cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermediate Yb valence in the Zintl phases Yb 14 M Sb 11 ( M = Zn , Mn , Mg ) : XANES, magnetism, and heat capacity

${\mathrm{Yb}}_{14}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{11}$ is a magnetic Zintl compound as well as being one of the best high temperature $p$-type thermoelectric materials. According to the Zintl formalism, which defines intermetallic phases where cations and anions are valence satisfied, this structure type is nominally made up of 14 ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{2+}$, 1 ${\mathrm{MnSb}}_{4}^{9\ensuremath{-}}$, 1 ${\mathrm{Sb}}_{3}^{7\ensuremath{-}}$, and 4 ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{3\ensuremath{-}}$ atoms. When Mn is replaced by Mg or Zn, the Zintl defined motifs become 13 ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{2+}$, 1 ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$, 1 (Mg, Zn)${\mathrm{Sb}}_{4}^{10\ensuremath{-}}$, 1 ${\mathrm{Sb}}_{3}^{7\ensuremath{-}}$, and 4 ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{3\ensuremath{-}}$. The predicted existence of ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ based on simple electron counting rules of the Zintl formalism calls the Yb valence of these compounds into question. X-ray absorption near-edge structure, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements on single crystals of the three analogs show signatures of intermediate valence Yb behavior and in particular, reveal the heavy fermion nature of ${\mathrm{Yb}}_{14}{\mathrm{MgSb}}_{11}$. In these isostructural compounds, Yb can exhibit a variety of electronic configurations from intermediate ($M=\mathrm{Zn}$), mostly 2+ ($M=\mathrm{Mn}$), to 3+ ($M=\mathrm{Mg}$). In all cases, there is a small amount of intermediate valency at the lowest temperatures. The amount of intermediate valency is constant for $M=\mathrm{Mn}$, Mg and temperature dependent for $M=\mathrm{Zn}$. The evolution of the Yb valence correlated to the transport properties of these phases is highlighted. The presence of Yb in this structure type allows for fine tuning of the carrier concentration and thereby the possibility of optimized thermoelectric properties along with unique magnetic phenomena.
Lessons from Human Islet Transplantation Inform Stem Cell-Based Approaches in the Treatment of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by the body's inability to control blood glucose levels within a physiological range due to loss and/or dysfunction of insulin producing beta cells. Progressive beta cell loss leads to hyperglycemia and if untreated can lead to severe complications and/or death. Treatments at this time are limited to pharmacologic therapies, including exogenous insulin or oral/injectable agents that improve insulin sensitivity or augment endogenous insulin secretion. Cell transplantation can restore physiologic endogenous insulin production and minimize hyper- and hypoglycemic excursions. Islet isolation procedures and management of transplant recipients have advanced over the last several decades; both tight glycemic control and insulin independence are achievable. Research has been conducted in isolating islets, monitoring islet function, and mitigating the immune response. However, this procedure is still only performed in a small minority of patients. One major barrier is the scarcity of human pancreatic islet donors, variation in donor pancreas quality, and variability in islet isolation success. Advances have been made in generation of glucose responsive human stem cell derived beta cells (sBCs) and islets from human pluripotent stem cells using directed differentiation. This is an emerging promising treatment for patients with diabetes because they could potentially serve as an unlimited source of functional, glucose-responsive beta cells. Challenges exist in their generation including long term survival of grafts, safety of transplantation, and protection from the immune response. This review focuses on the progress made in islet allo- and auto transplantation and how these advances may be extrapolated to the sBC context.
Acute Effects of Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Points in the Triceps Surae of Ballet Dancers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

# Background There is convincing evidence that dancers suffer injuries to the triceps surae musculature. Research on the immediate effects of dry needling (DN) is limited, and it is important to understand the acute effects of this treatment prior to performance. # Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the immediate effects of DN on myofascial trigger points in terms of skin surface temperature, pain, active and passive range of motion, and torque production in the triceps surae of ballet dancers. # Study Design Randomized, double-blinded pilot study # Methods Professional ballet dancers that fit inclusion and exclusion criteria (n=11) were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The dancers had three pre-determined standard point (SP) measurement spots that were used as a baseline for surface temperature comparisons. The dancers were also palpated for trigger point (TP) spots. Both SP and TP spots were marked for future measurements. The experimental group received DN, while the control group received sham DN (SHAM) to their bilateral calves at the TP spots. Immediately prior to and following treatment, both DN and SHAM groups were tested for skin surface temperature, pain, range of motion, and plantar flexion torque by blinded assessors. Paired t-tests and independent t-tests were performed to examine for differences between groups. # Results The surface temperature for the TP was higher than the SP measurements prior to intervention (Right calf p= .014; Left calf p= .031). There were no significant changes in VAS scale reported pain and ROM. The plantar flexion torque measurements showed an increase in the DN group of the left calf at the angular velocity of 60 degrees/sec. # Conclusion This was a unique pilot study examining the acute effects of DN on professional ballet dancers. The results were limited due to low sample size. However, the methodology for this study and surface temperature results invites future research. # Level of evidence Level 1b
The Purpose of Teaching Young Adult Literature in Secondary Education: Focus on Poverty, Gender and Sexuality

