cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contextual Demands for Early Adolescent Behavioral Style

The focus of this investigation was to describe the contextual demands placed on early adolescents and to determine if these demands differ across contexts. In addition, we assessed whether adolescents could accurately perceive the demands placed on them and if their "fit" with demands differed across contexts. By focusing on demands regarding behavioral style, or temperament, and studying 101 early adolescents (56 males, 45 females), from the Pennsylvania Early Adolescent Transitions Study, we assessed adolescents' self-rated temperament and the demands placed on the adolescents by their peer group, their teachers, and their parents. Results of multivariate analyses of variance indicated that parents and peers hold different demands for behavioral style. Adolescents perceived several of their peers' demands as being significantly different than the peers' actual demands. Finally, except for one of nine attributes of temperament, the adolescents' self-rated temperament attributes exceeded the contextual e...
Rapid Diagnostic Methods in Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common infections throughout the developed and the developing world. It is estimated that worldwide there are 1 million new cases per day of curable bacterial STIs. As part of the World Health Organization 2001 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Diagnostics Initiative, the organization explored the need for simple, affordable, point-of-care STI testing for curable bacterial STIs. This article reviews the evidence supporting the implementation of currently available rapid tests for five common STIs: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and herpes.
Usefulness and Effect of Online Prognostic Calculators

Guidelines recommend incorporating mortality risk into clinical decision-making for older adults, such as cancer screening.1,2 We previously published a systematic review of prognostic indices to estimate mortality risk for older adults.1 To help clinicians, we converted the indices in our systematic review into an online repository of prognostic calculators (www.ePrognosis.org, launched in January 2012).This study aims to evaluate which online prognostic calculators are used in real world settings, if they impact clinical decision making or the perception of prognosis, and if they are rated as useful.
The geometry of justice: Three existence and uniqueness theorems

Various intuitive notions of justice are characterized in terms of geometry. Three approaches to justice (Utilitaran, Rawlsian and Nash) are considered. A set of qualities which we might want a justice approach to have is presented. Three different subsets of these qualities are shown to be uniquely satisfied (out of all possible approaches) by a different one of the three approaches considered.
Numerical simulation and experiments of burning douglas fir trees

Fires spreading in elevated vegetation, such as chaparral or pine forest canopies, are often more intense than fires spreading through surface vegetation such as grasslands. As a result, they are more difficult to suppress, produce higher heat fluxes, more firebrands and smoke, and can interact with, or create, local weather conditions that lead to dangerous fire behavior. Such wildland fires can pose a serious threat to wildland–urban interface communities. A basic building block of such fires is a single tree. In the work presented here, a number of individual trees, of various characteristics, were burned without an imposed wind in the Large Fire Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards of Technology. A numerical model capable of representing the spatial distribution of vegetation in a tree crown is presented and evaluated against tree burning experiments. For simplicity, the vegetation was assumed to be uniformly distributed in a tree crown represented by a well defined geometric shape (cone or cylinder). Predictions of the time histories of the radiant heat flux and mass loss rates for different fuel moisture contents and tree heights compared favorably to measured values and trends. This work is a first step toward the development and application of a physics-based computer model to spatially complex, elevated, vegetation present in forest stands and in the wildland–urban interface.
Target and projectile K x-ray production by 100, 160, and 200 MeV Nb collisions with thick solid targets

Target and projectile K x-ray cross-sections produced in collisions of Nb projectiles with a series of targets (Z t =6-68) are reported for energies of 100, 160 and 200 MeV. Various K-vacancy production theories were tested over this broad range including electron promotion with vacancy sharing (molecular model), direct excitation (ECPSSR theory), modified binary encounter approximation (BEA), as well as some semi-empirical recipes. For most of the collision systems investigated the molecular model is found to be the dominant mechanism for K-vacancy production in both projectile and target. For highly asymmetric collisions, the ECPSSR calculations are found to be within a factor of two of the data for the lightest targets (C, Al), but fail for the heaviest targets On donne les valeurs des sections efficaces de production de rayons-x K dans des collisions par des projectiles de Nb sur une serie de cibles (Z=6 a 68) a des energies de 100, 160 et 200 MeV. On teste differentes theories de production de trous K dans ce large intervalle d'energie, parmi lesquelles la promotion d'electron avec partage de trous (modele moleculaire), l'excitation directe (theorie ECPSSR), l'approximation de chocs binaires modifiee (BEA), ainsi que certains modeles semi-empiriques. Le mecanisme dominant pour la production des trous K a la fois dans le projectile et la cible est, pour la plupart des systemes etudies, le modele moleculaire. Pour des collisions tres asymetriques, les calculs de la theorie ECPSSR rendent compte des donnees a un facteur 2 pres pour les cibles legeres (V, Al), mais ne conviennent pas pour les cibles les plus lourdes
Probabilistic modeling using bivariate normal distributions for identification of flow and displacement intervals in longwall overburden

