cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orthogonal Polynomials on the Ball and the Simplex for Weight Functions with Reflection Symmetries

Generalized classical orthogonal polynomials on the unit ball B d and the standard simplex T d are orthogonal with respect to weight functions that are reflection-invariant on B d and, after a composition, on T d , respectively. They are also eigenfunctions of a second-order differential—difference operator that is closely related to Dunkl's h -Laplacian for the reflection groups. Under a proper limit, the generalized classical orthogonal polynomials on B d converge to the generalized Hermite polynomials on R d , and those on T d converge to the generalized Laguerre polynomials on R d + . The latter two are related to the Calogero—Sutherland models associated to the Weyl groups of type A and type B .
Amino-acid Composition of Prekeratin

IN a previous communication1 a new isolation technique was described by which pure prekeratin can be obtained from the epidermis of the cow's nose. For the extraction of the epidermis 0.1 M citric acid–sodium citrate buffer of pH 2.6 and ionic strength of 0.6 was used and prekeratin was isolated from the epidermal extract by serial precipitations in the pH range of 4.5–7.0. The prekeratin obtained by this method has a molecular weight of 640,000 and consists of highly asymmetric particles which reveal a typical α-keratin pattern in X-ray diffraction investigation. The chemical composition of this prekeratin was recently determined and the results are reported here.
Noise of two high-speed model counter-rotation propellers at takeoff/approach conditions

This paper presents acoustic results for two model counter-rotation propellers which were tested in the NASA Lewis 9- x 15-ft Anechoic Wind Tunnel. The propellers had a common forward rotor, but the diameter of the aft rotor of the second propeller was reduced in an effort to reduce its interaction with the forward rotor tip vortex. The propellers were tested at Mach 0.20, which is representative of takeoff/approach operation. Acoustic results are presented for these propellers which show the effect of rotor spacing, reduced aft rotor diameter, operation at angle-of-attack, blade loading, and blade number. Limited aerodynamic results are also presented to establish the propeller operating conditions.
Major source categories for PM2.5 in Pittsburgh using PMF and UNMIX

An objective of the Pittsburgh Air Quality Study was to determine the major sources of PM2.5 in the Pittsburgh region. Daily 24-hour averaged filter-based data were collected for 13 months, starting in July 2001, including sulfate and nitrate data from IC analysis, trace element data from ICP-MS analysis, and organic and elemental carbon from the thermal optical transmittance (TOT) method and the NIOSH thermal evolution protocol. These data were used in two source-receptor models, Unmix and PMF. Unmix, which is limited to a maximum number of seven factors, resolved six source factors, including crustal material, a regional transport factor, secondary nitrate, an iron, zinc and manganese factor, specialty steel production and processing, and cadmium. PMF, which has no limit to the number of factors, apportioned the PM2.5 mass into ten factors, including crustal material, secondary sulfate, primary OC and EC, secondary nitrate, an iron, zinc and manganese factor, specialty steel production and processing, c...
Complementarity and the selection of nature reserves: algorithms and the origins of conservation planning, 1980–1995

This paper reconstructs the history of the introduction and use of iterative algorithms in conservation biology in the 1980s and early 1990s in order to prioritize areas for protection as nature reserves. The importance of these algorithms was that they led to greater economy in spatial extent (“efficiency”) in the selection of areas to represent biological features adequately (that is, to a specified level) compared to older methods of scoring and ranking areas using criteria such as biotic “richness” (the number of features of interest). The development of these algorithms was critical to producing a research program for conservation biology that was distinct from ecology and eventually led to what came to be called systematic conservation planning. Very similar algorithmic approaches were introduced independently in the 1980–1990 period in Australia, South Africa, and (arguably) the United Kingdom. The key rules in these algorithms were the use of rarity and what came to be called complementarity (the number of new or under-represented features in an area relative to those that had already been selected). Because these algorithms were heuristic, they were not guaranteed to produce optimal (most “efficient”) solutions. However, complementarity came to be seen as a principle rather than a rule in an algorithm and its use was also advocated for the former reason. Optimal solutions could be produced by reformulating the reserve selection problem in a mathematical programming formalism and using exact algorithms developed in that context. A dispute over the relevance of full optimality arose and was never resolved. Moreover, exact algorithms could not easily incorporate criteria determining the spatial configuration of networks of selected areas, in contrast to heuristic algorithms. Meanwhile metaheuristic algorithms emerged in the 1990s and came to be seen as a credible more effective alternative to the heuristic algorithms. Ultimately what was important about these developments was that the reserve selection problem came to be viewed a complex optimal decision problem under uncertainty, resource, and other constraints. It was a type of problem that had no antecedent in traditional ecology.
The stability of the fractional quantum Hall effect in topological insulators