Although Young Adult literature has been around for quite some time, it has never been viewed or considered to be fit to teach in a classroom setting, as it was poles apart from classics. Young Adult Literature deals with current social, economic, political as well as personal issues relating to and addressing a particular group of people, the young adults. Taking the themes ‘Poverty and Privilege’ and ‘Gender and Sexuality’, this article discusses the purpose of Young Adult Literature in school curriculum and the methods of teaching them to students to spread awareness and help in shaping conscious citizens of the world. The themes and issues of the books ‘The House on Mango Street’, ‘Hey Kiddo’, ‘If You Could Be Mine’ and ‘Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen’ and the reason for teaching them in schools are explored in detail in the hope of shedding light on the darker aspects of life.
Impacts of irrigation efficiency on water-dependent sectors are heavily controlled by region-specific institutions and infrastructures.

Abstract Farmers’ investment in more efficient irrigation systems represents a primary adaptation strategy when confronting climate change. However, the regional benefits of these investments and their influence on the conflicting demands among different water dependent stakeholders for intensely irrigated regions remains an open question. Using the Pacific Northwest of the United States as an illustrative region of focus, we show that higher irrigation efficiency has diverse effects across stakeholders that are contingent on many local climatic, institutional and infrastructural factors such as the availability of water storage, the location of hydropower generators, and water rights. These complexities limit simple abstractions of irrigation efficiency as broader policy challenge and are central to its inclusion within the class of “wicked problems”. Additionally, we argue that the widely used rebound effect concept, which implicitly discourages irrigation efficiency supporting policies, should not be assumed to fully capture the nuances of the complex suite of regional impacts that emerge from irrigation efficiency investments. Consequently, the evaluation of irrigation efficiency investments requires a broader framing across a diversity of perspectives. policies and actions that are pluralistic, context-specific, and closely engage various groups of stakeholders in the policymaking process.
A Unified Method of Estimation in Linear Models with Mixed Effects

A unified approach is developed for the estimation of unknown fixed parameters and prediction of random effects in a mixed Gauss- Markov linear model. It is shown that both the estimators and their mean square errors can be expressed in terms of the elements of a g-inverse of a partitioned matrix which can be set up in terms of the matrices used in expressing the model. No assumptions are made on the ranks of the matrices involved. The method is parallel to the one developed by the author in the case of the fixed effects Gauss-Markov model using a g-inverse of a partitioned matrix (Rao, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1985).
Improving Cancer Outcomes through Strong Networks and Regulatory Frameworks: Lessons from the United States and the European Union

Integrated networks of doctors, patients, and hospitals are a major piece of cancer governance. They enable stakeholders to pool information and resources and achieve systematic learning. Two groups, the Children's Oncology Group in the United States and the Europe Against Cancer initiative, are examples of network governance. Both demonstrate learning processes, production and dissemination of new data, financial support, and engagement of all stakeholders. Why have these integrated networks been successful while so many others have failed? Because both are embedded within regulatory frameworks that ensure that the networks work properly. Integrated networks are vulnerable when the frameworks fail to provide the necessary resources, accountability, fairness, and participation. 119 Copyright C Louise G. Trubek, Thomas R. Oliver, Chih-Ming Liang, Matt Mokrohisky, Toby Campbell. * University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, WI, USA. ** University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA. JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE LAW & POLICY [VOL. 14:119
WE-G-204-04: Focal Spot Deblurring For High Resolution Amorphous Selenium (aSe) Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) X-Ray Detector