Abstract Gob gas ventholes (GGV) are used to control methane emissions in longwall mines by capturing it within the overlying fractured strata before it enters the work environment. In order for GGVs to effectively capture more methane and less mine air, the length of the slotted sections and their proximity to top of the coal bed should be designed based on the potential gas sources and their locations, as well as the displacements in the overburden that will create potential flow paths for the gas. In this paper, an approach to determine the conditional probabilities of depth-displacement, depth-flow percentage, depth-formation and depth-gas content of the formations was developed using bivariate normal distributions. The flow percentage, displacement and formation data as a function of distance from coal bed used in this study were obtained from a series of borehole experiments contracted by the former US Bureau of Mines as part of a research project. Each of these parameters was tested for normality and was modeled using bivariate normal distributions to determine all tail probabilities. In addition, the probability of coal bed gas content as a function of depth was determined using the same techniques. The tail probabilities at various depths were used to calculate conditional probabilities for each of the parameters. The conditional probabilities predicted for various values of the critical parameters can be used with the measurements of flow and methane percentage at gob gas ventholes to optimize their performance.
Kinectin, an essential anchor for kinesin-driven vesicle motility

The membrane anchor for the molecular motor kinesin is a critical site involved in intracellular membrane trafficking. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the cytoplasmic surface of chick brain microsomes were used to define proteins involved in microtubule-dependent transport. One of four antibodies tested inhibited plus-end-directed vesicle motility by approximately 90 percent even as a monovalent Fab fragment and reduced kinesin binding to vesicles. This antibody bound to the cytoplasmic domain of kinectin, an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum that binds to kinesin. Thus, kinectin acted as a membrane anchor protein for kinesin-driven vesicle motility.
Race: a genetic melting-pot.

Ancestral genetic data are far more useful for medical purposes than are racial categories, which may be correlated with disease for social or economic rather than biological reasons.
Spore wall ultrastructure of Sphagnum lescurii sull

Abstract Surface features of acetolyzed spores of Sphagnum lescurii were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Wall layering was studied in fresh-fixed and acetolyzed spores by standard methods of transmission electron microscopy. The highly polar spore has a trilete aperture on the proximal face and a distinctive pattern of ornamentation on the distal surface consisting of a prominent triradiate ridge with bifurcated arms. The spore wall consists of five major layers: (1) an outermost, irregularly deposited perine; (2) a previously undescribed translucent layer containing unconsolidated exine lamellae; (3) an outer homogenous exine layer called B-layer exine; (4) an inner, lamellate exine layer designated A-layer; and (5) an innermost layer of intine. Neither the translucent layer nor the A-layer has any clear homology in other spores. The translucent layer consists of exine lamellae in a matrix of unknown composition which appears plate-like where it juts into the perine. The A-layer, which is highly retractive in light microscopy, consists of approximately 20–30 parallel, alternating light and dark lamellae. The light bands measure about 4.4 nm in thickness. The alternating dark bands, which measure approximately 3.5 nm in thickness, are composed of material much like that of the B-layer in morphology and electron density. The proximal trilete mark represents a modification of all wall layers except the A-layer. The intine under the ridges is impregnated with sporopollenin and the fissures are covered only by the A-layer and a thin B-layer of exine. The stratification of the Sphagnum spore wall is unique in the Bryophyta.
Unstable genes affecting chloroplast development in soybean

Y18 is a nuclear gene of soybean (Glycine max) necessary for normal chloroplast development. An unstable allele (Y18-m) of the Y18 gene has been previously characterized genetically [Peterson and Weber: Theor Appl Genet 39:156-162, 1969.] Plants homozygous for the unstable allele produce leaves that exhibit a variegated pattern of green and yellow leaf sectors, indicating somatic mutability events. Germinal instability is detected by the recovery of either pure breeding dominant green (rare) or pure breeding recessive yellow (frequent) plants from the mutable stock. In contrast to most unstable genes identified in other plant systems, the Y18-m mutation is from the dominant green state to the recessive yellow state, producing a pattern of “reverse variegation.” Current work has focused on further characterization of this mutation at the whole plant level as well as at the biochemical level. These results include observations on the cell- and tissue-type specificity of the mutation, stability of the recessive yellow mutation, and a biochemical analysis of mutant and normal thylakoid membranes to identify the specific polypeptides affected by the y18 mutation. Several polypeptides of the thylakoid membranes are missing, and many, including the major light harvesting complex (LHCP) polypeptides, are reduced. Messenger RNAs for LHCPII were also reduced to a greater extent than other leaf transcripts in the yellow sectors of variegated plants. A comparison of Y18-m to other soybean mutable genes and transposable element insertions is made.
Orthostatic hypotension following resection of a dorsal medullary hemangioblastoma.

