cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rate, molecular spectrum, and consequences of human mutation

Although mutation provides the fuel for phenotypic evolution, it also imposes a substantial burden on fitness through the production of predominantly deleterious alleles, a matter of concern from a human-health perspective. Here, recently established databases on de novo mutations for monogenic disorders are used to estimate the rate and molecular spectrum of spontaneously arising mutations and to derive a number of inferences with respect to eukaryotic genome evolution. Although the human per-generation mutation rate is exceptionally high, on a per-cell division basis, the human germline mutation rate is lower than that recorded for any other species. Comparison with data from other species demonstrates a universal mutational bias toward A/T composition, and leads to the hypothesis that genome-wide nucleotide composition generally evolves to the point at which the power of selection in favor of G/C is approximately balanced by the power of random genetic drift, such that variation in equilibrium genome-wide nucleotide composition is largely defined by variation in mutation biases. Quantification of the hazards associated with introns reveals that mutations at key splice-site residues are a major source of human mortality. Finally, a consideration of the long-term consequences of current human behavior for deleterious-mutation accumulation leads to the conclusion that a substantial reduction in human fitness can be expected over the next few centuries in industrialized societies unless novel means of genetic intervention are developed.
Plasma wave signatures of collisionless shocks and the role of plasma wave turbulence in shock formation

Observations of the plasma waves associated with collisionless shocks are reviewed, and the understanding of their generation mechanisms and their importance to shock physics are summarized. The emphasis is on waves generated directly at the shock, especially ion acoustic and lower-hybrid-like modes. The observations are discussed in the context of shock structure, with attention given to the distinctions between waves generated in the shock foot and ramp. The behavior of resistive, dispersive, and supercritical quasi-perpendicular shocks is contrasted. Evidence for the operation of various generation mechanisms, including interactions with cross-field currents, gyrating reflected ions, and field-aligned electron beams, are summarized. The various forms of plasma heating which are actually observed are outlined, and the role of the various wave modes in this heating is discussed. Conclusion, it is argued that, while plasma wave turbulence may play a vital role in plasma heating for some special shocks, it is of second-order importance in most cases.
Cramér-Rao Lower bound for geolocation in non-line-of-sight environment

Geolocation in an non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environment is an important issue in wireless communications. Several empirical approaches have been proposed in recent years. However, two fundamental questions still remain unanswered: what is the achievable geolocation accuracy in the NLOS environment and how to attain it. In this paper, we derive a closed-form expression of the Cramer-Rao Lower bound (CRLB) for NLOS geolocation, which we believe is new and answers the first question. Its physical interpretation turns out to be very helpful to better understanding of NLOS geolocation mechanism. We discuss some numerical examples based on simulation experiments.
Enhancement of ligand binding to myoglobin by far-infrared excitation from a free-electron laser

We summarize the theoretical reasons for believing that far-infrared radiation in the 5–100-cm−1 range can influence ligand recombination in heme proteins. We explicitly use the nonadiabatic model to discuss both electronic and vibrational matrix elements. We present the results of our experiment carried on at the University of California, Santa Barbara, free-electron laser in which we observed a modification of the recombination of carbon monoxide with myoglobin at low temperatures due to 50.5-cm−1 irradiation.
Cognitive Development and Historical Reasoning in Social Studies Curriculum

(1984). Cognitive Development and Historical Reasoning in Social Studies Curriculum. Theory & Research in Social Education: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 49-64.
Delta codes for line drawings

A new class of chain codes for line drawings, named delta codes is introduced. Two specific types of fixed angle delta codes and ring delta codes are described. The area-of-error distortion and rate are calculated for two types of delta codes applied to straight and slowly curving lines, and it is shown that the delta outperforms other chain codes with the same set of link types. For rapidly curving lines, however, the delta codes introduce curvature overload distortion analogous to the slope overload distortion of traditional delta modulation for waveforms. >
Sensitivity and Specificity of Self-Reported Olfactory Function in a Home-Based Study of Independent-Living, Healthy Older Women.

The 2011–14 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey chemosensory protocol asks adults to self-rate their orthonasal (via nostrils) and retronasal (via mouth) smell abilities for subsequent odor identification testing. From data collected with a similar protocol, we aimed to identify a self-reported olfactory index that showed the best sensitivity (correctly identifying dysfunction) and specificity (correctly indentifying normosmia) with measured olfaction. In home-based testing, 121 independent-living older women (age 73 ± 7 years) reported their olfactory function by interviewer-administered survey. Olfactory function was measured orthonasally via composite (odor threshold, identification task) or identification task alone. Only 16 % of women self-rated “below average” smell function. More women perceived loss of smell (38 %) or flavor (30 %) with aging. The rate of measured dysfunction was 30 % by composite (threshold and identification) and 21.5 % by identification task, the latter misclassifying some mild dysfunction as normosmia. An index of self-rated smell function and perceived loss yielded the most favorable sensitivity (65 %) and specificity (77 %) to measured function. Self-rated olfaction showed better agreement with severe measured dysfunction; mild dysfunction was less noticed. Self-reported indices that query about current and perceived changes in smell and flavor with aging showed better sensitivity estimates than those previously reported. Specificity was somewhat lower—some older adults may correctly perceive loss unidentified in a single assessment, or have a retronasal impairment that was undetected by an orthonasal measure. Our findings should inform self-rated measures that screen for severe olfactory dysfunction in clinical/community settings where testing is not routine.
The advantages and disadvantages of prosthetic valves for aortic valve replacement

