cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanosensitive TRPV4 channels stabilize VE-cadherin junctions to regulate tumor vascular integrity and metastasis.

Abstract The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel is a mechanosensor in endothelial cells (EC) that regulates cyclic strain-induced reorientation and flow-mediated nitric oxide production. We have recently demonstrated that TRPV4 expression is reduced in tumor EC and tumors grown in TRPV4KO mice exhibited enhanced growth and immature leaky vessels. However, the mechanism by which TRPV4 regulates tumor vascular integrity and metastasis is not known. Here, we demonstrate that VE-cadherin expression at the cell-cell contacts is significantly reduced in TRPV4-deficient tumor EC and TRPV4KO EC. In vivo angiogenesis assays with Matrigel of varying stiffness (700–900 Pa) revealed a significant stiffness-dependent reduction in VE-cadherin-positive vessels in Matrigel plugs from TRPV4KO mice compared with WT mice, despite an increase in vessel growth. Further, syngeneic Lewis Lung Carcinomatumor experiments demonstrated a significant decrease in VE-cadherin positive vessels in TRPV4KO tumors compared with WT. Functionally, enhanced tumor cell metastasis to the lung was observed in TRPV4KO mice. Our findings demonstrate that TRPV4 channels regulate tumor vessel integrity by maintaining VE-cadherin expression at cell-cell contacts and identifies TRPV4 as a novel target for metastasis.
Predictors of Non-adherence to Post-Stroke Hospitalization Clinic Follow-Up (P5.246)

Objective: To define factors associated with non-adherence to post-stroke clinic arrival. Background: Stroke prevention clinics allow for longitudinal follow up of stroke patients to monitor for stroke recurrence, follow risk factors and assess barriers to adherence of secondary prevention strategies. Adherence rates to clinic follow up in these clinics remains poorly studied, however. Design/Methods: Consecutive patients with discharge diagnoses of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were identified in a prospectively collected registry at a comprehensive stroke center. We excluded patients who were not scheduled for a follow up appointment or who died before their clinic appointment. Patients were classified as a) arrived, b) cancelled by patient, or c) no-show for their clinic appointment. We compared demographics, socioeconomic (SE) factors, length of stay (LOS), geographic factors and stroke characteristics among these groups. Results: Of 226 patients included, 81 arrived, 85 cancelled and 60 were no-shows for their clinic appointments. Age, race, sex, mode of arrival and SE factors did not differ between the groups, nor did their premorbid Charlson comorbidity index. Patients were more likely to arrive for their appointment if they lived closer to the clinic (although rural/urban residence did not differ) had shorter LOS, lower admission NIHSS and lower discharge mRS. Stroke classification did not differ although AIS patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy were very likely to keep their appointment. When controlling for distance to clinic, smokers were at a higher odds of being a no show (OR 3.3 95%CI 1.3–8.5) or cancelling their appointment (OR 3.0, 95%CI 1.2–7.3). Conclusions: In this sample of stroke patients, only 35% kept their post hospitalization stroke clinic appointment. We identified several characteristics associated with lack of follow-up adherence which can guide future work to improve post hospitalization care in this high risk patient group. Disclosure: Dr. Temple has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gazi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gropen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lyerly has nothing to disclose.
Stock Splits: A Reevaluation

In theory, stocks splits do not affect a firm’s aggregate market value. Yet, firms often split their stocks to keep the price in a desired trading range and, perhaps, to make the stock more affordable to individual investors. Past studies have been inconclusive about whether shareholder returns are affected and whether the effects, if any, are due to affordability or signaling. Using fresh data, all since the decimalization of prices, the author finds positive effects on shareholder returns, but not because splits make stocks more affordable. The more compelling argument is that corporate stock splits signal a board’s confidence in the company’s prospects. For exchange-traded funds and other funds, there is little evidence that shareholders benefit from splits or are more attracted to funds after they split. TOPICS:Security analysis and valuation, exchange-traded funds and applications, performance measurement
Do Culture Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infections Remain Culture Negative

Abstract Background Diagnosis and treatment of culture negative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is challenging. There is debate over whether culture negative PJI confers increased risk of failure and which organisms are responsible. It is also unclear as to what factors predict conversion from culture negative to culture positivity. To address these issues, we performed an observational study to detect factors associated with transition from culture negative to culture positive TKA PJI in those patients that failed irrigation and debridement (I&D), determine the incidence of this transition, and identify those organisms that were associated with treatment failure. Methods A multicenter observational cohort study was performed on patients with TKA PJI as defined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria without cultured organisms and treated with I&D. Primary outcome was failure defined as any subsequent surgical procedure. Secondary outcome included cultured organism within 2 years of initial I&D. Results Two hundred sixteen TKA I&D procedures were performed for PJI, and 36 met inclusion criteria. The observed treatment failure rate for culture negative PJI treated with I&D was 41.67%. Of those culture negative I&Ds that failed, 53.33% became culture positive after failure. Of those that converted to culture positive, 62.5% were Staphylococcus species. The odds ratio associated with becoming culture positive following culture negative treatment failure in the setting of antibiotic administration prior to the initial I&D procedure was 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.14-3.47, P = .65). Conclusion Many cases of culture negative TKA PJI treated with I&D eventually fail and become culture positive. Staphylococci are common organisms identified after culture negative PJI.
Hydrogels for intraocular lenses and other ophthalmic prostheses

