cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Raindrop Measurements during Project Shower

Raindrop size distributions have been obtained on the island of Hawaii with filter papers and with a device called a drop recorder. The drop recorder automatically exposes a section of dyed paper tape to the rain at approximately two-minute intervals. The maximum sized drop found on each of the more than 4,000 samples has been plotted as a function of time. It is shown that a fair correlation exists between the maximum sized drop and rain intensity. Over 300,000 drops m −3 < 0.2 mm diameter have been found in very light rains at altitudes of 5,500 feet on the volcanos of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1957.tb01916.x
The radular muscle myoglobin of the gastropod mollusc Busycon caricum Gmelin.

Abstract 1. 1. The radular muscle myoglobin of Busycon caricum has been purified. 2. 2. The myoglobin has a molecular weight of 33,800 and contains two heme groups; it may be composed of two subunits. 3. 3. The amino acid composition of the myoglobin is Lys 35 His 11 Arg 6 1 2 Cys 5 Asp 35 Thr 23 Ser 12 Glu 15 Pro 7 Gly 29 Ala 40 Val 15 Met 10 Ileu 4 Leu 35 Tyr 2 Phe 18 Trp 2 . 4. 4. The relationship between the myoglobins of Busycon and of other animals is discussed.
Theory of charge-density-wave dynamics.

A theoretical model is developed to describe the polarization and depinning of charge-density waves (CDW's) in the inorganic linear-chain compounds which exhibit Fr\"ohlich sliding conduction. Each individual impurity within the crystal is assumed to pin the CDW phase very strongly at the impurity site, and dc CDW motion is made possible only by phase slip. Simple estimates are obtained for most observed properties of sliding CDW systems with use of a three-dimensional Ginzburg-Landau analysis. These predictions are found to be in excellent quantitative agreement with available experimental data characterizing virtually every aspect of CDW dynamics.
Recovery of High Order Accuracy in Radial Basis Function Approximations of Discontinuous Problems

Radial basis function (RBF) methods have been actively developed in the last decades. RBF methods are global methods which do not require the use of specialized points and that yield high order accuracy if the function is smooth enough. Like other global approximations, the accuracy of RBF approximations of discontinuous problems deteriorates due to the Gibbs phenomenon, even as more points are added. In this paper we show that it is possible to remove the Gibbs phenomenon from RBF approximations of discontinuous functions as well as from RBF solutions of some hyperbolic partial differential equations. Although the theory for the resolution of the Gibbs phenomenon by reprojection in Gegenbauer polynomials relies on the orthogonality of the basis functions, and the RBF basis is not orthogonal, we observe that the Gegenbauer polynomials recover high order convergence from the RBF approximations of discontinuous problems in a variety of numerical examples including the linear and nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations. Our numerical examples using multi-quadric RBFs suggest that the Gegenbauer polynomials are Gibbs complementary to the RBF multi-quadric basis.
Ecobehavioral assessment of a special education classroom: Teacher-student behavioral covariation

An ecobehavioral assessment of a special education classroom was conducted using a multiple category observation system and a bivariate correlational analysis. Six severely and profoundly mentally retarded students between the ages of 11 and 20 and their teachers were observed for 30 one-hour sessions during normal classroom activities. Correlational analysis revealed relationships both between and within students' behavioral repertoires and suggested several effects of teacher attention on desirable and undesirable student behavior. One student showed a large number of correlations between her behavior and adult attentional categories, whereas other students showed greater student-to-student behavioral covariation and relatively few relationships with adult behavior. The assessment was both consistent with and more specific than teacher judgments of student interaction within the classroom.
A Modest Festschrift and Insider Perspective on Beatrice Wright's Contributions to Rehabilitation Theory and Practice

Assessing the influence of Beatrice Wright, a groundbreaking rehabilitation psychologist, is the purpose of this article. She is best known for her books (1960, 1983) in which she elaborated numero...
Molecular basis of thermostability in the lysozyme from bacteriophage T4.

MOST proteins are denatured at temperatures above 50–60°C, although some enzymes, especially those from thermophilic organisms, remain active at temperatures up to 80–90 °C. The determination of the three-dimensional structure of the thermostable protease thermolysin showed that heat-stable proteins do not contain unusual structural features absent from less stable proteins1,2. Furthermore, the amino acid sequences of similar proteins from both mesophilic and thermophilic sources have been shown to be homologous, suggesting that the respective structures are similar3,4. Nevertheless, such homologous amino acid sequences also include many differences which obscure those amino acid changes actually responsible for differences in thermostability. We report here the structure of a temperature sensitive (ts) mutant of T4 phage lysozyme. This permits the first direct comparison of two protein structures in which all differences are directly related to a change in thermal stability. It is shown that, except for the replacement of a partially exposed arginine by a histidine, the three-dimensional structure of the ts lysozyme is virtually identical with that of native lysozyme.
Analyzing genomes: is there a duty to disclose?

