cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic responses and aflatoxin inhibition during interaction between aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus

Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus in corn. Non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolates are applied to corn fields as a biocontrol to reduce aflatoxin contamination. Direct contact or touch between aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates dramatically reduces aflatoxin production. To understand the mechanism of touch inhibition, a high-throughput RNA-seq study was conducted to examine gene expression during their interaction. Non-aflatoxigenic strain KD17 and aflatoxigenic strain KD53 were grown separately and in co-culture for 30 and 72 h. Toxin production was high in the aflatoxigenic monoculture and negligible in co-cultures. When grown separately, the toxigenic strain represented 7% and 33% of the combined biomass at 30 and 72 h, respectively. However, only 3% of the sequence reads uniquely aligned to the aflatoxigenic strain during co-culture, indicating growth and/or gene expression of the aflatoxigenic strain was inhibited in response to the non-aflatoxigenic strain. Few reads aligned to the aflatoxin gene cluster during co-culture. Eighteen genes expressed during mono-culture of the non-aflatoxigenic strain were further up-regulated during co-culture, indicating a response to contact. Of those genes, seven belong to a putative secondary metabolite cluster, suggesting a potentially inhibitory compound is produced. Taken together, these results suggest that non-aflatoxigenic strains inhibit growth and aflatoxin biosynthetic gene cluster expression in aflatoxin-producing strains. In addition, other secondary metabolite genes are upregulated during biocontrol interaction. This study demonstrates a potential role of inhibitory secondary metabolites in the biocontrol mechanism and deserves further exploration to improve biocontrol formulations.
A Two-Tier Distributed Market Clearing Scheme for Peer-to-Peer Energy Sharing in Smart Grid

This article presents a novel two-tier peer-to-peer (P2P) market paradigm for energy sharing between multiregional proactive prosumers (producer+consumer) in transactive energy systems. In the proposed approach, interactions between prosumers can be achieved in inter-area markets as well as intra-area markets. A dual decomposition based and a consensus-based distributed market-clearing approaches are designed for the proposed double-layered hierarchical intra- and inter-area markets. The proposed approach preserves prosumers’ privacy by sharing only partial information with the fellow prosumers while settling the trade. Compared to the conventional P2P approaches, the proposed two-tier market-clearing scheme allows more prosumer participation in energy trading and significantly enhances their economic benefits in certain situations. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated through software simulations.
Neighborhood-Specific Traffic Impact Analysis of Restaurant Meal Delivery Trips: Planning Implications and Case Studies in Chicago

Abstract This study explores how strategic planning may help avoid unnecessary increases in the transportation impacts of growing urban delivery services. Restaurant meal delivery (RMD) is studied ...
Japan SEOs Before the Lost Decade: A Long-Run Stock Performance

This paper analyzes the long-run performance of 427 issues or 387 Japanese firms that made Seasoned Equity Offerings (SEO) from 1980-1990. We find that as opposed to U.S. SEO’s that concentrate on either growth firms (low book-to-market) or small firms, Japanese SEO’s under our study period concentrated on large firms. We employ different methodologies and find that performance evaluation is sensitive to the ways the tests are done. We find that holding-period-return of the value weighted portfolio of SEOs outperform three out of four benchmarks. Our results support the notion that underperformance of issuing firms widely documented is not robust under different methodologies.
Development of Percussion Diagnostics in Evaluating ‘Kiss’ Bonds Between Composite Laminates

Conventional nondestructive (NDT) techniques used to detect defects in composites are not able to determine intact bond integrity within a composite structure and are costly to use on large and complex shaped surfaces. To overcome current NDT limitations, a new technology was developed based on percussion diagnostics to better quantify bond quality in fiber reinforced composite materials. Results indicate that this technology is capable of detecting weak (‘kiss’) bonds between flat composite laminates. Specifically, the local value of the loss coefficient determined from quantitative percussion testing was found to be significantly greater for a laminate that contained a ‘kiss’ bond compared to that for a well bonded sample. Laminates bonded together using supported epoxy film adhesives will be characterized.
DSQL - An SQL for Structured Documents

SQL has been the result of years of query language research, and has many desirable properties. We introduce DSQL - a language that is based on a theoretical foundation of a declarative language (document calculus) and an equivalent procedural language (document algebra). The outcome of this design is a language that looks and feels like SQL, yet is powerful enough to perform a vast range of queries on structured documents (currently focused on XML). The design of the language is independent of document formats, so the capability of the language will not change if the underlying markup language were changed. In spite of its familiarity and simplicity, we show that this language has many desirable properties, and is a good candidate for a viable query language for XML. This paper presents a canonical form of DSQL, showing only the properties of the language that affect the complexity of the language. Remarkably, SQL = core DSQL for flat input and outputs.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Process and Outcomes

