cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Foot and mouth disease revisited: re-analysis using Bayesian spatial susceptible-infectious-removed models.

Abstract The foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2001 was modeled via the use of Bayesian spatial susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) models. In these models the underlying mean of the incident cases was modeled spatially and in time. Dependence structures at the parish level between previous and current cases were modeled either with individual dependence or with neighborhood dependencies. Additional confounding was modeled via random effects that can have either uncorrelated or spatially correlated prior distributions. The best models found relied on lagged population and infection count within the same parish but neighborhood lagged dependencies overall did not provide a good fit. Models with only a space–time interaction effect were preferred over more complex models. The estimation of ‘decline’ markers for different areas was considered via difference operators as posterior functionals. These proved to be useful in giving an early indication of the waning phase of the epidemic locally.
Previsible sets for hyperfinite filtrations

Previsible (or predictable) stochastic processes are defined for any “filtration” over a probability space (Dellacherie and Meyer (1978), IV. 61). This technical definition gives previsible processes certain “predictability properties” such as not being able to oscillate in unison with martingale differentials. Thus previsibility has become one essential ingredient in “The General Theory of Stochastic Processes”.
2-Matchings, the Traveling Salesman Problem, and the Subtour LP: A Proof of the Boyd-Carr Conjecture

Determining the precise integrality gap for the subtour linear programming (LP) relaxation of the traveling salesman problem is a significant open question, with little progress made in thirty years in the general case of symmetric costs that obey triangle inequality. Boyd and Carr [Boyd S, Carr R (2011) Finding low cost TSP and 2-matching solutions using certain half-integer subtour vertices. Discrete Optim. 8:525–539. Prior version accessed June 27, 2011, http://www.site.uottawa.ca/~sylvia/recentpapers/halftri.pdf.] observe that we do not even know the worst-case upper bound on the ratio of the optimal 2-matching to the subtour LP; they conjecture the ratio is at most 10/9. In this paper, we prove the Boyd-Carr conjecture. In the case that the support of a fractional 2-matching has no cut edge, we can further prove that an optimal 2-matching has cost at most 10/9 times the cost of the fractional 2-matching.
Monitoring bound HA1(H1N1) and HA1(H5N1) on freely suspended graphene over plasmonic platforms with infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Infrared (IR) spectroscopy provides fingerprinting of the energy and orientation of molecular bonds. The IR signals are generally weak and require amplification. Here we present a new plasmonic platform, made of freely suspended graphene, which was coating periodic metal structures. Only monolayer thick films were needed for a fast signal recording. We demonstrated unique IR absorption signals of bound proteins: these were the hemagglutinin area (HA1) of swine influenza (H1N1) and the avian influenza (H5N1) viruses bound to their respective tri-saccharides ligand receptors. The simplicity and sensitivity of such approach may find applications in fast monitoring of binding events.
A Tiered Intervention Model for Early Vocabulary Instruction: The Effects of Tiered Instruction for Young Students at Risk for Reading Disability.

Vocabulary knowledge at school entry is a robust predictor of later reading achievement. Many children begin formal reading instruction at a significant disadvantage due to low levels of vocabulary. Until recently, relatively few research studies examined the efficacy of vocabulary interventions for children in the early primary grades (e.g., before fourth grade), and even fewer addressed vocabulary intervention for students at increased risk for reading failure. In more recent work, researchers have begun to explore ways in which to diminish the “meaningful differences” in language achievement noted among children as they enter formal schooling. This article provides a review of a particularly effective model of vocabulary intervention based on shared storybook reading and situates this model in a context of tiered intervention, an emerging model of instructional design in the field of special education. In addition, we describe a quasi-experimental posttest-only study that examines the feasibility and effectiveness of the model for first-grade students. Participants were 224 first-grade students of whom 98 were identified as at risk for reading disability based on low levels of vocabulary. Results of a multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences on measures of target vocabulary knowledge at the receptive and context level, suggesting that students at risk for reading failure benefit significantly from a second tier of vocabulary instruction. Implications for classroom practice as well as future research are provided.
Twelve-month follow-up of aftercare for adolescents with alcohol use disorders

Adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) previously completed a randomized controlled outpatient aftercare study (Y. Kaminer, J. A. Burleson, & R. H. Burke, 2008) in which they were randomly assigned to in-person, brief telephone, or no-active aftercare. Youth were assessed at end of aftercare and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up on frequency and quantity of alcohol use. It was predicted that active aftercare (in-person and brief telephone) would be superior to no-active aftercare in reducing alcohol use, as shown in the original study. No subject or therapy group attributes were significant moderators of outcome. Active aftercare in general maintained short-term favorable effects by reducing relapse in youth with AUD and should be considered as part of standard procedures in therapeutic interventions for all alcohol and other substance use. In-person and the brief telephone procedures did not differ in their effectiveness. Structured communications with AUD youth during and after treatment by use of electronic technology rather than in-person contact might therefore be more fully investigated.
Time-dependent flow properties from indentation tests