Background Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an uncommon, but not rare manifestation of dorsal medullary lesions which has less commonly been described as arising de novo or significantly worsening following surgical resection of the lesion.
Total quality management in the classroom: applications to university‐level mathematics

We describe a TQM‐based system of instruction that the author has used in a variety of undergraduate mathematics courses. The courses range from ‘mathematics appreciation’ for non‐technical students, through introductory calculus, to upper‐division applied linear algebra. The author has implemented techniques from TQM #optotal quality management#cp that have proven successful in obtaining high quality products in business and industry.
Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease : Cytopathologic findings on fine-needle aspiration

Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) is a rare non-neoplastic entity which mimics primary or metastatic soft-tissue or skeletal malignancy. Fewer than a dozen cases have been reported in the literature with only histologic descriptions. We present cytologic findings of a unique case of CPPD in a 73-year-old black female with a history of end-stage renal disease. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was done on a 4 x 4-cm neck mass which was clinically thought to be malignant. Cytopathologic examination showed numerous macrophages with markedly distended cytoplasm and containing multiple yellowish-orange, short rhomboid crystals. These were strongly birefringent on polarized microscopy, consistent with CPPD crystals.
Lagrangian particle modeling in the indoor environment: A comparison of RANS and LES turbulence methods (RP-1512)

Indoor particulate contaminants can be generated in many ways, commonly from human activities, infiltration of HVAC systems, or resuspension from indoor surfaces. Most of these sources are transient and generate nonuniform particle distribution in the space. This study used experimental and numerical methods to investigate the dispersion of three different particle sizes (0.7, 2.5, and 7 μm) emitted from typical source positions. A test room and simplified thermal manikins were employed to mimic a realistic indoor environment, and experimental data were compared with particle modeling using the Lagrangian method coupled with Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) turbulence models. Particle dispersion was studied for two ventilation patterns: buoyancy-driven ventilation and well-mixed ventilation. The results provided a comparison of Lagrangian-RANS particle modeling, Lagrangian-LES particle modeling, and experimental data considering nonu...
Exhaust Nozzle Plume Effects on Sonic Boom Test Results for Vectored Nozzles

Abstract Reducing or eliminating the operational restrictions of supersonic aircraft over populated areas has led to extensive research at NASA. Restrictions were due to the disturbance of the sonic boom, caused by the coalescence of shock waves formed off the aircraft. Recent work has been performed to reduce the magnitude of the sonic boom N-wave generated by airplane components with focus on shock waves caused by the exhaust nozzle plume. Previous Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis showed how the shock wave formed at the nozzle lip interacts with the nozzle boat-tail expansion wave. An experiment was conducted in the 1- by 1-ft Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center to validate the computational study. Results demonstrated how the nozzle lip shock moved with increasing nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) and reduced the nozzle boat-tail expansion, causing a favorable change in the observed pressure signature. Experimental results were presented for comparison to the CFD results. The strong nozzle lip shock at high values of NPR intersected the nozzle boat-tail expansion and suppressed the expansion wave. Based on these results, it may be feasible to reduce the boat-tail expansion for a future supersonic aircraft with under-expanded nozzle exhaust flow by modifying nozzle pressure or nozzle divergent section geometry.
‘You Don’t Have to Pray to Somebody in Special English’: Style, Narration, and Salvation in Urban Kenya

AbstractIn this article I argue that salvation narratives are part of a transnational speech genre that is both produced by and produces the imaginary of a global Christian ecumene. Each token of the genre, however, takes on local accents—especially in terms of the nature of sin and salvation—that illuminate anxieties particular to the sociohistorical context in which they are told. I analyze one young Kenyan man’s narrative to suggest that mobilizing the genre appropriately and effectively is a key part of the process of Christian salvation. I show how a close linguistic analysis of narrative with attention to its form as well as its content offers unique insight into the ways born-again Christians make themselves recognizable as such as well as the ways they manage the ever-present tensions between continuity and rupture in Christian spiritual rebirth.
Functional Disability and Nursing Resource Use Are Predictive of Antimicrobial Resistance in Nursing Homes

Objectives A simple measure of activities of daily living (ADL), wounds, and indwelling devices (urinary catheter and/or feeding tube) has been developed by Arling et al as a relative measure of NH residents’ need (time-intensity) for nursing resources. We used the Arling scale to predict prevalent, new and intermittent multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) acquisition in nursing home (NH) residents.
Automated mechanism design for a self-interested designer