The potential to discover unanticipated clinically significant genetic variants during the course of research has stimulated much debate about the obligations of researchers to communicate such findings to study participants. Published guidelines suggest that researchers have an obligation to communicate valid and significant results, especially if they are clinically actionable. I will present data on the practices and perspectives of investigators conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and will caution against the establishment of a general obligation to return results in research. I will compare the role-specific responsibilities of researchers with those of clinicians and discuss emerging standards for genomic analysis and communication of test results in the clinical setting.
Detection of rare MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells from mixtures of human peripheral leukocytes by magnetic deposition analysis.

Background: The presence of malignant breast cancer cells in bone marrow or peripheral blood is a prognostic factor. We tested the capacity of a novel magnetic cell analyzer to detect rare cancer cells in mixtures with human peripheral leukocytes. Methods: Human peripheral leukocytes were spiked with cells of the MCF-7 line, and the cell mixture was labeled with anti-epithelial membrane antigen antibody and a magnetic colloid. The MCF-7 cells were selectively captured on a magnetic deposition substrate from the flowing leukocyte and MCF-7 cell mixture. Results: The recovery of the MCF-7 cells from the original mixture ranged from 20% to 60%. The limit of detection of the MCF-7 cells was 10−6 (n = 9). The morphology of the captured cancer cells was well preserved and comparable to that observed in cytospin smears. All deposited cells were located in a small area of 1.4 mm × 6 mm and could be quickly identified with an optical microscope following Wright's staining. Conclusions: This is a proof-of-principle study using a simplified model of rare cancer cells in a leukocyte mixture. The clinical relevance of the method will be tested in the future by extension to patient bone marrow samples and using antibody cocktails to increase specificity against the breast carcinoma cells. Cytometry 36:294–302, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Soils and Soil‐Geomorphology Theories and Models: The Macquarie Connection

Book reviewed in this article: T. Ron Paton, Geoff S. Humphreys, and Peter B. Mitchell, On Soils: A New Global View
Repurposing Data in an Acquisitions Workflow

Middle Tennessee State University's James E. Walker Library implemented an acquisitions workflow in which repurposed data is loaded into the ILS. The workflow involves the use of a local MS Access database that tracks order requests and the use of the MarcEdit software to create brief bibliographic and order records from information in the database. Records are loaded into the library's ILS using the batch-load function. By integrating automation into their local workflow, the department has optimized the use of the ILS while supporting efficiency, accuracy, and accountability. The workflow is an example of how data can be efficiently repurposed to meet operational needs.
Abstract 3940: Activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in ovarian cancer: The hypoxic implications

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: The hypoxic microenvironment plays a key role in tumorigenesis and the development of therapeutic resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The goal of this study was to examine the expression of STAT3 in hypoxic EOC, to understand its mechanism of activation, and to explore the therapeutic efficacy of a novel compound HO-3867. Methods: Expression of STAT family proteins in cell lines and human tumor specimens was analyzed via western blot and IHC. MTT was used to assess cell viability and apoptotic analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Over-expression or suppression experiments were performed using S1PR1 cDNA and shRNA. Tumor xenografts were made with cell lines exposed to hypoxic preconditioning. Results: pSTAT3 Tyr705 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines exposed to hypoxia as well as in hypoxic regions of advanced human EOC tumor specimens. Accelerated xenograft tumor growth was observed when implanted cells were pre-conditioned in a hypoxic microenvironment. Similar to our in vitro findings, the tumor xenografts of hypoxic ovarian cancer cells (HOCCs) had high expression of pSTAT3 and its target proteins. We found an increased expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1(S1PR1) in HOCCs, a known positive feedback regulator of STAT3 transcription. Suppression of S1PR1 expression with shRNA significantly reduced the expression of pSTAT3 Tyr705 through the inhibition of the JAK kinases, resulting in decreased cell survival. Conversely, overexpression of S1PR1 with cDNA increased pSTAT3 Tyr705 and promoted cell proliferation under hypoxic conditions. Finally, treatment of HOCCs with the novel synthetic compound HO-3867 resulted in decreased expression of pSTAT3 Tyr705, as well as STAT3-regulated proteins VEGF, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1. The rapid downregulation of pSTAT3 Tyr705 was associated with accelerated ubiquitin-dependent degradation. An induction of apoptosis contributed to inhibition of cell proliferation as HO-3867-exposed cells exhibited elevated levels of cleaved caspases and PARP. Conclusions: The hypoxic microenvironment results in STAT3 activation as evidenced in our in vitro and in vivo models. S1PR1 is involved in STAT3 Tyr705 activation in hypoxic ovarian cancer via the JAK signaling pathway. The specific targeting of hypoxia-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 with HO-3867 is a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of hypoxia-mediated chemotherapeutic resistant ovarian cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3940. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3940
Global Deforestation: Contribution to Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

