cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of masonry arches and vaults

A growing interest in the preservation of historic structures has created a need for methods for the analysis of load-bearing unreinforced masonry structures, such as arches, vaults, and buttresses. Although the plasticity methods, first applied to medieval structures in detail by Heyman, provide a useful and intuitive approach to the understanding of the behaviour of masonry arches and vaults, their usefulness in performing actual assessments of such structures has limitations. The constitutive laws of the materials used in masonry structures are not always amenable to accurate treatment by the rigid–plastic simplification, and the complexity of many vaulted masonry structures makes the application of these methods difficult. Moreover, empirical studies have shown that these structures may be subject to three-dimensional effects that are not entirely addressed by the application of plastic or elastic analysis in two dimensions. Progress has been made recently in the development of constitutive laws for ancient masonry structures and in the application of these to the analysis of unreinforced masonry structural systems. Various formulations of three-dimensional finite element analysis, including discrete element methods, and plasticity methods have also proven useful.
Estimation of the noncentrality parameter of an F-distribution☆

Abstract The unbiased estimate of the difference in risks of estimators of the noncentrality parameter is derived. This result is used to study the admissibility of traditional linear estimators.
ICAM-5 modulates cytokine/chemokine production in the CNS during the course of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection

Chemokines are important in HSE development in the CNS but underlying regulatory events are unknown. Two-hybrid binding assays identified that intercellular adhesion molecule 5 (ICAM-5), an immune modulator in the CNS, interacted with neurovirulence factor, UOL, of HSV-1. Viral load and interleukin levels were similar in UOL deletion virus (DeltaUOL), and wild type virus infected mouse brains. However, higher numbers of lymphocytes, but unaltered soluble ICAM-5 and chemokine levels were detected in DeltaUOL infected mouse brains. In contrast, lower lymphocyte numbers, reduced soluble ICAM-5, and higher chemokine levels were detected in wild type virus infected brains. Our results suggest that ICAM-5 plays a critical role in modulating chemokine production in the CNS.
An Improved Copper Reagent for Quantitative Densitometric Thin-Layer Chromatography of Lipids

Abstract Eleven cupric compounds were screened to determine whether a different cupric anion might give greater and more uniform charring responses with lipid classes on TLC plates than cupric acetate. A procedure was developed which used 10% CuSO4 in 8% H3PO4 as a charring reagent. Improved reproducibility of charring was obtained by temperature-programmed heating of the thin layer plates from 30 to 180°C at 10 degrees per minute in the oven of a commercial gas-liquid chromatograph.
Toxin assay is more reliable than ICD-9 data and less time-consuming than chart review for public reporting of Clostridium difficile hospital case rates†

OBJECTIVE: Clostridium difficile–associated disease (CDAD) is common and has a 6.1% mortality. Governmental agencies have recommended surveillance, but reporting increases health care costs. We sought to identify a reliable method of reporting CDAD that will not significantly increase health care costs. METHODS: Patients were identified via database query for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th Edition (ICD-9) codes and C. difficile toxin positivity. All identified patients underwent a chart review, which was used to determine the accuracy of the database query methods. Methods of determining whether CDAD was acquired at the reporting institution were studied, and time required to perform each method was measured. RESULTS: The toxin assay reported 96.1% (369/384) of cases and had a positive predictive value of 100%. No difference was found in comparison of the toxin assay case rate of 15.7 per 1000 discharged patients to the rate of 16.3 identified by chart review (P = 0.440; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1–17.4), whereas the ICD-9 method was found to be significantly different by reporting 116.1% (446/384) of cases for a case rate of 19.0 per 1000 discharges (P = 0.001; 95% CI, 17.3–20.8). The time for data extraction via the toxin assay method required only 842 minutes, while the chart review method consumed 21,899 minutes. CONCLUSION: A positive C. difficile toxin assay accurately reports the institutional incidence of disease and is more reliable than ICD-9 query. This process can be instituted at a fraction of the cost of the standard chart review, and enables governmental agencies to inexpensively add CDAD to their list of reportable diseases. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011; © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Plant adaptation to acid, aluminum‐toxic soils

Abstract Aluminum (Al) toxicity is an important growth‐limiting factor for plants in many acid soils. The problem is not always economically correctable with conventional liming practices. But plant species and genotypes within species differ widely in tolerance to excess Al, and some of these differences are genetically controlled. Hence, an alternative or supplemental approach to the problem is to select or breed plant genotypes having greater tolerance to Al. A plant genetic approach has great potential for solving difficult soil fertility problems such as Al toxicity in acid subsoils. An important part of this approach is the determination of plant genetic, physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which plants tolerate mineral stress. Better understanding of stress tolerance mechanisms could lead to the development of more tolerant plants and more effective liming and fertilization practices for plants already in use. The objective of this presentation is to discuss our state of knowledge concernin...
Relationship of critical velocity to marathon running performance

