cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarization issues in fiber systems

Polarization issues drive the design of fiber optic communications systems. The polarization properties, polarization dependent loss (PDL), retardance, polarization mode dispersion, and depolarization of many fiber system components must be controlled to tight specifications. This demand for tight component quality is leading to new generations of improved polarization measurement system for fiber optics. Because of the complexity of polarization properties and their interaction in fiber systems, Mueller matrix measurements are recommended for those components, such as thin films and polarization controllers, which have combinations of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss.
Na,K-ATPases of the Lens Epithelium and Fiber Cell: Formation of Catalytic Cycle Intermediates and Na+:K+ exchange

Abstract Previous studies suggest that an α2-related isoform of the catalytic subunit is predominant in the lens fiber cells. The α1 isoform is predominant in the lens epithelium (Garner, Horwitz and Enomoto, 1992). Data are presented to show that strophanthidin-sensitive K+ transport is sustained by both of these lens Na,K-ATPases. The K50 for strophanthidin inhibition of K+ transport was 1·4 ± 0·5 × 10-6 M for the α1 isoform of the epithelium, 1·3 ± 0·6 × 10-7 M for the α2-related isoform of the lens fiber cells. Na+ accumulation in cultured bovine lenses was strophanthidin sensitive. The K50 values for strophanthidin-sensitive Na+ accumulation were similar to those obtained for K+ transport. ATP turnover by the lens fiber cell Na,K-ATPase(1700 ± 600 min-1) was lower than ATP turnover by the lens epithelium Na,K-ATPase (8000 ±1000 min-1). Both lens Na,K-ATPases form the (ouabain + Mg2+ + phosphate)-dependent phosphoenzyme. Both lens Na,K-ATPases form the (ATP + Na+ + Mg2+)-dependent phosphorylated intermediate. K+ does not effectively dephosphorylate the Na,K-ATPase of the lens fibers. K+ does cause dephosphorylation of the Na,K-ATPase of the lens epithelium. Interaction of the Na,K-ATPase with Mg2+ would appear to cause the monovalent cation insensitivity. The lens fiber cell Na,K-ATPase, like the lens epithelium Na,K-ATPase occludes two K+ ions. However, between the two maior Na,K-ATPases of the lens, there would appear to be differences in the ATP dissolution of the K-occluded state.
Spontaneous rupture of the subclavian artery in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Abstract A patient with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome died suddenly as a result of spontaneous rupture of the subclavian artery. This case is reported because of the absence in the literature of gross and microscopic photographic documentation of this known complication of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The major abnormality was a diffuse decrease in the density of elastic tissue in the media of elastic arteries, the diminution being no greater in the region of the rupture than elsewhere. On the basis of the autopsy findings in this and similar cases in the literature and current thoughts on the causes of the skin, joint, and hemorrhagic manifestations of this disease, it is suggested that faulty perivascular arrangement of collagen, in concert with diminished arterial medial elastic tissue, renders arteries susceptible to ordinarily inconsequential trauma, e.g., sudden movements, stretching, and shearing, resulting in apparently “spontaneous” rupture.
On the Mechanical Behavior of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Boron nitride (BN) nanotubes have structural and mechanical properties similar to carbon nanotubes and are known to be the strongest insulators. Great interest has been focused on understanding the mechanical properties of BN nanotubes as a function of their structural and physical properties. Yet, the published data have not been reviewed and systematically compared. In this paper, we critically review the mechanical properties of BN nanotubes from both experimental and simulation perspectives. The experimental reports include thermal vibrations, electric induced resonance method, and in situ force measurements inside transmission electron microscopy. The modeling and simulation efforts encompass tight bonding methods and molecular dynamics. Replacing the covalent sp2 bond (C–C) by ionic bond (B–N) results in differences in the mechanical properties of BN nanotubes in comparison to carbon nanotubes. The experimental and computational simulations indicate that BN nanotubes are highly flexible. High necking angles in BN nanotubes are assumed to be correlated with unfavorable bonding in B–B and N–N atoms.
Simple physics-based analytical formulas for the potentials of mean force for the interaction of amino acid side chains in water. 2. Tests with simple spherical systems

Simple analytical functions consisting of electrostatic, polarization, Lennard-Jones or modified Lennard-Jones, and cavity terms are proposed to express the potentials of mean force analytically for spherical particles interacting in water. The cavity term was expressed either through the molecular-surface area of the solute or by using the Gaussian-overlap model of hydrophobic hydration developed in paper 1 of this series. The analytical expressions were fitted to the potentials of mean force of a methane homodimer, heterodimers composed of a methane molecule, and an ammonium cation or a chloride anion, respectively, and dimers consisting of two chloride anions, two ammonium cations, or a chloride ion and an ammonium cation. The potentials of mean force for these dimers were determined by umbrella-sampling molecular dynamics simulations with the AMBER 7.0 force field with TIP3P water either in our earlier work or in this work. For all systems, the analytical formulas fitted the potentials of mean force very well. However, using the molecular-surface area to express the cavity term provided a good fit only when the nonbonded interactions were expressed by an all-repulsive modified Lennard-Jones potential but also resulted in non-physical values of some of the parameters. Conversely, the use of our new Gaussian-overlap-based expression for the cavity term provided a good fit to the potentials of mean force (PMFs) with Lennard-Jones nonbonded potential, and the values of all parameters were physically reasonable.
The magnetosheath and magnetotail of Venus

