cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of photophysiological parameters and primary production in the Central North Pacific Ocean

The North Pacific Central Gyre is one of the largest homogenous bodies of water on Earth. Phytoplankton distributions appear to remain relatively constant for thousands of kilometers throughout the year. However, recent studies conducted at Station ALOHA as part of the Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) program reveal significant seasonal and interannual variability in phytoplankton biomass and production rates. Despite the high resolution sampling performed at the HOT site, spatial and temporal variations in phytoplankton pigment biomass are difficult to resolve. This will require remote sensing platforms such as moorings and satellites. In situ measurements of the photo- physiological parameters necessary to bio-optically model primary production rates are an essential element for the interpretation of data that will result from the HOT and MOBY moorings and the SeaWiFS and OCTS satellite sensors. We participated in a transect cruise in the North Pacific Ocean from Station ALOHA to the CLIMAX site to document the spatial variability of photo-physiological parameters and to determine if the conditions at the HOT site are representative of the central gyre and, in particular, are comparable to the CLIMAX site. We measured the light limited rate of photosynthesis ((alpha) ), the irradiance at which photosynthesis becomes light saturated, the maximum rate of photosynthesis (Pmax), the phytoplankton spectral absorption coefficient, and the maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis ((Phi) max). The photosynthetical parameters were similar at the HOT and CLIMAX locations, however a diatom bloom at intermediate stations resulted in a doubling of Pmax, (alpha) , and (Phi) max. If these variations in photosynthetic parameter estimates are not accounted for when modeling production rates for the diatom- dominated stations, then carbon uptake estimates would be underestimated by 2-fold. This study demonstrates the need for temporally dynamic algorithms that account for variations in phytoplankton composition and physiology.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Geraldine Fagan, Believing in Russia: religious policy after communism

What has been the state’s policy toward religion in Russia during the first two decades since the fall of the Soviet regime? Geraldine Fagan’s Believing in Russia presents a timely study of a negle...
the specular reflectance of ir-opaque coatings

A reflecting-layer model of the specular reflectance of a rough, thick, absorbing, dielectric film has been developed and fitted to the spectra of seven optical-black coatings between 12 and 300 micrometers. The coatings were quite different. At 100 micrometers their reflectance varied by a factor of nearly 10(exp 3). The model determines optical constants and surface parameters, and indicates which parameters control reflectance in the far IR.
Interfacial resistance to evaporation

Abstract A pure liquid evaporates into a vacuum at a rate equal to that predicted by kinetic theory multiplied by a coefficient α called the evaporation coefficient. Values of α smaller than unity have been reported and they provide a measure of interfacial resistance to evaporation. A new technique has been developed to measure α. It is free from the usual objections concerning a lowered surface temperature or a contaminated interface. With pure glycerol, it is found that α = 0·05. This result can be explained theoretically. It provides reliable evidence of true interfacial resistance in the evaporation of a pure liquid.
Supporting adolescent mothers and their children through a high school-based child care center and parent support program * ** ★ ★★ ♢

Abstract Introduction: A pilot study was conducted of adolescent parents and their children at a high school-based child care center to examine the influence of the program on parental competence, parent-child interaction, and child development. Method: A convenience sample of 18 urban adolescent mothers with children was interviewed at the end of one academic year. Mothers completed the Maternal Self Report Inventory (MSRI; short form) and the Parenting Daily Hassles Scale (PDHS). Parent-child teaching interactions were rated with the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS), and the Michigan Early Developmental Profile (MEDP) was used to evaluate child developmental outcomes. Results: Mothers reported positive scores on the MSRI and PDHS. NCATS observations indicated ratings significantly higher when compared (assuming unequal variances) with a group matched for age range and length of time in school of adolescent mothers from the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training (NCAST) national database. The MEDP indicated that 77% of the children assessed were within normal limits for all domains (fine motor, cognition, language, gross motor, and self care). Discussion: The results of this pilot study indicate that adolescent mothers and their young children in the sample benefited from the educational and support services offered at a school-based child care and parent support program. Further study is indicated to test the strength and duration of the effects. J. Pediatr Health Care. (2003). 17, 109-117.
Implementing an excellence in teaching recognition system: Needs analysis and recommendations