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the critical velocity (CV) test for prediction of marathon running performance. Twelve subjects [mean age (SD) = 29 (4) years; mean body mass = 63 (13) kg] were tested for CV and completed the 1994 New York City Marathon. The CV (m.s-1) was determined from times to exhaustion at four treadmill running velocities. In addition, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak; ml.kg-1.min-1) and ventilatory threshold (Thvent) were determined from an incremental treadmill test. The Thvent was calculated using bi-segmental linear regression and was expressed as the velocity (m.s-1) at Thvent. Separate simple linear regression analyses showed that marathon time [MT; mean (SD) = 231.9 (27.4) min] correlated more highly with CV [MT = 445.3 - 50.3 (CV); r2 = 0.76, SEE = 14.1 min] than either VO2peak [MT = 390.7-2.7 (VO2peak); r2 = 0.51, SEE = 20.1 min] or Thvent [MT = 353.5 - 30.1 (Thvent) r2 = 0.28, SEE = 27.4 min]. A stepwise regression analysis resulted in CV (entered first) and Thvent being included in the prediction equation [MT = 443.5-78.9 (CV) + 34.3 (Thvent). R2 = 0.88, SEE = 10.7 min], while VO2peak was not included. These preliminary data indicate that the CV test may be an attractive field test for assessing marathon performance capabilities.
High-dose immunosuppression and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in autoimmune disease: Clinical review

Since 1996, a number of investigators have carried out phase I-II studies of high-dose immunosuppression with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in autoimmune diseases. Most of this activity has been in studies of multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Supported by animal models of antigen-induced autoimmunity, the rationale of HSCT is to time-shift the clinical autoimmunity to an earlier period, restoring self-tolerance. Even with the considerable experience of more than 200 transplantations since 1996, it is difficult to judge the optimal approach. This difficulty is in part because of the multiplicity of centers and protocols and the variability in patient eligibility and assessment, the extent of T-cell depletion, and the intensity of the preparatory regimens used. Other than that found in RA, treatment-related mortality has been higher than expected: 17% in SSc (with an additional 10% mortality from progressive disease), 13% in SLE, 13% in JIA, and 8% in MS. Protocol changes to improve safety have been instituted. These changes include the avoidance of high-dose rabbit antithymocyte serum in patients who received T-cell-depleted grafts, use of corticosteroids with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor during stem cell mobilization and as prophylaxis for the engraftment syndrome in MS, lung radiation shielding in SSc, and multiple precautions against the macrophage activation syndrome in JIA. Responses to primary and secondary endpoints have been seen, and there is a consensus among investigators and regulatory bodies that the time has come for randomized phase II-III studies. Each disease presents distinct difficulties: in MS, restriction of eligibility to patients with active inflammatory disease; in SSc, formulation of cardiopulmonary eligibility criteria to decrease risk; in SLE, judgment of whether HSCT adds any advantage to high-dose nonmyeloablative immunosuppressive treatment alone; and in RA, enhancement of response durability. All prospective randomized studies in these diseases must address problems in selection of the comparison nontransplantation treatment and appropriate stopping rules, particularly with treatment arms of unequal risk. Parallel trials in Europe and in the United States are in the late stages of design.
Evaluation of a Stratified Versus an Unstratified Universe of Cultures in Comparative Research

A comparison is made between the use of a stratified universe and an unstratified universe of cultures for sampling purposes. Samples are taken from the Ethnographic Atlas (1) by selecting from culture clusters (a first level of stratification of cultures) and (2) by a random selection from the total list of cultures in the Atlas. The analysis is done regionally, for Africa and North America. A chi-square, two-sample test indicates the essential similarity of the stratified and the unstratified universes; no significant statistical difference is found among the samples.Matched-pair, signed-ranks tests are used to determine (1) the comparative stability of successive samples taken from the stratified universe and those taken from the unstratified universe and (2) the interchangeability of cul tures within culture clusters. Results for Africa indicate no significantly greater similarity of successive samples based on culture clusters compared with successive random samples based on the totality of cultures....
Inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in oysters by high-hydrostatic pressure and mild heat

Several recent outbreaks associated with oysters have heightened safety concerns of raw shellfish consumptions, with the majority being attributed to Vibrio spp. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) followed by mild heating on the inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in live oysters. Inoculated oysters were randomly subjected to: a) pressurization at 200-300 MPa for 2 min at 21 °C, b) mild heat treatment at 40, 45 or 50 °C for up to 20 min and c) pressure treatment of 200-300 MPa for 2 min at 21 °C followed by heat treatment at 40-50 °C. Counts of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were then determined using the most probable number (MPN) method. Pressurization at 200-300 MPa for 2 min resulted in various degrees of inactivation, from 1.2 to >7 log MPN/g reductions. Heat treatment at 40 and 45 °C for 20 min only reduced V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus by 0.7-2.5 log MPN/g while at 50 °C for 15 min achieved >7 log MPN/g reduction. HHP and mild heat had synergistic effects. Combinations such as HHP at 250 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 45 °C for 15 min and HHP at 200 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 50 °C for 5 min reduced both V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus to non-detectable levels by the MPN method (<3 MPN/g). HHP at ≥275 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 45 °C for 20 min and HHP at ≥200 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 50 °C for 15 min completely eliminated both pathogens in oysters (negative enrichment results). This study demonstrated the efficiency of HHP followed by mild heat treatments on inactivation of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus and could help the industry to establish parameters for processing oysters.
Total solid-phase synthesis of bombesin analogs with different functional groups at the C-terminus.

