cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inter-Rater Agreement between Trachoma Graders: Comparison of Grades Given in Field Conditions versus Grades from Photographic Review

ABSTRACTPurpose: Trachoma surveillance is most commonly performed by direct observation, usually by non-ophthalmologists using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified grading system. However, conjunctival photographs may offer several benefits over direct clinical observation, including the potential for greater inter-rater agreement. This study assesses whether inter-rater agreement of trachoma grading differs when trained graders review conjunctival photographs compared to when they perform conjunctival examinations in the field.Methods: Three trained trachoma graders each performed an independent examination of the everted right tarsal conjunctiva of 269 children aged 0–9 years, and then reviewed photographs of these same conjunctivae in a random order. For each eye, the grader documented the presence or absence of follicular trachoma (TF) and intense trachomatous inflammation (TI) according to the WHO simplified grading system.Results: Inter-rater agreement for the grade of TF was significantly...
Finite element analysis of VHF/UHF antennas on helicopter airframes

In VHF and UHF bands, antenna patterns for short range airborne communications are required to be omni-directional. Contributions from reflections and diffractions from the airframe usually distort the primary radiation patterns of antennas mounted on airframes. Moreover, these diffractions and reflections become increasingly important as the frequency of operation increases. Therefore, for this type of application, an antenna performance simulated without the airframe is not an accurate representation. In this study, an accurate and versatile finite element method (FEM) based on the discretization of Helmholtz's equation has been developed to analyze VHF and UHF antennas mounted on helicopter airframes, parts of which may include composite material and anisotropies. The FEM code was implemented with linear edge-based tetrahedral elements and first/second-order Absorbing Boundary Conditions. Possible material anisotropies in the computational domain are accounted for by using a permittivity and a permeability tensor. Radiation characteristics are predicted for absolute gain, spatial field distribution, input impedance and return loss, and then compared with measurements for verification.
The Invention of Japanese Religions

In recent years, the academic study of religion has begun to challenge the usefulness of the concept of ‘religion’ itself. This article examines the extension of this critical turn to the issue of Japanese religion. It traces the history of the invention of Japanese religions as conceptual categories and discusses debates about the continuities and discontinuities of ‘religion’ (shukyo) in Japan. Finally, it surveys the Japanese invention of ‘religion’ as a legal and political category.
A randomized controlled trial evaluating airway inspection effectiveness during endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy.

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has revolutionized the evaluation of patients with mediastinal and hilar adenopathy. Limitations of conventional endobronchial ultrasound (C-EBUS) bronchoscopes include the inability to perform a complete airway inspection, low definition optics, and limited maneuverability. These limitations require the use of a standard bronchoscope to perform an airway examination prior to the EBUS procedure. Recently, a hybrid endobronchial ultrasound (H-EBUS) bronchoscope with high definition optics and increased maneuverability has been introduced. Our objective was to assess the ability of H-EBUS to perform a full airway inspection and TBNA. Methods: Patients referred for EBUS-TBNA were prospectively randomized to either form of EBUS from November 2013 to January 2014. The primary outcome was the airway segment visualization in each lobe using an EBUS bronchoscope. Secondary outcomes included the number of bronchoscopes used per procedure, procedure length, diagnostic yield and specimen adequacy. Results: Sixty-two consecutive patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA were randomized to H-EBUS (n=30) or C-EBUS (n=32). In cases in which EBUS-TBNA was the only procedure performed (n=32), use of a second bronchoscope to perform an adequate airway inspection was significantly higher in C-EBUS compared to H-EBUS (5 vs. 0, P=0.046). There was better segmental visualization achieved in multiple lobes when using H-EBUS (P Conclusions: Use of an H-EBUS may improve the ability to perform an adequate airway inspection potentially obviating the need for a conventional bronchoscope.
Pause perception: Some cross-linguistic comparisons

Native speakers of Italian and speakers of English who were not speakers of Italian listened to two passages of monologic Italian and reported occurrence and duration of pauses. Both groups underestimated frequency of occurrence and overestimated duration of pauses relative to measured occurrence and duration in both corpora. The nonspeakers’ duration estimates were significantly different from those of the native speakers and were also closer to the actual durations. Interference and facilitation effects of language are discussed.
A large deflection Fermi–Eyges pencil beam formula

Abstract In the 1940s, Fermi and Eyges derived an approximate closed form solution for the energy-dependent scalar flux for the finite slab steady-state pencil beam problem. This solution is based upon the assumption that the Fokker–Planck scattering representation is valid in both energy and angle. It further assumes that the beam remains nearly collimated as it passes through the slab. In this paper, we relax this near-collimation assumption and obtain a modified Fermi–Eyges formula which is significantly more accurate for large beam deflections. The modern interest in this beam problem is in connection with radiation oncology treatment planning.
Aortic regurgitation in the Tuskegee study of untreated syphilis.

