cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Run-length-limited codes with multiple spacing

The general characteristics of run-length-limited codes are briefly summarized. The relationship of three variables-minimum and maximum periods between transitions, and detection window-is demonstrated; and it is shown that the accuracy with which a code may be matched to the characteristics of the recording channel depends upon the flexibility with which these three variables may be manipulated through choice of code parameters. Standard run-length-limited coding, in which the two parameters d and k may be varied, is inflexible in this regard, due to the requirement that the ratio of the minimum period between transitions to the detection window be integral (i.e., d + 1). This limitation vanishes when the run-length constraints are generalized to include an additional degree of freedom: the spacing s of the code. The drawback of such "multiple-spaced" codes is the potentially infinite propagation of detection errors; however, it is shown that for the special case of double-spaced (s = 2) codes, this problem may be eliminated. A detection circuit that implements double-spaced codes is shown, and an example is given of an easily implemented double-spaced code.
Synthesis and electronic structures of tetrakis complexes of phenyldialkoxyphophines with d10 metals

Abstract Tetrakis complexes of d 10 metals with PhP(OR) 2 (R = CH 3 , C 2 H 5 ) are prepared by reduction of anhydrous metal(II) halides in absolute ROH using an excess ol ligand. The new complexes characterized here are Ni[PhP(OR) 2 ] 4 , Pd[PhP(OR) 2 ] 4 , and Cu[PhP(OR) 2 ] 4 Cl. The Pd 10 and Cu I complexes are much more air sensitive than the Ni 0 complexes, which are relatively stable. The absorption spectrum of each of the complexes shows a band at lower energy than the first system exhibited by the free ligand; assuming approximate tetrahedral stereochemistry, this band is assigned to the metal to ligand transitions d(2e, 3t 2 ) → π * PhP(OR) 2 .
“Object complements” and conversation towards a realistic account

Based on a corpus of conversational English, I argue that the standard view of complements as subordinate clauses in a grammatical relation with a complement-taking predicate is not supported by the data. Rather, what has been described under the heading of complementation can be understood in terms of epistemic/evidential/evaluative formulaic fragments expressing speaker stance toward the content of a clause. This analysis, in which CTPs and their subjects are stored and retrieved as formulaic stance markers accounts for the grammatical, pragmatic, prosodic, and phonological data more satisfactorily than a complementation analysis.
The Social Responsibility of Management: A Critique of the Shareholder Paradigm and Defense of Stakeholder Primacy

Shareholder Theory allows management to ignore the interests of the other constituencies while pursuing its own narrow self‐interest under the guise (the ethical facade) of promoting the interests of the shareholder owners. The Shareholder Theory does not provide any relistic counterweight against management abuse. The Enron example strengthens the arguments for the use of Stakeholder theory and exposes the utter failure of the Shareholder Theory.
Integrated computerized patient records: a two-year Geneva experience

The UNIDOC system of computer-based medical records that was developed and made operational within the DIOGENE-2 Hospital Information System (HIS), is based upon a fully standardized and distributed open systems architecture. It should also be emphasized that UNIDOC illustrates a feasible marriage of the two technologies, UNIX and MS-DOS, is in many respects successful enough to be recommended as a sound general solution to medical office integration into a HIS.
Angiopoietin-2: development of inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) is a member of the Ang family, which plays an important role in angiogenesis during the development and growth of human cancers. Ang2’s role in angiogenesis generally is considered as an antagonist for Ang1, inhibiting Ang1-promoted Tie2 signaling, which is critical for blood vessel maturation and stabilization. Ang2 modulates angiogenesis in a cooperative manner with another important angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A. Genetic studies have revealed that Ang2 also is critical in lymphangiogenesis during development. However, new evidence suggests more complicated roles for Ang2 in angiogenesis in physiologic processes and invasive phenotypes of cancer cells during progression of human cancers. This article discusses recent studies of Ang2 in angiogenesis and the implication of Ang2 as a therapeutic target as well as a potential inhibitor for antiangiogenesis treatment for cancer patients.
The 7Li(3He, d)8Be and 7Li(3He, p)9Be reactions

Abstract Angular distributions for the reaction 7 Li( 3 He, d) to the 8 Be ground state and first excited state (2.90 MeV) were measured at 10 MeV, and distorted wave stripping calculations were made. Spectroscopic factors were deduced and are in fair agreement with those obtained from the effective-interaction calculations of Cohen and Kurath. Angular distributions for the reaction 7 Li( 3 He, p) to the ground and first three excited states of 9 Be(1.67, 2.43, and 3.03 MeV) were measured at 10 MeV. DWBA double-stripping calculations do not predict the observed angular distributions.
Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-infected infants and young children with dideoxynucleosides

