cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibration-rotation spectroscopy of molecules trapped inside C60.

A simple model is developed to treat the energy levels and spectroscopy of diatomic molecules inside C60. The C60 cage is treated as spherically symmetric, and the coupling to the C60 vibrations is ignored. The remaining six degrees of freedom correspond to the vibrations and rotations of the diatomic molecule and the rattling vibration of the molecule inside the cage. By using conservation of angular momentum, we can remove two of these motions and simplify the calculations. The resulting energy levels are simple and can be labeled by a set of quantum numbers. The IR and Raman spectra look like those of gas-phase diatomic molecules at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, hot bands due to the low-frequency rattling mode appear, and the spectrum becomes congested, looking like a solution spectrum.
Growth response analysis after early control of woody competition for 14 loblolly pine plantations in the southern U.S.

Only a few growth and yield programs allow users to model the effects of hardwood competition on yields from pine plantations. Several of these programs were developed with the assumption that reducing hardwood competition would consistently produce a Type 2 growth response where pine volume gains increase over time. However, the actual response is not always a Type 2 response. To determine growth response types resulting from woody control treatments, plot volume data were analyzed from 14 trials (on 13 sites) measured over a period of 2 decades (The COMProject). The “age-shift” method of growth analysis and regression analyses were used to classify the types of responses. After 20 years, stand volumes of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were increased after woody control at 13 of 14 trials when compared to no controls. At four trial locations the age gain ranged from 0.7 to 1.6 years and the growth response was classified as a pseudo-Type 1 response (i.e., pine growth was increased while the total above-ground biomass of the mixed-stand was not altered by the species shift). At nine trial locations a true Type 2 response was observed (i.e., increase in total above-ground biomass of the pine dominated mixed-stand) and the age gain ranged from 0.9 to 5.1 years. At a site in Louisiana, woody control on two similar blocks resulted in a reduction in both early and mid-rotation pine volumes (termed a Type E response) while two other blocks resulted in an early reduction that changed to a mid-rotation volume increase (termed a Type F response). Thus, four types of growth response were associated with woody control treatments.
Effects of exogenous application and stem infusion of ascorbate on soybean (Glycine max) root nodules

Numerous biochemical and physiological studies have demonstrated the importance of ascorbate (ASC) as a reducing agent and antioxidant in higher plant metabolism. Of special note is the capacity of ASC to eliminate damaging activated oxygen species (AOS) including O2−· and H2O2. N2-fixing legume nodules are especially vulnerable to oxidative damage because they contain large amounts of leghaemoglobin which produces AOS through spontaneous autoxidation; thus, ASC and other components of the ascorbate–reduced glutathione (ASC–GSH) pathway are critical antioxidants in nodules. In order to establish a meaningful correlation between concentrations of ASC and capacity for N2 fixation in legume root nodules, soybean (Glycine max) plants were treated with excess ASC via exogenous irrigation or continuous intravascular infusion through needles inserted directly into plant stems. Treatment with ASC led to striking increases in nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction), nodule leghaemoglobin content, and activity of ASC peroxidase, a key antioxidant enzyme. The concentration of lipid peroxides, which are indicators of oxidative damage and onset of senescence, was decreased in ASC-treated nodules. These results support the conclusion that ASC is critical for N2 fixation and that elevated ASC allows nodules to maintain a greater capacity to fix N2 over longer periods.
A microcomputer-based routine for obtaining mean watershed precipitation from point values

Abstract An interactive microcomputer based BASIC routine for averaging precipitation over an irregularly shaped watershed is presented. Averaging methods used include the station average, Thiessen, and isohyetal methods, with the user having the option of using either inverse distance weighting schemes or punctual kriging for interpolation in the isohyetal method. The routine may be used to compare different averaging methods or to examine the effects of missing data. Data may be entered from a stored ASCII file, interactively from the keyboard from the application of the routine to a specific watershed also are presented.
Cationic porphyrins as probes of DNA structure

Abstract The DNA binding specificity of a group of cationic manganese porphyrin complexes has been examined using DNase I footprinting methodology and by observing the sites of porphyrin-induced DNA strand scission in the presence of potassium superoxide. The compounds, which possess systematic changes in total charge, its distribution on the periphery on the macrocycle and ligand shape, bind in the minor groove of AT rich regions of DNA. While changes in total charge and charge arrangement do not significantly influence specificity, a shape change which blocks close ligand contact with the minor groove relaxes the original AT specificity causing the compound to cleave at both AT and GC sites. The observed changes in binding sequence specificity were interpreted in terms of electrostatic and steric factors associated with both the compounds and DNA.
Linguistic Intervention Techniques for At-Risk English Language Learners

