cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Goniometric optical scatter instrument for bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements with out-of-plane and polarimetry capabilities

ABSTRACT A goniometric optical scatter instrument has been developed at the National Institute of Stan-dards and Technology which can readily perform out-of-plane measurements of optical scatter aswell as polarimetric measurements. This paper uses the description of this instrument as a plat- form to discuss key issues that must be addressed when developing either out-of-plane measurement capabilities or polarimetric capabilities, or both at the same time. The transformation from thesample coordinates to the instrument coordinates has been carried out, including the rotation ofthe polarization coordinates for out-of-plane measurements. The out-of-plane instrument signaturethat results from Rayleigh scatter in air is calculated and compared with measurement. Finally, the results of some out-of-plane Mueller matrix BRDF measurements of the backside of a silicon waferare presented. Keywords: goniometer, BRDF, polarimetry 1. INTRODUCTION Optical scattering has been shown to be a powerful diagnostic technique for characterizing optical qualitysurfaces.1 The fundamental description of optical scattering can be encapsulated in the bidirectional reflectancedistribution function (BRDF), defined as the scattered radiance normalized by the incident irradiance, given by
Dietary phytoestrogens: A possible role in renal disease protection

There is growing evidence that dietary phytoestrogens have a beneficial role in chronic renal disease. This review summarizes the recent findings from dietary intervention studies performed in animals and humans suggesting that consumption of soy-based protein rich in isoflavones and flaxseed rich in lignans retards the development and progression of chronic renal disease. In several animal models of renal disease, both soy protein and flaxseed have been shown to limit or reduce proteinuria and renal pathological lesions associated with progressive renal failure. In studies of human subjects with different types of chronic renal disease, soy protein and flaxseed also appear to moderate proteinuria and preserve renal function. However, most of these clinical trials were of relatively short duration and involved a small number of patients. Furthermore, it is not clear whether the renal protective effects of soy protein and flaxseed are caused by the isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) and lignans (matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol) or some other component. The biochemistry, metabolism, and mechanisms of actions of isoflavones and lignans are discussed. Isoflavones and lignans appear to act through various mechanisms that modulate cell growth and proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Some of these actions have been shown in vitro, but studies of the mechanisms operative in vivo are lacking. The diversity of cellular actions of isoflavones and lignans supports their protective effects in a variety of experimental and human types of chronic renal disease. Further investigations are needed to evaluate their long-term effects on renal disease progression in patients with chronic renal failure.
Rate control in dissolution of alkali feldspars—I. Study of residual feldspar grains by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract Sanidine grains (100–600 μm in diameter) were subjected to dissolution at 82°C in aqueous electrolyte solutions of pH ranging from 4 to 8 for 293 or 377 hr. Dissolution equivalent to the removal of silica from the outer 300–900 A of these grains was accomplished. The shallow subsurfaces of feldspar grains were then analyzed for K, Al, and Si by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results rule out any continuous precipitate layer; if an alkali-depleted subsurface zone (leached layer) was present in the feldspar, the thickness of such a zone approximated by linear increase of alkali concentration with depth was not more than about 17 A. It is concluded that in the absence of a compact precipitate layer, dissolution of feldspars in the temperature range corresponding to deep diagenesis is controlled by the processes at the feldspar-solution interface and a leached layer more than one feldspar unit cell thick does not form. Whether the same applies at the temperatures of shallow diagenesis and weathering cannot be judged with certainty, but parallels with leached layers on alkali silicate glasses suggest that it does.
Recurrent ESR1 – CCDC170 rearrangements in an aggressive subset of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers

Recurrent gene fusions have been shown to have an important role in the development of solid tumours. Here, the authors identify a recurrent rearrangement between the oestrogen receptor gene, ESR1, and its neighbour, CCDC170, in a subset of ER+ breast cancers, and show that this fusion is preferentially found in luminal B tumours.
Tunable Solvents for Homogeneous Catalyst Recycle

A novel class of tunable solvents facilitates recycle of homogeneous catalysts for both economic and environmental advantages. In a mixed organic−aqueous tunable solvent (OATS), reactions between water-soluble catalysts and moderately hydrophobic substrates can be run homogeneously, with subsequent phase separation for product purification and catalyst reuse. One example demonstrated is the dimethyl ether (DME)−water system, which has been employed as a benign alternative to organic solvents for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)-catalyzed reduction of hydrophobic ketones coupled with regeneration of the cofactor NADH. We also show the feasibility of a biphasic DME−water separation scheme to couple with the biocatalytic reaction. The subsequent downstream processing offers the advantages of easily isolating water-insoluble products from the aqueous phase and recycling enzyme−cofactor. Other OATS systems are discussed where the preferential dissolution of modest pressures of CO2 causes phase separations, which re...
The dynamics and modeling of heavier-than-air, cold gas releases