Purpose Teaching awards have been suggested to serve a variety of purposes. The specific characteristics of teaching awards and the associated effectiveness at achieving planned purposes are poorly understood. A needs analysis was performed to inform recommendations for an Excellence in Teaching Recognition System to meet the needs of surgical education leadership. Method We performed a 2-part needs analysis beginning with a review of the literature. We then, developed, piloted, and administered a survey instrument to General Surgery program leaders. The survey examined the features and perceived effectiveness of existing teaching awards systems. A multi-institution committee of program directors, clerkship directors, and Vice-Chairs of education then met to identify goals and develop recommendations for implementation of an "Excellence in Teaching Recognition System." Results There is limited evidence demonstrating effectiveness of existing teaching awards in medical education. Evidence supports the ability of such awards to demonstrate value placed on teaching, to inspire faculty to teach, and to contribute to promotion. Survey findings indicate that existing awards strive to achieve these purposes and that educational leaders believe awards have the potential to do this and more. Leaders are moderately satisfied with existing awards for providing recognition and demonstrating value placed on teaching, but they are less satisfied with awards for motivating faculty to participate in teaching or for contributing to promotion. Most departments and institutions honor only a few recipients annually. Conclusions There is a paucity of literature addressing teaching recognition systems in medical education and little evidence to support the success of such systems in achieving their intended purposes. The ability of awards to affect outcomes such as participation in teaching and promotion may be limited by the small number of recipients for most existing awards. We propose goals for a Teaching Recognition System and provide guidelines for implementation and evaluation of such systems. Future analysis should study the effectiveness of systems designed using these guidelines in achieving the outlined goals.
Olfactory modulation by dopamine in the context of aversive learning.

The need to detect and process sensory cues varies in different behavioral contexts. Plasticity in sensory coding can be achieved by the context-specific release of neuromodulators in restricted br...
Arterial Fibrodysplasia: Histopathologic Character and Current Etiologic Concepts

Arterial fibrodysplasia affected 196 patients (172 females, 24 males) harboring a total of 316 diseased vessels. Renal artery lesions were documented in 152 adult and 25 pediatric patients. Superior mesenteric, celiac, common hepatic, and external iliac arteries were occasionally involved. Intimal fibroplasia and medial hyperplasia are uncommon types of arterial dysplasia. Medical fibroplasia represents a continum of disease, including pathologic processes heretofore categorized as subadventital or perimedial fibroplasia. A previously unrecognized form of perimedial dysplasia, characterized by dense accumulations of elastic tissue about the periphery of the media, is reported as a distinct pathologic entity. Hormonal influences, traction-stretch stresses, and peculiarities in distribution of vasa vasorum in vessels affected by dysplastic processes may be prerequisite to the evolution of arterial fibrodysplasia.
Effects of co-cultures of meniscus cells and articular chondrocytes on PLLA scaffolds

The knee meniscus, a fibrocartilaginous tissue located in the knee joint, is characterized by heterogeneity in extracellular matrix and biomechanical properties. To recreate these properties using a tissue engineering approach, co-cultures of meniscus cells (MCs) and articular chondrocytes (ACs) were seeded in varying ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds and cultured in serum-free medium for 4 weeks. Histological, biochemical, and biomechanical tests were used to assess constructs at the end time point. Strong staining for collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) was observed in all groups. Constructs with 100% MCs were positive for collagen I and constructs cultured with 100% ACs were positive for collagen II, while a mixture of collagen I and II was observed in other co-culture groups. Total collagen and GAG per construct increased as the percentage of ACs increased (27 +/- 8 microg, 0% AC to 45 +/- 8 microg, 100% ACs for collagen and 12 +/- 4 microg, 0% ACs to 40 +/- 5 microg, 100% ACs for GAG). Compressive modulus (instantaneous and relaxation modulus) of the constructs was significantly higher in the 100% ACs group (63 +/- 12 and 22 +/- 9 kPa, respectively) when compared to groups with higher percentage of MCs. No differences in tensile properties were noted among groups. Specific co-culture ratios were identified mimicking the GAG/DW of the inner (0:100, 25:75, and 50:50) and outer regions (100:0) of the meniscus. Overall, it was demonstrated that co-culturing MCs and ACs on PLLA scaffolds results in functional tissue engineered meniscus constructs with a spectrum of biochemical and biomechanical properties.
Modulation of Ring-Laser Mode Coupling

This paper develops an analytical, algebraic formalism that predicts effects induced in ring lasers by phase modulation, corresponding both to mode-decoupling mechanisms deliberately incorporated in the ring laser and to naturally occurring periodic or random angular or linear accelerations. The analysis is based on an approach that seems potentially convenient in the analysis of other systems that are physically stable but mathematically nonlinear.
Effects of prolonged versus acute indomethacin therapy in very low birth-weight infants with patent ductus arteriosus

Indomethacin has proven effective in closing the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in most low birth weight (LBW) neonates with this disorder. Early reopening of the ductus is a problem and often leads to the need for surgery. Prolonged use of indomethacin for several days has been suggested as a means to alleviate this problem. The present study was designed to determine if prolonged therapy over 5 days is more effective than a two-dose regimen in preventing reopening of the PDA. Seventy neonates were randomized for either prolonged therapy over 1 week or to receive two doses of indomethacin. All infants were given two doses of indomethacin 0.15 mg per kg, 12 h apart. The maintenance group received an additional 0.1 mg per kg daily for 5 days. Ten days after the infants' initial dose of indomethacin, 6 of 22 in the nonmaintenance group as compared to 0 of 22 in the maintenance group had reopening of their ductus arteriosus. Ten infants in the maintenance group eventually had the ductus reopen at a median of 29, range 11–66 days compared to a median of 3, range 2–44 days in the nonmaintenance group. Significantly fewer babies in the maintenance group had a grade II–IV intraventricular hemorrhage compared to the nonmaintenance group. There was no other significant difference in the two groups in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, retrolental fibroplasia or death. Indomethacin given over 5 days is effective for closure of the ductus arteriosus and will prevent reopening until after the acute clinical course in babies under 1500 g; however, the overall incidence of reopening was not different.
Immune Globulin Characterization of Complement Fixing Antibodies in Histoplasmic Infection