Abstract: The eye is unique among all organs in that it has large volumes which are completely avascular. These avascular tissues are inherently isolated from the normal immune response of the body. This ‘immunological privilege’ makes the eye an excellent candidate for permanent prostheses using hydrogels which mimic the eye’s natural soft, transparent hydrogel materials. Both the lens and vitreous humors are natural hydrogels. They transmit light from the environment to the retina, necessitating transparency. However, their mechanical function requires some elasticity. Understanding the optical and mechanical interplay in these tissues will allow successful permanent prostheses using biomimetic hydrogels. The eye is also a focal point for the investigation of hydrogel-based tissue adhesives. Since many eye surgeries require the surgeon to cut holes in the cornea, a transparent method for sealing the hole will allow continued visual function during rehabilitation. Selecting a suitable adhesive may also allow a more rapid regeneration of surrounding cells and less chance of long-term effects from the surgical procedure.
Gravitational wave memory in ΛcDM cosmology

We examine gravitational wave memory in the case where sources and detector are in a ΛCDM cosmology. We consider the case where the Universe can be highly inhomogeneous, but gravitational radiation is treated in the short wavelength approximation. We find results very similar to those of gravitational wave memory in an asymptotically flat spacetime; however, the overall magnitude of the memory effect is enhanced by a redshift-dependent factor. In addition, we find the memory can be affected by lensing.
Convergence education—an international perspective

The US National Science Foundation defines convergence as the deep integration of knowledge, techniques, and expertise from multiple fields to form new and expanded frameworks for addressing scientific and societal challenges and opportunities. Because convergence research is progressing at a rapid clip, the quick evolution of non-traditional perspectives that it engenders will present a number of challenges/opportunities to education. NSF, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine; and the University of Southern California sponsored a workshop, with global participation, to explore actions that would facilitate convergence in education. A descriptive of the workshop and the key action items it identified are presented.
Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy 1

Plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy has been used to grow the highest quality β-Ga2O3 thin films and has shown potential to realize various efficient device structures. Growth of β-Ga2O3 is defined by the suboxide desorption that limits growth rates at high temperatures and Ga fluxes. Growth in various orientations has been demonstrated with the (010) b-plane in particular showing promise for homoepitaxy due to high realized growth rates and materials quality. N-type doping with Sn, Ge, and Si has allowed for device structures that utilize electron conduction in this materials system. Heterostructures with β-(AlxGa1-x)2O3 have been used for modulation doped field effect transistors; however, thermodynamic limitations of maximum achievable Al content have limited device performance. Expanding the growth regime through metal-oxide catalyzed epitaxy using In could help improve heterostructure growth for future devices.
Unlocking the architecture of native plant cell walls via solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance

Understanding the biosynthesis and architecture of the plant cell wall is key to predictably engineering plants as a sustainable bioenergy source. Multi-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) is a promising technique to investigate the three-dimensional networks formed between cell wall components in their native state, and develop models of cell wall architecture. To do this, it is necessary to produce plant material that is highly enriched in the carbon-13 isotope (13C), since carbon-12 (12C) is inactive in NMR. Here, we present a cost-effective way to generate 13C-enriched mature plant tissue and to determine the degree of 13C incorporation. We describe a series of multi-dimensional ssNMR experiments that have been used in recent studies of cell wall architecture, and provide an introduction to interpreting the resulting ssNMR spectra.
The Balfour Declaration as a Pound of Flesh

The Merchant of Venice has haunted the Arab–Israeli conflict for over a century, its spectre perhaps no more apparent than in the metaphorical afterlife of the Balfour Declaration – reimagined by b...
Longitudinal characterization of the IgM and IgG humoral response in symptomatic COVID-19 patients using the Abbott Architect.

