cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactor and shielding design implications of clustering nuclear thermal rockets

This paper examines design considerations in the context of engine-out accidents in clustered nuclear-thermal rocket stages, and an accident-management protocol is devised. Safety and performance issues are considered in the light of designs for the reactor and shielding elements of ROVER/NERVA-type engines. The engine-out management process involves: phase one, in which sufficient propulsive power is guaranteed for mission completion; and phase two, in which engine failure is isolated and not allowed to propagate to other engines or to the spacecraft. Phase-one designs can employ spare engines, throttled engines, and/or long-burning engines. Phase-two safety concepts can include techniques for cooling or jettisoning the failed engines. Engine-out management philosophies are shown to be shaped by a combination of safety and mission-trajectory requirements. 6 refs.
The Ohio Lake Condition Index: A New Multiparameter Approach to Lake Classification

A new multiparameter lake assessment protocol, the Ohio Lake Condition Index (Ohio LCI), was developed by the State of Ohio to comply with the 305(b) guidelines in the Water Quality Act amendments ...
Understanding the Views of Those Who Care for Patients With Cancer on Advance Care Planning and End-of-life Care:

An electronic survey was used to assess the views of a diverse nationwide cohort of health care professionals regarding advance care planning and end-of-life care. A total of 645 responses were received. If diagnosed with a serious incurable illness with limited life expectancy, 97% would want to discuss their prognosis, 74% would refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 72% favored supportive/comfort care to more aggressive life-prolonging treatments. However, prognosis was thought to be discussed with only 52% of such patients, and just 5% thought doctors were either very or extremely successful at explaining advanced life-sustaining treatments to patients. Greater than 90% believed these discussions should best occur when a patient is thought to have one or more years to live and 80% thought they are best initiated in the outpatient setting.
Les Aberrations de l'errance: le voyage dans La Nouvelle Héloïse

Une etude de la maniere dont est relate le tour du monde effectue par St-Preux. L'A. montre comment le traitement formel et thematique particulier accorde a ce recit et fonde essentiellement sur la negativite associee au voyage provoque par contraste une mise en avant des valeurs du roman
A joint test for serial correlation and random individual effects

This paper derives a simple lagrange multiplier (LM) test which jointly tests the presence of random individual effects and serial correlation. This test is an extension of the Breusch and Pagan (1980) LM test. It is computationally simple and requires only the OLS residuals. It should prove useful for panel data applications where both serial correlation and random individual effects are suspect.
Introducing Methods of Sociological Inquiry Using Living-Data Exercises.

learning techniques into the sociology classroom for many years, but the types of applications and evaluations are quite varied. Crone (1997), for example, uses panel debates in introductory sociology classes and finds that students report high levels of enjoyment in the exercises and they would like to keep the debates as part of the class. Similarly, Reinertsen and DaCruz (1996) report that the majority of students in their study would keep an exercise involving newspaper reading and journal writing in future classes. The assignments helped students to connect sociological concepts with real life news events, fleshing out concepts that otherwise remained abstract.
A low-cost low-maintenance ultraviolet lithography light source based on light-emitting diodes

A source of collimated ultraviolet (UV) light is a central piece of equipment needed for lithographic fabrication of microfluidic devices. Conventional UV light sources based on high-pressure mercury lamps require considerable maintenance and provide broad-band illumination with intensity that often changes with time. Here we present a source of narrow-band UV light based on an array of nine 365 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each LED has two dedicated converging lenses, reducing the divergence of light emanating from it to 5.4°. Partial overlap of the areas illuminated by individual LEDs provides UV illumination with a mean intensity of ~1.7 mW cm−2 and coefficient of variation <3% over a 90 × 90 mm target area. The light source was used to lithographically fabricate micro-reliefs with thicknesses from ~25 to 311 μm with SU8 photoresists. A cumulative irradiation of 370 mJ cm−2 (4 min exposure) produced reliefs of good quality for all SU8 thicknesses. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replicas of the SU8 reliefs had microchannels with nearly rectangular cross-sections that were highly consistent over the entire target area, and partitions between the channels had depth to width ratios up to 5. The UV light source has also been successfully used for photolithography with positive photoresists, AZ40XT and SPR-220. The proposed light source is built with a total cost of <$1000, consumes a minimal amount of power, is expected to last for ~50 000 exposures, is maintenance-free, and is particularly appealing for small research-and-development microfluidic fabrication.
Decreased incidence of cervical cancer in medicare-eligible California women.

