2 fractional quantum Hall state in the presence of alloy disorder.

We report quantitative measurements of the impact of alloy disorder on the $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$ fractional quantum Hall state. Alloy disorder is controlled by the aluminum content $x$ in the ${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$As channel of a quantum well. We find that the $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$ state is suppressed with alloy scattering. To our surprise, in samples with alloy disorder the $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$ state appears at significantly reduced mobilities when compared to samples in which alloy disorder is not the dominant scattering mechanism. Our results highlight the distinct roles of the different types of disorder present in these samples, such as the short-range alloy and the long-range Coulomb disorder.
Exploring social dimensions of personal information management with adults with AD/HD

Studies in personal information management (PIM) have primarily examined PIM behavior as an individual activity. In this paper, we discuss social dimensions of PIM, more specifically, socially derived PIM activities. The biggest challenge adults with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) face is managing information and tasks. Accordingly, online forums for sharing PIM strategies is a wide spread practice among many individuals with AD/HD. Those that are not engaged in online forums are also found to often rely on social resources in forming PIM strategies. We discuss social dimensions of PIM emerged from our 16 interviews with adults with AD/HD and coaches of AD/HD. Our findings provide a good starting point towards understanding the social, adaptive and evolutionary nature of PIM practices, which would later inform design implications.
Dynamic volume-averaged model of heat and mass transport within a compost biofilter: I. Model development.

Successful, long-term operation of a biofilter system depends on maintaining a suitable biofilm environment within a porous medium reactor. In this article a mathematical study was conducted of the spatial and temporal changes of biofilter performance due to interphase heat and mass transport. The method of volume averaging was used to spatially smooth the three-phase (solid, liquid, and gas) conservation equations over the biofilter domain. The packing medium was assumed to be inert, removing the solid phase mass continuity equation from the system. The finite element method was used to integrate the resulting nonlinear-coupled partial differential equations, tracking eight state variables: temperature, water vapor, dry air, liquid water, biofilm, gas and liquid phase organic pollutant, and nutrient densities, through time and space. A multiphase, gas and liquid flow model was adapted to the biofilter model from previous studies of unsaturated groundwater flow. Newton's method accelerated by an LU direct solver was used to iterate the model for solutions. Effects of packing media on performance were investigated to illustrate the utility of the model. The moisture dynamics and nutrient cycling are presented in Part II of this article. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 73: 282–294, 2001.
Pharmacokinetics of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and its active metabolite EXP3174 in humans

The pharmacokinetics of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan potassium and its active carboxylic acid metabolite EXP3174 were characterized in 18 healthy male subjects after administration of intravenous losartan, intravenous EXP3174, and oral losartan. In these subjects, the average plasma clearance of losartan was 610 ml/min, and the volume of distribution was 34 L. Renal clearance (70 ml/min) accounted for 12% of plasma clearance. Terminal half-life was 2.1 hours. In contrast, the average plasma clearance of EXP3174 was 47 ml/min, and its volume of distribution was 10 L. Renal clearance was 26 ml/min, which accounted for 55% of plasma clearance; terminal half-life was 6.3 hours. After oral administration of losartan, peak concentrations of losartan were reached in 1 hour. Peak concentrations of EXP3174 were reached in 3 1/2 hours. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve of EXP3174 was about four times that of losartan. The oral bioavailability of losartan tablets was 33%. The low bioavailability was mainly attributable to first-pass metabolism. After intravenous or oral administration of losartan the conversion of losartan to the metabolite EXP3174 was 14%.
The mesmerists inquire about “Oriental mind powers”: West meets East in the search for the universal trance

