cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Carcinonemertes (Hoplonemertea: Carcinonemertidae) living in association with leucosiid crabs from California and Tasmania

Two new species of Carcinonemertes are described from leucosiid crabs found in the northeast and southwest Pacific Ocean. Carcinonemertes kurisi sp. nov. is associated with Randallia ornata, a crab commonly found from northern California to Baja California, Mexico. Carcinonemertes tasmanica sp. nov. is associated with Dittosa laevis, a crab found on mudflats in Hobart, off Tasmania, Australia. These are the first descriptions of Carcinonemertes recorded from leucosiid hosts. The two new species are compared with each other and other species in the genus Carcinonemertes. Diagnostic features of both species include a short stylet and a unique, corkscrew-shaped sheath. Notes and comparisons on measurements, functional morphology, distribution on host, and behaviour were obtained by examining live worms and preserved specimens.
Development of stable X-ray fluorescent tracers for use in small water systems

Abstract The use of X-ray fluorescent materials to trace the path of fluid-bound pollutants in small water systems is discussed.
Coordinating GPU threads for OpenMP 4.0 in LLVM

GPUs devices are becoming critical building blocks of High-Performance platforms for performance and energy efficiency reasons. As a consequence, parallel programming environment such as OpenMP were extended to support offloading code to such devices. OpenMP compilers are faced with offering an efficient implementation of device-targeting constructs.One main issue in implementing OpenMP on a GPU is related to efficiently supporting sequential and parallel regions, as GPUs are only optimized to execute highly parallel workloads. Multiple solutions to this issue were proposed in previous research. In this paper, we propose a method to coordinate threads in an NVIDIA GPU that is both efficient and easily integrated as part of a compiler. To support our claims, we developed CUDA programs that mimic multiple coordination schemes and we compare their performances. We show that a scheme based on dynamic parallelism performs poorly compared to inspector-executor schemes that we introduce in this paper. We also discuss how to integrate these schemes to the LLVM compiler infrastructure.
Counseling and Values Publication Patterns from 1990 to 2009

The authors reviewed publication patterns for articles published from 1990 to 2009 in the journal Counseling and Values. Article content and author demographic characteristics (i.e., sex of authors, nation of domicile, employment setting of authors, frequently contributing individuals and universities) were analyzed by 5-year periods for trends over time. Specific attention was given to periodic changes in characteristics of research articles, including types of research designs, quantitative/qualitative approach, participant types, random assignment, sample size, intervention/nonintervention focus, and statistical procedures used.
Cancer quality-ASSIST supportive oncology quality indicator set feasibility, reliability, and validity testing

BACKGROUND: Although measuring the quality of symptom management and end-of-life care could help provide a basis for improving supportive care for advanced cancer, few quality indicators in this area have been rigorously developed or evaluated. METHODS: The authors conducted a pilot evaluation of a comprehensive set of 92 supportive oncology quality indicators, Cancer Quality-ASSIST, including outpatient and hospital indicators for symptoms commonly related to cancer and its treatment and information and care planning. They operationalized the indicators and developed an electronic abstraction tool and extensive guidelines and training materials. Quality assurance nurses abstracted the medical records for 356 advanced cancer patients in 2 settings: a Veterans Administration hospital and an academic hospital and cancer center. The authors evaluated the indicators' feasibility, inter-rater reliability, and validity. RESULTS: The authors successfully evaluated 78 indicators across the domains; results were similar in the 2 settings. They could not feasibly evaluate 3 indicators because of low prevalence; 22 indicators had significant inter-rater reliability issues, 9 had significant validity issues, and 3 had both reliability and validity issues, leaving a set of 41 indicators most promising for further testing and use in this population, with an overall kappa score of 0.85 for specified care. CONCLUSIONS: Of 92 Cancer Quality-ASSIST quality indicators for symptoms, treatment toxicity, and information and care planning, 41 were sufficiently feasible, reliable, and valid to be used for patients with advanced cancer in these settings. This set of indicators shows promise for describing key supportive care processes in advanced cancer.
In vitro activity of 43 antimicrobial agents tested against ampicillin-resistant enterococci and gram-positive species resistant to vancomycin.

