cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Volute CFD Modeling Evaluation for Centrifugal Compressors

Significant effort has been spent over the years to improve the accuracy and reduce the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation time required to predict performance for centrifugal compressors. Most of the emphasis has been on modeling the impeller and diffuser components. This paper presents an evaluation of volute modeling targeted at reducing simulation time while increasing the accuracy of the results. Providing accurate predictions of performance and operating range is critical to the equipment users as it allows reduction in design margins for plant equipment dependent on compressor performance (i.e. drivers, intercoolers and other auxiliary equipment).The volute is the component that collects the flow from the diffuser and guides it into the discharge nozzle. Due to the circumferential variation (tongue) in the geometry, this component has to be modeled in its entirety (360 degrees); which results in very large grid sizes. The impeller and diffuser, normally modeled as a sector or pie slice, result in significantly smaller meshes. The volute models require large numbers of computing nodes to be solved and tend to have convergence issues.The investigation, with the objective of reducing the amount of time required to run these simulations and improve the convergence of the runs, evaluated several mesh configurations that focused on grid density (element count), element aspect ratio and use of inflation layers. The domain evaluated consisted of several stationary components and one rotating component. The model started at the inlet guide vane section followed by the impeller, vanned diffuser, volute, and discharge nozzle. Commercial software ANSYS CFX was used to develop the meshes using tetrahedral/prism elements and complete steady-state CFD analyses.Detailed flow field characteristics (total and static pressure, velocity streamlines, etc.) and key performance parameters (loss coefficient, pressure ratio, etc.) were compared for the various configurations evaluated. In addition, experimental measurements were used to validate the CFD results. The configuration that resulted in the shortest cycle time with the best performance accuracy was selected as optimum. Accuracy is paramount for performance prediction and reduction in simulation time will allow more volute iterations to be investigated, which would help improve volute performance in centrifugal compressors.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Autologous stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin's disease: busulfan, melphalan and thiotepa compared to a radiation-based regimen.

We evaluated prognostic factors and treatment outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin's disease (HD) receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In total, 92 patients received total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide and etoposide (TBI/CY/E) (n=42) or busulfan, melphalan and thiotepa (Bu/Mel/T) (n=50) supported with ASCT. A total of 33 (66%) patients receiving the Bu/Mel/T regimen had a prior history of dose-limiting irradiation. Mucositis, hepatic and pulmonary toxicities were the main causes of morbidity and mortality, irrespective of the conditioning regimen. The transplant-related mortality was 15%. With a median follow-up of 6 years (range 2.5–11), the cumulative probabilities of survival, event-free survival (EFS) and relapse at 6 years were 55, 51 and 32%. The 6-year Kaplan–Meier (KM) probabilities of EFS for patients with less advanced disease (patients in first chemotherapy-responsive relapse or second remission (n=42)) and more advanced disease (all other patients (n=50)) were 60 and 44%. No differences in toxicities and efficacy between the conditioning regimens were found. ASCT is an effective treatment for patients with refractory/relapsed HD. Female patients and patients with less advanced disease at transplant had a better outcome. Patients with prior irradiation benefited from the Bu/Mel/T regimen.
Dirac monopole without strings : monopole harmonics

Abstract Using the ideas developed in a previous paper which are borrowed from the mathematics of fibre bundles, it is shown that the wave function ψ of a particle of charge Ze around a Dirac monopole of strength g should be regarded as a section. The section is without discontinuities. Thus the monopole does not possess strings of singularities in the field around it. The eigensections of the angular momentum operators are monopole harmonics which are explicitly exhibited.
Purification and Characterization of polκ, a DNA Polymerase Encoded by the Human DINB1 Gene

Abstract The Escherichia coli dinB gene encodes DNA polymerase (pol) IV, a protein involved in increasing spontaneous mutations in vivo. The protein-coding region ofDINB1, the human ortholog of DNA pol IV, was fused to glutathione S-transferase and expressed in insect cells. The purified fusion protein was shown to be a template-directed DNA polymerase that we propose to designate polκ. Human polκ lacks detectable 3′ → 5′ proofreading exonuclease activity and is not stimulated by recombinant human proliferating cell nuclear antigen in vitro. Between pH 6.5 and 8.5, human polκ possesses optimal activity at 37 °C over the pH range 6.5–7.5, and is insensitive to inhibition by aphidicolin, dideoxynucleotides, or NaCl up to 50 mm. Either Mg2+ or Mn2+ can satisfy a metal cofactor requirement for polκ activity, with Mg2+ being preferred. Human polκ is unable to bypass a cisplatin adduct in the template. However, polκ shows limited bypass of an 2-acetylaminofluorene lesion and can incorporate dCTP or dTTP across from this lesion, suggesting that the bypass is potentially mutagenic. These results are consistent with a model in which polκ acts as a specialized DNA polymerase whose possible role is to facilitate the replication of templates containing abnormal bases, or possessing structurally aberrant replication forks that inhibit normal DNA synthesis.
Supporting Coursework in an Online Gaming Environment