A study of effects of terrestrial biota on the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere suggests that the global net release of carbon due to forest clearing between 1860 and 1980 was between 135 x 10(15) and 228 x 10(15) grams. Between 1.8 x 10(15) and 4.7 x 10(15) grams of carbon were released in 1980, of which nearly 80 percent was due to deforestation, principally in the tropics. The annual release of carbon from the biota and soils exceeded the release from fossil fuels until about 1960. Because the biotic release has been and remains much larger than is commonly assumed, the airborne fraction, usually considered to be about 50 percent of the release from fossil fuels, was probably between 22 and 43 percent of the total carbon released in 1980. The increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is thought by some to be increasing the storage of carbon in the earth's remaining forests sufficiently to offset the release from deforestation. The interpretation of the evidence presented here suggests no such effect; deforestation appears to be the dominant biotic effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide. If deforestation increases in proportion to population, the biotic release of carbon will reach 9 x 10(15) grams per year before forests are exhausted early in the next century. The possibilities for limiting the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through reduction in use of fossil fuels and through management of forests may be greater than is commonly assumed.
Destabilization of secondary structure in polyadenylic acid by formaldehyde.

Results of circular dichroism and ultraviolet absorption measurements of poly A in neutral aqueous formaldehyde solution are presented, which show that the hydroxymethylated residues retain the ability to stack, but the stacking tendency is diminished. The midpoint of the thermal denaturation profile falls from about 38°C to about 18°C on complete hydroxymethylation. Hydroxymethylation, however, appears to have only a small effect on the apparent standard enthalpy and entropy of stacking, both of which become slightly more negative. When present at concentrations greater than about 2 g/100 ml, formaldehyde has a further and somewhat more dramatic denaturing effect on poly A. This ability is probably related to the chemical similarity of aqueous formaldehyde (methylene glycol) and ethylene glycol, which is known to be an effective denaturant for nucleic acids. In the presence of 20 g/100 ml formaldehyde, a very broad thermally induced transition of poly A is observed through the loss of ultraviolet hypochromism. Only the low-temperature part of the transition is observed; it appears to be completed only at temperatures well over 100°C where the hypochromism with respect to adenosine has largely disappeared. The transition cannot be identified with the unstacking reaction usually observed through thermal denaturation experiments in the absence of formaldehyde, although the associated structure may be related in some way. The molecular nature of the structure associated with the transition is not known.
Pulse reshaping and coherent sideband generation effects on multiphoton excitation of polyatomic molecules

Using a semiclassical, effective-state approach to laser pulse propagation in a dilute gas of polyatomic molecules, a numerical model of multiphoton excitation which includes quasi- continuum transitions is used to calculate the effects of coherent propagation on multi-photon absorption. The initial laser field is assumed to be a quasimonochromatic Gaussian envelope which is nearly resonant with a portion of the lower vibrational states of the molecule. The molecular model consists of a single ground state and several bands of discrete states which are successively connected via electric dipole transitions. This model correctly mimics some of the major characteristics of multiphoton absorption, such as power threshold, fluence dependent absorption, and complete population inversion at high fluences. The model also allows for the calculation of the polarization induced in the medium by the electric field, and the subsequent influence that the polarization has on the field. As the pulse propagates, the Rabi oscillations induced in the lower level states become encoded onto the pulse, creating a series of peaks and troughs similar to the behavior of pulse propagation in two-level systems. Another coherent propagation effect which can change the excitation process is coherent sideband generation. The temporal distortions and the generation of new frequencies results in changes in the population distribution among the states, as well as changes in the total population transferred to the quasi-continuum. The pulse reshaping occurs while the total fluence of the pulse is decreasing due to energy loss to the quasi-continuum. The effective increase in total population transfer due to propagation effects is offset by the decrease in fluence. The resulting transfer of energy from the pulse to the molecule depends strongly on the initial characteristic of the pulse. These processes play an important role in any system where the efficient transfer of laser energy to the medium is required, such as laser-induced chemistry and laser isotope separation.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SPECTRAL DEPENDENCE OF UV -INDUCED IMMEDIATE AND DELAYED APOPTOSIS: THE ROLE OF MEMBRANE AND DNA DAMAGE