Abstract In this paper gravity currents are examined with special attention to heavier-than-air, cold gas releases such as liquefied natural gas spills. A simple, one-layer model is constructed which is capable of simulating: 1. (1) the formation of the gravity flow by boiling the spilled liquefied gas; 2. (2) the three-dimensional nature of the gravity flow in the presence of wind; and 3. (3) convective heating and its contribution to the entrainment of ambient air. Similarity analysis reveals that if the initial (boil-off) period is represented by a boil-off velocity Wb confined to a spill area of a dimension Lo, then the characteristic velocity of the ensuing gravity current varies as (WbLo)1 3 and the scale of the current depth as (ifWbLo)2 3. These scaling laws are shown to agree with the model predictions.
Structural effects on the isoindole-isoindolenine equilibrium. Substitution in the pyrryl ring

Abstract The influence of substitution in the pyrryl ring on the isoindole-isoindolenine equilibrium has been studied by NMR spectroscopy. Electron-releasing groups selectively stabilize the isoindolenine tautomer in which the substituent is conjugated with the π-system, while electron-withdrawing groups have the opposite effect. However, sequential introduction of identical groups into the 1- and 3-positions leads, first to a shift of the equilibrium in one direction, then to a shift in opposite direction. Reasons for this behavior are discussed.
OC238: Prenatal diagnosis of upper limb reduction defects: a case series from a tertiary care center

well as the prevalence and outcome of isolated TEV and TEV with associated anomalies. Methods: All cases of preor postnatally diagnosed TEV between 1987 and 2004 within a non-selected population of 49 314 deliveries were investigated. The study period was divided into three 6-year periods to shed light on changes in detection rates and other aspects of the anomaly over time. Results: A total of 113 cases of TEV were registered during the 18-year period; 49% had isolated TEV and 51% had associated anomalies. During the three 6-year periods, there was a significant improvement (P = 0.006) in the overall detection of TEV from 43% to 67% and 77%, respectively. The detection rate for isolated TEV increased over time. Isolated bilateral TEV cases were detected more than twice as often as isolated unilateral TEV. The three largest groups of associated anomalies were syndromes/sequences (26%), chromosome aberrations (26%) and musculoskeletal disorders (24%). Pregnancies were terminated in 23% of the cases, all with severe additional anomalies. Treatment of TEV included surgery in 86% of the cases.
Effect of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of SiNx on n-GaN Schottky rectifiers

Abstract The electrical properties of lateral geometry GaN Schottky rectifiers were measured before and after deposition of SiN x passivation layers by conventional capacitively coupled plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The rectifiers showed changes in reverse breakdown voltages and higher forward leakage currents for all plasma deposition conditions. The change in rectifier performance was found to depend on plasma exposure time, incident ion energy, atomic hydrogen neutral flux and film stress.
Xenograft models for normal and malignant stem cells

The model systems available for studying human hematopoiesis, malignant hematopoiesis, and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function in vivo have improved dramatically over the last decade, primarily due to improvements in xenograft mouse strains. Several recent reviews have focused on the historic development of immunodeficient mice over the last 2 decades, as well as their use in understanding human HSC and leukemia stem cell (LSC) biology and function in the context of a humanized mouse. However, in the intervening time since these reviews, a number of new mouse models, technical approaches, and scientific advances have been made. In this review, we update the reader on the newest and best models and approaches available for studying human malignant and normal HSCs in immunodeficient mice, including newly developed mice for use in chemotherapy testing and improved techniques for humanizing mice without laborious purification of HSC. We also review some relevant scientific findings from xenograft studies and highlight the continued limitations that confront researchers working with human HSC and LSC in vivo.
Lessons in risk‐ versus resilience‐based design and management

The implications of recent catastrophic disasters, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, reach well beyond the immediate, direct environmental and human health risks. In a complex coupled system, disruptions from natural disasters and man-made accidents can quickly propagate through a complex chain of networks to cause unpredictable failures in other economic or social networks and other parts of the world. Recent disasters have revealed the inadequacy of a classical risk management approach. This study calls for a new resilience-based design and management paradigm that draws upon the ecological analogues of diversity and adaptation in response to low-probability and high-consequence disruptions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:396–399. © 2011 SETAC
Proteolytic dissection of Zab, the Z-DNA-binding domain of human ADAR1