Five bombesin analogs with different functional groups at the C-terminus were synthesized using a solid-phase strategy. The protocols were optimized using 4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoic acid (HMBA) resin to synthesize a common precursor followed by nucleophilic cleavage of the base sensitive peptide ester linkage. The C-terminal modifications included ethylamide, butylamide, methyl ester, propyl ester and hydrazide. Cleavage from the resin was possible with the fully protected or deprotected precursor peptide; however, higher purity of the final products was achieved when cleavage protocols were conducted after side-chain deprotection. The synthesized peptides were analyzed and characterized using reverse phase HPLC and ESI-MS. The peptides were obtained in 13–32% overall recovery, calculated from the coupling efficiency of the first amino acid residue, and in 91–97% purity. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic ureterolysis for relief of ureteral obstruction from retroperitoneal fibrosis

Objective To review our experience with robotic surgery for the management of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) with ureteral obstruction. Ureteral obstruction is common in retroperitoneal fibrosis RPF. Methods Since April 2006, 21 patients have presented to our institution with ureteral obstruction, apparently from RPF. All underwent robotic biopsy. If frozen pathology reveals malignancy, is equivocal, and/or the fibrotic reaction is extensive, we stent the obstructed side(s) and await final pathology. If RPF is confirmed, medical therapy is initiated to relieve obstruction; failures receive salvage ureterolysis. Lymphomas are referred to medical oncology. If frozen pathology demonstrates RPF, immediate ureterolysis is performed, if technically feasible. Ureterolysis is not performed for uninvolved contralateral systems. We reviewed data with institutional review board approval. Results Of 21 patients, 3 were diagnosed with lymphoma and 18 with RPF. Seventeen patients (21 renal units) with RPF received robotic ureterolysis (11 primary, 6 salvage); the other patient died of trauma before intervention. The only perioperative complication, an enterocutaneous fistula, required bowel resection. Three patients required a secondary procedure to relieve obstruction. At a mean follow-up of 20.5 months, no renal unit has evidence of obstruction, and all patients have improved or resolved symptoms. Furthermore, none of the 13 patients who underwent a unilateral ureterolysis have had disease progression to the contralateral side. Conclusions Robotic ureterolysis can be performed with minimal morbidity and provides durable success rates for relief of symptoms and obstruction in RPF. Biopsy remains integral to ruling out lymphoma. Empiric contralateral ureterolysis may not be necessary.
Multiphysics Tools for Load Bearing Antennas Incorporating Novel Materials

The design of next generation antennas (different classes of broadband and narrowband) that are structurally ruggedized, reconfigurable and sufficiently miniaturized for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) applications present us with several challenges due its multiphysics nature and its multi-scale. Of particular interest is the characterization of arbitrarily oriented (weaved) wire antennas embedded within novel polymer-based composites. In this paper, we delineate the challenges and approaches for the characterization of such antennas using a domain decomposition approach. Specifically, we propose an approach that combines the finite element method with Pocklington's integral equation for the characterization of volumes that exhibit highly varying fields. (4 pages)
Studying the Etch Rates and Selectivity of SiO2 and Al in BHF Solutions

One limitation to fabricating MEMS devices in some academic labs is the lack of polysilicon deposition technology. This limits the devices that can be fabricated because polysilicon is a common structural material in MEMS devices. In order to enhance the MEMS fabrication capabilities, expanding the use of Al as a structural layer has been researched. The main difficulty is the lack of a selective wet etch between the Al structural layer and the SiO2 sacrificial layer. In this study, seven etching solutions were studied on SiO2 and Al for their etch rates and selectivity. Two were buffered hydrofluoric acid (BHF) solutions with different concentrations of NH4F. Four were BHF solutions with propylene glycol or glycerin at different concentrations. The seventh solution was a commercial solution, Pad Etch 4. Among the seven etching solutions, 5:1 BHF gave the best selectivity between SiO2 and Al. Increasing the NH4F concentration from 5 to 7 parts did not increase the selectivity, but selectivity increased by adding NH4F in HF solution. Adding propylene glycol or glycerin to the 7:1 BHF solution did not increase the selectivity. When glycerin was added to 7:1 BHF solution it provided superior selectivity than was obtained from adding propylene glycol to 7:1 BHF. This paper will present the etch rates and selectivity of the 7 solutions along with comparisons with other published results.
Measurement of the isotropic background radiation in the far infrared