Abstract The safety and activity of several antiretroviral agents are being evaluated for treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in infants and children. Intermittent oral and intravenous regimens and continuous intravenous infusion of the dideoxynucleoside, 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (zidovudine, AZT), have been shown to be beneficial in improving neurodevelopmental function and growth velocity in pediatric patients with AIDS. AZT, however, is limited by the associated development of neutropenia and anemia, which frequently necessitates transfusions. Another dideoxynucleoside, 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (ddC), also shows theoretical promise in the treatment of the pediatric AIDS population. This agent is not associated with the hematologic toxicity induced by AZT but does produce a painful sensory peripheral neuropathy. Sequential therapy with AZT and ddC may limit the toxic effects associated with the use of these drugs individually. Dideoxyinosine and soluble recombinant CD4 are two newer antiretroviral agents that are under investigation for the management of AIDS in infants and children. The activity of recombinant CD4 in preventing the transplacental transmission of human immunodeficiency virus is also being evaluated.
Attenuation of Electric and Magnetic Fields by Buildings

Results of an empirical investigation of the shielding properties of seven buildings, ranging from single-family detached residences to multistory office buildings, are presented. Both electricfield and magnetic-field attenuations were measured in the frequency range of approximately 20 kHz to 500 MHz.
Electronic stabilization of the superconducting composition of cuprate superconductors

Abstract By making analogies between the behavior with interatomic separation of the electronic states of small molecules such as the alkali halides with those of the cuprate superconductors, a model is generated which allows insights into the nature of the electronic description of the latter. Interaction between the state where the holes are carried on the oxygen atoms and the state where they are located on the copper atoms leads to a stabilization of the lower energy state. At critical values of the doping level and copper-oxygen distance, such a stabilization leads to a state which is a local thermodynamic minimum with mixed electronic character. It is shown how fluctuations in this state may be important, how it is very sensitive indeed to chemical composition, and how it can rationalize the thermodynamic stability of the superconducting composition.
Mechanisms contributing to sparing of function following neonatal damage to spinal pathways.

When spinal pathways are damaged in newborn animals and their behavior is examined in adulthood, motor function is superior to that seen in animals in which the same lesion was made in adulthood. This is theinfant lesion effect. After neonatal sensorimotor cortex ablation, spinal hemisection, or spinal transection, sparing of contact placing is observed; in adults, all three lesions abolish contact placing permanently. The anatomical correlates of the infant lesion effect are different in each case. After neonatal unilateral cortical ablation, an exuberant crossed corticorubral pathway from the other cortex fails to retract (as it does normally), giving the remaining cortex a path for mediating contact placing. After neonatal spinal hemisection, latedeveloping corticospinal axons take an aberrant course around the lesion and mediate contact placing. After neonatal transection, the spinal inhibitory GABA-ergic system fails to develop to a normal extent. This may result in abnormal enhancement of spinal reflex pathways, especially since some dorsal roots increase their input after that lesion. Thus, a number of factors may influence the outcome of damage to the developing nervous system.
Transfer matrix stability criterion applied to an amplidyne servo network

The problem of stability rightly enjoys a central role in the theory of servomechanisms. In this paper the transfer matrix stability criterion1 is applied to an electromechanic servo system employing an amplidyne as the amplifying element. This criterion is valid for either exact neutralization, the strict amplidyne amplifier (in which case a unilateral feedback loop ensues) or for over- or under-neutralization, the Metadyne amplifier (which results in a bilateral transmitting feedback loop). Both cases of neutralization yield substantial agreement between the mathematical predictions and the physical performances, with allowances for the necessary idealizations introduced to render the analysis tractable.
Fibroblasts in myocardial infarction: a role in inflammation and repair

Fibroblasts do not only serve as matrix-producing reparative cells, but exhibit a wide range of functions in inflammatory and immune responses, angiogenesis and neoplasia. The adult mammalian myocardium contains abundant fibroblasts enmeshed within the interstitial and perivascular extracellular matrix. The current review manuscript discusses the dynamic phenotypic and functional alterations of cardiac fibroblasts following myocardial infarction. Extensive necrosis of cardiomyocytes in the infarcted heart triggers an intense inflammatory reaction. In the early stages of infarct healing, fibroblasts become pro-inflammatory cells, activating the inflammasome and producing cytokines, chemokines and proteases. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as Interleukin-1) delay myofibroblast transformation, until the wound is cleared from dead cells and matrix debris. Resolution of the inflammatory infiltrate is associated with fibroblast migration, proliferation, matrix protein synthesis and myofibroblast conversion. Growth factors and matricellular proteins play an important role in myofibroblast activation during the proliferative phase of healing. Formation of a mature cross-linked scar is associated with clearance of fibroblasts, as poorly-understood inhibitory signals restrain the fibrotic response. However, in the non-infarcted remodeling myocardium, local fibroblasts may remain activated in response to volume and pressure overload and may promote interstitial fibrosis. Considering their abundance, their crucial role in cardiac inflammation and repair, and their involvement in myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis, cardiac fibroblasts may be key therapeutic targets in cardiac remodeling. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Myocyte-Fibroblast Signalling in Myocardium.
Effect of Cultivar and Planting Time on Resistant Starch Accumulation in Pigeonpea Grown in Virginia