Abstract The ideal substitute for the diseased aortic valve has yet to be discovered. At the moment the most significant choice involves the Starr-Edwards prosthesis and the homograft aortic valve, each with its own deficiencies. Aortic insufficiency has followed a number of homograft insertions; the threat of cusp degeneration and calcification remains as a further deterrent to wide-spread adoption of homografts. Thromboembolism and, more recently, ball variance in Starr-Edwards valves detract from the benefits of such technical assets as ease of insertion and dependable valvular competence. The cloth-covered aortic prosthesis has been designed, but has not yet been proved, to overcome these deficiencies. An accurate statistical appraisal of clinical results has shown that either valve inserted in the patient with aortic valve disease will provide a comparable chance for a good result for the first 2 postoperative years. No further data are available for the homograft (from this institution) at this time, but actuarial curves for the Starr-Edwards prosthesis demonstrate a persistent good result for an additional 2 years. A similar lack of deterioration for homograft aortic valves can be ascertained only by the results of future analysis.
Performance analysis in a differential file environment

An analysis of filtering characteristics for database differential file design architecture is presented. Shortcomings of previous work on this topic are discussed and a corrected analytical model is proposed. The impact of assumption violations on the analytical model is explored through the use of a computer simulation. The simulation model is described and results are presented, suggesting the sensitivity of the analytical model and providing some direction for further research.
Allantoic Fluid Compositional Changes During Acute Urine Drainage in Fetal Sheep

This study examines the effects of ovine fetal urine drainage, which prevents urine inflow into the allantoic and amniotic cavities, on allantoic and amniotic fluid osmolalities and electrolyte concentrations in an attempt to study solute movement out of the allantoic cavity. Nine chronically catheterized fetal sheep at 132 ± 2 (mean ± standard error) [SE] days’ gestation, with allantoic and amniotic cavity catheters, were studied. Seven animals were studied for 9 hours, with maternal and fetal blood drawn hourly, and amniotic and allantoic fluid sampled for osmolality and electrolyte concentrations. On the second day, seven animals (five from the above group) were studied in the same fashion, except that fetal urine was drained after the first hour. Allantoic and amniotic fluid osmolality increased significantly (13.2 ±1.1 (SE) mOsm/kg, P < .0001, 7.5 ± 1.5, P < .03, respectively) after fetal urine drainage but not sufficiently enough to account for the large amount of fetal urine diverted (217 mL per 8 hours). Fetal (3.1 ± 0.6, P < .04) and maternal plasma (2.4 ± 0.5, P < .03) osmolalities increased significantly, and this increase was consistent with the amount of fetal urine drained over the 8-hour drainage period. Allantoic (4.0 ± 1.7 mEq/L, P < .003) and amniotic sodium (4.2 ± 1.5 mEq/L, P < .03) and amniotic chloride (3.1 ± 1.6 mEq/L, P < .04) increased significantly as compared with control animals. During the fetal urine drainage period, the increases in allantoic and amniotic fluid osmolalities and electrolyte concentrations confirmed that water left these compartments via the intramem-branous pathway. If only water (and not solutes) had left these compartments, then the increase in osmolalities would have been too small to account for the large volume of diverted fetal urine. Therefore, solutes, in addition to water, must leave the allantoic cavity through the intramembranous pathway as no other pathway exists. Furthermore, solute movement through the intramembranous pathway may explain the ability of the fetus to maintain molecular and solute gradients between fluid compartments. Finally, the intramembranous pathway may play an important role in amniotic and allantoic fluid volume regulation and composition. (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1999;6:17–21)
Vibrational energy dependence of the reactionN2+(v) +H2 →N2H+ +H at thermal energies