Interdisciplinary learning is characterized by the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge across a central program theme or focus. With repeated exposure to interdisciplinary thought, learners develop more advanced epistemological beliefs, enhanced critical thinking ability and metacognitive skills, and an understanding of the relations among perspectives derived from different disciplines. Our adaptation of Biggs and Collis' (1982) Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome illustrates the stages of interdisciplinary knowledge integration and explains corresponding patterns of learners' intellectual functioning, from acquisition of single-subject information to transfer of interdisciplinary knowledge to other topics, issues, or problems.
Fetch and Footprint of Turbulent Fluxes over Vegetative Stands with Elevated Sources

In this study, Raupach's localized near-field (LNF)theory is combined with appropriate parameterizations ofthe turbulence inside a canopy to investigate how airstability and source configuration influence the fluxfootprint and flux adjustment with fetch in theroughness sublayer. The model equations are solvednumerically. The flux footprint from the LNF predictionis in general more contracted than the prediction basedon the inertial sublayer similarity functions. Invery unstable conditions, the near-field effect causes thefootprint of the elevated canopy source to locatefurther upwind than that of the ground-level source, andthe combined footprint can become negative in situationswhere the two sources are of opposite sign. The fluxfootprint and flux adjustment with fetch in theroughness sublayer are sensitive to source configurationand the parameters specifying wind speed and theLagrangian time scale inside the canopy.
Contact clustering and fusion for preprocessing multistatic active sonar data

This paper presents results of a clustering-based preprocessing step for multistatic tracking, evaluated on the PACsim dataset, a simulated multistatic active sonar dataset. The clustering step uses a flexible likelihood-based similarity calculation which allows for the incorporation of any available features. In this work, we present results using target strength (estimated from signal-to-noise ratio) and Doppler measurements. Results show that this approach performs well on dim targets in high clutter environments.
Nonlinearity, local snd global avalanche characteristics of balanced Boolean functions

For a Boolean function f, define Δf(α)= Σx f(x) f(x ⊕ α), f(x)= (-1)f(x), the absolute indicator Δf = maxα≠0|Δf(α)|, and the sum-of-squares indicator σf = Σα Δ2f(α). We construct a class of functions with good local avalanche characteristics, but bad global avalanche characteristics, namely we show that 22n(1 + p) ≤ σf ≤ 23n-2, Δf =2n, where p is the number of linear structures (with even Hamming weight) of the first half of a strict avalanche criterion balanced Boolean function f. We also derive some bounds for the nonlinearity of such functions. It improves upon the results of Son et al. (Inform. Process. Lett. 65 (3) (1998) 139) and Sung et al. (Inform. Process. Lett. 69 (1) (1999) 21). In our second result we construct a class of highly nonlinear balanced functions with good local and global avalanche characteristics. We show that for these functions, 22n+2 ≤ σf ≤ 22n+2+e (e = 0 for n even and e = 1 for n odd).
Crooke's Changes In Cushing's Syndrome Depends on Degree of Hypercortisolism and Individual Susceptibility

Context: Although Crooke's changes in the pituitary corticotrophs were initially described in 1935, the prevalence in which the changes occur in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) has not been established. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assess clinical features associated with the presence or absence of Crooke's changes in a large set of patients with CS. Design: Information from a prospective computer database and retrospective chart review was analyzed. Setting: The setting was an academic medical center. Patients: Consecutive patients (N = 213) who received surgery with a preoperative diagnosis of Cushing's disease are included. Intervention: The patients received pituitary surgery and specimens obtained underwent pathological analysis. Main Outcome Measure: The presence or absence of Crooke's changes was determined by histopathological analysis of the normal pituitary tissue included with the specimen obtained at surgery. Cortisol production was measured by 24-hour urin...
THE SPIRIT AND TASK OF DEMOCRATIC COSMOPOLITANISM: EUROPEAN POLITICAL IDENTITY AT THE LIMITS OF TRANSNATIONAL LAW

The problem motivating this essay is the continuing, yet difficult hope for a Europe of democratic cosmopolitanism, for a Europe in which cosmopolitics works to continually question the terms of lingering exclusion while preserving our ideals of self-legislation and democratic authorship. In what follows, I expand the familiar criticism of Europe’s democratic legitimacy gap, its democratic deficit, as a lens through which to analyse the possibility of a supranational participatory identity within the European political space. First, I describe the contemporary juridification of European politics, specifically concerning the legal formalism of the European Court of Justice, and the dangers such depoliticisation poses to the search for a cosmopolitan demos , depriving it of its solidaristic base. Second, I offer a critique of Jurgen Habermas’s ‘constitutional patriotism’ as a viable frame in which Europeans might hope to dissolve the contradictions of a nascent constitutional democracy at the supranational level. Rather, following the work of Bonnie Honig, I develop a more primary and original paradox confronting the European Union: the ‘paradox of politics’, which posits the radical indeterminacy of the demos as the starting place for the creation of any political identity. Third, drawing on the work of Ernesto Laclau, I develop in greater detail the processes of symbolic identity-formation involved in such a creation, namely the interplay of inclusion/exclusion that characterizes modern political attachment. What this analysis elucidates is that the problem of EU constitutionalization and political integration is the problem of borders or of the closed polis , in general. The apposite symbolic frame of European political identity is therefore that of 'the heterogeneous', that which constructs yet destabilises our settled understanding of boundary and border and shows them to be contingent. Further, I argue that the operative European political subjects are now in a certain sense the refugees, the sans-papiers , and the third-country nationals, each of whom serves to remind EU citizens of this foundational contingency of existing legal orders. Practically, I analyse European citizenship and immigration laws within their broader institutional and policy contexts: asylum and refugee policy, Frontex and the EU’s border security policy, and the promise and dangers of various models of disaggregated citizenship operating within the European legal space. Finally, I conclude with a preliminary discussion of the political task that we might appropriately call European cosmopolitics: the reinvention of emancipatory and utopian possibility into the future, beyond the nation-state to the droit de cite , the assertion of unconditional citizenship. Here, the European city—as a site in which the droit de cite can be anticipated and achieved—is where new supranational sovereignties might be born.
Multi-sensing NDT for damage assessment of concrete masonry walls