As video games are growing in popularity among a wider audience, new challenges and opportunities are arising for game-oriented research. For example, one characteristic of many modern games is an infrastructure for collaboration - game environments often involve multiple players who either compete or collaborate to accomplish individual or shared objectives. Support for collaboration makes certain game activities possible, but also has initiated a number of virtual communities, i.e. the players who regularly plan ahead to meet within a gaming environment (such as the large groups of Everquest players or the new and extremely popular Warcraft game). Our research begins with the premise that online communities of this sort might have other benefits, such as supporting collaboration and community in other online activities. Currently, we are initiating a project that will explore the relationship of identity establishment in online gaming environments with students' willingness and desire to participate in other online activities (e.g. group projects)
Phonological differentiation before age two in a Tagalog–Spanish–English trilingual child

Abstract This study focuses on a trilingual toddler's ability to differentiate her Tagalog, Spanish and English productions on phonological/phonetic grounds. Working within the articulatory phonology framework, the word-initial segments produced by the child in Tagalog, Spanish and English words at age 1;10 were narrowly transcribed by two researchers and her accuracy levels in employing/reproducing the specific gestural properties of word-initial consonants (e.g. constricting organ, location, degree and glottal gestures) were compared across languages. The child's phonetic inventories in each language were also compared to those produced by monolingual peers to assess whether trilingual exposure had any consequence on phonological production. The results indicate that the child's accuracy levels in word-initial segments differed significantly from language to language reflecting distinct levels of phonological development. The child's performance with organ and location was indeed higher in her stronger ...
Distribution of Microbial Communities Associated with the Dominant High Marsh Plants and Sediments of the United States East Coast

Microbial communities in the sediment and associated with the dominant type of standing dead plant were collected from the high marsh zones of 10 sites along the eastern coast of the United States from Maine to Florida. Microbial community composition was examined using T-RFLP, and bacterial and fungal abundance was determined microscopically. Within the sediment, community composition was strongly correlated with latitude, indicating that biogeographical factors are important determinants of sediment community composition, whereas abundance was positively and strongly correlated with sediment organic matter content. A strong biogeographical effect was observed for both bacterial and fungal abundance on standing dead plants, but there was no clear relationship between community composition and latitude. Microbial community composition was more similar among plants of the same type (i.e., related plant species) suggesting that plant type (i.e., substrate quality) is primarily responsible for the determining community composition on standing dead plants.
Acute Renal Failure Due to High-Grade Obstruction Following Therapy With ϵ-Aminocaproic Acid

An 18-year-old man with mild factor VIII deficiency developed hematuria and, subsequently, acute renal failure due to high-grade urinary obstruction by clots during therapy with cryoprecipitate, ϵ-aminocaproic acid, and acetazolamide administered for ocular trauma. Discontinuation of therapy with the latter two agents and induction of a brisk diuresis with intravenous (IV) fluid therapy resulted in return of renal function concomitant with spontaneous clot passage. A review of previous literature suggests that hemophiliacs may be more susceptible than nonhemophiliacs to high-grade urinary obstruction due to clot formation when ϵ-aminocaproic acid is administered during episodes of hematuria. Acute flank pain, fever, and delayed dense nephrograms on IV pyelogram are characteristic of the syndrome and distinguish it from other forms of acute renal failure associated with ϵ-aminocaproic acid.
NOVEL SLAB-COUPLED LiNbO3 WAVEGUIDE FOR NONLINEAR OPTICAL APPLICATIONS

ABSTRACT A new slab-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW) using lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystals were designed and experimentally demonstrated. The new LiNbO3SCOW structure composes of a main guiding core and a coupled leaky slab laterally confinement by two etched drains. The SCOW supports the propagation of the single spatial mode (having positive propagation constant), and leaks all high-order modes into the slab (imaginary propagation constants). Significance of such SCOWs will be the availability of a large and circular core to support the fundamental mode propagation, which could largely reduce the possibility of waveguide damage because of high optical power density, and reduce coupling losses to adjacent components including high power near infrared (NIR) diode lasers. Such SCOWs can find wide applications in nonlinear optics.
2003 American Association For Higher Education Research Forum `good Work In Challenging Times': A Research Agenda

Involvement and critique from educators in dialogue with researchers is a vital element for achieving clarity about what research will benefit educational policy and practice. With that aim, the American Association for Higher Education (AAHE) Research Forum has been regularly convened at AAHE's annual conference to create a research agenda around the conference theme since 1985. This year, within a conference addressing `Good Work in Challenging Times' the Forum involved individuals committed to collaborative scholarship on good work in teaching and learning-centered contexts. Through two conference sessions, educational practitioners engaged in lively and intellectually challenging small-group discussions about the scholarship of `good work.' In this way, session participants were involved in creating the research agenda given in this article.
A robust and efficient numerical model for analyses of density-dependent flow in porous media