Abstract For the first time in nearly four decades, aortic regurgitation and cardiovascular morbidity occur equally in the 127 surviving syphilitic and control subjects of the long-continuing Tuskegee Study of untreated syphilis. When examined in 1968–1970, two of the living 76 syphilitics and two of 51 controls manifested findings of aortic regurgitation. All but one of the syphilitic survivors have received some amount of antiluetic therapy. Either stability or improvement of subsequent clinical courses followed therapeutic administration of penicillin to the two subjects with syphilitic aortic valvular disease. Of the subjects studied postmortem, evidence of gross and/or microscopic aortitis has continued to preponderate in the syphilitics, but the frequency of detection of focal myocardial scarring has been equal in the syphilitic and control groups at autopsy.
Sex-role differences in children's identification with counterstereotypical televised portrayals

Studies of television's effects on children's sex-role learning suggest that the medium's current contribution is toward traditional sex-role development, but the medium may be effective in fostering nontraditional sex-role learning. The purpose was to determine television's effectiveness in promoting nonsexist role learning among children with different sex-role orientations. The Bem Sex Role Inventory was adapted to empirically define the sex-role preferences of 124 girls and 114 boys, aged 9 to 12. After viewing a television program designed to diminish sex-role stereotypes, respondents indicated the extent of their identification with the characters. The results suggest that androgynous children tend to be as likely as feminine children, and more likely than masculine children, to identify with nontraditional televised models.
Electrical properties of covalently immobilized single-layer graphene devices.

Arrays of covalently immobilized and aligned graphene ribbons have been successfully prepared on silicon wafers. The effect of covalent modification on the electrical properties of the single-layer graphene was investigated. The effective electron field mobility of the constructed FETs, measured at 2700 cm(2)V(-1)s(-1), was higher than that for graphene film directly deposited on SiO(2), possibly due to lower phonon scattering from the substrate surface, implying that the field effect mobilities may be enhanced with proper choice of substrates. The contact resistance between Cr electrodes and the single-layer graphene ribbon was determined to be 1.62 k Omega from the TLM structures.
Unraveling the contributions of hydrogen-bonding interactions to the activity of native and non-native ligands in the quorum-sensing receptor LasR

Quorum sensing (QS) via the synthesis and detection of N-acyl L-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals regulates important pathogenic and mutualistic phenotypes in many bacteria. Over the past two decades, the development of non-native molecules that modulate this cell-cell signaling process has become an active area of research. The majority of these compounds were designed to block binding of the native AHL signal to its cognate LuxR-type receptor, and much effort has focused on LasR in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite a small set of reported LasR structural data, it remains unclear which polar interactions are most important for either (i) activation of the LasR receptor by its native AHL signal, N-(3-oxo)-dodecanoyl L-homoserine lactone (OdDHL), or (ii) activation or inhibition of LasR by related AHL analogs. Herein, we report our investigations into the activity of OdDHL and five synthetic analogs in wild-type LasR and in nine LasR mutants with modifications to key polar residues in their ligand binding sites. Our results allowed us to rank, for the first time, the relative importance of each LasR:OdDHL hydrogen bond for LasR activation and provide strong evidence for the five synthetic ligands binding LasR in a very similar orientation as OdDHL. By delineating the specific molecular interactions that are important for LasR modulation by AHLs, these findings should aid in the design of new synthetic modulators of LasR (and homologous LuxR-type receptors) with improved potencies and selectivities.
On the counting efficiency of condensation nuclei counters

Abstract The response of the General Electric condensation nuclei counter has been determined as a function of particle size by means of monodisperse aerosols. The counting efficiency of the instrument has been found to depend on particle size, decreasing sharply with particle size below about 0.01 μm diameter. The response of the Gardner counter appears to be unaffected by particle size in the 0.01–0.05 μm diameter range, but the calibration result obtained differs substantially (75%) from that provided by the manufacturer. It has been shown that the calibration results for nuclei counters can have substantial uncertainties due to the unknown size distribution of the calibration aerosol used, the size-dependent response characteristics of the instrument under calibration and those of the calibration standard. It is concluded that results of condensation nuclei measurements are subject to large uncertainties and should be interpreted with care.
Gendered racial exclusion among White internet daters.

Abstract Acceptance by the dominant group reveals the current standing of racial groups in the U.S. hierarchy, as well as the possibility for assimilation. However, few researchers have addressed the gendered nature of racial preferences by whites. We examine whites’ exclusion of blacks, Latinos, Asians, Middle Easterners, East Indians and Native Americans as possible dates, using a sample of profiles collected from an internet dating website. We find that white men are more willing than white women to date non-whites in general, yet, with the exception of their top two preferences for dates, whites and Latinos, the racial hierarchies of males and females differ. Among daters with stated racial preferences, white men are more likely to exclude blacks as possible dates, while white women are more likely to exclude Asians. We argue that exclusion relates to racialized images of masculinity and femininity, and shapes dating and marriage outcomes, and thus minority groups’ possibilities for full social incorporation.
The role of endothelial glycocalyx components in mechanotransduction of fluid shear stress.