Contemporary interest in Asian meditation raises questions about when Westerners began investigating these practices. A synopsis of Western-originating scientific meditation research is followed by a brief introduction to mesmerism. Next, the unappreciated ways the mesmerists explored Oriental mind powers is recounted. How the mesmerists' cultural positioning, philosophy, and interest in mind-body practices facilitated their inquiries of Oriental medicine and Hindu contemplative practices is explored, followed by a consideration of why these investigations were unique for the era. The way this work subverted Western cultural imperialism is examined. A consideration of the historical continuities and discontinuities between the mesmerists' inquiries and twentieth-century meditation research concludes the article.
Temperature Dependence and Anisotropy of Electron Drift Mobilities in Anthraquinone

Abstract Electron drift mobilities have been measured in anthraquinone single crystals by the transient photoconductivity technique. At low temperatures the mobilities are trap controlled with trap depth of about 0.2 eV and concentration of about 100 p.p.m. At room temperature and above, the mobilities are practically trap free, 0.28, 0.20 and 0.022 cm2/V sec for the c, b and a crystallographic directions, respectively. Theoretical calculations do not predict the observed mobility anisotropy. Some possible reasons for this discrepancy, such as anisotropy of electron-phonon coupling, or underestimation of the role of the oxygen substituents in electron exchange are discussed.
Endovascular treatment of basilar tip aneurysms using electrolytically detachable coils

✓ Preliminary experience using electrolytically detachable coils to treat basilar tip aneurysms in 33 patients is described. The most frequent presentation was subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 23 patients. All patients were referred after neurosurgical assessment and exclusion as candidates for surgical clipping of their aneurysms. At the time of initial treatment complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in seven (21.2%) of 33 patients. In 17 of the patients (51.5%), greater than 90% but less than 100% aneurysm occlusion was achieved. Angiographic follow up (mean 11.7 months) was available in 19 patients. At follow-up angiography four (21%) of 19 aneurysms were 100% occluded and 12 (63.2%) of 19 were more than 90% but less than 100% occluded. The mean clinical follow-up time in treated patients surviving beyond the initial treatment period is 15 months. One patient suffered major permanent morbidity from thrombosis of the basilar tip region a few hours after coil placement. One patient treated following S...
Hematopoietic transcriptional mechanisms: from locus-specific to genome-wide vantage points

Hematopoiesis is an exquisitely regulated process in which stem cells in the developing embryo and the adult generate progenitor cells that give rise to all blood lineages. Master regulatory transcription factors control hematopoiesis by integrating signals from the microenvironment and dynamically establishing and maintaining genetic networks. One of the most rudimentary aspects of cell type-specific transcription factor function, how they occupy a highly restricted cohort of cis-elements in chromatin, remains poorly understood. Transformative technologic advances involving the coupling of next-generation DNA sequencing technology with the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP-seq) have enabled genome-wide mapping of factor occupancy patterns. However, formidable problems remain; notably, ChIP-seq analysis yields hundreds to thousands of chromatin sites occupied by a given transcription factor, and only a fraction of the sites appear to be endowed with critical, non-redundant function. It has become en vogue to map transcription factor occupancy patterns genome-wide, while using powerful statistical tools to establish correlations to inform biology and mechanisms. With the advent of revolutionary genome editing technologies, one can now reach beyond correlations to conduct definitive hypothesis testing. This review focuses on key discoveries that have emerged during the path from single loci to genome-wide analyses, specifically in the context of hematopoietic transcriptional mechanisms.
Surface-temperature history during the last 1000 years near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska: applying control theory to the inversion of borehole temperature profiles

Abstract The temperature-depth profile data by Lachenbruch et al. (1982) in ice-bearing permafrost near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, are analyzed with control theory to retrodict the last 1000-yr history of the surface temperature. For this purpose, an inversion scheme for a nonlinear problem of heat diffusion in permafrost is developed. The following conclusions are made: (1) During the last 1000 years, the surface temperature near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, oscillated with amplitude of 3 ± 1°C. (2) There was a minimum of the temperature in 1853 AD between two maxima at 1623 AD and 1937 AD. (3) A net warming by 4°C occurred from 1853 AD to 1973 AD.
Calcium ion dependence of the 2-site immunoradiometric assay of Moore's S-100 protein.