Summary This paper presents a hybrid non-destructive testing (NDT) approach based on (non-contact) infrared thermography (IRT), (passive) acoustic emission (AE), and (active) ultrasonic (UT) techniques for effective damage assessment of partially grouted concrete masonry walls (PGMW). This hybrid monitoring approach could be implemented for the health monitoring of concrete masonry structures. The implementation of this system assists the cross validation of in-situ recorded information for structural damage assessment. NDT was performed on PGMW subjected to cyclic horizontal loading. The obtained IRT, AE, and UT results successfully monitored the progressive damage process throughout the loading history. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Red Blood Cell Autoantibodies

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare disorder caused by autoreactive red blood cell (RBC) antibodies that destroy RBCs. Although autoimmune hemolytic anemia is rare, RBC autoantibodies are encountered frequently and can complicate transfusion workups, impede RBC alloantibody identification, delay distribution of compatible units, have variable clinical significance that ranges from benign to life-threatening, and may signal an underlying disease or disorder. In this review, we discuss the common presenting features of RBC autoantibodies, laboratory findings, ancillary studies that help the pathologist investigate the clinical significance of autoantibodies, and how to provide appropriate patient care and consultation for clinical colleagues. Pathologists must be mindful of, and knowledgeable about, this entity because it not only allows for direct clinical management but also can afford an opportunity to preemptively treat an otherwise silent malignancy or disorder.
Parasites ofSpodoptera exigua, S. eridania [Lep.: Noctuidae] andHerpetogramma bipunctalis [Lep.: Pyralidae] collected fromAmaranthus hybridus in field corn

Three species of lepidopterous larvae were collected fromAmaranthus hybridus L. growing in field corn during 1975 and 1976 at Hastings, Florida.Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) was the predominant species in May.Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) was predominant in June andHerpetogramma bipunctalis (F.) in July and August.
An alternative procedure for evaluating the surface heat flux of a turbulent boundary layer with an unheated starting length

Abstract An alternative procedure for evaluating the surface heat flux of a turbulent boundary layer with an unheated starting length is presented. The procedure is based on the application of the two-layer model for velocity and temperature profiles. The 1 7 th power law is used for flow outside the viscous sublayer and linear velocity and temperature profiles are applied to the sublayer. The equation for surface heat flux is identical to that of the momentum integral method, but the procedure for evaluating surface heat flux in the present approximate solution is simpler and more rigorous.
Luminance contrast affects motion coherency in plaid patterns by acting as a depth-from-occlusion cue

Moving plaid patterns composed of component gratings that differ in luminance contrast tend not to cohere perceptually. Plaid patterns configured to mimic one occlusive grating overlying another also fail to cohere. We hypothesized that plaids constructed of components with different luminance contrasts fail to cohere because these components are interpreted as occlusive surfaces lying in different depth planes. It is known that when depth-from-occlusion and depth-from-binocular disparity cues support the same depth-ordering, both segregation in depth and motion non-coherency are more likely to be perceived than when these two cues conflict. We exploited this interaction and tested our hypothesis by introducing horizontal binocular disparity between two superimposed component gratings of different luminance contrasts. We found that both depth segregation and motion non-coherency were much more likely when the high-contrast grating was stereoscopically in front of the low-contrast grating. From these results we infer that luminance contrast acts as a depth-cue in plaid patterns, with higher contrast gratings appearing to lie in front of lower contrast gratings. Perceptual motion coherency parallels these depth-ordering judgments. We conclude that luminance contrast affects motion coherency by acting as a depth-from-occlusion cue.
Redirected Touching: Training and adaptation in warped virtual spaces

Redirected Touching is a technique in which virtual space is warped to map many virtual objects onto one real object that serves as a passive haptic prop. Recent work suggests that this mapping can often be predictably unnoticeable and have little effect on task performance. We investigated training and adaptation on a rapid aiming task in a real environment, an unwarped virtual environment, and a warped virtual environment. Participants who experienced a warped virtual space reported an initial strange sensation, but adapted to the warped space after short repeated exposure. Our data indicate that all the virtual training was less effective than real-world training, but after adaptation, participants trained as well in a warped virtual space as in an unwarped one.
A High Throughput Liquid Crystal Light Shutter for Unpolarized Light using Polymer Polarization Gratings

