cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of 13 novel band 3 gene defects in hereditary spherocytosis with band 3 deficiency

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a common hemolytic anemia of variable clinical expression. Pathogenesis of HS has been associated with defects of several red cell membrane proteins including erythroid band 3. We have studied erythrocyte membrane proteins in 166 families with autosomal dominant HS. We have detected relative deficiency of band 3 in 38 kindred (23%). Band 3 deficiency was invariably associated with mild autosomal dominant spherocytosis and with the presence of pincered red cells in the peripheral blood smears of unsplenectomized patients. We hypothesized that this phenotype is caused by band 3 gene defects. Therefore, we screened band 3 DNA from these 38 kindred for single strand conformational polymorphisms (SSCP). In addition to five mutations detected previously by SSCP screening of cDNA, we detected 13 new band 3 gene mutations in 14 kindred coinherited with HS. These novel mutations consisted of two distinct subsets. The first subset included seven nonsense and frameshift mutations that were all associated with the absence of the mutant mRNA allele from reticulocyte RNA, implicating decreased production and/or stability of mutant mRNA as the cause of decreased band 3 synthesis. The second group included five substitutions of highly conserved amino acids and one in-frame deletion. These six mutations were associated with the presence of comparable levels of normal and mutant band 3 mRNA. We suggest that these mutations interfere with band 3 biosynthesis leading thus to the decreased accumulation of the mutant band 3 allele in the plasma membrane.
Cross-subsidization of teacher pension benefits: the impact of the discount rate

This paper builds on previous work (Costrell and McGee, 2017a, Education Finance and Policy) on the redistribution of teacher pension benefits, as measured by the wide variation in individual normal cost rates by age of entry and exit, and the associated cross-subsidies. The further steps taken here are: (i) to examine the impact of the discount rate on the degree of redistribution, and the analytics behind it; and (ii) to identify the distribution of the market value of the pension guarantee. Using the example of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, I find that: (i) high-assumed returns substantially understate the extent to which costs are redistributed for back-loaded plans; and (ii) the market value of the pension guarantee is highly concentrated among long-term teachers.
Internet Searches for Sexual Harassment and Assault, Reporting, and Training Since the #MeToo Movement.

This study analyzes US internet search numbers to evaluate changes in searches for sexual harassment and assault, reporting, and training since the #MeToo movement.
Phosphoserine/Threonine Binding Domains

Originally published in: Modular Protein Domains. Edited by Giovanni Cesareni, Mario Gimona, Marius Sudol and Michael Yaffe. Copyright © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA Weinheim. Print ISBN: 3-527-30813-2 The sections in this article are Introduction The 14-3-3 Proteins History and Functions Structure and Binding WW Domains FHA Domains WD40 Repeats of F-box Proteins Polo-box Domains Conclusions Acknowledgements Keywords: modular protein domains; phosphoserine/threonine binding domains; the 14-3-3 proteins; WW domains; FHA domains; WD40 repeats of F-box proteins; polo-box domains
Obscurin is a semi-flexible molecule in solution.

Obscurin, a giant modular cytoskeletal protein, is comprised mostly of tandem immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains. This architecture allows obscurin to connect distal targets within the cell. The linkers connecting the Ig domains are usually short (3-4 residues). The physical effect arising from these short linkers is not known; such linkers may lead to a stiff elongated molecule or, conversely, may lead to a more compact and dynamic structure. In an effort to better understand how linkers affect obscurin flexibility, and to better understand the physical underpinnings of this flexibility, here we study the structure and dynamics of four representative sets of dual obscurin Ig domains using experimental and computational techniques. We find in all cases tested that tandem obscurin Ig domains interact at the poles of each domain and tend to stay relatively extended in solution. NMR, SAXS, and MD simulations reveal that while tandem domains are elongated, they also bend and flex significantly. By applying this behavior to a simplified model, it becomes apparent obscurin can link targets more than 200 nm away. However, as targets get further apart, obscurin begins acting as a spring and requires progressively more energy to further elongate.
Trans Who?! Understanding Transgender Children

This chapter introduces and defines transgender individuals, and situates the topic of transgender persons in the current national landscape (specifically with regard to recent legislation). The chapter provides facts and figures about the trans community, including population estimates and stages of gender identity development in children. The research study (on which the text is based) is presented. Methodology, data collection, and ethical dilemmas are discussed. There is an explanation of the goal of the project—to examine the early childhood education experiences of ten transgender individuals, our research partners.
Prevalence of anemia and compliance to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for workup and treatment of anemia among patients with gynecologic malignancies.

32Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends prompt evaluation of anemic patients with hemoglobin (Hb) ≤ 11g/dL. There are a paucity of studies evaluating compliance wi...
Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs to Address Social Determinants of Health and Violence

This review seeks to help the reader understand the current state of hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) and discuss the next steps in creating a widely adaptable public health model for violence intervention. HVIPs are an emerging practice in hospitals and trauma centers. These programs employ public health principles to reduce the impact of social determinants of health on at-risk populations. To date, evaluation of these programs demonstrates increased positive intermediate outcomes and decreased recidivism. Interest in HVIPs is growing due largely to a surge in the trauma community’s engagement in solutions to the epidemic of community violence and due to the development of a best practices HVIP model. National partnerships and organizations have become key to the dissemination of this public health model. With increased interest and positive outcomes, key stakeholders, including cities and states, are investing in the dissemination of these programs as a strategy to decrease violence, including firearm injury, in their populations.
Validation of sleep measurement in a multisensor consumer grade wearable device in healthy young adults.

Study Objectives:Our objective was to examine the ability of a consumer-grade wearable device (Basis B1) with accelerometer and heart rate technology to assess sleep patterns compared with polysomn...
Multilevel influences of women's empowerment and economic resources on risky sexual behaviour among young women in Zomba district, Malawi.

Gender disparities are pronounced in Zomba district, Malawi. Among women aged 15–49 years, HIV prevalence is 16.8%, compared with 9.3% among men of the same age. Complex structural factors are associated with risky sexual behaviour leading to HIV infection. This study’s objective was to explore associations between multilevel measures of economic resources and women’s empowerment with risky sexual behaviour among young women in Zomba. Four measures of risky sexual behaviour were examined: ever had sex, condom use and two indices measuring age during sexual activity and partner history. Multilevel regression models and regression models with cluster-robust standard errors were used to estimate associations, stratified by school enrolment status. Among the schoolgirl stratum, the percentage of girls enrolled in school at the community level had protective associations with ever having sex (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96) and condom use (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.11). Belief in the right to refuse sex was protective against ever having sex (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96). Participants from households with no secondary school education had higher odds of ever having sex (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.22). Among the dropout stratum, participants who had not achieved a secondary school level of education had riskier Age Factor and Partner History Factor scores (β = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.79, and β = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.41, respectively). Participants from households without a secondary school level of education had riskier Age Factor scores (β = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.48). Across strata, the most consistent variables associated with risky sexual behaviour were those related to education, including girl’s level of education, highest level of education of her household of origin and the community percentage of girls enrolled in school. These results suggest that programmes seeking to reduce risky sexual behaviour among young women in Malawi should consider the role of improving access to education at multiple levels.
Ex-Situ Recrystallization of CIGS via Metal Halides

One of the key challenges for furthering the economic viability of thermally evaporated CIGS is the thermal energy required for higher efficiencies. While several techniques have pushed the efficiency of CIGS cells higher, including alkali post deposition treatment, high temperature is often necessary for high efficiency. By using a modified 3-stage process, with low stage 1 and stage 2 deposition temperatures, it is possible to create CIGS absorber layers with high current collection capabilities. By judiciously introducing group I B metal halides it may be possible to further improve device quality while decreasing deposition temperature thus lowering costs.
Design & Analysis of Frequency Reconfigurable Microstrip Patch Antenna for Ku/K Bands Applications using Pin Diode

In the growing era of communication there is a need for frequency reconfigurable antenna which helps in deduction of antenna dimensions by considering the higher permittivity of the substrate. The need for frequency reconfigurable antenna is that, it able to change its frequency dynamically by the use of switching mechanism. The proposed antenna is fabricated using FR4 substrate having a thickness of 1.6mm. By configuring the P-I-N diode, two operating frequencies are obtained. This design can be switch between two operating frequencies 14.9GHz, bandwidth (800MHz) and 25.5GHz, bandwidth (1400MHz) in the case of diode ON and OFF conditions. The performance of the antenna is analysed at higher frequencies especially Ku and K bands due to the impact of PIN diode with two switch configuration is analysed. The proposed antenna is good for Ku and K band applications. Ku band is reserved for high power satellites intend for delivery of digital signal and mostly applicable for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS). K band is applicable for satellite communication and weather report. The antenna is simulated using ANSYS HFSS software.
Actinide targets for the synthesis of super-heavy elements

Since 2000, six new super-heavy elements with atomic numbers 113 through 118 have been synthesized in hot fusion reactions of 48Ca beams on actinide targets. These target materials, including 242Pu, 244Pu, 243Am, 245Cm, 248Cm, 249Cf, and 249Bk, are available in very limited quantities and require specialized production and processing facilities resident in only a few research centers worldwide. This report describes the production and chemical processing of heavy actinide materials for super-heavy element research, current availabilities of these materials, and related target fabrication techniques. The impact of actinide materials in super-heavy element discovery is reviewed, and strategies for enhancing the production of rare actinides including 249Bk, 251Cf, and 254Es are described.
Parallel LU-factorizaiton algorithms for dense matrices