— The two-site immunoradiometric assay (two-site IRMA) for a specific protein of the nervous system, S-100, is carried out by reaction of the S-100 protein solution with a solid-phase anti(S-100) followed by a second reaction in which the insoluble product is incubated with purified, radioactive anti(S-100). Unreacted labeled antibodies remain in solution and are washed away. As the amount of S-100 increases, the radioactivity in the solid-phase increases. The most significant assay variable is the effect of calcium on the assay dose-response. 0.1 mM-EDTA causes a total inhibition of the dose-response curve which is reversed by increasing the concentration of calcium ions. The dose-response reaches a maximum at 1.0mM-Ca2+. then becomes progressively inhibited as the Ca2+ concentration is increased further. Previous immunochemical studies of S-100 which did not allow for this effect must now be interpreted with caution.
Components of activity and sleep in two species of chipmunks: Tamias striatus and Eutamias dorsalis

Components of activity and sleep were observed for 12 wild trapped Tamias striatus and 12 wild trapped Eutamias dorsalis under laboratory conditions. The animals were housed individually in clear plastic cages and observed continuously for 24 h. The behavior of each animal was recorded at 1-min intervals and classified into one of six mutually exclusive categories: locomotor-explore, groom, eat, drink, quiet inactive, or sleep. Both species were found to be predominantly day active. Significant species differences were found in the proportions of time spent grooming and quietly inactive, while significant sex differences were found in time spent eating. Species differences were also found in the circadian placement of all categories except quiet inactivity. The chipmunks were similar in the components of their activity to laboratory rats and similar in their sleep to other mammals that sleep in safe sleep spots.
Signatur korrelierter Elektronen

Die Eigenschaften kondensierter Materie werden durch Einteilchenanregungen sowie kollektive Anregungen und ihre Kopplungen bestimmt. Diese quantenmechanischen Anregungen werden durch eine Energie E und einen Wellenvektor k charakterisiert, die uber eine Dispersionsrelation verknupft sind. Die Kopplung von Anregungen fuhrt zu einer Anderung in der Steigung der Dispersionskurve, die als Knick sichtbar ist. Theoretische Physiker der Universitat Augsburg haben nun zusammen mit Kollegen aus Gottingen, Stuttgart und Ekaterinburg (Russland) einen neuartigen, rein elektronischen Ursprung fur die Entstehung von Knicken in der Dispersion der elektronischen Freiheitsgrade entdeckt, der vollig unabhangig von ihrer Kopplung an kollektive Anregungen ist. Demzufolge sind Knicke prinzipiell in jedem elektronisch korrelierten Metall zu erwarten und konnen bei jeder Energie innerhalb eines Bandes elektronischer Zustande auftreten.
Model of collision avoidance with lane departure warning in real-world departure collisions with fixed roadside objects

This study developed and presented a computational model of road departure collisions which used data collected from real-world crashes as the basis for simulations of collision avoidance for vehicles equipped with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. Real-world collisions were extracted from a database of 890 serious road departure crashes with detailed reconstructions of the vehicle trajectory and impact locations. The model was developed using the simulation software PreScan (TASS Americas) and simulated driver steering maneuvers following a road departure and LDW. We used the model to simulate a subset of road departure collisions with objects close to the road and with little driver steering after the road departure. In our dataset, these crashes corresponded to approximately 26% of departures with available data and lane markings (47 cases). Between 3% and 5% of hazards were avoided with a LDW delivered at lane crossing. If the LDW was delivered 1 s prior to departure, between 19% and 34% of crashes were avoided. This model is a first step in a larger LDW benefits estimates study. Future models should include simulations of drivers who were steering prior to the crash without LDW, which were excluded from the current study.
Formation of Microchannels in Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels by Selective Degradation of Patterned Microstructures