Recent recognition of indigestible starch component named as “Resistant Starch” in the human small intestine raised our interest to execute the current study to identify the best cultivar to produce high-quality pigeonpea seed to incorporate in ongoing pigeonpea breeding program. Though pigeonpea was identified as one of the food legumes with high RS, there were no published reports for pigeonpea resistant starch accumulation as influenced by planting time. The experiment was conducted twice in replicated block design with four varieties and two planting times. The resistant and non resistant (hydrolysable) starch components of ground seed powder of four pigeonpea varieties were analyzed to identify the best planting time and best cultivar for high-resistance starch accumulation. Planting time and varieties showed significant influence on resistant starch (RS), total starch (TS), and hydrolysable starch (HS) accumulation. The pigeonpea variety W1 was significantly superior from other three varieties and has highest RS value (21.4 g/100 g) with 70 per cent RS out of its total starch (28 g/100 g). The planting time 2 (June 11) produced seed with highest values for RS (18.7 g/100 g), HS (6.5 g/100 g), and TS (25.2 g/100 g). The cultivar W1 is the better one followed by GA1 for use in further crop improvement.
Self-trapping of ortho-positronium in dense fluid helium

Previous theoretical work by the author, on electron self-trapping, is extended to positronium in helium. Results are obtained for several values of the positronium-helium $s$-wave scattering length ($a$), in order to determine the validity of published analyses of data on the dependence of the ortho-positronium annihilation rate on the average density and temperature of its fluid helium host. It is concluded that the recently reported value of $^{1}Z_{\mathrm{eff}}=0.129\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.006$ is not "contaminated" by self-trapping effects or models, while the value reported for $a=0.77\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$ \AA{} results from an invalid analysis. It is suggested that a value for $a$ in the neighborhood of 0.8 \AA{} may be reasonably inferred from available experimental data and the calculations presented here, but that the precision of this determination is not very high.
Naegleria fowleri: Characterization of a Secreted Histolytic Cysteine Protease

Abstract Naegleria fowleri is the etiologic agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but rapidly fatal disease of humans. It invades the central nervous system via nasal mucosa and cribriform plate. Once in brain tissue, the organism induces an acute hemorrhagic, necrotizing meningoencephalitis. We hypothesize that a protease released by the parasite contributes to tissue destruction and facilitates host invasion. Analysis of conditioned media of N. fowleri cultures revealed a major 30-kDa protease with substrate and inhibitor specificity consistent with cysteine proteases. Amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme showed it to be a thiol protease with homology to cathepsin L. It catalyzed the in vitro degradation of extracellular matrix and had a cytopathic effect on mammalian cells. Both ameba-induced matrix degradation and the cytopathic effect are inhibited by Z-Phe-Ala-fluoromethyl ketone, an irreversible cysteine protease inhibitor. Our results indicate that N. fowleri secretes a cysteine protease with the capacity to destroy host tissue. Naegleria gruberi, a nonpathogenic species, expresses a similar protease but, unlike its pathogenic relative, is not thermotolerant to temperatures above 30°C.
Suppression of gastric H2-receptor mediated function in patients with bronchial asthma and ragweed allergy

We have previously demonstrated a depression of airway, vascular, and cutaneous H 2 -histamine receptor function in sheep with experimental allergic asthma. In the present investigation, we wished to determine if there is a depression of gastric H 2 -receptor function in subjects with allergic bronchial asthma. In eight normal subjects and seven subjects with allergic bronchial asthma and bronchial reactivity to ragweed antigen, gastric H 2 -receptor function was assessed by measuring basal and maximal stimulated acid output following pretreatment with a placebo or the H 2 -antagonist, cimetidine. Maximal stimulated acid output was defined as the peak acid output (PAO mEq/hr) of hydrochloric acid following a subcutaneous injection of histalog (1.5 mg/kg), and selective H 2 -stimulation as ∆ PAO=PAO placebo – PAO cimetidine . While basal acid output was not different between the two groups, mean (± SD) PAO was significantly lower in the asthmatic group (14.0 ±8.2 mEq/hr) than the normal group (27.9 ±9.4 mEq/hr) (p 2 -receptor stimulation in the latter. We conclude that in subjects with bronchial asthma and marked bronchial hyperreactivity to ragweed antigen, there is a depression of gastric H 2 -histamine receptor function.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma

EPIDEMIOLOGY : Uncommon, elderly with equal gender distribution. ETIOLOGY : Ultraviolet light, immunosupression, polyoma virus. PATHOLOGY: Diffuse, trabecular, or nodular aggregates of small blue cells with scant cytoplasm. PROGNOSIS : Poor, 5-year 50% mortality adverse outcome with lymph node or systemic spread.
Heat diffusion in heterogeneous bodies using heat-flux-conserving basis functions