To determine if the incidence of invasive cervical cancer relative to carcinoma in situ decreased in Medicare-eligible women. A retrospective cohort was amassed from the California Cancer Registry database. The hypothesis was prospectively specified. Mean ratio of invasive (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stages I–IV) to in situ cervical carcinoma in 1988–1990 versus 1991–1995 was stratified by age (24 or younger, 25–44, 45–64, 65 or older) and race (all races, whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders). The mean ratio of invasive to in situ cervical cancer incidence for women at least 65 years old was lower in 1991–1995 compared with 1988–1990 (P < .001, 95% confidence interval 0.893, 0.954); and had decreased more than observed for women aged 45–64 and 25–44, for all races combined, and for white women. The decreased ratio of invasive to in situ cancer for blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders at least 65 years old was no different than the decreased ratio in younger women. In California, in the 5 years after the 1990 change in Medicare funding statutes for cervical cytology screening, the ratio of invasive cervical cancer to in situ disease decreased more in Medicare-eligible patients than in younger women.
Repression of MHC class II gene transcription in trophoblast cells by novel single‐stranded DNA binding proteins

The maintenance of the fetus during pregnancy has been attributed to the absence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens on fetal trophoblastic cells that make contact with the maternal immune system. However, the mechanism(s) by which class II genes are regulated in trophoblast cells is unclear. We have identified a negative regulatory element (IAαNRE) in the promoter of the mouse class II gene IAα that represses IAα transcription in trophoblast cells. IAαNRE, located from −839 to −828, binds transacting factors from rat, mouse and human trophoblast cells, but not from 18 other cell lines tested. These results indicate that IAαNRE binding proteins (IAαNRE BPs) are conserved in species with hemochordial placentas, and suggest that IAαNRE binding activity is restricted primarily to trophoblast cells. Interestingly, the IAαNRE BPs bind to the IAαNRE antisense strand in a sequence-specific manner. IAαNRE represses transcription from the IAα promoter in a position-dependent manner, and has a minor down-regulatory effect on the activity of the SV40 promoter/enhancer. Our results demonstrate that MHC class II gene transcription is repressed in fetal trophoblast cells by sequence-specific, single-stranded DNA binding proteins, and suggest a possible mechanism by which the conceptus is protected from immune rejection during pregnancy.
The Relative Importance of Breeder Flock and Broiler Flock Factors Determining Income Over Feed Costs in Random Sample Broiler Tests

Abstract IN THE early days of broiler production, dual purpose breeds were used to produce broiler chicks. These were relatively slow in growth, taking as long as 14 to 16 weeks to reach market weights of three pounds and feed conversion of four pounds or more per pound of meat. Competition stimulated poultry breeders to develop a faster growing, more economical bird. In this regard cross-breeding, utilizing the Cornish, White Rock and New Hampshire breeds, has been used extensively with remarkable success. In the 1959 Maine Random Sample Broiler and Production test the average weight of all broiler strains entered was 3.5 pounds at eight weeks. Feed conversion was 2.12 pounds per pound of broiler. Unfortunately, this remarkable performance has not come about without some disadvantages. Egg production of the parent flocks of these strains was disappointingly low. The average for all strains was 45 percent production with a feed conversion …
Small Molecule c-jun-N-Terminal Kinase Inhibitors Protect Dopaminergic Neurons in a Model of Parkinson’s Disease

There are currently no drugs to treat neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and all existing medications only treat symptoms, lose efficacy over time, and produce untoward side effects. In the current work, we report the first highly selective, orally bioavailable c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor for protection of dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. At 300 nM, this compound showed statistically significant protection of primary dopaminergic neurons exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), had pharmacokinetic properties in rodents consistent with twice daily (b.i.d.) dosing, and was orally efficacious at 30 mg/kg in a mouse 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, a dose-dependent target modulation of c-jun phosphorylation served as a biomarker for demonstrating on-target inhibition of JNK as the mechanism of action for this compound. Collectively, these results suggest that this JNK inhibitor could be a promising therapeutic n...
Is counterpart theory inadequate

Counterpart theorists need not posit the counterpart relation in addition to the identity relations as an Additional relation relating objects across possible worlds. Identity can be viewed as a relation applicable to individuals within possible worlds, while the counterpart relation replaces identity in translations of ordinary utterances which correlate individuals in different possible worlds and, hence, in all modal utterances. CT is, in other words, a theory of modal discourse — it proposes a way of understanding all modal predications. As such, it is not to be seen as providing a second ‘looser’ sense of identity across worlds, in addition to the ‘narrow’ sense. Perhaps Lewis' original formulation encourages this misunderstanding insofar as it (see, especially, P2) denies strict identity across possible worlds. Accordingly, I have suggested a modification of CT whereby syntactic restrictions upon variables eliminates any temptation to posit two parallel relations applicable to entities existing in different possible worlds.
A study of 178 consecutive vasovagal syncopal reactions from the perspective of safety.