An effort was undertaken to investigate the possibility of using indentation tests to extract time-dependent flow property information from small, cylindrical specimens. Lead specimens were tested by conventional creep, indentation creep, conventional stress relaxation, and indentation load relaxation techniques. Indentation creep and indentation load relaxation results were found to fit the conventional creep and the stress relaxation results, respectively, by defining an effective stress σeff = Pm/5.33 and an effective strain rate eeff = hD, where P is the indentation pressure, D is the indentor diameter, and h the indentation rate. Of the two indentation tests, the indentation load relaxation test should be the easier to scale down to smaller specimens.
Microsatellite loci isolated from narrow‐leaved cattail Typha angustifolia

We present 11 dinucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) and describe conditions for their amplification. The PCR primers were tested on at least 20 individuals of Typha angustifolia and T. latifolia from two Ukrainian populations per species. The primers amplify loci with relatively high numbers of alleles (averaging 7.22 and 4.95 alleles per locus in T. angustifolia and T. latifolia, respectively), and polymorphic information content (averaging 0.61 and 0.46 in T. angustifolia and T. latifolia, respectively).
The role of religious networks and other factors in types of volunteer work

In view of current efforts to strengthen volunteering and promote the faith-based provision of social services in the United States, we examine both the underlying complexity of volunteering and who performs particular types of volunteer work. This paper, drawing on a telephone interview survey of 526 randomly selected Indiana residents, considers whether religious involvement helps explain engagement in different types of volunteer work independent of such other contributing factors as family status, socioeconomic status, and community attachment. We find that religious involvement plays an independent role, but only for certain types of volunteer work.
Inactivation kinetics of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on strawberries by chlorine dioxide gas

Abstract Inactivation kinetics of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on strawberries by chlorine dioxide gas at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, 3 and 5 mg l -1 ) for 10 min were studied. A cocktail of three strains of each targeted organism (100 μl) was spotted onto the surface of the strawberries (approximately 8–9 log ml −1 ) separately followed by air drying, and then treated with ClO 2 gas at 22 °C and 90–95% relative humidity. Approximately a 4.3–4.7 log CFU reduction per strawberry of all examined bacteria was achieved by treatment with 5 mg l −1 ClO 2 for 10 min. The inactivation kinetics of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and S. enterica were determined using first-order kinetic models to establish D -values and z -values. The D -values of E. coli , L. monocytogenes and S. enterica were 2.6±0.2, 2.3±0.2 and 2.7±0.7 min, respectively, at 5 mg l −1 ClO 2 . The z-values of E. coli , L. monocytogenes and S. enterica were 16.8±3.5, 15.8±3.5 and 23.3±3.3 mg l -1 , respectively. Furthermore, treatment with ClO 2 gas significantly ( p⩽ 0.05) reduced the initial microflora (mesophilic, psychrotrophic bacteria, yeasts and molds) on strawberries. Treatment with ClO 2 gas did not affect the color of strawberries and extended the shelf-life to 16 days compared to 8 days for the untreated control.
A discrete alcohol pocket involved in GIRK channel activation

Ethanol activates G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels, but it is unclear how. This study identifies an alcohol-binding pocket located in the cytoplasmic domains of GIRK2. A leucine residue in this pocket was crucial for GIRK2 activation by alcohols, but was not involved in the alcohol inhibition of related, but constitutively active, K+ channels.
An empirical application of confirmatory factor analysis to the multitrait-multimethod matrix

Abstract Though most social psychologists are aware of the use of factor analysis as an exploratory method to uncover latent dimensions, factor analysis can also be used in a confirmatory mode to test specific hypotheses. A confirmatory solution is unique and cannot be rotated. One possible use of confirmatory factor analysis is with the multitrait-multimethod matrix. Jaccard, Weber, and Lundmark's (1975) multitrait-multimethod matrix of two traits and four methods is analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. Given the very small sample size the analysis is primarily illustrative. A simple two factor model with errors of measurement correlated across measures using the same method satisfactorily fits the data. Both discriminant and convergent validity are high and none of the methods has higher reliability or less correlated measurement error. The reliability of measures estimated by maximum likelihood factor analysis is lower than the test-retest reliability since method variance is subtracted out. Confirmatory factor analysis is recommended over the Campbell-Fiske criteria.
Perceptual Surface Roughness Classification of 3D Textures Using Support Vector Machines

Perceptual surface roughness classification describes how a surface's texture feels haptically in terms of perceptual categories such as smooth, rough, bumpy, etc. Computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms which estimate a surface's perceptual roughness have a wide range of application areas including robotics, assistive devices, telesurgery and teleperception. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to perceptual surface roughness classification that, unlike previous approaches, is designed to handle multiple roughness categories within the same image. The steps of our approach include (1) texton extraction and classification using a multi-class, non-linear Support Vector Machine; (2) segmentation using the Iterated Conditional Modes algorithm; and (3) overall perceptual roughness classification using a Nearest Neighbor classifier. The proposed approach is evaluated using visio-haptic subjective measures of roughness on images of the 3D texture of real world objects.
Neuropathies of the foot