Abstract With the recent observation of graphene-like Landau levels at the surface of topological insulators, the possibility of fractional quantum Hall effect, which is a fundamental signature of strong correlations, has become of interest. Some experiments have reported intra-Landau level structure that is suggestive of fractional quantum Hall effect. This paper discusses the feasibility of fractional quantum Hall effect from a theoretical perspective, and argues that while this effect should occur, ideally, in the n = 0 and | n | = 1 Landau levels, it is ruled out in higher | n | Landau levels. Unlike graphene, the fractional quantum Hall effect in topological insulators is predicted to show an interesting asymmetry between n = 1 and n = − 1 Landau levels due to spin–orbit coupling.
Caregiver‐Parent Relations in Daycare: Testing the Buffer Hypothesis

This study was designed to test the ‘buffer’ hypothesis in caregiver‐parent relationships, predicting that parents will seek out contact with caregivers primarily in response to negative daycare situations. Seventy‐seven daycare parents were presented with a set of short vignettes depicting positive and negative child‐related situations in daycare and at home. The parents were asked to indicate in writing, in an open‐ended format, if and how they would respond to each situation. Parents’ responses were then inspected for rates of spontaneous caregiver inclusion. Results revealed that, as hypothesized, parents reported most caregiver inclusions in negative daycare situations compared to other daycare and home situations. Additionally, parents generally evaluated their relations with caregivers as positive but did not include caregivers in their social support networks. The implications of these findings for the caregiver‐parent relations and child care quality are discussed.
Weakly nonlocal envelope solitary waves: numerical calculations for the Klein-Gordon (φ4) equation

Abstract “Weakly nonlocal” solitary waves differ from ordinary solitary waves by possessing small amplitude, oscillatory “wings” that extend indefinitely from the large amplitude “core”. Such generalized solitary waves have been discovered in capillarygravity water waves, particle physics models, and geophysical Rossby waves. In this work, we present explicit calculations of weakly nonlocal envelope solitary waves. Each is a sine wave modulated by a slowly-varying “envelope” that itself propagates at the group velocity. Our example is the cubically nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation, which is a model in particle physics ( φ 4 theory) and in electrical engineering (with a different sign). Both cases have weakly nonlocal“breather” solitons. Via the Lorentz invariance, each breather generates a one-parameter family of nonlocal envelope solitary waves. The φ 4 breather was described and calculated in earlier work. This generates envelope solitons which have “wings” that are (mostly) proportional to the second harmonic of the sinusoidal factor. In this article, we calculate breathers and envelope solitary waves for the second, electrical engineering case. Since these, unlike the φ 4 waves, contain only odd harmonics, the envelope solitary waves are nonlocal only via the third harmonic.
Castleman's tumor and erosive lichen planus: Coincidence or association?

The rare association of severe erosive lichen planus and Castleman's tumor is presented. Castleman's tumor, or giant lymph node hyperplasia, is a benign neoplasm resembling thymic tumors and is associated with several immunologic abnormalities. Lichen planus also is associated with immunologic defects. One hypothesis linking these two diseases is that lymphocytes may become sensitized to tumor antigens on the Castleman's tumor and attack cross-reacting structures in the skin and other stratified squamous mucosae to produce the clinical picture of lichen planus.
Reduced tumor necrosis factor production in endotoxin-spiked whole blood after trauma: experimental results and clinical correlation.

Background. The overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) plays a key role in virtually every experimental model of septic shock, which has led to the development of several therapies that target TNF and other cytokines in clinical sepsis. However, our previous work showed that plasma TNF was reduced, rather than increased, when a septic challenge was administered 3 days after hemorrhagic shock. In this study we compared whole-blood TNF production ex vivo in human beings and animals after trauma. Methods. TNF was measured before and after a 4-hour incubation of whole blood with 0 or 5 μg/ml Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) at 37°C ex vivo. Samples were obtained from trauma patients with (n=8) and without (n=14) sepsis and compared with those obtained in healthy volunteers (n=11). In parallel experiments in a pig model TNF was measured before and after fluid resuscitation from trauma after an ex vivo (0 or 5 μg/ml LPS) or an in vivo (5 μg/kg LPS, 30 minutes intravenously) challenge. Results. With either an immunoassay or a bioassay in either human beings or pigs before or after trauma, TNF was at or below the threshold of detection, unless the blood sample was spiked with LPS. After spiking, TNF was markedly elevated, but the increment was reduced after trauma. In pigs an LPS challenge in vivo delayed 3 days after trauma evoked an increment in plasma TNF that was blunted compared with that in an uninjured control. This trauma-induced reduction in blood TNF could not be attributed to a simple reduction in the number of monocytes nor to changes in cortisol, nor to increased numbers of neutrophils, whose proteolytic enzymes can impair production or increase the degradation of TNF. Although the plasma concentration of soluble TNF-binding proteins (60 kd) was elevated in nonsepsis (p=0.0358) and sepsis trauma patients (p=0.0148), the correlation with TNF production was relatively weak (R 2 =0.260). Conclusions. There was no evidence of TNF overproduction in whole blood after trauma. If these results could be generalized to other tissues, it would be difficult to justify therapeutic targeting of TNF in exaggerated inflammatory response (or septic complications) after trauma.
On ideal hypersurfaces of Euclidean 4-space