Iostropic background radiation measured in ozonosphere with balloon-borne far IR radiometer
Exacerbated Glial Response in the Aged Mouse Hippocampus Following Controlled Cortical Impact Injury

Abstract Old age is associated with enhanced susceptibility to and poor recovery from brain injury. An exacerbated microglial and astrocyte response to brain injury might be involved in poor outcomes observed in the elderly. The present study was therefore designed to quantitate the expression of markers of microglia and astrocyte activation using real-time RT-PCR, immunoblot and immunohistochemical analysis in aging brain in response to brain injury. We examined the hippocampus, a region that undergoes secondary neuron death, in aged (21–24 months) and adult (5–6 months) mice following controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury to the sensorimotor cortex. Basal mRNA expression of CD11b and Iba1, markers of activated microglia, was higher in aged hippocampus as compared to the adult. The mRNA expression of microglial markers increased and reached maximum 3 days post-injury in both adult and aged mice, but was higher in the aged mice at all time points studied, and in the aged mice the return to baseline levels was delayed. Basal mRNA expression of GFAP and S100B, markers of activated astrocytes, was higher in aged mice. Both markers increased and reached maximum 7 days post-injury. The mRNA expression of astrocyte markers returned to near basal levels rapidly after injury in the adult mice, whereas again in the aged mice return to baseline was delayed. Immunochemical analysis using Iba1 and GFAP antibodies indicated accentuated glial responses in the aged hippocampus after injury. The pronounced and prolonged activation of microglia and astrocytes in hippocampus may contribute to worse cognitive outcomes in the elderly following TBI.
Interaction of estradiol and photoperiod on activity patterns in the female hamster.

Abstract The extent of the effects of estradiol on the locomotor rhythm in hamsters is unknown. This study was designed to determine the ability of estradiol alone and in combination with the photoperiod to alter activity patterns. Intact animals displayed higher levels of activity in LD 16:8 than in LD 6:18. Ovariectomy without estradiol treatment caused a sharp decline in activity in LD 16:8; estradiol treatment prevented this. In LD 6:18, activity levels were unaffected by either estradiol or ovariectomy. Estradiol altered the temporal distribution of activity only in LD 6:18, advancing peak activity towards lights-off. Estradiol decreased the variability in day to day onsets of activity in LD 6:18, but did not affect onsets in LD 16:8. The data suggest that the activity rhythm of the hamster is comprised of discrete components; the response of each component to estradiol is differentially altered by photoperiod. Furthermore, estradiol is vital for the expression of high activity levels in the LD 16:8 female.
Proposed cation‐π mediated binding by factor Xa: a novel enzymatic mechanism for molecular recognition

Factor Xa (FXa) is an important serine protease in the blood coagulation cascade. Small synthetic competitive inhibitors of FXa are under development as potential anticoagulants. To better understand FXa structural features and molecular recognition mechanisms, we have constructed three dimensional models of FXa-inhibitor complex structures via a new search approach that samples conformational space and binding space simultaneously for DABE and DX-9065a, two bis amidinoaryl derivatives that are among the most potent and selective FXa inhibitors reported to date. We find the most probable binding modes for the two inhibitors to be a folded conformation, with one distal amidino group extending into the S1 pocket, forming a salt-bridge with FXa Asp-189, and the other positively charged group fitting into the S4 subsite, and stabilized by a cation-π interaction. We propose as a hypothesis that the cavity-like S4 subsite formed by the three π-faces of the aromatic residues Tyr-99, Phe-174 and Trp-215 is sufficiently rich in π electrons that it is not only a hydrophobic pocket, but also forms a cation recognition site. This proposed cation-π binding mechanism is one of the first proposed for enzymatic molecular recognition, and for which experimental verification can be obtained without any complicating charge compensation mechanism. Our models provide plausible explanations of the structure-activity relationships observed for these inhibitors, and suggest that cation-π interactions may provide a novel mechanism for molecular recognition.
Relativistic particle scattering

In the presence of competing relativistic formalisms for interacting particle dynamics, a model-independent axiomatic approach is proposed for the study of the following asymptotic aspects of relativistic classical particle dynamics: the definition of the scattering operator, scattering angle and time-delay, and the specification of a general functional interdependence between the objects so defined.
Identification and function of antioxidants from oat groats and hulls

Antioxidant components of methanolic extracts of groats and hulls from Ogle oats were identified and quantified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography after N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide derivatization. Ferulic, p-coumaric, vanillic, p-hydroxybenzoic, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acids and vanillin and catechol were quantified in groat and hull extracts. Additionally, caffeic acid in groat extracts, and o-coumaric, sinapic and slaicylic acids in hull extracts were quantified. Extracts from groats and hulls at levels of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% w/w, based on total phenolic content, were added to soybean oil, and their antioxidant effectiveness was compared with that of 0.02% w/w tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and a control (no additives) at 60°C in the dark by measuring peroxide values. Antioxidant activities of both extract sources increased with increased concentration. During 20 d of storage, the groat extract (0.3%) was not significantly different from TBHQ after day 16, and hull extracts (0.2 and 0.3%) were not significantly different from TBHQ on day 20. Oils containing pure phenolics at the same concentrations measured in the groat and hull extracts oxidized more quickly than did oils containing the extracts.
An angular unconformity in the Permian section of east-central California