Abstract-The phototoxicity of each waveband region of UV radiation (UVR). i.e.. UV A (320-400 nm), UVB (290-320 nm) and UVC (200-290 nm), was correlated with an apoptotic mechanism using equilethal doses (10% survival) on murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cells. Apoptosis was qualitatively monitored for DNA "ladder" formation (multiples of 200 base pair units) using agarose gel electro­phoresis, while the percentages of apoptotic and membrane-permeabilized cells were quantified over a postexposure time course using flow cytometry. The UVAI radiation (340-400 nm) induced both an immediate ( 20 h) apoptotic mechanism, while UVB or UVC radiation induced only the delayed mechanism. The role of membrane damage was examined using a lipophilic free­radical scavenger, vitamin E. Immediate apoptosis and membrane permeability increased in a UV A I dose-dependent manner, both of which were reduced by vitamin E. However, vitamin E had little effect on UVR-induced delayed apoptosis. In contrast, the DNA damaging agents 2,4-and 2,6-diaminotoluene exclusively induced delayed apoptosis. Thus. immediate apoptosis can be initiated by UVAI-induced membrane damage, while delayed apoptosis can be initiated by DNA damage. Moreover. the results suggest that immediate and delayed apoptosis are two independent mechanisms that exist beyond the realm of photobiology. INTRODUCTION The death of a cell may be initiated by an almost infinite number of insults, but there are only three known mecha­nisms by which the cells may actually die: necrosis, apop­tosis and programmed cell death (PCD).
Ultraviolet spectra and chromospheres of cool carbon stars

The authors assemble and discuss all available low-resolution IUE spectra of N-type carbon stars - including TW Hor, BL Ori, UU Aur, NP Pup, U Hya, T Ind, and TX Psc. Identification of spectral features is aided by a composite spectrum. Shortward of 2850 A only emission lines of C II, Mg II, Al II, and Fe II are seen, while the spectrum longward of 2850 A appears to be a photospheric absorption spectrum with a few superposed emission lines of Fe II. The most prominent absorption features are due to Fe I, CH, and CaCl. The emission feature at 2325 A, second only to Mg II in strength, is conclusively identified as C II (UV 0.01). Ultraviolet spectra of N-type carbon stars are similar to, though the emission-line fluxes are generally weaker than, those of the coolest M-giant stars available, such as HD 18191 (M6 III).
Maize, mounds, and the movement of people: isotope analysis of a Mississippian/Fort Ancient region

Abstract The development of farming traditions has long interested archaeologists worldwide. The relationship between this process and human movement has become increasingly well defined in recent years. Here we examine this issue in a case study concerning the longstanding question of the spread of maize agriculture and Mississippian cultural traditions throughout much of the Eastern U.S. Although it has long been common to interpret the spread of Mississippian maize agriculture partially as a result of human migration, there have been very few direct studies of the question. We do so here by analyzing human tooth enamel from burials for 87Sr/86Sr and δ13C. Our results suggest that Fort Ancient societies adopted maize agriculture quickly with high levels of consumption at early sites. The intensity of maize consumption declined over time, however, in contrast to the current model. There is evidence for the presence of non-local individuals at early Fort Ancient sites, particularly Turpin, with the majority likely attributable to neighboring Mississippian regions. These developments occurred at some of the larger Fort Ancient sites by the mouths of the Great and Little Miami Rivers in Ohio where the most abundant evidence for Mississippian house styles and objects is concentrated.
Electromagnetic proton cyclotron anisotropy instability: Wave‐particle scattering rate

The electromagnetic proton cyclotron instability is driven by a proton temperature anisotropy T⟂p/T∥p>1 where the directional subscripts denote directions relative to the background magnetic field. Enhanced field fluctuations from instability growth lead to wave-particle scattering which reduces the anisotropy; previous research has demonstrated that the anisotropy is constrained by a power-law function of β∥p. Here two-dimensional hybrid simulations in a homogeneous, magnetized, collisionless plasma are used to derive a scaling relation for the maximum scattering rate of proton anisotropy reduction. The result is a function only of the anisotropy and β∥p and so is appropriate for use in fluid models of anisotropic plasmas such as the magnetosheath.
A discrepancy between anticipated reward and obtained reward with no increase in resistance to extinction

One of two varied magnitude-of-reward groups, trained in a runway under conditions designed to preclude anticipation of the smaller reward magnitude, nevertheless failed to show increased resistance to extinction, a result consistent with the sequential hypothesis. Since this group must have experienced frustration or dissonance in acquisition, its failure to show increased resistance to extinction is inconsistent with those hypotheses. This result suggests either that frustration or dissonance is irrelevant in determining extinction performance or that both hypotheses have failed to specify and identify the conditions that are both necessary and sufficient for increasing resistance to extinction.
Theoretical studies of Cu(I) sites in faujasite and their interaction with carbon monoxide