We describe the observational history and assess the current understanding of the magnetosheath and magnetotail of Venus, stressing recent developments. We make recommendations for research that can be done using existing observations, as well as desirable trajectory and instrumentation characteristics for future spacecraft missions.
Tunable diode laser study of pressure broadening of Rb D1 lines in the presence of 4He buffer gas

Abstract We report on a study of the broadening of the spectral profiles of Rb D1 resonance lines in the presence of 3–10 amg of 4 He buffer gas. We observe the width of the line shape to depend linearly on the buffer gas density, the constant of proportionality being Γ=18.6±0.2 GHz amg−1. The precision of this measurement is similar to that achieved by previous experiments. However, the novelty of our approach centers on our implementation of a new tunable diode laser, which is substantially cheaper and easier to operate than lasers used in previous studies. Our technique thus provides a reliable and inexpensive method for measuring the density at the 1% level of polarized targets with sealed glass cells used in nuclear physics experiments.
Influence of compaction on the intrinsic dissolution rate of modified acetaminophen and adipic acid crystals

Abstract Previous work has shown that aqueous crystallization of acetaminophen in the presence of p -acetoxyacetanilide or adipic acid in the presence of n -alkanoic acids (carbon number ⩾ 6) modifies the dissolution rate of free floating crystals per unit surface area in the USP Apparatus 2 (crystal intrinsic dissolution rate, i.e., crystal-IDR). The present work measures and compares the corresponding dissolution rates of compacted discs per unit surface area of disc (disc intrinsic dissolution rate, i.e., disc-IDR). The differences between the crystal IDRs (by factors of 1–2.4) of the acetaminophen samples almost disappeared with the disc-IDRs. This result confirms that crystal habit is the major factor which determines the intrinsic dissolution rate of acetaminophen crystals, rather than crystal energetics. On the other hand, differences between the crystal-IDRs of the adipic acid samples persisted, although somewhat reduced, among the disc-IDRs. This result confirms that the crystal energetics is the major factor which determines the intrinsic dissolution rate of adipic acid crystals. Significant changes in the dissolution behavior after compaction of the adipic acid samples suggest that compaction alters the nature, concentration and/or profile of the crystal defects that determine the crystal energetics. Implications in using the disc method for intrinsic dissolution rate measurement are discussed.
Mycosis Fungoides: Clinical Course and Cellular Abnormalities

Mycosis fungoides is a lymphoma that appears to begin in skin. Although variable in its clinical course, it tends to affect middle-aged people, is present for a median of 4 yr before diagnosis, and generally results in death of the patient 4 to 5 yr after diagnosis. Cutaneous tumors and palpably enlarged lymph nodes are associated with shortened survival, and each of these frequently is accompanied by extracutaneous dissemination of the disease. The malignant cells are T lymphocytes with highly infolded nuclei, and they frequently express a helper cell function. Their chromosome complement has been found to be abnormal in karyotyping studies, and measurement of the amount of DNA by cytophotometry may permit diagnosis of the disease before the histological characteristics are detectable by light microscopy.
Comparative expression of novel vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor transcripts in skin, papillomas, and carcinomas of v-Ha-ras Tg.AC transgenic mice and FVB/N mice.

Abstract One of the most frequently detected changes in human solid tumors is the mutation of therasoncogene, which has been associated with production of angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF/VPF). Using the v-Ha-rasTg.AC transgenic mice and the background FVB/N strain of inbred mice, the pattern of expression of specific VEGF/VPF transcripts was characterized in major organs and in skin, papillomas, and carcinomas during multi-stage skin carcinogenesis. Three VEGF/VPF transcripts were found to be constitutively expressed in skin as well as the major organs in both mouse strains, which corresponded in size and sequence to previously reported murine VEGF120with a bp size of 331, VEGF164with a bp size of 333, and VEGF188with a bp size of 407. A previously unreported fourth murine transcript was also detected in skin and major tissues from both mouse strains which corresponded to rat VEGF144, with a bp size of 404. In addition, a unique 425 bp VEGF transcript which corresponded to human VEGF206was present in highly vascularized tissues including heart, lung, liver, kidney, brain, as well in papillomas and carcinomas isolated from v-Ha-rasTg.AC mice. In contrast, VEGF205was present only in carcinomas derived from FVB/N mice. An antibody generated from a peptide sequence designed to detect each of the five VEGF/VPF peptides defined by RT-PCR analysis confirmed the existence of these five peptides and confirmed that the murine VEGF205peptide was selectively expressed in papillomas and carcinomas derived from v-Ha-rasTg.AC mice. These results demonstrate that there is significant alternative splicing of the murine VEGF/VPF gene during multi-stage carcinogenesis, which results in four commonly expressed VEGF transcripts. In addition, these studies identified a fifth VEGF transcript and peptide at the later stages of tumor promotion and in progression which appears to be linked to the presence of v-Ha-ras.
Effects of phenylbutazone on liver microsomal demethylase.