The generalized analytical derivation presented here enables one to obtain solutions to the diffusion equation in complex heterogeneous geometries. A new method of constructing basis functions is introduced that preserved the contiuity of temperature and heat flux throughout the domain, specifically at the boundary of each inclusion. A set of basis functions produced in this manner can be used in conjunction with the Green's function derived through the Galerkin procedure to produce a useful solution method. A simple geometry is selected for comparison with the finite difference method. Numerical results obtained by this method are in excellent agreement with finite-difference data.
Snoring (I): Daytime Sleepiness in Regular Heavy Snorers

Fifteen men, mean ( x ¯ ) age 44 years, were investigated. Their x ¯ body mass index was 21.9 kg/m 2 , and all of them had a respiratory disturbance index below 5 and had good nocturnal oxygen saturation. The subjects were monitored several nights both with and without the following devices: a tight-fitting facial mask, a pneumotachometer, and an esophageal balloon. They were also monitored with and without nasal continuous positive airway pressure. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test was administered after three of the experimental nights (after the baseline nights and after the second nasal CPAP night). Determination of short EEG arousals during nocturnal sleep, which lasted 2 to 10 s, was performed. The relationship between short EEG arousals, the esophageal pressure nadir, and airflow decrease was investigated. We also determined the relationship between clinical reporting of decrease in daytime alertness and MSLT results, and the relationship between MSLT results and the frequency of EEG arousals. The monitoring indicated that heavy snorers may present significant increase in Pes nadir with abrupt decrease in flow leading to EEG arousals. The frequency at which EEG arousals occur has an impact on MSLT scores. Nasal CPAP improves MSLT scores and eliminates these respiration-related EEG arousals. Some heavy snorers without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be at a risk of having a decrease in daytime alertness. (Chest 1991; 99:40–48)
First Observation of the Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) in Raccoon Creek (Ohio River Basin) in Southeastern Ohio in 57 Years

Abstract Ammocrypta pellucida (Eastern Sand Darter) has a broad and sporadic distribution in eastern North America. Once common, the species has experienced a sharp decline in its range during the last 50 years primarily because of habitat destruction. Populations now persist only in isolated localities which contain clean, sandy substrates. In this paper, we document the presence of the Eastern Sand Darter in Racoon Creek in southeastern Ohio, where it had not been reported in over 57 years, and briefly review its historical and contemporary distribution throughout the state. This new distributional observation suggests stabilization and perhaps gradual recovery of an ecologically sensitive species recently considered for federal listing.
Convergence properties of Monte Carlo functional expansion tallies

The functional expansion tally (FET) is a method for constructing functional estimates of unknown tally distributions via Monte Carlo simulation. This technique uses a Monte Carlo calculation to estimate expansion coefficients of the tally distribution with respect to a set of orthogonal basis functions. The rate at which the FET approximation converges to the true distribution as the expansion order is increased is developed. For sufficiently smooth distributions the FET is shown to converge faster, and achieve a lower residual error, than a histogram approximation.
The Oguchi upper bound on the magnetization for ferromagnetic Ising models

The Oguchi approximation is shown to give an upper bound on the magnetization for spin-1/2 Ising models with arbitrary ferromagnetic pair couplings. The resulting bound on the critical temperature is shown to better than the mean field bound. For ferromagnetic spin-1/2 models where the three-body approximation predicts a unique magnetization, this too is shown to give a magnetization bound and an even better bound on the critical temperature.
Human pituitary contains dual cathepsin L and prohormone convertase processing pathway components involved in converting POMC into the peptide hormones ACTH, α-MSH, and β-endorphin

The production of the peptide hormones ACTH, α-MSH, and β-endorphin requires proteolytic processing of POMC which is hypothesized to utilize dual cysteine- and subtilisin-like protease pathways, consisting of the secretory vesicle cathepsin L pathway and the well-known subtilisin-like prohormone convertase (PC) pathway. To gain knowledge of these protease components in human pituitary where POMC-derived peptide hormones are produced, this study investigated the presence of these protease pathway components in human pituitary. With respect to the cathepsin L pathway, human pituitary contained cathepsin L of 27–29 kDa and aminopeptidase B of ~64 kDa, similar to those in secretory vesicles of related neuroendocrine tissues. The serpin inhibitor endopin 2, a selective inhibitor of cathepsin L, was also present. With respect to the PC pathway, human pituitary expresses PC1/3 and PC2 of ~60–65 kDa, which represent active PC1/3 and PC2; peptide hormone production then utilizes carboxypeptidase E (CPE) which is present as a protein of ~55 kDa. Analyses of POMC products in human pituitary showed that they resemble those in mouse pituitary which utilizes cathepsin L and PC2 for POMC processing. These findings suggest that human pituitary may utilize the cathepsin L and prohormone convertase pathways for producing POMC-derived peptide hormones.
Cytoplasmic male sterility.