Sitting, coordination, and properties of Cu(I) cations in zeolite faujasite are investigated using a combined quantum mechanics-interatomic potential function method. The coordination of Cu(I) ions depends on their location within the zeolite lattice. Cu(I) located inside the hexagonal prisms (site I′) and in the plane of six-membered aluminosilicate rings on the walls of sodalite units (site II) is threefold coordinated, whereas Cu(I) located in the supercages (site III) is twofold coordinated. In agreement with available experimental data Cu(I) appears to be more strongly bound in sites I′ and II than in site III. The binding energy of site II Cu(I) ions increases with the number of Al atoms, but only closest Al atoms have a substantial influence. The CO molecule binds more strongly onto sites with weaker bound cations and lower coordination. We assign the two CO stretching IR bands observed for Cu(I)–Y zeolites to sites II with one Al (2157–2161 cm−1) and two Al atoms (2140–2148 cm−1) in the six-membered aluminosilicate ring. For Cu(I)–X we tentatively assign the high frequency band to site III (2156–2168 cm−1) and the low-frequency band to site II with three Al atoms in the six-membered ring (2136–2138 cm−1).
Characteristics associated with analgesia ordering in the intensive care unit and relationships with outcome.

Objective: To describe clinical characteristics associated with analgesia utilization in the intensive care unit. Design: A prospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit. Subjects: Four hundred adult patients. Setting: Twelve-bed medical intensive care unit of an inner-city, university-affiliated hospital. Measurements and Main Results: Collected data included demographics, sedation and neuromuscular blocking agents used, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System score, Logistic Organ Dysfunction System (LODS) score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score. Hospital outcome was noted. The odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were determined by using multiple logistic regression analyses. Patients' mean age (±sD) was 47.8 ± 17.1 yrs; 58% were male, 84% African-American. Their APACHE II-predicted hospital mortality rate was 33%. Analgesics were used in 36% of patients. There were no differences in demographics, initial LODS score, APACHE II score, and mechanical ventilation use between patients who did and did not receive analgesics. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that analgesic use was independently associated with sedation (odds ratio, 2.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-4.14), neuromuscular blockade (odds ratio, 4.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-13.41), and pulmonary artery flotation catheter utilization (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-4.20). The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 5 days for those who received analgesia compared with 2 for those who did not (p = .0001). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit (4 vs. 2, p <.0001) and hospital (11 vs. 7, p <.0001) was higher in patients who received analgesics. There were no significant differences in intensive care unit and hospital mortality rates between patients who did and did not receive analgesics. Conclusions: Intensive care unit patients for whom analgesics were prescribed have a higher frequency of hemodynamic monitoring and use of sedative and neuromuscular blocking agents, more mechanical ventilation days, and longer intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay.
Semi-custom Integrated Circuit Amplifier And Level Discriminator For Nuclear And Space Instruments

An extra-fast current feedback amplifier and a level discriminator are developed employing a dielectrically isolated bipolar, semicustom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) process. These devices are specifically designed for instruments aboard spacecraft or in portable packages requiring low power and weight. The amplifier adopts current feedback for a unity-gain bandwidth of 90 MHz while consuming 50 mW. The level discriminator uses a complementary output driver for balanced positive and negative response times. The power consumption of these devices can be programmed by external resistors for an optimal speed and power tradeoff. The circuit behaved satisfactorily in speed for radiation doses up to 5 Mrd. The design of the ASICs can be performed easily on an IBM-PC-compatible computer using SPICE with manufacturer-supplied device libraries for various transistor geometries. >
The Development of Infant Memory

Over the first year and a half of life, the duration of memory becomes progressively longer, the specificity of the cues required for recognition progressively decreases after short test delays, and the latency of priming progressively decreases to the adult level. The memory dissociations of very young infants on recognition and priming tasks, which presumably tap different memory systems, are also identical to those of adults. These parallels suggest that both memory systems are present very early in development instead of emerging hierarchically over the 1st year, as previously thought. Finally, even young infants can remember an event over the entire “infantile amnesia” period if they are periodically exposed to appropriate nonverbal reminders. In short, the same fundamental mechanisms appear to underlie memory processing in infants and adults.
Alternative Schools: A Synthesis of State-Level Policy and Research

The number of students enrolled in alternative settings for youth at risk of school failure has increased significantly in recent years. Students with disabilities, primarily students with emotional/behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities, are included in the population of students who are being educated in these settings. This article provides a synthesis of information gathered through (a) a comprehensive review of legislation and policy on alternative schools/programs from 48 states and (b) a national survey about alternative schools and students served completed by key contacts at state departments of education. Information is organized and discussed with regard to state-level definitions of alternative schools, enrollment criteria, school characteristics, students served, staffing, curriculum and instruction, and outcomes. In addition, information about the provision of special education in these settings and the extent to which students with disabilities enroll is included.
A comparison on face based and nodal based expansions for solving 3D EM scattering fields

Computation of three dimensional electromagnetic scattering from arbitrary bodies is of significant practical interest. Although the method of moments (MOM) is popular and provides rigorous solutions, its application is limited in many problems due to the cost of computer memory and CPU time. In solving the problem, the first step is the choice of basis functions no matter what computational strategy will be chosen to speed up the algorithm. In order to achieve stability in numerical computation, local interpolation and discrete transform scheme is suggested. The face elements is compared with nodal elements based on unified linear interpolation basis functions. It is shown that the space spanned by nodal basis is larger than that spanned by face basis. The trade-off among the completeness of the basis, the number of unknowns, and the CPU time based on the MOM is analyzed.
Flagellar assembly mutants in Escherichia coli.