A technique for constructing microchannels within three-dimensional hydrogels is described. The method depends on the use of two photopolymerizable macromers with different degradation kinetics. Poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEG-DA) and poly(ethylene glycol)-co(L-lactide) diacrylate (PEG-PLLA-DA) were synthesized and characterized by 1HNMR and FTIR. PEG-PLLA (but not PEG-DA) gels degrade rapidly via hydrolysis. Gels were formed via bulk photopolymerization of the macromers by exposure to ultraviolet light in the presence of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA) as an initiator. Patterns of PEG-PLLA-DA were generated within multilayer PEG hydrogels by noncontact photolithography. When the hydrogels were exposed to high pH conditions, the patterned PEG-PLLA-DA structures degraded rapidly, resulting in channels within the PEG-DA hydrogels. Single and multilayered channels were formed and their structure examined by phase contrast and confocal microscopy.
Using Imaging Spectroscopy To Map Acidic Mine Waste

The process of pyrite oxidation at the surface of mine waste may produce acidic water that is gradually neutralized as it drains away from the waste, depositing different Fe-bearing secondary minerals in roughly concentric zones that emanate from mine-waste piles. These Fe-bearing minerals are indicators of the geochemical conditions under which they form. Airborne and orbital imaging spectrometers can be used to map these mineral zones because each of these Fe-bearing secondary minerals is spectrally unique. In this way, imaging spectroscopy can be used to rapidly screen entire mining districts for potential sources of surface acid drainage and to detect acid producing minerals in mine waste or unmined rock outcrops. Spectral data from the AVIRIS instrument were used to evaluate mine waste at the California Gulch Superfund Site near Leadville, CO. Laboratory leach tests of surface samples show that leachate pH is most acidic and metals most mobile in samples from the inner jarosite zone and that leachate pH is near-neutral and metals least mobile in samples from the outer goethite zone.
Tying up a transcription factor

Transcription factors form multiprotein complexes that coordinate gene expression and regulate cellular responses ( 1 ). In cancer, aberrantly expressed transcription factors often alter gene expression programs, and although these transcription factors are promising targets for therapeutics ( 2 ), they remain largely untested. Deemed “undruggable” ( 3 ), their perturbation often requires specific disruption of protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions. To date, the discovery or design of small-molecule probes and drugs that specifically disrupt such interactions has proved challenging. On page 779 of this issue, Illendula et al. ( 4 ) describe the development of a small molecule that inhibits progression of a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The compound binds to an oncogenic version of a transcription factor subunit called core binding factor β (CBFβ), which arises from a chromosomal translocation. The strategy used to develop this drug may be applicable to other oncogenic proteins that arise from chromosomal translocation events.
JOB SATISFACTION AMONG COMMUNITY COLLEGE COUNSELORS

This study examined job satisfaction and factors influencing job satisfaction among community college counselors. Findings revealed that counselors are generally dissatisfied with their leadership, and that teaching load, job title, incompatible demands, unclear explanations, and conflicting resources all significantly affect counselor job satisfaction.
Nonlinear longitudinal dynamics of an orbital lifting vehicle

Thrusting lifting orbital vehicle nonlinear longitudinal dynamics in near-circular orbit, deriving orbital elements variation behavior and angle of attack mode period and damping
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND SOCIAL CONSENSUS

. The United States today is faced with a crisis of the liberal system stemming from a shortage of resources and ideas. Liberalism assumes that there will always be enough resources to meet all needs and that politics consists of the struggle of interest groups for resources to meet their particular needs. Liberalism is wrong on both counts: there are not enough resources and there is a common good which includes all particular needs properly understood. We must now revise our ideas and institutions in order to make the common good attainable. Various changes in ideas and institutions toward that end are suggested.
Symposium on relation of geology to the groundwater problems of the Southwest

Water has been commonly regarded as “free as air”. Increasing recognition of groundwater as a resource which requires conservation and wise utilization gave both scientific and popular appeal to the joint meeting of the American Geophysical Union, the Geological Society of America, and Section E of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The session, one of a series of symposia on the Geology and Geography of the Southwest, was held Tuesday morning, December 30, 1941, in room 616 of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, during the one hundred and tenth annual meeting of the American Association. Dr. Charles N. Gould, retired director of the Geological Survey of Oklahoma, presided. Attendance passed the one hundred mark.
A novel fiber optics based method to measure very low strains in large scale infrastructures