Compared with the common neuropathies affecting the hands (carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy), neuropathies of the feet have received less attention in the past. This is partly because of the rarity of these disorders as well as the lack of reliable electrophysiological tests for them. Over the years, nerve conduction tests for various nerves of the feet have been reported, and at this time techniques for all the nerves of the feet are available to the electromyographer. This review will provide up-to-date information on the current status of the research and issues relating to the neuropathies of the foot, with an emphasis on the most useful tests and the caveats for clinical neurophysiologists.
Ordered substrate binding and evidence for a thermally induced change in mechanism for E. coli aspartate transcarbamylase

Abstract Isotopic exchange kinetics at equilibrium for E. coli native aspartate transcarbamylase at pH 7.8, 30 °C, are consistent with an ordered BiBi substrate binding mechanism. Carbamyl phosphate binds before l -Asp, and carbamyl-aspartate is released before inorganic phosphate. The rate of [ 14 C]Asp C-Asp exchange is much faster than [ 32 P]carbamyl phosphate P i exchange. Phosphate, and perhaps carbamyl phosphate, appears to bind at a separate modifier site and prevent dissociation of active-site bound P i or carbamyl phosphate. Initial velocity studies in the range of 0–40 °C reveal a biphasic Arrhenius plot for native enzyme: E a (>15 °C) = 6.3 kcal/ mole and E a ( E a ≅ 20.2 kcal/mole. This, with other data, suggests that with native enzyme a conformational change accompanying aspartate association contributes significantly to rate limitation at t > 15 °C, but that catalytic steps become definitively slower below 15 °C. Model kinetics are derived to show that this change in mechanism at low temperature can force an ordered substrate binding system to produce exchange-rate patterns consistent with a random binding system with all exchange rates equal. The nonlinear Arrhenius plot also has important consequences for current theories of catalytic and regulatory mechanisms for this enzyme.
Results of field trials for the PELAN system

PELAN (Pulsed ELemental Analsys with Neutrons) is a man-portable system for the detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents, weighing 40 kg. It is based on the principle that explosives and other contraband contain various chemical elements such as H, C, N, O, etc. in quantities and ratios that differentiate them from ot her innocuous substances. The pulsed neutrons are produced with a pulsed 14 MeV (d-T) neutron generator. Separate gamma-ray spectra from fast neutron, thermal neutron and activation reactions are accumulated and analyzed to determine elemental content. Data analysis is performed in an automatic manner and a final result of whether a threat is present is returned to the operator. Since 1999, PELAN has undergone several field trials and demonstrations, including in 2001, demonstrations in Belgium andin the US of its ability to identify chemical warfare agents. We will review the results of these tests and also discuss the modifications made to the system.
Follicular dendritic cells mediated maintenance of primary lymphocyte cultures for long-term analysis of a functional in vitro immune system

Primary lymphocyte cultures are important for analysis of cellular and molecular events occurring during immune responses. However, the lymphoid cells (especially B cells) typically only survive for a few days in vitro which limits studies. Establishment of long-term primary lymphocyte cultures where a functioning humoral immune responses can be maintained and regulated is still a challenge. Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are immune accessory cells that reside in the follicles of secondary lymphoid organs and are known to protect lymphocytes from apoptosis. We hypothesized that addition of FDC to primary lymphocyte cultures may help maintain humoral immune responses in vitro as they do in vivo. To test the hypothesis, freshly isolated lymphocytes were cultured with or without FDC. The B cells in cultures were labeled using B220 and apoptotic cells were labeled using the TUNEL assay. Antibody production was monitored in supernatant fluids using ELISA. The results showed that FDC reduced apoptosis and helped sustain primary lymphocyte cultures and antibody production was maintained throughout the entire period (e.g., 8 weeks). This FDC dependent system should be useful for analysis of cellular and molecular events over extended periods in vitro.
The beneficial effect of mild hypothermia in a rat model of repeated thromboembolic insults

The post-thrombotic brain has recently been reported to have an enhanced vulnerability to a second embolic insult. Although postischemic hypothermia is neuroprotective in global and focal ischemia models, the effect of mild hypothermia on outcome after thromboembolic insults has not been evaluated. This study therefore determined whether brain hypothermia (33°C) was neuroprotective against repeated thromboembolic insults. Photochemically induced non-occlusive common carotid artery thrombosis (CCAT) leading to platelet embolization to the brain was induced in anesthetized rats (n=35). Thirty minutes after CCAT, brain temperature was maintained at normothermic (37°C) or hypothermic (33°C) levels for 4 h followed by a slow rewarming period (1.5 h). Three days later, rats underwent a secondary CCAT insult under normothermic conditions and were allowed to survive for an additional 3 days prior to perfusion fixation and quantitative histopathological assessment. Compared to normothermic animals, mild hypothermia after the first embolic insult produced a significant reduction (P>0.05) in overall infarct volume. Hypothermia reduced total infarct volume from 7.55±2.32 mm3 (mean ± SEM) in normothermic rats to 2.56±0.88 mm3 in hypothermic animals undergoing repeated insults. Histopathological analysis also demonstrated less evidence for focal hemorrhage in the cooled groups. These data demonstrate that mild hypothermia is protective in a thromboembolic stroke model. In addition, post-thrombotic hypothermia decreases the histopathological vulnerability of the post-thrombotic brain to secondary embolic insults. These findings may be important in the prevention of stroke in patients at risk.
On the “Snapshot” of Telephone‐Administered Psychotherapy: Back to Science for a Clearer Picture