Often, an outcome must be chosen on the basis of the preferences reported by a group of agents. The key difficulty is that the agents may report their preferences insincerely to make the chosen outcome more favorable to themselves. Mechanism design is the art of designing the rules of the game so that the agents are motivated to report their preferences truthfully, and a desirable outcome is chosen. We recently proposed an approach---called automated mechanism design---where a mechanism is computed for the preference aggregation setting at hand. This has several advantages, but the downside is that the mechanism design optimization problem needs to be solved anew each time. Unlike the earlier work on automated mechanism design that studied a benevolent designer, in this paper we study automated mechanism design problems where the designer is self-interested. In this case, the center cares only about which outcome is chosen and what payments are made to it. The reason that the agents' preferences are relevant is that the center is constrained to making each agent at least as well off as the agent would have been had it not participated in the mechanism. In this setting, we show that designing optimal deterministic mechanisms is NP-complete in two important special cases: when the center is interested only in the payments made to it, and when payments are not possible and the center is interested only in the outcome chosen. We then show how allowing for randomization in the mechanism makes problems in this setting computationally easy.
Adrenergic effects on hypothalamic activity: Alpha and beta agonists and antagonists

Dose-response curves were plotted to analyze the effects of adrenergic agonists and antagonists upon neural activity within the hypothalamus. Multiple unit activity (MUA) was recorded following microinjection of the drugs directly into the recording site through a hollow recording electrode. Dose-dependent decreases in MUA occurred following the microinjection of the alpha-adrenergic agonist 1-norepinephrine and also following low, but not high, doses of the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. Neither the beta-adrenergic agonist dl-isoproterenol nor the beta-adrenergic antagonist dl-propranolol produced dose-related effects upon MUA at the sites tested. A small nonbiochemically specific decrease in MUA was also found to follow all microinjections into the lateral or ventromedial hypothalamus when any compound was microinjected, including isotonic saline.
Redistribution equilibria in bromine-terminated poly(dimethylsilthians)

Abstract Hexamethylcyclotrisilthian and dibromodimethyl-silane upon heating form liquids which, by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are shown to be mixtures of molecules. The equilibria resulting from exchange on the dimethylsilicon moiety of bridging sulfur atoms with bromine atoms are shifted strongly towards ring compounds. At equilibrium, measured at 150° and 200 °C, in addition to relatively small amounts of short chain molecules, two sizes of ring molecules are seen, with the trimer predominating over the dimer. The appropriate equilibrium constants giving the distribution of chain and ring molecules are presented and it is shown that these adequately describe the distribution of molecules at equilibrium.
The copepod genusAcartia in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay specimens ofAcartia, identified by C. B. Wilson asA. clausii andA. longiremis, were re-examined. All the specimens identified asA. longiremis and most of those labelledA. clausii wereA. tonsa. A. clausii was present only in two winter samples. The postulated change in the composition of species ofAcartia in the Bay can no longer be supported, since it arose from Wilson's misidentifications.
Confocal reflectance mosaicing of basal cell carcinomas in Mohs surgical skin excisions

Precise removal of basal cell carcinomas BCCs with mini- mal damage to the surrounding normal skin is guided by the exami- nation of frozen histology of each excision during Mohs surgery. The preparation of frozen histology is slow, requiring 20 to 45 min per excision. Confocal reflectance mosaicing may enable rapid detection of BCCs directly in surgical excisions, with minimal need for frozen histology. Soaking the excisions in acetic acid rapidly brightens nuclei and enhances BCC-to-dermis contrast. Clinically useful concentra- tions of acetic acid from 10 to 1% require 30 s to 5 min, respectively. A tissue fixture precisely controls the stability, flatness, tilt, and sag of the excisions, which enables mosaicing of 3636 images to create a field of view of 1212 mm. This simulates a 2 magnification view in light microscopes, which is routinely used by Mohs surgeons to examine frozen histology. Compared to brightfield, cross-polarization enhances contrast and detectability of BCCs in the papillary dermis but not in the reticular dermis. Comparison of mosaics to histology shows that nodular, micronodular, and superficial BCCs are easily detected. However, infiltrative and sclerosing BCCs tend to be ob- scured within the surrounding bright dermis. The mosaicing method currently requires 9 min, and thus may expedite Mohs surgery. © 2007
An Exact Periodic Solution of a Hydromagnetic Flow in a Horizontal Channel