Abstract: In U.S. public schools, the population of nonnative speakers of English who are at risk for failing language requirements is growing. This article presents multisensory structured language (MSL) teaching strategies to remediate these students' difficulties in reading, writing, and speaking English. These strategies are underscored by recent findings of cross-linguistic studies. The MSL strategies are evidence-based and can be applied to any language. They are supported by a variety of teaching resources to assist instructors in helping at-risk English language learners improve their English language skills.
Conceptual Design of Net Zero Energy Campus Residence

In response to both global and local challenges, the University of Dayton is committed to building a net-zero energy student residence, called the Eco-house. A unique aspect of the Eco-house is the degree of student involvement; in accordance with UD’s mission, interdisciplinary student teams from mechanical engineering, civil engineering and the humanities are leading the design effort. This paper discusses the conceptual design of a net-zero energy use campus residence, and the analysis completed thus far. Energy use of current student houses is analyzed to provide a baseline and to identify energy saving opportunities. The use of the whole-system inside-out approach to guide the overall design is described. Using the inside-out method as a guide, the energy impacts of occupant behavior, appliances and lights, building envelope, energy distribution systems and primary energy conversion equipment are discussed. The design of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems to meet the hot water and electricity requirements of the house is described. Eco-house energy use is simulated and compared to the energy use of the existing houses. The analysis shows the total source energy requirements of the Eco-house could be reduced by about 340 mmBtu per year over older baseline houses, resulting in CO2 emission reductions of about 54,000 lb per year and utility cost savings of about $3,000 per year. Detailed cost analysis and cost optimization have not been performed but are critical aspects of the UD Eco-house project, which will be performed in the future.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Hox group 3 paralogs regulate the development and migration of the thymus, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.

Abstract The thymus, thyroid, and parathyroid glands in vertebrates develop from the pharyngeal region, with contributions both from pharyngeal endoderm and from neural crest cells in the pharyngeal arches.Hoxa3mutant homozygotes have defects in the development of all three organs. Roles for theHoxa3paralogs,Hoxb3andHoxd3,were investigated by examining various mutant combinations. The thyroid defects seen inHoxa3single mutants are exacerbated in double mutants with either of its paralogs, although none of the double-mutant combinations resulted in thyroid agenesis. The results indicate that the primary role of these genes in thyroid development is their effect on the development and migration of the ultimobranchial bodies, which contribute the parafollicular or C-cells to the thyroid.Hoxb3,Hoxd3double mutants show no obvious defects in the thymus or parathyroids. However, the removal of one functional copy ofHoxa3from theHoxb3,Hoxd3double mutants (Hoxa3+/−,Hoxb3−/−,Hoxd3−/−) results in the failure of the thymus and parathyroid glands to migrate to their normal positions in the throat. Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms used to mediate the movement of tissues during development. These results indicate thatHoxa3, Hoxb3,andHoxd3have highly overlapping functions in mediating the migration of pharyngeal organ primordia. In addition,Hoxa3has a unique function with respect to its paralogs in thymus, parathyroid, and thyroid development. This unique function may be conferred by the expression ofHoxa3,but notHoxb3norHoxd3,in the pharyngeal pouch endoderm.
Rates of bacteria-promoted solubilization of Fe from minerals: a review of problems and approaches

Understanding the effects of bacteria on mineral weathering will require careful, controlled experiments in chemical reactors. Unfortunately, many of the details of protocol for such experiments have not yet been addressed. In particular, experimenters need to find ways to normalize experiments for the mass of bacteria involved in reaction and need to measure the rate of change of this mass. Furthermore, experimenters will need to define whether mineral dissolution occurs during the log or stationary phase of growth. Bacteria cell mass should be quantified both before and after dissolution. In some cases, flow bioreactors will be useful to understand dissolution under steady state conditions. Finally, even the choice of medium will involve trade-offs between encouraging growth of bacteria while mimicking natural solutions. In the case study for mineral dissolution presented here, two bacterial species of the genera Streptomyces and Arthrobacter, each involved in the natural weathering of hornblende, were investigated in growth experiments in medium with hornblende. Experiments with and without desferrioxamine B (its mesylate salt deferoxamine mesylate, DFAM) were also completed. In the presence of bacteria or DFAM, Fe release from hornblende is accelerated by up to a factor of ∼20. Both bacteria produce catecholamide siderophores that are presumed responsible for the enhanced Fe release when bacteria are present. These results represent the first quantification of the rate of release of Fe from a mineral in the presence of the siderophore-producing bacteria, with subsequent identification of the siderophore. The rate of Fe release from hornblende increases non-linearly in bacteria-free experiments with increasing concentrations of DFAM. Such a rate–concentration function is consistent with formation of surface complexes on the hornblende surface. Surface complexation may also explain enhancement of Fe release in the presence of the catechol siderophores produced by the arthrobacter and streptomycete. The effects of siderophores on Fe transport could be significant in many soils.
Effect of Organic Acids and Plant Extracts on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium in Broth Culture Model and Chicken Meat Systems