Several serial and parallel algorithms for computing the LU-factorization of a dense matrix are investigated. Numerical experiments and programming considerations to reduce bank conflicts on the Cray X-MP4 parallel computer are presented. Speedup factors are given for the parallel algorithms.
Why Iron Deficiency Is Important in Infant Development

Infants who experience iron deficiency during the first 6-12 mo of life are likely to experience persistent effects of the deficiency that alter functioning in adulthood. A lack of sufficient iron intake may significantly delay the development of the central nervous system as a result of alterations in morphology, neurochemistry, and bioenergetics. Depending on the stage of development at the time of iron deficiency, there may be an opportunity to reverse adverse effects, but the success of repletion efforts appear to be time dependent. Publications in the past several years describe the emerging picture of the consequences of iron deficiency in both human and animal studies. The mechanisms for iron accumulation in the brain and perhaps redistribution are being understood. The data in human infants are consistent with altered myelination of white matter, changes in monoamine metabolism in striatum, and functioning of the hippocampus. Rodent studies also show effects of iron deficiency during gestation and lactation that persist into adulthood despite restoration of iron status at weaning. These studies indicate that gestation and early lactation are likely critical periods when iron deficiency will result in long-lasting damage.
Pragmatics, Implicature and the Efficiency of Elevated Disclosure

This paper uses a Pragmatic theory of language (drawn from philosophy and linguistics) to diagnose the causes of excessive and inefficient financial disclosure and propose a regulatory solution. The diagnosis is that existing regulations are effective at encouraging firms to adhere to some, but not all, of the Maxims of Conversation identified by Pragmatics. Regulations encourage firms to disclose any information that might be relevant, but are ineffective in discouraging excessive disclosure of information that is of little relevance given what investors already know. This one-sidedness makes financial disclosures inefficient by limiting the ability for investors to infer that items the firm chooses not to disclose are not particularly important (an inference Pragmatic theorists call “implicature”). The solution is to encourage or require firms to supplement comprehensive disclosures with an “elevated” disclosure that is brief enough to force firms to be selective in choosing what information to include. Regulations can enhance implicature through rules that prohibit firms from elevating disclosures that are less newsworthy than disclosures that are not elevated, thereby enhancing the information conveyed to investors through implicature.
Fluorescence Probes For Study Of Damage In Dielectrics

A novel approach to investigation of electrical damage in insulators is described. It involves the use of fluorescence probes that selectively stain the damage features of interest or that react at specific sites, changing their fluorescence characteristics. Because of the sensitivity laser excited fluorescence provides, surface flashover tracks, locations of corona discharge and other features are easily revealed even when no damage is discernible in room light. Our results show that structural features, charge distributions, and chemical changes caused by electrical damage may be probed. Some surprising features of insulator damage revealed by fluorescence probes are presented.
Non-equilibrium interface kinetics during rapid solidification: Theory and experiment

Abstract Deviations from local equilibrium occur at a rapidly moving solid-liquid interface. The fraction of solute atoms in the liquid at the interface that joins the crystal during rapid solidification approaches unity and the interface temperature drops. Experimental and theoretical work on the fundamentals of impurity incorporation and interfacial undercooling is discussed.
JTRS/SCA and Custom/SDR Waveform Comparision

This paper compares two waveform implementations generating the same RF signal using the same SDR development system. Both waveforms implement a satellite modem using QPSK modulation at 1M BPS data rates with one half rate convolutional encoding. Both waveforms are partitioned the same across the general purpose processor (GPP) and the field programmable gate array (FPGA). Both waveforms implement the same equivalent set of radio functions on the GPP and FPGA. The GPP implements the majority of the radio functions and the FPGA implements the final digital RF modulator stage. One waveform is implemented directly on the SDR development system and the second waveform is implemented using the JTRS/SCA model. This paper contrasts the amount of resources to implement both waveforms and demonstrates the importance of waveform partitioning across the SDR development system.
Bacterial transport in laboratory columns and filters: Influence of ionic strength and pH on collision efficiency

Abstract The influence of ionic strength and pH on the transport of Pseudomonas fluorescens P17 in porous media was investigated using continuous-flow laboratory columns and a rapid screening technique in which radiolabeled cells were applied to large-pore, glass-fiber filters. Colloid-filtration theory was used to interpret P17 transport results in the two systems. Bacterial retention was directly related to the ionic strength of the carrying solution. Decreasing the ionic strength from 10 −1 to 10 −5 M caused the bacterial collision efficiency, α, to decrease nearly 90% (from 0.18 to 0.026 in screening experiments and from 0.12 to 0.015 in column experiments). This change in α is qualitatively consistent with double-layer theory, but suggests that very large changes in ionic strength are needed to influence transport. Bacterial transport was unaffected by changes in pH in the range of 5.5
On the submicroscopic organization of the myelinated sympathetic nerve fiber in the frog (Rana pipiens).