Abstract The surface of endothelial cells is decorated with a wide variety of membrane-bound macromolecules that constitute the glycocalyx. These include glycoproteins bearing acidic oligosaccharides with terminal sialic acids (SA), and proteoglycans with their associated glycosaminoglycan that include: heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and hyaluronic acid (HA). In this study, enzymes were used to selectively degrade glycocalyx components from the surface of bovine aortic endothelial cells and the effects of these alterations on fluid shear-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) production were determined. Depletion of HS, HA, and SA, but not CS, blocked shear-induced NO production. Surprisingly, the same enzyme depletions that blocked NO production had no influence on shear-induced PGI2 production. The results may be interpreted in terms of a glypican–caveolae–eNOS mechanism for shear-induced NO transduction, with PGI2 being transduced in basal adhesion plaques that sense the same reaction stress whether the glycocalyx is intact or not.
Magnetic Guidance of Cochlear Implants: Proof-of-Concept and Initial Feasibility Study

Cochlear implants have become a standard treatment for many with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, delicate cochlear structures can be damaged during surgical insertion, which can lead to loss of residual hearing and decreased implant effectiveness. We propose a magnetic guidance concept in which a magnetically tipped cochlear implant is guided as it is inserted into the cochlea. In a scaled in vitro experimental study, we record insertion forces for nonguided and magnetically guided insertion experiments and compare the results. Results indicate that magnetic guidance reduced insertion forces by approximately 50%. Using first principles, we discuss the effects of scaling down our in vitro experiments, and account for realistic clinical dimensions. We conclude that scale–down effects are negligible, but to produce the same field strength as in our experiments and provide sufficient clearance between the patient and the manipulator, the magnet dimensions should be increased by approximately four times.
Dimensional preferences in middle and old age.

Abstract Dimensional preferences in 40 middle-aged (M = 41.62 years) and 40 elderly (M = 72.22 years) females were assessed using a dimensional choice task. Significant age differences in reaction times of choice but not in number of dimensional choices were obtained. There was a perfect rank-order correspondence between the two age groups in dimensional choices with form being the most preferred and color the least preferred perceptual dimension.
Kant’s Non-Conceptualism, Rogue Objects, and The Gap in the B Deduction

Abstract This paper is about the nature of the relationship between (1) the doctrine of Non-Conceptualism about mental content, (2) Kant’s Transcendental Idealism, and (3) the Transcendental Deduction of the Pure Concepts of the Understanding, or Categories, in the B (1787) edition of the Critique of Pure Reason, i.e., the B Deduction. Correspondingly, the main thesis of the paper is this: (1) and (2) yield serious problems for (3), yet, in exploring these two serious problems for the B Deduction, we also discover some deeply important and perhaps surprising philosophical facts about Kant’s theory of cognition and his metaphysics.
Functional Correlates of Fiber Architecture of the Lateral Caudal Musculature in Prehensile and Nonprehensile Tails of the Platyrrhini (Primates) and Procyonidae (Carnivora)

Prehensile-tailed platyrrhines (atelines and Cebus) and procyonids (Potos) display bony tail features that have been functionally and adaptively linked to their prehensile behaviors, particularly the need to resist relatively greater bending and torsional stresses associated with supporting their body weight during suspensory postures. We compared fiber architecture of the mm. intertransversarii caudae (ITC), the prime tail lateral flexors/rotators, in 40 individuals distributed across 8 platyrrhine and 2 procyonid genera, divided into one of two groups: prehensile or nonprehensile. We tested the hypothesis that prehensile-tailed taxa exhibit relatively greater physiologic cross-sectional areas (PCSAs) to maintain tail suspensory postures for extended periods. As an architectural trade-off of maximizing force, we also predicted prehensile-tailed taxa would exhibit relatively shorter, more pinnate fibers, and a lower mass to tetanic tension ratio (Mass/PO). Prehensile-tailed taxa have relatively higher PCSAs in all tail regions, indicating their capacity to generate relatively greater maximum muscle forces compared to nonprehensile-tailed taxa. Contrary to our predictions, there are no group differences in pinnation angles, fiber lengths or M/PO ratios. Therefore, the relatively greater prehensile PCSAs are driven largely by relative increase in muscle mass. These findings suggest that relatively greater ITC PCSAs can be functionally linked to the need for prehensile-tailed taxa to suspend and support their body weight during arboreal behaviors. Moreover, maximizing ITC force production may not come at the expense of muscle excursion/contraction velocity. One advantage of this architectural configuration is it facilitates suspension of the body while simultaneously maximizing tail contact with the substrate. Anat Rec, 292:827–841, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intraventricular calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits gastric acid secretion