Telephone-administered psychological therapy appears to be a promising alternative to face-to-face therapy. Although it is expected that its efficacy will be established in the near future, progress in understanding its process will likely struggle given how investigations have proceeded with face-to-face therapy. The primary reason appears to be an overemphasis on few experimental designs (and randomized clinical trials in particular) without sufficient attention to science in its entirety. It is hoped that this situation is remedied particularly for research on telephone-administered psychological therapy, as further investigations will likely bring about significant advancement in our understanding of therapy in general, regardless of the administration format.
Fidaxomicin in the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea.

We read with interest the correspondence by Greig com-paring outlays for ﬁdaxomicin for the treatment of allprimary cases of Clostridium difﬁcile-associated diarrhoea(CDAD), in persons aged [65 years, and for persons inreceipt of concomitant antimicrobial pharmacotherapy,with mean expenditures for hospitalization for CDAD inthe UK [1].We agree with Greig that the ﬁscal beneﬁts ofemploying ﬁdaxomicin in the treatment of CDAD extendbeyond the acquisition cost of medication, and that thepotential to reduce transmission of disease will afford amore robust ﬁnancial proﬁle in favour of ﬁdaxomicin.Our research comparing outlays for ﬁdaxomicin versusvancomycin for the treatment of CDAD, with an end-pointof warranted price from the perspective of the US health-care system, concluded ﬁdaxomicin represented value formoney [2]. To examine this issue, we employed the num-ber-needed-to-treat (NNT) as derived from the registrationstudies with the US Food and Drug Administration(NNT = 7.1). Moreover, to discern the ﬁscal utility ofﬁdaxomicin in both primary and secondary cases ofCDAD, we employed the methodology developed byO’Brien et al. [3] for attribution of hospital outlays due toCDAD in secondary cases. This approach resulted in amore conservative hurdle for ﬁdaxomicin. Finally, itshould be noted that our research employed national (US)data for both primary and secondary cases of CDAD [4].Greig is correct to note that there are limited compara-tive data as regards the use of vancomycin versus metro-nidazole in the treatment of CDAD. That said, from apolicy perspective, results reported by Greig [1] and Sclaret al. [2] indicate that ﬁdaxomicin represents a judiciousﬁscal choice among select populations hospitalized forCDAD.References
Harmony on the Second Dose of Measles Vaccine

Since 1989 the disparate recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID), “The Redbook Committee,” regarding the age at which the second dose of measles vaccine (usually measles, mumps, rubella [MMR]) should be given has posed a dilemma for pediatricians. Although the goals of each group were identical, the pragmatic aspects considered by the respective committees differed. The ACIP, focusing primarily on the public health community, knew that immunizing the “captive audience” at school entry would be the most efficient way of assuring administration of a second dose. The COID, focusing primarily on the practicing clinician, judged that the second dose at 10 to 12 years would more rapidly provide protection for those youngsters who …
α–γ transition in nylon 6

The α to γ transition that occurs in nylon 6 upon iodine treatment was investigated by infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, and x-ray diffraction techniques. Thin films of nylon (0.2 mil) were treated in either iodine–potassium iodide aqueous solution or in iodine vapor. Very short treatment times, in the order of 30 sec, were found to effect the transition when a solution 0.5M with respect to iodine was used. The infrared spectra of the iodine nylon complexes formed from either the α- or γ-nylon 6 treated in vapor or dissolved iodine were all similar. This is an indication that molecular iodine is the active species in forming the complex. The temperature of the washing solution used to remove the iodine from the nylon determines whether an α-nylon 6 or γ-nylon 6 is obtained from the complex after washing. Nylon 6 plaque surfaces and thin films are similar in their behavior towards the iodine treatment. The γ-nylon 6 is a stable modification at all temperatures below its melting point. The conversion of the γ form back to the α modification can occur only if the hydrogen bonding is severely affected, e.g., by phenol treatment, iodine treatment, melting, etc. Infrared spectroscopy provided no evidence for an α–γ transition in nylon 6 on heating the sample continuously through its melting point. The shapes of the melting peaks in the above two modifications of nylon 6 were sufficiently different to provide a means of identifying the two crystalline forms.
Planing of a long plate