Abstract Background Antibody testing has recently emerged as an option to assist with determining exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Elucidation of the kinetics and duration of the humoral response is important for clinical management and interpreting results from serological surveys. Objectives Here we evaluated the clinical performance of Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG assays, as well as the longitudinal dynamics of the antibody response in symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Study design and results The diagnostic specificity was 100 % for IgM and 99.67 % for IgG using 300 pre-COVID-19 serum specimens. Using 1349 sequential serum samples collected up to 168 days post symptom onset from 427 PCR-confirmed individuals, clinical test sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 IgM assay was 24.6 % at ≤7 days, 75.3 % at 8−14 days, 95.0 % at 15−21 days, and 96.0 % at 4−5 weeks (peak test sensitivity). The median duration of time for IgM seroconversion was 10 days. IgM levels declined steadily 4−5 weeks after symptom onset, and the positive rate dropped to 30.8 % at >3 months. The diagnostic sensitivity for the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay post symptom onset was 23.2 % at ≤7 days, 69.5 % at 8−14 days, 93.6 % at 15−21 days, and 99.6 % at 4−5 weeks (peak test sensitivity). The median duration of time for IgG seroconversion was 11.5 days. During the convalescent phase of the infection, a decline in the IgG level was observed in patients who were followed for >100 days. Despite that decline, 92.3 % of the patient cohort remained IgG positive 3–6 months following symptom onset. Conclusions This study demonstrates the Abbott IgM assay against SARS-CoV-2 is detected slightly earlier compared to IgG, with both tests exhibiting excellent overall sensitivity and specificity. In symptomatic patients who test negative by PCR for a SARS-CoV-2 infection, assessing IgM and IgG antibodies can aid in supporting a diagnosis of COVID-19.
“That’s kind of like the big struggle right now is can we get PrEP?”: Facilitators and Barriers to PrEP Uptake Among Active Duty Gay and Bisexual Men

The US Military is experiencing a rise in HIV infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) serving on active duty, yet little is known about this population’s uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an evidence-based intervention for HIV prevention. This mixed methods study examines the facilitators and barriers to PrEP access and uptake among active duty GBM. Active duty GBM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (2017 and 2018). Participants (n = 93) answered quantitative survey questions on PrEP interest and accessibility. Another set of participants (n = 10) discussed their PrEP experiences in qualitative interviews. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analyses of quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed using structural and descriptive coding techniques. Approximately 71% of active duty GBM indicated interest in accessing PrEP. A greater proportion of those who disclosed (vs. did not disclose) their sexual orientation to their military doctor discussed (p < 0.001) or accessed (p = 0.017) PrEP. The following qualitative themes emerged: (1) providers’ negative views and knowledge gaps related to PrEP; (2) lack of a systems approach to PrEP access; (3) confidentiality concerns; and (4) reliance on peer networks for PrEP guidance and support. Study results indicate that active duty GBM are interested in and want to discuss PrEP with their military doctors, but gaps in providers’ PrEP-related knowledge and skills, as well as mistrust in the military health care system, remain. A system-wide approach that addresses confidentiality concerns and removes procedural barriers to PrEP access is recommended to improve PrEP uptake in this population.
Using a Machine Learning Approach to Identify Low-Frequency and Rare FLG Alleles Associated with Remission of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Filaggrin (FLG) is the gene most consistently associated with AD. Loss-of-function (LoF) variants in FLG have been previously associated with AD. Low-frequency and rare alleles (minor allele frequency
A Common Currency Peg in the GCC Area: The Optimal Choice of Exchange Rate Regime

This paper examines the impacts of external shocks on the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) prospective monetary union, while focusing on the optimal choice of the exchange rate regime. The results show that output movements in the GCC as a single bloc are driven in the shortand long-run mostly by domestic shocks and by terms of trade in the long run as well. Shocks coming from both the US dollar and the euro zones have small impacts. These results and the weak correlations with those two zones suggest that GCC bloc should peg to a basket of currencies as a transitory step on the way toward a more flexible exchange rate regime. a Middle East and Central Asia Dept. (MCD), International Monetary Fund, Washington, DC 20431. Phone: 202 623 6057, Fax: 202 623 4072, e-mail: ealeisa@imf.org. b Lebow College of Business, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: 215 895 6673, Fax: 215 895 6975, e-mail: hammousm@drexel.edu Key word: Shocks; variance decomposition; impulse response; monetary union; currency basket. JEL Classification: E52, O52, C22 1 Errors and Opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and not those of the International Monetary Fund.
Existence and separation of three forms of cytochrome P-450 from rat liver microsomes.