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37 amino acid peptide recently demonstrated to be a peptide expressed by the calcitonin gene in the rat central nervous system. Intracerebroventricular administration of CGRP in pylorus ligated rats resulted in a dose dependent suppression of gastric acid secretion. This effect was also present in acutely vagotomized rats. In addition, CGRP inhibited the stimulation of gastric acid secretion by thyrotropin releasing hormone. CGRP was considerably less potent in its effect on gastric acid than calcitonin, a well known central inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in the rat. This study suggests that CGRP may be a factor in the central regulation of gastric acid secretion in the rat.
Image texture features as indicators of beef tenderness

Abstract Image processing techniques were developed to predict cooked-beef tenderness from fresh-beef image characteristics. Cattle from different finishing treatments were processed in a commercial plant. Two short loin steaks were sampled from each carcass; one used for sensory evaluation and the other for imaging. The samples varied significantly in both US quality grades and sensory tenderness scores. Color, marbling and texture features were extracted from the beef images. Statistical and neural network analyses were performed to relate the image features to sensory tenderness scores. Image texture features were found to be useful indicators of beef tenderness. Partial least squares and neural network models were able to predict beef tenderness from color, marbling and image texture features to R 2 -values up to 0.70.
Profile analysis of market participants' attitudes toward selected market alternatives for US shelled peanuts

The analysis identified factors affecting market participants' attitudes toward selected market alternatives for US shelled peanuts using a mirrorimage survey design and multivariate probit. Agreement or disagreement among shellers, among processors, and between shellers and processors is ascertained via matching patterns of mirror-image profiles. Results indicate that the computerized cash market might hold promise as a starting point in the implementation of a centralized market for shelled peanuts with or without the government program in effect.
Similarity matrix processing for music structure analysis

The structure analysis of pop and rock songs from audio signals is conducted via similarity matrix processing in this work. The similarity matrix offers pairwise similarity between any two short intervals of fixed length in a song. We use two similarity matrices to show their diverse characteristics. The characteristics are explained by musical chord successions. Then, several similarity matrix processing techniques are developed for music structure analysis. First, an algorithm is proposed to check the boundaries and periods of repetitive chord successions with short periods. Second, the Viterbi algorithm is applied to detect straight segments in sub-diagonal lines of the similarity matrix. Periods of repeating chord successions are used to refine the state space to enhance the detection performance. Furthermore, a post-processing technique is used to map detected segments into sections in a song. Experimental results from test musical audio data are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
A comparison of the acute toxicities of tenheavy metals to phytoplankton from Saanich Inlet, B.C., Canada

The acute toxicities of Cu, Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Se, Sb, and As toSaanich Inlet phytoplankton were determined in enrichment culture bioassays. The toxicity of ions of a single metal to natural assemblages of phytoplankton enriched with nitrate, phosphate, and silicate was assessed by measuring the inhibition of plant growth. Toxicity to Thalassiosira aestevalis isolated from a June phytoplankton population was determined in a medium made of glass-fiber filtered Saanich Inlet seawater enriched with nitrate phosphate, and silicate. The concentration of a metal causing inhibition of growth under these conditions ranged from about 30 nM Hg to >1000 nM, Se, Sb, Cr, and Ni. The growth-inhibiting concentration of a given metal was similar to both natural populations and the Thalassiosira culture. Shifts in the species composition relative to controls were observed when natural assemblages were exposed to toxic levels of metals.
Chemical-Shift Anisotropy Measurements of Amide and Carbonyl Resonances in a Microcrystalline Protein with Slow Magic-Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy

Chemical shifts are fundamental to interpretation of NMR spectra and provide constraints for macromolecular structure determination, refinement, and validation, as well as details of active-site chemistry in enzymes. Insights into the origins of the chemical shift can be leveraged to improve chemical analysis, including conformation, bonding, and dynamics. To exploit this information fully, it is desirable to measure not only isotropic chemical shifts but also the full chemical-shift anisotropy (CSA) tensor. Until recently, most efforts to measure backbone amide and carbonyl CSAs have relied upon cross-correlated relaxation and residual anisotropic shifts in solution NMR. In solid-state NMR, analysis of sideband patterns has typically been reserved for site-specifically labeled samples or small peptides. Here we demonstrate that the Herzfeld−Berger method (Herzfeld, J.; Berger, A. E. J. Chem. Phys. 1980, 73, 6021−6030) can be applied to highly 13C,15N-enriched solid proteins, using 2D heteronuclear correl...
The DEEP2 Redshift Survey: Lyα Emitters in the Spectroscopic Database*

We present the first results of a search for Lyα emitters (LAEs) in the DEEP2 spectroscopic database that uses a search technique that is different from but complementary to traditional narrowband imaging surveys. We have visually inspected ~20% of the available DEEP2 spectroscopic data and have found nine high-quality LAEs with clearly asymmetric line profiles and an additional 10 objects of lower quality, some of which may also be LAEs. Our survey is most sensitive to LAEs at z = 4.4–4.9 and that is indeed where all but one of our high-quality objects are found. We find the number density of our spectroscopically discovered LAEs to be consistent with those found in narrowband imaging searches. The combined, averaged spectrum of our nine high-quality objects is well fit by a two-component model, with a second, lower amplitude component redshifted by ~420 km s−1 with respect to the primary Lyα line, consistent with large-scale outflows from these objects. We conclude by discussing the advantages and future prospects of blank-sky spectroscopic surveys for high-z LAEs.
Supplementary Auditory and Vestibular Stimulation: Effects on Institutionalized Infants.