BACKGROUND: While vasovagal syncopal reactions have been studied in the past, there are several safety questions that could be further addressed. The purpose of this study was to address these safety questions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-eight vasovagal reactions were reported in 1999 from 194,000 blood donations. The reactions were retrospectively reviewed for 38 variables that included donor demographics, symptoms, injury, and final disposition. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of the syncopal reactions occurred at the refreshment table and 12 percent offsite. Fourteen percent of the donors sustained an injury, usually to the head (10%). Eleven donors (6%) had additional medical care in an emergency room: 4 for injuries, 3 for delayed recovery, and 4 for offsite syncope. None of the donors was admitted to the hospital. One of the injured donors developed postconcussion syndrome and had later sequelae. CONCLUSION: Syncopal reactions most commonly occur at the refreshment table, where preventive safety measures against trauma could be applied. A significant number of syncopal reactions occur offsite, where the environment is less safe. The injuries that occur, particularly to the head, may in rare cases lead to long-term sequelae.
The birth of a type-II nanostructure: carrier localization and optical properties of isoelectronically doped CdSe:Te nanocrystals.

CdTe/CdSe core/shell nanocrystals are the prototypical example of type-II nanoheterostructures, in which the electron and the hole wave functions are localized in different parts of the nanostructure. As the thickness of the CdSe shell increases above a few monolayers, the spectroscopic properties of such nanocrystals change dramatically, reflecting the underlying type-I → type-II transition. For example, the exciton Stokes shift and radiative lifetime increase, while the decreasing biexciton binding energy changes sign from positive to negative. Recent experimental results for CdSe nanocrystals isoelectronically doped with a few Te substitutional impurities, however, have revealed a very different dependence of the optical and electronic properties on the nanocrystal size. Here we use atomistic calculations based on the pseudopotential method for single-particle excitations and the configuration–interaction approach for many-particle excitations to investigate carrier localization and electronic properti...
Stimulation of yeast phosphofructokinase activity by fructose 2,6-bisphosphate.

Abstract Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate is a powerful activator of yeast phosphofructokinase when assayed at pH levels of ≥7.0. Half maximal stimulation of enzyme activity occurs at 10 −7 M levels of Fru 2,6-P 2 concentration. This stimulating effect by Fru 2,6-P 2 can be synergistic to that exerted by AMP in counteracting the inhibition of phosphofructokinase activity by ATP. The affinity (S 0.5 ) of the yeast enzyme to fructose 6-phosphate changes from 1.5 mM in the absence of Fru 2,6-P 2 to 40 μM in its presence.
Association of abnormal serum lipids in elderly persons with atherosclerotic vascular disease and dementia, atherosclerotic vascular disease without dementia, dementia without atherosclerotic vascular disease, and no dementia or atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Background Observational data have shown that the use of statins was associated with a lower prevalence of vascular dementia and of Alzheimer's disease. Methods We investigated in an academic nursing home the association of dyslipidemia with atherosclerotic vascular disease (group 1), atherosclerotic vascular disease without dementia (group 2), dementia without atherosclerotic vascular disease (group 3), and no dementia or atherosclerotic vascular disease (group 4). Results Increased serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was present in 36 of 50 group 1 patients (72%), in 34 of 50 group 2 patients (68%), in 34 of 50 group 3 patients (68%), and in 18 of 50 group 4 patients (36%) (p =.0003 for 1 versus 4; p = 0.001 for 2 versus 4 and 3 versus 4). Decreased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was present in 34 of 50 group 1 patients (68%), in 35 of 50 group 2 patients (70%), in 32 of 50 group 3 patients (64%), and in 16 of 50 group 4 patients (32%) (p =.0003 for 1 versus 4; p =.0001 for 2 versus 4; p =.001 for 3 versus 4). Hypertriglyceridemia was not significantly different in the 4 groups. Conclusions The prevalence of increased serum LDL cholesterol and decreased serum HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in elderly patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease plus dementia, atherosclerotic vascular disease without dementia, and dementia without atherosclerotic vascular disease than in patients with no dementia or atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Computation of shapes of electromagnetically supported menisci in electromagnetic casters. II. Calculations in three dimensions

For pt.I see ibid., vol.25, no.6, p.4443-8 (1989). An algorithm is developed for the calculation of surface currents and melt geometry for electromagnetic casters in three dimensions. The algorithm is shown to yield computed surface currents matching an analytical equation for the surface currents in a somewhat simpler geometry. The nonequilibrium meniscus shapes yielded computed surface currents that were fully three-dimensional. The induced surface currents produced by a horizontal inductor appear to have negligible vertical components provided the meniscus is at equilibrium. Computed meniscus shapes are presented for two inductor geometries, and the results appear reasonable in terms of the height and curvature of the molten metal pool. >
Thyroidectomy Increases Rat Hepatic Ferritin Iron

Studies of the hepatic polysome profiles of hypothyroid rats demonstrated contamination of the free monosome peak with ferritin. This led to the serendipitous observation of a fivefold increase in ...
Modification of proteins by isoketal-containing oxidized phospholipids.