Abstract The hydrogen atom transfer reaction between N 2 + and H 2 has been studied at thermal energies as a function of the initial vibrational excitation of the N 2 + molecular ion. The rate constant is approximately the same for v = 0 to v = 3 and is slightly smaller for v = 4. The absolute values exceed the Langevin rate, in good agreement with previous studies. The observations can be explained by a model in which the first step in the formation of N 2 H + consists of a charge transfer at large intermolecular distances. Finally, it is shown that vibrational deactivation is of minor importance in theN 2 + ( v ) +H 2 system.
Epigenetics in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Enormous evidence has accumulated in the past decades that establishes the importance of epigenetic modifications in cancer and has resulted in shifting the focus from entirely genetic-based studies to integrated studies involving both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one such example where studies involving epigenetic aberrations have accelerated the search for affected genes, which was initially restricted to commonly deleted chromosomal regions. Many novel genes that are epigenetically silenced in CLL have been identified. Advances in the understanding of post-translational histone modifications and DNA methylation in normal and in CLL cells have proven to be extremely beneficial in finding powerful diagnostic markers, as well as in exploring novel therapies. At present, the field of epigenetics is at an evolving stage, but there is no doubt that further unraveling of its cause and effects in transformed cells will bring a new revolution in cancer therapeutics.
Low-energy K− meson elastic scattering from hydrogen

Abstract A total of 45 K−p low-energy elastic scattering between 0–250 MeV/c has been found by following 276.4 m of K− meson tracks backward from their capture points in nuclear emulsion. The total scattering cross section is plotted as a function of kaon momentum and is compared to previous data. Theoretical values calculated for the elastic scattering cross sections in the low-energy range 30–100 MeV/c are seen to be sensitive to the values of the scattering length parameters used in the S-wave zero-effective range theory which is used here to fit the data in this range. The best fit to the data is given by the scattering length values as given by Cho, i.e. a0 = −1.21 + 0.56i, a1 = −0.19 + 44i for the isospin T = 0 and T = 1 channels, respectively. Further evidence for S-wave interaction is discussed through the angular distribution in the center-of-mass system for the elastic events.
A FACTOR ANALYSIS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN OLDER CHILDREN

The investigation reported here was concerned with the application of the factor analytic method to identify the factors which define oral communication abilities in older children. A study populat...
Viscosity and sedimentation of the DNA from bacteriophages T2 and T7 and the relation to molecular weight

The viscosity and sedimentation behavior of the DNA from T2 and T7 bacteriophages has been studied as a function of concentration and of shear stress or of rotor speed. It was found that it is possible to obtain meaningful values of the intrinsic viscosity [ η ] and sedimentation coefficient S w.20 o of these DNA polymers of high molecular weight if care is taken to work under conditions where the properties of the molecule are not seriously affected by changing its rate of movement through the solvent. In addition, an extrapolation to zero polymer concentration is essential. The hydrodynamic properties of T2 and T7 DNA's indicate that these polymers are members of the homologous series which includes DNA samples of lower molecular weight. Establishing a general relation between the molecular weight and the intrinsic viscosity or sedimentation coefficient of the members of this series has been difficult, largely because of the curvature of the conventional plot of log [ η ] or log S versus log M . In this paper we combine existing theoretical ideas concerning the hydrodynamics of chain molecules of limited flexibility with a plotting method which permits empirical correction for excluded volume effects. The result is a linear representation of the results on a log-log plot, covering the molecular weight range from 2 × 10 5 to 1·3 × 10 8 . The equations of these lines can be used to calculate molecular weights of polymers within this range. Furthermore, it appears reasonable to suppose that the relations can be safely extrapolated to higher molecular weights.
Terra Harvest mission programming approach

Terra Harvest is a DIA sponsored program that is developing a next generation architecture for Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) interoperability. One key element of this program is a mission programming methodology that allows standardization of the work flow required to program an UGS system. This technology is a key enabler needed to standardize the user experience. This paper describes the requirements for the Terra Harvest mission system and summarizes the different approaches that were considered for the mission system. This paper also describes the implementation of the JavaScript-based approach for mission programming that was selected for use in the Terra Harvest system.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evaluating Sexually Transmitted Infections in Sexually Abused Children: New Techniques to Identify Old Infections

Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an important component of the medical evaluation for sexually abused children. Selective screening of this population with culture or microscopy-based techniques has been the traditional approach, particularly in younger children who have a lower prevalence of STIs compared with adolescents. However, newer testing methodologies (nucleic acid amplification tests) that use noninvasively collected specimens enable more widespread screening in children. This article provides an updated review of recommended STI testing and interpretation in children who present with suspected sexual abuse, focusing on these emerging methodologies and the evidence to support their use.
A geohydrologic continuum theory for the spatial and temporal evolution of marsh-estuarine ecosystems

Abstract Using ecosystem development theory and the River Continuum Concept as starting points, we present a new holistic theory to explain the spatial and temporal behaviour of marsh-estuarine ecosystems Along the marine-estuarine-freshwater gradient in response to sea-level rise. In this theory, a geohydrologic continuum represented by tidal channel provides a predictable physical model of how the marsh-estuarine ecosystem adapts until there is a change of state. North Inlet, South Carolina is used as an example of this marsh-estuarine continuum. Mature creeks are at the ocean-estuary interface and are strongly influenced by marine factors. Further into the estuary, less and less mature creeks are encountered which are dominated by smaller scale spatial and temporal controls such as oyster reefs. Immature or ephemeral creeks import both particulate and dissolved materials, while mature creeks export both forms of nutrients. Mid-aged creeks appear to take up particulate materials and release dissolved constituents. Ultimately, the continuum reaches the fresh-saltwater interface where a very young estuarine ecosystem invades a more mature type, under the influence of disturbance. Our new explanation satisfies most criteria for a good theory by being internally consistent to the location specified, generating testable hypothesis, not blindly adapting existing theories, agreeing with known properties of the ecosystem described and by generating new invigorating discussion within the scientific community.
Resistance properties of the diluting segment of Amphiuma kidney: influence of potassium adaptation.