Abstract The inhibitory action of phenylbutazone on the ethylmorphine demethylating enzyme was studied with microsomes from rats injected with phenylbutazone and with microsomes from untreated rats incubated with phenylbutazone. The enzymic activity in microsomes from treated animals was noncompetitively inhibited, while addition of phenylbutazone to the microsomal incubation mixtures caused competitive inhibition. The noncompetitive inhibition was shown to be irreversible by gel filtration experiments and associated with irreversible binding of phenylbutazone or a metabolite to microsomes.
Lack of immunoglobulins does not prevent C1q binding to RGC and does not alter the progression of experimental glaucoma.

PURPOSE. The degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in the glaucomatous retina is accompanied by activation of the classical complement cascade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether complement component C1q binding and activation of the complement cascade in the glaucomatous retina requires the presence of immunoglobulins. METHODS. Experimental glaucoma was induced in normal mice and those carrying a targeted deletion of the RAG1 gene. Binding of C1q to RGC and accumulation of C3 and C5b-9 was investigated using immunohistochemical and proteomic approaches. Damage to the optic nerve and RGC was determined and compared between the two strains. Complement activation and accumulation were also evaluated in vitro using dissociated retinal cell cultures. RESULTS. C1q was detected in the RGC layer in both RAG1 � /� and control mice with elevated IOP, but not in mice with normal IOP. Proteomic analysis of retinal membrane fractions indicated that C1q and C3 are membrane bound to a similar degree in RAG1 � /� and control mice with elevated IOP. The absence of Ig does not affect the rate of axonal damage or RGC loss. Furthermore, cultured RGC maintained in serum-free media are also C1q and C3 immunoreactive, demonstrating that Ig is not required for C1q binding to damaged RGC. CONCLUSIONS. Our data demonstrate that lack of immunoglobulins and mature T/B cells does not influence the progression of glaucoma. Furthermore, immunoglobulins do not appear to be required for C1q binding and complement cascade activation on damaged RGC. These findings suggest that C1q recognizes an alternative binding partner expressed by stressed RGC. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:6370‐6377) DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10442
Influence of Liquid-Layer Thickness on Pulmonary Surfactant Spreading and Collapse

Pulmonary surfactant spreads on the thin (∼0.1 μm) liquid layer that lines the alveoli, forming a film that reduces surface tension and allows normal respiration. Pulmonary surfactant deposited in vitro on liquid layers that are several orders of magnitude thicker, however, does not reach the low surface tensions (∼0.001 N/m) achieved in the lungs during exhalation when the surfactant film compresses. This is due to collapse, a surface phase transition during which the surfactant film, rather than decreasing surface tension by increasing its surface density, becomes thicker at constant surface tension (∼0.024 N/m). Formation of the collapse phase requires transport of surfactant to collapse sites, and this transport can be hindered in thinner liquid layers by viscous resistance to motion. Our objective is to determine the effect of the liquid-layer thickness on surfactant transport, which might affect surfactant collapse. To this end, we developed a mathematical model that accounts for the effect of the liquid-layer thickness on surfactant transport, and focused on surfactant spreading and collapse. Model simulations showed a marked decrease in collapse rates for thinner liquid layers, but this decrease was not enough to completely explain differences in surfactant film behavior between in vitro and in situ experiments.
Development of efficient closed-form dynamic equations for robot manipulators using parallel and perpendicular concepts

Abstract This paper presents a novel method that uses parallel and perpendicular concepts to develop the efficient closed-form dynamic equations for robot manipulators. The proposed method applies to any rigid-link robot manipulator with rotational and/or translational joints. The high computational efficiency of the method can make the development of the closed-form dynamic equation for robot manipulators to be implemented on a current microcomputer in real-time. For a general industrial robot manipulator with six degrees-of-freedom, the method needs at most 568 multiplications and 582 additions for this development including the computation of all the dynamics coefficients and actuaor forces/torques of the robot manipulator. For a practical six-link manipulator, the number of mathematical operations of the method is certainly much less than this due to the fact that many parallel and/or perpendicular relationships exist between axes of the distinct link coordinate systems. As generally compared with other existing method for the above purpose, the method proposed in this paper has significantly higher computational efficiency and is computationally the fastest of all the existing methods.
An Analysis of Training Effects on School Personnel's Knowledge, Attitudes, Comfort, and Confidence Levels toward Educating Students about HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania.