Purpose: CMOS-based aSe detectors compared to CsI-TFT-based flat panels have the advantages of higher spatial sampling due to smaller pixel size and decreased blurring characteristic of direct rather than indirect detection. For systems with such detectors, the limiting factor degrading image resolution then becomes the focal-spot geometric unsharpness. This effect can seriously limit the use of such detectors in areas such as cone beam computed tomography, clinical fluoroscopy and angiography. In this work a technique to remove the effect of focal-spot blur is presented for a simulated aSe detector. Method: To simulate images from an aSe detector affected with focal-spot blur, first a set of high-resolution images of a stent (FRED from Microvention, Inc.) were acquired using a 75µm pixel size Dexela-Perkin-Elmer detector and averaged to reduce quantum noise. Then the averaged image was blurred with a known Gaussian blur at two different magnifications to simulate an idealized focal spot. The blurred images were then deconvolved with a set of different Gaussian blurs to remove the effect of focal-spot blurring using a threshold-based, inverse-filtering method. Results: The blur was removed by deconvolving the images using a set of Gaussian functions for both magnifications. Selecting the correct function resulted in an image close to the original; however, selection of too wide a function would cause severe artifacts. Conclusion: Experimentally, focal-spot blur at different magnifications can be measured using a pin hole with a high resolution detector. This spread function can be used to deblur the input images that are acquired at corresponding magnifications to correct for the focal spot blur. For CBCT applications, the magnification of specific objects can be obtained using initial reconstructions then corrected for focal-spot blurring to improve resolution. Similarly, if object magnification can be determined such correction may be applied in fluoroscopy and angiography.
A Multidisciplinary Orbit-Sparing Treatment Approach That Includes Proton Therapy for Epithelial Tumors of the Orbit and Ocular Adnexa.

Purpose Postoperative radiation is often indicated in the treatment of malignant epithelial tumors of the orbit and ocular adnexa. We present details of radiation technique and toxicity data after orbit-sparing surgery followed by adjuvant proton radiation therapy. Methods and Materials Twenty patients underwent orbit-sparing surgery followed by proton therapy for newly diagnosed malignant epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland (n=7), lacrimal sac/nasolacrimal duct (n=10), or eyelid (n=3). Tumor characteristics, treatment details, and visual outcomes were obtained from medical records. Acute and chronic toxicity were prospectively scored using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Results The median radiation dose was 60 Gy(RBE) (relative biological effectiveness; [range 50-70 Gy]); 11 patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Dose to ipsilateral anterior optic structures was reduced in 13 patients by having them gaze away from the target during treatment. At a median follow-up time of 27.1 months (range 2.6-77.2 months), no patient had experienced local recurrence; 1 had regional and 1 had distant recurrence. Three patients developed chronic grade 3 epiphora, and 3 developed grade 3 exposure keratopathy. Four patients experienced a decrease in visual acuity from baseline but maintained vision sufficient to perform all activities of daily living without difficulty. Patients with grade ≥3 chronic ocular toxicity had higher maximum dose to the ipsilateral cornea (median 46.3 Gy[RBE], range 36.6-52.7 Gy[RBE] vs median 37.4 Gy[RBE], range 9.0-47.3 Gy(RBE); P =.017). Conclusions Orbit-sparing surgery for epithelial tumors of the orbit and ocular adnexa followed by proton therapy successfully achieved disease control and was well tolerated. No patient required orbital exenteration or enucleation. Chronic grade 3 toxicity was associated with high maximum dose to the cornea. An eye-deviation technique can be used to limit the maximum corneal dose to
Mathematical Morphology on Complete Semilattices and its Applications to Image Processing

This work extends the scope of mathematical morphology from complete lattices to complete semilattices, and presents some applications of this extension. More specifically, we first define and briefly analyze basic morphological operators in complete inf-semilattices. Then, difference and reference semilattices are introduced. Finally, some video processing applications in these semilattices are presented, namely: Detection of fast motion, innovation extraction, and contour compression for segmentation-based coding.
Joint probability density functions of random trajectories through a box

A wide range of physical problems can be described by randomly-oriented linear trajectories, including any system of objects, organisms, particles, or rays that follow a linear path. Dependent upon the particular random variables that define translation and direction, a description of the probabilistic behavior through a static volume can reveal evidence on an object's physical properties. Yet more information may be available in cases where this behavior is a function of volume shape. In this study two types of random trajectories are considered as they pass through a box of arbitrary relative dimension. One type defines trajectories from uniform random selection of a spatial location paired with a directional vector; the other is formed from a uniformly distributed position vector on a surface. The joint probability distributions for trajectory length as a function of box position are formulated and then examined for different size boxes, and their physical representations discussed.
Using receiver operating characteristic analysis to evaluate the accuracy in predicting future quality grade from ultrasound marbling estimates on beef calves.

Ultrasound estimates of marbling score were collected on 144 calves that averaged 219 d of age and 219 kg. Those estimates were correlated (r2 = .32, P < .001) with carcass marbling at slaughter 252 d later. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis provides a method to determine critical operating points for selecting outcome groups with specified percentages of the desired quality grades. When an a priori estimate of the prevalence of Choice or premium choice can be made, the ROC procedures incorporate error rates to estimate the percentage of the herd that will be selected in an outcome group. A unique feature of the ROC output is the ability to conduct a cost/benefit analysis. The ROC analysis indicated that the initial marbling estimates were 78+/-4% accurate in classifying future quality grade and predicting whether an animal would grade USDA Choice. A similar accuracy (76+/-4%) was observed in predicting whether an animal would attain USDA Average Choice or higher (premium choice). A decision matrix was also examined in which sensitivity and specificity in predicting Choice were 90% and 46%, respectively. Relative values of those diagnostic measures were reversed in predicting premium choice (39% and 86%, respectively). Evaluation of the different methods indicated that ROC analysis may have advantages over either traditional regression analysis or contingency tables for evaluating ultrasound procedures.
Structural characterization of the glycoinositol phospholipid membrane anchor of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry.