Le champ d'ecoulement est une generalisation de l'ecoulement de Couette dans lequel une paroi est au repos et l'autre oscille dans son propre plan autour d'une vitesse moyenne constante
Corneal transplant for keratoconus: results in early and late disease.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the results and complication rates associated with corneal transplantation for keratoconus and assess the prospects of using penetrating keratoplasty at a much earlier stage. Setting: Buzard Eye Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 104 eyes of 76 patients had corneal transplantation for keratoconus identified by corneal topography, keratometry, pachymetry, and/or retinoscopy. Sutures were removed at a mean of 15 months; mean follow-up was 42 months. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon using a torque-antitorque suture method. Eyes were grouped according to severity of the disease: early (n = 24); moderate (n = 47); high (n = 33). Preoperative keratometry was 40.00 to 49.00, 50.00 to 59.00, and 60.00 to 90.00 diopters (D), respectively. The criteria for corneal transplant were a best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse and keratoconus clearly identified by one of the above methods. Secondary procedures included repair of wound dehiscence (33 eyes, 31%), relaxing incisions (33 eyes, 31%), wedge resections (5 eyes, 5%), and automated lamellar keratoplasty (4 eyes, 4%). Results: Mean postoperative uncorrected visual acuity at last follow-up was 0.43 ± 0.3 (20/50), with 46 eyes (44%) achieving 20/40 or better. Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at last follow-up was 0.83 ± 0.2 (20/25). Sixty eyes (58%) achieved 20/40 or better BCVA at 1 month and 92 eyes (88%), at 3 months. At last follow-up, mean average keratometric astigmatism was 3.10 ± 1.70 D, mean keratometry was 43.30 ± 2.20 D, and mean spherical equivalent was -1.70 ± 3.00 D. Complications included 21 graft rejections (20%); 19 were successfully treated with topical and oral steroids. No expulsive hemorrhage or endophthalmitis occurred. Conclusion: The risk-benefit ratio for corneal transplantation has been significantly altered by improved surgical and postoperative techniques. The improved results, low complication rate, and postoperative enhancement management indicate that corneal transplantation is a viable option early in the clinical course of keratoconus.
Hereditary Striatonigral and Cerebello-Olivary Degeneration of the Kerry Blue Terrier. I. Gross and Light Microscopic Central Nervous System Lesions

The character and progression of gross and light microscopic central nervous system lesions associated with a hereditary neurodegenerative disease with juvenile onset are described in ten affected Kerry blue terriers. The central nervous system lesions were progressive and, although there was some variability, followed a relatively well-defined temporal course. Degeneration of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex was evident at the onset of clinical signs (approximately 4.5 months of age). After two weeks to one month of clinical illness, retrograde transsynaptic neuronal degeneration occurred in the olivary nucleus. Degeneration of both large and small neurons in the caudate nucleus began approximately two to three months after the onset of clinical signs, and by seven to eight months of clinical illness, the caudate nucleus was reduced to numerous microcystic cavities and almost was devoid of neurons except for a narrow subependymal zone and the tail of the nucleus. Neuronal depletion in the pars reticularis of the substantia nigra, which was evident after five to seven months of clinical illness, was attributed to an anterograde transsynaptic mechanism of neuronal degeneration. The disease in the Kerry blue terrier is compared with similar neurodegenerative diseases in man. The pathogenesis may involve altered neurotransmitter systems in the cerebellar cortex and caudate nucleus.
The identification of quality antibacterial drug discovery targets: a case study with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

Although there is a clearly established need for new antibiotics, the route to their discovery is anything but clear or defined. One possible approach is target-based drug discovery. Adhering to this strategy, appropriate targets must first be selected. Even this early stage step in the process is not straightforward. As described here, numbers of genomics targets are available and a subset of those have been linked to infection. However, only a further subset of these targets will prove amenable to drug discovery. Here we profile two approaches to identify quality drug discovery targets from within a family of enzymes known as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Targets were selected based on (i) high throughput screening data or (ii) protein sequence similarity analyses. The merits of each approach are discussed. Although some measure of success was achieved using sequence similarity to prioritise targets, high throughput screening data and the subsequent profiling of hits resulted in the selection of higher qu...
Differential Activation of Viral and Cellular Promoters by Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus-1 Tax and cAMP-responsive Element Modulator Isoforms

We have previously proposed that cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) activity is stimulated by human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) Tax through two mechanisms that are differentially dependent upon CREB phosphorylation. We have tested this model by examining how Tax affects transcriptional activation mediated by the cAMP-responsive element (CRE) modulator (CREM). The CREM proteins are highly homologous to CREB, particularly in their DNA-binding domains and the kinase-inducible domain (KID), a region that interacts with the coactivator CREB-binding protein (CBP) in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Despite this similarity, most CREM isoforms are transcriptional repressors. CREMα lacks the glutamine-rich domains found in CREB that are essential for transcriptional activation. We show that the normally repressive CREMα activates the HTLV-1 and cellular CREs in the presence of Tax; activation of the viral element is phosphorylation-independent, and activation of the cellular CRE is phosphorylation-dependent. CREMΔ(C-G) lacks both the KID and the glutamine-rich regions. This isoform activates the HTLV-1 long terminal repeat in a phosphorylation-independent manner, but does not activate the cellular CRE. This study suggests that Tax, interacting with the basic/zipper region of CREM, recruits CBP to the viral promoter. Tax activation of the cellular CRE depends on the KID and its ability to interact with CBP in a phosphorylation-dependent manner.
Directing medical student clinical case presentations

Summary This paper reports results from an ethnographic study examining different instructional approaches among clinical instructors in a department of internal medicine. The focus of the paper is on different questioning styles adopted by the instructors during student case presentations and the impact of these questioning styles on medical students. A means of classifying questions is presented and suggestions for further research are offered.
Secondary grating recording due to readout at Bragg null incidence