Existing descriptions of the ultrastructure of myelinated nerve fibers were confirmed and extended on methacrylate- and Epon-embedded sympathetic rami of the frog. The nerve fiber was not surrounded by a basement membrane, but by collagen. The Schwann cell contained fibrils, dark granules, mitochondria and also smooth-edged vesicles which probably transported material into the nerve fiber. Profiles of large vesicles and of collaterals of the main nerve fiber, found in the Schwann cell, were interpreted as the corpuscles of Elzholz and Reich. The presence of cytoplasm between axolemma and myelin was considered as areas of transition of myelinated and tunicated fibers. Existing descriptions of the ultrastructure of the node of Ranvier were confirmed, but the occurence of Schmidt-Lanterman indentations remained somewhat doubtful. The axon contained filaments, dark granules, mitochondria and a great variety of vesicles; their interpretation was difficult because of the unknown submicroscopic differences of sympathetic, somatic motor and afferent nerve fibers. Concurring with other authors, some vesicles with a light center may have been concerned with acetylcholinesterase activity. It was speculated that dark-cored vesicles represented probably catecholamine bodies and others were tentatively related to mitochondria formation. Some electron dense granules may have derived from RNA particles in the perikaryon of the neuron.
Some Subcortical Connections of the Inferotemporal Gyrus of Monkey

Abstract Responses evoked by stimulating points along the inferotemporal gyrus of the macaque are found in the anterior commissure, amygdala, medial temporal cortex, the head and basal posterior portions of the putamen, the tail of the caudate nucleus, the pretectal tegmentum, just lateral to the central gray matter, and the superior colliculus. The superior colliculus projections come from the posterior part of the inferior gyrus only, and the amygdala receives fibers only from the anterior region. Interhemispheric connections of this gyrus go via the anterior commissure, with indications of a shift to corpus callosum crossing as inferotemporal cortex (area TE) blends into prestriate cortex (areas OA and OBO posteriorly). The importance of the various input and ouput connections to the inferotemporal area are considered with regard to visual discrimination performance, and the difference in projections of the anterior and posterior areas is related to findings of a functional difference between these regions.
Bond graphs in control: Physical state variables and observers

Abstract Bond graph modeling techniques yield state equations intimately related to energy storage in physical systems. The easy physical interpretation of the state variables from a bond graph model aids in the realization of modern automatic control schemes involving state variable feedback. When it is inconvenient or impossible or measure certain state variables, the useful device of an observer may be used to estimate the missing state variables. It is shown that the same bond graph used to model the system can be used to derive a complete or reduced order observer. The partial observers use derivative causality in a new way and in some cases, the effects of completely unknown disturbances may be accounted for.
An assessment of education and training needs for government documents librarians in the United States

Abstract The results from a survey to assess the training and educational needs of government documents librarians are presented in this article. In April 2000, a questionnaire was distributed to 450 government documents librarians in the United States, randomly selected from the seventh edition of American Library Association's Directory of Government Document Collections and Librarians (1997). Two hundred and forty-four librarians responded to the questionnaire. The survey included questions concerning the primary means by which government documents librarians gained knowledge about government documents as well as questions on the areas of government publications perceived by the government documents librarians that should be covered in greater depth in library school curricula. Also, government documents librarians were asked whether there were enough government documents workshops/seminars to meet their continuing education needs and what topics were perceived as important and worth being discussed or presented in future workshops.
Stakeholder Norms Toward Beaver Management in Massachusetts

Abstract In Massachusetts, USA, both human and beaver (Castor canadensis) population levels are increasing, beaver damage complaints are escalating, and beaver management options are restricted by the 1996 Wildlife Protection Act. We looked at the public's norms toward beavers in Massachusetts. In 2002 we sent a mail-back questionnaire to a random sample of 5,563 residents in 3 geographic regions in Massachusetts and to residents who submitted a beaver complaint to Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) in 1999–2000 (47.3% overall response rate). Respondents supported some form of beaver management. As severity of beaver damage was perceived to increase, respondents were more willing to accept lethal management and control of beavers. These results emphasize the importance of how tolerance and acceptability of wildlife are influenced by the type of activity the animal is engaged in, the type of management action that is proposed, the positive or negative perception of a species in...
Reactants for deep submergence vehicles

Abstract This research compares reactants that have been identified for use in closed-loop, submerged heat engines by calculating the amount of reactant needed for a two-day voyage. The objective is to show calculated results for 13 combinations of potential reactants. Eleven different fuelds and two different oxidizers were included. Using an overall thermodynamic efficiency of 26.5%, an engine on each fuel produces an average power of 20 kW for 48 hr on station plus power for 6 hr to descend 6000 m and 6 hr to ascend. The tabulated results show the mass of each reactant and product and the size of the tank required. The chemical assumptions and constants used for the calculations have been provided to permit verification of the results.
On the History of ESDA: 1992 to Present