Abstract Rat liver microsomes contain three spectrally distinguishable forms of cytochrome P-450. Each form is identified qualitatively and quantitatively by visible spectral changes that occur when the cytochromes P-450 combine with various ligands, such as cyanide. In addition to cytochrome P-450, rat liver microsomes also contain cytochrome b5, which may be removed from the microsomes by digestion with Subtilisin VII. The relative amounts and spectral properties of the three forms of cytochrome P-450 remaining in treated particles are not altered by the partial proteolytic digestion. With difference spectral assays, methods have been developed for the chromatographic separation of the three forms of cytochrome P-450 in Subtilisin-treated particles. The particles are first treated with deoxycholate, and the clarified suspension is chromatographed on diethylaminoethylcellulose; a discontinuous gradient of KCl is used. Analysis of the affinities of the three separated forms (Forms I, II, and III) for various ligands yields the following binding constants for cyanide: Form I, K = 0.5 mm; Form II, K = 1.5 mm; Form III, K = 5.0 mm; and for octylamine: Form I, K1 = 0.025 mm and K2 = 0.12 mm; Form II, K1 = 0.016 mm and K2 = 0.056 mm; Form III, K = 0.30 mm. The binding constants are essentially identical with those observed for the three forms of cytochrome P-450 in microsomes and Subtilisin-treated particles. Thus, Subtilisin treatment, solubilization, or chromatography does not alter either the relative amounts of the three forms or their difference spectral characteristics. Assays of the three forms after various pretreatments of rats have been undertaken. The relative amounts of the three forms of cytochrome P-450 are altered by pretreatment of the rats. Form III is increased by pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene; Form II is preferentially induced by phenobarbital; and dietary ethyl alcohol preferentially induces Form I, the form of cytochrome P-450 that exhibits the highest affinity for cyanide. Thus, this work has provided not only an assay for the various forms of cytochrome P-450 and a chromatographic separation for future work on recombination of the multienzymic oxidases, but a functional relationship for the three forms is suggested by the induction experiments. These are only spectrally identifiable forms that may be separated by these procedures, and, to date, there is no information on whether or not these forms differ structurally.
Impact Vibrations of Rolling Tires

This paper is concerned with in-plane (horizontal and vertical) tire vibrations due to "impulsive" input forces which result when tires impact small or cleat-like bumps (e.g., tar strips). Such high frequency vibrations (20-100 Hz) are commonly associated with vehicle harshness. Quantitative information relating output spindle forces to different cleat inputs is obtained from rolling drum experiments on radial tires. An examination of the data reveals a nonlinear behavior not included in conventional tire equations. This phenomenon is discussed in conjunction with recent advances in tire modeling. A physical explanation is offered which attempts to describe and isolate the major source of the nonlinearity.
Stability and Resonances in the Restricted Problem

Results to date of an investigation of the Restricted Problem of Three Bodies by the method of Surface-of-Section are presented. Six mass ratios have been investigated over a wide range of the Jacobi Constant. A representative sample of the resulting figures is presented showing the evolution of one resonance with the mass ratio. Another example showing the evolution of stability and resonance with Jacobi Constant for the case of a Lunar Orbiter is shown.
Suspect Grounds: Temporal and Spatial Paradoxes in Bram Stoker's Dracula : a Postcolonial Reading

This article offers a postcolonial reading of Bram Stoker's Gothic masterpiece Dracula. By triangulating three vectors for reading narrative--forms of history in the story, reading narrative in spatial terms and linking those terms to the culturally repressed memory of the Famine, the paper examines a number of paradoxes in the story to show that in fact the text is about the Famine and its persistence within Irish colonial memory. The result, we argue, is a very early exemplar of postcoloniality, one which led very directly to other examples of postcolonial rereading of Irish history and cultural study.
Effect of coagulation pretreatment on membrane filtration performance

The effect of coagulation on microfiltration and ultrafiltration performance was evaluated in a recent laboratory study. The primary variables used in the study included source water, type of coagulant, coagulant dose, coagulation application conditions, and membrane material. Fouling was evaluated using flat sheet membranes in an unstirred filtration cell. As described in this article, a linear relationship between the removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as measured by ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nanometres, and the reduction of fouling was observed. In addition, coagulation conditions appeared to influence the extent of fouling of the microfiltration membrane but had no effect on the ultrafiltration membranes. Low coagulant doses frequently caused greater fouling than no coagulation, but coagulant doses for enhanced coagulation always reduced fouling. Prefiltration was used to separate the effects of coagulation on particulate matter and DOC, and the results suggested that more than 80% of the fouling in these experiments was because of dissolved matter.
Critical Regionalism: Connecting Politics and Culture in the American Landscape

Review of: "Critical Regionalism: Connecting Politics and Culture in the American Landscape," by Douglas Reichert Powell.
Are Leydig Cell Steroidogenic Enzymes Differentially Regulated With Aging