We report on a broadband, diffractive, light shutter with the ability to modulate unpolarized light. This polarizerfree approach employs a conventional liquid crystal (LC) switch, combined with broadband Polarization Gratings (PGs) formed with polymer LC materials. The thin-film PGs act as diffractive polarizing beam-splitters, while the LC switch operates on both orthogonal polarization states simultaneously. As an initial experimental proofof-concept for unpolarized light with ±7 ◦ aperture, we utilize a commercial twisted-nematic LC switch and our own polymer PGs to achieve a peak transmittance of 80% and peak contrast ratio of 230:1. We characterize the optoelectronic performance, discuss the limitations, and evaluate its use in potential nonmechanical shutter applications (imaging and non-imaging).
Is It Ethical to Have a Placebo Arm in Reperfusion Trials in the 3- to 6-Hour Time Window?: Yes

Geoffrey A. Donnan MD, FRACP Stephen M. Davis MD, FRACP Section Editors To date, no treatment has been proven to improve outcome when started >3 hours after the onset of acute ischemic stroke. Randomized placebo-controlled trials of new potential treatments are needed to: (1) determine if the treatment is effective; (2) determine if the treatment is effective in most patients or only in selected patients; and (3) determine, if only some patients benefit, the best way to select those whose benefit would outweighs risk. Intravenously administered tissue plasminogen activator has not been proven effective in randomized trials beyond 3 hours.1,2 However, pooled data from these and the NINDS trial and secondary analyses certainly suggest benefit up to 4.5 to 5.0 hours.3,4 Appropriately, whether tissue plasminogen activator is effective in the 3- to 6-hour time window is presently being tested in several ongoing placebo controlled studies. The International Stroke Trial-3 trial and ECASS III will determine if the drug is effective in such patients. The DEFUSE study suggests that only patients selected by finding regions of abnormal perfusion substantially larger than areas of irreversible damage on …
Effect of three NiTi files on transportation of the apical foramen

Aim To compare landed and nonlanded rotary file overinstrumentation on transportation of the apical foramen in the curved canals of extracted teeth. Methodology Severely curved molar root canals (n = 45) were distributed into three equal groups (n = 15) according to angle (mean 54°) and radius of curvature (mean 5 mm). Canals were overinstrumented 0.5 mm beyond the foramen to a size 35 master apical file using landed (ProFile ISO), nonlanded (ProFile Vortex) or nonlanded, reduced shape memory (Vortex Blue) files. Post-instrumentation images of the apical foramen were compared with pre-instrumentation control images for differences in area, circularity and ratio of Feret's diameters. Groups were compared using anova or Kruskal–Wallis tests with significance of P < 0.05. Results There were no differences between pre-treatment groups in the parameters tested. All groups demonstrated alterations in the geometry of the apical foramen. There were no significant differences between ProFile ISO, ProFile Vortex or Vortex Blue in area, circularity and ratio of Feret's diameters. Conclusions Landed, nonlanded and nonlanded reduced shape memory files all produced transportation of the apical foramen when overinstrumented by 0.5 mm in severely curved canals. There was no difference between these file systems with regard to the degree of this effect.
An experimental determination of the true uniaxial stress-strain behavior of brittle rock

An Experimental Determination of the True Uniaxial Stress-Strain Behavior of Brittle Rock Results are presented of an experimental study of the behavior of six rock types deformed under uniaxial compression into their respective post-failure regions. Based on the observation that a rock sample in a post-failure state can be considered to be composed of broken and unbroken rock and assuming that the reduction in load-bearing capability of rock in the post-failure region is due to a reduction of the effective cross-sectional area of the specimen resulting from the growth of large cracks within the rock sample, we show that there is a maximum true stress that the unfractured solid rock can sustain without inelastic deformation. This stress is constant and is defined to be the true failure strength of the rock. The value of this stress is calculated by dividing the force on the rock sample at any point along the post-failure curve by the true load-bearing cross-sectional area of the rock sample at that point. Theoretical and experimental techniques are developed which allow an estimate of the true load-bearing area of the rock sample at any point along the post-failure curve of the sample. For the rock types used in the study, which were deformed to preselected positions along their respective post-failure curves and with the assumption that the fractured rock carried none of the applied load, the two techniques of measuring the effective load-bearing area give results which are equivalent.
The Role Of Polarization In The Measurement And Characterization Of Scattering

When defects in optical elements scatter light they change its direction, intensity, and polarization. We discuss defect scattering in the context of the Stokes vectors and Mueller matrices that characterize the interaction.
β-Methyl carboline, a benzodiazepine inverse agonist, attenuates the effect of triazolam on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity

The benzodiazepine triazolam, the benzodiazepine inverse agonist, β-methyl carboline (β-CCM) or both, were administered to adult male hamsters under conditions of constant light. When given alone, triazolam induced phase advances in the circadian activity rhythm of about 90 min, while β-CCM when given alone, had no effect on phase of the activity rhythm. However, when triazolam and β-CCM were given at the same time, the magnitude of the phase advances induced by triazolam were attenuated to about 30 min. These data, in conjunction with previous results, provide pharmacological evidence for a GABAergic system involved in the regulation of a central circadian pacemaker.
Aquaporin-4 square array assembly: Opposing actions of M1 and M23 isoforms

Osmotic homeostasis in the brain involves movement of water through aquaporin-4 (AQP4) membrane channels. Perivascular astrocyte end-feet contain distinctive orthogonal lattices (square arrays) assembled from 4- to 6-nm intramembrane particles (IMPs) corresponding to individual AQP4 tetramers. Two isoforms of AQP4 result from translation initiation at methionine residues M1 and M23, but no functional differences are known. In this study, Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with M1, M23, or M1+M23 isoforms, and AQP4 expression was confirmed by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunogold labeling. Square array organization was examined by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. In astrocyte end-feet, >90% of 4- to 6-nm IMPs were found in square arrays, with 65% in arrays of 13-30 IMPs. In cells transfected with M23, 95% of 4- to 6-nm IMPs were in large assemblies (rafts), 85% of which contained >100 IMPs. However, in M1 cells, >95% of 4- to 6-nm IMPs were present as singlets, with 90% of IMPs in M23 arrays (≈1,000 cross-bridges per μm2) but were rarely seen in M1 cells. These studies show that M23 and M1 isoforms have opposing effects on intramembrane organization of AQP4: M23 forms large square arrays with abundant cross-bridges; M1 restricts square array assembly.
Merging, sorting and matrix operations on the SOME-bus multiprocessor architecture

Due to advances in fiber-optics and VLSI technology, interconnection networks which allow multiple simultaneous broadcasts are becoming feasible. This paper presents the multiprocessor architecture of the Simultaneous Optical Multiprocessor Exchange Bus (SOME-Bus), and examines the performance of representative algorithms for matrix operations, merging and sorting, using the message-passing and distributed-shared-memory paradigms. It shows that simple enhancements to the network interface and the cache and directory controllers can result in communication time of O(1) for the matrix-vector multiplication algorithm using DSM. The SOME-Bus is a low-latency, high-bandwidth, fiber-optic interconnection network which directly links arbitrary pairs of processor nodes without contention, and can efficiently interconnect over 100 nodes. It contains a dedicated channel for the data output of each node, eliminating the need for global arbitration and providing bandwidth that scales directly with the number of nodes in the system. Each of P nodes has an array of receivers, with one receiver dedicated to each node output channel. No node is ever blocked from transmitting by another transmitter or due to contention for shared switching logic. The entire P receiver array can be integrated on a single chip at a comparatively minor cost resulting in O(P) complexity. The SOME-Bus has much more functionality than a crossbar by supporting multiple simultaneous broadcasts of messages, allowing cache consistency protocols to complete much faster.
Optical trapping of nanoshells

We investigate near-resonant trapping of Rayleigh particles in optical tweezers. Although optical forces due to a near-resonant laser beam have been extensively studied for atoms, the situation for larger particles is that the laser wavelength is far from any absorption resonance. Theory predicts, however, that the trapping force exerted on a Rayleigh particle is enhanced, and may be three to fifty times larger for frequencies near resonance than for frequencies far off resonance. 1 The ability to selectively trap only particles with a given absorption peak may have many practical applications. In order to investigate near-resonant trapping we are using nanoshells, particles with a dielectric core and metallic coating that can exhibit plasmon resonances. The resonances of the nanoshells can be tuned by adjusting the ratio of the radius of the dielectric core, r 1 , to the overall radius, r 2 , which includes the thickness of the metallic coating. 2,3 Our nanoshells, fabricated at Rice University, consist of a silica core with a gold coating. Using back focal plane detection, we measure the trap stiffness of a single focus optical trap (optical tweezers), from a diode laser at 853 nm for nanoshells with several different r 1 /r 2 ratios.
Soundings on Cinema: Speaking to Film and Film Artists by Bert Cardullo. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2008

While it might seem an easy task to interview those in the arts, if one even has only a cursory knowledge of their work, being properly prepared for an interview is a lengthy process, and one that ...
431 ELEVATED TESTOSTERONE (T) LEVELS IN A NEWBORN WITH 3-BETA-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE (3 β-HSD) DEFICIENCY