Chronic exposure to high potassium stimulates K+-secretory mechanisms in the diluting segment of the amphibian kidney (K+ adaptation). Since K+ net flux depends critically on the passive cell membrane permeabilities for K+ ions, cable analysis and K+-concentration step changes were applied in this nephron segment to assess the individual resistances of the epithelium and the K+ conductance of the luminal cell membrane. Experiments were performed in the isolated, doubly-perfused kidney of both control and K+-adaptedAmphiuma. In control animals transepithelial resistance was 290±27 Ωcm2, which decreased significantly to 199±17 Ωcm2 after K+ adaptation. The resistance in parallel of the luminal and peritubular cell membrane decreased from a control value of 157±14 to 108±6 Ωcm2 after chronic K+ treatment. This was paralleled by a decrease of the ratio of the luminal to peritubular cell membrane resistance from 2.5±0.1 to 1.9±0.1, respectively. Estimation of the individual cell membrane resistances reveals that the combined resistance of the luminal and peritubular cell membrane is in the same order of magnitude as the paracellular shunt resistance in diluting segments of both control and K+-adapted animals. The luminal cell membrane is K+ selective under both conditions, but the absolute luminal K+ conductance increases by some 60% with K+ adaptation. This leads to an increased back-leak of K+ from cell to lumen and may explain stimulated K+ net secretion found after chronic K+ loading.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction in Planar Positron Cameras Using Fourier Deconvolution of Generalized Tomograms

A computational method for obtaining Three-Dimensional reconstructions of positron emitting radionuclei distributions using a Planar Positron camera is described. The method involves the use of a Filtered Fourier Deconvolution Method. Construction of Generalized Tomograms capable of emphasizing the large angle events is introduced. The finite size of the Positron Camera detector and its effect on the reconstruction are discussed.
Laser‐induced Fluorescence of Ba+ Ions Trapped and Mass‐selected in a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer

We present the design and preliminary results from a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometer developed for the direct detection of UV/visible laser-induced fluorescence of trapped, mass-selected, gas-phase ions. A 3 T superconducting magnet and an open-ended multi-section cylindrical Penning trap capture and confine ions created by electron impact or laser desorption. Azimuthal quadrupolar excitation in the presence of ion/neutral collisions cools, axializes and mass selects ions as they fill the trap. A pulsed dye laser pumped by an Nd:YAG laser provides electronic energy excitation. A Brewster window and baffles on each side of the vacuum chamber reduce the scattered light from the excitation laser. Laser-induced fluorescence is collected from mirrors and lenses and directed through a quartz window and fiber-optic bundle to a photomultiplier. The ICR and optical events are controlled by a modular ICR data station and GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. An excitation spectrum is demonstrated for atomic Ba+ ions, and should extend to laser-induced fluorescence of virtually any stable positive or negative gas-phase ions of arbitrary molecular weight: molecular or quasimolecular ions, fragment ions, adduct ions, and ions formed from ion/molecule reactions.
Lithium-induced diabetes insipidus-like syndrome.

Abstract Two cases are reported who developed a diabetes insipidus-like syndrome during the course of treatment with lithium salts of psychiatric disorders. Symptomatology was characterized by excessive thirst, high urine volumes, low urinary specific gravity and inability to concentrate urine, even under conditions of water deprivation. Both failed to concentrate urine in response to either the infusion of hypertonic saline or to an injection of pitressin. A paradoxical diuresis following infusion of hypertonic saline was noted. Although no clinical evidence of hypokalemia was seen, urinary excretion of potassium was diminished in one case and total body potassium was shown to be decreased by total body counting procedures. In both cases, this syndrome resolved only after lithium had been discontinued for up to three weeks. It is suggested that the mechanism for this renal impairment is based on a temporary hypokalemic nephropathy.
Drift region optimization in high‐voltage GaN MOS‐gated HEMTs

The design of AlGaN/GaN heterojunction in high-voltage lateral GaN MOS-HEMT was studied and optimized. The effect of the heterojunction on the breakdown voltage of the device was studied using numerical simulations. The effect of the addition of a GaN cap layer on top of the AlGaN/GaN structure was evaluated, showing a higher breakdown voltage as well as a lower oxide field at the gate corner, due to the better Reduced Surface Field (RESURF) effect that originated from the balanced polarization charges. Further a 2-zone RESURF design was achieved by etching part of the GaN cap in the drift region. The 2-zone RESURF device showed 33% improvement in breakdown voltage from simulations compared with single zone RESURF devices. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron Microscope Observations of Dense Rods in the Trophosome of Gastromermis sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda)