The final phase of Permian continental margin tectonism in east-central California produced a widespread unconformity that separates Lower Permian strata from Upper Permian to Lower and Middle(?) Triassic strata. This unconformity has a maximum angular discordance of about 25° and locally truncates at least 1 km of Lower Permian strata. Leonardian and (or) early Guadalupian deformation that resulted in development of this unconformity may have been coeval with early phases of the Sonoma orogeny in Nevada and with Permian tectonism in the western Mojave Desert of California, but the tectonic relations among these events are uncertain. Permian deformation in east-central California took place along a southeast-trending segment of the continental margin that may have been bounded by an active sinistral transform fault zone.
Multiple sweep method of moments analysis of electromagnetic scattering from 3D targets on ocean‐like rough surfaces

This paper presents the multiple sweep method of moments (MSMM) analysis of electromagnetic (EM) scattering from three dimensional (3D) targets on ocean-like rough surfaces. The MSMM is a recursive method for solving the large matrix equations which arise in the method of moments (MoM) analysis of electrically large bodies. In the MSMM, the body is split into P sections and the currents on these sections are found in a sequential downrange-uprange fashion. The first sweep includes the dominant scattering mechanisms and each subsequent sweep includes higher order mechanisms. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that the MSMM is a very reliable and efficient tool for the analysis of this class of problems. The numerical results yield insight into electromagnetic scattering mechanisms associated with a 3D target on a rough surface, and provide accurate and robust reference solutions for more approximate techniques which can handle larger geometries more efficiently. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 241–247, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22074
Partitions with "N copies of N"

In this short note we prove a general partition theorem involving partitions with "N copies of N". These partitions arise in the Study of Hard-Hexagon Model and have recently been studied in [1]. To exhibit the importance of our main theorem we present three particular cases which yield elegant partition identities of Rogers-Ramanujan Type. We shall also pose a very significant open problem.
The effects of aging temperature on SAC solder joint material behavior and reliability

The effects of aging on mechanical behavior of lead free solders have been examined by performing creep tests on four different SAC alloys (SAC105, SAC205, SAC305, SAC405) that were aged for various durations (0-4 months) at room temperature (25degC), and several elevated temperatures (75, 100, and 125 degC). Analogous tests were performed with 63Sn-37Pb eutectic solder samples for comparison purposes. Variations of the creep properties were observed and modeled as a function of aging time and aging temperature. In addition, the chosen selection of SAC alloys has allowed us to explore the effects of silver content on aging behavior.
Isotretinoin Increases Skin Surface Levels of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Patients Treated for Severe Acne

Background A clear-cut need exists for safe and effective alternatives to the use of isotretinoin in severe acne. Lack of data regarding the specifics of isotretinoin’s mechanism of action has hampered progress in this area. Recently the protein neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been identified as a mediator of the apoptotic effect of isotretinoin on sebocytes. The goal of this paper is to further establish the clinical relevance of NGAL and to elucidate the factors that induce NGAL expression in sebocytes.
Daphnia predation on the amphibian chytrid fungus and its impacts on disease risk in tadpoles

Direct predation upon parasites has the potential to reduce infection in host populations. For example, the fungal parasite of amphibians, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is commonly transmitted through a free-swimming zoospore stage that may be vulnerable to predation. Potential predators of Bd include freshwater zooplankton that graze on organisms in the water column. We tested the ability of two species of freshwater crustacean (Daphnia magna and D. dentifera) to consume Bd and to reduce Bd density in water and infection in tadpoles. In a series of laboratory experiments, we allowed Daphnia to graze in water containing Bd while manipulating Daphnia densities, Daphnia species identity, grazing periods and concentrations of suspended algae (Ankistrodesmus falcatus). We then exposed tadpoles to the grazed water. We found that high densities of D. magna reduced the amount of Bd detected in water, leading to a reduction in the proportion of tadpoles that became infected. Daphnia dentifera, a smaller species of Daphnia, also reduced Bd in water samples, but did not have an effect on tadpole infection. We also found that algae affected Bd in complex ways. When Daphnia were absent, less Bd was detected in water and tadpole samples when concentrations of algae were higher, indicating a direct negative effect of algae on Bd. When Daphnia were present, however, the amount of Bd detected in water samples showed the opposite trend, with less Bd when densities of algae were lower. Our results indicate that Daphnia can reduce Bd levels in water and infection in tadpoles, but these effects vary with species, algal concentration, and Daphnia density. Therefore, the ability of predators to consume parasites and reduce infection is likely to vary depending on ecological context.
Peer Leadership in Sport: Relationships among Personal Characteristics, Leader Behaviors, and Team Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine peer leadership in sport using transformational leadership theory as a framework. We extended research (Glenn & Horn, 1993; Moran & Weiss, 2006) by examining relationships among personal characteristics, peer leadership behaviors, and team outcomes. Adolescent female soccer players (N = 191) completed measures assessing personal, leadership, and team constructs. Canonical correlation analyses revealed that (a) peer leaders were characterized by higher perceived soccer competence, peer acceptance, behavioral conduct, and intrinsic motivation; and (b) effective peer leadership was associated with players who reported greater task and social cohesion and collective efficacy.
High performance computational steering of physical simulations