Abstract A total of 57 strains of ampicillin-resistant and -susceptible enterococci representing 10 species and 23 strains of vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive bacteria (Leuconostoc and Pediococcus) were tested to determine their susceptibility to 43 antimicrobial agents by the reference broth microdilution method. The drug MICs for the ampicillin-resistant enterococci were generally similar to those of ampicillin-susceptible strains, that is, highly resistant to cephalosporins, moderately susceptible or resistant to quinolones, and susceptible to "glycopeptides." Some investigational quinolones (PD127391, sparfloxacin, WIN57273), minocycline, and rifampin were highly active. Vancomycin-resistant strains were usually resistant to other "glycopeptides," for which correlation coefficients of MICs ranged from 0.881 to 0.978, except ramoplanin (MICs, 0.008–0.5 μg/ml). Most isolates resistant to vancomycin were susceptible to the newer quinolones, penicillins, aminoglycosides, clindamycin, and erythromycin, but highly resistant to cephalosporins. Discrepancies between the MICs and MBCs for glycopeptides were noted (⩾8-fold, MBC 50 /MIC 50 ), but not for ramoplanin. The vancomycin disk test was in 96.1% absolute agreement by identifying resistant strains without contributing false-susceptible, very major error.
The limits of autonomy in thyroid oncology

Abstract: It is widely believed that respecting patient autonomy obligates practitioners to accede to all patients’ preferences and requests regardless of potential consequences to their health or to the professional integrity of the practitioner. This is a false belief that misrepresents the basic theoretical concepts surrounding the principles of autonomy and respect for persons, which must be balanced with other core medical ethical principles. There are many situations in which there are limits to autonomy. This clinical ethics article, intended for clinicians, will discuss various conditions in which autonomy-limiting principles and concepts apply, which are specific to the thyroid oncology context. The ethical and legal obligations of thyroid oncologists in such situations will also be explored.
Towards Insider Threat Detection Using Psychophysiological Signals

Insider threat is one of the greatest concerns for the information security system that could cause greater financial losses and damages than any other attacks. Recently many studies have been proposed to monitor and detect the insider attacks. However, implementing an effective detection system is a very challenging task. In this paper, we investigate the usability of human bio-signals to detect the malicious insiders in real time. We present an insider threat monitoring and detection framework based on the electroencephalography (EEG) signals to distinguish between normal and malicious activities. We describe the framework and its components. We then evaluate the proposed framework using several real world scenarios. The results show that the detection accuracy of the malicious activities is up to 90% and demonstrate that electroencephalography (EEG) can reveal valuable knowledge about the user behaviors and could be a very effective solution for detecting insider threats.
Evolution in the structure and function of carboxyl proteases.

A model for the structure and function of extracellular carboxyl (acid) proteases can be established from three amino acid sequences and four crystal structures of these enzymes. The carboxyl proteases from gastric and fungal origins are very homologous in both primary and tertiary structures. The molecules consist of about 320 residues organized with a secondary structure which is primarily comprised of β-strands and very similar tertiary structures. An apparent binding cleft, which can accommodate a substrate with about eight amino acid residues, contains near its midpoint the active center residues Asp-215, Asp-32, and Ser-35. These three residues are hydrogen bonded to each other.
Index-mismatch scattering approach to optical limiting

A densely packed bed of alkaline earth fluoride particles percolated by a fluid medium has been investigated as potential index-matched optical limiter in the spirit of a Christiansen-Shelyubskii filter. Marked optical limiting was observed through this transparent medium under conditions where the focused second-harmonic output of a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser was on the order of about 1 J/cm 2 . An open- aperture Z-scan technique was used to quantify the limiting behavior. In this case, the mechanism of optical limiting is thought to be a nonlinear shift in the fluid index of refraction, resulting in an index mismatch between the disparate phases at high laser fluence. This induced mismatch appears to be promoted by localized electric field enhancement present near the sharp edges at the crystallite/fluid boundaries. Index mismatch between the two phases leads to multiple reflections, loss of coherence, and a significant transmission decrease due to Mie scattering. The presence of many boundaries significantly amplifies the effect. The role of thermally induced changes in refractive index for this system appears to be relatively small in pulsed-laser experiments. However, cw-laser blocking was achieved by a thermal mechanism when an absorber (iodine) was dissolved in the liquid phase. Fundamental studies of such systems are used to verify theoretical predictions of the limiting effect, and aid in the design and development of improved limiters based upon this optical deflection approach.
Cycloaddition reactions of dihapto-coordinated furans.

Complexes of the type [TpRe(CO)(L)(η2-furan)], where Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate and L = PMe3 (1) or tBuNC (2), undergo dipolar cycloadditions with TCNE (tetracyanoethylene) to afford 7-oxabicycloheptene complexes 3 and 4, respectively. The corresponding 2-methylfuran complexes (5 and 7) for these L ligands give similar methyloxabicycloheptene complexes (6 and 8), with a diastereomer ratio >20:1 for 8. For L = N-methylimidazole (MeIm, 9), TCNE oxidizes the complex, but cycloadditions can be achieved with DMAD (dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate) as the electrophile. Three complexes are observed: one in which DMAD undergoes a cycloaddition with the carbonyl ylide form of the complex (10C), and two complexes that are coordination diastereomers where DMAD has undergone a formal [2+2] cycloaddition with the uncoordinated double bond of the 4,5-η2-furan ligand (10B and 10A). With the imidazole complex of 2-methylfuran (11), only the [2+2] products (12B and 12A) are observed. In the case of the 2,5-dimethyl...
Re-Entrant Fiberoptic Approach To Rotation Sensing