Oxidative stress frequently leads to altered function of membrane proteins. Isoketals are highly reactive products of the isoprostane pathway of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation that rapidly form covalent protein adducts and exhibit a remarkable proclivity to form protein cross links in vitro. Examination of isoketal adducts from an animal model of oxidative injury revealed that initial adducts were formed by isoketals esterified in phospholipids, representing a novel oxidative injury-associated modification of proteins by phospholipids. Maturation of adducts involved cleavage from phospholipids and conversion of adducts to a more stable chemical form that can be detected for extended periods. Because initial adducts were formed by phospholipid-esterified isoketals, the functional consequence of isoketal adduction was examined using a model membrane protein (a cardiac K+ channel). These studies revealed that isoketal adduction profoundly altered protein function, inhibiting potassium current in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that phospholipid-esterified isoketals rapidly adduct membrane proteins and that such modification can alter protein function, suggesting a generalized cellular mechanism for alteration of membrane function as a consequence of oxidative stress.
Government Wage Differentials Revisited

This paper updates studies done in the mid-1970s concerning the measurement of government wage differentials in the United States. Based on an analysis of two large micro data sets, we reached the following conclusions. First, as a group, government employees earned a small wage premium of approximately 2 to 3 percent during the 1970s and early 1980s. Second, the government wage premium was substantially higher for federal employees and for women employees. These findings are consistent with earlier studies.
Fire-mediated pathways of stand development in Douglas-fir/ western hemlock forests of the Pacific Northwest, USA

Forests dominated by Douglas-fir and western hemlock in the Pacific Northwest of the United States have strongly influenced concepts and policy concerning old-growth forest conservation. Despite the attention to their old-growth characteristics, a tendency remains to view their disturbance ecology in relatively simple terms, emphasizing infrequent, stand-replacing (SR) fire and an associated linear pathway toward development of those old-growth characteristics. This study uses forest stand- and age-structure data from 124 stands in the central western Cascades of Oregon to construct a conceptual model of stand development under the mixed-severity fire regime that has operated extensively in this region. Hierarchical clustering of variables describing the age distributions of shade-intolerant and shade-tolerant species identified six groups, representing different influences of fire frequency and severity on stand development. Douglas-fir trees >400 years old were found in 84% of stands, yet only 18% of th...
A cognitive-balance control training paradigm using wii fit to reduce fall risk in chronic stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:: The impaired ability to maintain balance while performing higher-level cognitive tasks (cognitive-motor interference) significantly predisposes stroke survivors to risk of falls. We investigated adherence and intervention-related effects of gaming to improve balance control and decrease cognitive-motor interference in stroke survivors. METHODS:: Community-dwelling individuals with hemiparetic stroke (N = 8) received balance control training using Wii Fit in conjunction with cognitive training for approximately 110 min/d for 5 consecutive days. Changes in balance and cognitive performance were evaluated by the limits of stability test performed under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions. The outcome measures from the limits of stability test included reaction time and movement velocity of the center of pressure. The cognitive performance was quantified by the number of errors. The DT cost was computed for the balance and cognitive outcome measures using [(ST - DT)/ST × 100]. Adherence was assessed by change on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory scores postintervention. No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the research findings reported here has conferred orwill confer. RESULTS:: Posttraining, reaction time cost in the forward direction improved from 31 ± 8.02 to ±8.7 ± 6.6. Similarly, movement velocity cost improved from 33.7 ± 12.3 to 11 ± 1. Cognitive cost also decreased from 47.9 ± 13.9 to 20 ± 18.8. There were similar improvements in the backward direction for all the outcome measures. Scores on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory improved from 16.6 ± 1.3 to 23.5 ± 1.5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:: The results demonstrate good adherence and evidence of clinical value of this high-intensity, short-duration protocol for reducing cognitive-motor interference and improving balance control in stroke survivors. Future studies should examine the dose-response effects and long-term changes of such DT training paradigm applied to improve fall efficacy. VIDEO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE:: (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A80) for more insights from the authors. Language: en
Thallium(I) Complexes of Cyano-Substituted Bispyrazolylborate Ligands

Two thallium scorpionate complexes: dihydrobis(3-phenyl-4-cyanopyrazolyl)boratothallium(I) (TlBpPh,4CN), C20H14BN6Tl and dihydrobis(3-tert-butyl-4-cyanopyrazolyl)boratothallium(I) (TlBp t-Bu,4CN), C16H22BN6Tl have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Both compounds crystallize in monoclinic space groups, TlBpPh,4CN in P21/n with a = 4.2039(3) A, b = 26.2211(17) A, c = 16.611(1) A, β = 90.199(3)°, and TlBp t-Bu,4CN in P21/c with a = 13.8578(5) A, b = 9.6741(4) A, c = 14.2790(5) A, β = 95.141(2)°. The two complexes show similar structures with elongated metal–ligand bonds and intermolecular interactions between the metal ion and cyano substituents, allowing the potential construction of cyano-bridged coordination polymers.
Catalysis of electron transfer across phospholipid bilayers by iron-porphyrin complexes.