Complement fixing antibody activity against mycelial phase and yeast phase antigen of H capsulatum has been studied in immune globulin fractions of serum from 13 patients with proved histoplasmosis. Immune globulin G (IgG) specific complement fixing activity was predominant in the human serum regardless of which antigen was used in both acute and nonacute cases. Immune globulin M (IgM) activity was noted in the three cases of primary histoplasmosis, the two epidemic cases and in two of three disseminated cases. No IgM activity was noted in three of five chronic cases. It appears as if infection with Histoplasma capsulatum elicits an immune globulin response in humans which qualitatively is similar to that seen in acute and chronic brucellosis and acute and recrudescent typhus.
Study of Hole-State Analogs in Mo Isotopes

A study of isobaric-analog states (IAS) excited in the ($p,d$) and ($d,t$) reactions on $^{92,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}94,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}96}\mathrm{Mo}$, the ($^{3}\mathrm{He},\ensuremath{\alpha}$) reaction on $^{92,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}96}\mathrm{Mo}$, and the $^{98}\mathrm{Mo}(p,d)^{97}\mathrm{Mo}$ reaction is reported. Coulomb energies and angular distributions were measured for analogs of all parent states observed in a ($d,^{3}\mathrm{He}$) study on Mo targets, and some additional nuclear structure information was obtained. Distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations were performed, and the resulting spectroscopic factors reveal a pronounced decrease in $l=1$ hole strength with increasing mass number as well as fluctuations in the ratios $\frac{{C}^{2}{S}_{n}(p,d)}{{C}^{2}{S}_{n}(d,t)}$. The first effect is discussed in terms of mixing with the dense spectrum of ${T}_{l}$ levels in the IAS region.
Visual Circuits Get the VIP Treatment

Behavioral state, specifically locomotion, has been shown to enhance sensory responses in primary visual cortex. In this issue of Cell , Fu et al. reveal the circuit elements that mediate this plasticity and suggest that these circuits may serve a general modulatory function across primary sensory areas.
Interval gangrene complicating superficial femoral artery stent placement

Interval gangrene—necrosis of tissue proximal to a successful distal revascularization procedure—is an exceeding rare complication. To date, only nine cases have been reported in the literature, and all were secondary to traditional open bypass procedures. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of interval gangrene after endovascular stent placement in the superficial femoral artery. We believe that with the increasing utilization of endovascular techniques to treat limb ischemia, the serious complication of interval gangrene must be revisited. Assessment of collateral circulation, precise stent placement, and the appropriate choice of stents and stent grafts will become increasing important as more and more of these lesions are treated with endovascular techniques.
An analysis of jet noise directivity.

This paper is intended for pointing out several factors which may be important to the calculation of directivity patterns of jet noise. In a hot, high speed jet the directional pattern can be divided into a maximum of four zones. The convection law and the correspondence between the sound field and turbulence are different in each zone. The convection law for high and low frequencies is also different. Numerical examples are presented in parallel to the discussions.
Sea surface chemistry: organic carbon and organic and inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in surface films and subsurface waters

Abstract High concentrations in sea surface films of particulate and dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, and of dissolved nitrate, ammonia and phosphate relative to their corresponding concentrations in subsurface waters are reported for stations off Peru and California. Ratios between organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are utilized to interpret possible inter-relationships between particulate and dissolved organic matter. The effect of high surface film concentrations of organic and inorganic nitrogen is discussed with respect to the nitrogen cycle in the oceans.
A systems model of vesicle trafficking in Arabidopsis pollen tubes

A systems model that describes vesicle trafficking during pollen tube growth in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was constructed. The model is composed of ordinary differential equations that connect the molecular functions of genes expressed in pollen. The current model requires soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and small GTPases, Arf or Rab, to reasonably predict tube growth as a function of time. Tube growth depends on vesicle trafficking that transports phospholipid and pectin to the tube tip. The vesicle trafficking genes identified by analyzing publicly available transcriptome data comprised 328 genes. Fourteen of them are up-regulated by the gibberellin signaling pathway during pollen development, which includes the SNARE genes SYP124 and SYP125 and the Rab GTPase gene RABA4D. The model results adequately fit the pollen tube growth of both previously reported wild-type and raba4d knockout lines. Furthermore, the difference of pollen tube growth in syp124/syp125 single and double mutations was quantitatively predicted based on the model analysis. In general, a systems model approach to vesicle trafficking arguably demonstrated the importance of the functional connections in pollen tube growth and can help guide future research directions.
Ethylene Trace-gas Techniques for High-speed Flows