Abstract To assess the effects of environmental enrichment, 156 normal, full-term institutionalized infants were randomly assigned to Group I (30 min per day of supplementary vestibular stimulation), Group II (30 min per day of supplementary vestibular-plus-verbal stimulation), or Group III (untreated controls). Stimulation began at about the age of 12 days and continued until the children were adopted, approximately 6 weeks later. Children were assessed at regular intervals on the Gesell Developmental Schedules, until the age of 27 months. Group comparisons revealed no significant treatment effects.
Knockout of spinophilin, an endogenous antagonist of arrestin-dependent α2-adrenoceptor functions, enhances receptor-mediated antinociception yet does not eliminate sex-related differences

We have previously shown gonadal steroid-dependent, gender specific modulation of nociception by α2-adrenoceptors. Agonist activation of the receptor enhances its association with spinophilin that antagonizes arrestin functions both by diminishing receptor phosphorylation by G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and by competing for receptor interactions with arrestin. Since spinophilin is highly enriched in dendritic spines, we investigated whether α2-adrenoceptor-induced antinociception as well as sex-related differences are modified in spinophilin knockout mice. We evaluated α2-adrenoceptor antinociception in a heat-evoked tail flick test in spinophilin wild type (Sp+/+) and knockout (Sp−/−) mice. Baseline tail flick latencies (TFLs) did not change between any groups. Interestingly, the α2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, increased TFL in male and diestrous (low estrogen) Sp−/− as well as Sp+/+ mice; in fact, this increase in TFL was significantly higher in Sp−/− male and diestrous groups than in their Sp+/+ counterparts. This unexpected finding is consistent with enhanced α2-adrenoceptor–mediated sedation observed previously in Sp−/− mice, presumably due to accelerated endocytosis of desensitized receptors and recycling of refreshed receptors when arrestin is not competed for by spinophilin in Sp−/− mice. Despite modulation of α2-adrenoceptor effects in Sp−/− mice, sex-related differences were retained; thus, clonidine was ineffective in proestrous females (highest estrogen levels), in both Sp−/− and Sp+/+ mice, reaffirming that estrogen suppresses α2-adrenoceptor-evoked antinociception. These findings show that elimination of spinophilin enhances α2-adrenoceptor-evoked antinociception in estrogen-deprived physiological settings, suggesting a role for spinophilin to suppress these effects, and yet this enhanced response cannot overcome the absence of antinociception with elevated estrogen levels.
A quantitative analysis of the spatial organization of the vestibulo-ocular reflexes in lateral- and frontal-eyed animals--I. Orientation of semicircular canals and extraocular muscles.

Abstract The spatial relationship between extraocular muscles and semicircular canals was evaluated in cat (frontal-eyed animal) and rabbit (lateral-eyed animal). Semicircular canal orientations in the rabbit were determined by a principal components analysis of data points obtained from the exposed osseous canals using a three-axis micromanipulator. Canal orientations were presented in terms of unit sensitivity vectors. Orientation of cxtraocular muscles in rabbits and cats was derived from measurements of the insertion and origin of each muscle with respect to a reference point on the skull and a calculated estimate of the center of the eye. Muscle orientations were presented in terms of unit action vectors. Semicircular canal planes of the rabbit labyrinth were not orthogonal, having deviations up to 14. Pairs of antagonistically acting vertical semicircular canals, left (right) anterior right (left) posterior deviated from coplanarity by 16, while the deviation for the horizontal canals was 9. In both animals, muscles of an antagonistic pair were coplanar to within 8, with the exception of the oblique muscles in the rabbit for which the deviation was 19. The three pairs of antagonistic muscles were almost orthogonal to each other, the maximum deviation between any of the pairs being 8 in the cat and 18 in the rabbit. Comparing extraocular muscle planes and semicircular canal planes reveals that they are roughly aligned. However, there were slight but consistent differences between a given semicircular canal plane and the planes of the muscles to which this canal is connected by the classical three-neuron-arc (principal vestibulo-ocular reflex circuits). This incongruence should be reflected in the connectivity of vestibuloocular reflex pathways, other than the principal connections.
Detection of long-range sequence order in Drosophila melanogaster satellite DNA IV by a photochemical crosslinking reaction and denaturation microscopy.