Computational steering allows researchers to monitor and manage long running, resource intensive applications at runtime. Limited research has addressed high performance computational steering. High performance in computational steering is necessary for three reasons. First, a computational steering system must act intelligently at runtime in order to minimize its perturbation of the target application. Second, monitoring information extracted from the target must be analyzed and forwarded to the user in a timely fashion to allow fast decision making. Finally, steering actions must be executed with low latency to prevent undesirable feedback. The paper describes the use of language constructs, coined ACSL, within a system for computational steering. The steering system interprets ACSL statements and optimizes the requests for steering and monitoring. Specifically, the steering system, called Magellan, utilizes ACSL to intelligently control multithreaded, asynchronous steering servers that cooperatively steer applications. These results compare favorably to our previous Progress steering system.
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B infection during childhood

Twenty pediatric patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan were tested for HBsAg, and all were found to be positive. The youngest case was 8 months of age, five cases occurred between 9 and 10 years of age, and 14 cases occurred between 11 and 16 years of age. The serum α-fetoprotein was elevated in all 20 primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and the average survival of these cases after diagnosis was 4.7 months. Seventy per cent of the mothers of the pediatric primary hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 52.9% of their siblings who were tested also were positive for HBsAg. In addition, two families had clustering of primary hepatocellular carcinoma cases. The occurrence of primary hepatoceullar carcinoma in the pediatric age group suggests the need for close follow-up of young HBsAg-positive carriers. Also, prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus by immunoprophylaxis will significantly decrease both the hepatitis B virus carrier rate and the incidence of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in the asian population.
Characteristics of regional stresses in Alaska and neighboring areas

Earthquake focal mechanisms for a selected group of crustal earthquakes located in Alaska and neighboring areas have been compiled from various sources and regional characteristics of the horizontal stress have been deduced for the region from the mechanism solutions. The results show that the compressional stress regime of southern coastal areas continues inland through central Alaska and extends in a northeast direction. The western part of Alaska, including Chukotka and the Bering Sea adjoining Alaska and the Aleutian Island chain constitute a tensional stress regime.
Reduction of bovine plasma cholesterol concentration by partial interruption of enterohepatic circulation of bile salts: a novel hypocholesterolemic model

Interruption of enterohepatic circulation (EHC) of bile salts in several species is known to cause a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but to have little effect on high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The present study, for the first time, demonstrates that partial interruption of EHC dramatically reduces both plasma LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations in cattle. Five adult Holstein cows were surgically altered to allow controlled portions of bile flow to be diverted from the body. The animals were fed a low-fat, cholesterol-free diet. In two experiments, bile was diverted at 50% and 22% of total flow rates. By day 8 of diversion, both rates reduced mean plasma cholesterol from baseline (85 mg/dl) to about 8 and 18 mg/dl, respectively. Cholesterol was reduced in equal proportions in all lipoprotein fractions. In addition, plasma concentrations of triglycerides and phospholipids were also dramatically reduced. All of these plasma lipids returned to baseline within 1 week after restoration of bile flow. To determine the hepatic response to bile diversion, liver cholesterol concentrations, cholesterol synthesis rates, and LDL receptor-binding activities were determined in biopsy samples. In response to bile diversion, hepatic cholesteryl esters were markedly depleted while hepatic cholesterol synthesis rates were increased by more than 10-fold. Nevertheless, because the basal cholesterol synthesis rate was so low, it was estimated that the increase in synthesis would have supplied no more than 5% of the sterols depleted during bile diversion (1.2 vs. 25 mmol/day). LDL receptor-binding activity was significantly elevated, suggesting an increased uptake of plasma lipoprotein cholesterol by the liver. These results suggest that the unique sensitivity of bovine plasma cholesterol to enterohepatic circulation interruption might occur as a result of the inherently low rate of hepatic cholesterol synthesis in cattle. This hypocholesterolemic model might serve as an interesting tool for the study of factors regulating plasma HDL cholesterol.
The Role of Pitch Memory in Music Perception