Abstract The notion of ideal immersions was introduced by the author in the 1990s. Roughly speaking, an ideal immersion of a Riemannian manifold into a real space form is a nice isometric immersion which produces the least possible amount of tension from the ambient space at each point. In this paper, we classify all ideal hypersurfaces with two distinct principal curvatures in the Euclidean 4-space E 4 . Moreover, we prove that such ideal hypersurfaces are always rigid. Furthermore, we show that non-minimal ideal hypersurfaces with three distinct principal curvatures in E 4 are also rigid. On the other hand, we provide explicit examples to illustrate that minimal ideal hypersurfaces with three principal curvatures in E 4 are not necessarily rigid.
Post-thaw amendment of cryopreserved sperm for use in artificial insemination of a viviparous fish, the green swordtail Xiphophorus helleri.

Abstract Sperm cryopreservation protocols have been developed for live-bearers such as the green swordtail Xiphophorus helleri and the platyfish Xiphophorus couchianus. Despite the high post-thaw motility (∼ 75%) obtained in both species, the requirements of sperm storage within the female reproductive tract coupled with the process of internal fertilization place functional demands upon cryopreserved sperm samples far beyond those of oviparous species. The purpose of this study was to facilitate the artificial insemination process with cryopreserved sperm of X. helleri through evaluation of parameters related to sperm quality after thawing. Specifically, this study evaluated the effects on motility for fresh and thawed sperm samples of centrifugation (for concentration of sperm and washing for removal of cryoprotectant), ionic composition, and additions of glucose and fetal bovine serum (FBS) in extender solutions. Centrifugation at 1000 ×g for 10 min at 4 °C was found to have no adverse effects on sperm motility of fresh samples, and for cryopreserved samples, the removal of glycerol by washing yielded higher and longer post-thaw motility (e.g., 168 h vs. 48 h for the controls). Suspension of fresh sperm samples in magnesium-free Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS) did not affect motility; however, HBSS prepared with the absence of potassium or calcium, and the use of unsupplemented saline (NaCl alone) as extenders significantly reduced sperm motility. The presence of glucose in HBSS yielded higher and longer motility for fresh and thawed samples, but addition of glucose at greater than 2 g/L were unnecessary. Addition of 20% FBS prior to freezing was found to increase the post-thaw motility significantly compared to control treatment with 14% glycerol alone. Also addition of 20% FBS after thawing and centrifugation was found to induce the formation of sperm bundles, which may be beneficial for internal fertilization success. In conclusion, concentration of sperm and the removal of cryoprotectant (through centrifugation), and the addition of 20% FBS in the extender is recommended for future insemination trials with cryopreserved samples.
Edge states in the fractional-quantum-Hall-effect regime.

A finite-two-dimensional electron gas with N full Landau levels has N branches of edge states which cross the Fermi level. In this Letter we show that in the fractional-quantum-Hall-effect regime there can be many branches of edge states for a single partly filled Landau level. The ith branch can be associated with a fractional charge, ${\mathrm{ef}}_{i}$, and ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{i}$${f}_{i}$ equals the Landau-level filling factor. The set of edge-state charges at a particular filling factor directly reflects the hierarchical structure of the incompressible ground state which occurs at the filling factor.
Merging of magnetic fields with field-aligned plasma flow components

The Sonnerup merging model for an incompressible plasma is extended to allow a flow component along the field lines in the inflow regions. Solutions are found to exist as long as the difference between the quantities B. V for the two inflow regions does not exceed a critical magnitude dependent on the inflow field magnitudes and plasma densities. All such solutions satisfy Vasyliunas' definition of merging, but some classes of solution have radically altered geometries, i.e. geometries in which the inflow regions are much smaller than the outflow regions. The necessary but not sufficient condition for these unusual geometries is that the field-aligned flow component in at least one inflow region be super Alfvenic. A solution for the case of a vacuum field in one inflow region is obtained in which any flow velocity is allowed in the non-vacuum inflow region, although super-Alfvenic flow can still result in an unusual geometry. For symmetric configurations, the usual geometry, that of Petschek and Sonnerup, is retained as long as both field-aligned flow components in the inflow regions are less than twice the inflow Alfven speed. For the case of a vacuum field on one side and fields approximating the boundary between the solar wind and the earth's dayside magnetosphere, the usual geometry is retained for flow less than about 2·5 times the local Alfven speed.
Properties of cyclic subspace regression