The purpose of this study was to determine the training effects on school personnel’s knowledge, attitudes, comfort, and confidence levels toward educating students about HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania. The following four research questions were explored: (a) What is the knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and comfort levels of school personnel regarding the teaching of HIV/AIDS to school aged children?; (b) How do HIV/AIDS trainings affect the knowledge, attitude, confidence, and comfort levels of school personnel?; (c) What extent do the demographics of the school personnel influence their knowledge, attitude, confidence, and comfort levels in teaching HIV/AIDS?; (d) Can knowledge of HIV/AIDS predict confidence, attitudes, and comfort levels? The subjects (N = 341) included in this study were part of the “HIV Update: A Workshop for Educators” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These trainings were made available to school personnel across the state of Pennsylvania during a 3 year period. Data was gathered from pre- and post-tests and included measures that targeted subjects’ knowledge, attitudes, comfort levels, and confidence levels associated with HIV/AIDS. Survey questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post hoc analysis, and the bivariate regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that participation in 6-hour HIV update trainings had a statistically significant positive effect on increasing school personnel’s comfort, confidence, and knowledge levels. It was further determined the trainings improved participants’ attitudes toward individuals with HIV/AIDS. Increasing participants’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS was also shown to predict confidence, attitudes, and comfort levels of school personnel. This study indicates that HIV/AIDS update trainings should be a priority for school personnel in order to increase their knowledge, comfort, confidence, and attitudes in addressing the needs of students and their families in an appropriate educational setting.
Waterfowl feather proteins: analysis of use in taxonomic studies

S-carboxy keratins from waterfowl feather were prepared and studied in regard to effect of preparation, individual and intraspecific variation. These results were then expanded in in an extensive intraordinal study of the waterfowl using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) to compare representatives of approximately 40 genera in regard to intra- and intertribal variation. The PAGE was supplemented by double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis using antisera to SCM—keratins of Anas. The resultant patterns, especially in PAGE were useful in testing a number of taxonomic hypotheses and demonstrated the conservative nature of these proteins. The basic ordinal structure of the waterfowl was supported but specific questions, especially to the relations of a number of monotypic or intermediate genera and a proposal regarding the sea ducks, were addressed. In almost all cases the placement of such taxa were resolved. The PAGE data were used to test a number of published proposed phylogenies of the waterfowl. SCM-keratins of feathers are a complex of similar sized monomers with great immunological similarity. The data presented here are discussed in regard to waterfowl systematics and the use of electrophoretic data to test systematic theory.
A model of institutional formation within a rent seeking environment

Abstract This paper presents a game theoretic model in which some fraction of output is appropriated from entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are able to form a league to prevent this appropriation, but this might not be individually rational because of either the free rider problem or coordination failure. The model also shows that poorer countries are less able to form this league and so might not be able to develop institutions establishing property rights.
Assessing the quality of evidence in empirical management accounting research: the case of survey studies

Abstract This study addresses the quality of survey research in management accounting. Specifically, we use a framework containing the five key elements of a well-designed survey to assess the quality of all mail surveys in management accounting published in eight accounting journals over a 20-year period (1982–2001). Our analysis shows that over time survey research in management accounting has improved. However, more attention to improving the ways in which the survey method is deployed is essential if credibility of the data is desired.
The magnetic properties of a series of copper(II) aspirinates

Abstract The synthesis and magnetic properties for a series of copper(II) aspirinates of the general formula CuA2·nL (A = 5-substituted acetylsalicylate, L = H2O or CH3OH, and n = 0 or 2) have been investigated. Magnetic susceptibilities were obtained for the temperature range 77–300 K and were interpreted by using a dimetallic model. The compounds are all antiferromagnetic with the singlet ground state ranging from 238 to 371 cm−1 below the triplet. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements confirm the existence of electron spin coupling; the g values obtained from the triplet state spectra were used in best-fitting the susceptibility data to the dimetallic model. The compounds were also characterized with infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectral data.
System-initiated warrants for suspects of misdemeanor domestic assault: A pilot study

Instances in which the police responded to misdemeanor domestic assaults in which offenders were absent when the police arrived, were randomly assigned to receive or not to receive a warrant for their arrest. Comparisons of the two experimental groups using both victims' reports and official measures of recidivism found that the warrant group had lower rates of recidivism and took longer to fail than did the no-warrant group.
Primary varicella after transplantation.