Genetic and biochemical analysis of mutants defective in the synthesis of flagella in Escherichia coli revealed an unusual class of mutants. These mutants were found to produce short, curly, flagella-like filaments with low amplitude (∼0.06 μm). The filaments were connected to characteristic flagellar basal caps and extended for 1 to 2 μm from the bacterial surface. The mutations in these strains were all members of one complementation group, group E, which is located between his and uvrC. The structural, serological, and chemical properties of the filament derived from the mutants closely resemble those of the flagellar hook structure. On the basis of these properties, it is suggested that these filaments are “polyhooks”, i.e., repeated end-to-end polymers of the hook portion of the flagellum. Polyhooks are presumed to be the result of a defective cistron which normally functions to control the length of the hook region of the flagellum.
Eating at fast-food restaurants is associated with dietary intake, demographic, psychosocial and behavioural factors among African Americans in North Carolina.

Objective:To examine associations of the frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants with demographic, behavioural and psychosocial factors and dietary intake in African American adults.Methods:Self-reported data from a population-based cross-sectional survey of 658 African Americans, aged 20–70 years, in North Carolina. An 11-page questionnaire assessed eating at fast-food restaurants, demographic, behavioural and diet-related psychosocial factors, and dietary intake (fruit, vegetable, total fat and saturated fat intakes, and fat-related dietary behaviours).Results:The participants were aged 43.9±11.6 years (mean±standard deviation), 41% were male, 37% were college graduates and 75% were overweight or obese. Seventy-six per cent reported eating at fast-food restaurants during the previous 3 months: 4% usually, 22% often and 50% sometimes. Frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants was positively associated with total fat and saturated fat intakes and fat-related dietary behaviours (P < 0.0001) and inversely associated with vegetable intake (P < 0.05). For example, mean daily fat intake was 39.0 g for usually/often respondents and 28.3 g for those reporting rare/never eating at fast-food restaurants. Participants who reported usual/often eating at fast-food restaurants were younger, never married, obese, physically inactive and multivitamin non-users (all P < 0.01). Frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants was positively associated with fair/poor self-rated health, weak belief in a diet–cancer relationship, low self-efficacy for healthy eating, weight dissatisfaction, and perceived difficulties of preparing healthy meals and ordering healthy foods in restaurants (all P < 0.05). Frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants did not differ significantly by sex, education, smoking, ability to purchase healthy foods or knowledge of the Food Guide Pyramid.Conclusions:Eating at fast-food restaurants is associated with higher fat and lower vegetable intakes in African Americans. Interventions to reduce fast-food consumption and obesity in African Americans should consider demographic and behavioural characteristics and address attitudes about diet–disease relationships and convenience barriers to healthy eating.
First-principles conformational analysis of the C36H36 spheriphane, a prototype hydrocarbon host cage

Comprehensive B3LYP/6-311G** electronic structure calculations establish that, unlike closely related species such as cyclophanes, the C36H36 spheriphane (heptacyclo[13.13.21,15.28,22.13,27.16,10.113,17.120,24] hexatriaconta-1,3(33),6,8,10(34),13,15,17(35),20,22,24(36),27-dodecaene) possesses only seven energetically distinct conformers, out of which five exist in enantiomeric pairs and two are achiral. These local energy minima are interrelated through an intricate net of 20 reaction paths involving single inversions at the CH2 CH2bridges. In particular, the T and C3 conformers, which are predicted to coexist in comparable concentrations at ambient temperatures, are linked through three consecutive single-bridge inversions that proceed through the overall barrier of only 5.3 (kcal/mol). This barrier is compatible with coalescence temperatures well below those employed in the recently measured 1H and 13C NMR spectra, explaining the observed lack of line splittings. Both the T→C3 pathway and the racemizations of the low-energy conformers involve C1 and C2 intermediates that are expected to be present in detectable amounts. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1279–1286, 2001
Perniosis: a histopathological review.

Summary In an attempt to define better the histopathological changes occurring in the skin in patients with perniosis, biopsies from twenty-six patients were examined independently by the two authors. In the majority of cases one of two characteristic histopathological patterns was seen. The histological differential diagnosis of perniosis is reviewed.
The influence of subjective alertness and motivation on human performance independent of circadian and homeostatic regulation.