Foodborne illness due to consumption of products contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium (S.T.), Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.), and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E.c.) results in many deaths and significant economic losses each year. In this study, acetic (AA), citric acid (CA), lactic acid (LA), malic acid (MA), and tartaric acid (TA) and grape seed (GS), green tea (GT), bitter melon seed (BMS), rasum, and fenugreek (FG) extracts were investigated as inhibitors against S.T., L.m., and E.c. in both broth-culture and meat systems. Brain Heart Infusion solutions containing 18.7, 37.5, and 75.0 mM organic acids and 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL extracts were challenged with approximately log 6 CFU/mL S.T., L.m., and E.c. A pH-adjusted control was included to determine pH effect on exhibited antibacterial activity. For the meat system, 1 to 2 g chicken breast pieces were vacuum-infused with CA/MA/TA acid at 75 and 150 mM and GS and GT at 3000, 6000, and 9000 ppm in a partial factorial arrangement. GT and GS showed considerable activity in broth-culture. All organic acids were effective in broth-culture at 75 mM after 24 h (P 5, >2, and 4-6 log CFU/g, respectively, although all organic acids showed some antibacterial activity at 75.0 and 150.0 mM. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of organic acids and plant extracts in the control of S.T., L.m., and E.c. O157:H7.
A Review of ""Sex, Sexuality, and Therapeutic Practice: A Manual for Therapists and Trainers""

The topic of sexuality, an area often regarded as daunting and complicated for clinicians, is tackled with clarity and simplicity in Sex, Sexuality, and Therapeutic Practice. Designed as a resource...
Reinhold Niebuhr in Contemporary Scholarship

Recent studies of Reinhold Niebuhr's life and work demonstrate his continued importance in theology, ethics, and political thought. Historical studies by Heather Warren, Mark Kleinman, and Normunds Kamergrauzis provide new assessments of Niebuhr's role as a political and religious leader in his own time and trace the consequences of the movements in which he participated. They also show us more clearly how his work was connected to the ideas and programs of his contemporaries. Colm McKeogh offers a more systematic treatment of Niebuhr's political realism in relation to just war theory. Niebuhr's intellectual legacy remains disputed, with Stanley Hauerwas and Langdon Gilkey offering radically different assessments of his theology. Hauerwas sees in Niebuhr a close connection to the religious liberalism of William James that precludes any authentic Christian witness. Niebuhr's empiricism reduces God to a necessary feature of human consciousness. Gilkey notes Niebuhr's early use of James' psychology, but discerns a theology of history that is central to Niebuhr's mature work. In that theology, the ground of hope necessarily lies beyond human consciousness, and indeed beyond history itself.
Micro-patterns of nitrogen mineralization activity in soils of some shrub-dominated semi-desert ecosystems of Utah

Abstract Localization of litter fall beneath canopies of desert shrub species results in development of vertical and horizontal soil nitrogen distribution patterns. Concentration of these patterns increases towards the immediate surface of the profile and towards the under-canopy micro-habitat. Similar patterns of N mineralization activity were found in soils collected from shrub communities along an aridity gradient from northern to southern Utah. Mineralization rates were greatest in the 0–2.5 cm horizon of profiles and NO3−-N dominated. Below this level activity decreased abruptly and NH4+-N became quantitatively more significant. Mineralization activity peaks in surface soil reflected greater susceptibility of organic N residues to decomposition as well as the higher concentrations of total N in the 0–2.5 cm layer. Results for Atriplex confertifolia communities indicated that N compounds in litter of this species may be particularly prone to microbial breakdown and mineralization. Mineralization of N proceeded at a greater rate in soils from beneath shrub canopies than in soils from interspace areas between shrubs. Development of higher concentrations of total N and mineralization activity in surface soil generally, and under-canopy soil in particular, is interpreted as a structural and functional organization of the N capital of shrub communities that enhances N availability and therefore water-use efficiency of the vegetation.
Nature and Determinants of Skin “Burns” After Transthoracic Cardioversion

Skin biopsies obtained 24 hours after elective cardioversion of 30 patients showed variable epidermal necrosis and upper dermal perivascular inflammation, most noticeably in patients receiving high individual peak (> or = 300 J) and cumulative (> or = 350 J) shock energies. Thus, damped sine wave shocks cause skin injury--first degree burns--the severity of which is a function of peak and cumulative shock energy.
The effects of gamma-rays on fecundity and mutagenesis in Oregon-R males of Drosophila.

