cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The 2 stromal compartments of the normal cervix with distinct immunophenotypic and histomorphologic features.

Abstract Cervical plasticity is partially attributed to subepithelial stromal cells. Knowing this population of cells in its variable physiologic states, with its immunophenotypic variations, will lead to better understanding of neoplastic processes related to these stromal cells. We reviewed slides of cervices from premenopausal, postmenopausal, and postpartum patients and used mesenchymal immunohistochemical stains. Results demonstrate 2 distinct subepithelial compartments, within the ectocervix and the endocervix/transformation zone. The endocervix/transformation zone has twice the number of stromal cells as the ectocervix, regardless of age. Ectocervical stromal cells are desmin+/smooth muscle actin (SMA)−, and endocervical stromal cells are desmin+/SMA−. In postpartum/premenopausal patients, the cervix has less desmin+ ectocervical and SMA− endocervical cells. In postmenopausal/prolapse patients, the cervix has no desmin+ ectocervical cells. Desmin+/SMA, calponin, caldesmon, myogenin, myoD1, CD34− cells could represent unusual myofibroblasts that should not be confused with a neoplastic process, especially if a mass is not present.
Effect of inelastic collisions on multiphonon Raman scattering in graphene

We calculate the probabilities of two- and four-phonon Raman scattering in graphene and show how the relative intensities of the overtone peaks encode information about the relative rates of different inelastic processes electrons are subject to. If the most important processes are electron-phonon and electron-electron scattering, the rate of the latter can be deduced from the Raman spectra.
Unravelling biological complexity

Human Molecular Genetics. By Tom Strachan and Andrew P. Read BIOS/WHey: 1996. Pp. 597. £29.95, $44.95 (pbk).
Optically active metalloprotein chromophores. II. Transferrin and conalbumin.

Abstract In a previous communication Li et al., 1962 , Ulmer et al., 1962 , Ulmer et al., 1962 we reported the identification of an optically active cadmium-mercaptide chromophore in metallothionein, a protein isolated from horse kidney cortex. This observation suggested that the metal-binding site of metalloproteins may constitute a source of rotatory power in addition to that of protein conformation, the constituent amino acids, and -- when present -- bound prosthetic groups. In this regard, we have now found that the visible absorption bands of the iron complexes of transferrin and conalbumin are optically active. It has been suggested that the properties of the metal-binding sites of these two proteins are remarkably similar (Warner and Weber, 1953; Inman, 1956). Notably, the Cotton effects which appear upon formation of their iron complexes are virtually identical.
EVALUATION OF CREATININE PHOSPHOKINASE SCREENING AS A PREDICTOR OF MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA A Prospective Study

The efficiency, sensitivity and specificity of measurements of serum creatinine phosphokinase in the screening of malignant hyperthermia-susceptible patients in routine clinical practice has been examined. Although the overall efficiency of this screening method was high, the predictive value of a positive test in the ambulatory surgical population was poor.
The Happiness of Teaching (as Eudaimonia): Disciplinary Knowledge and the Threat of Performativity.

In this article the authors explore and critique education and teacher education as disciplines against the backdrop of teaching as a form of human flourishing connected to the virtue of eudaimonia, a kind of happiness. Their concern is with flourishing as a human being who teaches and in teaching expresses and moves toward fulfilling his or her essence or goodness. Questions are raised about how the quest for disciplinary status may negatively affect teacher well‐being by narrowing and flattening what it is teachers do when teaching, thus undermining the very reasons why teachers choose to teach.
Age and aerobic training status effects on plasma and skeletal muscle tPA and PAI-1

Reductions in fibrinolytic potential occur with both aging and physical inactivity and are associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Plasmin, the enzyme responsible for the enzymatic degradation of fibrin clots, is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), while plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) inhibits its activation. Currently, fibrinolysis research focuses almost exclusively on changes within the plasma. However, tPA and PAI-1 are expressed by human skeletal muscle (SM). Currently, no studies have focused on changes in SM fibrinolytic activity with regard to aging and aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study was to cross-sectionally evaluate effects of age and aerobic fitness on tPA and PAI-1 expressions and activity in SM. Twenty-six male subjects were categorized into the following groups: (1) young aerobically trained (n = 8); (2) older aerobically trained (n = 6); (3) young aerobically untrained (n = 7); and (4) older aerobically untrained (n = 5). Muscle biopsies were obtained from each subject. SM tPA activity was assessed using gel zymography and SM tPA and PAI-1 expressions were assessed using RT-PCR. Trained subjects had higher SM tPA activity compared to untrained (25.3 ± 2.4 × 103 vs. 21.5 ± 5.6 × 103 pixels, respectively; p = 0.03) with no effect observed for age. VO2 max and SM tPA activity were also significantly correlated (r = 0.42; p < 0.04). SM tPA expression was higher in older participants, but no effect of fitness level was observed. No differences were observed for PAI-1 expression in SM. Higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with increased fibrinolytic activity in SM.
Bilayer pseudoSpin field effect transistor (BiSFET): A proposed logic device and circuits