Previous studies have shown that the ability of Brown Norway rat Leydig cells to produce testosterone declines significantly with age. To address the possible mechanism(s) by which aging Leydig cells lose steroidogenic function, we determined the effect of age on the steady-state levels of the mRNAs for the steroidogenic enzymes P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc), delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4-isomerase (3 beta-HSD), and 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P450(17) alpha), and on the levels of immunoreactive steroidogenic enzyme proteins and enzyme activities. Northern blot analysis revealed that the levels of P450scc and P450(17) alpha mRNAs in Leydig cells isolated from the testes of aged (22-month-old) Brown Norway rats were reduced from their levels in young (4-month-old) rats, but that 3 beta-HSD mRNA was not reduced. Western blot analysis, however, revealed that cellular levels of each of the P450scc, P450(17) alpha, and 3 beta-HSD proteins were reduced with aging. The activities of the steroidogenic enzymes, assessed by incubating Leydig cells in culture with substrate and then summing all steroidogenic reaction products through testosterone, similarly revealed that P450scc, 3 beta-HSD, P450(17) alpha, and additionally 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD), were all reduced with aging. We conclude that age-related loss of steroidogenic function results at least in part from reductions in the levels and activities of each of the steroidogenic enzymes responsible for converting cholesterol to testosterone, and not by differential regulation of these enzymes.
High-temperature slow crack growth of SiC–Mo5(Si,Al)3C composites determined by constant-stress-rate testing

Abstract A novel SiC–Mo 5 (Si,Al) 3 C composite was fabricated through a melt-infiltration process, and the slow-crack-growth (SCG) behavior of the composite was characterized over four stressing rates ranging from 0.01 to 20 MPa/s both at 1200 and 1300°C in 1 atm argon, using the constant-stress-rate (“dynamic fatigue”) test. The composite shows a high resistance to the SCG at 1200°C, where the slow-crack-growth parameter n was determined to be 86. At 1300°C, however, no significant SCG behavior was observed for n higher than 500.
Mercury Feeding Schedules: Effects on Accumulation, Retention, and Behavior in Trout

Abstract Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were exposed to 0.5 and 2.0 μg/g doses of ethyl-mercury (p-toluene sulfonanilide) “Ceresan” each day for a full year and 2.5 and 10 μg/g doses delivered every 5th day of feeding during the year. A further study extended dose levels from 5.0 to 25.0 μg/g Ceresan given daily. Exposure to the lower doses of mercury for either feeding schedule led to concentrations of mercury in muscle that were similar (regression slope equaled one) to the average daily index of dose for as long as 6 months of feeding. Assessment of concentration in muscle at 9 months of feeding showed a breakdown of the effect in all groups except the one receiving 0.5 μg/g of Ceresan daily. Both dose level and schedules influenced the concentrations of mercury in muscle. Daily treatment with higher doses, e.g., 5.0 through 25.0 μg/g, led to dose-related concentrations of mercury in muscle but the regression was greater than one. Orders of mercury concentration in a variety of other tissues differed ...
Thermodynamic determination of the electron-phonon coupling strength in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

The relative enthalpy of YBa2Cu3O7−δ has been measured between the temperatures 273 and 700 K. From these data, we find that the electronic contribution to the specific heat is linear in temperature with a Sommerfeld constant of 25±3 mJ/mole. K2. We analyze the data to show that the normal state of YBa2Cu3O7−δ is described by two conduction bands and strong electron-phonon coupling. The electron-phonon coupling is, in fact, sufficient to account for the highT c in YBa2Cu3O7−δ .
Social problem solving among popular and unpopular children.

The present study investigated two issues related to children's social status and problem solving: the content of problem-solving measures and judgments of the quality of responses to social problems. Three types of social problem situations were studied: peer entry/initiation, maintaining social interaction, and management of conflict. The quality of children's strategies for solving these problems was rated on two dimensions: effectiveness and social competence. Liked-most children obtained significantly more effective and socially competent ratings than liked-least children for only one of the social problem situations-management of conflict. Significant differences between liked-most and liked-least children were also found between the quality of their best effective and best socially competent solution and their worst socially competent solutions. Results are discussed in terms of the psychometric adequacy of social problem-solving measures and the resultant problems in interpretation.
Focusing on improving automated meteorological observations from ships

The High-Resolution Marine Meteorology (HRMM) community is working to improve the quality of, and access to, surface marine meteorological and oceanographic data collected in situ by automated instrumentation on ships and moored platforms. The purpose of the Second High-Resolution Marine Meteorology Workshop, hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Climate Observation (OCO), last April, was to discuss implementation of the recommendations from the Workshop on High-Resolution Marine Meteorology held in Tallahassee, Florida, on 3–5 March 2003 (for details, see http://www.coaps.fsu.edu/RVSMDC/marine_workshop/ Workshop.html). Shipboard automated meteorological and oceanographic systems (SAMOSs) are an essential component of a sustained ocean observing system. SAMOSs provide platform navigation, surface meteorology, and near-surface ocean data that are ideal benchmarks for new satellite sensors (e.g., WindSat, future National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) sensors) and global ocean-atmosphere models. SAMOS sampling is adequate to provide accurate estimates of the variability on scales (from subdiurnal) needed for satellite calibration and validation. Sampling rates also are ideal for estimating turbulent air-sea heat, momentum, and moisture fluxes that are critical for climate research and can be used to help understand sources of bias and uncertainty in global model flux fields. SAMOS observations from oceanographic research vessels (R/Vs) are of particular importance since these vessels frequently operate in areas far outside the normal merchant shipping lanes.
Slow crack growth in brittle materials under dynamic loading conditions