SummaryOregon-R males were tested in day-by-day sperm samples for dominant visible and hemizygous sex-linked mutations, fecundity (number of offspring produced), and crossing-over after exposure to cobalt-60 γ in the 100 r to 10 kr range. Tests totalled 42 184 X-chromosomes and 210 111 flies. Mutations were most frequent after irradiation during meiosis and spermiogenesis in low doses. Only sperm and gonial cells subsequently produced adult flies after exposure to 5 kr and 10 kr. After 500 r fecundity was reduced chiefly in cells in late mitosis, and in earlier and later stages with increasing doses. Reduced fecundity may not be due to the kind of mutation detected here, but both effects may combine to influence the frequency of mutations recovered, particularly from irradiated meiotic and spermiogenic cells. Males receiving 500 r might contribute more mutations to a population's gene pool than competing males after a substantially higher dose.
Unique early gene expression patterns in human adult-to-adult living donor liver grafts compared to deceased donor grafts.

Because of inherent differences between deceased donor (DD) and living donor (LD) liver grafts, we hypothesize that the molecular signatures will be unique, correlating with specific biologic pathways and clinical patterns. Microarray profiles of 63 biopsies in 13 DD and 8 LD liver grafts done at serial time points (procurement, backbench and postreperfusion) were compared between groups using class comparisons, network and biological function analyses. Specific genes were validated by quantitative PCR and immunopathology. Clinical findings were also compared. Following reperfusion, 579 genes in DD grafts and 1324 genes in LDs were differentially expressed (p < 0.005). Many upregulated LD genes were related to regeneration, biosynthesis and cell cycle, and a large number of downregulated genes were linked to hepatic metabolism and energy pathways correlating with posttransplant clinical laboratory findings. There was significant upregulation of inflammatory/immune genes in both DD and LD, each with a distinct pattern. Gene expression patterns of select genes associated with inflammation and regeneration in LD and DD grafts correlated with protein expression. Unique patterns of early gene expression are seen in LD and DD liver grafts, correlating with protein expression and clinical results, demonstrating distinct inflammatory profiles and significant downregulation of metabolic pathways in LD grafts.
Decision roll and horizon roll processes in infinite horizon discounted Markov decision processes

In this paper we look at some aspects of infinite horizon Markov decision processes in which information regarding parameter values is restricted to a finite time horizon, and in which decisions are based upon the finite horizon data but are recomputed as we move forward in time and gain knowledge of later parametric values. A general framework is given. Bounds on the loss of optimality arising from two planning horizon decision processes are given, and the choice of decision process and planning horizon is examined.
Lymphocytic gastritis in pediatric celiac disease.

ABSTRACT An increase in gastric intraepithelial lymphocytes has been observed in some patients with the typical small intestinal changes of celiac disease. To date, no clinical parameters have been described that identify the subset of patients more likely to have gastric involvement. In this study we compared the clinical features of celiac disease patients with and without lymphocytic gastritis to determine if the presence of gastric involvement at diagnosis portends a more severe form of celiac disease. We reviewed the pathology reports and hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides of 304 patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease diagnosed over an 11-year period. Thirty-nine of these patients had lymphocytic gastritis. Compared to patients without gastric involvement, those with lymphocytic gastritis were statistically more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age and present with more profound laboratory findings and duodenal mucosal damage compared to patients with celiac disease without gastric involvem...
Optimizing group judgmental accuracy in the presence of interdependencies

Consider a group of people confronted with a dichotomous choice (for example, a yes or no decision). Assume that we can characterize each person by a probability, pi, of making the 'better' of the two choices open to the group, such that we define 'better' in terms of some linear ordering of the alternatives. If individual choices are independent, and if the a priori likelihood that either of the two choices is correct is one half, we show that the group decision procedure that maximizes the likelihood that the group will make the better of the two choices open to it is a weighted voting rule that assigns weights, wi, such that
Replacing Failed Sensor Nodes by Mobile Robots

Sensor replacement is important for sensor networks to provide continuous sensing services. Existing approaches relocate redundant nodes to fill the holes created by failed sensors and require all or most sensor nodes to have mobility. However, mobility equipment is expensive while technology trends are scaling sensors to be smaller and cheaper. In this paper, we propose to use a small number of mobile robots to replace failed sensors in a large-scale static sensor network. We study algorithms for detecting and reporting sensor failures and coordinating the movement of robots that minimize the motion energy of mobile robots and the messaging overhead incurred to the sensor network. A manager receives failure reports and determines which robot to handle a failure. We study three algorithms: a centralized manager algorithm, a fixed distributed manager algorithm, and a dynamic distributed manager algorithm. Our simulations show that: (a) The centralized and the dynamic distributed algorithms have lower motion overhead than the fixed distributed algorithm. (b) The centralized algorithm is less scalable than the two distributed manager algorithms. (c) The two distributed algorithms have higher messaging cost than the centralized algorithm. Hence, the optimal choice of the coordination algorithm depends on the specific scenarios and objectives being optimized.
Zinc transport by transferrin in rat portal blood plasma.