Abstract A new computer code (MITSU3D) has been developed to simulate variable density-dependent flow in porous media. The techniques involve a control-volume discretization, Newton–Raphson linearization, and a flux limiter scheme. The assembled Jacobian matrices are solved by using preconditioned conjugate gradient-type methods employing a block-incomplete LU factorization and reduced system preconditioning. Numerical simulations involving contaminant migration in a two-dimensional cross-section show MITSU3D to be much faster and more robust than SUTRA. MITSU3D successfully avoids an “error-driven” contaminant plume instability in a coarse grid discretization and shows increased performance by a factor of five. The enhanced speed and robustness will enable us to examine much larger coupled problems than heretofore had been considered computationally practical.
The Management of Pain

Pain is a complex phenomenon involving both neurophysiological and psychological components. Pathophysiological mechanisms involve neural pathways, and a variety of pain-producing substances and modulating mechanisms. These include acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, bradykinin, prostaglandins, substance P, somatostatin, cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, noradrenaline and endogenous opioid peptides. In assessing patients with pain, it is essential to evaluate the cause of the pain, its severity, type, location, duration, quality, and response to therapies, among other factors. The measurement of pain is dependent on subjective responses, which are evaluated by methods which have been well developed over the last three decades. Alleviation of pain by non-drug treatments must be considered as well as use of pharmacological treatments. These include psychological support, placebos, relaxation training, biofeedback, hypnosis, heat, cold, physical supports and surgery. Oral drugs are generally preferable to parenteral drugs, as are drugs with few side effects and low addictive liability. Both overtreatment and undertreatment are to be avoided. Patients can be expected to differ in their needs and responses, and economic considerations ought not be ignored. Newer approaches to pain management include self-administration of parenteral drugs, the search for new types of analgesics and appreciation of the relationship between age, sex, race, etc. and the response to analgesics. Tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines and the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have pointed the way to possible improvements in our ability to tailor specific drugs to the needs of individual patients.
Optically induced lensing effects in Nd 3+ -doped laser glass measured by photothermal beam-deflection spectroscopy

Photothermal beam-deflection spectroscopy has been used to measure the ratio between the thermal and nonthermal lensing in Nd3+-doped glass that arises after optical pumping. The nonthermal refractive-index amplitude is due to the difference in polarizability of Nd3+ ions in the metastable 4F3/2 state versus the 4I9/2 ground state. The experiments show that the change in the polarizability for Nd3+-doped ED-2 silicate glass is Δα = 0.05 (±0.01) A3.
Lattice location of solute atoms by channeling

Abstract The lattice positions of solute atoms in metals and semiconductors were determined by the ion channeling method, and were related to interactions of the solute atoms with point defects and other solute atoms. Examples are given utilizing the techniques of Rutherford backscattering, nuclear reactions and characteristic X-rays. The following configurations are discussed: AlCu mixed dumbbells in Al, tetravacancy—In atom complexes in Al, In atom—As atom pairs in Si, split B interstitials in Si, octahedral and near-octahedral sites for N and D in Fe, and Zn-divacancy complexes in InP.
Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy Of Nucleic Acid Chromophores

The four aromatic nitrogenous bases which are found in nucleic acids (adenine,guanine, cytosine, and uracil or thymine) are chromophoric residues which exhibit two absorption bands in the region 200-280nm. The ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectra of several guanine or cytosine containing compounds and some isotopic derivatives have been taken with an incident ultraviolet laser beam at either 213nm, 218nm, or 266nm which is generated from the higher harmonics and stimulated Raman shifted frequencies of a YAG laser. Each of these wavelengths falls within either the first or second absorption bands of the chromophores. These spectra have been compared with the UVRR spectra which are calculated based on an earlier theory of one of the authors and various normal mode calculations which are found in the literature. Differences are observed and calculated in the intensities of the Raman bands in the spectra taken at different incident laser frequencies when they are resonant with different excited states of the chromophore. These different intensities must arise from different Franck-Condon overlap integrals between the molecular vibrations in the ground state and in each of the two excited states. An interesting observation is the existence of Raman bands which change in-tensity but do not change frequency upon isotopic substitution -- an effect ascribed to the change in Raman intensity with vibrational kinetic energy changes. It is suggested that the measurement and calculation of the intensity changes of the UVRR spectrum upon isotopic substitution should provide a method of improving the force fields of the purine and pyrimidine chromophores in nucleic acids as well as other aromatic ring compounds.
An $\mathsf{EDF}$ -based restricted-migration scheduling algorithm for multiprocessor soft real-time systems