Satellite DNA IV of Drosophila melanogaster has been isolated in an actinomycin/CsCl gradient and allowed to react with tritium-labeled 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen (trioxsalen) in the presence of long wavelength ultraviolet light. Saturation experiments showed a limiting covalent binding of approximately one trioxsalen molecule per three base-pairs for the photochemical reaction. The buoyant density change of satellite IV (ρ = 1·705 g/cm3) after photoreaction was found to be −0·182 (g/cm3)/(trioxsalen/base-pair). To visualize directly the interstrand crosslinks, the photochemically reacted satellite DNA was denatured and spread for electron microscopy. From 85% to 90% of the molecules examined have an appearance of long stretches of tandem loops with few observable double-stranded regions. The histogram of loop sizes in these denatured molecules shows a regular distribution of crosslinkable sites along satellite DNA IV with an interval of approximately 250 base-pairs, suggesting that a long-range periodicity of sequences exists in this satellite DNA. After extensive crosslinking, the observed loops still have sizes that are multiples of 250 base-pairs. These results are discussed in terms of the sequence of satellite DNA IV, the characteristics of the photochemical reaction, and theories of evolution of satellite DNA sequences.
Fast rendezvous for multiple clients for cognitive radios using coordinated channel hopping

A primary challenge in exploiting Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs), known as the rendezvous problem, is for the users to find each other in the dynamic open spectrum. We study blind rendezvous, where users search for each other without any infrastructural aid. Previous work in this area have focused on efficient blind rendezvous algorithms for two users but the solution for multiple users is still far from optimal. In particular, when two users encounter, one user inherits the other's hopping sequence but the sequence is never shortened or split among the encountering users. We denote this class of algorithms as uncoordinated channel hopping algorithms. In this paper, we introduce a new class of distributed algorithms for multi-user blind rendezvous, called Coordinated Channel Hopping (CCH), where users adjust, or coordinate, the sequence of channels being hopped as they rendezvous pairwise. Compared to existing rendezvous algorithms, our algorithms achieve 80% lower Time To Rendezvous (TTR) in case of multiple users.
Surprise! HSC Are Aberrant in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Kikushige et al. report the surprising finding that, in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) aberrantly generate clonal B cells with CLL-like phenotypes, which implicate HSC in the pathogenesis of this mature lymphoid malignancy and has major implications for CLL therapies.
A Rotary Air Impact Peanut Blancher

Abstract A rotary air impact peanut blancher was developed for removing the skins of preconditioned whole raw peanuts. It consists of a revolving cylinder equipped with an abrasive rough interwall surface and a plurality of air jets located interior to the revolving cylinder. The jets are positioned in a manner that causes the air flow to be directed counter to the rotation of the drum. As the drum rotates the nuts in the cylinder move up the side of the cylinder meeting the jets of air. The impact between the nuts and air jets along with the aid of the abrasive surface removes the skin from the peanuts. The system can be used for either batch or continuous blanching.
THE HOMELAND IS THE ARENA: RELIGION, TRANSNATIONALISM, AND THE INTEGRATION OF SENEGALESE IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA

Ousmane Oumar Kane, THE HOMELAND IS THE ARENA: RELIGION, TRANSNATIONALISM, AND THE INTEGRATION OF SENEGALESE IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011, xv + 313 pp., $35.00 (pape...
Inferring Snow Water Equivalent for a Snow-Covered Ground Reflector Using GPS Multipath Signals

A nonlinear least squares fitting algorithm is used to estimate both snow depth and snow density for a snow-layer above a flat ground reflector. The product of these two quantities, snow depth and density, provides an estimate of the snow water equivalent. The input to this algorithm is a simple ray model that includes a speculary reflected signal along with a direct signal. These signals are transmitted from the global positioning system satellites at 1.57542 GHz with right-hand circularly polarization. The elevation angles of interest at the GPS receiving antenna are between 5° and 30°. The results from this nonlinear algorithm show potential for inferring snow water equivalent using GPS multipath signals.
Cognitive Adaptability as a Moderator of Expressive Writing Effects in an HIV Sample

This study explored the effects of expressive writing on positive and negative outcomes related to perceived psychosocial and health status among persons with HIV. This was the first study to examine the moderating effects of cognitive adaptability--consisting of dispositional optimism coupled with perceived competence--on outcomes of expressive writing. Thirty-seven participants wrote about either traumatic experiences or trivial topics in four 20-min sessions. Dependent measures obtained at baseline were repeated 1 month later. Although no main effects for group were found, baseline levels of cognitive adaptability were differentially associated with changes in a positive outcomes index, and a pain and physical functioning index in those assigned to the two groups. No moderating effects of cognitive adaptability were found for changes in a negative outcomes index. Findings underscore the importance of identification of moderating variables in understanding the impact of expressive writing interventions among individuals with HIV or other conditions.
Anatomic and physiologic development of the photoreceptor of the kitten