Zalpha is a peptide motif that binds to Z-DNA with high affinity. This motif binds to alternating dC-dG sequences stabilized in the Z-conformation by means of bromination or supercoiling, but not to B-DNA. Zalpha is part of the N-terminal region of double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase (ADAR1), a candidate enzyme for nuclear pre-mRNA editing in mammals. Zalpha is conserved in ADAR1 from many species; in each case, there is a second similar motif, Zbeta, separated from Zalpha by a more divergent linker. To investigate the structure-function relationship of Zalpha, its domain structure was studied by limited proteolysis. Proteolytic profiles indicated that Zalpha is part of a domain, Zab, of 229 amino acids (residues 133-361 in human ADAR1). This domain contains both Zalpha and Zbeta as well as a tandem repeat of a 49-amino acid linker module. Prolonged proteolysis revealed a minimal core domain of 77 amino acids (positions 133-209), containing only Zalpha, which is sufficient to bind left-handed Z-DNA; however, the substrate binding is strikingly different from that of Zab. The second motif, Zbeta, retains its structural integrity only in the context of Zab and does not bind Z-DNA as a separate entity. These results suggest that Zalpha and Zbeta act as a single bipartite domain. In the presence of substrate DNA, Zab becomes more resistant to proteases, suggesting that it adopts a more rigid structure when bound to its substrate, possibly with conformational changes in parts of the protein.
Patterns of locomotion of polyphagous arctiid caterpillars in relation to foraging

. 1. Patterns of locomotion of three species of arctiid caterpillars, Diacrisia virginica, Fabr., Pyrrharctia Isabella (J. E. Smith) and Estigmene congrua Walk, were studied in the field and laboratory in an attempt to understand factors determining foraging behaviour. 2. Tracks were recorded on artificial substrates indoors, in the open, and in the normal habitat under the following conditions: in darkness, in bright sunlight, under heavy overcast, under blue sky with the substrate intermittently rotated, with an overhead sheet of polaroid rotated, on a substrate with asperities, in natural field conditions with a variety of forbs in dispersed and clumped distributions. 3. Tortuosity and general directions of paths were analysed. 4. The effects of various levels of deprivation were also analysed. 5. In the absence of photic and chemical stimulation paths on smooth surfaces are straight and direction is random. 6. Obstacles perturb the paths and impart a meandering pattern. Patterns of locomotion induced by obstacles on a smooth substrate are indistinguishable from patterns of locomotion in the field. Unless food plants are closer than 1cm they have no effect on locomotion. Patterns of locomotion in dispersed and clumped foodplants are the same. 7. What appears to be food-related search behaviour is primarily the result of physical features of the environment perturbing a central neuronal pattern of locomotion. Stimuli from foodplants appear to be irrelevant unless actually enountered.
Progestin Receptor-Mediated Reduction of Anxiety-Like Behavior in Male Rats

Background It is well known progesterone can have anxiolytic-like effects in animals in a number of different behavioral testing paradigms. Although progesterone is known to influence physiology and behavior by binding to classical intracellular progestin receptors, progesterone's anxiety reducing effects have solely been attributed to its rapid non-genomic effects at the GABAA receptor. This modulation occurs following the bioconversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone. Seemingly paradoxical results from some studies suggested that the function of progesterone to reduce anxiety-like behavior may not be entirely clear; therefore, we hypothesized that progesterone might also act upon progestin receptors to regulate anxiety. Methodology/Principal Findings To test this, we examined the anxiolytic-like effects of progesterone in male rats using the elevated plus maze, a validated test of anxiety, and the light/dark chamber in the presence or absence of a progestin receptor antagonist, RU 486. Here we present evidence suggesting that the anxiolytic-like effects of progesterone in male rats can be mediated, in part, by progestin receptors, as these effects are blocked by prior treatment with a progestin receptor antagonist. Conclusion/Significance This indicates that progesterone can act upon progestin receptors to regulate anxiety-like behavior in the male rat brain.
Adaptive control of a wheelchair-pushing holonomic robot subject to input constraints

In our earlier work, we proposed a synergistic design and control strategy to enable a holonomic mobile robot transport wheelchair bound residents in long-term-care facilities. Several simplifying assumptions were made and an adaptive control framework was proposed for wheelchair trajectory tracking. We remove some of the limiting assumptions by considering actuator saturation and actuator dynamics in this paper. We modify the adaptive controller and show that asymptotic trajectory tracking can be achieved provided that the reference trajectory does not result in complete loss of control authority. In the absence of control authority, we suspend trajectory tracking to maintain stability and revert to asymptotic trajectory tracking when control authority is regained. Although we focus on an application for long-term-care facilities, the technology being developed will find diverse applications such as autonomous transportation of hazardous materials.
A REVIEW OF THE TRUNK MUSCULATURE IN THE LIMBLESS LAND VERTEBRATES

Amphibia which are usually considered as a separate order, the Aistopoda. (2) The caecilians are limbless, long-bodied, extant, largely terrestrial amphibians. (3) The remaining attentuate amphibians are placed in the Urodela. Here complete limblessness is unknown. Representatives include the nearly limbless Amphiuma, in which both the front and hind limbs, though present, are very small. Pseudobranchus and Siren are unique aquatic forms that possess only a pair of tiny, anterior appendages. Though the relationships of the genera are uncertain, they are probably more distantly related to the salamanders than is generally presumed. The remaining nearly limbless salamander, Proteus, is an aquatic, subterranean genus of uncertain ancestry. The muscular system of the attentuate am? phibians is based on the primitive segmental arrangement of the fishes, in which each metameric unit is served by a pair of spinal nerves. Sheets of connective tissue, or myo? septa, separate each of the respective body segments. In amphibians, where muscles are sometimes constructed of components from several segments, the myosepta may still remain as evidence of this primitive segmentation.
Alleviation by Raw Liver of Anorexia Produced by Sulfapyridine