There has been much recent interest in the use of the earliest-deadline-first ( $\mathsf{EDF}$ ) algorithm for scheduling soft real-time sporadic task systems on identical multiprocessors. In hard real-time systems, a significant disparity exists between $\mathsf{EDF}$ -based schemes and Pfair scheduling: on M processors, the worst-case schedulable utilization for all known $\mathsf{EDF}$ variants is approximately M/2, whereas it is M for optimal Pfair algorithms. This is unfortunate because $\mathsf{EDF}$ -based algorithms entail lower scheduling and task-migration overheads. However, such a disparity in schedulability can be alleviated by easing the requirement that all deadlines be met, which may be sufficient for soft real-time systems. In particular, in recent work, we have shown that if task migrations are not restricted, then $\mathsf{EDF}$ (i.e. , global $\mathsf{EDF}$ ) can ensure bounded tardiness for a sporadic task system with no restrictions on total utilization. Unrestricted task migrations in global $\mathsf{EDF}$ may be unappealing for some systems, but if migrations are forbidden entirely, then bounded tardiness cannot be guaranteed. In this paper, we address the issue of striking a balance between task migrations and system utilization by proposing an algorithm called $\mathsf{EDF-fm}$ , which is based upon $\mathsf{EDF}$ and treads a middle path, by restricting, but not eliminating, task migrations. Specifically, under $\mathsf{EDF-fm}$ , the ability to migrate is required for at most M?1 tasks, and it is sufficient that every such task migrate between two processors and at job boundaries only. $\mathsf{EDF-fm}$ , like global $\mathsf{EDF}$ , can ensure bounded tardiness to a sporadic task system as long as the available processing capacity is not exceeded, but, unlike global $\mathsf{EDF}$ , may require that per-task utilizations be capped. The required cap is quite liberal, hence, $\mathsf{EDF-fm}$ should enable a wide range of soft real-time applications to be scheduled with no constraints on total utilization.
Antenatal and early postnatal antecedents of parent-reported attention problems at 2 years of age

Objectives To assess antenatal and early postnatal antecedents of attention problems identified by the Child Behavior Checklist in extremely preterm children. Study design In a cohort of 826 children born between 23 and 27 weeks' gestation, we collected demographic, birth, and postnatal information. We then identified behavior problems by using parent ratings from the Child Behavior Checklist at 2 years' adjusted age. We created time-oriented logistic regression risk models to identify significant risk factors for attention problems and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders –compatible attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (ADHP DSM ). Results Children were at increased risk of both attention problems if they were born to a woman who had no formal education beyond high school and/or a woman who was exposed to secondhand smoke. Recovery of a single organism from the placenta was associated with increased risk of an attention problem, and fetal stem vessel thrombosis and recovery of Mycoplasma species were associated with increased risk of ADHP DSM . Infants of multifetal gestations were at reduced risk of both attention problems. The only postnatal risk factor for an attention problem was recovery of bacteria from a tracheal aspirate. Conclusion Among extremely preterm infants, several potentially modifiable antenatal and perinatal antecedents are associated with increased risk for attention problems and ADHP DSM at 2 years adjusted age.
The relationship between body image, age, and distress in women facing breast cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVES Research suggests that the strength of the relationship between body image and emotional distress decreases with age. Past research has focused on expected aging-related body changes, and has not yet examined unexpected body changes (e.g., breast cancer surgery). The present post-hoc study assessed relationships between age, body image, and emotional distress in women facing breast cancer surgery. METHODS Older (≥ 65 years, n = 40) and younger ( 0.999); (2) older women reported less pre-surgical emotional distress than younger women (p's < 0.01); and, (3) age moderated the relationship between body image and emotional distress (p's < 0.06). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The results suggest that younger women, particularly those with poor body image, are at an increased risk for pre-surgical emotional distress. These women may benefit from pre-surgical interventions designed to improve body image or to reduce pre-surgical emotional distress.
Four-Armed Spiral-Helix Antenna

An antenna formed by the union of a four-armed, reflective-backed spiral antenna with a top-fed quadrifilar helix, operating over the 0.35-2.6-GHz band, is presented. The antenna features a novel dual-layering scheme that allows the modal impedance of the four-armed spiral to be greatly reduced while maintaining the desirable self-complementary metallization. A reconfigurable end-loading scheme is also presented that allows the attachment of high power-handling resistive loads, which along with other design features enables the use of the antenna in high-power transmitting applications. Mode 1 VSWR less than 2.2 is maintained throughout the 0.35-2.6-GHz band. Respective cutoff and nominal gains of 0 and 7 dBiC with excellent pattern characteristics are demonstrated. Over 30 dB broadside cross-polarization discrimination and high conical pattern uniformity are also obtained.
Comparison of serological markers of inflammatory bowel disease with clinical diagnosis in children