It is well known that a grating (or plane-wave hologram) has a sine-function selectivity curve with nulls occurring at regular angular separation. When a beam is incident at one of the null angles, the intensity of the output diffracted beam is very small. This property has been used, for example, in hologram multiplexing to reduce the cross talk among different holograms.
The Effect of Basement Insulation on the Depth of Frost Penetration Adjacent to Insulated Foundations

Insulating house basements is becoming a popular method of reducing space heating energy consumption and improving the basement environment. With a reduced heat flow to the surrounding soil, the soil temperatures are lowered and the depth of the frost penetration increases. Insulation strategies must be considered carefully, otherwise foundations bearing on soils that experience volume changes upon freezing can be shifted and building damage may occur.This study reports on frost penetration measurements adjacent to nine dif ferent house basement configurations. The maximum depth of frost penetra tion against the exterior wall and 1.5 m (5 ft.) from the wall are reported for a number of winters with a range of freezing indices from 1249°C days to 2409°C days (2248°F days to 4336°F days).Initial observations show that only shallow, highly insulated basements with both wall and floor insulation have frost depths extending below the footings.
Beyond self-similarity for landscape modeling

We present a model that generalizes fractional Brownian motion for the purpose or rendering realistic appearing landscapes. To describe the new model, we extend the concept of stochastic self-similarity. The advantage of the new model is that an artist can choose to alter the roughness of the landscape at different scales. We demonstrate the features of the new model through numerous examples. >
Wintertime Observations of Roll Clouds over the Bering Sea

Abstract NOAA-4 satellite photos of roll clouds over the Bering Sea are used to derive quantitative information as to how the interval between the clouds (λ) changes with distance south of the edge of the ice pack. Radiosondes are utilized to obtain values of the boundry-layer height (h) at St. Paul Island. The magnitude of /h is calculated for a number of cases and is compared to that expected from theory. A number of values obtained (6–7:1) differ significantly from the normally expected values (2–3:1) for circular roll vortices.
Gene Structure and Expression of a Pyrethroid-Metabolizing Esterase, CzEst9, from a Pyrethroid Resistant Mexican Population of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

A population of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae), designated Coatzacoalcos, sampled from a ranch near Veracruz, Mexico, was found to possess a high level of resistance to pyrethroid-based acaricides. Bioassay and biochemical and molecular analysis had previously shown that resistance in this population could primarily be attributed to expression of a highly active metabolic esterase designated CzEST9. We cloned and sequenced the entire CzEST9 coding region, including introns and >1.0 kb upstream from the transcription start site, and we compared the upstream region sequence between individual resistant and susceptible ticks from several populations with different pyrethroid resistance characteristics. In the 1.0-kb upstream region sequence, four variant nucleotides were found, and a TGA trinucleotide occurred as either four, five, or nine tandem repeats. However, none of these promoter region sequence differences could be clearly associated with a pyrethroid-resistant phenotype; thus, we concluded that differences in gene promoter sequence were not responsible for the pyrethroid resistance mechanism in the Cz strain. CzEST9 was expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris systems and esterase activity was obtained in recombinant CzEST9 from the P. pastoris system.
Severe case of asbestos-related lung diseases.

A 90-year-old man was referred for evaluation of shortness of breath. He had a significant history of asbestos exposure, dating back to when he removed asbestos insulation from a US Navy ship 60 years earlier. He had quit smoking 30 years prior to presentation. Physical examination was significant for inspiratory crackles. Pulmonary function test revealed moderate restrictive lung disease and severe reduction of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, consistent with clinical suspicion of asbestos-related lung disease. We show images of pleural and pulmonary asbestosis, …
Can We Determine the Optimal Size of Government

The massive spending programs and new regulations adopted by many countries around the world in response to the economic crisis of 2008 have drawn renewed attention to the role of government in the economy. Studies of the relationship between government size and economic growth have come up with a wide range of estimates of the "optimal" or growth-maximizing size of government, ranging anywhere between 15 and 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).This paper argues that such an exercise is ill conceived. Modern growth economics suggests, first, that government policies leave their long-term impact primarily on the level of economic activity, not the growth rate; and, second, that the sources of this impact are multi-dimensional and not necessarily well measured by conventional measures of "size," such as the share of government spending in GDP.In fact, measures of economic freedom more closely relate to per capita GDP than do simple measures of government spending. The evidence shows that governments are generally larger than optimal, but because the available data include primarily countries whose governments are too large, it cannot plausibly say what the ideal size of government is. The data can realistically only say that smaller governments are better, and suggest that the optimal size of government is smaller than what we observe today.
Contained Cautery: Studies Toward Safer Laparoscopic Sterilization Technics *