An examination of the trophosome of a mermithid nematode (Gastromermis sp.) revealed large aggregates of dense tubular rods in the cytoplasm. These rods were 18nm in diameter and variable in length. They were apparently formed in the trophosome and may represent a unique form of nutrient reserve. Other aspects of trophosome morphology are described.
Structure of the kernels associated with invariant subspaces of the Bergman shift

In this article we consider index 1 invariant subspaces M of the operator of multiplication by ζ( z ) = z , M ζ , on the Bergman space of the unit disc . It turns out that there is a positive sesquianalytic kernel l λ defined on  ×  which determines M uniquely. Here we study the boundary behaviour and some of the basic properties of the kernel l λ . Among other things, we show that if the lower zero set of M , ( M ), is nonempty, the kernel l λ for fixed λ ∈  has a meromorphic continuation across \ ( M ), where  is the unit circle. Furthermore we consider some special type of kernels l λ and by studying their structure we obtain information for the invariant subspaces related to them. Lastly, and after introducing the general for the invariant subspaces related to them. Lastly, and after introducing the general vector valued setting, we discuss some analogous results for the case of , where m is a positive integer.
Affective, biological, and cognitive predictors of depressive symptom trajectories in adolescence.

Heterogeneity in the longitudinal course of depressive symptoms was examined using latent growth mixture modeling among a community sample of 382 U.S. youth from ages 11 to 18 (52.1 % female). Three latent trajectory classes were identified: Stable Low (51 %; displayed low depressive symptoms at all assessments), Increasing (37 %; reported low depressive symptoms at age 11, but then significantly higher depressive symptoms than the Stable Low class at ages 13, 15, and 18), and Early High (12 %; reported high early depressive symptoms at age 11, followed by symptoms that declined over time yet remained significantly higher than those of the Stable Low class at ages 13, 15, and 18). By age 15, rates of Major Depressive Disorder diagnoses among the Early High (25.0 %) and Increasing (20.4 %) classes were more than twice that observed among the Stable Low class (8.8 %). Affective (negative affectivity), biological (pubertal timing, sex) and cognitive (cognitive style, rumination) factors were examined as predictors of class membership. Results indicated general risk factors for both high-risk trajectories as well as specific risk factors unique to each trajectory. Being female and high infant negative affectivity predicted membership in the Increasing class. Early puberty, high infant negative affectivity for boys, and high rumination for girls predicted membership in the Early High class. Results highlight the importance of examining heterogeneity in depression trajectories in adolescence as well as simultaneously considering risk factors across multiple domains.
Micro-cantilevers with end-grafted stimulus-responsive polymer brushes for actuation and sensing

Stimulus-responsive macromolecules have attracted significant interest due to their potential applications in molecular motors, drug delivery, sensors, and actuation devices. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAM) alone or as a copolymer is a stimulus-responsive polymer that undergoes an inverse phase transition triggered by changes in the solvent quality, such as temperature, ionic strength, pH, or co-solvent concentration. Associated with this phase transition is a significant conformational change. We show that micro-cantilevers, decorated on one side with a pNIPAAM brush or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-vinylimidazole) (pNIPAAM-VI) (7:3) brush, can be used to detect and transduce this phase transition behavior. Changes in the conformational state of the brush, induced by the phase transition or changes in osmotic pressure, cause significant changes in the surface stress in the brush that leads to detectable changes in cantilever deflection. We show that the use of pNIPAAM and its copolymers is exciting for cantilever actuation and sensing because commonly available micro-fabricated cantilever springs offer a simple and non-intrusive way to detect changes in solvent type, temperature, and pH, promising great potential for sensing applications in micro-fluidic devices.
ZEBRA battery based propulsion system for urban bus applications: Preliminary laboratory tests

In this paper some preliminary experimental results on a Zebra battery based propulsion system for urban bus applications are presented. The tests were carried out using a laboratory 1∶1 scale test bench, composed by a 65 kW electric drive, specifically designed for urban bus applications, supplied by two 20 kWh Zebra batteries connected in parallel. The electric power train was tested on a laboratory bench, connected through a fixed ratio gear box to a 100 kW regenerative electric brake provided with speed and torque controls, in order to evaluate the propulsion system performance in steady state operative conditions. The obtained preliminary experimental results were utilized to implement a Matlab-Simulink model of urban bus, which might be powered by the same electric propulsion system studied. Thanks to this model it was possible to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the urban bus, working on standard driving cycles, taking into account the resistant forces represented by proper vehicle/road/aerodynamic parameters. An evaluation of the expected real vehicle driving range was also estimated in different road conditions.
Selection shaped the evolution of mouse androgen-binding protein (ABP) function and promoted the duplication of Abp genes