Abstract Zinc transport in mesenteric lymph and zinc distribution in portal plasma and venous plasma were examined in rats that had been given an oral dose of 65 Zn. Less than 1% of an oral dose of 65 Zn appeared in the mesenteric lymph over a period of 8 hr. In portal plasma, approximately 70% of the isotope recovered after gel-filtration chromatography was bound to a protein that was identified as transferrin on the basis of molecular weight and electrophoretic properties. In venous plasma, the major fraction of 65 Zn was bound to albumin while the remainder of the isotope was associated with higher molecular weight proteins including transferrin and α 2 -macroglobulins. These results demonstrate that zinc is transported from the intestine to the liver via the portal blood, and the results demonstrate that zinc is transported in portal plasma bound to transferrin.
Revolutionary Secrets: Technology's Role in the South African Anti-Apartheid Movement

In the late 1980s, Operation Vula brought exiled African National Congress (ANC) leaders and military capacity into South Africa despite legal and military obstacles. According to participants, a purpose-built encrypted communication system was critical to this success, but what was the significance of the technology? Was it simply a catalyst for change within the ANC leadership, or did the system crucially alter the political situation? This case study highlights the importance of four key factors affecting the interaction between new information and communication technologies (ICTs) and social movements. The factors are (a) ongoing technological innovation, (b) user practices, (c) technical competence, and (d) organizational routines. Scholarship that fails to consider these factors risks oversimplifying the process of sociotechnical change, hampering our ability to understand the relationship between ICTs and contentious political activity.
Theoretical calculation of the zero‐temperature isotherm and phase stability of silver up to 2 Gbar using the linear combinations of gaussian type orbitals method

A systematic procedure has been developed for generating the static lattice zero temperature isotherm of a monatomic crystalline solid to arbitrarily high compressions using the linear combinations of Gaussian type orbitals-fitting function electronic structure method. This procedure has been used to calculate the static-lattice equation of state and phase stability of silver (Ag) up to 2 Gbar. The resulting isotherm is compared with previous density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental data at low pressures and with results from Thomas–Fermi–Dirac calculations at high pressures. The stabilities of three crystal structures (face centered cubic, fcc; body centered cubic, bcc; and hexagonal close packed, hcp) were determined from energy differences calculated up to 2 Gbar. The effects of relativity and DFT model selection were tested by repeating each calculation with and without relativistic corrections using two DFT models; the local density (LDA) and generalized gradient (GGA) approximations. The phase sequence for Ag is predicted to be fcc hcp fcc hcp bcc, although the second appearance of the hcp phase is questionable due to convergence issues. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dental Decay in Southern Illinois Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers: An Analysis of Clinical Data

: Context: Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are a population at risk for oral health problems. Data on the oral health conditions of migrant and seasonal farmworkers' permanent teeth are particularly lacking. Purpose: To document the relative rates of treated and untreated dental decay in a sample of southern Illinois migrant and seasonal farmworkers who had sought care at a farmworker health center dental clinic. Methods: Existing migrant health dental clinic records from 1995–2002 were reviewed. Final sample size was 650. Data for decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces were recorded using both anatomical recording and treatment notes. Findings: Sixty-nine percent of migrant farmworkers had at least 1 decayed (untreated) tooth surface, and more than half had 3 or more decayed surfaces. Conclusions: Results indicate that untreated dental decay is significant among migrant and seasonal farmworkers who seek care at this dental clinic. Recommendations include addressing barriers to care, improved monitoring of dental health conditions, and further research to better document the treatment needs of this population.
Solar observations at millimeter wavelengths

Solar radiations at millimeter wavelengths consist of a basic component of thermal radiation from an undisturbed sun, a slowly varying component originating from active regions on the sun, and a solar burst component. Eclipse measurements of the brightness distribution have led to a quiet sun model of the chromosphere containing small jet-like spicules. High-resolution millimeter-wave measurements of the solar disk show that the slowly varying component is enhanced radiation from bright spots correlating with plage areas. An increase in brightness of a plage area is observed as early as one day before a plage region develops a flare. Both gradual-rise-and-fall bursts and outbursts have been observed at 4.3 mm. The large outbursts occur in the flash phase of a solar flare. Some of these outbursts had higher flux at 4.3 mm than at longer wavelengths of 3.15 cm and 9.4 cm.
A comparative analysis of robotic vs laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer

Objective To compare the safety and perioperative outcomes of robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (R-RPLND) vs laparoscopic RPLND (L-RPLND). Patients and Methods Our Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective testicular cancer registry was queried for patients who underwent a primary unilateral R-RPLND or L-RPLND by a single surgeon for a stage I testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumour. Groups were compared for differences in baseline and outcome variables. Results Between July 2006 and July 2014, 16 R-RPLND and 21 L-RPLND cases were performed by a single surgeon. Intra- and perioperative outcomes including operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node yield, complicate rate, and ejaculatory status were similar between groups (all P > 0.1). Conclusions As an early checkpoint, R-RPLND appears comparable to L-RPLND in terms of safety and perioperative outcomes. It remains unclear if R-RPLND offers any tangible benefits over standard laparoscopy.
Testability analysis and insertion for RTL circuits based on pseudorandom BIST