Endogenous circadian rhythmicity and sleep-wake homeostasis are robust regulators of human alertness and performance, yet few studies have examined how these regulatory processes affect motivation. Moreover, the influence of alertness and motivation on performance, independent of circadian phase and hours awake, has not been studied. Healthy subjects, 12 males and 3 females, ages 20 to 41, participated in a 2-week 28-h forced desynchrony protocol to address these issues. Subjects performed a battery of tests every 2 hours during scheduled wakefulness. Performance on a mathematical addition test and ratings of alertness and motivation on visual analog scales were analyzed. Performance scores were categorized as being associated with the highest or lowest alertness and motivation ratings for each circadian phase/hours awake bin to determine whether high levels of alertness and motivation resulted in higher performance scores above and beyond the effects of circadian and homeostatic regulation. Motivation va...
Improving communication in the ICU.

Communication between health care providers, patients and families has been identified as the most important and least accomplished factor in quality of care in the intensive care unit (ICU). 1 Yet it is well recognized that effective communication for patients in the ICU improves clinical decision-making, and con- tributes to patient and family satisfaction as well as their psycho- logical well-being. 2,3 Clinical practice guidelines for support of the tion. 4 For the ICU patient who is intubated, communication is often impaired. The study by Happ and colleagues 5 reports on the results of a quasi-experimental study conducted in two ICU's with 89 pa- tients to assess the impact of two levels of intervention on communication frequency, quality, success and ease between nurses and intubated ICU patients. Nurses received a 4 h basic communication skills training ses- sion along with assistive communication tools including note- books, writing pens, hand grip writing aids and communication boards. In a second phase, nurses received the basic communica- tion training and a 2 h training session on the use of electronic communication devices provided by a speech language pathologist (SLP), along with training in the development of a communication care plan. Video recorded observations of communication in- teractions were conducted and analyzed for verbal and nonverbal behaviors and communication acts and exchanges, assessing fre- quency quality, and ease of communication. The results of the study demonstrated that communication frequency (defined as the mean number of communication acts within a communication exchange) and positive nurse communi- cation behaviors increased significantly in one of the ICU settings. The percent of successful communication exchanges about pain were greater for the two intervention groups compared tothe usual care/control groups in both ICU' s( p 0.03) with more successful sessions about pain and other symptoms occurring in the augmentative and alternative communication devices and SLP intervention group. Other studies have demonstrated the positive results from focused communication efforts for patients in the ICU. 6e10 Avariety
Efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants in pediatric anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated that antidepressants are efficacious in the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth. However, there are no recent, systematic analyses of the efficacy, safety or tolerability of these medications in pediatric anxiety disorders. With this in mind, we sought to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled-trials of antidepressants in these conditions.
Upwind Navier-Stokes solutions for separated periodic flows

The application of an upwind implicit approximate factorization Navier-Stokes algorithm to highly separated flow is described. Using both the thin-layer and complete forms of the Navier-Stokes equations, the low Reynolds number laminar flow around a circular cylinder with periodic shedding is solved. The effect of grid density, grid extent, and time step on the Strouhal number is shown. Results from both sets of equations agree within the experimental data band. Unsteady, laminar flow computations around inclined plates and separated airfoils are also described. Strouhal numbers agree to within 5 percent of experiments for inclined plates. Differences between the complete equations and the thin-layer approximation for separated periodic flows are discussed. Computations of an impulsively started circular cylinder and airfoil yield time-accurate flowfield shapes in good agreement with experimental flow visualizations. The turbulent computation of an airfoil at a high angle-of-attack is massively separated, but shows no evidence of periodicity.
Resonance-ionization mass spectrometry of carbon

Resonance-ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) for carbon has been demonstrated. A two-photon-resonant, three-photon ionization scheme provided large ionization signals from carbon atoms obtained by heating microgram samples of graphite. These results show that elemental carbon vapor can be detected at densities at least as low as 107 cm−3. The feasibility of efficient resonance ionization is a first step to the development of a RIMS-analysis capability for elemental and isotopic carbon.
Observations of a negatively buoyant river plume in a large lake

Although seldom studied, negatively buoyant river plumes may be common within large lakes, especially during spring when lake and river waters are near the temperature of maximum fresh water density (4°C) and relatively warm river discharge can be denser than the receiving lake water. Here we examine a negatively buoyant plume entering Lake Superior from the Ontonagon River during late March 2000. Because of small temperature related density differences, the sediment load carried by the river made an appreciable contribution to the plume-edge density field and significantly impacted plume-edge dynamics. Particle-related density gradients were responsible for roughly one-third of the geostrophic velocity shear at the plume edge. As a result of the small width (50 m) of the Ontonagon River mouth, the emerging river water was not deflected by rotational effects. Its movement appeared to have been primarily controlled by the wind-driven coastal current. Our analysis indicates that the frequent reversals of this current should effectively limit the plumeÂ's alongshore extent and may result in a continuous coastal band of turbid water extending alongshore in either direction from the river mouth.
Physical Attractiveness, Personality, and Social Reactions to Peer Pressure