The lack of virilization in newborn males with 3β -HSD deficiency has been attributed to their inability to synthesize Δ 4 steroids, particularly T. However, no steroidal studies using radioimmunoassay technology have been performed in the newborn with this disorder. A newborn male with pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias was found to have a serum 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 OH P) level of 11,000 ng/dl and a T concentration of 1,095 ng/dl. The serum 17-hydroxypregnenolone concentration was 21,200 ng/dl and urine steroid determinations revealed a predominance of 16-alpha- Δ5-hydroxysteroids, with a Δ5 to Δ4 steroid ratio of greater than 1, confirming the presence of 3 β-HSD deficiency. Tetrahydro-E, the major urinary cortisol metabolite, was virtually absent. Although the initial serum T concentration was markedly elevated, HCG stimulation revealed a blunted T response with a stimulated Δ5-androstenediol to T ratio of 5 to 1. The markedly elevated Δ 4 steroids, including T, probably resulted from in utero conversion of Δ5 steroids by hepatic 3β -HSD activity. Although hepatic T production resulted in elevated serum T concentrations, the lack of urethral fold fusion in this infant can be explained by the relatively late onset of hepatic enzyme activity when urethral fold fusion can no longer be induced. These findings suggest that Δ4 steroids, particularly T and 17 OH P, are elevated in infants with 3 β-HSD deficiency. Although 17 OH P determinations may serve as a screening test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, further evaluation is needed to confirm the specific enzyme defect.
Perceptions of hostility by persons with and without persecutory delusions.

Introduction. Current models of paranoia propose that ambiguous situations, in which cues regarding the intentions of others are lacking, may be perceived as hostile by persons with persecutory delusions (PD). Thus, a social-cognitive bias for the perception of hostility may be present. In this study, the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire (AIHQ) was used to present situations that are ambiguous regarding the intentions of others. It was predicted that on the AIHQ, persons with PD would show greater levels of perceived hostility, blame, and aggression than both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric controls. Methods. The sample comprised 32 persons with PD, 28 persons without PD (psychiatric controls), and 50 healthy participants (nonpsychiatric controls). Participants completed the AIHQ along with measures of paranoia, attributional style, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and public self-consciousness. Results. As predicted, the group with PD showed greater perceptions of hostility, blame, and aggres...
Singlet−Singlet Energy Transfer Mechanisms in Covalently-Linked Fucoxanthin− and Zeaxanthin−Pyropheophorbide Molecules

Two carotenoids, fucoxanthin and zeaxanthin, were covalently attached to each of five different pyropheophorbides. Singlet−singlet energy transfer within these ten carotenopyropheophorbide compound...
Treatment Strategies for Juvenile Delinquency: Alternative Solutions

Social workers involved in the treatment of adjudicated youth commonly encounter youth sentenced to traditional incarceration or parole as a path to rehabilitation. This article examines alternative treatment strategies for adjudicated youth, namely Victim Offender Reconciliation Programs (often called mediation), Boot Camps, and Wrap-Around Community-Based Care, to help these youth avoid reoffending. While popular with the media, policymakers, or the general public, an evaluation of the literature makes it clear that these programs do not necessarily guarantee lower recidivism rates for program participants. It is evident that further research and evaluation must be done in order to more fully understand the drawbacks and benefits of alternative strategies, and to more appropriately help adjudicated youth and their communities.
Interactions of La3+ and local anesthetic drugs with mitochondrial Ca++ and Mn++ uptake.

Abstract Interactions of lanthanum and some local anesthetic drugs with divalent cation uptake have been studied in rat liver mitochondria. The oxidation-reduction changes of the respiratory chain components and the development of the membrane pH gradient were measured during ion uptake. The trivalent ion lanthanum was found to be a powerful inhibitor of divalent cation uptake with half-maximal effect observed at concentrations of approximately 0.1 mμmole La 3+ /mg protein. The neurotropic drugs butacaine, dibucaine, chlorpromazine, and phenergan enhanced remarkably the divalent cation-induced membrane pH gradient. The possible mechanism of the action of lanthanum and local anesthetics ou mitochondrial membranes is discussed.
Simplification of the research diagnosis of HIV-associated sensory neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is the most common neurological complication of HIV infection, affecting over one third of patients. The research diagnosis of PN is complicated by the need for expensive, time-consuming, and noxious diagnostic tests. We investigated whether nerve conduction studies (NSC) and quantitative sensory tests (QST) provide added value for the diagnosis of PN for research purposes or whether the easily obtainable clinical measures (sensory and motor symptoms, sensitivity to pain and vibration, tendon reflexes, motor function) are sufficient.
Differential expression of hepatic UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase during dietary magnesium depletion