A testability analysis technique for built-in self-test (BIST) at the system level is presented. While based on previous approaches, the model has several significant new features, including an iterative technique for modeling indirect feedback and an extension to the circular BIST methodology. Additionally, a new preprocessing transformation enables the correct modeling of word-level correlation. Examples validate the model, and demonstrate its applicability to test point insertion.
Combined alveolitis and asthma due to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), with demonstration of crossed respiratory and immunologic reactivities to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)

A worker exposed intermittently to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) developed episodes of dyspnea, wheezing, and fever on working days. Complete lung function tests performed when the subject was asymptomatic were normal except for increased airway responsiveness to histamine, which significantly improved after a 3 wk period off work. At that time, specific inhalation challenges with HDI were carried out. After being exposed for 5 min, the subject developed general malaise, cough, fever, and leukocytosis, together with a mixed restrictive and obstructive breathing defect. We demonstrated a subsequent increase in airway hyperexcitability, which lasted for 2 mo. The subject was also challenged with diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) for 15 min. A late obstructive reaction was documented. Increased levels of specific IgG antibodies against HDI-human serum albumin (HSA) and MDI-HSA were demonstrated.
The Personal/Group Discrimination Discrepancy

This article extends Allport's (1954) analysis of targets of discrimination by examining why minority group members perceive more discrimination directed at their group than at themselves. Two studies were conducted to explain this personal/group discrimination discrepancy by focusing on the role of stereotypes, which allow people to process information faster. Women (Study 1) and African Americans (Study 2) made ratings of personaland group discrimination while a computer recorded the time it took them to respond. Both took less time to make ratings of group discrimination than personal discrimination. Moreover, the less time it took for them to respond to questions about group discrimination, the larger the discrepancy was between their ratings of personal and group discrimination. These results suggest that the personal/group discrimination discrepancy emerges when minority groupmembers are using a stereotype in which discrimination encountered by their group is believed to be high.
Computation: evolutionary, neural, molecular

A confluence of factors emanating from computer science, biology, and technology have brought self-organizing approaches back to the fore. Neural networks in particular provide high evolvability platforms for variation-selection search strategies. The neuron doctrine and the fundamental nature of computing come into question. Is a neuron an atom of the brain or is it itself a complex information processing system whose interior molecular dynamics can be elicited and exploited through the evolution process? We argue the latter point of view, illustrating how high evolvability dynamics can be achieved with artificial neuromolecular computer designs and how such designs might in due course be implemented using molecular computing devices. A tabletop enzyme-driven prototype recently implemented in our laboratory is briefly described; it can be thought of as a sort of artificial neuron in which the context sensitivity of enzyme recognition is used to transform injected signal patterns into output activity.
A general model for detecting distributed termination in dynamic systems

Summary form only given. A symmetric algorithm is proposed for detecting distributed termination in a dynamic system with asynchronous communication networks. Correctness of the algorithm is proven. In the system, active processes may create new processes or accept outside processes to join the basic computation. No processes can be destroyed or leave the system until the computation terminates. The network model exploited in the algorithm is a combination of a logical ring and computation trees. It is more general and especially suitable for the applications on Internet networks. The algorithm is more efficient than those in previous works in terms of control messages used in the detection protocol.
Comparative rapid prototyping: a case study

This paper presents a case study that explores the effectiveness of parallel conceptualization efforts to expose potential requirements issues in rapid prototyping. The case study consists of developing and comparing five design alternatives to model the safety-critical computer assisted resuscitation algorithm (CARA) software for a casualty intravenous fluid infusion pump using a set of computer aided Software Engineering Automated Tools (SEATools). The prototyping effort showed that users can efficiently create/modify multiple parallel models and reason about their complexity using SEATools. The study also illustrates the usefulness of comparative rapid prototyping to identifying strengths and weaknesses of alternative designs, improving the final result. The case study also exposed numerous omissions and discrepancies in the requirements document and highlighted useful future enhancements for SEATools.
Relief vent sizing for deflagrations

Many gas-phase reactions result in a pressure build-up which is very fast, but slower than that for an explosion (i.e., a deflagration). Sizing a relief vent by the conventional method, in which the discharge mass flow rate is sufficient to remove energy from the vessel at the maximum rate at which it is input into or released within in the vessel, can result in an unacceptably large vent size. A method previously proposed by DuPont which is based upon an experimental rate constant for the deflagration reaction (e.g., a “violence coefficient”) and an empirical expression for the vent mass flux gives the vent size that limits the maximum pressure to less than the maximum allowable vessel pressure results in more realistic vent sizes. This paper compares the results of these two methods, as well as a modified method using a more general relation for the valve flow capacity with the data for an ethylene decomposition reaction reported by DuPont. The modified method can be used for any gaseous relief with a known reaction rate constant and gas density as a function of pressure.
Organizational Structure and Technology: A Computer Model Approach