Cytoplasmic inheritance is of theoretical importance-it may be of even greater practical importance, for, when it involves malesterility-as in many instances it does-it may make hybridization easier. It may also make possible the use of heterosis in plants otherwise difficult to hybridize. The effect of the cytoplasm on the inheritance of male-sterility was speculated on before the rediscovery of Mendel's Laws:
Potential toxicity of materials used for home insulation

The two aqueous solutions used for production of residential home insulation by the so-called urea-formaldehyde process were tested for their ability to react with cellular macromolecules. One of the components (the catalyst-surfactant) changed the apparent molecular weight of isolated DNA and increased its rate of attachment to bacterial and animal cells. The other component (the formaldehyde-urea resin) showed both these activities, especially following its exposure to mouse or rat liver extracts (postmitochondrial supernatants). Actively growing HeLa cells exposed to the catalyst-surfactant solution and then extracted with phenol yielded diminishing amounts of DNA, suggesting the formation of strong bonds to other cellular macromolecules, most likely to proteins. Formation of complexes between nucleic acids and proteins, enhanced cellular binding of DNA, and decreased extractability of DNA from growing cells exposed to chemicals have been found in separate studies to correlate with carcinogenic activity of various substances. Since a significant number of buildings will be insulated with this urea-formaldehyde foam and since such foam is also used in agriculture on crops, appropriate precautions should be taken to limit human exposure to the component materials.
Women Living with Serious Mental Illness: The Impact of Sexual Stigma and Sexual Wellness on Quality of Life

Sexual stigma and sexual wellness affect the quality of life for women who have serious mental illnesses (SMI). As a result of stigma, women with SMI often experience negative social attitudes and restrictive social perspectives. In this article, we will discuss the limited opportunities for sexual expression among women who receive inpatient psychiatric services due to restrictive policies. We will also discuss sexual wellness among women with SMI, and the importance of developing positive body esteem, sexual esteem, and sexual satisfaction. We will review the physical and psychological obstacles women with SMI may experience, which may impact sexual wellness. Health and sexual problems will also be presented as a result of the side effects of psychiatric medication. Also, we will discuss the increased risk of abuse and sexual risk behavior women with SMI may have. We will discuss the bias many counseling professionals tend to exhibit when working with women with SMI due to viewing these clients as asexu...
Vortex rings and finite-wave-number superfluidity near the 4He lambda transition.

The superfluid response to a perturbation of wave number k is calculated using a vortex-ring theory of the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ \ensuremath{\lambda} transition. Rings of diameter greater than ${\mathit{k}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ cannot follow the perturbation, and this leads to a finite-size broadening of the superfluid density near ${\mathit{T}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$. The vortex theory provides a new perspective on the Feynman-Onsager proposal that rotons are vortex rings of the smallest size.
The costs associated with the evaluation of rotator cuff tears before surgical repair.

Background Patients undergoing rotator cuff repair typically have a diagnostic evaluation and trial of nonoperative therapy before surgery. Recent studies have evaluated the cost-effectiveness of surgery, but none have attempted to estimate the costs associated with the preoperative evaluation. This study used available data to examine major expenditures during the preoperative period. Materials and methods We conducted a search using an insurance company database to identify patients undergoing rotator cuff repair from 2004 to 2009. Patients were identified by the common Current Procedural Terminology codes for rotator cuff repair. The associated charge codes for the 90-day period before surgery were categorized as outpatient physician visits, diagnostic imaging studies, injections, physical therapy, laboratory and other preoperative studies, prior surgeries, and miscellaneous. The frequency of each code and the associated charges were noted. Results In total, 92,688 patients were identified in the study period. A total of $161,993,100 was charged during the preoperative period, for an average of $1,748 per patient. Diagnostic imaging charges totaled $104,510,646 (65%); injections, $5,145,227 (3%); outpatient visits, $29,723,751 (18%); physical therapy, $13,844,270 (8.5%); preoperative studies, $6,792,245 (4.2%); and miscellaneous, $1,164,688 ( Conclusions The costs for preoperative evaluation of rotator cuff tears are substantial, and the majority of the costs are associated with magnetic resonance imaging. To help reduce costs, future studies should attempt to identify the factors that predict which patients might not respond to nonoperative management and might benefit from early surgical intervention. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging should perhaps be reserved for patients in whom the diagnosis cannot be achieved by other modalities.
PM2.5 analog forecast and Kalman filter post-processing for the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model