We have recently proposed a new type of gated bilayer graphene-based transistor based on many-body tunneling, for ultra-low power (perhaps 1000 X compared to CMOS) room temperature operation [1]. The physics of this system can be addressed by treating the layer (top and bottom) degree of freedom as a pseudospin, much like spin (up and down) in a ferromagnet (Fig. 1). Electrons in one layer of a bilayer system can pair with holes in the opposite layer resulting in electron-hole-pairs/excitons (bosons) which then can condense and induce coherence between the layers, effectively shorting them through a many-body tunneling current at low interlayer bias, even when the single-particle tunneling current is small [2]. This Bose condensate current has been observed experimentally only in GaAs/AlGaAs bilayer systems at very low-temperatures and under high magnetic fields [2,3]. It has been predicted recently, however, that this condensate could occur possibly above room temperature absent magnetic fields in an n-type and p-type graphene layer pair due to a unique synergy of graphene properties: carrier confinement to a single atomic layer, symmetric electron-hole band structures, very low density of states, and no bandgap [4,5].
Pharmacotherapeutic options for the management of myocardial infarction.

The pharmacological treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including unstable angina, non-ST- and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) is dynamic and continues to evolve. Expert guidelines based on the results of clinical trials for the management of different types of ACS have been published. In both ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation MI, aspirin/clopidogrel, heparin/low molecular weight heparin/direct thrombin inhibitors, β-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are part of the routine regimens. In patients with ST-segment elevation MI, eligibility for thrombolytic therapy needs to be determined and utilised as soon as possible. In patients with non-ST-segment elevation MI, the risks of thrombolytic therapy outweigh the benefits. The use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors has become increasingly important. The use of antihyperlipidaemic agents for the prevention of secondary events in both types of patients continue to be essential and the early aggressive ...
Structural response of plates with piezoceramic layers

Smart structures can be developed using a variety of sensors and actuators such as piezoelectric, fiber-optic, acoustic, and pyroelectric materials, etc. A piezoelectric material produces electric charge when it is mechanically deformed and conversely, an electric potential causes mechanical deformation of the material. The main thrust of research in the area of smart structures has been in vibration control and geometric shape manipulation. Finite element analysis techniques have been introduced recently in vibration suppression and modal control. In the present study a finite element formulation is developed to analyze laminated plates with arbitrarily placed piezoceramic patches. The technique is applied to obtain static response and stress fields due to application of electric field to the piezoceramic patches.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development of the somatic response survey

Summary.-The goal in developing the Somatic Response Survey was to have a psychometrically sound, self-report instrument which could be used to assess patterns of normal physical responses during typical stressful situations. For a variety of reasons existing instruments were inappropriate for our goals. Three separate studies, involving 1623 students from 6 colleges, were conducted for data reduction, validation, and standardization of the Somatic Response Survey. Factor analyses indicated four meaningful factors: GastroIntestinal, MusculoSkeletal, Temperature-Sweating, and CardioRespiratory. The factors collectively account for 91% of the variance and possess satisfactory internal consistency. The application of the Somatic Response Survey in both research and clinical settings is discussed. The Somatic Response Survey was developed to provide a self-report instrument for
Foreign inclusions in stony meteorites—I. Carbonaceous chondritic xenoliths in the Kapoeta howardite

Abstract Small, 1–3 millimeter-sized, black xenoliths containing chondrules and chondrule fragments embedded in a fine-grained matrix are present in the Kapoeta howardite. Forsteritic olivine, pentlandite and a nickel-rich (0.3–2.8 wt. %) matrix indicate that these xenoliths are carbonaceous ohondrite material.
Creating Mosquitia: mapping Amerindian spatial practices in eastern Central America, 1629–1779

Abstract By examining the spatial practices of Mosquito Indians, this paper contends that colonial maps reflect the activities of colonized peoples. Situated between the Spanish and British empires in eastern Central America, the Mosquito carved out an independent kingdom for themselves between 1629 and 1779, and far beyond. My argument is that many period maps respond to, and re-present, Mosquito spatial practices. I define a spatial practice as any political feat, economic activity, forceful claim, or social performance that asserts and demonstrates authority over people and space. Through a chronological and thematic reconstruction of primary documents, my objective is to show that colonial subjects in general, and the Mosquito in particular, can and do contribute to their own spatialized representations through their actions and discourses. Without Mosquito spatial practices, there would have been no Mosquitia to map, only some other place.
The effect of lead intoxication during development upon the kidney