Three applications of the ethylene trace-gas technique to high-speed flows are described: flow-field tracking, air-to-air mixing, and bleed mass-flow measurement. The technique involves injecting a non-reacting gas (ethylene) into the flow field and measuring the concentration distribution in a downstream plane. From the distributions, information about flow development, mixing, and mass-flow rates can be dtermined. The trace-gas apparatus and special considerations for use in high-speed flow are discussed. A description of each application, including uncertainty estimates is followed by a demonstrative example.
Intensifying glucose control and adding fenofibrate to simvastatin each reduced progression of retinopathy in type 2 diabetes

Source Citation The ACCORD Study Group and ACCORD Eye Study Group. Effects of medical therapies on retinopathy progression in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2010;363:233-44. 20587587
Structural Changes Induced by Catalytic Turnover at the Molybdenum Site of Arabidopsis Nitrate Reductase

Assimilatory nitrate reductases catalyze the reduction of nitrate to nitrite, which is the first and rate-limiting step of nitrogen assimilation in algae, fungi, and higher plants. The nitrate reductase from the thale cress, Arabidopsis thaliana, is a dimer, with each of the {approximately} 103,000 molecular weight monomers containing one molybdenum associated with a single pterin dithiolene cofactor, a flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor, and a cytochrome b-type heme. During the catalytic cycle, reducing equivalents in the form of NADH enter the enzyme at the flavin site and are subsequently transferred by intramolecular electron transfer via the heme to the molybdenum center, where the two-electron reduction of nitrate takes place. In this paper the authors present the Mo K-edge EXAFS of Arabidopsis nitrate reductase in three different forms: oxidized as-isolated, reduced, and oxidized after catalytic turnover of excess nitrate (nitrate-oxidized).
Ciliary body adenoma in a 10-year-old girl who had a rhabdomyosarcoma.

• A retrolenticular fibrovascular membrane occurred in the setting of a ciliary body mass in a 10-year-old black girl who had been successfully treated for a rhabdomyosarcoma of the lung. The results of a transscleral biopsy of the mass demonstrated it to be a pigmented adenoma of the ciliary body. A lensectomy and membranectomy were performed to aid in the follow-up and rehabilitation of the eye. At 9 months after surgery, the patient had 20/25 vision with no evidence of tumor growth. This case demonstrates an unusual cause of cyclitic membrane formation and suggests that transscleral biopsy may be a useful adjunct in the management of selected ciliary body masses.
Plasma spread in high-power thyristors under dynamic and static conditions

The plasma spread properties of various thyristors were studied utilizing an infrared viewing technique. The plasma velocity occurring prior to equilibrium, and plasma spread conditions at equilibrium were determined. Velocity versus current density diagrams were generated for low-frequency, high-voltage and high-frequency, low-voltage devices. Effect of the initial turned-on line on plasma spreading is discussed.
In vivo phosphorylation of neurofilament proteins in the central nervous system of immature rat and rabbit

Neurofilament proteins from brain and spinal cord of immature rat (20–35 days of age) and rabbit (15–17 days of age) were prepared by an axonal flotation technique. Examination of rat filament preparations by electron microscopy revealed a preponderance of 10 nm diameter filaments that were usually loosely aggregated although some bundles of more tightly packed filaments were present as well. The neurofilament triplet proteins of the rat and rabbit central nervous system were found to be phosphorylated 24 hr after the intracerebral injection of [32P]orthophosphate when examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by fluorography. Examination of each eluted neurofilament protein from both species showed that [32P]phosphate was retained after reelectrophoresis and fluorography. Evidence is presented that the [32P] phosphate is covalently linked to the purified neurofilament proteins by phosphoester bonds.
Neural gene therapy for inherited diseases with mental retardation: Principles and prospects

Gene therapy for inborn errors of metabolism that cause mental retardation remains a major challenge to gene therapists. In general, such disorders can be divided into two categories: those in which the primary site of pathology resides outside of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to the accumulation of toxic compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurologic dysfunction, and those in which the primary site of pathology resides within the neurons of the CNS. We focus on the strategies and prospects for treating the latter group of diseases, which require delivery of therapeutic genes or gene products to the CNS. Both ex vivo and in vivo approaches can be used. Among the ex vivo strategies, transplanted, genetically corrected hematopoietic stem cells obtained from a patient can enter the CNS and establish microglia within the brain that then secrete therapeutic proteins. Alternatively, neural cells such as oligodendrocytes or astrocytes can be obtained by brain biopsy, genetically corrected in the laboratory using viral or nonviral vectors, then autologously transplanted back into patients for migration and secretion of the therapeutic gene products. Among the in vivo delivery techniques, direct stereotaxic injection of therapeutic gene constructs can be used to correct a metabolic abnormality in a specific region. Intracarotid injection of therapeutic genes coupled with transient disruption of the blood brain barrier could also be used to obtain global delivery. Various approaches to the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism with mental retardation can be envisioned. We discuss each of the major gene delivery systems and related therapeutic strategies. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Influence of Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Remnants on the Southwestern United States