Abstract A new post-processing method for surface particulate matter (PM2.5) predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developmental air quality forecasting system using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model is described. It includes three main components: • A real-time quality control procedure for surface PM2.5 observations; • Model post-processing at each observational site using historical forecast analogs and Kalman filtering; • Spreading the forecast corrections from the observation locations to the entire gridded domain. The methodology is tested using 12 months of CMAQ forecasts of hourly PM2.5, from December 01, 2009 through November 30, 2010. The model domain covers the contiguous USA, and model data are verified against U.S. Environmental Prediction Agency AIRNow PM2.5 observations measured at 716 stations over the CMAQ domain. The model bias is found to have a strong seasonal dependency, with a large positive bias in winter and a small bias in the summer months, and also to have a strong diurnal cycle. Five different post-processing techniques are compared, including a seven-day running mean subtraction, Kalman-filtering, analogs, and combinations of analogs and Kalman filtering. The most accurate PM2.5 forecasts have been found to be produced when using historical analogs of the hourly Kalman-filtered forecasts, referred to as KFAN. The choice of meteorological variables used in the hourly analog search is also found to have a significant effect. A monthly error analysis is computed, in each case using the remaining 11 months of the data set for the analog searches. The improvement of KFAN errors over the raw CMAQ model errors ranges from 50 to 75% for MAE and from 40 to 60% for the correlation coefficient. Since the post-processing analysis is only done at the locations where observations are available, the spreading of post-processing correction information over nearby model grid points is necessary to make forecast contour maps. This spreading of information is accomplished with an eight-pass Barnes-type iterative objective analysis scheme. The final corrected CMAQ forecast over the entire domain is composed of the sum of the original CMAQ forecasts and the KFAN bias information interpolated over the entire domain, and is applied on an hourly basis.
A cylinder model for characterization of deformation and damage development in a unidirectional composite

Abstract A cylinder model is proposed to provide the framework of stress analysis for multiple-fiber or matrix-fracture problems in unidirectional composites under longitudinal tension. On the basis of assumptions of axisymmetric displacement fields, the principle of virtual work is applied and governing equations are derived. The equations lead to a general correlation between macroscopic and microscopic deformation of damaged composites. The results are independent of fiber/matrix interface bonding conditions. The theory is applied to the damage development of unidirectional brittle-matrix composites. The transverse strain reversal phenomenon is explained by the model as the direct result of underlying mechanics of damaged composites, and thus can be used to help identify the microscopic damage development. The calculation suggests that interface debonding occurs along with matrix cracking, possibly with some delay, followed by interface crack opening after debonding.
FAMILY POLICIES, WOMEN, AND THE COLLECTIVE INTEREST IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA

This paper analyzes marriage and divorce reform and family planning policies in the People's Republic of China in the context of the state-defined collective interest. A theoretical examination of the contradictions between women's liberation and the Marxist defined economic and political concerns of the state shows that liberation cannot be achieved until the state acknowledges the values of social reproduction and family nurturance. The empirical discussion of recent reforms in family policies in China points to the continuing manipulation of women's interests by the state. The tendency of the PRC government to make policy based on narrow economic considerations results in the maintenance of a system in which women's special interests are exclude from the collective interest and thus denied legitimacy.
Clinical utility of CA 125 in preoperative diagnosis of patients with pelvic masses

The preoperative prediction of whether a pelvic mass is benign or malignant is of great clinical use. Ultrasound examinations have become increasingly popular but despite this remains problematic. It is discussed whether or not preoperative serum CA 125 levels may be of value in differentiating between a benign and a malignant pelvic mass. When the results of the CA 125 assay are added to any other diagnostic test in the postmenopausal patient, predictive values approach 100%. Utilizing CA 125 levels, a workup scheme may be developed and an operative intervention may be in order based on a high degree of preoperative diagnostic accuracy.
Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology of HERG Single-Channel Currents and Block by Dofetilide

Background The human ether-a-go-go–related gene ( HERG ) is one locus for the hereditary long-QT syndrome. A hypothesis is that HERG produces the repolarizing cardiac potassium current IKr, with the consequence that mutations in HERG prolong the QT interval by reducing IKr. The elementary properties of HERG are unknown, and as a test of the hypothesis that HERG produces IKr, we compared their elementary properties. Methods and Results We injected HERG cRNA into Xenopus oocytes and measured currents from single channels or current variance from the noise produced by ensembles of channels recorded from macro patches. Single-channel conductance was dependent on the extracellular potassium concentration ([K]o). At physiological [K]o, it was 2 picosiemens (pS), and at 100 mmol/L [K]o, it was 10 pS. Openings occurred in bursts with a mean duration of 26 ms at −100 mV. Mean open time was 3.2 ms and closed times were 1.0 and 26 ms. In excised macro patches, HERG currents were blocked by the class III antiarrhythmic drug dofetilide, with an IC50 of 35 nmol/L. Dofetilide block was slow and greatly attenuated at positive potentials at which HERG rectifies. Conclusions The microscopic physiology of HERG and IKr is similar, consistent with HERG being an important component of IKr. The pharmacology is also similar; dofetilide appears to primarily block activated channels and has a much lower affinity for closed and inactivated channels.
Energy conversion in laser propulsion: III