The failure of materials due to slow crack growth, under dynamic loading conditions, is analyzed in terms of crack velocity, stress intensity relationships. It is shown that this type of analysis can fully describe the failure characteristics for both constant strain-rate and constant stress-rate loading. The analysis is used to predict the variations of strength and subcritical crack growth with strain-rate and stress-rate. Application of the analysis to several ceramic systems give data which are entirely consistent with available experimental data.
The effect of stoichiometry on ab initio-based thermochemistry predictions

The effect of various reaction schemes used to convert total reaction enthalpies obtained via ab initio methods into enthalpies of formation has been studied employing a new optimization technique. The reaction schemes, conventional, isostoichiometric, and isodesmic have been defined and generated for 47 species for which highly accurate experimental enthalpies of formation in addition to total reaction enthalpies at 298 K at G2 and G3 levels of theory are known. The main finding is that the effect of reaction schemes in ab initio-based thermochemistry predictions is small, especially, for enthalpy predictions involving high-level ab initio methods.
The metabolism of aldosterone in target tissues

Abstract The in vitro synthesis of metabolites by both cortical and medullary regions of rat kidney increased in direct proportion to the concentration of aldosterone in the medium. At least seven polar and two reduced compounds were synthesized by male rat kidney. The two reduced metabolites co-chromatograph with 3α, 5β-THA and 3β. 5α-THA. Some of the polar metabolites synthesized co-chromatograph with hydroxylated aldosterone metabolites from rat liver. The rate of synthesis of reduced metabolites was slightly faster than that of polar compounds, but both increased linearly in the first 2.5 h of incubation. After incubating toad bladder for 5 h with [ 3 H]-aldosterone, 55% of the tissue radioactivity was unmetabolized aldosterone. 23% a polar metabolite, and 4% appeared to be 3α, 5β-THA. Sephadex DEAP-LH20 chromatography and enzymatic hydrolysis indicated that the polar metabolite was a sulphate of aldosterone. The role of steroid transformations in the mechanism of aldosterone action is discussed.
Emerging Criteria for Quality in Qualitative and Interpretive Research

Not only are the boundaries of interpretive research as yet undefined, but criteria for judging the quality of such research are even more fluid and emergent. Developing criteria are nominated and ...
The long-run real-wage rigidity and full employment adjustment in the classical model

Abstract This paper studies a century of US data to see how real wages behave during unemployment. Contrary to popular belief, we find that not a single downturn witnessed a general decline in the real wage. In fact, real earnings usually jumped long before unemployment disappeared. Yet, full employment returned in every case. The self-correcting mechanism that eliminates unemployment is not the long-run downward flexibility of real wages as postulated by most economists but a fall in the real wage relative to labor productivity. This suggests that supply-side policies may be used to supplement demand-side prescriptions in order to combat short-run unemployment.
Online variational finite Dirichlet mixture model and its applications

Due to the increasing availability of digital data (e.g. image, text, video), online learning techniques have become much more desirable nowadays. This paper introduces an online algorithm for Dirichlet mixture models learning. By adopting the variational inference framework in an online manner, all the involved parameters and the model complexity of the Dirichlet mixture model can be estimated simultaneously in a closed form. Moreover, the problem of overfitting is prevented. The proposed algorithm is applied on two challenging real-world applications namely online object class recognition and online face tracking.
The cranial attachment of the sphenomandibular (tympanomandibular)ligament

The sphenomandibular (tympanomandibular) ligament develops from Meckel's cartilage between the future petrotympanic fissure and the mandibular lingula. The superior attachment of this ligament has been described to attach to the sphenoidal spine. Fifty-one cadaver half heads were dissected to study the superior attachment of this ligament. Forty-five of the 51 ligaments were found to be attached in the area of the petrotympanic fissure, not directly to the sphenoidal spine. Six of the specimens had a thin fibrous slip which fanned out medially to the sphenoidal spine. Twelve additional cadaver specimens were decalcified and cut in various planes through the temporomandibular joint. All specimens showed a fibrous continuation of the ligament through the petrotympanic and/or squamotympanic fissures with an attachment to the malleus in the middle ear. When tension was applied to the ligament the malleus was seen to move. A 115 mm human fetus head was dissected. A ligamentous structure was seen to run from the medial side of the mandibular ramus to the future squamotympanic fissure area. When observed microscopically the ligament was continuous through the fissure and attached to the malleus.
Democratic virtues, diversity, and the common good : exploring the nexus of peace and justice in Islamic societies