Abstract A 51-year-old white woman 6 months status post cadaveric renal transplant developed a mild case of primary varicella-zoster (VZ). It is hypothesized that the limited nature of her illness was due to infection with vaccine-type VZ virus instead of wild-type VZ. Approximately 1 month prior, she had daily household contact with a child who had developed a rash after immunization with live attenuated varicella vaccine. This case highlights several important questions. Should special precautions be undertaken with renal transplant recipients naive to varicella infection after vaccination of household contacts? Should pretransplant immunization with varicella vaccine be performed routinely in naive patients? Should naive patients transplanted and maintained on immunosuppressive therapy be vaccinated? Until there are clinical trials to answer these questions, it may be instructive to consider the recommendations for pediatric and immunocompromised patients. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Comparisons of the ecology and stable isotopic compositions of living (stained) benthic foraminifera from the Sulu and South China Seas

Significant differences are observed between living (Rose Bengal stained) deep-sea benthic foraminifera found in 14 box cores (510–4515 m) from the thermospheric (> 10°C) environments of the Sulu Sea and the psychrospheric ( 2‰ range and are similar to those presented by previous workers, but have no consistent relationship with microhabitat preferences. Vertical distribution patterns and carbon isotope compositions of species, however, reflect microhabitat preferences and are consistent with previous observations from other regions. Epifaunal species (0–1 cm interval) such as Cibicidoides pachyderma, Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi, Hoeglundina elegans and Anomalinoides colligera, have higher δ13C values than taxa which have the ability to live deeper within the sediments. Infaunal taxa that live in the upper 2–3 cm, including Uvigerina peregrina, Uvigerina proboscidea, and Bulimina mexicana, have lower δ13C values than epifaunal species, and the deep infaunal species, Chilostomella oolina, has the lowest δ13C. Cibicidoides bradyi and Oridorsalis umbonatus are found between 0 and ∼ 4 cm and have lower carbon isotope values (by > 1.4‰ in some cores) than epifaunal Cibicidoides species. Exceptions to this pattern include the aragonitic species, Gavelinopsis lobatulus, (0–4 cm) which produces significantly lower δ13C values than deep infaunal taxa, and the shallow infaunal species, Ceratobulimina pacifica (also aragonitic) and Bolivinopsis cubensis (deep infaunal), which yield higher carbon isotopic values than epifaunal taxa. These exceptions are found primarily in only one core, and additional samples are needed to confirm the relationship between their distribution patterns and isotopic compositions. Each of the species examined has a relatively consistent δ13C value throughout its distribution within the sediments that may result from heterogeneity of microhabitats within the intervals sampled. Intrageneric differences in δ13C of Cibicidoides, and possibly Uvigerina and Bulimina, are evident. The isotopic differences between C. bradyi and many other Cibicidoides species are related to differences in microhabitat preferences between species. The δ13C results confirm the influence of microhabitat preferences on the carbon isotopic composition of deep-sea benthic foraminifera and reaffirm the importance of assessing the microhabitat preferences of species used for isotopic analyses.
The Multi-sensor Airborne Radiation Survey (MARS) instrument

Abstract The Multi-sensor Airborne Radiation Survey (MARS) project has developed a new single cryostat detector array design for high purity germanium (HPGe) gama ray spectrometers that achieves the high detection efficiency required for stand-off detection and actionable characterization of radiological threats. This approach is necessary since a high efficiency HPGe detector can only be built as an array due to limitations in growing large germanium crystals. The system is ruggedized and shock mounted for use in a variety of field applications, including airborne and maritime operations.
G PARITY AND THE BREAKING OF EXCHANGE DEGENERACY

Exact exchange degeneracy, a property of the planar $S$ matrix, is not a feature of the physical world. $G$ parity, an exact symmetry of strong interactions, fails to be maintained by the discontinuities of the planar $S$ matrix. This paper examines the connection between these two conflicting concepts and shows how calculations of exchange-degeneracy breaking may be based on $G$ parity. The relation of $G$ parity to the cylinder and torus components of the topological expansion is a central feature. We apply our arguments to $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{-}{A}_{2}$ splitting and justify the use of an unsubtracted dispersion relation for ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{A2}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$. Our analysis of the dispersion relation reveals a dominant role for the $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ channel.
Sensitivity of Multistage Compressor Performance to Inlet Boundary Conditions