Abstract Male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 80±5 g were fed either a magnesium deficient (MgD) diet (30, 66 or 85 mg/kg) or a pair-fed control (PFC) diet (595 mg/kg) for 10 days. Serum Mg +2 was decreased 66% in the magnesium depleted animals (on diets of 30 and 66 mg of Mg +2 /kg), no significant change was noted for total liver magnesium concentration. Hepatic microsmes were prepared and used fresh or stored at −70°C. The total UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase (UDP-GT) activities were evaluated using microsomes activated with Triton X-100. Three isoenzyme activities of UDP-GT were determined for specific substrates: p-nitrophenol (pNP), bilirubin (BR) and lithocholate (LiC). Addition of magnesium (10 mM) to the in vitro reaction system increased each isoenzyme activity, pNP UDP-GT (100%), BR UDP-GT (350%) and LiC UDP-GT (100%). The specific effect of dietary magnesium depletion was a decrease in pNP UDP-GT activity while the BR UDP-GT and LiC UDP-GT isoenzyme activites were not significantly changed. Below a dietary intake of about 2 mg of magnesium/day, the loss of pNP UDP-GT isoenzyme activity was proportional to the decrease in dietary Mg +2 intake. Thus, expression of the pNP UDP-GT was specifically diminished at early stages of magnesium depletion. The mechanism of this selective Mg +2 effect is under further investigation.
Confocal Image Properties of a Confocal Scanning Laser Visible Light FT-Raman Microscope:

The confocal Raman microscope is an instrument designed for acquisition of high-contrast volumetric Raman spectral images of three-dimensional chemical structures. Little effort, however, has gone into the investigation of the spatial imaging properties of this class of confocal microscope. In this paper we present experimental results, obtained with a confocal scanning laser visible light FT-Raman microscope we built, that demonstrates the high depth resolution and enhanced Raman image contrast intrinsic to the confocal Raman microscope design. We explore these microscope properties through a combination of experimental measurement and theory based on a paraxial wave diffraction model.
Effects of tail docking on health and performance of beef cattle in confined, slatted-floor feedlots

Tail docking of feedlot cattle is a management practice used in some confined, slatted-floor feedlots of the midwestern United States. Justification for tail docking in these management systems is to reduce tail injuries and their sequelae and improve performance, but limited evidence exists to support these claims. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of tail docking on performance, carcass traits, and health parameters after tail docking in feedlot cattle raised in slatted-floor feedlots. Three separate trials were performed. Trial 1 consisted of 140 Angus-cross (370-kg) yearling steers that spent 144 to 160 days on feed (DOF). Trial 2 consisted of 137 Angus-cross (255-kg) weaned steers that spent 232 DOF. Trial 3 consisted of 102 Holstein steers (370 kg) that spent 185 to 232 DOF. Cattle were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: docked (DK) or control (CN). All steers received an epidural following surgical preparation of the sacrococcygeal area and postoperative intravenous flunixin meglumine. Approximately two-thirds of the tail of DK calves was removed and an elastrator band was placed near the tail tip for hemostasis. Performance parameters collected included daily gain, final weight, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Carcass data included HCW, subcutaneous fat thickness, LM area, KPH percent, marbling, USDA yield grade, and USDA quality grade. Morbidity, mortality, incidence of lameness, and incidence of tail lesions were recorded. Across all 3 trials, there was no significant effect (P < 0.05) of treatment on performance parameters, carcass traits, or health parameters. In all 3 trials, tail tip injuries occurred in 60 to 76% of undocked (CN) calves, developed while living in the slatted-floor environment, compared to 100% of DK calves, whose injuries were a result of the tail docking procedure. We were unable to identify a performance or significant health advantage to tail docking. However, tail tip injuries still occur in cattle raised in slatted-floor facilities. Because of the animal welfare issues associated with tail docking and tail injuries, we recommend pursuing alternative solutions to reducing the incidence of tail tip injury in feedlot cattle housed in confined slatted-floor facilities.
Theoretical absolute raman cross sections in benzene. Totally symmetric modes

Applications of earlier theoretical results to the Raman spectrum of benzene have been carried out. Absolute cross section calculations for totally symmetric (a1g) modes agree closely with experimental values. One feature of these calculations is the assumption that the main contributor to off-resonance Raman scattering arises from Franck-Condon overlaps. Remarkable off-resonance effects are caused by interference within completely determined vibrational sums.
Recursive automatic target generation process for unsupervised hyperspectral target detection

Automatic target generation process (ATGP) has been found very useful and effective for unsupervised target detection. It performs a sequence of orthogonal subspace projection to extract potential targets of interest. One major issue arises in ATGP is how to terminate the algorithm in the sense that how many targets are required for ATGP to generate before it is terminated. This paper presents a recursive version of ATGP, referred to as recursive ATGP (RATGP) which has two advantages. One is no need of inverting any matrix as ATGP does for finding each target. Most importantly, a stopping rule can be derived for ATGP via RATGP is also developed using the Neyman-Pearosn detection theory to determine how many targets needed to be generated by RATGP before it is terminated.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Verapamil

Verapamil is widely used in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias as well as for hypertension and control of symptoms in angina pectoris. Unlike other calcium antagonists, detailed pharmacokinetic data are available for verapamil. Plasma concentrations of verapamil appear to correlate with both electrophysiological and haemodynamic activity after either intravenous or oral drug administration, although considerable intra- and intersubject variation has been found in the intensity of pharmacological effects resulting at specific plasma drug levels.
Factors Associated With Health Care Access and Outcome