The postnatal development of the photoreceptor of the cat was studied using physiological and anatomical methods. The late receptor potential (LRP) was recorded in vitro and the threshold and maximum amplitude determined. The same specimens used in the electrophysiological studies were then prepared for microscopy, and rod cell outer and inner segment length and diameter, photoreceptor density, and inter-receptor distance were determined. A small LRP was first recorded at 9–10 days, but only at very high stimulus intensities. Thereafter, there was a rapid decrease in the threshold and an increase in the amplitude of the LRP. The threshold reached adult values at 17–18 days, while the amplitude of the LRP was adultlike at 23–26 days. Of the anatomical parameters examined, inter-receptor spacing and rod cell diameters seem to be most clearly associated, respectively, with the attainment of adult LRP threshold and amplitude. Outer segment length was adult-like at 35–43 days of age and thus postdated physiological maturity of the photoreceptor. These observations suggest that the surface area of the rod cell outer segment tips is more critical in the development of the adult LRP than is the number of discs in the outer segment. In addition, changes over time in the mean diameter and length of rod cell inner segments follows the pattern of ontogenetic changes in LRP amplitude. These findings imply a close relationship during ontogeny between the metabolic functions of the inner segment and phototransduction at the outer segment disc.
Advances in LEC growth of InP crystals

By reducing the temperature gradients in the vicinity of the crystal-melt interface, 35-mm-diameter InP boules with much reduced dislocation densities have been grown by the liquid-encapsulated Czochralski technique. A reduction in the residual donor concentration of InP grown by this technique has been achieved by using In-rich charges prepared by adding elemental In to polycrystalline InP ingot material. Nominally undoped crystals with carrier concentrations as low as 1–2 x4 1015 Cm − 1 and 77 K mobilities as high as 7.0 × 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 have been obtained. By growing doped crystals at increased seed or crucible rotation rates, short-range longitudinal variations in dopant concentration have been reduced to a few per cent, as determined by optical absorption measurements with a scanning CO2 laser.
Combining neuroendocrine inhibitors in heart failure: reflections on safety and efficacy

Neuroendocrine activation in heart failure has become the major target of pharmacotherapy for this growing epidemic. Agents targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems have shown cardiovascular and survival benefits in clinical trials. Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors remain the mainstream initial therapy. The benefits of aldosterone antagonists have been demonstrated in advanced heart failure (spironolactone) and after myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure (eplerenone). Emerging clinical evidence demonstrated that angiotensin receptor blockers may be a reasonable alternative to ACE inhibitors in patients with heart failure (candesartan) and following myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction (valsartan). Angiotensin receptor blockers (candesartan) also provided incremental benefits when added to ACE inhibitors in chronic heart failure. Thus, combining neuroendocrine inhibitors in heart failure appears both biologically plausible and evidence-based. However, this approach raised concerns about side effects, such as hypotension, renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, and others. Close follow-up and implementation of evidence-based medicine (ie, using agents and doses proven beneficial in clinical trials) should therefore be undertaken when combining neuroendocrine inhibitors.
On the role of the process zone in hydrogen assisted cracking—I. Threshold conditions

Abstract In preceding papers we defined the geometric and stress distribution characteristics of the process zone (PZ) for subcritical cracking. Here we apply these results to consider the problem of hydrogen assisted cracking under threshold conditions. In particular, the relation of threshold stress intensity factors ( K TH ) vs hydrogen pressure ( P ) for elastoplastic materials is theoretically established in accord with experiments. As a byproduct of the analysis, the mean hydrogen concentration within the PZ is calculated and we use this result in Part II of this work where kinetic conditions are discussed and stress intensity factors ( K ) vs velocity ( V ) profiles are obtained.
3 Predictors of symptom non‐responders to high‐frequency gastric electrical stimulation for refractory gastroparesis

Chronic high-frequency gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been shown to improve gastroparetic symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in up to 70% of patients with refractory gastroparesis (Gastroenterology 2003; 125:421–8). Little is known about factors associated with treatment failure. Clinical and gastric function data (gastric emptying test, GET; electrogastrogram, EGG) were extracted from a retrospective analysis of 87 gastroparetic patients (48 diabetic, 20 idiopathic and 19 postsurgical) who completed GES therapy (Enterra™ System, Medtronic) for at least 1 year. Total symptom score (TSS) (sum of severity of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain and burning using a 5-point scale, 0 = non, 4 = extremely severe), quality of life (SF-36 Health Status Survey questionnaire including physical composite score (PCS) and mental composite score (MCS)) and GET (4-hour scintigraphy of a low-fat meal) were examined at baseline and 1 year follow-up. A non-responder had <25% reduction in TSS and a responder was defined as having a ≥ 50% reduction in TSS after 1 year of GES therapy. Results: Overall the non-responder rate was 23% (10% in diabetic vs. 16% in postsurgical vs. 35% in idiopathic subgroup). Non-responder rates were similar for men (22%) and women (23%) and age was not a factor. Compared to responders of GES therapy, non-responders had similar mean baseline vomiting (2.6 vs. 3.2) and nausea scores (3.3 vs. 3.6) but a lower TSS (17.6 vs. 20.1, P 30% or decrease in postprandial EGG power) vs. 33% in responders. Non-responders had more baseline mean tachygastria both in the fasting state vs. responders (26% vs. 11%, P < 0.05) and in the fed state (24% vs. 11%, P < 0.05) and less increase in postprandial EGG power (­1.3 dB vs. 1.6 dB, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The best symptom improvement achieved by high-frequency GES therapy in refractory gastroparesis is in diabetics (10% treatment failure rate) and postsurgical (16% failure) while the worst results are in idiopathics (35% non-responder rate). Baseline EGG abnormalities are predictors of poor symptomatic response to GES therapy and may be useful in developing a patient profile to optimize selection and expectations for GES therapy.
The shapes of small satellites