The purpose of this paper is to review pitch memory, one of the less known aspects of music perception. In order to successfully perceive music, it is necessary to compare the pitch of successive notes in order to appreciate and recognize melodies. The process of recognizing and comparing the pitch of successive notes is called relative pitch. Pitch memory is important in the perception of relative pitch because it is necessary to hold the pitch of one note in memory momentarily before the next note is presented. Pitch memory is evaluated by altering a pitch discrimination task by placing silent intervals or intervals containing interference stimuli (e.g., noise, tones, speech) between the reference and comparison tones. Overall, research in this area suggests a significant relationship between pitch discrimination ability and pitch memory, and between pitch matching ability and pitch memory. Various stimulus and individual factors can also affect pitch memory ability.
Airborne TIS-B to TIS-B track correlation for reduction of Cockpit Display shadows

During development of revised international standards for the Aircraft Surveillance Applications (ASA) System RTCA Special Committee 186 Working Group 4 (SC-186 WG4) learned of operational cases of Traffic Information Service - Broadcast (TIS-B) track identifier changes (i.e., a discontinuity) across en route service volume boundaries. If not modified the preceding standards for airborne surveillance processors would allow generation of multiple coexisting airborne tracks for individual aircraft and corresponding symbols (graphical representations of these tracks) on cockpit traffic displays.
The 5′ and 3′ Downstream AUG Region Elements Are Required for Mosquito-Borne Flavivirus RNA Replication

Flaviviruses require complementarity between the 5′ and 3′ ends of the genome for RNA replication. For mosquito-borne flaviviruses, the cyclization sequences (CS) and upstream of AUG region (UAR) elements at the genomic termini are necessary for viral RNA replication, and a third motif, the downstream of AUG region (DAR), was recently designated for dengue virus. The 3′ DAR sequence is also part of a hairpin (HP-3′SL), and both complementarity between 5′ and 3′ DAR motifs and formation of the HP-3′SL in the absence of the 5′ end are conserved among mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Using West Nile virus as a model, we demonstrate that 5′-3′ DAR complementarity and HP-3′SL formation are essential for viral RNA replication.
The preparation of 3,3a,4,5-tetrahydronaphth[1,2-c]isoxazoles from dilithiated 1-tetralone oxime and select aromatic aldehydes

Dilithiated 1-tetralone oxime was condensed with several electron enriched aromatic aldehydes, such as 4-methoxybenzaldehyde or lithiated 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, followed by acid cyclization to new tetrahydronaphthisoxazoles, 3,3a,4,5-tetrahydronaphth[1,2-c]isoxazoles, with a trans geometry of the C3-H and C3a-H protons that was confirmed by X-ray single crystal analysis.
Walk-through angina phenomenon demonstrated by graded exercise radionuclide ventriculography: Possible coronary spasm mechanisms

was administered directly into the graft with complete relief of pain and resolution of ST segment elevation. Angiography of the graft (Fig. 2, C) now revealed the graft to be patent; there was normal distal runoff from the graft with a 75”; obstructive lesion of the native RCA just distal to the site of graft insertion. Subsequently, pain again developed associated with ST segment elevation. Graft spasm and complete occlusion was again demonstrated. NTG was administered without subsequent relief of pain or graft spasm. Nifedipine 10 mg was administered sublingually, also without any improvement. The catheterization was terminated at this point. During repair of the brachial artery, ventricular fibrillation developed which was successfully cardioverted. Subsequent observation demonstrated evolution of an inferior wall acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients with CAS have been reported to have less satisfactory results following CABG than patients with fixed obstructive disease a1one.3 Spasm of the bypassed native vessel or of additional non-bypassed native vessels has been postulated to be the mechanism for the less beneficial results with CABG in CAS patients. The current case demonstrated spasm of the bypassed native vessel and two additional mechanisms responsible for recurrent angina1 symptomatology; development of a significant lesion at the site of CABG insertion and spasm of the bypass graft itself. Spasm of the graft was transiently reversed by NTG but subsequently recurred resulting in AMI.
Alcohol's role in domestic violence: a contributing cause or an excuse?

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews evidence regarding the deviance disavowal approach to alcohol-related violence. It focuses on whether alcohol intoxication is used to excuse domestic violence, and whether this can explain alcohol/violence association. METHOD: Four hypotheses derived from the deviance disavowal approach were identified, including (i) people accept alcohol as a cause of violence; (ii) people attribute less blame and punishment to intoxicated aggressors than to sober aggressors; (iii) the belief that alcohol causes or excuses violence should be associated with and predict the occurrence of alcohol-related domestic violence; and (iv) the administration of a placebo should increase aggressive behaviour. RESULTS: The review suggested that some people do accept alcohol as a cause of violence, but that alcohol does not appear to mitigate blame, and this belief is not longitudinally predictive of violence. CONCLUSION: The evidence for a deviance disavowal model of alcohol and domestic violence appears quite weak. Language: en
Ethnic identity and perceived stress in HIV+ minority women: the role of coping self-efficacy and social support.