SummarySulfapyridine produced anorexia and consequent growth failure and weight loss in normal rats and dogs. This was counteracted by the inclusion of raw liver in the diet, but not by dry liver powder or concentrated liver extract. The failure of nicotinic acid to induce weight restoration in sulfapyridine-treated blacktongue dogs while raw liver does stimulate weight gains may perhaps be explained on the same basis.
Meditative dialogue: A tool for engaging students in collaborative learning processes

This paper describes a teaching tool that uses meditation practices and postmodern practices to promote a sense of collaboration and mutual responsibility for learning in a final Master’s in Social Work class at the University of New Hampshire. It outlines a process through which students and instructor aim to become equal partners in developing collective knowledges, and participate in the collaborative practices they are learning as they move from positions of inexpert learners to expert colleagues. It includes a discussion of students’ evaluation of the meditative dialogue process and its impact on their professional development. Context Meditative dialogue is a tool I have used for the past few years in the final practice course of the Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Program at the University of New Hampshire. This course serves as a launching pad for MSW students as they focus on consolidating their professional identities and prepare to graduate and enter the field. The course content emphasizes therapeutic positioning, use of self, embodied practice, deepening of listening and facilitation skills, critical thinking about the evolution of power and knowledge, and integration of prior coursework. Rationale Meditative dialogue combines meditation practices of sitting in silence and listening to the space between the breaths with postmodern collaborative practices of ‘not-knowing’ (Goolishian and Anderson, 1992), and aims to promote a sense of mutual responsibility for learning processes. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to move from the position of inexpert learner to expert
Left ventricular reflex control of venous return and systemic vascular capacitance in dogs.

The reflex effects of left ventricular distension on venous return, vascular capacitance, vascular resistance, and sympathetic efferent nerve activity were examined in dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. In addition, the interaction of left ventricular distension and the carotid sinus baroreftex was examined. Vascular capacitance was assessed by measuring changes in systemic blood volume, using extracorporeal circulation with constant cardiac output and constant central venous pressure. Left ventricular distension produced by balloon inflation caused a transient biphasic change in venous return; an initial small increase was followed by a late relatively large decrease. Left ventricular distension increased systemic blood volume by 3.8 ± 0.6 mL/kg and decreased systemic blood pressure by 27 ± 2 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) at an isolated carotid sinus pressure of 50 mmHg. These changes were accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in sympathetic efferent nerve activity. When the carotid sinus pressure ...
Knot homology via derived categories of coherent sheaves I, sl(2) case

Using derived categories of equivariant coherent sheaves we construct a knot homology theory which categorifies the quantum \(\mathfrak{sl}_{m}\) knot polynomial. Our knot homology naturally satisfies the categorified MOY relations and is conjecturally isomorphic to Khovanov–Rozansky homology. Our construction is motivated by the geometric Satake correspondence and is related to Manolescu’s by homological mirror symmetry.
Modulation of DNA binding of glucocorticoid receptor by aurintricarboxylic acid

Abstract Effects of aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) were examined on the DNA binding properties of rat liver glucocorticoid-receptor complex. The DNA-cellulose binding capacity of the glucocorticoid-receptor complex was completely abolished by a pretreatment of receptor preparation with 0.1–0.5 mM ATA at 4°C. The half-maximal inhibition (i.d.50) in the DNA binding of [3H]triamcinolone acetonide-receptor complex ([3H]TARc) was observed at 130- and 40 μM ATA depending upon whether the inhibitor was added prior to or following the receptor activation. The entire DNA-cellulose bound [3H]TARc could be extracted in a concentration-dependent manner by incubation with 2–100 μm ATA. The [3H]TARc remained intact under the above conditions, the receptor in both control and ATA-treated preparations sedimented in the same region in salt-containing 5–20% sucrose gradients. The action of ATA appeared to be on the receptor and not on DNA-cellulose. The DNA-binding capacity of ATA-treated receptor preparations could be recovered upon exhaustive dialysis. The treatment with ATA did not appear to change the ionic behavior of heat activated GRc; the receptor in both control and the ATA-treated preparations showed similar elution profiles. Therefore, ATA appears to alter the binding to and dissociation of glucocorticoid-receptor complex from DNA. The use of ATA should offer a good chemical probe for analysis of the DNA binding domain(s) of the glucocorticoid receptor.
Discovery of a TNF-α Antagonist Using Chondroitin Sulfate Microarrays