We are investigating a new approach to inertial rotation sensing which we refer to as an active re-entrant Sagnac system (ARS). It is aimed at rotation rates extending to very low values, as required in such amplications as navigation, guidance and geophysical measurements. It employs a multiturn fiber optic loop containing an internal optical amplifier, and uses pulsed optical signals introduced by an external laser oscillator which make multiple recirculations around the loop. Its output signal is a time-sampled sinusoidal waveform having the same frequency as the beat frequency in a standard oscillating ring laser gyro (RLG) having the same loop diameter. Like the RLG, it is basically an integrating rate gyro, in which digital cycle counting is used to determine the angle turned through. It is basically free of the mode locking effect encountered with RLG's, and has prospect for higher sensitivity to rotation. Experiments using cw light are described, which include new re-sults on removing instabilities and environmental sensitivities from fiber gyros. Initial experiments on pulsed recirculation without an amplifier are described, which affirm the basic recirculation principle. Work is beginning on development of a fiber amplifier for use in a full ARS experiment.
Efficacy, Self-Derogation, and Alcohol Use Among Inner-City Adolescents: Gender Matters

Prior studies have found inconsistent relationships between measures of self-concept and adolescent alcohol use. The current study explored whether the link between various measures of self-concept and alcohol use depends on gender. In addition, earlier work suggested a focus on negative self-esteem (i.e., self-derogation) might be more useful in predicting alcohol use. Students (N = 1459) attending 22 middle and junior high schools in New York City completed surveys that included measures of efficacy, self-derogation, and alcohol use. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up. Data collectors administered the questionnaire following a standardized protocol during a regular 40-min-class period. On the basis of a longitudinal structural equation model, lower efficacy was related to greater self-derogation a year later across gender. Increased self-derogation predicted higher alcohol use for girls but not boys. These findings are congruent with a literature highlighting the importance of negative thoughts about the self in drinking behavior for women but not men. The results suggest that the alcohol prevention approaches should include material to enhance girls' self-esteem.
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of isotopic enrichment of 6-15NH2 in adenine nucleotides

Abstract A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the determination of isotopic abundance in [6-15NH2]adenine nucleotides is described. The method involves formation of the di-t-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) derivative of adenine following isolation of the nucleotide fraction with solid-phase ion-exchange chromatography and subsequent acid hydrolysis of nucleotides to free base. Mass spectra for both adenine-diTBDMS and [6-15NH2]adenine-diTBDMS were obtained to identify those ions containing the 6-NH2 moiety. The base peak ( m z 306) was formed by loss of C4H9 (57) and constitutes approximately one-third of the total ion current. Using selected ion monitoring of the m z 306/m/z 307 ratio, levels of isotopic abundance of 1.0–50.0 mol% excess could be measured reproducibly with the injection of 10–20 pmol of the adenine-diTBDMS derivative obtained from isolated rat hepatocytes. Confirmation that measured isotopic abundance was referable to labeling of the 6-15NH2 group was obtained by oxidation of adenine to hypoxanthine and determination of enrichment in the hypoxanthine-diTBDMS derivative. The method was used to study the formation of [6-15NH2]adenine nucleotides during the incubation of isolated rat hepatocytes with [15N]alanine. A level of approximately 6.0 mol% excess was observed at 60 min incubation.
Experimental consequences of a multiperipheral bootstrap model

Abstract Lower energy corrections to a recently proposed model of high energy elastic scattering are estimated and the predictions of the model compared with experiment. The agreement with the t-dependence of pp elastic differential cross sections at small t is excellent, but the agreement with the s-dependence is less compelling.
Stable transformation of lettuce cultivar South Bay from cotyledon explants

Transgenic plants of lettuce cultivar (cv.) ‘South Bay’ were produced by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens vectors containing the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and the NPT II gene for kanamycin resistance as a selectable marker. High frequency of transformation, based on kanamycin resistance and assays for GUS expression, was obtained with 24 to 72-h-old cotyledon explants cocultivated for 48 h with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. After the cocultivation period, the explants were placed in selection medium containing 50 or 100 mg l−1 of kanamycin, 100 mg l−1 cefotaxime and 500 mg l−1 carbenicillin for 10 days. Surviving explants were transferred every 14 days on shoot elongation medium. Progenies of R0 plants demonstrated linked monogenic segregation for kanamycin resistance and GUS activity.
Improved thermodynamic modelling of the no-vent fill process and correlation with experimental data