In the present article, we summarize two aspects of our work on mouse ABP (androgen-binding protein): (i) the sexual selection function producing incipient reinforcement on the European house mouse hybrid zone, and (ii) the mechanism behind the dramatic expansion of the Abp gene region in the mouse genome. Selection unifies these two components, although the ways in which selection has acted differ. At the functional level, strong positive selection has acted on key sites on the surface of one face of the ABP dimer, possibly to influence binding to a receptor. A different kind of selection has apparently driven the recent and rapid expansion of the gene region, probably by increasing the amount of Abp transcript, in one or both of two ways. We have shown previously that groups of Abp genes behave as LCRs (low-copy repeats), duplicating as relatively large blocks of genes by NAHR (non-allelic homologous recombination). The second type of selection involves the close link between the accumulation of L1 elements and the expansion of the Abp gene family by NAHR. It is probably predicated on an initial selection for increased transcription of existing Abp genes and/or an increase in Abp gene number providing more transcriptional sites. Either or both could increase initial transcript production, a quantitative change similar to increasing the volume of a radio transmission. In closing, we also provide a note on Abp gene nomenclature.
On the uniqueness of the coefficient ring in a polynomial ring

If k is a field and X and Y are indeterminates then the statement “consider R = Iz[X, Y] as a polynomial ring in one variable” is ambiguous, for there arc infinitely many possible choices for the ring of coefficients (e.g., If A, = k[X f Y”] then A,[Y] == B,,[Y] 7: R but A,, f J,, if m # n). On the other hand, if Z denotes the integers then the polynomial ring Z[X] has a unique subring over which it is a polynomial ring. This investigation began with our consideration of the first of these examples. In fact, Coleman had asked: If k is a field, then although k[X, 1’1 can be written as a polynomial ring in many different ways, is it true that all of the possible coefficient rings are isomorphic? That is, if T is transcendental over d and 4[T] == k[X, Y], is A a polynomial ring over k ? We found that this is indeed the case (see our (2.8)).We next proved the following: If il is a one dimensional afine domain over a$eZd and B is a ring such that A [-Xl = B[ E;] zs an equality of polynomial rings, then either A ~ B or there is afield k such that each of A and B is a polynomial +zg in one variabZe over k. This is a corollary of (3.3) in the present paper. Our (7.7) sketches a version of the original proof. In studying this argument, we found that there were implicit in it techniques for investigating the following general question: Suppose A and B are commutative rings with identity and the polynomial rings 4 [X, , . . . , X,,] and B[E; ,..., I’,] are isomorphic, how are A and B related? Are A and B isomorphic? In particular, when does the given isomorphism take i4 onto B ? This study is mainly centered on the latter portion of the question. We are concerned almost entirely with domains It is convenient to use the following terminology which is modeled after that
2068948 Quality Assurance In Gynecologic Ultrasound

Objectives: A quality assurance program is required for ultrasound unit accreditation, although the specifics for such a program are not defined. There is no known comparative benchmark for the accuracyofultrasounddiagnosis.This studydescribes one unit’s QA/QI program for gynecologic ultrasound designed both to meet accreditation requirements as well as to improve the accuracy and performance of gynecologic ultrasounds. Methods: All emergent and elective gynecologic surgeries from October 2010-December 2013 were reviewed. Patients included in our study had a formal ultrasound in our AIUM accredited department within the 12 months preceding their surgery. The ultrasound diagnoses were compared against the surgical pathology results. Amajor site match was defined as concordance between the suspected pathology seen on ultrasound that prompted surgery and final pathology. All additional pathology found intraoperatively, called secondary pathology, was also included in the review. Images from case discrepancies were reviewed regularly by interpreting physicians together with sonographers. After review, improvement recommendations and changes in practice were made. Results: There were 453 patients who had a gynecologic ultrasound and underwent surgery within the following 12 months between October 2010 and December 2013. During the study period, our unit showed an 83.0% rate of diagnostic and pathologic match for major findings. For secondary pathology, 589 results were reviewed and our unit demonstrated a 77% match rate. After instituting this review process, our accuracy of diagnosis improved from 79% in 2010 to 90% in 2013 for major site matches. Conclusions: We have described one method for conducting quality review and have shared our unit’s accuracy of diagnosis. There have been no previous studies describing an ultrasound unit’s accuracy to use for comparison, nor any recommendations on how to best conduct quality review. We hope that this will lead to further data sharing and discussion of the ultrasound QA/QI process. By opening the discussion on accuracy of gynecologic ultrasound as judged by an institution or unit, comparisons could be made to optimize safe and accurate use of ultrasound technology in the care of women.
The impact of on-location filming of a motion picture on tourists' level of enjoyment while attending a major coastal attraction.