This paper will discuss the synergy between the concepts of democracy diversity, and promotion of the common good to bring about just peace in Islamic societies. Certain concepts in the early repertoire of Islamic political thought will be shown to have a direct bearing today on the formation of democratic societies committed to fostering pluralism and peaceful co-existence among diverse groups of people. The point is further made that these values which may be easily retrieved from the Islamic tradition are universal values, thus creating a shared idiom for inter-religious and crosscultural encounters. Promotion of these values and their application are the best means for guaranteeing non-violent societies and a global order conducive to peace.
Random array processing for micromachined sensor network

This paper considers 'blind beamforming' operations on a wireless network of randomly distributed MEM sensors. Maximum power collection criterion is proposed and results in array weights obtained from the eigenvector corresponding to largest eigenvalue of a matrix eigenvalue problem. Theoretical justification of this approach to an extension of Szego's asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues is provided. Numerical results on propagation time delay estimation and loss of coherency due to propagation disturbances are presented.
Using the Campus as a Teaching and Research Tool: opportunities for ecologists to link to campus sustainability efforts

Campus sustainability projects offer opportunities to link campus operations with academics. For ecologists, these links can include building upon urban long term ecological research such as urban nitrogen budgeting. In addition, the campus can serve as a tool to examine local biodiversity, urban storm water, and climate change issues in the classroom. This presentation will describe how an urban nitrogen budget at the University of Minnesota was developed. In addition, this presentation will describe how the Sustainability Office and the environmental studies department at Macalester College currently collaborate to develop campus sustainability academic projects. By linking to campus sustainability projects, ecologists have an opportunity to improve pedagogy, connect students to civic engagement, and offer real-world projects without leaving campus.
Involved-nodal radiation therapy leads to lower doses to critical organs-at-risk compared to involved-field radiation therapy.

Abstract Background Involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) after cytotoxic chemotherapy has become the standard of care in treating pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. However, recent interest in shrinking the treatment volume to involved node radiotherapy (INRT) may allow lower doses to critical organ structures. We dosimetrically compared IFRT and INRT treatment approaches. Methods INRT treatment plans were retrospectively constructed from 17 consecutively treated pediatric patients identified with Hodgkin lymphoma who had been previously treated with conventional IFRT. The radiation doses delivered to organs-at-risk (OARs) with virtual INRT treatment plans based on INRT field design were then compared to the original IFRT treatment plans. Metrics for comparison included mean doses to organs and volumes of organ receiving at least 50% of the original prescription dose (V50%). A one-tailed, paired t-test was then performed to verify statistical significance at an alpha level of 0.05. Results All organs at risk compared in this investigation (kidneys, heart, thyroid, parotids, and lungs) had significantly lower doses of radiation with INRT when compared to IFRT (p Conclusions Utilizing the concept of INRT results in a reduction of radiation dose to critical organ structures in pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma when compared to the more traditional method of IFRT.
Self-Interest and Self-Concern

In what follows I consider whether the idea of a person's interest or good might be better understood through that of care or concern for that person for her sake, rather than conversely, as is ordinarily assumed. Contrary to (informed) desire-satisfaction theories of interest, such an account can explain why not everything a person rationally desires is part of her good, since what a person sensibly wants is not necessarily what we (and she) would sensibly want, insofar as we care about her.First, however, a tale:There was no other explanation which seemed reasonable. … [W]as it not reasonable to assume that he meant never to claim his birth-right? If this were so, what right had he, William Cecil Clayton, to thwart the wishes, to balk the self-sacrifice of this strange man? If Tarzan of the Apes could do this thing to save Jane Porter from unhappiness, why should he, to whose care she was intrusting her whole future, do aught to jeopardize her interests?
Characterization of polymer–fullerene mixtures for organic photovoltaics by systematically coarse-grained molecular simulations

Abstract Organic photovoltaic devices, which include polymer-based solar cells, show promise as cheap alternatives to silicon-based photovoltaics. Polymer solar cells use a mixture of a light-absorbing conducting polymer as the electron donor and a fullerene derivative as the electron acceptor in the solar cell's photoactive layer. The components are generally mixed together to produce a bicontinuous percolating network called a bulk heterojunction. In a previous paper [21] we developed a systematically coarse-grained simulation model of mixtures of the widely used conducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and the simplest fullerene C 60 . Here we analyze the ensuing polymer structures and mixture morphologies to understand the local structure of these devices, which provide a crucial basis for the future optimization of bulk-heterojunction morphology.
Classical trajectory study of the effects of parent-molecule bending and overall rotation in polyatomic direct photofragmentation. Model ICN + hν → CN + I