Retrospective clinical studies have suggested that exposure to lead in early life may result in chronic renal disease during adulthood. We established an animal model to test this hypothesis. Sprague-Dawley rats received either tap water (C) or a 1% lead acetate solution in water (E) from 3 to 9 weeks of age and were studied in pairs either 2-6 weeks or 14-18 weeks after exposure. Since no statistical differences in renal function between C and E as a function of age were found, the results were pooled and analyzed by paired t-test. Lead intoxicated animals failed to grow. Total kidney GFR was lower in E than C; proportional changes in SNGFR indicated homogenous distribution of the functional impairment among various nephron populations. There was no difference in intrarenal distribution of blood flow between C and E. The blood pressure expressed as the ratio of E/C increased from .99±.02 in the animals studied shortly after lead exposure to 1.10±.04 in those studied long after it, p<.02. Thus, limited exposure to lead in early life results in a significant and persistent impairment in renal function and in a rise in systemic blood pressure.
The gonadotropic action of cecropia extracts in allatectomized American cockroaches

Les auteurs ont constate que les extraits abdominaux de Phalenes mâles (Hyalophora cecropia) consideres comme une bonne source d'hormone juvenile, stimulent la croissance ovarienne et la formation du vitellus quand ils sont injectes a des femelles allatectomisees de la Blatte americaine (Periplaneta americana). Le farnesol, compose qui produit sur certains insectes les memes effets que l'hormone juvenile, a egalement une action gonadotrope definie lorsqu'on l'applique sur l'integument de la Blatte.
Soil and crop response to nitrogen fertilization of soil containing decomposed sewage sludge

Abstract Five years after sewage sludge application, the residual effect of the decomposed sludge on fertilizer N uptake by-maize ( Zea mays L.) was studied. Maize grown from 1975 to 1978 without N fertilization had reduced the N mineralization potential of sludge-treated soil to that of the original soil. In 1979, N uptake from fertilized and non-fertilized sludge plots, and from N fertilized control plots, was compared using ( 15 NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . Uptake of soil N was not affected by fertilization. Uptake of fertilizer N was lower in sludge-treated plots (27%) than in control plots (41%), while the proportion of fertilizer N immobilized was higher in the sludge plots (32%) than in the control plots (18%). Stronger soil biological response paralleled a lower N uptake efficiency by maize grown on sludge plots. Fertilizer NH 4 -N nitrified more rapidly in the sludge soil (31 g NH 4 -N (kg soil) −1 day −1 than in the control plot soil (13 g NH 4 -N (kg soil) −1 day −1 . Dehydrogenase activity was twice as high as in fertilized sludge soil (140 mg Formazan kg −1 ) as in control soil (60 mg Formazan kg −1 ). Maize grain yields were linearly related to N uptake, whereas fodder yields were curvilinearly related, across all treatments. This response indicated that N fertilization induced no toxic side effects in sludge-grown maize.
Gametic incompatibility in wild and cultured populations of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)

Abstract Fertilization rates were measured in 100 2×2 crosses of oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ) from six hatchery lines and one natural population. Analysis of fertilization by a log-linear model showed significant interaction between sources of gametes for 30 of the crosses. Gametic compatibility indices (GCI), which estimated the rates of fertilization within populations relative to between-population matings, were more often positive than negative, indicating a slight advantage to within-population matings. However, of the 30 significant cases, GCI was positive in 15 cases and negative in 15 cases. A mass spawning of oysters in which aliquots of pooled eggs were fertilized separately by individual males showed a highly significant sire-dam interaction in yield of juveniles, reflecting differences in larval viability as well as sperm-egg interactions. The existence of moderate gametic incompatibility together with sire-dam interaction effects on larval viability may pose problems in oyster breeding programs employing the mass spawning of small numbers of broodstock.
Effects of ablation products on ionization in hypersonic wakes.

Recent interest in ionized hypersonic wakes has prompted the present study of the effects of ablation products on wake ionization. Such effects are examined through computations of wake flows composed of carbon, hydrogen, and sodium-containing species added to the air constituents. A 20 species, 31 reactions chemical system is considered. An exact (finitedifference) method for solving the conservation equations for chemically reacting wake flow is employed for both laminar and turbulent flow regions. The ablation product influences investigated are the direct ; ionization of readily ionized additives, the modification to the thermodynamic state resulting from the mixing of additives with the air and the alteration of over-all ionization kinetics through the provision of alternative mechanisms. In order to ascertain these effects separately, four different chemical subsystems of increasing complexity are treated. These are pure air; air plus sodium; air, sodium, and hydrogen; and air, sodium, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide systems. In addition, each chemical system is studied for two sets of initial (neck) conditions for the postneck wake: high- and low-enthalpy cases. Results demonstrate that ablation species exert significant influences on wake ionization and must be properly accounted for in any practical studies of ablating body wakes.
The need for global, satellite‐based observations of terrestrial surface waters

River discharge as well as lake and wetland storage of water are critical terms in the surface water balance, yet they are poorly observed globally and the prospects for improvement from in-situ networks are bleak [e.g.,Shiklomanov et al., 2002; IAHS, 2001;Stokstad, 1999]. Indeed, given our basic need for fresh water, perhaps the most important hydrologic observations that can be made in a basin are of the temporal and spatial variations in discharge. Gauges measuring discharge rely on flow converging from the upstream catchment to a singular in-channel cross section. This approach has successfully monitored many of the world's densely inhabited and typically heavily engineered basins for well over a century. However, much of the globally significant discharge occurs in sparsely gauged basins, many with vast wetlands that lack flow convergence (e.g., Figures 1 and 2); thus leading to poorly defined values of runoff at local, regional, and continental scales.
Consumers’ Beliefs about Product Benefits: The Effect of Obviously Irrelevant Product Information