Following a hypo-deductive theoretical rationale, the relationship between physical attributes, personality development, and susceptibility to peer pressure was assessed. Male and female college students (N = 181) responded to several personality measures previously reported as characteristics attributed to physical attractiveness and a new measure designed to assess peer pressure influences (Dilemmas Test for College Students). Peer-ratings and self-perceptions of facial attractiveness, body form, and general appearance were gathered. Physically attractive persons, in comparison to their lesser attractive peers, were more likely to have internalized socially desirable personality characteristics and show resistance to peer pressure influences. Further, some evidence suggested that attractiveness was related to the internalization of cognitive-social characteristics for males and cognitive-evaluative characteristics for females.
Healthcare service problems reported in a national survey of South Africans.

Objective To identify common types of health service problems reported by South African adults during their most recent visit to a healthcare provider. Design Secondary analysis of South Africa's cross-sectional General Household Survey (GHS). Setting Nationally representative weighted sample of households in South Africa. Participants 23 562 household representatives interviewed during the 2010 GHS. Main Outcome Measure Problems experienced during the most recent visit to the usual healthcare provider. Results In total, 43.8% of participants reported experiencing at least one problem during their last visit; 19.1% reported multiple problems. The most common problems experienced were a long waiting time (34.8% of household representatives), needed drugs not being available (14.1%) and staff who were rude or uncaring or turned patients away (10.1%). Of the 73.6% of participants using public providers, 54.9% reported at least one problem; of the 26.4% of participants using private providers, only 18.0% reported a problem, usually cost. Similar differences in reported problems at public and private providers were reported for all racial/ethnic groups and income groups. Black Africans reported more problems than other population groups due in large part to being significantly more likely to use public providers. Conclusions Addressing commonly reported problem areas—in particular, long waiting times, unavailable medications and staff who are perceived as being unfriendly—might help prevent delayed care seeking, increase the acceptability of healthcare services and reduce remaining health disparities in South Africa.
Nanostructure investigations of nonlinear differential conductance in NdNiO 3 thin films

Transport measurements on thin films of ${\mathrm{NdNiO}}_{3}$ reveal a crossover to a regime of pronounced nonlinear conduction below the well-known metal-insulator transition temperature. The evolution of the transport properties at temperatures well below this transition appears consistent with a gradual formation of a gap in the holelike Fermi surface of this strongly correlated system. As $T$ is decreased below the nominal transition temperature, transport becomes increasingly non-Ohmic, with a model of Landau-Zener breakdown becoming most suited for describing $I(V)$ characteristics as the temperature approaches 2 K.
Poly(vinyl acetate) as a test of the roedel mechanism for short branch formation

Probabilities of configurations conducive to the intramolecular back-biting abstraction of a hydrogen atom have been evaluated for growing unperturbed poly(vinyl acetate) chains. A realistic rotational isomeric state model was used for the chain statistics. Probabilities are found to be smaller than those seen in an earlier treatment of the polyethylene chain. The smaller probabilities of poly(vinyl acetate) contribute to the virtual absence of short branches. The present study therefore provides support for the validity of the Roedel mechanism for the formation of short branches in the free radical initiated polymerization of ethylene.
The role of mast cells in bone marrow diseases.

We read the article by Horny et al describing bone marrow mast cell (MC) specific protease expression patterns in cases of systemic mastocytosis and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with great interest.1 An increase in bone marrow MCs is a known feature of various haematological diseases, including myeloproliferative disorders and acquired severe aplastic anaemia (SAA). Although the MC increase is clonal in mastocytosis and benign in acquired SAA, its nature is not fully understood in myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic disorders. Acquired SAA and hypoplastic MDS share several clinical and bone marrow features, and are often difficult to distinguish. Both conditions respond to immunosuppressive treatments. Is the increase in numbers of MCs in these conditions simply an innocent consequence of haemopoietic cell injury sparing MCs or, alternatively, does it contribute to the development of severe bone marrow hypoplasia/aplasia in …
Pixelless thermal imaging with integrated quantum-well infrared photodetector and light-emitting diode

A large pixelless thermal imager based on the epitaxial integration of a GaAs-AlGaAs quantum-well infrared photodetector and a GaAs light-emitting diode is demonstrated. The device transforms a mid-infrared (9 /spl mu/m) scene to a near-infrared (0.82 /spl mu/m) emission image with a temperature resolution of /spl sim/1 K, limited by the integration capacity of the near-visible camera.