Phospholipid vesicles containing K3Fe(CN)6 were prepared form egg yolk phosphatidylcholine. Hemin dimethyl ester was incorporated into these vesicles during preparation in ratios of phospholipid to hemin dimethyl ester that varied from 200 : 1 to 45 000: 1. Electron transfer across the bilayer was measured anaerobically after injecting the vesicles into a solution containing reduced indigotetrasulfonic acid. Vesicles containing hemin dimethyl ester exhibited high rates of electron transfer (240 electrons/molecule hemin dimethyl ester per min). Conditions could be selected where the rate-limiting step for catalysis was either the biomolecular reaction between ferric hemin dimethyl ester and reduced indigotetrasulfonic acid or the movement of hemin dimethyl ester from interface to interface. The hemin dimethyl ester-catalyzed electron transfer went to completion within a few seconds, completely oxidizing the reduced indigotetrasulfonic acid. Valinomycin (in the presence of potassium) and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone were without effect on catalyzed electron transport. Thus, the electron transport is not electrogenic but is a coupled, neutral system. By specific assay, neither phosphate nor cyanide was significantly transported during electron transfer but evidence is provided to suggest that a coordinated hydroxide accompanies movement of Fe(III) hemin dimethyl ester from the inside surface to the outside surface of the bilayer. It was also demonstrated in a bulk phase transport system that hemin dimethyl ester readily catalyzes transfer of S14CN- through a chloroform layer separating two aqueous phases. Another more hydrophobic iron-porphyrin complex, Fe(III) tetraphenylporphyrin, was found to be twice as effective as hemin dimethyl ester. Other porphyrin complexes were also tested as control systems. No significant catalysis was found for metal-free protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester or Ni(II) tetraphenylporphyrin. The results are discussed in comparison with in vivo electron transport and the future usefulness of this model system.
An Investigation of the Female–Male Wage Gap During the Industrial Revolution in Britain

During the industrial revolution women's wages were substantially lower than men’s. This article documents the wage gap and shows that in most cases it can be explained without reference to wage discrimination. First, the wage data we have overestimate the wage gap; correcting for biases due to measurement error reduces the size of the wage gap. Second, because differences in productivity were substantial, the corrected wage gap is consistent with these.
Late-onset thermal hypersensitivity after focal ischemic thalamic infarcts as a model for central post-stroke pain in rats

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome that often develops in a delayed manner after thalamic stroke. Here, we describe a new model of CPSP by stereotaxic thalamic injection of endothelin-1. Stroke rats (n=12), but not saline-injected controls (n=12), developed a progressive, contralateral cutaneous thermal hyperalgesia over 4 weeks, without motor deficits. Lesions were highly focal and mainly affected the ventral posterior thalamic complex. Tchis model reproduces the infarct location and delayed hypersensitivity typical of CPSP, and may be useful to investigate its pathophysiology and test therapies targeting recovery and pain after thalamic stroke.
Improved space safety for astronauts

Abstract The 2003 Columbia accident demonstrated that spaceflight remains a risky and dangerous human endeavor, yet there have been few ‘unofficial’ investigations into astronaut safety. This report summarizes the findings of one such study by George Washington University's Space & Advanced Communications Research Institute—e.g. that simplicity of design may be better than complexity, that cargo missions would be better carried out robotically and that all new space transportation systems should be developed to common international standards—before examining ways that international cooperation can advance the cause of space safety. In establishing future space safety standards input from a wider range of participants (industry, universities and private research institutes, as well as space agencies, etc.) will need to be sought.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Smart Depiction for Visual Communication

As computers become faster, smaller, ubiquitous, and interconnected, the rate at which we generate new data is growing exponentially. Sophisticated computational simulation techniques have made it fast and easy to create large volumes of data by modeling all kinds of physical phenomena. Meanwhile, digital sensors and sensor networks have simplified the process of collecting data from the real world. Moreover, the Internet has connected us to one another in a way that further facilitates creation and dissemination of information. In fact, Lyman and Varian estimate that new stored information grew at a rate of 30 percent a year from 1999 to 2002 and that we produced 5 exabytes (equivalent to about 37,000 new libraries the size of the Library of Congress) of completely new information in the year 2002 alone.
Improving the Quality of Classroom Instruction for Students at Risk of Failure in Urban Schools

One of the major challenges in education today is improving the quality of classroom instruction for students at risk of failure in urban schools. Most of these students come from disadvantaged circumstances that heighten the probability that they will not be successful in schools, but what may be considered their greatest risk factor is that their teachers and schools contribute to their failure and academic underachieve-
Gold Nanoparticle Based NSET For Monitoring Mg2+ Dependent RNA Folding

Understanding the mechanism of how RNA molecules fold into their native structures are vital to their functional properties. Here we report for the first time that gold nanoparticle based NSET can be used for probing the transition states of an RNA unfolding reaction. Our result shows that time-dependent NSET can clearly distinguish structural transitions between unfolded to folded states. Our experimental observation point out that NSET can be used for the design of an optical based molecular ruler to track RNA folding transition states at distances more than double the distances achievable using traditional dipole-dipole Coulombic energy transfer based methods.
A cloned pathogenicity island from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli confers the attaching and effacing phenotype on E. coli K‐12