This study examined the effect of the addition of a novelty experience, the on-site filming of the Warner Brothers movie, on the perceived level of enjoyment of tourist visiting the USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park on Mobile Bay. The researchers sought to determine if there was a significant difference in perceived enjoyment levels of those who visited while the novelty experience was present as contrasted to those visiting during normal operations. It was the hypothesis of the researchers that perceived levels of enjoyment would be significantly enhanced by the mere evidence of Hollywood and the filming process. If this supposition were supported by the data, this would encourage attraction managers to develop and incorporate special events within the main attraction. If contrary results surfaced, managers might re-evaluate the cost and effectiveness of bringing special events to existing attractions.
Integrated radiology information system, picture archiving and communications system, and teleradiology--workflow-driven and future-proof.

The proliferation of integrated radiology information system/picture archiving and communication system (RIS/PACS) and teleradiology has been slow because of two concerns: usability and economic return. A major dissatisfaction on the usability issue is that contemporary systems are not intelligent enough to support the logical workflow of radiologists. We propose to better understand the algorithms underlying the radiologists′ reading process, and then embed this intelligence into the software program so that radiologists can interact with the system with less conscious effort. Regarding economic return issues, people are looking for insurance against obsolescence in order to protect their investments. We propose to future-proof a system by sticking to the following principles: compliance to industry standards, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, and modularity. An integrated RIS/PACS and teleradiology system designed to be workflow-driven and future-proof is being developed at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Systematic design of blanket wash solvents with recovery considerations

Abstract The search for new solvents is driven by the needs of new applications and processing requirements, replacement of solvents whose continued use poses a threat to environmental health and safety, a response to changing environmental regulations, and a response to market demands. Many cleaning solvents (commonly referred to as blanket washes) used in the lithographic printing industry are on the environmental hit list and are to be phased out within the next few years. This paper discusses the design of novel single component solvents for this application. The simultaneous consideration of recovery targets (and associated process constraints), physical property requirements, and environmental restrictions renders identification/selection of blanket washes a complicated design problem. To address this, we present a framework for the design of novel blanket wash solvents. The framework aims at designing solvents that meet property requirements and the environmental restrictions while minimizing the operating cost associated with safe recovery and recycle operation. Molecular structural attributes are modeled by binary variables and the process variables are continuous variables. This framework is formulated as a mixed-integer non-linear programming problem (MINLP) and solved by an appropriate solver. To demonstrate the viability of the framework and the solution approach, blanket wash solvents are designed.
DOCUMENTATION RESEARCH AND ASLIB

Few people would deny that the purchase and move into Aslib's new headquarters was a matter of very great importance but I believe that the increased grant made to Aslib by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is of even greater potential importance. During the last five years the grant had been a maximum of £7,000 a year but the new grant, starting in January 1959, would be £12,000 a year, conditional on Aslib raising £15,000, with a further £100 for every extra £100 raised up to a maximum of £18,000.
Global analysis and parametric dependencies for potential unintended hydrogen-fuel releases

Global, simplified analyses of gaseous-hydrogen releases from a high-pressure vessel and liquid-hydrogen pools are conducted for two purposes: (1) establishing order-of-magnitude values of characteristic times and (2) determining parametric dependencies of these characteristic times on the physical properties of the configuration and on the thermophysical properties of hydrogen. According to the ratio of the characteristic release time to the characteristic mixing time, two limiting configurations are identified: (1) a rich cloud exists when this ratio is much smaller than unity, and (2) a jet exists when this ratio is much larger than unity. In all cases, it is found that the characteristic release time is proportional to the total released mass and inversely proportional to a characteristic area. The approximate size, convection velocity, and circulation time of unconfined burning-cloud releases scale with the cloud mass at powers 1/3, 1/6, and 1/6, respectively, multiplied by an appropriately dimensional constant; the influence of cross flow can only be important if its velocity exceeds that of internal convection. It is found that the fireball lifetime is approximately the maximum of the release time and thrice the convection-associated characteristic time. Transition from deflagration to detonation can occur only if the size of unconfined clouds exceeds by a factor of O(10) that of a characteristic detonation cell, which ranges from 0.015 m under stoichiometric conditions to approximately 1 m under extreme rich/lean conditions. For confined vapor pockets, transition occurs only for pocket sizes larger than the cell size. In jets, the release time is inversely proportional to the initial vessel pressure and has a square root dependence on the vessel temperature. Jet velocities are a factor of 10 larger than convective velocities in fireballs and combustion is possible only in the subsonic, downstream region where entrainment may occur.
Prey recognition learning by red spitting cobras, Naja mossambica pallida