The glycoinositol phospholipid membrane anchor of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) is composed of a glycan linked through a glucosamine residue to an inositol phospholipid that is resistant to the action of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Deamination cleavage of the glucosamine with nitrous acid released the inositol phospholipid which was purified by high performance liquid chromatography. Analysis by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry with negative ion monitoring and by the complementary technique of collision-induced dissociation revealed molecular and daughter ions that indicated a plasmanylinositol with a palmitoyl group on an inositol hydroxyl. The intact membrane anchor was released from reductively methylated human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by proteolysis with papain or Pronase, deacylated by base hydrolysis, and purified by high performance liquid chromatography. Positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of the major products isolated by high performance liquid chromatography indicated the following structure for the complete glycoinositol phospholipid anchor. (formula; see text) Methylation of free amino groups by reduction with deuterium instead of hydrogen permitted determination of the number of free amino groups in individual fragment ions as further confirmation of structural assignments. The structure of the glycan portion of the human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase membrane anchor appears to be similar to that described for Trypanosome brucei variant surface glycoprotein MITat 1.4 (variant 117) (Ferguson, M.A.J., Homans, S.W., Dwek, R.A., and Rademacher, T.W. (1988) Science 239, 753-759) except for the absence of a galactose antenna and the presence of a phosphorylethanolamine on the hexose adjacent to glucosamine.
Raman Scattering Spectra of TmPO4.

Raman scattering spectra of TmP${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ have been studied between 5 K and room temperature. We have observed four electronic transitions between the crystal-field split levels of the ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$ ion ($^{3}H_{6}$) which is at the ${D}_{2d}$ site symmetry of the lattice. In addition to electronic transitions, we have observed eleven phonon peaks which we assign to the internal and external vibrations of the P$\mathrm{O}_{4}^{}{}_{}{}^{3\ensuremath{-}}$ ion in the irreducible representation of ${D}_{4h}$. As in several other rare-earth phosphates and vanadates, no phase transition has been observed in this crystal.
Effect of indomethacin and prostaglandin A, on renal function and plasma renin activity in alcoholic liver disease

Abstract Renal function is known to be abnormal in patients with cirrhosis. Diminished cortical blood flow due to active renal vasoconstriction is present. Renal prostaglandins, potent vasodilators, could be released by the kidney in an attempt to maintain renal blood flow. This possibility was investigated by measuring the effect of indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Administration of indomethacin reduced the effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and creatinine clearance by 23% and 19%, respectively (P
Locating a passive source with array measurements a summary of results

This paper deals with the localization of an acoustic source by means of array measurements. It gives lower bounds on bearing and range accuracy and discusses their implications for practical instrumentations. It also examines sensitivity to uncertainties in sensor location and ambiguities in delay measurement caused by very narrowband signals.
Lossless fault-tolerant data structures with additive overhead

We develop the first dynamic data structures that tolerate δ memory faults, lose no data, and incur only an O(δ) additive overhead in overall space and time per operation. We obtain such data structures for arrays, linked lists, binary search trees, interval trees, predecessor search, and suffix trees. Like previous data structures, δ must be known in advance, but we show how to restore pristine state in linear time, in parallel with queries, making δ just a bound on the rate of memory faults. Our data structures require Θ(δ) words of safe memory during an operation, which may not be theoretically necessary but seems a practical assumption.
Fit perceptions in the employment interview: The role of similarity, liking, and expectations

We examined (I) how interviewers construct fit perceptions about applicants and (2) the relationship between these perceptions and actual hiring recommendations. It was hypothesized that actual demographic similarity and human capital similarity would indirectly affect fit perceptions. These fit perceptions would be predicted by the interviewer's perceived similarity to applicants, mediated by two factors: interviewers' liking of the applicant and interviewers' expectations of applicant performance. Actual interviewer-applicant dyads (N = 118) were studied. The results indicated that the relationship between perceived similarity and fit perceptions is mediated by performance expectations but not by liking. This study provides evidence that interviewers are more rational than previous research suggested. However, the fact that human resource interviewers are more likely to perceive applicants as similar to themselves than line interviewers suggests that interviewers' neutrality is questioned.
Intracamerally injected platelet activating factor (PAF) induces marked intraocular inflammatory reactions.