Limb coordinates from spacecraft images have been used to measure the shapes of the small satellites of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, with a view to the quantitative testing of those shapes' physical significance. A comparison of eight small satellites' ellipsoidal models with equilibrium ellipsoids indicates that the shapes of even moderately irregular satellites are poor predictors of mean densities; icy satellites smaller than about 150 km in mean radius are irregularly shaped, and exhibit no trend in roughness. Larger icy satellites are ellipsoidal, and rocky satellites with mean radius in the 6-110 km range are also irregularly shaped.
Oligoclonal CD8 Lymphocytes from Persons with Asymptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Type 1 Infection Inhibit DIV-1 Replication

CD8 lymphocytes from asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-infected patients can suppress virus production from infected CD4 cells. Suppressive activity is separate and distinct from cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) reactivities and is likely mediated by a soluble factor(s). The majority of HIV-1 suppression studies have been done in the context of bulk CD8 cell cultures. In this study, viral suppression was characterized by clonal populations of CD8 cells derived from HIV-1-infected patients. Most of the suppressive clones were devoid of detectable CTL reactivity against env-, gag-, pol-, and nef-expressing targets. Among the suppressive clones derived from an individual patient, a marked heterogeneity was evident with respect to phenotypic markers, cytokine production, and T cell receptor V beta expression. These results suggest that noncytolytic virus suppression is oligoclonal in nature. Clones provide tools for future studies aimed at understanding the mechanism of suppression and identifying the suppressive factor.
Pathways of apoptosis in human autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney diseases

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease in adults. Autosomal recessive (AR) PKD affects ∼1:20,000 live-born children with high perinatal mortality. Both diseases have abnormalities in epithelial proliferation, secretion, and cell–matrix interactions, leading to progressive cystic expansion and associated interstitial fibrosis. Cell number in a kidney reflects the balance between proliferation and apoptosis. Apoptosis results from extrinsic (ligand-induced, expression of caspase-8) and intrinsic (mitochondrial damage, expression of caspase-9) triggers. Previous studies have suggested a role for apoptosis in PKD cyst formation and parenchymal destruction. Mechanisms underlying apoptosis in human ADPKD and ARPKD were examined by quantitative immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblot analyses of age-matched normal and PKD tissues. Caspase-8 expression was significantly greater in small cysts and normal-appearing tubules than in larger cysts in ADPKD kidneys. Caspase-8 also appeared early in the disease process of ADPKD. In ARPKD, expression of caspase-8 was most pronounced in later stages of the disease and was not confined to a specific cyst size. In conclusion, apoptosis in human ADPKD is an early event, occurring predominantly in normal-appearing tubules and small cysts, and is triggered by an extrinsic factor, but it occurs later in ARPKD.
Lightness perception in simple images: Testing the anchoring rules

One approach toward understanding how vision computes surface lightness is to first determine what principles govern lightness in simple stimuli and then test whether these hold for more complex stimuli. Gilchrist (2006) proposed that in the simplest images that produce the experience of a surface (two surfaces differing in luminance that fill the entire visual field) lightness can be predicted based on two anchoring rules: the highest luminance rule and the area rule, plus a scale normalization. To test whether these anchoring rules hold when critical features of the stimuli are varied, we probed lightness in simple stimuli, painted onto the inside of hemispheric domes viewed under diffuse lighting. We find that although the highest luminance surface appears nearly white across a large variation in illumination (as predicted by the highest luminance rule), its lightness tends to increase as its luminance increases. This effect is small relative to the size of the overall luminance change. Further, we find that when the darker region fills more than half of the visual field, it appears to lighten with further increases in area but only if it is a single surface. Splitting the dark region into smaller sectors that cover an equal cumulative area diminishes or eliminates the area effect.
Randomized Prospective Trials of Innovative Radiotherapy Technology Are Necessary

The most important clinical problem facing radiation oncology is whether randomized prospective trials are necessary to assess innovative technologies. Some radiation oncologists feel strongly that randomized trials are unnecessary, because highly conformal beams are self-evidently worthy, and the only interesting question is the magnitude of the gain, not whether a gain is achievable. Supporters of randomized trials invoke a long list of historical examples wherein such trials demonstrated the uselessness of technologies that were thought to be "self-evidently" better. Physicians with financial or academic career interest in the promotion of innovative technologies are not objective parties in this debate. There are also considerable opportunity costs of investments in expensive innovative technologies. It is possible to identify innovations that should be required to meet the standard of proof of a benefit in a randomized prospective clinical trial before being introduced into widespread clinical practice.