This is a report of bioengineering developments toward a cautery sys tem for laparoscopic sterilization in which current flow is limited between 2 electrically alive points and does not need to pass through the body toward a generally body-ground. The hazard of accidental bowel or skin injury may thus be reduced. The instrument may be introduced through a single puncture and if tubal division is shown unnecessary to achieve permanent occlusion the accompanying hazards of hermorrhage could also be avoided. Wiring diagrams and photographs comparing standard equipment and the new system are shown. In operations on sows the contained cautery required less coagulation current; gross and microscopic healing patterns of the 2 methods were the same. The coagulated tissue was absorbed in each case with occasional complete separation of the sections of the tube. Where the sows ovary had been purposely held next to the laparoscopic tube only adhesions occurred. No other damage was found. No instance of current leakage was encountered. In another series of tests 5 sows underwent minimal contained cautery destruction of tubal sections and subsequent fertility testing. No pregnancies occurred. Bilateral hydrosalpinx occurred in 1 animal in which each tube had been cauterized in 2 places indicating complete occlusion. The instrument is simpler to use and is considered safer than present standard equipment.
Dietary Fiber: All Fibers are not Alike

Dietary fiber intake protects against chronic disease, especially cardiovascular disease. Usual dietary fiber intake is less than half of recommended levels, so most consumers need to increase consumption of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Fiber may have a role in the prevention and treatment of digestive disorders such as constipation. For more complicated digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, fiber may be helpful. While some health benefits of dietary fiber clearly pertain to its physical properties (e.g., colonic bulk), fiber and phytochemicals are almost impossible to separate in epidemiologic studies. Much of the health effect of fiber may be due to the phytochemicals with which it is associated. Therefore, best medical practice is to encourage fiber consumption from foods. Fiber supplements may be recommended for laxation and cholesterol lowering, but whole foods high in dietary fiber also contain phytochemicals that provide additional health benefits.
Multi-Objective Experimental Optimization with Multiple Simultaneous Sampling for Flapping Wings

Flapping wing micro air vehicles (MAV) have recently attracted ample interest due to their capability of hovering and forward flight with high maneuverability. In our previous work, we dealt with the maximization of thrust through experimental optimization with adaptive sampling. During that study, many wing failures were attributed to overloading or high power consumption. This along with the general restriction of a limited power source on an MAV led us to look into a multi-objective set-up with power as an objective. We initially looked at a one-shot optimization using surrogates to predict Pareto fronts in order to understand the trade-offs between thrust and power. The main objective of this work is to use the knowledge from our previous work and implement a Multi-objective experimental optimization framework using adaptive sampling, based on surrogates fitted to actual experimental data. For this purpose we use a multiobjective implementation of the surrogate-based Efficient Global Optimization (EGO) algorithm (MO-EGO) with multiple surrogates and multiple sampling criteria.
Parameter Estimation of the Reduced RUM Using the EM Algorithm

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs) are psychometric models widely discussed by researchers nowadays because of their promising feature of obtaining detailed information on students’ mastery on specific attributes. Model estimation is essential for further implementation of these models, and estimation methods are often developed within some general framework, such as generalized diagnostic model (GDM) of von Davier, the log-linear diagnostic classification model (LDCM), and the generalized deterministic input, noisy-and-gate (G-DINA). Using a maximum likelihood estimation algorithm, this article addresses the estimation issue of a complex compensatory DCM, the reduced reparameterized unified model (rRUM), whose estimation under general frameworks could be lengthy due to the complexity of the model. The proposed estimation method is demonstrated on simulated data as well as a real data set, and is shown to provide accurate item parameter estimates for the rRUM.
Putamen Stroke Lesions and ADHD or ADHD/Traits

Twenty-five children with single focal stroke lesions, and without evidence of prestroke ADHD, were studied clinically for ADHD symptomatology and by brain magnetic resonance imaging at University of California, San Diego, CA.
Does Parental Relational Aggression Interact with Parental Psychological Control in the Prediction of Youth Relational Aggression

ABSTRACTIn a sample of 117 youth and their parents, the associations between parental relational aggression, psychological control, youth gender, and youth relational aggression were examined. Boys with parents high on relational aggression and psychological control reported more relational aggression than boys with parents high on relational aggression and low on psychological control. Girls with parents low on relational aggression and high on psychological control reported more relational aggression than girls with parents low on relational aggression and psychological control. Results indicate youth may learn to use relational aggression from their parents, and have implications for intervention with relationally aggressive youth.
Analysis of enzymatic transacylase Brønsted studies with application to the ribosome.