An inflammatory response was elicited in the rabbit eye by intracameral injection of platelet activating factor (PAF). PAF induced severe aqueous flare, corneal edema, pupillary constriction and marked biphasic changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in a dose-dependent manner. All of the responses to PAF were inhibited by the PAF receptor antagonist, BN 52021 (20 mg/kg, i.p.). The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant inhibition of the early phase PAF-induced aqueous flare, pupillary constriction and intraocular hypertension, but did not effect PAF-induced corneal edema or intraocular hypotension. NDGA (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a lipoxygenase inhibitor, did not inhibit the inflammatory effects of PAF. PAF-induced chemotactic response was evaluated by tissue chemiluminescence. Intracamerally injected PAF did not significantly increase chemiluminescence in cornea or iris-ciliary body, but intracorneal injection of PAF did cause a chemotactic response in both the conjunctiva and c...
A review of tobacco smoking in adolescents: treatment implications.

ABSTRACT Objective To review current data on the tobacco epidemic in adolescents that impact treatment decisions. Method Epidemiological and pharmacological data, risk factors, characteristics of nicotine use in adolescents, and treatment intervention reports from the literature are discussed. Results Of students in grades 9 to 12, 42.7% have used tobacco; 75% of teenage smokers will smoke as adults. Environmental and biological factors influence adolescent smoking, including sociodevelopmental aspects of adolescence, psychiatric history, genetic background, ethnic and gender characteristics, drug effects, and regulatory factors. Criteria for nicotine dependence are currently based on the experience with adult smokers. Overall, smoking cessation treatment for adolescents has been disappointing because of low participation, high attrition, and low quit rates. Conclusion Characterization of nicotine dependence and further assessment of the safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatment interventions in adolescents are needed given the formidable challenge of the tobacco epidemic in adolescents.
Full-field numerical differentiation

AbstractThe numerical representation and differentiation of experimental information is extended to full-field capability involving two independent variables. Bicubic spline, regression analysis and finite-element concepts are employed. Smoothing of the experimental data is accomplished mathematically. The technique are demonstrated by analysing loaded plates.
Biological factors controlling the carbon isotope record in fish otoliths: Principles and evidence

Abstract Otoliths are calcium carbonate structures in the endolymph of the inner ear of fish used to estimate age of individual fish based on the annual and the daily periodicities of the internal banding structure of the otolith. The otolith is about 10% by weight carbon and changes in carbon isotope disequilibrium in the endolymph over the life of the fish are recorded in the pattern of 13 C deposition in the otolith. The record of carbon isotope disequilibrium in the otolith can provide useful information about two aspects of the biology of the fish: position in the food chain, and the changes in metabolic rate over the life of the fish. Measurements of σ 13 C distribution in otoliths show an increasing 13 C enrichment over the part of the life of the fish when respiration rate can be expected to increase, and a decline in 13 C when respiration rate can be expected to be decreasing or stationary. Basic models of 13 C fractionation in biological systems predict that 13 C enrichment of metabolic CO 2 should occur at higher respiration rates. The similarity between observed and expected 13 C distributions in otoliths suggests that the enrichment pattern of 13 C in otoliths is an analog of the metabolic rate of fishes, which provides a useful life history record.
AIN on diamond thin films grown by chemical vapor deposition methods

Aluminum nitride (AlN) films were grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on boron-doped diamond films deposited by the hot-filament CVD (HFCVD) method. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical characterization of the AlN/diamond interface was performed by current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance- voltage measurements. The resulting films showed one x-ray diffraction peak of (100) oriented AlN and three diamond diffraction peaks of (111), (220) and (331) orientation. The Raman spectra showed two peaks, one at 660 cm-1 due to scattering by the AlN lattice and the other at 1335 cm-1 by the diamond lattice. The I-V measurements on the metal(W)/diamond/Si/Al structure showed ohmic behavior from which the diamond film resistivity of 5 X 105 (Omega) -cm was estimated. The I-V measurements on the W/AlN/diamond/Si/Al structure showed rectifying behavior. The capacitance of the film was independent of the applied voltage and was dominated by the diamond bulk capacitance.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On Elastodynamic Diffraction of Waves From a Line-Load by a Crack