Conversion of pulses of CO2 laser energy (18 microsecond pulses) to propellant kinetic energy was studied in a Myrabo Laser Lightcraft (MLL) operating with laser heated STP air and laser ablated delrin propellants. The MLL incorporates an inverted parabolic reflector that focuses laser energy into a toroidal volume where it is absorbed by a unit of propellant mass that subsequently expands in the geometry of the plug nozzle aerospike. With Delrin propellant, measurements of the coupling coefficients and the ablated mass as a function of laser pulse energy showed that the efficiency of conversion of laser energy to propellant kinetic energy was ∼ 54%. With STP air, direct experimental measurement of efficiency was not possible because the propellant mass associated with measured coupling coefficients was not known. Thermodynamics predicted that the upper limit of the efficiency of conversion of the internal energy of laser heated air to jet kinetic energy, α, is ∼ 0.30 for EQUILIBRIUM expansion to 1 bar pressure. For FROZEN expansion α ∼ 0.27. These upper limit efficiencies are nearly independent of the initial specific energy from 1 to 110 MJ/kg. With heating of air at its Mach 5 stagnation density (5.9 kg/m3 as compared to STP air density of 1.18 kg/m3) these efficiencies increase to about 0.55 (equilibrium) and 0.45 (frozen). Optimum blowdown from 1.18 kg/m3 to 1 bar occurs with expansion ratios ∼ 1.5 to 4 as internal energy increases from 1 to 100 MJ/kg. Optimum expansion from the higher density state requires larger expansion ratios, 8 to 32. Expansion of laser ablated Delrin propellant appears to convert the absorbed laser energy more efficiently to jet kinetic energy because the effective density of the ablated gaseous Delrin is significantly greater than that of STP air.
An Anaerobic Methane-Oxidizing Community of ANME-1b Archaea in Hypersaline Gulf of Mexico Sediments

Sediments overlying a brine pool methane seep in the Gulf of Mexico (Green Canyon 205) were analyzed using molecular and geochemical approaches to identify geochemical controls on microbial community composition and stratification. 16S rRNA gene and rRNA clone libraries, as well as mcrA gene clone libraries, showed that the archaeal community consists predominantly of ANME-1b methane oxidizers; no archaea of other ANME subgroups were found with general and group-specific PCR primers. The ANME-1b community was found in the sulfate-methane interface, where undersaturated methane concentrations of ca. 100 to 250 μM coexist with sulfate concentrations around 10 mM. Clone libraries of dsrAB genes and bacterial 16S rRNA genes show diversified sulfate-reducing communities within and above the sulfate-methane interface. Their phylogenetic profiles and occurrence patterns are not linked to ANME-1b populations, indicating that electron donors other than methane, perhaps petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, drive sulfate reduction. The archaeal component of anaerobic oxidation of methane is comprised of an active population of mainly ANME-1b in this hypersaline sediment.
Development of Children's Understanding of Connections Between Thinking and Feeling

Two studies assessed the development of children's understanding that thoughts and feelings are closely interlinked. These studies showed that, unlike 8-year-olds and adults, 5-year-olds seldom explained a sudden change in emotion that had no apparent external cause by appeal to the occurrence of a thought. They also tended not to recognize that a person who is feeling sad is probably also thinking sad thoughts, or that people may be able to make themselves feel happy just by thinking of something happy. These results are consistent with evidence that young children tend to be unaware of the stream of consciousness and have poor introspective skills. A possible developmental sequence leading to an understanding of these thought-feeling links is proposed.
Detection and Discrimination of Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei in DNA Extracts from Soil

A species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed to detect and identify the root-lesion nematodes Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei from soil. A primer set was designed from Pratylenchus 28S rRNA gene sequences of the D3 expansion domain. Primer specificity was confirmed with 23 isolates of 15 nematode species and other plant-parasitic and non-plant-parasitic nematodes typically present in the soil communities, and with six fungal species commonly associated with wheat root rot. DNA obtained using a commercially available kit and a method developed in our laboratory gave comparable amplification. PCR conditions were optimized and the two species were differentiated by PCR products of 144 bp for P. neglectus and 288 bp for P. thornei. With this assay, we detected a single juvenile in 1 g of sterile, inoculated soil. Examination of 30 field soil samples revealed that this method was applicable to a range of soils naturally infested with these two pathogens in Oregon. This PCR-based method is rapid, efficient, and reliable, does not require expertise in nematode taxonomy and morphology, and could be used as a rapid diagnostic tool for commercial and research applications for disease forecasting and management.
Modelling eye movements in a categorical search task