Various properties of the regression vector @[email protected]^"k"l produced by cyclic subspace regression with regard to the meancentered linear regression equation [email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected]? are put forth. In particular, the subspace associated with the creation of @[email protected]^"k"l is shown to contain a basis that maximizes certain covariances with respect to P"l"y"@?, the orthogonal projection of [email protected]? onto a specific subspace of the range of X. This basis is constructed. Moreover, this paper shows how the maximum covariance values effect the @[email protected]^"k"l. Several alternative representations of @[email protected]^"k"l are also developed. These representations show that @[email protected]^"k"l is a modified version of the l-factor principal components regression vector @[email protected]^"l"l, with the modification occurring by a nonorthogonal projection. Additionally, these representations enable prediction properties associated with @[email protected]^"k"l to be explicitly identified. Finally, methods for choosing factors are spelled out.
Determinants of the effectiveness of electric utility regulation

Abstract Two questions are addressed in this analysis: ‘Does regulation really affect the operation of privately owned electric utilities?’ and ‘What attributes of public utility commissions lead to more effective regulation?’. Our results indicate that regulation does prevent the complete exploitation of monopoly power since average residential prices are only two-thirds of their long-run profit-maximizing level. But regulation is far from perfect: some economic rents are earned by the utilities in our sample and there is a potential for some small consumer surplus gains from more efficient rate structures. Not surprisingly, commissions with more resources provide more effective regulation. Commissioners with longer terms of office allow higher residential rates, possibly because their longer terms of office allow them to become more insulated from public scrutiny. Finally, firm size has a complicated effect. Average rates for large firm's residential customers are further below their preferred level than for smaller firms, perhaps because of the payoff to a commissioner from championing the cause of a large block of voters. However, larger firms still earn greater economic rents, due to cross-subsidization from industrial and commercial customers, and economies of scale in presenting rate cases.
The Enriched Xenon Observatory

The Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) experiment will search for neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe. The EXO Collaboration is actively pursuing both liquid‐phase and gas‐phase Xe detector technologies with scalability to the ton‐scale. The search for neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe is especially attractive because of the possibility of tagging the resulting Ba daughter ion, eliminating all sources of background other than the two neutrino decay mode. EXO‐200, the first phase of the project, is a liquid Xe time projection chamber with 200 kg of Xe enriched to 80% in 136Xe. EXO‐200, which does not include Ba‐tagging, will begin taking data in 2009, with two‐year sensitivity to the half‐life for neutrinoless double beta decay of 6.4×1025 years. This corresponds to an effective Majorana neutrino mass of 0.13 to 0.19 eV.
Educational Assessment and the AACSB

This article introduces educational assessment topics and terminology to readers in business education. The outcomes‐based education and accountability assessment movements in K‐12 public education have raised issues and controversies that now face business schools engaging in accreditation and program improvement efforts. The current AACSB standards and their assessment components can be profitably compared with similar endeavors in other educational settings. Examples of contemporary practice in business schools illustrate the pros and cons of educational testing methods. Current controversies and pitfalls in educational assessment are discussed for the purpose of clarifying and guiding practices in post‐secondary settings.
Distinct roles for ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the regulation of cell detachment

This study, using mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells derived from ROCK1−/− and ROCK2−/− mice, is designed to dissect roles for ROCK1 and ROCK2 in regulating actin cytoskeleton reorganization induced by doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug. ROCK1−/− MEFs exhibited improved actin cytoskeleton stability characterized by attenuated periphery actomyosin ring formation and preserved central stress fibers, associated with decreased myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) phosphorylation but preserved cofilin phosphorylation. These effects resulted in a significant reduction in cell shrinkage, detachment, and predetachment apoptosis. In contrast, ROCK2−/− MEFs showed increased periphery membrane folding and impaired cell adhesion, associated with reduced phosphorylation of both MLC2 and cofilin. Treatment with inhibitor of myosin (blebbistatin), inhibitor of actin polymerization (cytochalasin D), and ROCK pan-inhibitor (Y27632) confirmed the contributions of actomyosin contraction and stress fiber instability to stress-induced actin cytoskeleton reorganization. These results support a novel concept that ROCK1 is involved in destabilizing actin cytoskeleton through regulating MLC2 phosphorylation and peripheral actomyosin contraction, whereas ROCK2 is required for stabilizing actin cytoskeleton through regulating cofilin phosphorylation. Consequently, ROCK1 and ROCK2 can be functional different in regulating stress-induced stress fiber disassembly and cell detachment.
Acid association quotients of bis-tris in aqueous sodium chloride media to 125°C

The ionic strength and temperature dependencies of the molal acid association quotients of 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethanol (also abbreviated as bis-tris) were determined potentiometrically in a concentration cell fitted with hydrogen electrodes. The emf was recorded for equimolal bis-tris/bis- trisHCl buffer solutions from 5 to 125°C at approximately 25°C intervals, and at nine ionic strengths from 0.05 to 5.0m (NaCl). The molal association quotients, combined with infinite dilution values from the literature, are described precisely by a seven parameter equation which yielded the following thermodynamic quantities at infinite dilution and 25°C: logK=6.481±0.003, ΔH o =−28.5±0.2 kJ-mol −1 , ΔS o =28.5±0.8 J-K −1 -mol −1 , and ΔC =−22±5 J-K −1 -mol −1 . The equation incorporates a simple three term expression for logK, but requires four terms to describe the rather complex ionic strength dependence despite the reaction being isocoulombic. The molal association quotients from this study and the literature were also subjected to the Pitzer ion interaction treatment.
The accelerated late adsorption of pulmonary surfactant.