We report the first example of synthetic chondroitin sulfate (CS) microarrays to rapidly identify glycosaminoglycan−protein interactions and probe the specificity of proteins for distinct sulfation sequences. Using the microarrays, we identify a novel interaction between CS and TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine involved in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. Moreover, we demonstrate that CS-E tetrasaccharides and polysaccharides enriched in the CS-E sulfation motif can inhibit the activity of this therapeutically important cytokine. We anticipate that carbohydrate microarrays will accelerate our understanding of glycosaminoglycan−protein interactions and the role of sulfation in modulating physiological and disease states.
Part Relative Robot Inaccuracy Compensation Using Kinematic and Stochastic Modeling

In spite of its programming limitations, most robot tasks are planned using teach pendent programming. Off-line simulation enhances robot programmability, but it has one residual flaw: most industrial robots are too inaccurate to precisely follow paths generated off-line. Robot inaccuracy results in position deviation between the simulated path and the implemented path. An efficient and practical methodology to significantly improve robot accuracy of paths planned off-line has yet to be devised.
The prosperous hardliner: Affluence, fundamentalism, and radicalization in Western European Muslim communities:

Current literature finds that radicalization is correlated with both the holding of fundamentalist religious beliefs and low socio-economic status. The authors interrogate these proposed relationships through a survey we commissioned of 1,200 Muslims living in Western Europe. They analyze, inter alia, Islamic religious fundamentalism, and explore its relationship to self-reported affluence. Controlling for demographic variables, they find that, on average, respondents from more prosperous families are more likely to practice Islam in a way closely associated with fundamentalism – they are more conservative regarding gender roles, seek the universal application of Islamic law, and embrace attitudes associated with a more politicized Islam. This relationship is strengthened among respondents who are unattached to the labor market due to unemployment. Additionally, respondents espousing this belief set are more supportive of the use of violence to ‘defend their faith’.
The chromatin remodeling factor SRCAP modulates expression of prostate specific antigen and cellular proliferation in prostate cancer cells

The SNF2-related CBP activator protein (SRCAP) serves as a coactivator for several nuclear receptors including the androgen receptor (AR). SRCAP is an ATPase that is the core subunit of a large multiprotein complex and was shown to incorporate the histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes. In this report, we demonstrate that SRCAP is expressed in the epithelium of normal prostate and in prostate carcinoma cells, and is associated with AR in the nucleus. Using transient transfection assays we demonstrate that SRCAP activates hormone-dependent transcription of the androgen responsive, prostate specific antigen (PSA)-Luciferase reporter gene in human prostate cells. The in vivo occupancy of SRCAP at the endogenous PSA promoter is demonstrated using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. ShRNA mediated knockdown of SRCAP resulted in decreased H2A.Z binding at the enhancer region of the PSA promoter and decreased expression of PSA in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, inhibition of SRCAP expression significantly inhibited androgen dependent prostate cancer cell growth. These data identify SRCAP as a physiologically relevant mediator of PSA expression, and demonstrate that SRCAP plays a role in prostate cancer cell proliferation.
The interactive relationship among adolescent violence, street violence, and depression

Previous research has shown community violence to be detrimental to adolescent well-being, yet relatively little is known about how adolescents respond to violence in their community. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines the interactive associations among exposure to street violence, adolescent violence, and depression. As hypothesized, results suggest that an adolescent's own violence lessens the negative association between street violence and depression. Similarly, exposure to street violence moderates the association between own violence and depression. Examination across demographic subgroups indicates that these moderating effects are most pronounced among males and older adolescents. Potential developmental consequences of these relationships are discussed.
Factors Associated With Resident Satisfaction With Their Continuity Experience

Objective.— To identify factors associated with resident satisfaction concerning residents' continuity experience. Design and Methods.— Continuity directors distributed questionnaires to residents at their respective institutions. Resident satisfaction was defined as satisfied or very satisfied on a Likert scale. The independent variables included 60 characteristics of the continuity experience from 7 domains: 1) patient attributes, 2) continuity and longitudinal issues, 3) responsibility as primary care provider, 4) preceptor characteristics, 5) educational opportunities, 6) exposure to practice management, and 7) interaction with other clinic and practice staff. A stepwise logistic regression model and the Generalized Estimating Equations approach were used. Results.— Thirty-six programs participated. Of 1155 residents (71%) who provided complete data, 67% (n = 775) stated satisfaction with their continuity experience. The following characteristics (adjusted odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) were found to be most significant: preceptor as good role model, OR=7.28 (CI = 4.2, 12.5); appropriate amount of teaching, OR=3.25 (CI = 2.1, 5.1); involvement during hospitalization, OR=2.61 (CI = 1.3, 5.2); exposure to practice management, OR=2.39 (CI = 1.5, 3.8); good balance of general pediatric patients, OR=2.34 (CI = 1.5, 3.6); resident as patient advocate, OR=1.74 (CI = 1.2, 2.4); and appropriate amount of nursing support, OR=1.65 (CI = 1.1, 2.6). Future career choice, type of continuity site, and level of training were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions.— Pediatric resident satisfaction was significantly associated with 7 variables, the most important of which were the ability of the preceptor to serve as a role model and teacher. The type of continuity site was not significant. Residency programs may use these data to develop interventions to enhance resident satisfaction, which may lead to enhanced work performance and patient satisfaction.
Activity of Telavancin against Staphylococci and Enterococci Determined by MIC and Resistance Selection Studies