When consumers try to assess the performance of a product on a key benefit, their information search often reveals both diagnostic information and irrelevant information. Although one would expect irrelevant information to have little impact on predictions of product performance, we present evidence that the irrelevant information systematically weakens consumers' beliefs that the product will provide the benefit. We show that this dilution effect persists after subjects have acknowledged the irrelevance of the additional information but that it does depend on whether the product information is processed with the desired benefit in mind. We conclude that consumers are selectively looking for information that suggests the product will deliver the desired benefit and that they categorize any additional evidence, be it irrelevant or disconfirming, as not confirming. As a consequence, irrelevant information weakens consumers' beliefs in the product's ability to deliver the benefit.
Assay of the enzymatic hydrolysis of pantetheine

Abstract Four rapid, independent assays of enzymatic pantetheine hydrolysis are described and compared using an enzyme partially purified from pig kidney. Two assays detect specifically the hydrolysis products: cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol) is measured by the absorbance of its fluoropyruvate adduct at 300 nm and pantothenate is measured by radioimmunoassay. Methods of [ 14 C]pantethine synthesis are discussed and the labeled substrate employed in a third enzymatic assay. A fourth assay continuously monitors the absorbance of mercaptide ion at 240 nm. The mercaptide ion concentration increases proportionally with hydrolysis at a buffered pH because of a difference in p K (-SH) between pantetheine (9.9) and cysteamine (8.1) at 37°C. The enzyme shows a pH optimum of ca. 9 and an apparent K m of 20 μ m .
PERSPECTIVES ON THE DATING OF PREHISTORIC GREAT BASIN PETROGLYPHS BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

The possible relative dating of petroglyphs by nuclear measurements on desert varnish is explored. The abundances of 30 major and trace elements in desert varnish samples from the Grimes Point petroglyph site in western Nevada were measured by neutron activation analysis techniques. Samples of both desert varnish and heart rock from a non-artifactual test boulder of andesite were studied and the elements tungsten, arsenic, antimony, thorium, uranium, manganese and cerium exhibited the greatest enrichments in the surface samples and may be of use for dating purposes.
Associations between alcohol-related concerns, normative perceptions of peer alcohol use, and veterans’ drinking behavior over six months

AbstractThe Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has implemented initiatives to increase rates of brief alcohol counseling (BAC). Half of eligible veterans do not receive such care. Understanding patient characteristics associated with drinking behavior may identify patients for whom BAC may be acceptable. Data collected from veterans between January 2010 and September 2011 (N = 167) were examined. Results find that alcohol-related concerns and perceptions of peer alcohol consumption are associated with reduced drinking behavior. These findings suggests that assessing drinking concerns and perceptions of peer alcohol use may help to identify patients interested in changing drinking behavior, receiving care, and assist providers in delivering appropriate counseling.
Anomalous diffusion of surface-active species at liquid-fluid and liquid-solid interfaces

We study the role of bulk-surface exchange in the density relaxation kinetics and self-diffusion of surface-active molecules at liquid surfaces. In «strongly adsorbing» systems, relaxation occurs through bulk-mediated effective surface diffusion characterized by one-step distributions with long tails; molecules execute Levy walks on the surface. Correspondingly, at times before particles are finally lost to the bulk, surface displacement r is non-Fickian and exhibits anomalous scaling: moments grow as ∼t ζ(q) , where ζ(q)=q for q 1 and ∼t ln t. The width of an initially localized density disturbance increases linearly in time with a «speed» c which is universally related to other observables. Numerical simulations confirm the family of exponents ζ (q), and reproduce the observable c. We consider a simple example where end-functionalised macromolecules adsorb at a solid surface, finding c∼1/s where s is the surface «stickiness» parameter. At liquid-fluid interfaces viscoelastic effects compete. For sub-micron scales, we argue that self-diffusion will typically remain dominated at high coverages by the anomalous bulk-mediated mechanism, while surface viscoelasticity will dominate the relaxation of density perturbations
Interactional Features of Repair Negotiation in NS-NNS Interaction on Two Task Types: Information Gap and Personal Information Exchange.