Adsorption of pulmonary surfactant to an air−water interface lowers surface tension (γ) at rates that initially decrease progressively, but which then accelerate close to the equilibrium γ. The studies here tested a series of hypotheses concerning mechanisms that might cause the late accelerated drop in γ. Experiments used captive bubbles and a Wilhelmy plate to measure γ during adsorption of vesicles containing constituents from extracted calf surfactant. The faster fall in γ reflects faster adsorption rather than any feature of the equation of state that relates γ to surface concentration (Γ). Adsorption accelerates when γ reaches a critical value rather than after an interval required to reach that γ. The hydrophobic surfactant proteins (SPs) represent key constituents, both for reaching the γ at which the acceleration occurs and for producing the acceleration itself. The γ at which rates of adsorption increase, however, is unaffected by the Γ of protein in the films. In the absence of the proteins, a ...
Attitude–behavior consistency in household water consumption

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine how environmental attitudes and concern about water scarcity translate into water conservation behavior. The study considers whether Oregonians environmental concern measured by the New Environmental Paradigm scale and sociodemographic characteristics influence personal water conservation activities. Using a survey conducted in the spring of 2010 of Oregon residents, the interaction of environmental concern and sociodemographics that predict identified water conservation behaviors are considered.
Wavelet phase filter for emission tomography

The presence of a high level of noise is a characteristic in some tomographic imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET). Wavelet methods can smooth out noise while preserving significant features of images. Mallat et al. proposed a wavelet based denoising scheme exploiting wavelet modulus maxima, but the scheme is sensitive to noise. In this study, the authors explore the properties of wavelet phase, with a focus on reconstruction of emission tomography images. Specifically, they show that the wavelet phase of regular Poisson noise under a Haar-type wavelet transform converges in distribution to a random variable uniformly distributed on [0, 2{pi}). They then propose three wavelet-phase-based denoising schemes which exploit this property: edge tracking, local phase variance thresholding, and scale phase variation thresholding. Some numerical results are also presented. The numerical experiments indicate that wavelet phase techniques show promise for wavelet based denoising methods.
To each his own well-being boosting intervention: using preference to guide selection

This study investigates whether using a selection method based on participant preference increased preference, adherence, or efficacy compared to an unmatched group. Undergraduate students (N = 127) participated in the study over a 4-week period. All participants randomly received, completed, and rated their preference for an initial positive psychology exercise. These data were used to select a second activity: participants in the matched group received a second exercise based on a previously defined matching rule, whereas a comparison group received a second exercise selected randomly from the set of unmatched exercises. Individuals preferred the matched exercise more significantly and although not statistically significant, reported slightly larger boosts in well-being than those who received an unmatched exercise. No significant differences were found between the groups for exercise adherence. Future efforts to construct treatment packages should follow this model of combining individually validated c...
IRS-1 activates phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase by associating with src homology 2 domains of p85

Abstract IRS-1 is an insulin receptor substrate that undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation and associates with the phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3'-kinase immediately after insulin stimulation. Recombinant IRS-1 protein was tyrosine phosphorylated by the insulin receptor in vitro and associated with the PtdIns 3'-kinase from lysates of quiescent 3T3 fibroblasts. Bacterial fusion proteins containing the src homology 2 domains (SH2 domains) of the 85-kDa subunit (p85) of the PtdIns 3'-kinase bound quantitatively to tyrosine phosphorylated, but not unphosphorylated, IRS-1, and this association was blocked by phosphotyrosine-containing synthetic peptides. Moreover, the phosphorylated peptides and the SH2 domains each inhibited binding of PtdIns 3'-kinase to IRS-1. Phosphorylated IRS-1 activated PtdIns 3'-kinase in anti-p85 immunoprecipitates in vitro, and this activation was blocked by SH2 domain fusion proteins. These data suggest that the interaction between PtdIns 3'-kinase and IRS-1 is mediated by tyrosine phosphorylated motifs on IRS-1 and the SH2 domains of p85, and IRS-1 activates PtdIns 3'-kinase by binding to the SH2 domains of p85. Thus, IRS-1 likely serves to transmit the insulin signal by binding and regulating intracellular enzymes containing SH2 domains.
On the evaluation, prevention, and treatment of diabetic foot lesions.