Abstract An optic fiber strain measurement sensing mechanism has been developed that can measure extremely low strains, i.e. in the order of 0–25 microstrains, with a resolution close to 0.1 microstrain. It is an alternate to traditional foil gauges as well as the more recent Fabry–Perot sensors for some applications. It is particularly suited to measure very low strains in large scale infrastructures where portions of the infrastructure can be used to mount extended lengths of the fiber optic, thereby providing high resolution. Examples of such applications are the measurement of small strains or vibrations in large structures such as rocket test stands, buildings, oil rigs, bridges, dams, etc. The sensing system includes all off-the-shelf components and the focus of this paper is to provide details on how to develop the system, calibrate it and then use it for specific applications.
Behavior of liquid menisci formed during the extraction of a vertical rod from the free surface of a liquid contained in a finite basin (Part 1)

Many studies involving the shapes and stability of liquid menisci formed during the extraction of a vertical rod from a liquid basin (rod-in-free-surface problem) have been reported in the literature. However, the vast majority of these were conducted under the assumptions that the radius of the basin (R) is infinite and that, at its extremity, both the slope and curvature of the liquid surface are zero. Recently, a few studies involving finite basins have been reported; however, these were conducted under the assumption that the displaced volume of the liquid in the basin is prescribed. In this study, a parametric finite element method was employed to determine the behavior (shape and stability) of liquid menisci formed during the extraction of a vertical rod with circular cross-section from a liquid contained in a circular basin with finite radius. The plots presented in this paper enable investigators to predict the critical extraction height (a priori) as a function of the radius ratio (R/r) and Bond number (β0=ρgr2/γ) for the case where the contact angle (θ2) at the outer extremity of the basin is 90∘. Theoretical and experimental results obtained for arbitrary values of θ2 will be presented in a Part 2 paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oviducal sperm storage in poultry: a review

The concept of using encapsulated sperm for prolonged storage and/or sustained release of sperm within the reproductive tract of the female mammal has a biological precedent in several classes of animals, including Aves. In all domesticated and nondomesticated birds examined to date, specialized tubular invaginations of the surface epithelium have been observed in the cranial end of the vagina. Collectively referred to as sperm storage tubules (SST), these structures sequester and store a select population of sperm which are then released slowly over time to ensure an adequate population of sperm at the site of fertilization. Knowledge of the dynamics of sperm transport, selection and storage in the avian oviduct may provide insight to the investigator attempting to develop livestock breeding strategies using artificial sperm capsules. Therefore, the objective here is to provide a brief review of the pertinent literature and current state of knowledge regarding oviducal sperm storage in birds, with strong emphasis on the domesticated turkey. Poultry reproductive anatomy and physiology in general and oviducal sperm selection, transport and storage have been reviewed more comprehensively in Gilbert (1979) Bakst (1987a, 1989), Zavaleta and Ogasawara (1987), Brillard and Bakst (1990), Van Krey (1990) and Wishart and Steele (1990).
Concentration of bovine placental lactogen in dairy and beef cows across gestation

The concentration of bovine placental lactogen (bPL) was determined in five dairy heifers and five beef cows across gestation. Blood samples were collected beginning at day 45 post insemination and once every two weeks until two d postpartum. Concentrations of bPL in maternal serum ranged from undetectable (< .25 ng/ml) to 2.93 ng/ml and there were no significant differences between dairy and beef animals. Peak concentrations were observed at day 215 of gestation and remained high until just prior to parturition. These results suggest that bPL concentrations follow a pattern similar to that in other species that produce placental lactogen.
Iterative processing of second-order optical nonlinearity depth profiles.