Abstract The studies in task-based approaches in second language acquisition claim that controlled and goal convergent tasks such as information gap tasks surpass open-ended conversations such as personal information exchange tasks for the development of the learner's interlanguage, in that the formers promote more repair negotiation. And yet, few studies so far have focused on the fine-tuned analysis of repair negotiation which occurs when learners are engaged in both those tasks. This study investigates the sequential environments where repair negotiations occur in the NS–NNS interaction in two types of tasks: information gap tasks and personal information exchange tasks in order to understand the interactional features of repair negotiation entailed with both those task types and their potential influence on learners’ interlanguage development.
Modeling slender bodies with the method of regularized Stokeslets

The motion and flow generated by immersed structures in a fluid in the Stokes regime can be modeled with a variety of different numerical methods. The mathematical structure of the Stokes equations allows one to describe the flow around a three-dimensional object using only information regarding its geometry. This leads to computational techniques such as boundary integral methods or the method of regularized Stokeslets that discretize the surface of the immersed object in the flow. However, when the body in question is slender, a more computationally efficient alternative is to represent the flow by a one-dimensional discretization along the centerline of the object rather than a discretization of the boundary. Using an exact and an asymptotic solution describing the nontrivial three-dimensional fluid flow generated by a slender precessing spheroid, we present a careful analysis of the approximation of the flow using the method of regularized Stokeslets, where the regularized Stokeslets are placed along the centerline of the spheroid. Guidance is presented on how best to choose the numerical parameters within the method of regularized Stokeslets to minimize the error for a given application.
Fertility‐related changes in maternal body composition among the au of Papua New Guinea

Evolutionary theory predicts that organisms make trade-offs between their somatic and reproductive energy budgets. Thus every round of reproduction should result in a concomitant decline in the parents' total energy reserves. Among humans this prediction was corroborated more than 25 years ago when fertility-related nutritional depletion was reported among mothers in the Highlands of New Guinea (Jelliffe and Maddocks, 1964). More recently, however, a number of studies of fertility and maternal nutritional status in both developed and developing nations have reported fertility-related in- creases in various indices of adiposity and lean body mass. Such findings have called the so-called "maternal depletion syndrome" into question, and have raised serious doubts as to whether the phenomenon is widely generalizable to all populations. In light of this recent controversy, data are presented here on fertility-related changes in maternal adiposity and lean body mass among the Au, a lowland forager-horticulturalist population in Papua New Guinea. While both a short-term decline in adiposity following childbirth, and a long-term fertility-related decline are seen among more traditional Au, indi- viduals with a regular source of wage-income show only the former. There are no significant changes in lean body mass with increasing fertility in either group. The finding of significant socioeconomic variation in the capacity to withstand the stress of repeated reproduction even within this one extremely rural area of Papua New Guinea may lend insight into why previous studies have been unable to find evidence of maternal depletion. The fertility-related decline in adiposity that is reported for the more traditional Au is consistent with the predictions of evolutionary theory.
Endoscopy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Choose Wisely

In this issue, the ACP Clinical Guidelines Committee provides best practice advice for using endoscopy to help manage GERD and makes it clear that endoscopy often is not needed. The editorialist di...
Growth of Prototheca zopfii Krüger on Crude-oil as a Function of pH, Temperature, and Salinity

Summary Strain UMK-13 of the achlorophyllous alga Prototheca zopfii Kruger was tested for itsability to grow on crude-oil under a variety of conditions of pH, temperature, and salinity representing various aquatic habitats. Biodegradation of 13-16 carbon and 20-21 carbon n-alkanes occurred within a pH range of 3-9, at 8-24 parts per thousand salinity, and at 15-25 °C; no growth or biodegradation occurred at 30 °C or above. During 25 days of growth under favorable conditions strain UMK-13 removed up to 40 of the crude-oil n-alkanes assayed. The data indicate that Prototheca zopfii strain UMK-13 can contribute to crude-oil biodegradation in a variety of estuarine and freshwater habitats.
Prediction of wind speed time series using modified Taylor Kriging method

Wind speed forecasting is critical for the operations of wind turbine and penetration of wind energy into electricity systems. In this paper, a novel time series forecasting method is proposed for this purpose. This method originates from TK (Taylor Kriging) model, but is properly modified for the forecasting of wind speed time series. To investigate the performance of this new method, the wind speed data from an observation site in North Dakota, USA, are adopted. One-year hourly wind speed data are divided into 10 samples, and forecast is made for each sample. In the case study, both the modified TK method and (ARIMA) autoregressive integrated moving average method are employed and their performances are compared. It is found that on average, the proposed method outperforms the ARIMA method by 18.60% and 15.23% in terms of (MAE) mean absolute error and (RMSE) root mean square error. Meanwhile, further theoretical analysis is provided to discuss why the modified TK method is potentially more accurate than the ARIMA method for wind speed time series prediction.
Relative effects of mutability and selection on single nucleotide polymorphisms in transcribed regions of the human genome