Abstract Of the many complications plaguing the person with diabetes, none is feared more than the loss of a climb. This is a very realistic concern when one considers the statistics associated with amputation. Fifty percent of all nontraumatic amputations occur in the diabetic, 1 and six of every one thousand diabetics will suffer amputation each year. 1 Based on these current statistics, with approximately six million known diabetics in this country, about 36,000 amputations can be anticipated in the diabetic population annually. This number is probably low, and is perhaps closer to 50,000. 2 Once amputation has occurred, loss of the contralateral leg becomes a high probability. Previous data collected over a 20 year period have shown that, on average, there will be an amputation rate of 40% for the contralateral leg in one to three years, and 58% in three to five years. 3 While showing some improvement, more recent data still demonstrate a very high amputation rate of the contralateral leg in a relatively short period of time, with Ebskov and Josephsen reporting a 44% amputation rate of the contralateral leg after four years. 4 This high degree of amputation of the remaining leg is due to the bilateral nature of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral neuropathy on the remaining leg, with acceleated callus build-up, which frequently ulcerates and becomes infected. In a three year follow-up study of forty-five patients, Kucan and Robinson found that 49% of the patients developed severe infection involving the contralateral foot within eighteen months. 5 This report presents the current state of the art necessary to reduce the number of amputations. The experience of Davidson, et al. 6 and Edmonds et al. 7 have demonstrated that by following the approaches outlined in this paper, amputation rates can be reduced by 50%. In fact, Assal et al. at the University Hospital of Geneva reduced below-the-knee amputations by 85%. 8
Fédéralisme et relations intercommunautaires chez Tocqueville : entre prudence et négation des possibles

Cet article presente le federalisme de Tocqueville comme etant a la fois inhabituel et equivoque. Le federalisme de Tocqueville est inhabituel parce que moins inconditionnel que celui de la plupart des autres grandes figures de l’histoire de la pensee federale moderne, particulierement Montesquieu, Kant et Proudhon. Il est equivoque dans la mesure ou Tocqueville affirme les vertus du systeme federal tout en se refusant a le prescrire, a anticiper son apparition ou meme a le considerer comme une possibilite lointaine ailleurs qu’aux Etats-Unis et en Suisse. L’article soutient qu’au-dela d’une saine prudence caracteristique des ecrits de Tocqueville -prudence que l’on ne saurait ignorer et dont il faut tirer enseignement-, le nationalisme, l’eurocentrisme et l’imperialisme expliquent en grande partie l’incapacite de l’auteur a envisager plus serieusement l’eventail de possibilites qu’offre les systemes federaux. Au terme de l’exercice, il apparait que le cas Tocqueville peut s’averer tres instructif pour les debats contemporains sur la citoyennete federale dans des contextes de diversite culturelle.
Double well isomerization rate constants in solution

Abstract The rate constant k for a double well isomerization in solution is calculated over the entire friction range. The importance of frequency-dependent friction for both the vibrational energy transfer (VET) and barrier passage components of k is described. Rapid suppression of the VET transfer component with increasing degrees of freedom is discussed.
Activity Patterns and Speeds of Large Cruise Ships in Southeast Alaska

We characterized activity patterns of large cruise ships in Southeast Alaska, where there is considerable overlap with aggregations of endangered humpback whales and where lethal ship–whale collisions have been reported. Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from 451 voyages representing 26 cruise ships ( = 270 m), we summarized traffic intensity, speed, and timing (day vs. night) for the 2012 summer cruise season in Southeast Alaska. Traffic intensity was found to exceed 700 transits in some areas, which constituted up to 10 ships transiting these areas per day during peak season. Throughout most of the study area (68% of 5 × 5 km cells) average ship speed was >16 knots, and often >18 knots. About half (47%) of the time spent cruising occurred at night when detection and avoidance of whales by ships is likely low. Although whales in Southeast Alaska were subject to low levels of shipping traffic relative to other major shipping routes, cruise ships transited throughout the majority of our stud...
Placement of pheromone traps within the vegetation canopy to enhance capture of male European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), pheromone traps are typically placed in the open or above vegetation to monitor adult presence and abundance in areas where moths are likely to aggregate. After noting in another study that more moths were captured in traps overgrown with vegetation than in traps above it, replicated field experiments were conducted at 2 locations in Delaware to determine if placement of traps within the vegetation was more effective than traps placed above the canopy. At Newark, 3.83 times more males were captured in traps baited with Z-pheromone lure when traps were placed just below the canopy top in mixed weedy vegetation compared with traps 3 m away with the pheromone source 50 cm above the plant canopy. At Laurel in a monoculture of developing wheat, 2.72 times more males were captured in traps baited with E pheromone lure which were placed below the top of the canopy versus traps above the canopy. Greater variation in male moth captures was associated with greater diversity of the weedy sample location relative to samples in wheat monoculture. Also, traps placed within vegetation resulted in less variation in mean moth captures versus traps placed above the canopy. This indicates that a better estimate of the population may be obtained by placing traps within vegetation. Results suggest that males are more likely to respond to calling females within the vegetation as opposed to above the canopy. Placement of pheromone traps with the pheromone source below the top of the canopy appears to be critical for maximizing their effective capture of European com borer male moths. We suggest that enhancement of pheromone lures within vegetation may be caused by water vapor and volatiles associated with plants.
A single amino acid substitution in the C terminus of OmpR alters DNA recognition and phosphorylation.