We show through numerical simulations and experimental data that a fast and simple iterative loop known as the Fienup algorithm can be used to process the measured Maker-fringe curve of a nonlinear sample to retrieve the sample’s nonlinearity profile. This algorithm is extremely accurate for any profile that exhibits one or two dominant peaks, which covers a wide range of practical profiles, including any nonlinear film of crystalline or organic material (rectangular profiles) and poled silica, for which an excellent experimental demonstration is provided. This algorithm can also be applied to improve the accuracy of the nonlinearity profile obtained by an inverse Fourier transform technique.
Pseudocoarctation, Kinking or Buckling of the Aorta

Pseudocoarctation, buckling, and kinking of the aorta are terms used to describe a roentgenologic deformity of the aorta similar to that in classical coarctation but in which no obstruction is demonstrable. It is probable that the first three terms used are synonyms for subclinical coarctation. In this state, the lesion of classical coarctation of the aorta is present and the two show the same associated anomalies.
ANTLER ANOMALIES IN TULE ELK

Antler anomalies were evident in tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) within 1 yr of reintroduction to Point Reyes, California (USA). These anomalies are consistent with previously described mineral deficiency-induced anomalies in cervids. The elk were judged deficient in copper. Low levels of copper in soils and vegetation at the release site, exacerbated by possible protein deficiency due to poor range conditions, are postulated as likely causes of the antler anomalies.
Chemisorption studies of promoted solid-state HDS catalysts

Abstract Oxygen pulse chemisorption measurements were made on a series of model HDS catalysts synthesized from solid-state reactions of elemental starting materials. Three different promoter atoms having the following catalyst stoichiometries were used in this study: P 2 x Mo 1− x S 2 for the Co and Fe samples and P x Mo 1− x S 2 for the Ni series. Four samples from each promoter family were studied and the P/(P + Mo) weight percent ratio varied from 0.030 to 0.355. All catalysts displayed Arrhenius type behavior in the HDS of thiophene and it was found that O 2 chemisorption uptakes could be correlated with the HDS activity of these solid-state model catalysts. Pulse chemisorption experiments revealed that the more active samples adsorbed increased amounts of O 2 ; hence activity normalizations using O 2 uptake resulted in a consolidation of the Arrhenius plots so that the individual data points merged into a narrow band on the plot. Oxygen activity normalizations also revealed that on a per mole of O 2 basis, the model catalysts gave thiophene HDS turnover frequencies similar to those found on an industrial HDS catalyst. CO chemisorption experiments were run on a select number of samples and similar trends were observed.
An expressed sequence tag database of T-cell-enriched activated chicken splenocytes: sequence analysis of 5251 clones.

The cDNA and gene sequences of many mammalian cytokines and their receptors are known. However, corresponding information on avian cytokines is limited due to the lack of cross-species activity at the functional level or strong homology at the molecular level. To improve the efficiency of identifying cytokines and novel chicken genes, a directionally cloned cDNA library from T-cell-enriched activated chicken splenocytes was constructed, and the partial sequence of 5251 clones was obtained. Sequence clustering indicates that 2357 (42%) of the clones are present as a single copy, and 2961 are distinct clones, demonstrating the high level of complexity of this library. Comparisons of the sequence data with known DNA sequences in GenBank indicate that approximately 25% of the clones match known chicken genes, 39% have similarity to known genes in other species, and 11% had no match to any sequence in the database. Several previously uncharacterized chicken cytokines and their receptors were present in our library. This collection provides a useful database for cataloging genes expressed in T cells and a valuable resource for future investigations of gene expression in avian immunology. A chicken EST Web site (http://udgenome. ags.udel. edu/chickest/chick.htm) has been created to provide access to the data, and a set of unique sequences has been deposited with GenBank (Accession Nos. AI979741-AI982511). Our new Web site (http://www. chickest.udel.edu) will be active as of March 3, 2000, and will also provide keyword-searching capabilities for BLASTX and BLASTN hits of all our clones.
Natural nidality in Bolivian hemorrhagic fever and the systematics of the reservoir species