Background: Our purpose was to study the concordance of serological tests for inflammatory bowel disease with clinical diagnosis established by traditional testing in children. Methods: All children seen in our division who had IBD Diagnostic System (ie, pANCA, ASCA IgA, and ASCA IgG) performed over a 21-month period (June 1998 to February 2000) were identified. Their medical records were reviewed for basic demographics, test results (endoscopy, histology, and radiology), IBD Diagnostic System results, and patient symptoms/medications. Results of the IBD Diagnostic System were compared with several patient characteristics including age, sex, absence/presence of symptoms, medication use, disease activity and duration. Results: One hundred seven patients were divided into 6 groups based on clinical diagnosis and IBD Diagnostic System results. The sensitivity, specificity and +/− predictive values of the IBD Diagnostic System for ulcerative colitis were 69.2, 95.1, 90.0, and 87.1%, respectively, and for Crohn's disease were 54.1, 96.8, 90.9, and 80.8%, respectively. Overall, the results of the IBD Diagnostic System were concordant with the clinical diagnosis in 76 of the 107 (71%) patients. Conclusions: In our experience, the specificity of IBD Diagnostic System is better than the sensitivity; the sensitivity is better for ulcerative colitis than Crohn's disease (69.2% vs 54.1%). The low sensitivity, especially for Crohn's disease, precludes the possibility that the IBD Diagnostic System can replace traditional studies when evaluating for inflammatory bowel disease. Though we do not exclude inflammatory bowel disease solely by IBD Diagnostic System results, it is reassuring to note that all patients without clinical evidence of inflammatory bowel disease also had negative IBD Diagnostic System results.
When the Motorman Mayor Met the Cable Car Ladies Engendering Transit in the City That Knows How

Gender played an important role in framing arguments for and against modernizing San Francisco’s transit system by replacing cable cars with motor coaches. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, appeals for public support from cable car preservationists and advocates of buses were saturated with gendered representations of the vehicles themselves, their intended ridership, and the areas of the city that they served. To counteract male-dominated discourses about transit progress, which stressed the benefits of greater efficiency and cost savings, a coalition of women’s civic organizations emphasized a romantic attachment to the city’s past and promoted the cable cars as a centerpiece of the city’s tourism economy. The “cable car war” demonstrates how the cultural politics of transit modernization in postwar San Francisco was refracted through competing visions of the gender of modernity.
Correction for Dust Opacity of Martian Atmospheric Water Vapor Abundances

Abstract A method is presented to correct for the effects of dust opacity on the derivation of water-vapor abundances from observed spectral absorption lines. We show that the dust opacity can be inferred by use of limb-to-limb measurements of a CO 2 band. Ideally, simultaneous CO 2 and water-vapor measurements at the same location should be obtained; in practice, we make these two measurements sequentially. The effects of the dust opacity are computed by a doubling–adding program that has been applied to many planetary atmospheric problems, one of which is obtaining the phase function and single-scattering albedo of the dust in Mars' atmosphere observed by the cameras on the Mars Pathfinder lander. Sample analyses of data from three nights in March 1999 are shown. For these results there does appear to be a real diurnal variation in the H 2 O abundance.
Sedimentation Processes on the Atlantic Southeastern United States Contintental Shelf

In lieu of presenting a summary of activities of the Duke University Marine Geology Program, a summary of sedimentological conclusions concerning the S. E. U. S. Atlantic shelf is presented. These conclusions are based in large part on term papers and thesis projects carried out by geology students at Duke University.
Community College Organizational Climate for Minorities and Women

This paper explores the issues of what would constitute a positive organizational climate for women and minorities within the community college setting and ways in which such a climate might be achieved. It first describes some traditional or standard measures of a positive organizational climate for women and minorities and then evaluates how well the community college is doing when examined against these measures. Next, it describes some structural manifestations of a negative climate, including negative discourse about minorities and women. In doing so, it traces the development of some discourse patterns about these groups and provides some illustrative cultural assumptions that reflect these discourse patterns. The paper concludes with implications for the community college, including some steps to be taken to improve the organizational climate for minorities and women.
Psoriasis and dyslipidemia: A population-based study analyzing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background Psoriasis has been linked to an increased incidence of coronary artery disease, stroke, myocardial infarctions and cardiovascular deaths. Dyslipidemia, a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, involves inflammatory pathways that are also implicated in psoriasis. An understanding of the relationship between psoriasis and dyslipidemia may have a substantial clinical impact. Objective This study aimed to examine the association between psoriasis and multiple measurements of dyslipidemia, which include levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio and total cholesterol. Methods We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 and 2009–2010. NHANES is a national research survey programme conducted biennially to evaluate the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. The survey uses a multistage, stratified design. NHANES data were collected from questionnaires, physical examination and laboratory values. Results The sample population consisted of 13 418 adults who provided responses to their psoriasis status. A total of 353 (2.63%) participants reported a health care provider-given diagnosis of psoriasis. The multivariate analysis showed that psoriasis was not significantly associated with certain measures of dyslipidemia from this population. Specifically, in psoriasis patients, the weighted odds ratio (OR) of total cholesterol >200 mg/dL was 0.96 (95% CI 0.74–1.24); weighted OR of HDL-cholesterol 130 mg/dL was 0.67 (95% CI 0.43–1.03); weighted OR of triglycerides >150 mg/dL was 1.20 (95% CI 0.89–1.63); weighted OR of apolipoprotein B >130 mg/dL was 1.29 (95% CI 0.69–2.41); weighted OR of HDL/LDL <0.4 was 1.20 (95% CI 0.8–1.79). Conclusion Based on the NHANES data 2003–2006 and 2009–2010, psoriasis is not significantly associated with alterations in certain lipid levels. Larger sample sizes may be necessary to detect appreciable differences in the lipid levels between patients with and without psoriasis.
Job satisfaction of school superintendents as related to perceptions of leader's behavior.