In bacteria and lower eukaryotes, adaptation to changes in the environment is often mediated by two-component regulatory systems. Such systems provide the basis for chemotaxis, nitrogen and phosphate regulation and adaptation to osmotic stress, for example. In Escherichia coli, the sensor kinase EnvZ detects a change in the osmotic environment and phosphorylates the response regulator OmpR. Phospho-OmpR binds to the regulatory regions of the porin genes ompF and ompC, and alters their expression. Recent evidence suggests that OmpR functions as a global regulator, regulating additional genes besides the porin genes. In this study, we have characterized a previously isolated OmpR2 mutant (V203M) that constitutively activates ompF and fails to express ompC. Because the substitution was located in the C-terminal DNA-binding domain, it had been assumed that the substitution would not affect phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain of OmpR. Our results indicate that this substitution completely eliminates phosphorylation by a small phosphate donor, acetyl phosphate, but not phosphorylation by the kinase EnvZ. The mutant OmpR has altered dephosphorylation kinetics and altered binding affinities to both ompF and ompC sites compared to the wild-type. Thus, a single amino acid substitution in the C-terminal DNA-binding domain has dramatic effects on the N-terminal phosphorylation domain. Most strikingly, we have identified a single base change in the OmpR binding site of ompC that restores high-affinity binding activity by the mutant. We interpret our results in the context of a model for porin gene expression.
Domain decomposition method for diffuse optical tomography

Diffuse optical tomography is modelled as an optimization problem to find the absorption and scattering coefficients that minimize the error between the measured photon density function and the approximated one computed using the coefficients. The problem is composed of two steps: the forward solver to compute the photon density function and its Jacobian (with respect to the coefficients), and the inverse solver to update the coefficients based on the photon density function and its Jacobian attained in the forward solver. The resulting problem is nonlinear and highly ill-posed. Thus, it requires large amount of computation for high quality image. As such, for real time application, it is highly desirable to reduce the amount of computation needed. In this paper, domain decomposition method is adopted to decrease the computation complexity of the problem. Two level multiplicative overlapping domain decomposition method is used to compute the photon density function and its Jacobian at the inner loop and extended to compute the estimated changes in the coefficients in the outer loop. Local convergence for the two-level space decomposition for the outer loop is shown for the case when the variance of the coefficients is small.
Precise computer comparisons via statistical resampling methods

Performance variability, stemming from non-deterministic hardware and software behaviors or deterministic behaviors such as measurement bias, is a well-known phenomenon of computer systems which increases the difficulty of comparing computer performance metrics. Conventional methods use various measures (such as geometric mean) to quantify the performance of different benchmarks to compare computers without considering variability. This may lead to wrong conclusions. In this paper, we propose three resampling methods for performance evaluation and comparison: a randomization test for a general performance comparison between two computers, bootstrapping confidence estimation, and an empirical distribution and five-number-summary for performance evaluation. The results show that 1) the randomization test substantially improves our chance to identify the difference between performance comparisons when the difference is not large; 2) bootstrapping confidence estimation provides an accurate confidence interval for the performance comparison measure (e.g. ratio of geometric means); and 3) when the difference is very small, a single test is often not enough to reveal the nature of the computer performance and a five-number-summary to summarize computer performance. We illustrate the results and conclusion through detailed Monte Carlo simulation studies and real examples. Results show that our methods are precise and robust even when two computers have very similar performance metrics.
The role of weight control as a motivation for cocaine abuse

Heavy use of cocaine and alcohol in female cocaine abusers with eating disorders has been reported, but the prevalence and motivation for concurrent substance use has not been well investigated. This study of 37 female and 40 male cocaine abusers demonstrated that almost half of the women used cocaine and/or alcohol as a weight control measure, and 13% of the males did the same. Thirteen (72%) of 18 females endorsing weight-related use of cocaine had a current diagnosis of an eating disorder. Only two males (5%) had a past history of an eating disorder. Eleven (85%) of those women with a current eating disorder endorsed using alcohol as an appetite suppressant. These findings support the need to evaluate weight control motivation in cocaine users and to provide specific treatment aimed at addressing the interaction between the eating disorder and the substance abuse problem.
Dolabra nepheliae on rambutan and lychee represents a novel lineage of phytopathogenic Eurotiomycetes

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) and lychee (Litchi chinensis) are tropical trees in the Sapindaceae that produce delicious edible fruits and are increasingly cultivated in tropical regions. These trees are afflicted with a stem canker disease associated with the ascomycete Dolabra nepheliae. Previously known from Asia and Australia, this fungus was recently reported from Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The sexual and asexual states of Dolabra nepheliae are redescribed and illustrated. In addition, the ITS and large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA plus fragments from the genes RPB2, TEF1, and the mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit were sequenced for three isolates of D. nepheliae and compared with other sequences of ascomycetes. It was determined that D. nepheliae represents a new lineage within the Eurotiomycetes allied with Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, the causal agent of Petri grapevine decline.
Grid-Interface Bidirectional Converter for Residential DC Distribution Systems—Part One: High-Density Two-Stage Topology