Attaching and effacing (AE) bacteria are a diverse group of gastrointestinal pathogens, comprising members of four genera, that cause the intestinal epithelial microvilli to be replaced with raised clusters of filamentous actin that conform to the surface of attached bacteria. We have cloned a 35.4 kb ‘pathogenicity island’ from the prototype AE bacterium, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, containing all previously described AE genes. Transfer of this pathogenicity island to avirulent E. coli converts the recipients into strains that secrete virulence proteins, induce host signal-transduction pathways, and cause AE lesions on cultured epithelial cells. These results demonstrate that this pathogenicity island contains all pathogen-specific genes necessary for inducing AE lesions, and that the defining feature of this class of pathogens can be acquired by an avirulent bacterium in a single genetic step.
Establishing good collaborative research practices in the responsible conduct of research in nursing science.

Abstract Background Team science is advocated to speed the pace of scientific discovery, yet the goals of collaborative practice in nursing science and the responsibilities of nurse stakeholders are sparse and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to examine nurse scientists' views on collaborative research as part of a larger study on standards of scientific conduct. Methods Web-based descriptive survey of nurse scientists randomly selected from 50 doctoral graduate programs in the United States. Results Nearly forty percent of nurse respondents were not able to identify good collaborative practices for the discipline; more than three quarters did not know of any published guidelines available to them. Successful research collaborations were challenged by different expectations of authorship and data ownership, lack of timeliness and communication, poorly defined roles and responsibilities, language barriers, and when they involve junior and senior faculty working together on a project. Conclusion Individual and organizational standards, practices, and policies for collaborative research needs clarification within the discipline.
Selective opioid δ agonists elicit antinociceptive supraspinal/spinal synergy in the rat

Abstract A multiplicative antinociceptive interaction of morphine activity at supraspinal and spinal sites has been clearly established and is thought to be responsible, in part, for the clinical utility of this compound in normal dose-ranges. While synergistic actions of μ-opioid receptor agonists have been shown, it is unclear whether a similar interaction exists for opioid agonists acting via δ-opioid receptors. Responses to acute nociception were determined with the 52°C hot plate, 52°C warm-water tail-flick and the Hargreaves paw-withdrawal tests. The peptidic opioid δ1 agonist [ d -Pen2, d -Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) or δ2 agonist [ d -Ala2,Glu4]deltorphin (DELT) were given into the rostral–ventral medulla (RVM), intrathecally (i.th.) or simultaneously into both the RVM and i.th. (1:1 fixed ratio). Both of the opioid δ agonists produced dose-dependent antinociception in all tests. With the exception of DPDPE in the hot plate test, isobolographic analysis revealed that the supraspinal/spinal antinociceptive interaction for both DPDPE and DELT were synergistic in all nociceptive tests. These data suggest that opioid δ agonists exert a multiplicative antinociceptive interaction between supraspinal and spinal sites to acute noxious stimuli and suggest possibility that compounds acting through δ-opioid receptors may have sufficient potency for eventual clinical application.
Russian Nuclear Forces, 2009

Russia continues to reduce the number of nuclear warheads it deploys on ICBMs, yet it is deploying and developing advanced missiles. It has also increased patrols by nuclear-armed submarines.
Dual kV CT to detect calcification in solitary pulmonary nodule.

Objective: At the high kVp values used in CT scanning, almost all interactions in soft tissues occur by Compton scattering. By lowering the kVp close to the k-edge of calcium, beam attenuation by calcium will be greater and will be reflected as an increase in density reading (DR). The presence of calcification in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs), and thus an implied benign etiology, is currently being diagnosed on CT by using reference phantoms. We explored the possibility of utilizing low kVp (i.e., 80 kVp) to detect the presence of such calcification in SPNs, thus obviating the need for expensive and cumbersome reference phantoms. Materials and Methods: We first tested this phenomenon of photoelectric interaction by CT and its effect on DRs by scanning various dilutions of calcium bicarbonate solution at the standard 140 kVp and at a lower, 80 kVp, setting. After confirming the hypothesis, we conducted a prospective clinical study of 27 consecutive SPNs and scanned them at 140 and 80 kVp to detect the presence of calcification by measuring their DRs at both kVp values. Results: All calcium solutions showed an increase in DR on the 80 kVp scan. Of the 27 nodules, 11 (41%) showed an increase in DR, suggesting the presence of calcification: 10 (91%) were benign, and 1 (9%) was malignant. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that dual kVp CT could be reliably used to identify calcifications in SPNs, very similar to the use of the reference phantoms currently being applied for the purpose
Cyst-derived cells do not exhibit accelerated growth or features of transformed cells in vitro