The United States plans to establish a permanent manned presence in space and to explore the Solar System have created the need to efficiently handle large quantities of subcritical cryogenic fluids, particularly propellants such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, in low- to zero-gravity environments. One of the key technologies to be developed for fluid handling is the ability to transfer the cryogens between storage and spacecraft tanks. The no-vent fill method has been identified as one way to perform this transfer. In order to understand how to apply this method, a model of the no-vent fill process is being developed and correlated with experimental data. The verified models then can be used to design and analyze configurations for tankage and subcritical fluid depots. This paper discusses the development of an improved macroscopic thermodynamic model of the no-vent fill process and correlates the analytical results from the computer program implementation of the model with experimental results for two different test tanks at NASA Lewis Research Center.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of immunoglobulin G and M antibodies to teichoic acid in intravascular staphylococcal disease.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to cell-wall teichoic acids ofStaphylococcus aureus and three defined coagulase-negative staphylococci was tested using serum samples from 11 cases of intravascular coagulasenegative staphylococcal infections, 13 cases ofStaphylococcus aureus endocarditis, and 24 patients with no evidence of infection. IgG antibody titers to all four teichoic acids in the 13 patients withStaphylococcus aureus endocarditis were significantly different from those in noninfected control patients (p<0.0001). In contrast, IgG antibody titers in serum from 11 cases of intravascular coagulase-negative Staphylococcal infection were not significantly different from those in control sera. There were no differences in IgM antibody titers of the three groups. Although the ELISA was sensitive in detectingStaphylococcus aureus endocarditis, it was not reliable in the detection of intravascular coagulasenegative Staphylococcal infections, even when tested with specific teichoic acid.
Localization of ulnar neuropathy with conduction block across the elbow.

We performed short segment incremental stimulation on 13 consecutive patients with ulnar neuropathy across the elbow (UNE) and conduction block. Conduction block occurred proximal to the medial epicondyle in 62%, at the epicondyle in 23%, and below the elbow in 15%. The ulnar nerve may be more prone to external compression above the elbow than previously recognized. Short segment incremental studies are useful to identify conduction block above the elbow in such patients.
On the interaction picture

It is shown that the difficulties connected with Haag's theorem can be bypassed, without losing Euclidean invariance, if the time evolution is considered as being only locally unitarily implementable.
Using the Snesim program for multiple-point statistical simulation

Traditionally, there are two mainstream avenues for geostatistical modeling: pixel-based two-point simulation and object-based simulation. Each is good at either data conditioning or reproducing geological shapes, but none is good at both. Multiple-point simulation combines the strengths of these two avenues. As an advanced pixel-based technique, it inherits the flexibility of pixel-based techniques by building the model one pixel at a time, hence data conditioning is easily achieved; it is also capable of reproducing curvilinear geological shapes through borrowing multiple-point statistics from a training image. The snesim code provides such a multiple-point simulation program. A training image is used to represent the prior geological knowledge, which is scanned to obtain the conditioning probability values for the central node belonging to a facies category given any multiple-point conditioning data event. These training probability values are stored in a search tree a prior to simulation. Then in a sequential simulation mode, at each uninformed node, according to its specific conditioning data event a probability value is retrieved from the search tree, and a value is simulated from it. There are many input parameters to the snesim program, the impact of which might not be immediately clear to people who are not familiar with the code. In this paper, we aim at bringing important aspects of this program and providing practical guidelines to using the program. Sensivity analyses are performed on the important input parameters. The results are analyzed and recommendations are provided on how to set these parameters appropriately.
Empirical intermolecular potentials for N2 and CO2 from crystal data

Lattice frequencies and energies are calculated with an n‐6 atom‐atom potential to fit recent Raman spectra of solid N2 and neutron scattering data of solid CO2. It is found that n ∞ 9 provides a slightly better fit than the previously used n = 12. The atom‐atom potential, giving a fit of about 10% to experimental data, is compared with other potentials and it is pointed out that it can be modified and supplemented by other terms (a quadrupole potential) so as to yield a more realistic potential model, having the expected forms at the limits of large and small intermolecular distance.
Sensitometric comparison of Kodak EKTASPEED Plus, Ektaspeed, and Ultra-speed Dental Films.

In 1994, Eastman Kodak Co. (Rochester, N.Y.) marketed EKTASPEED Plus dental film to combine the advantages of the contrast of Ultra-speed film and the speed of Ektaspeed film. EKTASPEED Plus film uses T-Grain Emulsion technology similar to that used in the manufacture of the light-sensitive indirect exposure Kodak T-Mat film. This study compared the sensitometric properties of Ultra-speed, Ektaspeed, and EKTASEED Plus dental films. EKTASPEED Plus film was faster than Ektaspeed film at all film densities. Ektaspeed film became slower at higher densities and around a density of 1.9 became even slower than the Ultra-speed film. EKTASPEED Plus film had high inherent contrast and narrow exposure latitude similar to that of Ultra-speed film, whereas Ektaspeed film had low inherent contrast and wide exposure latitude. In conclusion, EKTASPEED Plus film had the advantages of the high contrast of Ultra-speed film and the high speed of Ektaspeed film. It maintained its high speed at high densities.
Focal neurological injury caused by West Nile virus infection may occur independent of patient age and premorbid health.