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation in humans. However, the factors that affect SNP density are poorly understood. The goal of this study was to estimate the relative effects of mutability and selection on SNP density in transcribed regions of human genes. It is important for prediction of the regions that harbor functional polymorphisms. We used frequency-validated SNPs resulting from single-nucleotide substitutions. SNPs were subdivided into five functional categories: (i) 5' untranslated region (UTR) SNPs, (ii) 3' UTR SNPs, (iii) synonymous SNPs, (iv) SNPs producing conservative missense mutations, and (v) SNPs producing radical missense mutations. Each of these categories was further subdivided into nine mutational categories on the basis of the single-nucleotide substitution type. Thus, 45 functional/mutational categories were analyzed. The relative mutation rate in each mutational category was estimated on the basis of published data. The proportion of segregating sites (PSSs) for each functional/mutational category was estimated by dividing the observed number of SNPs by the number of potential sites in the genome for a given functional/mutational category. By analyzing each functional group separately, we found significant positive correlations between PSSs and relative mutation rates (Spearman's correlation coefficient, at least r = 0.96, df = 9, P < 0.001). We adjusted the PSSs for the mutation rate and found that the functional category had a significant effect on SNP density (F = 5.9, df = 4, P = 0.001), suggesting that selection affects SNP density in transcribed regions of the genome. We used analyses of variance and covariance to estimate the relative effects of selection (functional category) and mutability (relative mutation rate) on the PSSs and found that approximately 87% of variation in PSS was due to variation in the mutation rate and approximately 13% was due to selection, suggesting that the probability that a site located in a transcribed region of a gene is polymorphic mostly depends on the mutability of the site.
Approximate entropy in cardiology

Background. The quantification of subtle patterns in sequential data, and their changes, has considerable potential utility throughout cardiology, including the analysis of heart rate rhythms. Aim of the study. Approximate entropy (ApEn), a recently developed statistic quantifying serial irregularity, has been applied in numerous studies throughout mathematics and applications, especially biology. We indicate results to date, and future direction, of interest to cardiologists. Methods. We define ApEn, indicating basic properties. We discuss typical applications of ApEn, with special focus on a representative aspect of ApEn applications to heart rate dynamics, to pre- and early life studies. Subsequently, we introduce and briefly discuss cross-ApEn, a thematically similar quantification of two-variable asynchrony. Results. ApEn consistently detects subtle shifts in heart rate rhythmicity in many studies in which mean levels and classical variability assessments fail to discriminate normative from pathophysiological subjects. Greater regularity (lower ApEn) clinically corresponds to compromised physiology in all cardiologic settings discussed herein. We provide a mechanistic interpretation of lowered ApEn values, based on mathematical analysis, yet linked to physiology. We discuss and clarify why ApEn is complementary to classical ‘moment analysis’, to chaos-related statistical measures, and to spectral and correlation measures, and oftentimes provides clearer discriminatory capability. Conclusions. Both ApEn and cross-ApEn have significant potential to consequentially enhance present statistical methodologies of analysis of cardiologic data, in both clinical and in research settings.
Leveraging IVI for instrument wrapper development

Most Automatic Test System environments create an abstraction layer that sits between the test program and the instruments drivers, a wrapper. This paper provides an overview of existing wrapper implementations, describes the benefits of abstraction layers, primarily to facilitate instrument replacement, and explores using the architecture defined by IVI to implement wrappers. Use of both existing IVI classes and new custom classes are discussed.
How to Address “I've Already Written My Paper, Now I Just Need to Find Some Sources”: Teaching Personal Voice through Library Instruction

Teaching students how to employ their personal voice has always presented a unique challenge to composition instructors. Although teaching students how to engage in scholarly dialogue lies at the heart of every composition program, many students remain unsure, intimidated, and even skeptical of this mode of communication. As a result, research papers often take the form of unsupported monologues in which citations are merely ornamental, lengthy summaries, or numerous information resources are cited without one voice serving as an arbitrator. Library instructors face the same dilemma as composition instructors do when teaching students how to apply information to their research. Beyond teaching students how to identify an information need and to effectively and efficiently access and critically evaluate information, library instructors must teach students how information and personal voice are incorporated into research. In doing so, library instruction corrects the common misunderstanding that research eq...
Hepatobiliary scintigraphy in spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct.

A 7-week-old infant had jaundice and ascites. Sonographic evaluation confirmed the presence of ascites, but was otherwise unremarkable. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy revealed a collection of radiotracer at the inferior margin of the liver on initial images, followed by diffuse Intraperitoneal activity on subsequent images, indicating biliary perforation. Surgical exploration confirmed a diagnosis of spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct
Lipoprotein (a) regulates plasmin generation and inihibition

Abstract The relationship between lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and atherosclerosis has been appreciated for a number of years. Only in recent years, however, has the structural relationship of Lp(a) to plasminogen resulted in studies of the effect of this lipoprotein on fibrinolysis. Lp(a) inhibits activation of plasminogen by tissue-type (t-PA) and urinary-type (u-PA) plasminogen activators. These inhibitory reactions are surface-dependent. When Lp(a) binds to fibrin, fibrinogen, heparin or cells it blocks activation of plasminogen by t-PA. u-PA-mediated activation of plasminogen is blocked on surfaces including heparin and chondroitin sulfate. Lp(a) also favors inhibition of plasmin by α 2 -antiplasmin (α 2 -AP). The ability of Lp(a) to compete with plasmin for fibrin binding displaces plasmin into solution where α 2 -AP rapidly inhibits this proteinase. These effects are all antifibrinolytic. Lp(a) also exhibits one profibrinolytic effect, since it blocks inhibition of t-PA by plasminogen activator type 1 in the presence of fibrinogen or heparin. Thus, Lp(a) modulates most of the reactions involved in plasmin generation and inhibition. Its overall effect will depend primarily on the concentrations of Lp(a), PAI-1 and t-PA in vivo.
Purulent Pericarditis in a Neonate