Summary.-Four personal and situational variables and the Consideration and Initiating Structure variables of the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire were used to predict three indices of Job Satisfaction of 136 Georgia public school superintendents. Method of selection and Consideration were reliable predictors, with appointed superintendents reporting more satisfaction than elected ones. Correlations were relatively low with variance accounted for by independent variables only .045, .103, and .062 for Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and General Satisfaction, respectively. Herzberg, et al. (1957) introduced the concept that job satisfaction can be separated into two distinct dimensions. The extrinsic dimension includes environmental factors and factors relating to job content. Intrinsic satisfaction consists of elements relating to the work itself, responsibility, achievement, and recognition. Getzels and Guba (1957) postulated that there should be integration and congruence between an organization achieving its goals and the satisfaction of the individual member's needs. The purpose of this research was to determine the relation of job satisfaction of school superintendents to their perceptions of the leadership of the school board president. Selected personal and situational variables (size of system, method of selecting superintendent, length of service, and level of education) were also included as predictor variables. The hypothesis was that reliable predictions of job satisfaction of superintendents can be derived from knowledge of selected personal and situational variables and the perceptions of leadership shown by the school board president. METHOD Georgia public school superintendents were requested to complete the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire as a measure of job satisfaction and the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire as a measure of perceptions of the school board presidents' leadership. Personal data obtained included their (a) length of service as superintendent, (b) size of school system, (c) method of selection, and (d) level of education. A total of 156 of 188 or 83% of the superintendents responded, of which 72% were usable. The short form (20 items) of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was adapted from a longer form developed and validated in a comprehensive vocational psychology research program (Weiss, et al., 1967). The scale yields three scores identified as Intrinsic Satisfaction (12 items), Extrinsic Satisfaction
Distribution of cholesteryl esters and other lipid in subcellular fractions of the adrenal gland of the pig

Total lipids from whole pig adrenal glands as well as from their mitochondria, microsomes, liposomes, and cell sap were extracted and fractionated first into neutral lipids and phospholipids. The highest percentage of neutral lipids was found in the cell sap, and the lowest in the microsomal fraction. Neutral lipids were subfractionated into cholesteryl esters, free cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids. Cholesteryl esters were distributed throughout the liposomes. Free fatty acids represented a substantial part of cell sap lipids, but were present also in the mitochondria, microsomes, and liposomes. Fatty acids of all fractions were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Free fatty acids and cholesteryl ester fatty acids from all cellular fractions were similar in composition and were characterized by considerable quantities of linoleic and arachidonic acid. Triglycerides were characterized by an increased percentage of palmitic and a low content of arachidonic acid. Phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, diphosphatidyl glycerol, and sphingomyelin plus phosphatidyl inositol were isolated from the lipids by preparative thin layer chromatography, and their fatty acids analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine from mitochondria, microsomes, and cell sap were very similar in respect of their fatty acid composition. Sphingomyelin plus phosphatidyl inositol was characterized by a high content of C22:2ω6. Diphosphatidyl glycerol was present in mitochondria and in the cell sap.
Nonlinear Dependencies of Biochemical Reactions for Context-specific Signaling Dynamics