This study used CLSI broth microdilution to test the activity of telavancin and comparator antimicrobial agents against 67 methicillin (meticillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates. Twenty-six vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strains were among the isolates tested; all strains were susceptible to telavancin at ≤1 μg/ml, whereas 12/26 (46%) of these isolates were nonsusceptible to daptomycin at the same concentration. All strains were susceptible to quinupristin-dalfopristin, while resistance was found to all other drugs tested. Telavancin demonstrated potent activity against all vancomycin-susceptible isolates as well as against heterogeneously VISA and VISA resistance phenotypes. In multistep resistance selection studies, telavancin yielded one stable mutant after 43 days in one MRSA strain out of the 10 MRSA strains tested with the MIC rising eightfold from 0.25 μg/ml (parent) to 2 μg/ml. MICs for this clone did not increase further when passages were continued for the maximum 50 days. In contrast, daptomycin selected stable resistant clones (MIC increase of >4×) after 14 to 35 days in 4 of 10 MRSA strains with MICs increasing from 1 to 2 μg/ml (parents) to 4 to 8 μg/ml (resistant clones). Sequencing analysis of daptomycin resistance determinants revealed point mutations in the mprF genes of all four stable daptomycin-resistant clones. Teicoplanin gave rise to resistant clones after 14 to 21 days in 2 of 10 MRSA strains with MICs rising from 1 to 2 μg/ml (parents) to 4 to 16 μg/ml (stable resistant clones). Linezolid selected stable resistant clones after 22 to 48 days in 2 of 10 MRSA strains with MICs rising from 2 to 4 μg/ml (parents) to 32 μg/ml (resistant clones). Vancomycin yielded no resistant clones in 10 MRSA strains tested; however, MICs increased two- to fourfold from 1 to 8 μg/ml to 2 to 16 μg/ml after 50 days. No cross-resistance was found with any clone/antimicrobial combination. The two enterococci developed resistance to daptomycin, and one developed resistance to linezolid. Single-step mutation frequencies for telavancin (<4.0 × 10−11 to <2.9 × 10−10 at 2× MIC) were lower than the spontaneous mutation frequencies obtained with the comparators.
Regenerative feedback repeaters for programmable interconnections

FPGA performance is limited mainly by the delay of the programmable interconnection network. This delay increases quadratically with the number of series switches, and is a problem especially when the programmable switches are implemented using MOS transistors, since these have an appreciable resistance and capacitance. The delay can be reduced, at the cost of routability, by limiting the number of series switches per interconnection, or at the cost of area by inserting repeaters. Conventional bidirectional repeaters consist of sets of unidirectional tristate buffers and memory cells. Their benefit is limited due to high area and delay penalty. Area and delay penalty can be alleviated by using a regenerative feedback that senses the beginning of a transition and subsequently enforces it. This requires one buffer and no memory cells. This article shows a network with such repeaters for direction-independent buffering.
Adaptive Channel Estimation for Underwater Acoustic MIMO OFDM Systems

Long acoustic multipath limits the applicability of MIMO OFDM channel estimation methods that require matrix inversion of size M T L, where M T is the number of transmit elements and L is the multipath spread measured in 1/B, the bandwidth inverse. To overcome this problem, sparse nature of the channel is exploited in an algorithm based on a compact signal representation that lads to two forms of adaptive implementation: one that requires matrix inversion but of a reduced size, and another that completely eliminates it. Channel estimation is coupled with phase tracking and prediction to enable decision-directed operation in the presence of non-uniform Doppler distortion, which in turn provides improved performance and reduced overhead. Performance is demonstrated on real data, recorded during a recent experiment in the coastal North Atlantic.
Gene clustering by Latent Semantic Indexing of MEDLINE abstracts

Motivation: A major challenge in the interpretation of high-throughput genomic data is understanding the functional associations between genes. Previously, several approaches have been described to extract gene relationships from various biological databases using term-matching methods. However, more flexible automated methods are needed to identify functional relationships (both explicit and implicit) between genes from the biomedical literature. In this study, we explored the utility of Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI), a vector space model for information retrieval, to automatically identify conceptual gene relationships from titles and abstracts in MEDLINE citations. Results: We found that LSI identified gene-to-gene and keyword-to-gene relationships with high average precision. In addition, LSI identified implicit gene relationships based on word usage patterns in the gene abstract documents. Finally, we demonstrate here that pairwise distances derived from the vector angles of gene abstract documents can be effectively used to functionally group genes by hierarchical clustering. Our results provide proof-of-principle that LSI is a robust automated method to elucidate both known (explicit) and unknown (implicit) gene relationships from the biomedical literature. These features make LSI particularly useful for the analysis of novel associations discovered in genomic experiments. Availability: The 50-gene document collection used in this study can be interactively queried at http://shad.cs.utk.edu/sgo/sgo.html Contact: rhomayouni@utmem.edu Supplementary information: http://shad.cs.utk.edu/sgo/pubs.html
Merging Multiple Data Streams on Common Keys over High Performance Networks