Previously we studied the two-dimensional problem of planing of a flat plate on the free surface of an incompressible inviscid fluid of infinite depth. We assumed that the Froude number $$U/(gL)^{1/2}$$ was large, with $$U$$ the horizontal velocity of the plate, $$L$$ the length of the plate, and $$g$$ the acceleration of gravity. We solved this problem by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, with $$gLU^{-2}$$ as the small parameter. The solution contained a jet flowing up along the forward-facing surface of the plate. When the jet reached the upper edge of the plate, it became a free jet that followed a parabolic path and fell back onto the free surface. Now we consider the case where the jet falls off the plate before it reaches the upper edge, and we determine where it leaves the plate.
In Vitro Formation of Apparent Covalent Complexes Between l-Triiodothyronine and Plasma Protein

Nondissociable complexes between 125I-labeled T3 (125I-T3) and plasma proteins were observed after incubation of 125I-T3 with plasma diluted 200-fold with phosphate buffer. The formation of these complexes was enhanced in the presence of Cu2+ and flavin mononucleotide and inhibited by reducing agents such as propylthiouracil, thiosulfate, dithiothreitol, and glutathione. The 125I-T3 protein complexes could be disrupted after digestion with pronase. T3 itself was identified as a constituent of the pronase digests by co-chromatography with authentic 131I-T3 to a constant isotopic ratio across the T3 area. Since treatment with 0.2% sodium dodecylsulfate or 8M urea did not disrupt the complexes, the T3-protein bond appears to have some of the characteristics of a covalent bond between hormone and protein.
Use of Mixtures of Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen for Extending Shelf-life of Prepackaged Fresh Beef

Abstract Storage of prepackaged fresh beef at 5°C in an atmosphere containing a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide substantially increased shelf-like based on either colour (colour shelf-life) or odour (odour shelf-life) deterioration. Tests were made with ¼ lb. slices of lean beef uniformly inoculated with about 104 cells/sq cm of a mixture of psychrotolerant strains of Pseudomonas and the Moraxella-Acinetobacter group. These slices were packaged in cardboard trays, overwrapped with a gas-permeable polyvinyl-chloride film and incubated in the desired gaseous environment for 20 days. A mixture of 70-85% oxygen and 15% CO2 gave the best results, increasing the colour- and odour shelf-life by 9 and 10 days, respectively, compared to storage in air. None of the gases or gas mixtures studied affected the pH of the meat or weight loss due to weep. The results should have application in a central prepackaging operation for extending the shelf-life of consumer cuts during transportation and storage.
Mechanism of calcium entry during axon injury and degeneration.

Abstract Axon degeneration is a hallmark consequence of chemical neurotoxicant exposure (e.g., acrylamide), mechanical trauma (e.g., nerve transection, spinal cord contusion), deficient perfusion (e.g., ischemia, hypoxia), and inherited neuropathies (e.g., infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy). Regardless of the initiating event, degeneration in the PNS and CNS progresses according to a characteristic sequence of morphological changes. These shared neuropathologic features suggest that subsequent degeneration, although induced by different injury modalities, might evolve via a common mechanism. Studies conducted over the past two decades indicate that Ca2+accumulation in injured axons has significant neuropathic implications and is a potentially unifying mechanistic event. However, the route of Ca2+entry and the involvement of other relevant ions (Na+, K+) have not been adequately defined. In this overview, we discuss evidence for reverse operation of the Na+–Ca2+exchanger as a primary route of Ca2+entry during axon injury. We propose that diverse injury processes (e.g., axotomy, ischemia, trauma) which culminate in axon degeneration cause an increase in intraaxonal Na+in conjunction with a loss of K+and axolemmal depolarization. These conditions favor reverse Na+–Ca2+exchange operation which promotes damaging extraaxonal Ca2+entry and subsequent Ca2+-mediated axon degeneration. Deciphering the route of axonal Ca2+entry is a fundamental step in understanding the pathophysiologic processes induced by chemical neurotoxicants and other types of nerve damage. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of Ca2+entry can be used as a target for the development of efficacious pharmacotherapies that might be useful in preventing or limiting irreversible axon injury.
The Kansas and Minnesota experiments

Two experiments conducted almost 20 years ago have come to be regarded as important milestones in boundary-layer research. This paper recounts the motivation for those experiments, describes how they were conducted, and summarizes their results.
Biofeedback to enhance psychophysiological effects of imagery

Unlike most applications of biofeedback, the outcome goal and the aim of the present investigation was to increase arousal by the provision of feedback. The ability to generate psychophysiological arousal during noxious imagery may be therapeutically beneficial to individuals receiving emotive imagery therapies, and in the present study we evaluated biofeedback as a means of correcting psychophysiological deficits in imagery. Thirty psychophysiologically unreactive undergraduates were randomly assigned to skin-resistance-level biofeedback, false-feedback, or no-feedback conditions for six sessions of assessment and treatment. The methodology controlled for placebo, practice, and initial value effects. Significant increases in skin resistance level, heart rate, and frontalis electromyography accrued to the biofeedback group but not the control groups, and these gains persisted when biofeedback was withdrawn. Subjective measures showed no changes. The results support the usefulness of biofeedback as a remedy for imagery underarousal.
Vertical prisms. How to avoid them