The explanation of organizational structure has always been an important issue to administrative theorists. This paper investigates the structure of manufacturing operations and therefore starts from the premise that technological factors are most crucial. One current approach to structure and technology, comparative analysis, has studied the overall context but at a highly aggregative level. The “constituent” approach, on the other hand, has investigated intraorganizational relationships but at the expense of empirically verifiable theory. We develop a heuristic computer model capable of testing existing constituent theories. The model uses work flow data as technological inputs and produces a structural configuration as output. It employs administrative rules based on Thompson's propositions for structuring the technical core to convert inputs into outputs. The inputs, outputs, and rules are formally represented using list processing concepts. Operationalizing the formal concepts has been satisfactorily explored in a pilot study of a small manufacturing firm. Testing existing constituent theory is just the initial phase of this project. It is possible to develop new structural theory for the technical core and the rest of the organization, and to engage in a form of comparative analysis to judge the effects of varying contexts. Moreover, the fact that a structural configuration is produced implies utility in the area of design.
Rubidium‐86 uptake by red blood cells of breast cancer patients

The red blood cell (RBC) uptake of rubidium-86 (Rb-86), a sensitive in vitro test of RBC membrane transport, was measured in 22 controls, 8 patients with benign breast lesions, and 30 stage I/II, 13 stage III/IV untreated breast cancers. Total Rb-86 transport was measured. Following ouabain block, passive transport was determined, allowing calculation of active Rb-86 uptake by difference. There was a significant decrease in total and passive uptake by RBCs from patients with breast cancer when compared to controls and those with benign lesions. The Rb-86 uptake returned towards normal in successfully treated stages-II to IV patients. There were no correlations with the patient's age, hematocrit, or incubation hematocrit with RBC RB-86 uptakes. Results from incubation in Krebs-Ringer solution were not consistent with a plasma blocking factor. The RBC potassium content was slightly increased in the cancer patients. This, along with decreased passive transport, eliminates the nonspecific malfunction of the Na-K-pump as an explanation, and suggests that the decreased uptake is a cancer-related phenomenon.
Interactions of temperature and moisture with respiration from coarse woody debris in experimental forest canopy gaps

Coarse woody debris (CWD) and canopy gaps are thought to be important structural components that influence forest ecosystem processes, yet few studies have assessed whether these features interact to influence decay dynamics, and we know of none that does so under controlled experimental canopy gap conditions. By manipulating forest structure to create canopy openings, we tested whether canopy gaps, through their influence on microclimate, affect the respiration rate of CWD in a mature second- growth northern hardwood forest of Wisconsin, USA. We sought to determine the relative contribution of moisture or temperature as predictors of respiration, and to provide estimates of the annual C emission from CWD in these treatments. Differences in the surface temperature of CWD were apparent immedi- ately following gap treatments, with debris in gaps staying significantly warmer than beneath undis- turbed canopy. Coarse woody debris moisture content differed more between gaps and undisturbed canopy in the second post-treatment year due to higher insolation and temperature in gaps relative to undisturbed canopy. The gap treatment increased respiration rates and altered the relationship with CWD temperature and moisture in complex ways. The impacts of gap creation on C fluxes from CWD depended on the range of temperature and moisture being examined. The interaction of the temperature and moisture of the debris in combination with the decay class explained 60% of the observed variation in CWD respiration beneath undisturbed canopies. In gaps, only 23% of the variation of flux could be explained by environmental variables. Annual C fluxes were 128.2 g C kg � 1
Contemporary antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

The proper use of antiplatelet agents in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is important for ensuring optimal results in patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization. Understanding the mechanisms by which these drugs exerts their effects is important for both interventional and non-interventional cardiologists. The effects of these agents on platelet function can be assessed and monitored using a variety of commercially available laboratory assays but so far these tests have not been adopted in routine clinical practice. Currently, aspirin, thienopyridines and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are the primary types of antiplatelet drugs being utilized. The use of these drugs and of several newer antiplatelet drugs in the treatment of patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization in the cardiac catheterization laboratory will be discussed, especially in the light of the recently published guidelines.
Two-Site Internally Cooperative Mechanism for Enzyme Kinetics in a Hydrogel Forming Recombinant Protein.