Preferential binding of an enzyme to the transition state relative to the ground state is a key strategy for enzyme catalysis. When there is a difference between the ground and transition state charge distributions, enzymes maximize electrostatic interactions to achieve this enhanced transition state binding. Although the transition state is difficult to observe directly by structural methods, the chemical details of this transient species can be characterized by studies of substituent effects (Bronsted, Hammett, Swain–Scott, etc.) and isotope effects. Bronsted analysis can provide an estimate of transition state charges for the nucleophile and leaving group of a reaction. This Account will discuss the theoretical basis of Bronsted analysis and describe its practical application to the study of transacylase enzyme systems including the peptidyl transferase reaction of the ribosome.The Bronsted coefficient is derived from the linear free energy relationship (LFER) that correlates the acidity (pKa) of a rea...
Evaluation and Treatment of Osteoporosis

As the population ages, the rates of osteoporotic fractures will increase, with postmenopausal women incurring most of these fractures. Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis are extremely important. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan screening is recommended in all women more than 65 years of age or in women aged 50 to 64 years with certain risk factors. Treatment should be considered if osteoporosis is present, there is a history of fragility fracture, or in the setting of osteopenia plus high risk for fracture.
Diagnostic value of muramidase.

Serum and urinary muramidase assays are of greatest value in diagnosing myelomonocytic and chronic myelocytic leukemia and in evaluating renal tubular damage. Like all known enzymes, muramidase is a protein. The assay of this enzyme is based on its ability to hydrolyze the cell wall of Micrococcus lysodeikticus, the substrate in most turbidimetric assay methods and in the agar-plate method of Osserman.
Effects of rutin and IAA on elongation of etiolated mung bean(Vigna radiata) seedlings and RT-PCR diversity of related genes

Effects of rutin(20-100 μg/mL),indoleacetic acid(IAA 0.5-2.0 μg/mL) and rutin(40 μg/mL) plus IAA(0.5-2.0 μg/mL) on elongation of etiolated mung bean seedlings were observed.The experimental results showed that elongation of the seedlings was inhibited by rutin and the inhibiting action was enhanced by IAA.After the seedlings were treated by rutin,IAA and rutin plus IAA,the expressions indicated by RTPCR of genes encoding indole-amino-acid hydrolase,indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase and chalcone synthetase,respectively,displayed differences among different above treatments.The IGPS gene was not expressed in the etiolated seedlings treated with 40 μg/mL rutin.Comparison of different RNA extraction procedures indicated that guanidinium isothiocyanate was important for the RNA extraction.Differences of RT-PCR amplificates at different annealing temperature showed that higher annealing temperature(60 ℃) was helpful to specific amplification.
THE ROLE OF APOPTOSIS IN AUTOIMMUNITY : IMMUNOGEN, ANTIGEN, AND ACCELERANT

The immunologic basis of systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex and multifaceted. Recent advances in the field of apoptosis have suggested new paradigms for the development of autoimmunity. This review examines the role that apoptosis plays in maintaining immunologic tolerance to self-antigens, and how abnormalities in the regulation of apoptosis can lead to a breakdown in self-tolerance. This article also examines the increasing recognition of apoptotic cell antigens as the targets of autoantibodies and discusses the possibility that the autoimmune response characteristic of SLE is specifically directed against apoptotic cells. In addition, we will describe some of the features that distinguish nonpathogenic anti-DNA autoantibodies from those which deposit in the kidney and lead to lupus nephritis. Finally, we will attempt to synthesize the vast body of data connecting apoptosis and SLE into a single hypothesis in which we suggest that apoptotic cells are a primary source of immunogen, and that abnormalities in the handling of apoptotic cells can lead to a breakdown in self-tolerance.
Vasopressin and mineralocorticoid increase apical membrane driving force for K+ secretion in rat CCD

Cortical collecting ducts (CCD) from untreated Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused and bathed in vitro with modified Krebs-Ringer solutions. Arginine vasopressin (AVP;100 microU/ml) in the bathing solution hyperpolarized the transepithelial voltage (PDT, mV) from -2.3 +/- 0.7 (control) to -6.0 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and decreased the transepithelial resistance from 64 +/- 7 to 54 +/- 7 omega.cm2 (n = 21). AVP depolarized the basolateral membrane voltage of principal cells (PDbl) only slightly (but significantly by paired statistical comparison) from -85 +/- 1 to -84 +/- 1 mV (n = 9), with a fall in the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (FRa) from 0.82 +/- 0.03 to 0.77 +/- 0.05 (n = 9). Luminal amiloride (10 microM) produced no change in FRa in the absence of AVP, but in the presence of AVP increased FRa to the same level observed in the absence of AVP. The changes with AVP were significantly less than those observed by us previously in deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-treated animals (E. Schlatter and J. A. Schafer. Pfluegers Arch. 409:81-92, 1987), indicating that the observed synergism between DOC and AVP in stimulating Na+ absorption is attributable to a greater increase in the Na+ conductance in the apical membrane of principal cells with AVP in the DOC-treated CCD than in the normal. Furthermore, we have calculated that the depolarization of apical membrane voltage resulting from the increased Na+ conductance produced by either or both AVP and DOC increases the driving force for K+ exit across the apical membrane in proportion to the previously measured increase in secretion. This increase in driving force may be sufficient to explain the increased K+ secretion produced by these hormones with no change in the apical membrane K+ conductance.