Prescribing vertical prisms not infrequently leads to unsightly spectacles at best, and computing them may lead to errors at worst. Prismatic compensation for a particular reading point is of little value when the patient uses other eccentric portions of the lens, and it is not necessary if the patient learns to use (or continues to use) the optical centers. Clinical evaluation of eye-head posture and vertical phorias may reveal tell-tale clues in managing vertical imbalances in general and the anisometropic presbyope in particular.
Corneal and skin laser exposures from 1540 nm laser pulses

Mechanisms of tissue damage are investigated for skin and cornea exposures from 1540 nm (eye safe) laser single pulses of 0.8 milli-seconds. New skin model data point out the advantages of using the Yucatan mini-pig versus the Yorkshire pig for in-vivo skin laser exposures. Major advantages found include similarities in thickness and melanin content when compared with human skin. Histology from Yucatan mini-pig skin exposures and the calculation of an initial ED 50 threshold indicate that the main photon tissue interaction may not be solely due to water absorption. In-vitro corneal equivalents compared well with in-vivo rabbit cornea exposure under similar laser conditions. In-vivo and in-vitro histology show that initial energy deposition leading to damage occurs intrastromally, while epithelial cells show no direct injury due to laser light absorption.
Inflation forecasts and core inflation measures: Where is the information on future inflation?

Abstract This paper uses the forecast from a random walk model of inflation as a benchmark to test and compare the forecast performance of several alternatives of future inflation, including the Greenbook forecast by the Fed staff, the Survey of Professional Forecasters median forecast, CPI inflation minus food and energy, CPI weighted median inflation, and CPI trimmed mean inflation. The Greenbook forecast was found in previous literature to be a better forecast than other private sector forecasts. Our results indicate that both the Greenbook and the Survey of Professional Forecasters median forecasts of inflation and core inflation measures may contain better information than forecasts from a random walk model. The Greenbook's superiority appears to have declined against other forecasts and core inflation measures.
Vibratory tinnitus and palatal myoclonus.

1. Two female patients with vibratory tinnitus and spontaneous palatal myoclonus are reported. One male patient with vibratory tinnitus and voluntary palatal myoclonic movements is described.2. The tinnitus was heard only when the palatal muscles and salpingo-pharyngeus muscles contracted and the tubal orifices are closed. The tinnitus can be heard both by the patient and by other persons.3. No common etiology could be determined.4. No specific treatment has been delineated.SUMMARYFowler has classified head noises into two groups: vibratory tinnitus and non-vibratory tinnitus. Vibratory tinnitus is caused by actual vibrations from any source reaching the end organ of the cochlea — non-vibratory tinnitus is caused by factors other than vibratory.Some vibratory tinnitus can be heard both by the patient and by other persons. Instances of this kind have been observed in association with palatal myoclonus. The latter phenomenon is recognized as usually rapidly repeated spontaneous and involuntary contractions ...
Electromagnetic Characterization of High Absorption Sub-Wavelength Optical Nanostructure Photovoltaics for Solar Energy Harvesting

This paper presents a detailed numerical electromagnetic characterization of GaAs photovoltaic (PV) nanopillar array solar cells recently developed for solar energy harvesting. Through electromagnetic theory, full-wave simulations, and an optical measurement, a deeper understanding of the electromagnetic operation of these nanostructure arrays is achieved by revealing the mechanisms that allow for its inherent improvement of optical absorption over conventional PV solar cells. Initial investigations include incorporating and verifying material optical properties through measurements of bulk GaAs samples, simulating the effects of nanopillar geometry and configuration, and an analysis of the optical absorption mechanism of the nanopillar arrays through the graphical visualization of the electric fields in the vicinity of the nanopillars. These investigations will offer critical insights into the effects of pillar dimensions and configuration that can significantly increase optical solar energy absorption approximately 1.5 times that of conventional solar cells spanning the entire visible spectrum and for angles of incidence up to 60 $^{\circ}$ . Furthermore, comparisons between nanopillar arrays with and without substrates will demonstrate the mechanism that drives the efficient optical absorption. In addition, the importance of the nanopillar structure (i.e., dimensions) and reflecting substrate in providing energy coupling and improving the air-to-array interface will be discussed.
Highlights in Unconventional Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems

The paper surveys several unconventional concepts of nuclear power and propulsion systems which have been proposed during recent years. The unconventional aspects of these concepts reside partly in their indicated performance capability and partly in the scanty discussion they received thus far by other workers in the field. It is the objective of this survey to bring these proposals to renewed attention and discussion among those concerned with progress in space power and propulsion systems. Beside the magneto hydro dynamics (MHD) accelerators, also included are electro gas dynamics (EGD) and fusion propulsion concepts whose indicated performance characteristics warrant a closer scrutiny because of their potential attractiveness for the future aerospace transportation systems.
Gender-specific induction of cytochrome P450s in nonylphenol-treated FVB/NJ mice.