Proper boundary conditions are required to accurately compute any flowfield. Although compressor designs are accomplished in large part with computational fluid dynamics tools, confidence in these tools exists because of code validation using high-quality experimental datasets. It has been widely recognized that inlet distortion has an impact on compressor performance. However, the impact of small distortion in inlet total pressure and total temperature profiles, as found in a research facility, on compressor performance predictions has not been well documented. In this paper, the inlet flow conditions for a multistage research compressor are shown. Compressor performance calculations using the measured inlet conditions are compared with results obtained with different inlet conditions to determine the sensitivity of the calculated multistage compressor performance to these conditions. Effects of radial profiles, endwall boundary-layer thickness, and circumferential nonuniformity are considered.
Reticulocytes bearing C4d as biomarkers of disease activity for systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective There is an urgent need for biomarkers with which to monitor disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We recently showed that abnormal levels of C4d, an activation-derived fragment of complement component C4, are deposited on the surface of erythrocytes from patients with SLE. This study focused on reticulocytes, the youngest and shortest-lived erythrocytes (lifespan 24–48 hours), with the objective of testing our hypothesis that when reticulocytes emerge from the bone marrow, they are immediately exposed to and acquire C4d at levels proportionate to the extent of complement activation at that time, thereby reflecting disease activity in SLE. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 156 patients with SLE, 140 patients with other diseases, and 159 healthy controls. Levels of C4d on the surface of reticulocytes were examined using a 2-color flow cytometric assay. The results were analyzed for correlations with SLE disease activity. Results A wide range of increased levels of reticulocyte C4d was specifically detected in SLE patients. These levels fluctuated in SLE patients and correlated with clinical disease activity, as determined by the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment (SELENA) version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM). Specifically, in cross-sectional analyses, patients with reticulocyte C4d levels in the highest quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile had significantly higher SELENA–SLEDAI (P = 0.00002) and SLAM (P = 0.02) scores. Longitudinal observation demonstrated that the reticulocyte C4d levels changed in relation to the clinical course in individual patients. Conclusion These findings support our hypothesis that C4d-bearing reticulocytes may serve as biomarkers of disease activity in patients with SLE.
Suspended matter in several small streams

The measurement of the loads of suspended matter carried past 34 gaging-stations located on streams in eight regional projects of the Soil Conservation Service has required greater precision in the measurement of discharge and a more intensive program for the collection of samples of suspended matter than has been found necessary by the Geological Survey in making similar measurements on the larger streams on which measurements have been made in the past. It was found early in the work that much the greater part of the annual load of suspended matter was carried in a relatively few days of high water for almost all the streams on which measurements were made. In order that these loads might be determined with reasonable accuracy it was found necessary to collect samples every hour and occasionally every half-hour on rising and rapidly changing stages during floods. Some floods occurring at night were missed in part or entirely because the resident observer did not realize that a flood was in progress. Twenty-four-hour sampling programs, together with the aid of electric-alarm systems at some stations, have made possible the collection of an adequate number of samples during most floods.
A feasibility study of computerized tomography radiation therapy treatment planning in transverse, coronal and saggital sections☆

Abstract The feasibility of simultaneous corona) or saggital reconstruction of computerized axial tomography (CT) images and isodose distributions from multi-planar data has been examined as an approach to three-dimensional treatment planning. With the aid of a computer (PDP 11/50), serial sections of a CT were used to reconstruct saggital and corona) sections. Central and off-center isodose distributions on the corresponding cross section were produced on a radiation therapy treatment planning (Artronix PC-12) computer. Isodose curves thus produced were used for reconstruction of saggital and corona) isodose distributions. The limitations of that system are discussed as well as further developments.
The Value of the Teacher Work Sample for Improving Instruction and Program

Abstract Secondary teachers increasingly face student differences in ability, background, socioeconomic status, and language. One method designed to prepare future teachers for dealing with these challenges is the teacher work sample (TWS), which has been widely adopted by colleges of education as part of performance-based accreditation requirements. A significant value of the work sample project is the requirement for student teacher analysis of individual learner progress and reflection. In this study, through cross-categorical analysis, a selection of TWSs in different subject fields, developed as a culminating program experience, are examined. The following questions are the focus of the study: Do preservice teachers use the TWS in meaningful ways to promote engagement and learning of all students in their classes? How does the TWS inform the practice of future teachers? Recommendations for program improvement based on the examination of candidate work are suggested.
Effect of young sibling visitation on respiratory syncytial virus activity in a NICU.

To determine whether the restriction of young sibling (<13 years) visitation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season was associated with a reduction in the rate of RSV infection among NICU patients. A retrospective chart review of all RSV positive infants from the 2001–2010 RSV seasons. The 2001–2006 RSV seasons (group 1) contained 639 admissions and the 2007–2010 (group 2, with sibling restriction) contained 461 admissions. Groups were compared by using the Fisher’s Exact Test. There was a reduction of RSV positive infants from 6.7% in Group 1 to 1.7% in Group 2 (P<0.0001). There was a reduction of symptomatic infants from the number of infants with symptomatic RSV infection from 23/639 infants with young sibling visitation to 2/461 (P<0.001). Exclusion of young sibling visitors <13 years of age during RSV season was associated with a significant reduction in the number of RSV positive infants in the NICU.
Is menopause depressing? An investigation of three perspectives

This study examines three perspectives in the literature about menopausal depression. According to one, the physiological changes of menopause result in increased psychological distress. Another approach proposes that menopause is most depressing for women who occupy traditional female gender roles. The third asserts that menopause is not especially depressing for most women. This study empirically examines three perspectives using data from two community surveys. These analyses suggest menopausal status may not be associated with depressive symptomatology, either directly or indirectly through traditional gender roles.
Evaluation of enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay methods for the measurement of plasma oxytocin