Abstract The classical trajectory method has been used to investigate the effects of parent-molecule bending and overall rotation on product state attributes in the direct photofragmentation of model ICN. Comparisons with previous collinear, rotationless studies indicate that product CN vibrational distributions can be profoundly affected by permitting ICN to bend. Inclusion of ICN overall rotation (in addition to bending) produces CN vibrational distributions essentially identical to those obtained with the inclusion of bending alone. Rotational distributions (for individual CN product vibrational states) indicate substantial CN rotational excitation. As in the case of the vibrational distributions, addition of overall rotation to ICN bending produces little, if any, effect. Additionally, for the energy range investigated, the CN product rotational distributions show no marked qualitative energy dependence.
Micromechanical structures and microelectronics for acceleration sensing

MEMS is an enabling technology that may provide low-cost devices capable of sensing motion in a reliable and accurate manner. This paper describes work in MEMS accelerometer development at Sandia National Laboratories. This work leverages a process for integrating both the micromechanical structures and microelectronis circuitry of a MEMS accelerometer on the same chip. The design and test results of an integrated MEMS high-g accelerometer will be detailed. Additionally a design for a high-g fuse component (low-G or {approx} 25 G accelerometer) will be discussed in the paper (where 1 G {approx} 9.81 m/s). In particular, a design team at Sandia was assembled to develop a new micromachined silicon accelerometer which would be capable of surviving and measuring high-g shocks. Such a sensor is designed to be cheaper and more reliable than currently available sensors. A promising design for a suspended plate mass sensor was developed and the details of that design along with test data will be documented in the paper. Future development in this area at Sandia will focus on implementing accelerometers capable of measuring 200 kilo-g accelerations. Accelerometer development at Sandia will also focus on multi-axis acceleration measurement with integrated microelectronics.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ESTIMATED PRICE, ACTUAL PRICE, AND RATED PRODUCT QUALITY

Summa~y.-Ss consumed a selection of cheeses in a field setting and rated each cheese regarding flcvor, aroma, and estimated price. The average ratings were correlated with each other and with market price. The results indicated thar while Ss were able to estimate actual cost fairly well, they did not expect flavor and aroma to be related to cost. In addition, more expensive cheeses were not rated superior in flavor and were rated inferior in aroma to Less expensive cheeses. Many previous studies hcve evaluated the effects of various types of information on quality judgments of consumers. One type of information which has often been supplied to consumers is price. Several experiments have shown that price information influences judgments of quality both for nondiscriminable products of approximately equal price (Leavitt, 1954; Tull, Boring, & Gonsior, 1964; McConell, 1968) and for discriminable products which vary in price (Valenzi & Andrews, 1971). The purpose of the present study, however, was to determine the extent to which quality ratings made in the absence of such information would be related to both estimated price and actual price. Two important issues would thus be clarified: (1) to what degree do consumers expect perceived quality to be related to price and (2) to what degree is perceived quality related to am1 market price. Method.-The study was conducted in a field setting. Ss were 30 middle- and upper middle-class individuals attending a social function. They had not been told in advance that they would be asked to pcicipate in an experiment. The product used in the study was cheese. Taste size portions of 30 varieties of cheeses were placed inside nmbered plastic bags on correspondingly numbered plates and were set out on a large table. Beverages were provided to be used between samplings. Although each S was provided with 30 rating sheets, rating all the cheeses was not required. Ss were instructed to rate as many as possible in whatever order they wished. Ratings were made for flavor, aroma, and estimated cost. Five point scales were used
Developmental events and shoot apical meristem gene expression patterns during shoot development in Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary Critical developmental and gene expression profiles were charted during the formation of shoots from root explants in Arabidopsis tissue culture. Shoot organogenesis is a two-step process involving pre-incubation on an auxin-rich callus induction medium (CIM) during which time root explants acquire competence to form shoots during subsequent incubation on a cytokinin-rich shoot induction medium (SIM). At a histological level, the organization of shoot apical meristems (SAMs) appears to occur during incubation on SIM about the time of shoot commitment, i.e. the transition from hormone-dependent to hormone-independent shoot development. Genes involved in SAM formation, such as SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM) and CLAVATA1 (CLV1), were upregulated at about the time of shoot commitment, while WUSCHEL (WUS) was upregulated somewhat earlier. Genes required for STM expression, such as CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 1 and 2 (CUC1 and 2) were upregulated prior to shoot commitment. Gene expression patterns were determined for two GFP enhancer trap lines with tissue-specific expression in the SAM, including one line reporting on CUC1 expression. CUC1 was generally expressed in callus tissue during early incubation on SIM, but later CUC1 was expressed more locally in presumptive sites of shoot formation. In contrast, the expression pattern of the enhancer trap lines during zygotic embryogenesis was more localized to the presumptive SAM even in early stages of embryogenesis.