A 10-day-old male infant presented with rapid and labored breathing to an outside hospital. An echocardiogram demonstrated a thick, non-free-flowing pericardial effusion. A blood culture drawn grew Escherichia coli. The patient underwent a pericardectomy and pericardial drainage. Samples were taken for acid-fast bacilli, cytomegalovirus antigenemia, fungal, and fluid cultures, all of which were negative. A repeat echocardiogram demonstrated resolution of the pericardial effusion. Antibiotic therapy alone is insufficient to treat purulent pericarditis. The successful treatment of purulent pericarditis requires the combination of pericardial decompression with open drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
INDEPENDENT VERSUS COUPLED INACTIVATION IN SODIUM CHANNELS : ROLE OF THE DOMAIN 2 S4 SEGMENT

The voltage sensor of the sodium channel is mainly comprised of four positively charged S4 segments. Depolarization causes an outward movement of S4 segments, and this movement is coupled with opening of the channel. A mutation that substitutes a cysteine for the outermost arginine in the S4 segment of the second domain (D2:R1C) results in a channel with biophysical properties similar to those of wild-type channels. Chemical modification of this cysteine with methanethiosulfonate-ethyltrimethylammonium (MTSET) causes a hyperpolarizing shift of both the peak current–voltage relationship and the kinetics of activation, whereas the time constant of inactivation is not changed substantially. A conventional steady state inactivation protocol surprisingly produces an increase of the peak current at −20 mV when the 300-ms prepulse is depolarized from −190 to −110 mV. Further depolarization reduces the current, as expected for steady state inactivation. Recovery from inactivation in modified channels is also nonmonotonic at voltages more hyperpolarized than −100 mV. At −180 mV, for example, the amplitude of the recovering current is briefly almost twice as large as it was before the channels inactivated. These data can be explained readily if MTSET modification not only shifts the movement of D2/S4 to more hyperpolarized potentials, but also makes the movement sluggish. This behavior allows inactivation to have faster kinetics than activation, as in the HERG potassium channel. Because of the unique properties of the modified mutant, we were able to estimate the voltage dependence and kinetics of the movement of this single S4 segment. The data suggest that movement of modified D2/S4 is a first-order process and that rate constants for outward and inward movement are each exponential functions of membrane potential. Our results show that D2/S4 is intimately involved with activation but plays little role in either inactivation or recovery from inactivation.
Rat Kidney Cells in Primary Culture: Hormone-Mediated Desensitization of the Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Response to Parathyroid Hormone and Calcitonin

To investigate the direct actions and the possible cellular mechanisms of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and salmon calcitonin (sCT) action in inducing the desensitization of renal cAMP responses to these hormones, we studied kidney cells in primary culture. Renal cells isolated from neonatal rats were cultured in F-12 medium plus 100 μl/ml calf serum. The cultured kidney cells reached confluent monolayer in 24 h and remained responsive to hormones, including PTH, sCT, vasopressin, and prostaglandin E1. Pretreatment of the cultured cells with PTH (2.5 × 10-7 M) or sCT (3 × 10-7 M) resulted in homologous desensitization in the cAMP responses to these hormones. Both PTH- and sCT-mediated desensitization were time and dose dependent. The EC505o for PTH-mediated desensitization was approximately 3.2 × 10-9 M, and that for sCT was 2.0 × 10-10 M. Cells that were desensitized to PTH or sCT showed normal responsiveness to cholera to×in, indicating that the catalytic and coupling units of the adenylate cyclase were not...
Large-Scale Diagnostics of Tropical Cyclogenesis Potential Using Environment Variability Metrics and Logistic Regression Models

The authors propose that inclusion of medium- to high-frequency variability information will provide improved metrics of tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) applicable to climate GCM diagnostics. Capabilities of the Community Atmosphere Model version 3.1 (CAM3.1) GCM are assessed for detecting both large-scale and localized conditions for TCG in the tropical North Atlantic by comparison with the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and observed TCG occurrences. CAM3.1 seasonality of large-scale environmental factors conducive to TCG compares favorably with the ERA-40. It is determined that most of the TCG-related high-frequency temporal variability in the ERA-40 is explained by dynamic variability; each of the CAM3.1 ensemble members has lower variability in these dynamic fields. Seventeen environmental variables are evaluated as potential indicators of TCG activity based on daily anomalous variability with respect to a 15-day base period. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to synthesize these into a set of uncorrelated parameters. ERA-40 PCA composite variables are used to develop logistic and Poisson regression models for TCG detection and frequency in the North Atlantic main development region. Some skill metrics for the logistic model are promising, but the threat score and hit rate signify that further development of the logistic regression model is warranted; results from the Poisson regression model based on the same inputs are weaker, implying that weighting by TCG counts does not improve the results. These findings indicate merit in incorporating medium- to highfrequency variability in TCG metrics for diagnostics of seasonal activity and for application to climate models.
Measuring the mechanical properties of Pb-free solder and Sn-based intermetallics by nanoindentation