Progressive renal enlargement is a prominent feature in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), suggesting that the disease is due to hyperplasia and/or preneoplastic transformation of renal epithelial cells. In this study in vitro methods were developed to grow and propagate large numbers of cyst-derived epithelial cells from ADPKD kidneys and cortical epithelial cells from normal human kidneys (NK). In order to study their biologic features during early cell passages, cells were grown on Vitrogen (bovine dermal collagen)-FCS (fetal calf serum) coated dishes and fed a basic medium (DME:F12) supplemented with 10% FCS or a defined medium (Sens) containing insulin, transferrin, selenium, hydrocortisone, tri-iodothyronine and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Both ADPKD and NK cells grew as monolayers, were positive for keratin by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry and had ultrastructural features of renal epithelial cells. Confluent NK and ADPKD monolayers formed domes. In contrast to NK cells, the growth and propagation of ADPKD cells were not supported by defined medium alone but required serum supplementation and ADPKD cells did not respond to growth factors (insulin, transferrin, EGF) that promoted the growth of NK cells. In serum supplemented media, the growth rate, cell doubling time and end cell number of ADPKD and NK cells were the same. Moreover, ADPKD cells did not exhibit any in vitro features of transformed cells: they were not immortal, they were sensitive to contact inhibition, they were anchorage dependent and they were not tumorigenic in nude mice. These findings do not support an increased rate of cell growth or cell transformation as causative factors in ADPKD.
Figuring Out What to Do with the Grownups: How Teachers Make Inclusion “Work” for Students with Disabilities

This article describes details of inclusion of students with severe disabilities using an extended example of one high school drama class. Based on research conducted in eight schools by a team of ...
A report on some recent major element analyses of tektites

Analyses of major elements in tektite by rapid silicate procedures and X-ray fluorescence techniques
Testing homotopy equivalence is isomorphism complete

Abstract It is shown that homotopy equivalence of finite topological spaces is polynomially equivalent to testing graph isomorphism.
The Masquerade, The Veil, and The Phallic Mask: Commentary

The Veil is considered as a symbol designating otherness and inaccessibility that becomes further problematized when viewed from outside the culture in which it is signified. Considering the Veil from a Western eye makes more visible ways in which “the Veil” is nested in but also lies outside of cultural meanings, in this way highlighting universal aspects and cultural collisions. From this vantage point we can better discern culture as a variable rather than a fact, thereby affording greater transparency through which to inform our understanding of the work of culture.
Porosity, permeability, shear strength: Crosswell tomography below an iron foundry

Crosswell tomography of a sedimentary foundation at an iron foundry was affected by very high background noise; nevertheless, high‐resolution velocity images were obtained between wells separated by long distances (120 to 250 m). A piezoelectric source in a water‐filled well used long sequences (4095 cycles) of pseudorandom binary codes at high carrier frequencies (1 to 10 kHz). A 24‐channel hydrophone array in another well received the signal. Beamforming of common‐source data selected the directions and arrival times of multiple raypaths and tube waves and further enhanced the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Inversion of first‐arrival times by damped least squares imaged the compressional wave velocities. Assuming the normal consolidation condition, the porosity and shear strength images are predicted from the compressional wave velocity image. The direct measurements of porosity and shear strength conducted on the cores and boreholes were used to verify the tomographic predictions. The slight differences in the...
Endoscopic assessment of eosinophilic esophagitis

Abstract Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic, inflammatory disease of the esophagus with increasing prevalence. In adults, the condition presents with dysphagia and may result in food impaction. There are a number of endoscopic findings in patients with EoE that include esophageal rings, linear furrowing, white plaques, strictures, and edema. Although individually each of these features may be seen in other esophageal diseases; when combined they have a high specificity for the pathologic finding of esophageal eosinophilia. Prospective studies have identified the presence of endoscopically identified, esophageal signs in most children and adults with EoE. In this article, we highlight a number of recent studies, including the development of an endoscopic classification and grading system to describe the esophageal manifestations of EoE. We also discuss the results of randomized controlled trials with end points assessing endoscopic findings before and after diet therapy and corticosteroids. Fibrostenotic sequelae are common in patients with EoE, and a technique to measure esophageal distensibility, which has been shown to be a predictor of risk of future food impactions and need for esophageal dilation, is discussed. Endoscopic features of EoE play an important role in our current understanding of the complications of EoE and are an important component of the assessment of disease severity and treatment response.
Study of a MEMS-Based Free Piston Expander for Energy Sustainability

A novel free piston expander (FPE) has been designed and modeled for energy sustainability applications. Specifically, the device has been designed to produce power from low-temperature energy sources as part of a larger low-temperature steam system. Due to the needs imposed by sustainability applications, the FPE was designed with two membranes: the first, a primary power output membrane and, the second, a regenerative membrane capable of mechanical energy recapture during the FPE cycle. The FPE model was studied under a variety of conditions. Different membrane sizes were shown to alter FPE performance considerably. Using 10 mm side length membranes, modeling showed that up to 25.6 mW of FPE power output was possible. The gap between the sliding free piston and its surrounding bore was examined using various fluids and gap geometries to simulate friction losses. By reducing fluid viscosity or increasing piston/ bore gap, the energy lost to fluid shear was minimized. This resulted in improved energy recapture via the regenerative membrane. Various piston masses and materials were also considered. Decreasing piston mass reduced piston stroke length and increased frequency of operation. This resulted in an increased power output. The energy recapture capability of the FPE showed approximately 88% to 90% effectiveness for most of the scenarios considered in this work.
Occupation probabilities and spin cut-off factors