Abstract Introduction Limited evidence suggests that focal neurological injury (e.g., acute flaccid paralysis) caused by infection with the West Nile virus (WNV) is more common in older patients. We re-evaluate this association in a series of patients who were infected with the WNV during the 2002 epidemic. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 34 patients who were hospitalized for treatment of serologically confirmed WNV infection. Measurements included the patient's demographic characteristics, baseline medical diagnoses, the occurrence of symptoms and exam findings, the results of various diagnostic tests, and the patient's clinical outcome. Results Patients infected with the WNV who developed focal neurological injury were found to be comparable to patients who did not develop focal neurological injury both in terms of patient age and the number of medical conditions the patient had prior to infection. This is in contrast to WNV-infected patients who developed an encephalitis-like clinical course, or who died or were institutionalized after their hospitalization; such patients tended to be older and–in cases with a poor outcome–have more medical conditions prior to WNV infection. Conclusions In our patient group, focal neurological injury caused by WNV infection was not related to advanced patient age or to the number of medical conditions the patient had prior to infection. Our findings bring into question commonly held views about the development of focal neurological injury caused by WNV infection, and they raise concerns about the management of future WNV epidemics and the testing and use of potential antiviral treatments against this infection.
VISCOMETRIC FLOWS OF THIRD GRADE FLUIDS

The fluid of second grade has a remarkable property in common with the Classical linearly viscous fluid in that viscometric measurements suffice to determine the form of the constitutive relation for all flows ( cf. Truesdell [i], [2] ). This property does not carry over in general to arbitrary third grade fluids. However, if the third grade fluids are required to be thermodynamically compatible in the sense that all arbitrary motions of the fluid meet the Clausius-Duhem inequality and the assumption that the specific Helmholtz free energy of the fluid be a minimum in equilibrium, it is found that the class of thermodynamically compatible third grade fluids can indeed be characterized completely by means of viscometric data.
Numerical solutions to radial form of transistor equations

Developpement d'une technique numerique permettant d'obtenir des solutions radiales des equations de transistors avec des conditions initiales
Multi scale modeling and characterization of inelastic deformation mechanisms in continuous fiber and 2D woven fabric reinforced metal matrix composites

Abstract Continuous unidirectional ceramic fiber and woven fabric reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) have potential to obtain very high specific strengths and stiffnesses, but use in structural applications has thus far been limited by their inherently low ductility, particularly in tensile loading conditions. In this work, a multi-scale micromechanics based finite element framework is used to predict, and understand the effect of microstructure on the tensile deformation behavior, including progressive damage and failure, of ceramic fiber and fabric reinforced MMCs. A hierarchal approach is implemented in which a micro-scale model is used to determine the transversely isotropic elasto-plastic mechanical behavior of unidirectional fiber reinforced MMC based on the properties of an aluminum alloy matrix, individual ceramic fibers, and the fiber–matrix interface. The validated transversely isotropic constitutive behavior is then input into a unit cell model for a woven fabric MMC consisting of unidirectional MMC tows in an aluminum matrix. Parallel experimental tensile testing and characterization of fracture mechanisms are used to validate our model for unidirectional and 2D weave fabric MMC. Cohesive zones are used to model the interfacial properties at both scales and we are able to quantify the contribution of various deformation and damage mechanisms such as ductile matrix failure, interfacial decohesion, transverse plasticity, and axial fiber fracture to the overall mechanical response of the MMC. It was found that interfacial debonding contributes significantly to the inelastic response of unidirectional and woven fabric MMC and that experimental data are relatively well reproduced by a model that assumes a weak interfacial debonding cohesive law (maximum allowable interface stresses on the order of 100 MPa and total work of decohesion=75 J/m2).
Mechanisms of deoxynivalenol-induced gene expression and apoptosis