On suppose connue la solution correspondant a l'incidence d'une onde plane de mouvements longitudinaux ou transversaux sous un angle fixe
Ligand-selective interactions of ER detected in living cells by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Some aspects of ligand-regulated transcription activation by the estrogen receptor (ER) are associated with the estrogen-dependent formation of a hydrophobic cleft on the receptor surface. At least in vitro, this cleft is required for direct interaction of ER with an helix, containing variants of the sequence LXXLL, found in many coactivators. In cells, it is unknown whether ER interactions with the different LXXLL-containing helices are uniformly similar or whether they vary with LXXLL sequence or activating ligand. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we confirm in the physiological environment a direct interaction between the estradiol (E2)-bound ER and LXXLL peptides expressed in living cells as fusions with spectral variants of the green fluorescent protein. This interaction was blocked by a single amino acid mutation in the hydrophobic cleft. No FRET was detected when cells were incubated with the antiestrogenic ligands tamoxifen and ICI 182,780. E2, diethylstilbestrol, ethyl indenestrol A, and 6,4dihydroxyflavone all promoted FRET and activated ER-dependent transcription. Measurement of the level of FRET of ER with different LXXLL-containing peptides suggested that the orientations or affinities of the LXXLL interactions with the hydrophobic cleft were globally similar but slightly different for some activating ligands. (Molecular Endocrinology 16: 487–496, 2002)
Development of a production cost estimation framework for product family design

The main task of a product family designer is to decide the right components/design variables to share among products to maintain economies of scale with minimum sacrifice in the performance of each product in the family. The decisions are usually based on several criteria, but production cost is of primary concern. Estimating the production cost of a family of products involves estimating the production cost of each product in the family including the cost effects of common and variant components/design variables in the family. In this paper, we introduce a production cost estimation framework for product family design based on Activity-Based Costing (ABC), which is composed of three stages: (1) allocation, (2) estimation, and (3) analysis. In the allocation stage, the production activities that are necessary to produce all of the products in the family are identified and modeled with an activity table, a resource table, and an activity flow. To allocate the activities to products, a product family structure is represented by a hierarchical classification of the items that form the product family. In the estimation stage, production costs are estimated by converting the production activities to costs using key cost drivers that consume main resources. In the analysis stage, components/design variables for product family design are investigated with resource sharing methods through activity analysis. As an example, the proposed framework is applied to estimate the production cost of a family of cordless power screwdrivers.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for July–September 1994

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 213 earthquakes that occurred during the third quarter of 1994. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical earth structure represented by a whole mantle shear velocity model SH8/U4L8 of Dziewonski and Woodward (Acoustical Imaging, 1992, Vol. 19, pp. 785–797). A new model of anelastic attenuation of Durek and Ekstrom (EOS, 1994, 75:83) is used to predict the decay of the waveforms.
Effectiveness of women entrepreneurs in the 21st century

Entrepreneurs, nearly 50% of which are women, started most small businesses. Entrepreneurs are persons with some knowledge or skill in a business field, and some funds, who take the risk of venturing into business in various states of preparedness or unpreparedness. In the process of choosing a business area, deciding definitely to go into business, and going through all the agonies of getting the business started, entrepreneurs have few people to turn to for support and comfort. They tend to be loners, self dependent people characterised by a slight mistrust of other business people and workers. They keep their affairs to themselves, make all decisions, and carry the sole burden for all aspects of business operation. The purpose of this paper is to look at the characteristics of successful women entrepreneurs.
Impact of nasogastric lavage on outcomes in acute GI bleeding.

Background Nasogastric lavage (NGL) is often performed early in the management of GI bleeding. This practice assumes that NGL results can assist with timely risk stratification and management. Objective We performed a retrospective analysis to test whether NGL is associated with improved process measures and outcomes in GI bleeding. Design Propensity-matched retrospective analysis. Setting University-based Veterans Affairs medical center. Patients A total of 632 patients admitted with GI bleeding. Main Outcome Measurements Thirty-day mortality rate, length of hospital stay, transfusion requirements, surgery, and time to endoscopy. Results Patients receiving NGL were more likely to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and be admitted to intensive care, but less likely to have metastatic disease or tachycardia, be taking warfarin, or present on weekdays. After propensity matching, NGL did not affect mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-1.92), length of hospital stay (7.3 vs 8.1 days, P = .57), surgery (OR 1.51; 95% CI, 0.42-5.43), or transfusions (3.2 vs 3.0 units, P = .94). However, NGL was associated with earlier time to endoscopy (hazard ratio 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09-2.04), and bloody aspirates were associated high-risk lesions (OR 2.69; 95% CI, 1.08-6.73). Limitations Retrospective design. Conclusions Performing NGL is associated with the earlier performance of endoscopy, but does not affect clinical outcomes. Performing NGL at initial triage may promote more timely process of care, but further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.
Lower prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes in marathoners.