We introduce a model of eye movements during categorical search, the task of finding and recognizing categorically defined targets. It extends a previous model of eye movements during search (target acquisition model, TAM) by using distances from an support vector machine classification boundary to create probability maps indicating pixel-by-pixel evidence for the target category in search images. Other additions include functionality enabling target-absent searches, and a fixation-based blurring of the search images now based on a mapping between visual and collicular space. We tested this model on images from a previously conducted variable set-size (6/13/20) present/absent search experiment where participants searched for categorically defined teddy bear targets among random category distractors. The model not only captured target-present/absent set-size effects, but also accurately predicted for all conditions the numbers of fixations made prior to search judgements. It also predicted the percentages of first eye movements during search landing on targets, a conservative measure of search guidance. Effects of set size on false negative and false positive errors were also captured, but error rates in general were overestimated. We conclude that visual features discriminating a target category from non-targets can be learned and used to guide eye movements during categorical search.
Fasting, feasting and the glutamatergic synapse

Summary and comment on a recent Neuron paper entitled ‘Fasting activation of AgRP neurons requires NMDA receptors and involves spinogenesis and increased excitatory tone’ ([Liu et al., 2012][1]). Obesity has reached pandemic proportions, with the United States being one of the nations most
Preparation for Inclusion in Teacher Education Pre-Service Curricula.

Inclusion of students with disabilities has been practiced and advocated for more than two decades in the United States. This practice involves the placement of students with disabilities in a general education classroom for part or all of the day, and the primary instructor is a general education teacher in collaboration with a special education teacher. The authors reviewed coursework related to inclusion provided to pre-service elementary teachers during their teacher preparation programs. A total of 109 elementary education bachelor’s degree programs were examined to determine the number of course hours devoted to inclusion, instruction, and management of students with disabilities. Results suggest that many teacher preparation programs provide instruction related to characteristics of disabilities and some form of classroom management; however, few programs offer courses specifically related to differentiation of instruction for students with disabilities or collaboration between general and special ...
Commitment and Voluntary Energy Conservation

Homeowners were interviewed and expected to be either personally identified (public commitment) or not identified (private commitment) as having agreed to attempt energy conservation. The response measure of energy usage was provided by utility-meter readings for the month following the interview. Homeowners under public commitment showed a lower rate of increase in the use levels for both natural gas (Experiment I) and electricity (Experiment II) than under private commitment or in the control (no interview condition). Results from a set of self-monitoring conditions suggested that conservation may be related to increased attention to energy use levels.
Pharmaceuticals and the developing world.

Pharmaceuticals have greatly improved health in developing countries, but many people in developing countries do not obtain even inexpensive pharmaceuticals and little pharmaceutical R&D is oriented toward products needed by developing countries, such as a malaria vaccine. Access to existing products could be improved by facilitating differential pricing, for example by subsidizing donation programs, and reforming health care delivery. R&D incentives could be improved if rich countries or international organization committed to purchase needed products when they are developed and make them available to the poor.
Differential cell responses to nanoparticle docetaxel and small molecule docetaxel at a sub-therapeutic dose range

Abstract Current preclinical evaluations of nanoparticle taxanes have focused on the effect of nanoparticle size and shape on the efficacy and toxicity. It is generally assumed that nanoparticle therapeutics have the same cellular response on tumor and normal cells as their small molecule counterparts. Here, we show that nanoparticle taxanes can mediate cellular effects distinct from that of small molecule taxanes at the sub-therapeutic dose range. Cells that are exposed to two polymeric nanoparticle formulations of docetaxel were found to undergo a different cell cycle and cell fate than those of cells that were exposed to small molecule docetaxel. Our results suggest that nanoparticle formulation of therapeutics can affect the therapeutic effect of its cargo. From the Clinical Editor This study investigates the differences between subtherapeutic doses of docetaxel applied as small molecules vs. nanoparticle formulations, demonstrating differential effects on the cell cycle and overall cell fate. The study suggests that the carrier may change the therapeutic effects of its cargo, which has important implications on future research.
IL-13 and IL-4 cause eotaxin release in human airway smooth muscle cells: a role for ERK.

Human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells express interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-4 receptors and respond to these cytokines with signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 and extracellular signa...
Identification of mosquito sterol carrier protein-2 inhibitors

A mosquito sterol carrier protein-2, AeSCP-2, has been shown to aid in the uptake of cholesterol in mosquito cells. The discovery of chemical inhibitors of AeSCP-2 is reported here. AeSCP-2 inhibitors (SCPIs) belong to several chemotypes of hydrophobic compounds. Those inhibitors competed with cholesterol for AeSCP-2, binding with relatively high binding affinities. In cultured insect cells, SCPIs reduced cholesterol uptake by as much as 30% at 1–5 μM concentrations. SCPIs were potent larvicides to the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and to the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, with 50% lethal doses (LD50s) of 5–21 μM and 0.013–15 ng/mg diet, respectively. The results indicate that sterol carrier protein-2 has functional similarity in two different insect species.
Probability density for envelope of multiplicative noise

The closed-form probability density for the envelope of multiplicative noise, both for the zero and nonzero mean case, is considered. The distribution parameters are determined using a curve fitting optimisation that shows excellent agreement between the measured and parametric form of the density function.