The E ngineering S ystems D esign and A nalysis (ESDA) conference was started by the then Petroleum Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Petroleum Division was, and still is under the umbrella organization International Petroleum Technology Institute of ASME International, one of the very active, forward looking, and entrepreneurial group of engineers whose sole purpose is to serve their membership through technical activities that will benefit society at large. Their leaders have always been very creative, open minded, and helpful to the engineers they served as well as all who needed their expertise. It was under this type of leadership that ESDA was born in 1992. In 2000, after the 5th Biennial Conference in Montreux, Switzerland, a meeting was held by the Petroleum Division Chairman, the General and Technical Program Chairmen of ESDA 2000, two staff members from the Petroleum Division, the Chair of the Swiss Section, and the ASME Region XIII Vice President where it was decided to turn over the responsibilities for future conferences of ESDA to the international region of ASME, Region XIII. Thus, this, the third conference since then, has become the premier conference for this region of ASME and is still thriving at this the 8th Biennial Conference in Torino.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Rapid Synthesis of Near Infrared Polymeric Micelles for Real-Time Sentinel Lymph Node Imaging

In this manuscript a synthetic methodology for developing sub 20 nm sized polymeric micellar nanoparticles designed for extravascular imaging and therapy is revealed. A simple, one-pot method is followed, which involves a rapid co-self-assembly of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer (PS-b-PAA) and polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate in water. Sorbitan monooleate imparts stability to the micelles and helps to drive down the particle size below 20 nm. The particles are incorporated with a water soluble dye ADS832WS, which absorbs in the near infrared range (λ_(ex) = 832 nm) for sensitive detection with optical and photoacoustic imaging techniques. A candidate lipophilic anti-angiogenic therapeutic agent fumagillin was also incorporated with high entrapment (>95%) efficiency. The effectiveness of this theranostic platform for real-time, high-resolution intraoperative photoacoustic imaging for facilitating direct assessment of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in breast cancer staging is demonstrated. The technique offers huge potential providing faster resection of SLN and may minimize complications caused by axillary exploration due to mismarking with dyes or low-resolution imaging techniques. Finally, the biodistribution and organ accumulation of the intravenously and intradermally injected particles are studied in a rodent model by optical imaging. Data suggest that intraveneously injected NIR-polymeric nanoparticles follow a typical bio-distribution clearance path through the reticuloendothelial (RES) system. For the intradermally injected particles, a slower mechanism of clearance is noticed.
Surface characterization of pulsed UV-laser modified polyamide films

Abstract Thin film samples of Kapton HF polyamide have been modified by UV-radiation using a pulsed excimer laser with per pulse fluences ranging from 29–50 mJ/cm 2 . The resulting samples have been characterized using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, FTIR ATR spectroscopy and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Topographical results indicate that, as per pulse fluence increases, surface melting, vaporization and eventually surface ablation occur. Raman results indicate the formation of graphitic carbon at the surface of the film. For highly modified samples, the graphitic carbon exists in regions which exhibit localized structure on the nanometer scale. For these samples, only graphitic carbon is present at the surface of the film. For samples which involve a lesser degree of modification, both polyamide and carbon are present at the surface of the film. FTIR ATR results are consistent with a loss of crystallinity and an introduction of new conformational states in the bulk of the polyamide film due to subsurface heating.
Effects of age and speed of processing on rCBF correlates of syntactic processing in sentence comprehension.

Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to determine the effect of age on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during syntactic processing in sentence comprehension. PET activity associated with making plausibility judgments about syntactically more complex subject object (SO) sentences (e.g., The juice that the child spilled stained the rug) was compared to that associated with making judgments about synonymous syntactically simpler object subject (OS) sentences (e.g., The child spilled the juice that stained the rug). In the first study, 13 elderly (70-80-year-old) subjects showed increased rCBF in the left inferior parietal lobe. This result contrasted with previous studies, which have shown activation in Broca's area in this task in young subjects. Elderly subjects were noted to have longer reaction times than young subjects previously tested. A second study found that young subjects whose reaction times were as long as those of the elderly subjects tested in Experiment 1 activated left superior parietal, and not left inferior frontal, structures. A third experiment found that elderly subjects with reaction times as fast as previously tested young subjects activated left inferior frontal structures. The results suggest that the speed of syntactic processing, but not age per se is related to the neural location where one aspect of syntactic processing is carried out.
High-rate reactive sputtering of yttria-stabilized zirconia using pulsed d.c. power