Abstract Forty-three eastern North Pacific tropical cyclone remnants with varying impact on the southwestern United States during the period 1992–2005 are investigated. Of these, 35 remnants (81%) brought precipitation to some part of the southwestern United States and the remaining 8 remnants (19%) had precipitation that was almost entirely restricted to Mexico, although cloud cover did advect over the southwestern United States in some of these cases. Although the tropical cyclone–strength winds rapidly diminish upon making landfall, these systems still carry a large quantity of tropical moisture and, upon interaction with mountainous topography, are found to drop up to 30% of the local annual precipitation. Based on common rainfall patterns and large-scale circulation features, the tropical cyclones are grouped into five categories. These include a northern recurving pattern that is more likely to bring rainfall to the southwestern United States; a southern recurving pattern that brings rainfall across...
Dava, Daktar, and Dua : Anthropology of practiced medicine in India

The paper explicates "practiced medicine" as an operative cross-cultural analytic concept by locating it within previous major developments and directions of study within anthropological studies of medicine in India, and medical anthropology more generally. Practiced medicine in India, for example, allows us to see better how India manages not only multiple traditional and modern medical approaches, languages, therapeutic regimens, and materia medica, but it also leads us to a sustained moral, social and material criticism from within. The study of such diversity leads to a loosely shared, and ethnographically attestable, cultural reasoning, practice and practical ethos across the traditional and modern medical worlds. Also appearing before us are the usually hidden cultural assumptions, negotiations and compromises of diverse Indian medical practitioners, and the strengths and weaknesses of modern medicine under "normal" and "disastrous" situations in contemporary India. As India today grapples with issues of availability, affordability, equity, and distributive justice in medical care, its practiced medicine raises issues of "critical consciousness" for modern (and traditional), state supported medicine.
Evidence, by metastable quenching spectroscopy, that CO adsorbs on K/Ni(111) near potassium and lies flat or tilts when heated

Abstract By using metastable quenching spectroscopy (MQS) we show that if a K/Ni(111) surface with low K coverage (θ K =0.1 and 0.12) is exposed to low doses of CO (0.3 L), the CO molecules are adsorbed near the potassium atoms. Heating from 118 to 298 K results in spectral changes that indicate that the CO molecules closest to the potassium atoms tilt strongly or lie flat on the surface.
A review of Gallerucidia Chaudoir (Carabidae: Lebiini: Gallerucidiina): their occurrences, ways of life, and another genus record for Costa Rica

ABSTRACT The Lebiini subtribe Gallerucidiina, is composed of two genera; the New world genus Gallerucidia Chaudoir and the Old world genus Lebidia Morawitz. This paper provides diagnoses of these genera as well as diagnoses, redescriptions, illustrations, and distributional data of the five known species of Gallerucidia. Quite amazingly, the Oriental species Lebidia bioculata Morawitz has apparently been introduced to Venezuela. Identification keys are provided to the species of Neotropical Gallerucidiina and to the eight subtribes of Lebiini known to occur in Costa Rica.
Synthetic transformations using trimethylsilyl iodide: The generation of vinyl sulfides from sulfoxides

Abstract Treatment of sulfoxides with trimethylsilyl iodide in the presence of sterically hindered tert-amines results in facile eliminative deoxygenation with the production of the corresponding vinyl sulfides.
Comparison of the supramolecular structures formed by a polymethacrylate with a highly tapered side chain and its monomeric precursor

Insight into the supramolecular structure formed by a polymethacrylate with a highly tapered side chain is obtained from parallel X-ray analysis of oriented fibers of the polymer and its monomeric precursor. The polymer is poly(2-{2-[2-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethyl 3,4,5-tris(p-dodecyloxybenzyloxy)benzoate) (abbreviated to 12-ABG-4EO-PMA); the monomeric precursor is the hydroxy-terminated side chain 2-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy]ethoxy}ethyl 3,4,5-tris(p-dodecyloxybenzyloxy)benzoate (12-ABG-4EO-OH). The polymer and precursor both form ordered solid state structures that are converted to columnar hexagonal liquid crystalline (φh) phases at approximately 40°C and 50°C, respectively. The ordered solid state structures consist of ordered hexagonally packed cylindrical columns, in which the monomer units are probably packed with helical symmetry. For the polymer at 25°C, the column diameter is 60.4A with an axial repeat of 5.03A containing eight monomer units. For the precursor at 25°C, the column diameter is reduced to 53.5A, probably due to the absence of the polymer backbone from the center of the column, and the axial repeat is doubled to 10.04A. The X-ray data are compatible with a tighter winding of the monomers in a helical structure, but otherwise suggest that there are common features in the stacking of the aromatic groups in the two structures.
Incidence of vascular malformations in spontaneous intra-cerebral haemorrhage in children