Purpose: To test whether the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes declines with marathon participation independent of annual running mileage. Methods: Cross-sectional associations of self-reported medication use in 62,284 male and 45,040 female participants of the National Runners' Health Study adjusted for age, diet, alcohol, and annual distance run. Results: By self-report, 31.7% of men and 29.1% of women ran 0.2 and 0.8 marathons per year, 8.6% of men and 4.4% of women ran between 1.0 and 1.8 marathons per year, and 3.8% of men and 1.5% of women ran an average of >=2 marathons per year. The men's odds ratio per marathons per year run was 0.85 for antihypertensive (P < 0.0001), 0.87 for LDL-cholesterol-lowering (P = 0.002), and 0.52 for antidiabetic medication use (P < 0.0001). Compared with nonmarathoners, men who averaged 0.2-0.8 marathons per year had 13% lower odds for antihypertensive medication use, 22% lower odds for LDL-cholesterol-lowering medication use, and 67% lower odds for antidiabetic medication use. Marathon participation was also associated with lower LDL-cholesterol-lowering and antidiabetic medication use in women, but not when adjusted for annual distance run. Each additional hour required to complete their marathon had odds ratio of 1.31 and 1.22 for men's antihypertensive and LDL-cholesterol-lowering medication use and 2.01 for women's antidiabetic medication use (all P < 0.0001). Among all runners (marathoners and nonmarathoners combined), prevalence in the use of all three medications decreased in association with the length of the longest usual run, independent of total annual mileage. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes decreases with the frequency of marathon participation independent of annual running distance. This may be due to the inclusion of longer training runs in preparation for marathons or to genetic or other innate differences between marathon and nonmarathon runners
A comparison of sperm RNA-seq methods

A significant challenge to the effective application of RNA-seq to the complete transcript analysis of low quantity and/or degraded samples is the amplification of minimal input RNA to enable sequencing library construction. Several strategies have been commercialized in order to facilitate this goal. However, each strategy has its own specific protocols and methodology, and each may introduce unique bias and in some cases show specific preference for a collection of sequences. Our wider investigation of human spermatozoal RNAs was able to reveal their complexity despite being generally characterized by low quantity and high fragmentation. In this study, the following four commercially available RNA-seq amplification and library protocols for the preparation of low quantity/highly fragmented samples, SMARTer™ Ultra Low RNA (SU) for Illumina® Sequencing, SeqPlex RNA Amplification (SP), Ovation® RNA-Seq System V2 (OR), and Ovation® RNA-Seq Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded System (FFPES) were assessed using human sperm RNAs. Further investigation analyzed the effects on the end results of two different library preparation methods, Encore NGS Multiplex System I (Enc) and Ovation Ultralow Library Systems (UL), that appeared best suited to this type of RNA, along with other potential confounding factors such as FFPE preservation. Our results indicate that for each library preparation protocol, the differences in the initial amount of input RNA and choice of RNA purification step do not generate marked differences in terms of RNA profiling. However, substantial disparity is introduced by individual amplification methods prior to library construction. These significant differences may be caused by the different priming methods or amplification strategies used in each of the four different protocols examined. The observation of intra-sample variation introduced by the choice of protocol highlights the role that external factors play in planning and subsequent reliable interpretation of results of any RNA-seq experiment.
The instructional designer-subject specialist relationship: Implications for professional training

The training of graduate students for instructional design positions in a business environment must go beyond a knowledge of traditional instructional development models. Based upon an analysis of the business environment, three areas for skill development—group process, communication, and problem-solving skills—are identified. Strategies for increasing graduate students’ contacts with subject specialists are discussed.
The Calculus of Voting in Compulsory Voting Systems

Compulsory voting laws have consistently been demonstrated to boost electoral participation. Despite the widespread presence of compulsory voting and the significant impact these laws appear to have on voting behavior, surprisingly little effort has been devoted to analyzing how mandatory voting alters the decision-making calculus of individual voters in these systems. Moreover, studies that investigate the influence of compulsory voting laws on electoral participation generally treat these policies monolithically, with scant attention to the nuances that differentiate mandatory voting laws across systems and to their consequences for voting rates. Analyses that explicitly and empirically examine the effects of penalties and enforcement are surprisingly rare. This study aims to fill that void by adapting rational choice models of participation in elections for compulsory voting systems. I find that the level of penalties countries impose for non-compliance and the degree of penalty enforcement impact turnout rates. Voters in mandatory voting systems abstain least when both the penalties and the likelihood of enforcement are high, and abstain most when both meaningless.
Ab initio study of the electronic structure of the crystalline high-mobility organic semiconductor 1,4-diiodobenzene

We use ab initio crystalline calculations to explore the role of iodine in determining the properties of 1,4-diiodobenzene. The results strongly suggest that the large halogen is an important or perhaps the dominant determinant of the ability of diiodobenzene to transport holes. We conjecture that the high mobility of diiodobenzene is due to a combination of electronic and phononic effects, both influenced by the presence of the iodine.
Economical LED based, real-time, in vivo imaging of murine corneal wound healing.