Abstract Polycrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering of a Zr-Y alloy target in an Ar-O 2 atmosphere. Using a combination of pulsed d.c. power at a frequency of 70 kHz at both the target and substrate, and partial pressure control of the O 2 gas, arcing was controlled and a stable process was obtained. Fully-oxidized cubic (Y 2 O 3 ) 0.10 (ZrO 2 ) 0.90 films were deposited at rates as high as 210 nm/min, or 60% of the metal alloy deposition rate. For films deposited onto electrically-conducting substrates, the structure and hardness of the films were affected by the negative substrate bias V s . With V s = floating (34 V), X-ray diffraction scans showed a strong (200) texture, which switched to a strong (111) texture for V s = 80–150 V. Scanning electron microscopy showed a porous structure with no substrate bias and a dense structure with a bias of V s = 80 V. The film hardness measured using nanoindentation was ≈ 4 GPa for V s = 34 V, and reached a maximum of 17 GPa, comparable to bulk YSZ, at V s = 80–100 V. For films deposited onto glass substrates, the pulsed d.c. substrate bias had no effect, such that porous, low-hardness YSZ was obtained. This was due to the very short time constant for charging the thick glass substrate, compared with the d.c. pulse period.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with community-acquired clostridium difficile infection: a case–control study

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasingly recognized as an important community acquired pathogen causing disease (CA-CDI). Vitamin D [25(OH)D] has immune modulatory effects and plays an important role in intestinal immunity. The role of vitamin D in CA-CDI has not been examined previously. This was a single referral center case–control study. Cases comprised of all patients with CA-CDI who had a serum 25(OH)D measured within 12 months prior to infection. Controls were drawn from patients who had 25(OH)D checked and matched based on age, gender, race and health status. Serum 25(OH)D was stratified as 30 ng/mL. Regression models adjusting for potential confounders were used to define independent association between vitamin D and CA-CDI. We identified 58 matched case–control pairs (66% women; 85% Caucasian). The mean age was 62 years. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in CA-CDI cases compared to controls (28.5 ng/mL vs. 33.8 ng/mL, p = 0.046). Cases had higher rate of antibiotic exposure and more comorbidity. Serum 25(OH)D < 15 ng/mL was associated with an increased risk of CA-CDI on univariate (Odds ratio (OR) 5.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51 – 17.24) and multivariate analysis (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.10 – 13.42). Vitamin D levels between 15-30 ng/mL did not modify disease risk. Low serum 25(OH)D < 15 ng/mL was associated with increased risk of CA-CDI. This suggests vitamin D may have a role in determining susceptibility to CA-CDI.
3H/3He age data in assessing the susceptibility of wells to contamination.

Regulatory agencies are becoming increasingly interested in using young-ground water dating techniques, such as the 3 H/ 3 He method, in assessing the susceptibility of public supply wells (PSWs) to contamination. However, recent studies emphasize that ground water samples of mixed age may be the norm, particularly from long-screened PSWs, and tracer-based "apparent" ages can differ substantially from actual mean ages for mixed-age samples. We present age and contaminant data from PSWs in Salt Lake Valley, Utah, that demonstrate the utility of 3 H and 3 He measurements in evaluating well susceptibility, despite potential age mixing. Initial 3 H concentrations (measured 3 H + measured tritiogenic 3 He) are compared to those expected based on the apparent 3 H/ 3 He age and the local precipitation 3 H record. This comparison is used to determine the amount of modern water (recharged after ∼1950) vs. prebomb water (recharged before ∼1950) samples might contain. Concentrations of common contaminants were also measured using detection limits generally lower than those used for regulatory purposes. A clear correlation exists between the potential magnitude of the modern water fraction and both the occurrence and concentration of contaminants. For samples containing dominantly modern water based on their initial 3 H concentrations, potential discrepancies between apparent 3 H/ 3 He ages and mean ages are explored using synthetic samples that are random mixtures of different modern waters. Apparent ages can exceed mean ages by up to 13 years for these samples, with an exponential age distribution resulting in the greatest discrepancies.
Tropical response to lateral forcing with a latitudinally and zonally nonuniform basic state

The dynamics of lateral forcing of a stable tropical atmosphere by incident waves from the midlatitudes are examined. Attention is focused on conditions where the WKB method is invalid, and only given to barotropic flows. The tropical atmosphere is treated as a steady planetary wave and a zonal shear flow. The 200 mb level is investigated in terms of a midlatitude wave with self-compatible parametric values that is constrained to satisfy the radiation conditions at the boundary. Wave modes are found to be susceptible to trapping between two turning points in the equatorial zone in the presence of a zonal shear flow. Quasi-resonant waves can then appear over a wide range of parametric conditions of the forcing wave and the basic state. The zonal wind structure determines the resonance conditions.
TIME DELAY: A TECHNIQUE TO INCREASE LANGUAGE USE AND FACILITATE GENERALIZATION IN RETARDED CHILDREN