To assess the incidence of vascular malformations in children presenting with non-traumatic intra-cerebral haemorrhage and outline the need for radiological investigations. Between 1993 and 2002, 26 children presented with spontaneous intra-cerebral haemorrhage at a mean age of 26 months (range 1–192 months). Twenty-two children had, as first treatment, surgical removal of the haematoma and any malformation found. One patient with no evidence of vascular malformation had conservative treatment, two had embolisation and one had stereotactic radiosurgery of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The diagnosis of vascular malformation was confirmed histologically and/or radiologically in 16 (61%) patients. Of these 16 patients, 7 were AVMs, 1 thrombosed middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm, 1 cavernous angioma, 6 aggregates of abnormal vessels, 1 vein of Galen aneurysm. Pre-operatively, 12 patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and 7 were positive for vascular malformation (1 false positive) with no false negatives. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed pre-operatively in 7 patients, 4 were positive with no false negatives. There were no re-bleeds at the follow-up period. Five (19%) patients died from the haemorrhage, 7 (27%) had severe neurological deficit and 14 (54%) had no neurological deficit. Residual malformation after surgery requiring additional treatment was found in 3 (16%) patients. All patients with confirmed malformations were followed-up with DSA. MRI/MRA has high sensitivity and specificity in identifying vascular malformations in children presenting acutely with spontaneous intra-cerebral haemorrhage. This may prove useful when pre-operative DSA is not promptly available. After acute clot evacuation, there is high incidence of residual malformation and such patients should be followed-up with DSA.
In vitro differentiation of tooth rudiments of embryonic mice. I. Transfilter interaction of embryonic incisor tissues

The mandibular incisor rudiment of the 16 day mouse embryo may be separated by enzymatic treatment into an epithelial covering and an inner mesenchymal papilla. Each separated tissue fails to differentiate when grown singly in vitro, but odontocytes, amelocytes, and their extracellular matrices are noted in cultures of recombined tissues. Separated tissues also fail to differentiate on collagen gels. Both the mesenchymal papilla and the internal dental epithelium differentiate when placed on opposite sides of a Millipore membrane. Cultures of 11 days growth show odontocytes with deposited alcian blue positive matrix; this matrix is found both within and on the surface of the membrane. Amelocytes deposit eosin-positive extracellular matrix onto the filter surface. Calcification of odontocyte-deposited matrix, similar to that of dentinal matrix of neonatal incisors, is shown by staining with von Kossa's stain. Transfilter interaction of these embryonic tissues leads, therefore, to their differentiation and deposition of characteristic extracellular matrices.
Fatty acid composition of bovine rod outer segment plasma membrane

This work on the lipid composition of the rod outer segment (ROS) plasma membrane complements recent investigations directed towards identifying ROS plasma membrane proteins as it is both components which determine the properties of a membrane. Both this work and studies of plasma membrane proteins indicate that the disc and plasma membranes are distinctly different
The Influences of Market Information Management and Marketing Control in Small-Sized Firms in Korea

Studies in management and marketing strategy have proven that various dimensions of marketing capabilities are associated with firm performance in a positives way. However, most of the researchers have focused on the relationships within relatively large-sized firms in industrialized countries. In this study, the author investigates market information management capability and marketing control capability and their possible antecedents, strategic orientations (i.e., customer, competitor, and technology orientation) in small-sized firms in Korea. Based on 180 data of small-scaled firms with no more than 500 employees across industries, both capabilities have been found to have an affirmative influence on firm performance. Furthermore, three focal orientations have been proven to drive both capabilities in a positive way. From the additional two-group analysis based on firm size, market information management capability has been found to be more critical to micro-sized firms with 100 employees or fewer while both capabilities show equally important positive impact for small-sized firms with between 500 and 101 employees. Implications are addressed along with the limitations and further research directions.
The politics of closing state mental hospitals: A case of increasing policy gridlock.

There are political and administrative barriers to closure of the remaining state mental hospitals. Some of these barriers owe their existence to the current lack of community-based alternatives for the care and treatment of the severely mentally ill. In addition, uncertainty of the future funding and regulatory commitment of state governments to community programs contributes to an unwillingness by influential groups to recommend or implement closure. Finally, other barriers include rigid budgetary processes, the self-interest of public employees., and the lack of consensus in the decision making process. The result is that even when the case for closure of a state mental hospital is convincing, these political and administrative factors can cause “policy gridlock.”. This article describes how such policy gridlock occurs and offers several suggestions as to how it can be prevented.
Test for effects of visual and position cues on T-maze learning in toads.

This research was concerned with the effects of different classes of cues on the ability of toads (Bufo marinus) to learn an escape task, discrimination learning, in a T-maze. The cues were either a black or white brightness cue, a right or left position cue, or combinations of brightness and position cues. The toads were given a .6-A shock until they made the correct response. Results suggested that toads are capable of learning a discrimination task based on either a position or brightness cue. However, the rate of learning was influenced by strong aversion to the white arm when escaping from an aversive stimulus. No particular preference for either brightness or position cues was found independent of this aversion.
Autosomal monoallelic expression: genetics of epigenetic diversity?