Ethnic minority women living with HIV (WLWH) face multiple stigmas that can contribute to overwhelming levels of stress, which could hamper their ability to manage their chronic disease. Little is known about whether having a greater sense of ethnic identity might insulate WLWH from stress. It is also possible that certain cognitive and interpersonal factors (i.e., coping self-efficacy and perceived social support) may act as mediators of this relationship. We hypothesized that WLWH with a greater sense of ethnic identity would report less stress because they access these cognitive and interpersonal resources to better manage stressors. The present study (1) related ethnic identity to perceived stress and (2) examined coping self-efficacy and social support as co-mediators of this relationship in a sample of low-income minority WLWH. Ninety-two minority women (89% African American) completed self-report psychosocial measures including the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Cognitive Coping Self-efficacy Scale (CCSE), and Social Provision Scale (SPS). Greater ethnic identity was associated with less perceived stress, and this relationship was mediated by greater levels of both coping self-efficacy and social support. WLWH who identify more with their ethnic group may experience less stress via their access to more cognitive and interpersonal resources.
The distribution of k-free numbers

Let k ∈ {3; 4; 5}. Let $$ R_k (x) = \sum\limits_{n \leqq xnisk - free} {1 - \frac{x} {{\zeta (k)}}} . $$ We give new upper bounds for Rk(x) conditional on the Riemann hypothesis, improving work of S. W. Graham and J. Pintz. The method stays close to that devised by H. L. Montgomery and R. C. Vaughan, with the improvement depending on exponential sum results.
Inconclusive caries-preventive results with chlorhexidine varnish in children and adolescents.

A critical summary of James P, Parnell C, Whelton H. The caries-preventive effect of chlorhexidine varnish in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Caries Res 2010;44(4):333–340.
Cycles in competitive electricity markets: a simulation study of the western United States

This paper describes the potential for power plant construction to appear in waves causing alternating periods of over and under supply of electricity. The end result would be major swings in market prices as the industry moves through the phases of a construction cycle. This paper begins with some background on why these cycles should be taken seriously as we write the rules for a restructured electricity industry. It uses computer simulation to learn that cycles could emerge if the western states adopt the market rules used in California. Construction cycles are a potentially serious problem, but they are not inevitable. This paper uses computer simulation to show that cycles could be dampened substantially by introducing a constant capacity payment along side of the market clearing price for energy. The paper concludes with an examination of the consumer impacts of a constant capacity payment. Wholesale consumers would experience higher costs in the short run, but lower energy prices would nullify the impact of capacity payments in the long run. Retail consumers would not necessarily face higher costs in the short run because of a reduction in charges for recovery of stranded costs.
The electromagnetic properties of the light pseudoscalar mesons via the Primakoff effect

The PrimEx (Primakoff Experiment) Collaboration is currently preparing to perform a high precision (1.4%) measurement of the two photon decay width of the neutral pion, i…o!∞∞ . The proposed 12 GeV upgrade of the CEBAF accelerator will enable a significant enlarging of the scope of these studies to include measurements of the two photon decay widths of the · and · 0 mesons, as well as of the transition form factors of all the light pseudoscalar mesons (… o ;·;· 0 ). These precision measurements would have a significant impact on the experimental determination of the ratios of the light quark masses (mu;md;ms), and on our understanding of some fundamental issues in QCD.
Stable inversion for nonlinear systems with nonhyperbolic internal dynamics

A technique to achieve output tracking for nonminimum phase nonlinear systems with nonhyperbolic internal dynamics is presented. The present paper integrates stable inversion techniques (that achieve exact-tracking) with approximation techniques (that modify the internal dynamics) to remove nonhyperbolicity of the internal dynamics - this nonhyperbolicity is an obstruction to applying presently available stable inversion techniques. The theory is developed for nonlinear systems and the method is applied to a two-cart and inverted pendulum example.
2-D shape classification using hidden Markov model

The authors present a planar shape recognition approach based on the hidden Markov model and autoregressive parameters. This approach segments closed shapes to make classifications at a finer level. The algorithm can tolerate a lot of shape contour perturbation and a moderate amount of occlusion. An orientation scheme is described to make the overall classification insensitive to shape orientation. Excellent recognition results have been reported. A distinct advantage of the approach is that the classifier does not have to be trained again when a new class of shapes is added. >
Can Consumers Escape the Market? Emancipatory Illuminations from Burning Man

This ethnography explores the emancipatory dynamics of the Burning Man project, a one-week-long antimarket event. Practices used at Burning Man to distance consumers from the market include discourses supporting communality and disparaging market logics, alternative exchange practices, and positioning consumption as self-expressive art. Findings reveal several communal practices that distance consumption from broader rhetorics of efficiency and rationality. Although Burning Man's participants materially support the market, they successfully construct a temporary hypercommunity from which to practice divergent social logics. Escape from the market, if possible at all, must be conceived of as similarly temporary and local.