Eleven ingestively inexperienced red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida; 4 weeks old) failed to respond to food items (neonatal mice, Mus musculus, and live lizards, Sceloporus undulatus). Live prey were inside clean plastic boxes that were placed into snake cages for 5 min. Rate of tongue flicking and number of biting attacks were recorded. The cobras were then offered neonatal mice (but not lizards), and gradually, these prey were accepted. By the end of the 5th week, all snakes had eaten at least one mouse. From this time until the snakes were 10 months old, mice were offered once each week, and most snakes ate each week. Prey recognition tests were conducted again (at 10 months), and the snakes responded to mice but not to lizards (Anolis carolinenesis). It is concluded that increased response to mice between the 1-month and 10-month tests was not based on increased predatory motivation and/or acclimation to the laboratory, because these factors should also produce increased response to lizards. Accordingly, it seems probable that experience with mice resulted in the acquisition of stimulus control by mouse-derived cues over snake predatory behavior (i.e., prey recognition learning).
The familiarity factor in spatial research

Researchers frequently refer to the familiarity of an environment when discussing a subject's performance on a spatial task. But what exactly is familiarity, and how does it come about?
Diet, pregnancy, and lactation: Effects on adipose tissue, lipoprotein lipase, and fat cell size

Adipose tissue fat cell size and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity were determined in the retroperitoneal and subscapular depots of nonpregnant, pregnant, and postpartum rats fed either a standard laboratory diet or a high-fat diet containing 55% fat by weight. High-fat feeding for 20 days increased, in nonpregnant rats, fat cell size and LPL activity two- to threefold in both depots. In pregnant rats at term, fat cell size was increased and LPL activity was depressed in both dietary groups. Twenty days postpartum, both retroperitoneal fat cell size and LPL activity were decreased in proportion to the size of the litter. Rats not allowed to lactate had fat cell sizes and LPL activity that were not significantly different than in nonpregnant controls. Fat cell size and LPL activity in rats nursing four pups were reduced to 77% and 36% of control, respectively. Those nursing a normal-sized litter of eight pups demonstrated a further reduction of fat cell size to 38% and of LPL activity to 2% of nonpregnant control values. High-fat feeding and obesity did not prevent the fat loss and decreased LPL activity associated with lactation; fat cell size was decreased to 61% and LPL activity to 3% of control values. Values for the subscapular depot followed essentially the same pattern as that observed for the retroperitoneal depot. Mammary LPL activity was increased more than tenfold in animals nursing four or eight pups compared with values at term, whereas no activity was detected in rats not allowed to lactate.
Assessment of microcirculation dynamics during cutaneous wound healing phases in vivo using optical microangiography

Cutaneous wound healing consists of multiple overlapping phases starting with blood coagulation following incision of blood vessels. We utilized label-free optical coherence tomography and optical microangiography (OMAG) to noninvasively monitor healing process and dynamics of microcirculation system in a mouse ear pinna wound model. Mouse ear pinna is composed of two layers of skin separated by a layer of cartilage and because its total thickness is around 500 μm, it can be utilized as an ideal model for optical imaging techniques. These skin layers are identical to human skin structure except for sweat ducts and glands. Microcirculatory system responds to the wound injury by recruiting collateral vessels to supply blood flow to hypoxic region. During the inflammatory phase, lymphatic vessels play an important role in the immune response of the tissue and clearing waste from interstitial fluid. In the final phase of wound healing, tissue maturation, and remodeling, the wound area is fully closed while blood vessels mature to support the tissue cells. We show that using OMAG technology allows noninvasive and label-free monitoring and imaging each phase of wound healing that can be used to replace invasive tissue sample histology and immunochemistry technologies.
The structure and validity of self-reported affect in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease.

Background: This study determined the reliability, validity, and factor structure of self-report emotions in persons with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) relative to controls. Methods: Participants (mild AD, n = 73; MCI, n = 159; controls, n = 96) rated current emotions with the Visual Analogue Mood Scales (Stern, 1997). Results: Internal consistency reliabilities were comparable across groups, as were the factor structures of emotion. Persons with AD reported more negative affect (NA) than persons with MCI and controls. The emotion that most differentiated groups was confusion. NA and PA may be more bipolar in persons with AD than for persons with MCI and controls. Conclusions: The underlying structure of affect was similar in persons with mild AD, MCI, and controls. Further, persons with MCI appeared to be "transitional" between cognitive health and dementia with regard to mood and affect. That is, participants with MCI tended to have affect scores that were intermediate between those with AD and controls. Implications for interventions to improve emotional well-being in AD and MCI are discussed.
Pulsed dye laser applied to modulated spectroscopy magnetic circular dichroism

A tunable jet-stream dye laser pumped by a cavity-dumped argon laser has been synchronized to a photoelastic modulator to measure magnetic circular dichroism. Gated signal amplification takes advantage of the laser's pulsed operation to detect weak dichroic signals. Comparative data show that the dye laser and gated amplification give a SNR better than that obtained with the previously used lamp, monochromator, and lockin detector. Other applications of the dye laser and gated amplification are discussed.