In mammals, relative expression of the two parental alleles of many genes is controlled by one of three major epigenetic phenomena: X chromosome inactivation, imprinting, and mitotically stable autosomal monoallelic expression (MAE). MAE affects a large fraction of human autosomal genes and introduces enormous epigenetic heterogeneity in otherwise similar cell populations. Despite its prevalence, many functional and mechanistic aspects of MAE biology remain unknown. Several lines of evidence imply that MAE establishment and maintenance are controlled by a variety of genetic elements. Based on known genomic features regulating X-inactivation and imprinting, we outline likely features of MAE-controlling elements. We also assess implications of MAE for genotype–phenotype relationship, with a focus on haploinsufficiency.
Virtualizing high-performance graphics cards for driver design and development

Operating system virtualization tools such as VMWare, XEN, and Linux KVM export only minimally capable SVGA graphics adapters. This paper describes the design and implementation of a system that virtualizes high-performance graphics cards of arbitrary design to support the construction of authentic device drivers. Drivers written for the virtual cards can be used verbatim, without special function calls or kernel modifications, as drivers for real cards, should real cards of the same design exist. The applications of the system include both instruction in device driver design and allowing device driver design to proceed in parallel with new hardware development.
Comparison of Tacrolimus and Sirolimus (Tac/Sir) versus Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, and Mini-Methotrexate (Tac/Sir/MTX) as Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis after Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Previous studies have shown that adding sirolimus to a tacrolimus/mini-methotrexate regimen (Tac/Sir/MTX) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis produces low rates of acute GVHD (aGVHD) after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). To assess whether posttransplantation methotrexate MTX can be safely eliminated altogether, we conducted a prospective clinical trial testing the combination of T and Sir alone (tac/sir) as GVHD prophylaxis after RIC SCT from matched related donors. We compared the results with patients who received (Tac/Sir/MTX) as GVHD prophylaxis after RIC SCT from matched related donors in a previous prospective study. Patients in both groups received i.v. fludarabine (Flu) 30 mg/m2/day and i.v. busulfan (Bu) 0.8 mg/kg/day on days -5 to -2 as conditioning, followed by transplantation of unmanipulated filgrastim-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCS). After transplantation, patients in both groups received Tac and Sir orally starting on day -3, with doses adjusted to achieve trough serum levels of 5 to 10 ng/mL and 3 to 12 ng/mL, respectively. The patients in the Tac/Sir/MTX group also received mini-MTX therapy (5 mg/m2 i.v.) on days +1, +3, and +6. Filgrastim 5 μg/kg/day s.c. was started on day +1 and continued until neutrophil engraftment. Twenty-nine patients received the Tac/Sir regimen, and 46 patients received the Tac/Sir/MTX regimen. The 2 groups were balanced in terms of age, sex, and disease characteristics. Engraftment was brisk and donor chimerism after transplantation robust in both groups. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD was similar in the 2 groups (17% for Tac/Sir versus 11% for Tac/Sir/MTX; P = .46). There also were no differences between the 2 groups in cumulative incidence of extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD), treatment-related mortality (TRM), disease relapse, or survival. The Tac/Sir combination for GVHD prophylaxis is well tolerated and associated with a low incidence of aGVHD in matched related donor RIC SCT. The omission of mini-MTX from the Tac/Sir GVHD prophylaxis regimen appears to have no adverse effect on the development of aGVHD.
Time‐Dependent Solution to the Tai‐Chou Chemical Vapor Infiltration Model

A recently proposed steady-state isothermal model for chemical vapor infiltration in parallel cylindrical pores has been extended to include transient behavior. Availability of a time-dependent solution should prove useful in comparison with experimental data and validation of the assumed boundary conditions. Attention is also drawn to analogous problems in the heat transfer literature which may prove useful in development of enhanced vapor infiltration models of this class.
Spatial and temporal patterns of arsenic concentration in the High Plains Aquifer of Texas, USA

Spatial and temporal patterns of dissolved arsenic in groundwater were documented from samples collected at 987 water wells in the High Plains (Ogallala) Aquifer of Texas, USA. Sampled wells had a median depth of 73 m. Historic pesticide and defoliant applications to cotton fields are potential sources of arsenic in the study area. From a survey of samples collected between 2000 and 2004, observed arsenic concentrations ranged from less than 2.0 to 561 µg/L, with a median concentration of 4.3 µg/L. Approximately 20% of all samples, including 123 wells serving public, domestic, and commercial organizations, exceeded the current 10 µg/L drinking water standard. Arsenic concentrations were generally higher in the southern part of the aquifer, possibly from increased loading and less dilution. In 86% of sampled wells, arsenic concentrations changed by less than 5 µg/L over four‐ and eight‐year periods. Arsenic concentrations decreased in 64% of wells with discernible concentration changes, but increased by mo...
Cell Phone Use with Social Ties During Crises: The Case of the Virginia Tech Tragedy