Objective There is increased interest in measuring peripheral oxytocin levels to better understand the role of this peptide in mammalian behavior, physiology, and disease. The purpose of this study was to compare methods for plasma oxytocin measurement using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), to evaluate the need for sample extraction, and to assess the immunospecificity of the assays.
Modified He Ion Source Using Cs Vapor Charge Exchange

Earlier versions of the He- source suffered from cesium metal collecting on insulators and entering the r. f. source. A single acceleration gap is used to reduce the number of insulators requiring protection and additional shielding of the remaining insulators is provided. The new version also uses a gridded focusing element. Additional baffling and smaller entrance and exit apertures for the exchange canal have eliminated the flow of cesium vapor into the r. f. source. A further modification to produce higher current adds an einsel lens between the r. f. source and the exchange canal.
Uniform high-frequency approximations of the square root Helmholtz operator symbol

Abstract The exact reformulation of the elliptic (two-way) Helmholtz equation in terms of one-way wave equations in a manner which is well-posed for marching is presented. This reformulation has application for large-scale, deterministic, direct wave propagation modelling and the corresponding layer-stripping inverse algorithms, in addition to providing a foundation for stochastic modelling calculations. The one-way wave equations are constructed in terms of appropriate square root Helmholtz and Dirichlet-to-Neumann operators which are explicitly represented in terms of their operator symbols in the Weyl pseudodifferential operator calculus. Moreover, the fundamental wave equation solutions are expressed as path integrals, directly in terms of the operator symbols, which immediately result in marching (one-way) computational algorithms. The analysis and subsequent computational algorithms crucially depend upon the construction of operator symbol approximations which are uniform over phase space, necessitating the extension of the usual pseudodifferential operator asymptotic theory. The development of uniform, phase space, operator symbol approximations is initiated with the derivation of a uniform, high-frequency approximation of the square root Helmholtz operator symbol in the two-dimensional case. A preliminary numerical evaluation of this uniform, high-frequency operator symbol approximation is presented, establishing comparisons with (1) exact operator symbol constructions, (2) families of rational approximation operator symbols, and (3) a uniform, low-frequency operator symbol approximation. These results are then applied to address several points pertinent to multidimensional, wave propagation modelling, computation, and inversion.
SulP, a nuclear gene encoding a putative chloroplast-targeted sulfate permease in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Genomic, proteomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary aspects of a novel gene encoding a putative chloroplast-targeted sulfate permease of prokaryotic origin in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are described. This nuclear-encoded sulfate permease gene (SulP) contains four introns, whereas all other known chloroplast sulfate permease genes lack introns and are encoded by the chloroplast genome. The deduced amino acid sequence of the protein showed an extended N-terminus, which includes a putative chloroplast transit peptide. The mature protein contains seven transmembrane domains and two large hydrophilic loops. This novel prokaryotic-origin gene probably migrated from the chloroplast to the nuclear genome during evolution of C. reinhardtii. The SulP gene, or any of its homologues, has not been retained in vascular plants, e.g. Arabidopsis thaliana, although it is encountered in the chloroplast genome of a liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha). A comparative structural analysis and phylogenetic origin of chloroplast sulfate permeases in a variety of species is presented.
Effective Elastic Constants of Superlattice Films Measured by Line-Focus Acoustic Microscopy

The effective elastic constants of single-crystal nitride superlattice films have been determined by calculation and by measurement methods. The calculation method uses formulas to calculate the effective elastic constants of superlattices from the measured elastic constants of the constituent layers. The calculated effective elastic constants are tested by comparing the corresponding surface acoustic wave (SAW) velocities calculated for thin-film/substrate systems with the corresponding SAW velocities measured by line-focus acoustic microscopy (LFAM). The measurement method determines the effective elastic constant of the superlattices directly from the SAW velocity dispersion data measured by LFAM. Two kinds of superlattice films are considered: one has relatively flat and sharp interfaces between layers, and the other has rough interfaces with interdiffusion. The calculation method has yielded very good results for the superlattices with flat and sharp interfaces but not for the superlattices with rough interfaces. The measurement method yields results for both kinds, with the restriction that the constituent layers have similar crystal symmetries.
TU‐G‐211‐09: A Comparison of FLT‐PET and DCE‐CT Kinetic Analysis in a Clinical Trial