The model for data mining on streaming data assumes that there is a buffer of fixed length and a data stream of infinite length and the challenge is to extract patterns, changes, anomalies, and statistically significant structures by examining the data one time and storing records and derived attributes of length less than N. As data grids, data webs, and semantic webs become more common, mining distributed streaming data will become more and more important. The first step when presented with two or more distributed streams is to merge them using a common key. In this paper, we present two algorithms for merging streaming data using a common key. We also present experimental studies showing these algorithms scale in practice to OC-12 networks.
Sexual Health Information Seeking Online A Mixed-Methods Study Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Young People

The current study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the positive and negative aspects of Internet use for sexual health information among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people. A diverse community sample of 32 LGBT young people (aged 16-24 years) completed qualitative interviews focusing on how, where, and when LGBT young people use the Internet for sexual health information. Results indicate that although many participants seek facts and statistics about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV online, few conduct searches about broader aspects of sexual health. Participants reported that fear about becoming infected with STIs/HIV is a common motivator of searches and noted a number of reasons for not using online sexual health information, including stigma associated with being observed accessing LGBT or HIV information. Together, the results revealed not only significant interest in online sexual health information but also concerns about the perceived limitations of this promising method of sexual health promotion.
Peripheral artificial vision: integrated circuit implementation of lateral inhibitory networks

The approach to building the silicon retina can be made in several ways. Presently the best known is that of Mead (1989) who has made a chip to model the known physiology of the vertebrate retina. Another approach is electronic implementation of selected specific retinal, cortical and optic lobe (of insects) physiological mechanisms. From the electrophysiological experimental results found in these areas of animal visual systems, a lengthy array of principles has developed. By examining the applicability of these principles one, or a few at a time within the context of existing optoelectronic technology the authors hope to better integrate the biological image processing into the monolithic technology. >
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)–Specific CD4+ T Lymphocyte Immune Function in Long-Term Survivors of AIDS-Related CMV End-Organ Disease Who Are Receiving Potent Antiretroviral Therapy

To better understand the relation of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD4+ T lymphocyte immunity and clinical outcome in AIDS-related CMV end-organ disease, 2 patient groups were prospectively studied: patients recently diagnosed with active CMV end-organ disease and survivors of CMV retinitis who had responded to highly active antiretroviral therapy and had quiescent retinitis when anti-CMV therapy was discontinued. Most patients with active CMV disease had negative CMV-specific CD4+ T lymphocyte responses at diagnosis, as measured by lymphoproliferation (7/7) or cytokine flow cytometry (3/5) assays. In contrast, all 10 subjects with quiescent retinitis and >150 absolute CD4+ T lymphocytes/microL whose anti-CMV therapy was discontinued during 6 months of follow-up had positive CMV-specific immune responses at least once by each assay. However, 6 of these 10 subjects also had negative CMV-specific immune responses > or =1 time. Such patients may be at risk for future CMV disease progression and should be closely monitored.
GePUP: Generic Projection and Unconstrained PPE for Fourth-Order Solutions of the Incompressible Navier---Stokes Equations with No-Slip Boundary Conditions

A generic projection maps one vector to another such that their difference is a gradient field and the projected vector does not have to be solenoidal. Via a commutator of Laplacian and the generic projection, the projected velocity is formulated as the sole evolutionary variable with the incompressibility constraint enforced by a pressure Poisson equation so that the dissipation of velocity divergence is governed by a heat equation. Different from previous projection methods, the GePUP formulation treats the time integrator as a black box. This prominent advantage is illustrated by straightforward formations of a semi-implicit time-stepping scheme and another explicit time-stepping scheme. Apart from its stability, the GePUP schemes have an optimal efficiency in that within each time step the solution is advanced by solving a sequence of linear systems with geometric multigrid. A key component of the GePUP schemes is a fourth-order discrete projection for no-penetration domains. Results of numerical tests in two and three dimensions demonstrate that the GePUP schemes are fourth-order accurate both in time and in space. To facilitate efficiency comparison to other methods, a simple formula is introduced. Systematic arguments and timing results show that the GePUP schemes could be vastly superior over lower-order methods in terms of efficiency and accuracy. In some cases, the GePUP schemes running on the author's personal desktop would be faster than a second-order method running on the fastest supercomputer in the world! This paper contains enough details so that one can reproduce the numerical results by following the exposition.
Low Income LGBTGNC (Gender Nonconforming) Struggles Over Shelters as Public Space