Fusarium infection of agricultural staples such as wheat, barley and corn with concurrent production of deoxynivalenol (DON) and other trichothecene mycotoxins is an increasingly common problem worldwide. In addition to its emetic effects, chronic dietary exposure to DON causes impaired weight gain, anorexia, decreased nutritional efficiency and immune dysregulation in experimental animals. Trichothecenes are both immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive depending on dose, frequency and duration of exposure as well as type of immune function assay. Monocytes, macrophages, as well as T- and B-lymphocytes of the immune system can be cellular targets of DON and other trichothecenes. In vitro exposure to low trichothecene concentrations upregulates expression both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally of cytokines, chemokines and inflammatory genes with concurrent immune stimulation, whereas exposure to high concentrations promotes leukocyte apoptosis with concomitant immune suppression. DON and other trichothecenes, via a mechanism known as the 'ribotoxic stress response', bind to ribosomes and rapidly activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The latter are important transducers of downstream signalling events related to immune response and apoptosis. Using cloned macrophages, two critical upstream transducers of DON-induced MAPK activation have been identified. One transducer is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase (PKR), a widely expressed serine/threonine protein kinase that can be activated by dsRNA, interferon and other agents. The other transducer is haematopoetic cell kinase (Hck), a non-receptor associated Src oncogene family kinase. Pharmacological inhibitors and gene suppression studies have revealed that Hck and PKR contribute to DON-induced gene expression and apoptosis. PKR, Hck and other kinases bind to the ribosome and are activated following DON interaction. Future studies will focus on the sequence of molecular events at the ribosome level that drive selective activation of these upstream kinases.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles grafted with poly(itaconic acid)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Abstract Superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were modified with a pH and temperature responsive block copolymer, poly(itaconic acid)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIA-b-PNIPAM), via aqueous surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). Neat and modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to discern morphology and chemical composition. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to obtain the particle size distribution and phase transitions in response to temperature, and the grafting percentage, respectively. The Fe3O4–PIA-b-PNIPAM nanocomposites have a magnetic core surrounded by a ‘shell’ comprised of a block copolymer with amphiphilic stimuli-responsive blocks. The chemical composition and morphology of these MNPs modified with PIA-b-PNIPAM was confirmed, and the thermoresponsiveness of the size of these nanocomposites was demonstrated.
Downstream gas pricing in an era of upstream deregulation

State public service commission regulation of gas utility pricing is examined during the period of wellhead price deregulation. A model which incorporates asymmetry in price setting during a period of changing input costs is estimated. Statistical analyses suggest public service commission regulation slowed the increase in gas utility prices during periods of rising costs. Gas utility pricing was not monitored as closely when purchased gas prices fell, thereby altering the rate structure in favor of industrial customers. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission policies designed to promote competition by restructuring the transmission sector of the gas industry after 1985 appear to have suppressed retail prices in industrial markets.
Suicidal behavior in mentally retarded adolescents an overlooked problem

Three cases of suicidal behavior manifested by mentally retarded psychiatric inpatient adolescents are described. The concept of suicidal potential in light of the cognitive deficit of mentally retarded individuals is discussed. The authors suggest that suicide and suicidal behavior are overlooked in mentally retarded individuals.
Comparison of Methods to Remove Endogenous Iron from Soy Protein Isolates

The relative effectiveness of ion exchange, dialysis, heating and partial enzyme digestion treatments and the use of EDTA, oxalate, and ascorbic acid was evaluated for removing endogenous Fe from soy protein isolate. The pH 2 ascorbic acid dialysis treatment removed about 60% of the endogenous Fe from soy isolate, but the neutral to mildly alkaline treatments generally failed to remove > 30% of the endogenous Fe. The results of this study were interpreted to indicate that factors other than the proposed phytate-Fe-protein complex were responsible in large measure for the incomplete removal of endogenous Fe from soy protein isolate.
CH4 production via CO2 reduction in a temperate bog: A source of 13C-depIeted CH4

The paper reports measurements, taken over two annual cycles, of the flux and delta(C-13) of CH4 released from an acidic peat bog located in the foothills of the Cascade Range in Washington state, U.S. Measurements of the rate of aceticlastic methanogenesis and CO2 reduction in peat soil, using (C-14)-labeled acetate and sodium bicarbonate, show that acetate was not an important CH4 precursor and that CO2 reduction could account for all of the CH4 production. The in situ kinetic isotope effect for CO2 reduction, calculated using the delta-(C-13) of soil water CO2 and CH4 flux, was 0.932 +/- 0.007.
Religion and Nineteenth-Century Voting Behavior: A New Look at Some Old Data

Recent studies of nineteenth-century voting behavior have focused on how economic variables influenced elections during this period. Employing underutilized individual-level data from the 1870s, this paper argues that such studies overstate the influence of economic variables upon electoral behavior. Specifically, Democratic voters principally cast ballots on the basis of economic issues and divisions, while Republicans were primarily concerned with religious and cultural issues. These results suggest that the Democratic and Republican parties attracted voters on the basis of different policy dimensions, indicating that both ethnocultural and economic considerations affected both political parties, albeit in divergent ways.
An Empirical Study of the Ergonomic Design of Pill Bottle Caps for the Elderly