This study aims to (1) assess ethnic differences in health care access and health outcome between Asian Americans and Whites and between Asian American subgroups, (2) examine effects of cultural factors, and (3) investigate moderating effects of health risk behaviors between cultural characteristics and health care access and outcome. Data were derived from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey. Asian Americans (n = 4,462) and Whites (n = 4,470) were included. There were significant ethnic differences in health care access and health perception between Asian Americans and Whites and across Asian American subgroups. Health risk behaviors moderated relationships between cultural factors and health care access and outcome. Findings reveal that ethnicity affects an individual's health care access and health perception, and their health behaviors are an important factor that may improve or worsen outcomes. This study may increase our knowledge base of research and interventions to enhance ethnic minority...
Incidence of sexual dysfunction in neurologic disability

Patients and their families are frequently faced with changes in sexual behavior after the onset of a neurologic disability. Health professionals who familiarize themselves with the physical and psychological problems affecting sexuality can facilitate diagnosis and enhance the success of treatment programs. This article will review the available literature on the incidence of sexual dysfunction in neurologic disabilities frequently seen in the rehabilitation setting including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Quality of life for survivors of these disorders may be improved through comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address the issues of sexuality.
Design and Dynamics of Flying Height Control Slider With Piezoelectric Nanoactuator in Hard Disk Drives

To achieve the areal density goal in hard disk drives of 1 Tbit/in. 2 the minimum physical spacing or flying height (FH) between the read/write element and disk must be reduced to 2n m. A brief review of several FH adjustment schemes is first presented and discussed. Previous research showed that the actuation efficiency (defined as the ratio of the FH reduction to the stroke) was low due to the significant air bearing coupling. In this paper, an air bearing surface design, Slider B, for a FH control slider with a piezoelectric nanoactuator is proposed to achieve virtually 100% efficiency and to increase dynamics stability by minimizing the nanoscale adhesion forces. A numerical study was conducted to investigate both the static and dynamic performances of the Slider B, such as uniformity of gap FH with near-zero roll over the entire disk, ultrahigh roll stiffness and damping, low nanoscale adhesion forces, uniform FH track-seeking motion, dynamic load/unload, and FH modulation. Slider B was found to exhibit an overall enhancement in performance, stability, and reliability in ultrahigh density magnetic recording. DOI: 10.1115/1.2401208
Policy learning and deer co‐management in New York State: Insights from newspaper coverage

Resolution of urban and suburban deer problems often depends on learning and co-management. Local newspapers may reflect the learning occurring in a community. Past authors have identified 4 primary types of learning (technical, conceptual, social, and political). We studied newspaper content related to deer management for insights about the types of learning occurring in selected regions in New York State. We analyzed 263 newspaper articles published between 2000 and 2006. We found that the majority of content related to learning focused on conceptual and technical learning, but relatively little, particularly early in the evolution of deer management issues, focused on social or political learning. Our results suggest that additional attention to social learning focusing on collaborative relationships and constructive dialogue among stakeholders by both communities and newspapers could be beneficial in the resolution of deer problems. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Quantifying Surface Energy Fluxes in the Vicinity of Inland-Tracking Tropical Cyclones

AbstractTropical cyclones (TCs) typically weaken or transition to extratropical cyclones after making landfall. However, there are cases of TCs maintaining warm-core structures and intensifying inland unexpectedly, referred to as TC maintenance or intensification events (TCMIs). It has been proposed that wet soils create an atmosphere conducive to TC maintenance by enhancing surface latent heat flux (LHF). In this study, “HYDRUS-1D” is used to simulate the surface energy balance in intensification regions leading up to four different TCMIs. Specifically, the 2-week magnitudes and trends of soil temperature, sensible heat flux (SHF), and LHF are analyzed and compared across regions. While TCMIs are most common over northern Australia, theoretically linked to large fluxes from hot sands, the results revealed that SHF and LHF are equally large over the south-central United States. Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) 3-hourly LHF data were obtained for the same HYDRUS study...
On Public Aid to Christian Schools in the United States: A Reformed Christian Perspective

This paper seeks to provide a conceptual framework for understanding the topic of public aid to Christian schools in a Reformed Christian perspective. To do so, I need to clarify a Reformed Christian approach in regard to this topic and then review the studies of the issue in legal and educational aspects in the light of the Reformed perspective. Through reviewing legal and educational discussions, I argue that Christian schools are necessary for people to exercise their religious freedom and make a society more moral and spiritual and thus deserve receiving public aid. Nevertheless, public aid to religious schools needs to be carried out in a careful, restricted way.
Stochastic simulation of processive and oscillatory sliding using a two-headed model for axonemal dynein.

Computer simulations have been used in an attempt to understand experimental observations of processive and oscillatory sliding by one or a few axonemal dyneins. A simple two-headed model has been examined using stochastic simulation methods. To explain the experimental observations, the model must be capable of taking backward steps, as well as forward steps, and there must be hysteresis in switching between forward or backward stepping. When the effects of Brownian movement on motor strain are included, it is not possible to obtain oscillations as regular as the experimental records by using motor strain to regulate switching between forward or backward stepping.