Nonylphenol (NP) is a breakdown product of nonylphenol ethoxylates, which are used in a variety of industrial, agricultural, household cleaning, and beauty products. NP is one of the most commonly found toxicants in the United States and Europe and is considered a toxicant of concern because of its long half-life. NP is an environmental estrogen that also activates the pregnane X-receptor (PXR) and in turn induces P450s. No study to date has examined the gender-specific effects of NP on hepatic P450 expression. We provided NP at 0, 50 or 75 mg/kg/day for 7 days to male and female FVB/NJ mice and compared their P450 expression profiles. Q-PCR was performed on hepatic cDNA using primers to several CYP isoforms regulated by PXR or its relative, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). In female mice, NP induced Cyp2b10 and Cyp2b13, and downregulated the female-specific P450s, Cyp3a41 and Cyp3a44. In contrast, male mice treated with NP showed increased expression of Cyp2a4, Cyp2b9, and Cyp2b10. Western blots confirmed induction of Cyp2b subfamily members in both males and females. Consistent with the Q-PCR data, Western blots showed dose-dependent downregulation of Cyp3a only in females and induction of Cyp2a only in males. The overall increase in female-predominant P450s in males (Cyp2a4, 2b9) and the decrease in female-predominant P450s in females (Cyp3a41, 3a44) suggest that NP is in part feminizing the P450 profile in males and masculinizing the P450 profile in females. Testosterone hydroxylation was also altered in a gender-specific manner, as testosterone 16α-hydroxylase activity was only induced in NP-treated males. In contrast, NP-treated females demonstrated a greater propensity for metabolizing zoxazolamine probably due to greater Cyp2b induction in females. In conclusion, NP causes gender-specific P450 induction and therefore exposure to NP may cause distinct pharmacological and toxicological effects in males compared to females.
Recovery of the tropical lower stratospheric ozone layer

[1] Long-term time dependent simulations out to the year 2050 using the Goddard Space Flight Center interactive 2D chemistry-radiation-dynamics model are used to predict tropical lower stratospheric ozone. The model results show that when chlorine levels are enhanced, heterogeneous chemistry on the surfaces of middle and high latitude sulfate aerosols and polar stratospheric clouds induces circulation changes which lead to ozone depletion in the tropical lower stratosphere. We find that despite a return to background chlorine levels, the tropical lower stratospheric ozone layer will not recover because of a reduction in penetrating ultraviolet radiation. This reduction is due to the faster upper stratospheric ozone recovery with increasing carbon dioxide. With background aerosol amounts, tropical ozone at 50 hPa is reduced by ∼2% between 1980 and 1997 and remains at that level of depletion out to 2050. The simulations also suggest that tropical tropopause temperatures will be lowered by a maximum of 0.1 K between 1980 and 2015, resulting in a maximum reduction of tropical lower stratospheric water vapor of 2% between 1980 and 2018. These results may have important implications for recovery detection strategies.
Melampolides from Magnolia grandiflora

Abstract Two isomeric melampolides, melampomagnolide A and melampomagnolide B, were isolated from the newly formed leaves of Magnolia grandiflora . Their stereochemical structures were established by spectroscopic means, and by chemical correlation with soulangianolide A and parthenolide, respectively.
Managing the Counterrevolution: The United States and Guatemala, 1954–1961. By Stephen M. Streeter. (Athens: Ohio University Center for International Studies, 2000. xvi, 384 pp. Paper, $30.00, ISBN 0-89680-215-9.)

The Eisenhower administration's intervention in Guatemala is one of the most closely studied covert operations in the history of the Cold War. Yet we know far more about the 1954 coup itself than its aftermath. This book uses the concept of counterrevolution to trace the Eisenhower administration's efforts to restore U.S. hegemony in a nation whose reform governments had antagonized U.S. economic interests and the local elite. Comparing the Guatemalan case to U.S.-sponsored counterrevolutions in Iran, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Chile reveals that Washington's efforts to roll back communism in Latin America and elsewhere during the Cold War represented in reality a short-term strategy to protect core American interests from the rising tide of Third World nationalism."
Alternating Current Voltammetry Studies of the Effect of Melittin on Heterogeneous Electron Transfer across a Hybrid Bilayer Membrane Supported on a Gold Electrode

Hybrid bilayer membranes (HBM) that consist of two different layers (a self-assembled monolayer of alkanethiols on a gold electrode and a second layer of phospholipids) dramatically attenuate the heterogeneous electron transfer between soluble redox couples and the gold electrode. Alternating current voltammetry indicates the presence of a low density of defects in the HBM through which the redox couples can reach the electrode. Adsorption of a pore-forming cationic peptide, melittin, into the HBM increases the HBM capacitance, accelerates the faradic reaction for the negatively charged redox couple Fe(CN)63-, decelerates the faradic reaction for the positively charged redox couple Ru(NH3)63+, and has little effect on the faradic reaction of the neutral hydroxymethylferrocene. These results are discussed in terms of several possible mechanisms, including pore-forming processes and electrostatic effects.
The Nature and Political Significance of Preemption