Abstract Examples are given, for both non-interacting and interacting particles, of the evaluation of orbit occupancies and spin cut-off factors by parametric differentiation on the state density.
Modeling high-energy cosmic ray induced terrestrial muon flux: A lookup table

Abstract On geological timescales, the Earth is likely to be exposed to an increased flux of high-energy cosmic rays (HECRs) from astrophysical sources such as nearby supernovae, gamma-ray bursts or by galactic shocks. Typical cosmic ray energies may be much higher than the ≤ 1 GeV flux which normally dominates. These high-energy particles strike the Earth's atmosphere initiating an extensive air shower. As the air shower propagates deeper, it ionizes the atmosphere by producing charged secondary particles. Secondary particles such as muons and thermal neutrons produced as a result of nuclear interactions are able to reach the ground, enhancing the radiation dose. Muons contribute 85% to the radiation dose from cosmic rays. This enhanced dose could be potentially harmful to the biosphere. This mechanism has been discussed extensively in literature but has never been quantified. Here, we have developed a lookup table that can be used to quantify this effect by modeling terrestrial muon flux from any arbitrary cosmic ray spectra with 10 GeV to 1 PeV primaries. This will enable us to compute the radiation dose on terrestrial planetary surfaces from a number of astrophysical sources.
SU‐C‐213AB‐02: Independent 3D‐Dose Calculation Verification for High‐Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Using a Dicompyler Plug‐In

Purpose: To implement an independent check on the 3D dose calculation for high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapytreatment planning using a custom plug‐in written for dicompyler. Methods: A plug‐in was developed for the open‐source program dicompyler that produces an independent 3D dose calculation based on DICOM‐RT files produced by BrachyVision (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Using the DICOM‐RT files as input, dose is calculated to a 3D grid using a point source approximation. Dose volume histograms (DVHs) are then calculated and compared with those produced by the planning system. In order to evaluate the program, patient data was tested using four different parameter configurations for the independent dose calculation: Group 1 with average anisotropy set to 1 and no polynomial term, Group 2 with average anisotropy set to 1 and the Meisberger polynomial applied, Group 3 with average anisotropy set to 0.98 and the Meisberger polynomial applied, and Group 4 with average anisotropy set to 0.98 and no polynomial term. The tumor sites of the patients used in this study were: Prostate (n=10), Breast (n=10), Gynecological (n=10), Base of Tongue (n=4), and Sarcoma (n=3). DVHs computed using dicompyler and the original planning system were compared using differences in the area under the curve (AUC). Results: Comparison of original and independently calculated volumes showed good agreement with an average difference of 3.5%. Average differences in the AUC varied by group: +1.05%, +0.70%, − 1.36% and −0.95%, for Groups 1–4, respectively. The average time for a 3D independent dose calculation was ∼5 sec. Conclusions: With this custom plug‐in, dicompyler can be used to provide an independent, 3D dose calculation verification for HDR planning. Since it uses DICOM files directly, the approach is efficient, and it provides not only an independent dose check, but also validates the 3D positions of sources and surrounding organs.
The Postauricular Cutaneous Advancement Flap for Repairing Ear Rim Defects

background Due to the ear's complicated anatomy and closely adherent anterior skin, repairing ear rim defects is often difficult. objective We describe a simple postauricular cutaneous advancement flap for correcting ear rim defects of varying sizes. methods Skin tumors involving the ear rims of 12 patients were excised. A postauricular cutaneous advancement flap was designed to correct the resulting defects. results The postauricular cutaneous advancement flap provided excellent cosmetic results in our 12 patients. Minimal superficial necrosis of the flap was observed in one patient. conclusion Utilizing relatively loose postauricular skin, this postauricular advancement flap can cover helical rim defects of varying sizes with excellent cosmetic results and low complication rates.
Nerd Work: attractors and barriers perceived by students entering the IT field

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that attract as well as discourage students who display an initial interest in IT careers. Factors influencing students one way or the other may include media images of IT, role models, gender, and age. The study proposes to investigate these factors by focusing on the first programming course that is standard in many IT curricula. Demographic factors of students who enroll and either withdraw, pass, or fail the course will be analyzed, and then the same students will be surveyed to examine in greater depth their perceptions, both negative and positive, about IT careers and IT professionals. The results will provide educators and practitioners with information about myths that students hold that need to be dispelled, as well as the possible need to convey more realistic perspectives on the breadth and variety of IT jobs. Identification of these factors can help in recruiting as well as retaining a greater number of qualified students and ultimately increasing the supply of qualified IT workers.