Purpose: Through kinetic modeling, both dynamic FLT‐PET and dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT (DCE‐CT) measure perfusion. However, the set of parameters used by the kinetic models to describe perfusion differs between the two imaging modalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between corresponding FLT‐PET and DCE‐CT kinetic ROI and voxel parameters.Methods: Canine patients with sinonasal tumors underwent FLT‐PET and DCE‐CT on the same day. FLT‐PET uptake was modeled with a two‐compartment four‐parameter kinetic model. The DCE‐CT kinetic analysis was done by Kety, deconvolution (Decon) and distributed parameter (DP) models. All models were implemented in‐house using MATLAB. FLT K1 and k2 parameters were correlated with equivalent K1 and k2 DCE‐CT values. FLT vb was correlated with the DCE‐CT parameter blood volume ratio (BVR). ROI analysis was performed over the entire tumor volume, while voxel analysis was calculated on the largest tumor slice. Correlations were done using the population correlation coefficient (p).Results: DCE‐CT and FLT K1 displayed strong ROI correlations (DP: p=0.91, Deconvolution: p=0.87, Kety: p=0.60). The kinetic parameter vb also had high ROI correlations (p=0.82, p=0.89, p=0.89). FLT k2 correlated only marginally with the DCE‐CT models (p ∼ +/−0.50). There were no significant voxel correlations. However, increasing voxel size 128×128 to 32×32 lead to minor improvements in correlation with the most notable being K1, which increased in the distributed parameter and deconvolution models from (p=0.16, p=0.29) to (p=0.52, p=0.42). Conclusions: Significant ROI correlations were found between FLT and DCE‐CT kinetic analysis. The kinetic parameters K1 and vb had relatively high correlations between the DCE‐CT and FLT kinetic models. Even though there were no significant voxel correlations, an increase in K1 correlations with voxel size may indicate kinetic model sensitivity to noise as an important factor in kinetic parameter correlations.
Renal hemodynamics in normal and hypertensive pregnancy: lessons from micropuncture.

Rats are an excellent animal model in which to study the changes in renal hemodynamics associated with normal pregnancy. Midterm pregnant rats exhibit a maximal renal vasodilation leading to increases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF). Micropuncture studies in midterm pregnant Munich-Wistar rats have shown that single-nephron GFR (SNGFR) increases, due entirely to increases in plasma flow and, importantly, glomerular capillary blood pressure (P GC ) remains unchanged in normotensive pregnancy, due to parallel and proportionally similar reductions in preglomerular (R A ) and efferent (R E ) arteriolar resistance. Despite the chronic gestational renal vasodilation, pregnancy in normotensive rats with either normal kidneys or a variety of underlying diseases, causes no adverse changes in renal function, perhaps because the glomeruli are protected from damaging high P GC . In the presence of systemic hypertension, the renal vasodilation of pregnancy could put the maternal kidney at risk of injury due to Increases in P GC . There are few renal functional studies in preexisting, essential hypertension, but micropuncture studies in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) have shown that repetitive pregnancies In SHRs cause no functional impairment. Surprisingly, SHRs demonstrated no gestational renal vasodilation, although gestational decreases in peripheral resistance certainly occur in the SHR. This absence of gestational renal vasodilation may be a protective mechanism; it remains to be determined whether hypertensive states in which renal vasodilation does occur are associated with increased risk to the maternal kidney.
The pediatric vaccine stockpiling problem

The U.S. has experienced many major interruptions of its pediatric vaccine production in the past decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) copes with these shortages by building a national stockpile of pediatric vaccines, which it makes accessible to the public in the event of a shortage. The management of this stockpile is difficult due to limited production capacity and long and unpredictable production interruptions. In this paper, we address policies for managing the stockpile. We provide sufficient conditions for the optimal policy to be a modified state-dependent base-stock policy, with the base-stock level decreasing in the pipeline inventory. Since the optimal policy is in general difficult to evaluate, we derive bounds on the optimal decision in each period. We develop an efficient policy that performs on average within 1% of optimality in simulations. We show that stocking the same supply of vaccine of every type can be over-conservative in some cases, and inadequate in others by large factors. We also quantify the substantial reduction in inventory level that can be achieved when there are multiple suppliers in the market.
Warfarin or Aspirin as Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Stroke

Until recently, the choice between aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or warfarin for the secondary prevention of stroke was largely based on empirical evidence. However, as stroke prevention trials have focused on patients with specific vascular pathologies, clearcut guidelines for the use of aspirin or warfarin are beginning to emerge.
N-(2-methylpropyl)-(E,E)-2,4-decadienamide a mosquito larvicide fromAchillea millefolium L.

A methanol extract ofAchillea millefolium L. showed activity against 24-hr-old larvae ofAedes triseriatus. Bioassay- and TLC-monitored fractionation yielded a neutral fraction which was refined further by column chromatography to afford the antilarvalN-(2-methlpropyl)-(E,E)-2,4-decadienamide which was identified by spectral methods and through comparisons with a synthesized sample. Isolated and synthesized amides at 5 ppm resulted in 98 and 100% mortality of 24-hr-oldA. triseriatus larvae. TheN-(2-methylpropyl)-amides of decanoic and (E)-2-decenoic acids showed the same order of antilarval activity asN-(2-methylpropyl)-(E,E)-2,4-decadienamide, butN-(2-methylpropyl)sorbamide was inactive.