Mathematical modeling can provide unique insights and predictions about a signaling pathway. Parameter variations allow identification of key reactions that govern signaling features such as the response time that may have a direct impact on the functional outcome. The effect of varying one parameter, however, may depend on values of another. To address the issue, we performed multi-parameter variations of an experimentally validated mathematical model of NF-κB regulatory network, and analyzed the inter-relationships of the parameters in shaping key dynamic features. We find that nonlinear dependencies are ubiquitous among parameters. Such phenomena may underlie the emergence of cell type-specific behaviors from essentially the same molecular network. Our results from a multivariate ensemble of models highlight the hypothesis that cell type specificity in signaling phenotype can arise from quantitatively altered strength of reactions in the pathway, in the absence of tissue-specific factors that re-wire the network for a new topology.
Selective binding of a monoclonal antibody to Aspergillus niger glucose oxidase by formaldehyde fixed human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Background Many of the procedures used in handling neutrophils may affect the expression of surface antigens, and hence their quantitation by flow cytometry. Methods Because the enzyme glucose oxidase of Aspergillus niger is absent in human tissues, an IgM against it (mAb GO) was used as negative control in a study involving the normal expression of neutrophil specific BH2-Ag in different age groups. Results When peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were freshly prepared, processed and stained with FITC-mAb GO without fixation or when the cells were stained with FITC-mAb GO prior to fixation with 2% formaldehyde, both median fluorescent intensity (MFI) and per cent of positively stained polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were similar to that obtained with a background sample without any antibody. However, when PBL were fixed after isolation with different concentrations of formaldehyde and for varying durations, MFI and per cent of positively stained PMN but not of monocytes or lymphocytes with FITC-mAb GO increased in a time and concentration dependent manner. Saturation was achieved at a finite concentration of the antibody. In a competition assay unlabelled mAb GO reduced binding of FITC-mAb GO to PMN by 79% and 95% at concentrations 100 and 200 times that of FITC labelled antibody, respectively. Conclusions These observations strongly suggest that formaldehyde fixation causes the expression or accessibility of an epitope on PMN that is specifically recognized by the mAb GO. Cytometry 39:260–265, 2000 © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Expressed Peptide Tags: An Additional Layer of Data for Genome Annotation

While genome sequencing is becoming ever more routine, genome annotation remains a challenging process. Identification of the coding sequences within the genomic milieu presents a tremendous challenge, especially for eukaryotes with their complex gene architectures. Here, we present a method to assist the annotation process through the use of proteomic data and bioinformatics. Mass spectra of digested protein preparations of the organism of interest were acquired and searched against a protein database created by a six-frame translation of the genome. The identified peptides were mapped back to the genome, compared to the current annotation, and then categorized as supporting or extending the current genome annotation. We named the classified peptides Expressed Peptide Tags (EPTs). The well-annotated bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris was used as a control for the method and showed a high degree of correlation between EPT mapping and the current annotation, with 86% of the EPTs confirming existing gene calls and less than 1% of the EPTs expanding on the current annotation. The eukaryotic plant pathogens Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora sojae, whose genomes have been recently sequenced and are much less well-annotated, were also subjected to this method. A series of algorithmic steps were taken to increase the confidence of EPT identification for these organisms, including generation of smaller subdatabases to be searched against, and definition of EPT criteria that accommodates the more complex eukaryotic gene architecture. As expected, the analysis of the Phytophthora species showed less correlation between EPT mapping and their current annotation. While approximately 76% of Phytophthora EPTs supported the current annotation, a portion of them (7.7% and 12.9% for P. ramorum and P. sojae, respectively) suggested modification to current gene calls or identified novel genes that were missed by the current genome annotation of these organisms.
Prevalence of Clostridium difficile environmental contamination and strain variability in multiple health care facilities

Background Clostridium difficile spores can contaminate the hospital environment. Little is known about the prevalence and strain variability of C. difficile environmental contamination in health care facilities. The objective of this study was to assess C. difficile environmental contamination at various health care facilities in a metropolitan area and determine if the North American pulsed field gel electrophoresis type 1 (NAP1) strain was present. Methods A cross-sectional pilot survey was conducted. Forty-eight environmental samples were collected from six health care facilities. Samples were cultured for the presence of C. difficile, and positive samples underwent pulsed field gel electrophoresis, toxinotyping, and detection of binary toxin and/or tcdC deletion. Results C. difficile was cultured from 13 of 48 (27%) samples. Rooms housing a patient with C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD) were more likely to be culture positive than non-CDAD patient rooms (100% vs. 33%; P Conclusion C. difficile spores frequently contaminated the hospital environment. Rooms with a CDAD patient were more likely to be contaminated than rooms without a CDAD patient. The NAP1 strain was prevalent throughout the metropolitan area.
A half-volume coil for efficient proton decoupling in humans at 4 tesla.

, the proton-coil efﬁ-body system. Images and spectra show excellent sensitivity ciency may determine the feasibility of decoupling withinat both frequencies. Broadband decoupling depicting narrow the FDA guidelines (2–7).metabolite resonances from glutamate, taurine, and creatine Several surface-coil conﬁgurations have been used forin the human leg and human brain was possible within FDA broadband-decoupled
New N-Acylating Reagents Derived from 3-Deoxy-l-glycero-tetronic Acid1

Abstract Commercially available N-Boc-4-O-benzyl-l-homoserine was treated with trifluoroacetic acid and the corresponding, N-deprotected derivative was submitted to deamination to give 4-O-benzyl-3-deoxy-l-glycero-tetronic acid (5). In another approach to 3-deoxy-l-glycero-tetronic acid protected at position 4, the carboxylic groups in L-malic acid were reduced, and the resulting triol was benzylidenated. Oxidation of the 2,4-O-benzylidene derivative formed with CrO3-pyridine complex in the presence of t-butyl alcohol gave t-butyl 2,4-O-benzylidene-3-deoxy-l-glycero-tetronate (13). The latter was saponified with aqueous sodium hydroxide to give, after Na+ exchange for H+, 2,4-O-benzylidene-3-deoxy-l-glycero-tetronic acid (15). Opening of the acetal ring in 13, followed by hydrolytic cleavage of the t-butyl ester function gave material indistinguishable from 5 obtained in the original way. When tested for their efficiency of N-acylation of derivatives of D-perosamine, both acids 5 and 15 gave the correspon...
Product Quality and Taxation: a Reconciliation:

Within the last few years, two articles in this journal (one ours) have discussed the relationship between product quality, excise taxes, and tax revenue. The articles are marked by seemingly contradictory results regarding the effect specific taxes and ad valorem taxes have on product quality. This article reconciles the contradiction. The authors show that the difference stems from opposite assumptions about the substitutability between physical units and their quality attributes. For all intermediate substitutabilities, the tax-quality relationship of this article is relevant for specific taxes, while the tax-quality relationship of the other article is relevant for ad valorem taxes.
Building Bridges: A Cross-disciplinary Experiment in Adult Education

Abstract Biblical texts and ancient Near Eastern pictorial images and material culture are separated by thousands of years from people living in the 21st century. This not only represents a temporal divide, but also a significant ideological (or worldview) divide. Following a brief introduction to important principles of adult-educational theory, this article describes an experiment of using ancient Near Eastern images and material culture to connect modern, often secular, people to the world of the Bible. It suggests that these images represent helpful means to initiate a truly cross-cultural conversation, linking 21st-century people (outside of academia) to the concerns and issues of those living in the biblical world.
Selective Inhibition of Nuclear Steroid Receptor Function by a Protein from a Human Tumorigenic Poxvirus

The poxvirus molluscum contagiosum (MC) has a worldwide distribution and its prevalence is on the rise. Here we report that the MCV MC013L protein inhibits glucocorticoid and vitamin D, but not retinoid or estrogen, nuclear receptor transactivation. A direct interaction of MC013L with glucocorticoid and vitamin D receptor is supported by yeast two-hybrid, GST pull-down, and far Western blot analyses. Glucocorticoids act as potent inhibitors of keratinocyte proliferation, while vitamin D and retinoids promote and block terminal differentiation, respectively. Therefore, MC013L may promote efficient virus replication by blocking the differentiation of infected keratinocytes. MC013L may be the first member of a new class of poxvirus proteins that directly modulate nuclear receptor-mediated transcription.
Turbulent circulation in bubble columns

Modele de distribution de la vitesse axiale a la mi-hauteur d'une colonne a bulles suffisamment haute avec ecoulement turbulent entierement developpe
Resonantly enhanced four-photon ionization yield of Xe+ (2P12) and Xe+ (2P32) in a strong laser field

Abstract We have studied the four-photon ionization yield and the branching among fine structure states of xenon in the region of the 5d′[ 3 2 ] 0 1 and 5d′[ 5 2 ] 0 3 three-photon resonances. A novel imaging spectrometer is used to determine the energy and angular distribution of photoelectrons formed at laser pulse durations of 1 ps and at intensities of 1 to 5×10 13 W/cm 2 . We observe a pronounced resonant enhancement in the wavelength dependence of the yield of Xe + ( 2 P 1 2 ). Enhancement in the yield of ground state ions by intermediate states with 2 P 3 2 core character is by comparison weak.
Oviposition Time in the Chukar Partridge

Abstract Time of lay was measured on chukar partridge in order to determine several aspects of their oviposition pattern relative to time lag between eggs in sequences and time of lay relative to dark and light periods of the day. Time of lay was recorded continuously over a 7-week period for 20 chukars maintained under 16 hours daily light given from 0400 to 2000 hours. Approximately 96% of all chukar eggs were laid between 0800 and 1900 hours with maximum rate of lay occurring 8 to 9 hours after the onset of light. Approximately 1% of all eggs were laid in the dark period. Average time of lay of single egg sequences was at 12:45 hours of the day and about 9 hours after the onset of the light period. Initial eggs in sequences of 2 to 5 eggs were laid progressively earlier in the day as sequence size increased. The time lag between eggs in 2-egg sequences was 29.7 hours as compared to 26.3 hours for intersequence eggs in sequences of 3 to 5 eggs. The pattern of lay in the chukar and time lag between eggs in sequences of 2 to 5 eggs is comparable to that for the turkey and chicken.
Radiation amplication without population inversion in discrete three-level systems

Abstract The possibility of achieving amplification of radiation without inversion of population in a discrete three-level system with strongly-coupled upper levels is investigated. A fully time-dependent calculation as well as a steady-state analysis are carried out showing the effect of pulse duration on the amplification of radiation. A simple analytic result shows the interplay between the physical parameters of the problem in determining a positive rate of change of the number of photons of a probe with, or without, inversion of population.