With the emerging installations of multitype renewable energy sources and energy storage elements, the dc electronic distribution systems in residential buildings (dc nanogrid) are becoming an alternative future system solution, achieving a zero net-energy consumption and optimized power management. The concept of the energy control center (ECC), which interconnects the dc system to the traditional ac utility grid, is introduced, and the operation function of ECC converter suitable for dc nanogrid application is defined. This paper investigates a two-stage topology using a full bridge in series with a bidirectional synchronous rectifier dc–dc converter as a single-phase ECC for dc nanogrid, with a significant reduction of the dc-link capacitor value. The operation analysis and the design of passive components are provided. A bidirectional control system and the design process are also presented in terms of the system requirement and the small dc-link capacitor.
Verbal overshadowing effects on Raven's advanced progressive matrices: Evidence for multidimensional performance determinants

Abstract Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices test is one of the most frequently used measures of individual differences in cognitive processing. However, much disagreement exists over the cognitive components responsible for performance and the test is often used to represent a diverse set of constructs including g, inductive ability, spatial ability, pattern perception, and nonverbal intelligence. This research used the verbal overshadowing paradigm to experimentally determine whether performance across all items on the Advanced Progressive Matrices is dependent on the same cognitive processes. The results clearly indicated that a subset of items were dependent on visuospatial processes, whereas another subset of items required verbal-analytic processes.
Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS): Cytopathologic features, histopathologic results, and human papillomavirus DNA detection

We intensively reviewed 137 smears initially classified as atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) to refine cytological criteria for evaluating these cases, evaluate histological outcomes, and assess the value of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing in management. Consenting, nonpregnant study participants were identified from a cohort of 46,009 women receiving routine Pap smear screening in a managed care setting. Colposcopy was performed on all women, and at least one histological sample was obtained from each. Review diagnoses were assigned to smears and biopsy specimens by two separate panels of pathologists. DNA testing for cancer-associated HPV types was performed on rinses of cytological samplers after a smear and thin-layer slide had been made. On review, 47 (34%) smears were reclassified as negative, 44 (32%) as AGUS, 30 (22%) as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), and 16 (12%) as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). The 19 smears interpreted as high-grade intraepithelial lesions on review included 13 high-grade SIL (HSIL), two HSIL with AGUS, favor neoplastic (endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ [AIS]), and four AGUS, favor neoplastic (AIS). Review histological diagnoses were negative in 105 (77%), squamous or glandular atypia in four (3%), low-grade SIL (LSIL) in nine (7%), HSIL in 12 (9%), AIS in five (4%, including two with concurrent HSIL), and endometrial carcinoma in one (1%). HPV testing identified 11 (92%) of 12 women with histologically confirmed HSIL and all five with AIS (100%). A high-grade intraepithelial lesion or carcinoma is detected in approximately 14% of women with community-based diagnoses of AGUS who are referred for immediate evaluation. Use of refined cytological criteria and HPV DNA testing may permit improved management of women with AGUS.
Biliary leak rates after cholecystectomy and intraoperative cholangiogram in surgical residency.

ABSTRACT Postoperative bile leak (BL) after cholecystectomy is a rare but dreaded complication, and is felt to be increased during surgical training. We sought to determine the incidence of BL after selective intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) at a teaching hospital and identify risk factors for predicting BLs. A retrospective review was performed analyzing all cholecystectomy with IOCs between September 2004 and September 2011. Residents performed under staff supervision. Of 1,799 cholecystectomies performed during the study period, only 96 (5.3%) were with IOCs (mean age 43, 65% female) and 4 BLs occurred (4.2%, 1 major duct injury, 3 cystic duct stump leaks). Univariate analysis demonstrated that male gender, significant medical comorbidities, case duration, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and surgery type (laparoscopic versus open) increased the patient's risk of BL; however, age, performance of secondary procedures, common bile duct exploration, resident level (PGY), and ...
Correlation between inactivation of human cells and numbers of pyrimidine dimers induced by sun lamp and 254 nm radiation.

Abstract— Nondividing human fibroblasts are inactivated by radiation from a source (a Westinghouse sun lamp) that simulates the UV spectrum of sunlight. Survival curves determined for a DNA excision repair-proficient and a repair-deficient strain (XP12BE) are related to those determined using germicidal light (254 nm) by constant fluence modification factors. In addition, the same fraction of XP12BE cells are killed per pyrimidine dimer by 254 nm and sun lamp light. These results, when related to other survival and photoreactivation studies, suggest that the mechanism for inactivation of nondividing human cells by sun lamp light is the same as that by 254 nm and that pyrimidine dimers are the major responsible photolesion. Repair reverses some of the lethal effects of this light. We suggest that these conclusions apply to sunlight-irradiated skin cells in vivo.