Abstract An optimal system for monitoring in vivo corneal wound healing is inexpensive, has utility for wounding and imaging, and is able to provide previews before photography. We outline such an imaging system that takes advantage of a consumer digital camera and an LED-based light source for fluorescein excitation. Using FVB/NJ mice, 2 mm diameter, circular, axial corneal epithelial defects were created using a crescent blade. The corneal wounds were imaged every four hours until healed using a Nikon Coolpix 5400 camera attached to a Nikon SMZ-10A stereomicroscope, using the illumination from a 16 LED 464 nm flashlight. The wound area was calculated, and the linear regressions of the linear phase of wound healing were compared using the F -test. The slopes of the linear regressions for the 6 trials of 4 mice/trial had an average of −52.95 μm/h (SEM = 0.55 μm/h) and were statistically equivalent ( p > 0.05). The mean of the R 2 values for the linear regressions was 0.9546 (SEM = 0.0121). The equivalent linear regressions and R 2 > 0.90 suggest that the imaging system could precisely monitor the wound healing of multiple trials and of animals within each trial, respectively. Using a consumer digital camera and LED-based illumination, we have established a system that is economical, is used in both wounding and imaging, is operated by a single person, and is able to provide real-time previews to monitor corneal wound healing precisely.
Introduction: Expanding the Discourse on "Race"

In response to Mukhopadhyay and Moses's call for biological and cultural anthropologists to reestablish a dialogue on race, anthropologists from the four major subfields join colleagues from two allied disciplines to address the possible ways in which the anthropological discourse on race can become more holistic and amenable to the urgent needs and interests of the public. This essay offers an overview of the current resurgence of race-focused scholarship in anthropology, as well as a framework for an intertextual reading of the articles featured in this theme forum. Anthropologists' current conversation on race and racism is built on a rich legacy, elements of which are still being uncovered in gender- and racecognizant explorations of the discipline's past Despite the considerable hiatus since the last major juncture of race-centered debate and research, that legacy has recently inspired a promising upsurge of critical analysis which, if mobilized effectively, may contribute to the subversion of the often subtle cultural and structural logics of contemporary racism, as well as clear the ground for a new culture for multiracial democracy. Toward this end, anthropologists and others interested in using anthropological tools must cultivate more richly nuanced analyses and intervention strategies informed by insights emerging from the cross-fertilization of ideas from the various subfields along with such fields as human genetics and ethnic studies. Anthropology's unique role in interrogating, theorizing, and potentially disrupting the dynamics of racism may be dependent on understanding the conceptual and methodological significance of strategic intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary interfaces.
Influence of Alloy Sulfur Content and Bulk Electrolyte Composition on Crevice Corrosion Initiation of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract The influence of alloy sulfur content and bulk solution composition on crevice corrosion initiation of type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel (SS) in neutral chloride solutions was determin...
Evaluation of surface properties and atmospheric disturbances caused by post-dam alterations of land use/land cover

This study adopted a differential land-use/land-cover (LULC) analysis to evaluate dam-triggered land–atmosphere interactions for a number of LULC scenarios. Two specific questions were addressed: (1) can dam-triggered LULC heterogeneities modify surface and energy budget, which, in turn, change regional convergence and precipitation patterns? (2) How extensive is the modification in surface moisture and energy budget altered by dam-triggered LULC changes occurring in different climate and terrain features? The Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS, version 6.0) was set up for two climatologically and topographically contrasting regions: the American River watershed (ARW), located in California, and the Owyhee River watershed (ORW), located in eastern Oregon. For the selected atmospheric river precipitation event of 29 December 1996 to 3 January 1997, simulations of three pre-defined LULC scenarios are performed. The definition of the scenarios are (1) the "control" scenario, representing the contemporary land use, (2) the "pre-dam" scenario, representing the natural landscape before the construction of the dams and (3) the "non-irrigation" scenario, representing the condition where previously irrigated landscape in the control is transformed to the nearby land-use type. Results indicated that the ARW energy and moisture fluxes were more extensively affected by dam-induced changes in LULC than the ORW. Both regions, however, displayed commonalities in the modification of land–atmosphere processes due to LULC changes, with the control–non-irrigation scenario creating more change than the control–pre-dam scenarios. These commonalities were: (1) the combination of a decrease in temperature (up to 0.15 °C) and an increase at dew point (up to 0.25 °C) was observed; (2) there was a larger fraction of energy partitioned to latent heat flux (up to 10 W m −2 ) that increased the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and resulted in a larger convective available potential energy (CAPE); (3) low-level wind-flow variation was found to be responsible for pressure gradients that affected localized circulations, moisture advection and convergence. At some locations, an increase in wind speed up to 1.6 m s −1 maximum was observed; (4) there were also areas of well-developed vertical motions responsible for moisture transport from the surface to higher altitudes that enhanced precipitation patterns in the study regions.