A central requirement of designing pharmaceutical containers is designing for the elderly and those with poor manual dexterity (e.g., arthritis); however, in an effort to reduce the number of accidental poisonings in children each year it is vital to make pharmaceutical containers child resistant. This study entails an empirical examination of several commonly used child resistant containers (CRCs) across younger (≤35) and older adults (≥50). Results indicated that both younger and older adults could use the containers. However, results did differ on task completion times and rates of perceived exertion for bottle cap design, which was dependent upon both bottle size and CRC design. Design recommendations were made, to employ larger bottles with CRC designs that emphasize mental over physical dexterity (i.e., align-arrow cap design) and smaller more easily managed bottles with CRC designs that emphasize physical dexterity (i.e., push and twist cap design). Language: en
Overcoming the losses of a split ring resonator array with gain

We present a computational approach, allowing for a self-consistent treatment of a split ring resonator (SRR) array with a gain layer underneath. We apply three different pumping schemes on the gain layer: (1) homogeneously pumped isotropic gain, (2) homogeneously pumped isotropic gain with a shadow cast by the SRR and (3) anisotropic gain pumped in a selected direction only. We show numerically the magnetic losses of the SRR can be compensated by the gain. The difference on loss compensations among the three pumping schemes is analyzed by the electric field distribution. Studies also show the dielectric background of gain does not affect the loss compensation much for the gain only pumped in the direction parallel to the SRR plane.
Rigorous design of robust predictive controllers for processes with more inputs than outputs

Abstract In this paper we present a design methodology for multivariable Quadratic Dynamic Matrix Control (QDMC) systems with more manipulated variables than outputs. The algorithm requires the utilization of an end-condition and calculates low bounds on the move suppression coefficients in the on-line objective function. We show that these bounds are the solutions of an off-line constrained nonlinear minimization problem. The technique guarantees the robust stability of the closed-loop system, when both input and output constraints are present. The success of the method is illustrated through the application to an industrial case.
Preadolescent Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders and the Ecology of Risk and Protection

ABSTRACT This paper examines the literature regarding preadolescent (ages 9–12) psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, substance abuse disorders and the ecology of risk and protection. The paper is divided into three primary sections. The first section addresses the challenges in defining and applying disorders for preadolescents. The next section reviews the prevalence of psychiatric disturbances and substance abuse among preadolescents. This section also examines the state of knowledge regarding the emotional problems that do not meet DSM-IV criteria as disorders but that may be prodromal for future disorders. The final section reviews risks and preventive factors as well as an ecological theoretical framework that organizes the influences of psychiatric disturbances and substance use. The primary conclusion drawn from this review of the literature is that preadolescence is a critical developmental crossroads for the expression of mental health problems and the initiation of substance abuse and ...
Elastin fragments drive disease progression in a murine model of emphysema

Mice lacking macrophage elastase (matrix metalloproteinase-12, or MMP-12) were previously shown to be protected from the development of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and from the accumulation of lung macrophages normally induced by chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. To determine the basis for macrophage accumulation in experimental emphysema, we now show that bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from WT smoke-exposed animals contained chemotactic activity for monocytes in vitro that was absent in lavage fluid from macrophage elastase-deficient mice. Fractionation of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated the presence of elastin fragments only in the fractions containing chemotactic activity. An mAb against elastin fragments eliminated both the in vitro chemotactic activity and cigarette smoke-induced monocyte recruitment to the lung in vivo. Porcine pancreatic elastase was used to recruit monocytes to the lung and to generate emphysema. Elastin fragment antagonism in this model abrogated both macrophage accumulation and airspace enlargement.
The Metabolizable Energy of Waxy vs. Normal Corn for Poultry

Abstract Waxy corn sometimes becomes available to the feed industry when its supply exceeds the demand of the wet milling industry. Several research papers in the past have evaluated the feeding value and/or metabolizable energy (ME) of waxy as opposed to normal corn. Unfortunately, several artifacts present in most of these studies complicate an interpretation of published data. True metabolizable energy (TMEn) assays were conducted on three sets of normal and waxy versions of the same corn hybrids. It was confirmed that corn hybrids vary in metabolizable energy. The TMEn of the three normal hybrids used in this study ranged from 3883 to 4024 kcal/kg (dry basis). However, results do not indicate a difference in TMEn of waxy vs. normal corn of the same hybrid. Thus, when formulating poultry rations with waxy corn, there is no reason to make any adjustment in metabolizable energy unless the specific hybrid is known to be low or high in caloric or protein value.
Some Aspects of the Chemistry of Nonenzymatic Browning (The Maillard Reaction)

When food preparations are heat processed or stored for long periods of time, a number of chemical reactions occur. Among these are the Maillard reaction (nonenzymatic browning). The Maillard reaction involves the reaction of an aldehyde (usually a reducing sugar) and an amine (usually a protein or amino acid) in its initial stages. The reaction, first studied and reported by Maillard (1916), is, in reality, a multiplicity of reactions. As a result of the initial interaction of sugars and amines, volatile food flavors and aromas are produced, ultraviolet (UV) absorbing compounds are produced, and dark-colored polymeric materials arise. Although this reaction is important in the processing of foods and has been the object of numerous studies, the details of the reaction are still poorly understood. Probably the most definitive (from the standpoint of chemistry) studies have involved the use of model systems, most often simple sugars and amino acids or other organic amines.
Education Reform in New Orleans: Voices from the Recovery School District