The technique of nanoindentation coupled with an atomic force microscope has been used to measure mechanical properties of Cu-Sn and Ag-Sn intermetallics at length scales similar to those observed in real solder joints. This article describes the experiment and discusses the results in terms of the effect of intermetallics on the reliability of microelectronic packages. The results show that, despite their high hardness, the intermetallics deform plastically without cracking at the small loads and length scales of nanoindentation testing.
Optical Diffraction in Close Proximity to Plane Apertures. III. Modified, Self-Consistent Theory

The classical theory of diffraction at plane apertures illuminated by normally incident light is modified so that diffraction on the source side of the screen is taken into consideration and the energy transport across the aperture plane is described by continuous functions. The modified field expressions involve the sums and differences of the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction integrals as descriptors of a bidirectional flow of energy in the near zones on either side of the aperture. The theory is valid for unpolarized fields, and a pragmatic argument is presented that it is applicable to metallic as well as black screens. The modified field expressions are used for numerical near-field computations of the diffraction profiles and transmission coefficients of circular apertures and slits. In the mid zone the modified theory is reduced to the Fresnel approximation, and here the latter may be used with confidence.
An Online Survey System on Computer Game Enjoyment and Personality

This paper discusses the development of an online survey instrument to measure the game enjoyment and player characteristics like age, gender and personality traits. A research framework of game play is proposed based on a review of prior research on computer game enjoyment, game characteristics, personality theories, effects of computer game play, and technology acceptance model. The proposed framework suggests that an appropriate fit between characteristics of the player and gaming technology will result in greater enjoyment while social influence may moderate effects of the fit. The survey will allow the researcher to establish the fit profiles between player characteristics and game play.
Alcohol consumption as a trigger of recurrent gout attacks.

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption has long been considered a trigger for recurrent gout attacks; however, this hypothesis has not been formally tested. Methods We conducted an Internet-based case-crossover study to assess several putative risk factors, including alcohol consumption, thought to trigger recurrent gout attacks. Subjects who had an attack within the past year were recruited online and asked to provide access to medical records pertaining to their gout. Data were obtained on the amount and type of alcoholic beverage consumed on each day over the 2-day period before a gout attack and on each day over a 2-day period during the intercritical period. We examined the amount and type of alcohol consumption and the risk of recurrent gout attacks using a conditional logistic regression adjusting for diuretic use and purine intake. Results A total of 197 subjects were recruited online over a 10-month period. Of those, 179 (91%) fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology Criteria for gout. Compared with no alcohol consumption, odds ratios for recurrent gout attacks were 1.1, 0.9, 2.0, and 2.5 for 1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, and 7 or more drinks consumed over the 2-day period, respectively ( P Conclusion Alcohol consumption triggers recurrent gout attacks. This effect was likely to occur within 24 hours after its consumption.
Criminal self-efficacy: Exploring the correlates and consequences of a “Successful Criminal” identity.

Self-efficacy refers to the belief that one can perform successfully at a given task or endeavor. Previous research indicates that self-efficacy in relation to conventional pursuits (e.g., performance in school) is associated with positive social adjustment. However, the possibility that individuals may develop self-efficacy in relation to nonconventional pursuits—including crime and delinquency—remains largely unexplored. In this study, the authors adopt a multimethod approach to explore (a) offenders’ personal judgments regarding their level of effectiveness or “success” at crime, (b) the factors that contribute to high criminal self-efficacy, and (c) the impact of self-efficacy judgments on offenders’ future intentions. Results of quantitative and qualitative analyses reveal that many offenders maintain a strong sense of criminal efficacy despite past arrests, convictions, and incarceration. Moreover, criminal self-efficacy tends to reduce their intentions to desist from crime. Implications for punishm...
Trajectory visualization by using Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

The purpose of this research is to use GPS to visualize the trajectory of space, air, sea, and land vehicles. This research reveals the visualized trajectories of two scenarios. One of the scenarios is an airplane trajectory and the other is a Shuttle launch trajectory. In the first scenario, an airplane flew from Cape Canaveral to Vancouver, Canada. In the second scenario, a rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral and landed near Corpus Christi, Texas. In order to set up these scenarios, we used a GPS simulator, GPS receiver, lap-top computer, MATLAB software, FUGAWI software and Satellite Tool Kit (STK) software. This research can be used in a classroom/laboratory environment to give students hands on experience in the integration of hardware and software equipment used for GPS applications.