As a focal point of neoliberalism in the US, New York City has been made the advance guard of both welfare reform and order maintenance policing, making the 2008 recession all the more destabilizing among low-income LGBTGNC (gender nonconforming) residents. At the same time, expanding gay rights have accompanied this neoliberal turn, defining while masking new intersectionalities of oppression, policing some raced and classed sexualities and genders while protecting others, producing an urban landscape conducive to neoliberal aims (Ferguson, 2004, Puar, 2007). In the process of attracting capital, homonormative discourses and practices have increasingly bolstered white and multicultural class-privileged gay space at the expense of low-income racially and ethnically diverse LGBTGNC communities. Such contradictions have been seen most clearly by those managing the brunt of policy change. A team of low-income LGBTGNC co-researchers set out in a participatory action research (PAR) project to explore these dynamics, including a survey of 171 low-income LGBTGNC residents of NYC. Following McKittrick's (2007) application of paradoxical space to black geographies, case examples demonstrate low income LGBTGNC spatializations of homeless shelters as paradoxical constructions of freedom that challenge neoliberal conceptions of freedom for capital and the homonormative, multicultural individual freedom to consume.
Hormonal and Photoperiodic Control of Growth

The growth and performance of growing-finishing steers receiving growth stimulants via commercially-available subdermal implants are discussed in relation to the endogenous steroids secreted by the bovine testis. Although testosterone is quantitatively the most important steroid secreted by the mammalian testis and is known to possess potent anabolic properties, its androgenic and oestrogenic metabolites may mediate its anabolic effects in vivo. The potency by which androgen-oestrogen combination imp ants (e.g., Forplix and Revalor) increase weight gain in steers lends credence to this hypothesis.
Evaluation of a high speed, high resolution gas chromatography instrument for exhaust hydrocarbon speciation

The ozone forming potential (OFP) and specific reactivity (SR) of tailpipe exhaust are among the factors that determine the environmental impact of a motor vehicle. OFP and SR measurements require a lengthy determination of about 190 non-methane hydrocarbon species. A rapid gas chromatography (GC) instrument has been constructed to separate both the light (C2 -C4) and the midrange (C5 - C12) hydrocarbons in less than 10 minutes. The limit of detection is about 0.002 parts per million carbon (ppmC). Thirty exhaust samples from natural gas vehicles (NGV's) were analyzed to compare the rapid GC method with the standard GC method, which required 40-minute analyses on two different instruments. In general, evaluation of the commercial prototype from Separation Systems, Inc., indicates that a high speed, high resolution gas chromatograph can meet the need for fast, efficient exhaust hydrocarbon speciation. Recommended improvements to the rapid GC include a trap to remove carbon dioxide and water vapor, which interfere with the light-hydrocarbon analysis. Suitable gas standards for calibrating the flame ionization detectors and incomplete recovery of the heaviest midrange hydrocarbons are other issues that require further consideration.
Compensation for changes in tissue light absorption in fluorometry of hypoxic perfused rat hearts.

Fluorescence studies of NADH and various dyes in tissue are complicated by changes in light absorption, causing spurious results. Methods were developed to reduce and compensate for changes in light absorption in perfused rat hearts, subjected to normoxia and hypoxia. Isosbestic wavelengths were determined (i.e., absorption independent of oxygenation) in the whole ventricular wall and in the epicardium using transmitted and reflected light, respectively. Isosbestic wavelengths were found at approximately 385, 427, 455, 510, and 525 nm, similar in the epicardium, throughout the ventricle, in beating and arrested hearts, although the exact wavelengths varied among experiments. Furthermore, absolute light absorption was identical in the epicardium and endocardium. At nonisosbestic wavelengths, the effect of changing light absorption on fluorescence was quantified at various detection wavelengths using a reference dye. New correction methods were also developed and used to correct indo 1 fluorescence ratios for changing absorption so that results were independent of detection wavelengths. These methods can be used to greatly reduce artifacts due to changing tissue light absorption in a variety of fluorescence experiments.
Degree requirement & employment opportunity in radiologic science

Objective To estimate the short-term effect of increasing the minimum education requirement for primary certification examination eligibility on employment opportunities in the radiologic sciences in the United States. Methods Data was gathered from the websites of academic institutions, accrediting agencies, and certification bodies to determine the percentages of education programs that offer radiologic technology students certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or master's degrees. Results Approximately one-third of radiologic science education programs currently award certificates to their graduates. Discussion Some certificate programs appear to be reacting slowly to the increasing of the minimum education requirement. In addition, there appears to be some recent cutbacks in the total number of professional education programs. Perhaps unfortunately, the time frame in which many education programs have been attempting to transition to award students an associate degree upon program completion has coincided with the recent period of global economic turmoil. Conclusion The short-term effect of increasing the minimum education requirement on radiologic science employment opportunities could be large and non-negligible. Thus, employment opportunities for imaging professionals could grow faster than currently projected, as the supply of graduates meeting the increased minimum education requirement of an associate degree could be limited in the short term.