A recombinant protein, ATCTA, consisting of three domains, α-helix (A), thrombin cleavage site (T), and water-soluble coil (C), forms hydrogels via the self-association of its flanking α-helices into tetrameric bundles, which act as cross-links for the hydrogel network. In the presence of thrombin, the hydrogel degrades due to the thrombin cleavage sites. To better understand the proteolysis reaction in ATCTA, we performed a series of kinetic experiments on the proteins ATC, CTA, CTATC, and ATCTA. The KM and kcat of ATC and CTA were determined to be 88 ± 5 μM and 6.4 ± 0.1 s–1 and 91 ± 9 μM and 6.1 ± 0.1 s–1, respectively. Using these kinetic parameters, a model based on a two-site internally cooperative mechanism was developed to describe the kinetics of proteins containing two cleavage sites. This model was then validated by comparing predicted results with kinetic data from the proteolysis of ATCTA.
Local Regulation of Mineral Development in Wyoming

Extraction of oil, gas, and solid minerals can significantly affect the use and enjoyment of the surface of the land. Wyoming has recently addressed conflicts between oil and gas developers and surface owners by adopting a surface damage act. But such statutes only deal with harms to the surface overlying the mineral estate being developed. Extractive industries may affect not only the surface above, but also neighboring land and the entire area.
Soliton propagation in /sup 3/He-A

A propagating magnetic texture has been observed in superfluid /sup 3/He-A confined to 17-..mu..m slabs using pulsed NMR. The results support a model of an expanding lattice of solitons in the order parameter. The propagation velocity approaches the spin-wave velocity as T..-->..T/sub c/, and goes to zero for T<0.86T/sub c/. Despite the narrow geometry, the solitons observed involve distortions of both the spin and the orbital degrees of freedom.
Children: Normal Anogenital Anatomy and Variants

Knowledge of normal anogenital anatomy and its congenital variants is critical for professionals performing forensic medical evaluations in cases of suspected child maltreatment. This chapter provides a review of relevant embryology as a foundation for the review of normal female and male external genital and anal anatomy, as well as common variants. It is essential that professionals know the spectrum of normal anatomy in order to recognize forensically important changes, while recognizing that the vast majority of anogenital exams performed for suspected child sexual abuse are normal and do not negate the history of consensual sex, sexual abuse, or assault.
Individualized plans of care to improve outcomes among children and adults with chronic illness: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Adults and children with chronic illness often require services from multiple providers. Individualized plans of care (IPCs) are sometimes developed to improve care coordination. However, their association with improved outcomes is unknown. METHODS We searched literature published between January 2001 and October 2011, using Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and bibliographic review. Eligible studies involved an IPC with input from the patient and/or family of individuals with chronic illness, evaluated outcomes, and were conducted in the United States. We assessed evidence quality using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. RESULTS 15 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous regarding populations and outcomes examined and were generally low quality. Most described IPC use within a multifaceted care coordination intervention. The strongest evidence links IPC use and symptom improvement in depressed adults; the weakest evidence exists for outcomes in children. Vague descriptions of the IPCs' limited analysis. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence supporting an association between IPC use and improved outcomes, particularly among children, is sparse. Well-designed evaluations of clearly described IPCs are needed to examine who should be involved in their development, what they should include, and how often they should be updated to improve outcomes of care for this vulnerable population.
Response of Female Black Flies to Selected Meterological Factors

Hourly measurements of meteorological conditions and black fly activity were made during daylight periods of 18 days from June 20 through Oct. 18,1975. Analysis of data indicated that the behavior of ♀ simuliids attracted to host-simulation traps is affected by cloud types, light intensity, and time of day. Combinations of such variables as relative humidity, barometric pressure, percentage of cloudcover, and the hourly change in light intensity accounted for less than 25% of simuliid activity at individual trapping sites. Simuliid activity therefore appeared to be more dependent upon unmeasured changes in microhabitat. Models for diurnal activity showed consistent patterns of behavior. Activity was greater in the presence of cumuliform clouds than in the presence of stratiform clouds. Simuliumslossonae Dyar and Shannon, a primary vector of Leucocytozoon smithi Laveran and Lucet, 1905, in turkeys, was the predominant species at one trap.
In Situ Hybridization of Cytomegalovirus Using a Nonradiolabeled Probe

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant viral pathogen in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and other immunocompromised conditions, and the nature of infection may be of the primary, latent, or chronic persistent type. The standard histological method for diagnosis of CMV, though more rapid than viral culture techniques, is insensitive. Immunohistochemical techniques may be useful at some stages of viral infection but have demonstrated variable results. In situ hybridization, probing the unique nucleic acid sequence of CMV, is both a sensitive and specific method to visualize the presence of the virus in tissue sections. The initial in situ hybridization techniques utilized radioactive nucleic acid probes with detection of CMV-infected cells by autoradiography. This report presents a more recent technique employing a DNA probe (DiGene Diagnostics, Inc) with bound horseradish peroxidase and visualization of the in situ hybridization with diaminobenzidine. Positive specific nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was observed in infected cells in both surgical pathology and autopsy specimens.