Institutional breakfast-serving procedures were manipulated to assess what effect changes in that aspect of the environment would have on requests for food. During baseline, six severely retarded children were required to pick up their food trays and return to their seats. The first manipulation, delaying the giving of the food tray for 15 seconds, served as a cue to evoke meal requests by three of the six children. Two of the remaining three required a model of an appropriate meal request (i.e., "Tray, please.") at the end of the 15-second delay before they began requesting their meals. To evoke meal requests from the sixth child, an intensive training procedure, consisting of massed trials of delay and modeling, was required. Three different probes were administered to assess generalization across the people serving the meals, across mealtimes, and across both people and mealtimes. Typically, generalized responding in these new situations could be prompted by use of the 15-second delay procedure. Functional aspects of the delay procedure and its potential usefulness for evoking speech and facilitating generalization are discussed.
HPLC Determination of Carotenoids in Fruits and Vegetables in the United States

A study was conducted to determine alpha- and beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin in twenty-two fruits and vegetables. Foods were obtained from wholesale distributors from five locations throughout the United States (Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, and Boston) three times during a year (November, March, and July). Mean vitamin A activity in retinol equivalents (RE) of each food along with average values for the individual carotenoids (μg/100g) are given. beta-Carotene was the most prevalent carotenoid. Carrots, beet greens, spinach, swiss chard and sweet potatoes had the most vitamin A activity. Analysis of variance indicated that there were no significant differences among either locations or time of analysis. A comparison was made between the new values and the ones listed in USDA Handbook No. 8 and revised Handbook No. 8–9. There were differences between the old and new values in 14 of the 22 fruits and vegetables analyzed.
Sequential Expectations: The Role of Prediction‐Based Learning in Language

Prediction-based processes appear to play an important role in language. Few studies, however, have sought to test the relationship within individuals between prediction learning and natural language processing. This paper builds upon existing statistical learning work using a novel paradigm for studying the on-line learning of predictive dependencies. Within this paradigm, a new "prediction task" is introduced that provides a sensitive index of individual differences for developing probabilistic sequential expectations. Across three interrelated experiments, the prediction task and results thereof are used to bridge knowledge of the empirical relation between statistical learning and language within the context of nonadjacency processing. We first chart the trajectory for learning nonadjacencies, documenting individual differences in prediction learning. Subsequent simple recurrent network simulations then closely capture human performance patterns in the new paradigm. Finally, individual differences in prediction performances are shown to strongly correlate with participants' sentence processing of complex, long-distance dependencies in natural language.
Irrigation Quantity Effects on Anthracnose Disease of Annual Bluegrass

Irrigation can influence both turf vigor and playability of putting greens. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale Manns sensu lato Crouch, Clarke, and Hillman) has become an increasingly destructive disease of annual bluegrass (ABG) [Poa annua L. f. reptans (Hausskn.) T. Koyama] putting greens, particularly when turf is under stress. This 3-yr field study evaluated the effects of irrigation quantity (100, 80, 60, and 40% of reference evapotranspiration [ET o ]) on anthracnose severity of ABG mowed daily to 3.2 mm. Severe drought stress (40% ET o ) increased anthracnose severity in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Anthracnose was less severe under 60% ET o irrigation, and irrigating at 80% ET o reduced severity compared to 60% ET o . Irrigating at 100% ET o initially reduced anthracnose severity compared to 40% ET o ; however, 100% ET o resulted in similar disease severity later in the 2006 and 2008 seasons. While this response was not observed late in the 2007 season, plots maintained at 100% ET o had turf quality similar to plots irrigated at 40% ET o later in each year due in part to increased algal development. Irrigation to replace 80% ET o typically resulted in the least amount of disease and the best turf quality throughout the trial. Thus, irrigation to minimize drought stress while also avoiding continuous high soil water content is beneficial in reducing anthracnose and maintaining acceptable turf performance.
Determination of the transient electron temperature in femtosecond laser-induced air plasmas

The transient electron temperature in a fs laser air plasma (filament) was determined with ps resolution from pump-probe diffraction and absorption measurements. Plasma modeling shows good agreement with experiments if inelastic collisions are included.
Free hydrocarbon gas, gas hydrate, and authigenic minerals in chemosynthetic communities of the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope: relation to microbial processes