The United States Constitution incorporated elements of the unitary and confederate systems of government to form simultaneously a compound republic, the world's first federal governance system, and a unitary government with complete control over the District of Columbia and territories. Specific powers were delegated to Congress and all other powers were reserved to the states and the people unless prohibited.
RSK2 Activity Is Regulated by Its Interaction with PEA-15*

The ERK MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase cascade modulates many cellular processes including transcription, adhesion, growth, survival, and proliferation. One target substrate of ERK involved in regulating transcription is the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) isozyme, RSK2. Here we demonstrate that a small death effector domain-containing protein called PEA-15 binds RSK2. RSK2 and PEA-15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes, 15 kDa) co-precipitated from cells and were colocalized in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, purified PEA-15 bound in vitro translated RSK2, suggesting that these proteins interact directly. PEA-15 does not bind to RSK1 and therefore exhibits some binding specificity. RSK2 binds the COOH terminus of PEA-15 and does not interact with its NH2-terminal death effector domain. We show that this interaction has functional consequences including the inhibition of RSK2-dependent CREB transcription. PEA-15 expression also blocks histone H3 phosphorylation, an RSK2-dependent event that may contribute to effects on gene expression. These results can be attributed to two effects of PEA-15 on RSK2. First, PEA-15 blocks nuclear accumulation of RSK2 after epidermal growth factor stimulation. Second, PEA-15 inhibits RSK2 kinase activity by 50%. A mutant of PEA-15 that binds RSK2 but is localized to the nucleus had no effect on RSK2-dependent transcription. Interestingly, this mutant also did not affect RSK2 kinase activity. This may indicate that cytoplasmic retention of RSK2 is also required for PEA-15 to impair kinase activity. PEA-15 does not alter ERK phosphorylation of RSK2 and is not itself a substrate of RSK2. Hence the effects of PEA-15 on RSK2 represent a novel mechanism for the regulation of RSK2-mediated signaling.
Asynchronous distributed problem-based learning

The paper explores the formative and summative results of a problem-based, asynchronously conducted, graduate-level, educational psychology course on learning theory. EPSY was a 13-week, three credit, graduate level, educational psychology course conducted asynchronously at a distance. Multiple tools, methods, and data collection points were used in assessing this course. Data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. As part of the evaluation of this course, qualitative data was collected from the participants at two separate intervals. Two open-ended surveys were filled out, one at the midpoint of the course, and the second at course completion. EPSY was conducted over the Internet using WebCT as the technological backbone of the course and WebBoard as the primary collaborative communications tool.
Plastic Relaxation in Thin Copper Films

We have studied the isothermal relaxation behavior of 500 nm Cu films with SiNx passivation and barrier layers on Si substrates. Oxygen content in the Cu films was varied by deposition in various oxygen partial pressures in the range 10-10 to 10-4 Torr. The substrate curvature method was used to investigate the thermomechanical behavior of the Cu films. Isothermal relaxation experiments were performed in the temperature range 50-175°C. Comparison with constitutive creep deformation equations shows that the relaxation data in this temperature range are well described by power law behavior. Under certain isothermal conditions related to temperature, stress, and thermal history, anelastic recovery was observed- i.e. while in a tensile stress state and with the temperature held constant, the overall film stress was seen to increase over a relatively short time scale.
An Essential Role of the CAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein-α in the Vitamin D-Induced Expression of the Human Steroid/Bile Acid-Sulfotransferase (SULT2A1)

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates steroid and drug metabolism by inducing the genes encoding phase I and phase II enzymes. SULT2A1 is a liver- and intestine-expressed sulfo-conjugating enzyme that converts the alcohol-OH of neutral steroids, bile acids, and drugs to water-soluble sulfated metabolites. 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] induces SULT2A1 gene transcription after the recruitment of VDR to the vitamin D-responsive chromatin region of SULT2A1. A composite element in human SULT2A1 directs the 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated induction of natural and heterologous promoters. This element combines a VDR/retinoid X receptor-alpha-binding site [vitamin D response element (VDRE)], which is an imperfect inverted repeat 2 of AGCTCA, and a CAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-binding site located 9 bp downstream to VDRE. The binding sites were identified by EMSA, antibody supershift, and deoxyribonuclease I footprinting. C/EBP-alpha at the composite element plays an essential role in the VDR regulation of SULT2A1, because 1) induction was lost for promoters with inactivating mutations at the VDRE or C/EBP element; 2) SULT2A1 induction by 1,25-(OH)2D3 in C/EBP-alpha-deficient cells required the expression of cotransfected C/EBP-alpha; and 3) C/EBP-beta did not substitute for C/EBP-alpha in this regulation. VDR and C/EBP-alpha were recruited concurrently to the composite element along with the coactivators p300, steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1), and SRC-2, but not SRC-3. VDR and C/EBP-alpha associated endogenously as a DNA-dependent, coimmunoprecipitable complex, which was detected at a markedly higher level in 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated cells. These results provide the first example of the essential role of the interaction in cis between C/EBP-alpha and VDR in directing 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced expression of a VDR target gene.