Many proposed technological solutions to emergency response during disasters involve the use of cellular telephone technology. However, cell phone networks quickly become saturated during and/or immediately after a disaster and remain saturated for critical periods. In this study, we investigated cell phone use by Virginia Tech students, faculty and staff during the shootings on April 16, 2007 to identify patterns of communication with social network ties. We administered an online survey to a random sample from our pool to capture communications behavior with social ties during the day of these tragic events. The results show that cell phones were the most heavily used communication technology by a majority of respondents (both voice and text messaging). While text messaging makes more efficient use of bandwidth than voice, most communication on 4/16 was with parents, since the majority of the sample is students, who are less likely to use text messaging. Our findings should help in understanding how cell phone technologies may be utilized or modified for emergency situations in similar communities.
Integration of the Unfolded Protein and Oxidative Stress Responses through SKN-1/Nrf

The Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) maintains homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and defends against ER stress, an underlying factor in various human diseases. During the UPR, numerous genes are activated that sustain and protect the ER. These responses are known to involve the canonical UPR transcription factors XBP1, ATF4, and ATF6. Here, we show in C. elegans that the conserved stress defense factor SKN-1/Nrf plays a central and essential role in the transcriptional UPR. While SKN-1/Nrf has a well-established function in protection against oxidative and xenobiotic stress, we find that it also mobilizes an overlapping but distinct response to ER stress. SKN-1/Nrf is regulated by the UPR, directly controls UPR signaling and transcription factor genes, binds to common downstream targets with XBP-1 and ATF-6, and is present at the ER. SKN-1/Nrf is also essential for resistance to ER stress, including reductive stress. Remarkably, SKN-1/Nrf-mediated responses to oxidative stress depend upon signaling from the ER. We conclude that SKN-1/Nrf plays a critical role in the UPR, but orchestrates a distinct oxidative stress response that is licensed by ER signaling. Regulatory integration through SKN-1/Nrf may coordinate ER and cytoplasmic homeostasis.
Nasopharyngeal versus oropharyngeal sampling for detection of pneumococcal carriage in adults.

Several studies have shown that nasopharyngeal sampling is more sensitive than oropharyngeal sampling for the detection of pneumococcal carriage in children. The data for adults are limited and conflicting. This study was part of a larger study of pneumococcal carriage on the Navajo and White Mountain Apache Reservation following a clinical trial of a seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Persons aged 18 years and older living in households with children enrolled in the vaccine trial were eligible. We collected both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens by passing a flexible calcium alginate wire swab either nasally to the posterior nasopharynx or orally to the posterior oropharynx. Swabs were placed in skim milk-tryptone-glucose-glycerin medium and frozen at −70°C. Pneumococcal isolation was performed by standard techniques. Analyses were based on specimens collected from 1,994 adults living in 1,054 households. Nasopharyngeal specimens (11.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.8 and 12.6%) were significantly more likely to grow pneumococci than were oropharyngeal specimens (5.8%; 95% CI, 4.8 to 6.9%) (P < 0.0001). Few persons had pneumococcal growth from both specimens (1.7%). Therefore, both tests together were more likely to identify pneumococcal carriage (15.2%; 95% CI, 13.7 to 16.9%) than either test alone. Although we found that nasopharyngeal sampling was more sensitive than oropharyngeal sampling, nasopharyngeal sampling alone would have underestimated the prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in this adult population. Sampling both sites may give more accurate results than sampling either site alone in studies of pneumococcal carriage in adults.
Novel SVPWM switching pattern for high efficiency 15KW current-fed quasi-Z-source inverter in HEV motor drive application

The recently proposed current-fed QZSI[1] can buck and boost voltage and provide bidirectional power flow[2–6]. A crucial criterion for the size of three phase PWM converters is the cooling of the power semiconductors and thus determination of power dissipation at certain operating points. In the modified SVPWM control method for this circuit, different PWM sequences can lead to different switching loss, current ripple, total harmonic distortion, and also the voltage spike on the switching devices. In order to select the best PWM sequence to obtain the best performance and efficiency, A complete analysis and calculation for the four mentioned criterions are presented for different sequences. For each criterion, the best sequences are selected to obtain better performance. Finally, the optimized PWM sequence in the modified SVPWM control for this circuit is selected with the optimized hardware design together to achieve the best efficiency at full operation range. The optimized hardware design has been built in the lab, including the optimal design of the coupled inductor, optimal design and selection of Z-source capacitors and output capacitors, the selection of Z-source diode, and the final layout of the hardware. In order to bring the prototype into real application in hybrid electrical vehicle[3], the inverter efficiency is measured according to the motor P-V curve. The estimated efficiency curve and experiment results are plot and compared. The best efficiency at 15kW reaches 97.6% at unity voltage gain.