Research submersibles and piston cores were used to sample two chemosynthetic communities in the Gulf of Mexico continental slope at ~ 540 m water depth. Vent gas from the deep subsurface is the starting material from which other carbon pools are derived, including gas hydrate, free hydrocarbon gas in sediment, and authigenic carbonate rock. Gas crystallizes as exposed mounds of structure II gas hydrate and as massive vein-fillings in hemipelagic mud. Venting rates from gas hydrate mounds periodically increase after the temperature of the bottom water increases. Gas hydrate decomposition is largely restricted to exposed hydrate and at shallow depth in sediment. Overall, gas hydrate is accumulating, not decomposing at study sites. Most free gas in sediment appears to be destroyed in situ by anaerobic microbial oxidation in chemosynthetic communities, leading to sequestration of carbon as abundant authigenic carbonate rock depleted in 13C. Free methane is rapidly oxidized leaving residual methane enriched in 13C. Some in situ microbial CO2 reduction occurs, and methane depleted in 13C mixes with vent methane enriched in 13C. The C2–C5 hydrocarbons of vent gas initially most depleted in 13C (ethane, isobutane, isopentane) are least affected by microbial oxidation, whereas hydrocarbons initially enriched in 13C (propane, normal butane, normal pentane) are most affected. Anaerobic microbial oxidation of all C1–C5 hydrocarbon gases, not only methane, may be significant in chemosynthetic communities. Microbial processes contribute to the development and stability of chemosynthetic communities by providing required H2S. Anaerobic microbial processes lead to deposition of diagnostic authigenic minerals related to the carbon (carbonate minerals) and sulfur cycles (pyrite, elemental sulfur), altering the seafloor. Seafloor cementation favors fauna such as chemosynthetic tubeworms and seep mussels by forming carbonate hardgrounds on an otherwise unfavorable mud-dominated seafloor.
Colostrum-Induced Enteric Mucosal Growth in Beagle Puppies

To evaluate the role of artificial feeding and natural feeding in early growth of enteric mucosa, we determined enteric mucosal mass, protein and DNA content, and disaccharidase activities in beagle puppies at birth, and after 24 h of either natural or artificial feeding. Despite similar increases in body weight over the first 24 h of life, neither mucosal mass, DNA content, nor protein content of the artificially fed animals was different from that of newborn animals. In contrast, mucosal mass of the suckled animals was 75% greater, DNA content was 56% greater, and protein content was 93% greater than that of newborn animals. The mucosal protein/DNA ratio of the suckled animals was greater than that of newborn, but not artificially fed animals. The greater DNA, protein, and protein/DNA ratio in this group suggest that the greater mucosal mass is a result of both cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Sucrase specific activity of the suckled animals was less than that of the artificially fed but not the newborn animals. Other disaccharidase activities were not different among the three groups. These data extend the findings of Widdowson et al.(25) to another species and demonstrate that this rapid enteric growth over the first day of life results only from natural feeding. They strongly suggest, therefore, that rapid early enteric growth, mediated perhaps by a factor in natural milk that stimulates enteric mucosal growth, is an important heretofore unappreciated phase of intestinal development.
EMI-immune thermocouple thermometry in RF hyperthermia systems

The authors outline the advantages of using thermocouple thermometry for temperature monitoring during localized electromagnetic hyperthermia. Problems faced in used metallic probes during RF power delivery are discussed from both theoretical and practical points of view. Solutions to electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems are suggested, and the actual implementation of an EMI-immune thermometric system suitable for temperature monitoring in RF hyperthermia is described. >
Determining the structural parameters of nanosized magnetically and electrically ordered systems

Based on studies of the magnetic susceptibility of nanocrystalline magnetics (NCMs) in the case of freezing domain walls, we have developed a method for determining their structural parameters from real and imaginary components of magnetization dispersion due to rotational processes in NCMs. Our method can also be extended to nanocrystalline ferroelectrics.
5-HT and motor control: a hypothesis

The activity of 5-HT-containing neurons in the brain is activated preferentially in association with motor output in cats. This is especially apparent during changes in muscle tone and during responses mediated by central pattern generators; such as chewing, locomotion and respiration. These and other data support the hypothesis that the primary functions of the 5-HT system in the brain are to facilitate motor output and concurrently inhibit sensory information processing. This hypothesis is applicable phylogenetically, from invertebrates to mammals.
Mathematical figments, biological facts: population ecology in the thirties.

A brief survey of American ecology since the turn of the century reveals the exceptional concern of ecologists with selfdefinition.' At the start of the century definition was necessary because ecology was a new science, newly named in 1893,2 which had to establish the value of its holistic perspective and show that it was more comprehensive than any of the individual disciplines with which it was allied physiology, taxonomy, geology, geography, and later demography and sociology. But even in the 1930s, well after ecologists had established their own societies and journals and after they had begun to produce their own textbooks, one finds them still struggling to explain themselves. The old optimism about ecology's value remains, but along with it one detects a new tone of resignation, as though the discipline had been made self-conscious by an awareness of its low status as a fringe science. Victor Shelford, who had been the first president of the Ecological Society of America, saw the problem clearly.3 While the rest of biology had become specialized in research and education, ecologists still believed in the value of grappling with the complexities of nature as a whole. While other biologists had retired to the laboratory to perform their experiments on small, carefully defined problems,4 ecologists had stayed in the field to do their experiments outdoors. Ecologists had started with the