In the post-Katrina education landscape in New Orleans, teachers in charter schools and district-run schools in the Recovery School District are uniquely situated to provide a direct eyewitness account of the successes and failures of the city's new direction in public education. This narrative presents the opinions of teachers in a critical assessment of recent reforms. This piece is a condensed overview of a qualitative study that took place during the 2010–11 academic year.
Land Use, Macroalgae, and a Tumor-Forming Disease in Marine Turtles

Wildlife diseases are an increasing concern for endangered species conservation, but their occurrence, causes, and human influences are often unknown. We analyzed 3,939 records of stranded Hawaiian green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) over 28 years to understand fibropapillomatosis, a tumor-forming disease linked to a herpesvirus. Turtle size is a consistent risk factor and size-standardized models revealed considerable spatial and temporal variability. The disease peaked in some areas in the 1990s, in some regions rates remained constant, and elsewhere rates increased. Land use, onshore of where the turtles feed, may play a role. Elevated disease rates were clustered in watersheds with high nitrogen-footprints; an index of natural and anthropogenic factors that affect coastal eutrophication. Further analysis shows strong epidemiological links between disease rates, nitrogen-footprints, and invasive macroalgae and points to foraging ecology. These turtles now forage on invasive macroalgae, which can dominate nutrient rich waters and sequester environmental N in the amino acid arginine. Arginine is known to regulate immune activity, promote herpesviruses, and contribute to tumor formation. Our results have implications for understanding diseases in aquatic organisms, eutrophication, herpesviruses, and tumor formation.
Future Directions for Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

This article suggests future directions for research aimed at improving our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions for ASD across the lifespan. The past few years have witnessed unprecedented transformations in the understanding of ASD neurobiology, genetics, early identification, and early intervention. However, recent increases in ASD prevalence estimates highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to translate novel ASD discoveries into effective interventions for all individuals with ASD. In this article we highlight promising areas for ongoing and new research expected to quicken the pace of scientific discovery and ultimately the translation of research findings into accessible and empirically supported interventions for those with ASD. We highlight emerging research in the following domains as particularly promising and pressing: (a) preclinical models, (b) experimental therapeutics, (c) early identification and intervention, (d) psychiatric comorbidities and the Research Domain Criteria initiative, (e) ecological momentary assessment, (f) neurotechnologies, and (g) the needs of adults with ASD. Increased research emphasis in these areas has the potential to hasten the translation of knowledge on the etiological mechanisms of ASD to psychosocial and biological interventions to reduce the burden of ASD on affected individuals and their families.
Emerging roles of junctophilin-2 in the heart and implications for cardiac diseases

Cardiomyocytes rely on a highly specialized subcellular architecture to maintain normal cardiac function. In a little over a decade, junctophilin-2 (JPH2) has become recognized as a cardiac structural protein critical in forming junctional membrane complexes (JMCs), which are subcellular domains essential for excitation–contraction coupling within the heart. While initial studies described the structure of JPH2 and its role in anchoring junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse-tubule (T-tubule) membrane invaginations, recent research has an expanded role of JPH2 in JMC structure and function. For example, JPH2 is necessary for the development of postnatal T-tubule in mammals. It is also critical for the maintenance of the complex JMC architecture and stabilization of local ion channels in mature cardiomyocytes. Loss of this function by mutations or down-regulation of protein expression has been linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and progression of disease in failing hearts. In this review, we summarize current views on the roles of JPH2 within the heart and how JPH2 dysregulation may contribute to a variety of cardiac diseases.
Intraperitoneal Use of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose in Horses Undergoing Exploratory Celiotomy

The effect of intraperitoneal sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) administration on clinical outcome and survival was evaluated in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for acute gastrointestinal disease. Comparison of variables was made retrospectively between 44 horses that had SCMC and 92 horses (controls) not treated with SCMC. Mean age, body weight, heart rate, packed cell volume and plasma total protein of horses at admission, and convalescent period were not significantly different between control and SCMC groups. No significant differences were noted between control horses and SCMC horses with respect to incisional infection, hernia formation, recurrent episodes of colic, clinical outcome, and long-term survival (> 6 months). Seventy-six (83%) control horses and 34 (77%) SCMC horses survived long-term. Seventy (76%) control horses and 30 (68%) SCMC horses survived without complications and returned to their previous use. These results suggest that intraperitoneal use of SCMC does not adversely affect abdominal incisional wound healing, clinical outcome or long-term survival, however, the efficacy of SCMC in prevention of postoperative intestinal adhesions in horses requires further investigation.