Zoonoses within wild reservoir host populations often occur focally obeying Pavlovskii's rules of "natural nidality". What appears to be a clear example is Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF), a disease endemic to northeastern Bolivia. The etiological agent is Machupo virus (MACV, Arenaviridae). The vertebrate reservoir, identified 30 years ago, was Calomys callosus a wild rodent common to open biomes in the lowlands of southeastern South America. The lack of concordance between the occurrence of MACV and the range of its rodent host has puzzled cadres of researchers and could be used as an exemplar of natural nidality. Here, we show that the populations of rodents responsible for the maintenance and transmission of MACV are an independent monophyletic lineage, different from those in other areas of South America. Therefore a clearer understanding of the systematics of the host species explains the apparent natural nidality of BHF. Similar studies may prove to be informative in other zoonoses.
Earnings Inequality and Mobility in the United States: Evidence from Social Security Data Since 1937

This paper uses Social Security Administration longitudinal earnings micro data since 1937 to analyze the evolution of inequality and mobility in the United States. Annual earnings inequality is U-shaped, decreasing sharply up to 1953 and increasing steadily afterward. Short-term earnings mobility measures are stable over the full period except for a temporary surge during World War II. Virtually all of the increase in the variance in annual (log) earnings since 1970 is due to increase in the variance of permanent earnings (as opposed to transitory earnings). Mobility at the top of the earnings distribution is stable and has not mitigated the dramatic increase in annual earnings concentration since the 1970s. Long-term mobility among all workers has increased since the 1950s but has slightly declined among men. The decrease in the gender earnings gap and the resulting substantial increase in upward mobility over a lifetime for women are the driving force behind the increase in long-term mobility among all workers.
A new class of strongly consistent variance estimators for steady-state simulations

Abstract The principal problem associated with steady-state simulation is the estimation of the variance term in an associated central limit theorem. This paper develops several strongly consistent estimates for this term using the strong approximations available for Brownian motion. A comparison of rates of convergence is given for a variety of estimators.
Establishing combustion temperature in a hydrogen-fuelled engine using spectroscopic measurements:

AbstractThe results reported in this article are based upon spectrographic measurements taken form a single-cylinder hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. The goals, as stated by the US Department of Energy, are for hydrogen engines to achieve 45 per cent peak brake thermal efficiency, 0.07 g/mile NOx emissions, and US $45/kW. One of the primary research interests in hydrogen engines is to ensure operation of the engine without requiring NOx after-treatment. A reliable method to measure combustion temperature will be useful to achieve this goal. However, unlike most hydrocarbon combustion systems that emit soot radiation, hydrogen combustion provides little in the way of measurable radiation emission except for the excited state of the hydroxyl radical (OH∗).An optical fibre was inserted into the cylinder head of this engine to capture the photons emitted by the OH∗ radical during combustion. Based upon the distribution of the intensity of photons emitted in the 306–310 nm band, the temperature of ...
Implementation of a Family Intervention for Individuals with Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Families are rarely included in clinical care despite research showing that family involvement has a positive effect on individuals with schizophrenia by reducing relapse, improving work functioning, and social adjustment.
Bagging or Combining (or Both)? An Analysis Based on Forecasting U.S. Employment Growth

Forecasting a macroeconomic variable is challenging in an environment with many potential predictors whose predictive ability can vary over time. We compare two approaches to forecasting U.S. employment growth in this type of environment. The first approach applies bootstrap aggregating (bagging) to a general-to-specific procedure based on a general dynamic linear regression model with 30 potential predictors. The second approach considers several methods for combining forecasts from 30 individual autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models, where each individual ARDL model contains a potential predictor. We analyze bagging and combination forecasts at multiple horizons over four different out-of-sample periods using a mean square forecast error (MSFE) criterion and forecast encompassing tests. We find that bagging forecasts often deliver the lowest MSFE. Interestingly, we also find that incorporating information from both bagging and combination forecasts based on principal components often leads to fur...