cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Study of the Effect of Magnetic Field on the Static and Dynamical Properties of Two-Dimensional Coulomb Systems

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to examine the effect of a uniform perpendicular magnetic field on a two-dimensional (2D) interacting electron system and we analyze how the magnetic field affects the single-particle properties of the system. In this simulation, we include the effect of the magnetic field classically through the Lorentz force. Both the Coulomb interaction and the magnetic field are included directly in the electron dynamics to study their combined effect on the transport properties of the 2D system. Results are presented for the pair correlation function, the mean square displacement and the density correlation function, in the presence and absence of an external magnetic field. Our simulation results, obtained from a first-principles calculation, clearly show that the external magnetic field has no effect on the static properties, but it affects the dynamics.
Recent advances in understanding the role of the hypothalamic circuit during aggression.

The hypothalamus was first implicated in the classic “fight or flight” response nearly a century ago, and since then, many important strides have been made in understanding both the circuitry and the neural dynamics underlying the generation of these behaviors. In this review, we will focus specifically on the role of the hypothalamus in aggression, paying particular attention to recent advances in the field that have allowed for functional identification of relevant hypothalamic subnuclei. Recent progress in this field has been aided by the development of new techniques for functional manipulation including optogenetics and pharmacogenetics, as well as advances in technology used for chronic in vivo recordings during complex social behaviors. We will examine the role of the hypothalamus through the complimentary lenses of 1) loss of function studies, including pharmacology and pharmacogenetics, 2) gain of function studies, including specific comparisons between results from classic electrical stimulation studies and more recent work using optogenetics, and 3) neural activity, including both immediate early gene and awake-behaving recordings. Lastly, we will outline current approaches to identifying the precise role of the hypothalamus in promoting aggressive motivation and aggressive action.
The Photochemical Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide in Natural Waters

The photochemical formation of hydrogen peroxide in tryptophan solutions and natural waters was monitored by a sensitive spectrophotometric assay. Peroxide was characterized by ion exchange properties and mobility via thin-layer chromatography. Tryptophan photodecomposed in sunlight or near ultraviolet light (λ > 283 nm) with the formation of uncharacterized, acidic photoproducts and hydrogen peroxide; other oxidants (i.e. organic peroxides) were not detected in tryptophan photolysis mixtures. After brief exposure to sunlight, hydrogen peroxide in natural waters varied from below the detection limit (1.5μM) to 6.8μM; in highly eutrophic samples peroxide was formed in excess of 30μM. A humic acid soil extract, tyrosine, and several aromatic compounds including substituted phenols and anilines also generated stable photochemical oxidants suggesting that many compounds may serve as sources for hydrogen peroxide in natural waters.
Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase stimulation of calcium uptake by canine cardiac microsomes.

The rate of oxalate-dependent Ca-uptake by canine cardiac microsomes was unaffected by cAMP in concentrations up to 10−4m. In the presence of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase but in the absence of cAMP, slight enhancement of Ca-uptake was seen only after prolonged incubation. When the microsomes were preincubated with cAMP and the protein kinase, however, the Ca-uptake rate was approximately doubled. The threshold for this cAMP-dependent protein kinase stimulation was below 10−7m-cAMP, with an apparent Km of approximately 2 × 10−7m. Ca-binding, measured under similar conditions except that oxalate was omitted, was not significantly affected by cAMP and/or the protein kinase. These findings indicate that cAMP, by stimulating a cAMP-dependent protein kinase, can increase the rate at which Ca2+ is transported into the heart's sarcoplasmic reticulum without altering the number or Ca-affinity of the high-affinity Ca-binding sites. The resulting changes in intracellular calcium ion distribution may account for the ability of agents that increase adenylate cyclase activity, e.g. epinephrine, to abbreviate systole and to enhance myocardial contractility.
Features of separating turbulent boundary layers

In the present study of two strong adverse pressure gradient flows, mean flow and turbulence characteristics are measured, together with frequency spectra, using hot-wire and laser anemometry. In these separating flows, reattachment occurs over a shorter distance than separation. It is noted that the outer flow variables form a unique set of scaling parameters for streamwise power spectra in adverse pressure gradient flows. The inner flow scaling of Perry et al. (1985) for streamwise spectra does not hold in the backflow region unless the value of the downstream-upstream intermittency in the flow is unity.
Psychosocial resources, aging, and natural killer cell terminal maturity.

Psychosocial factors may influence aspects of immunological aging. The present study tested the hypothesis that psychosocial resources correlate with the expression of the cell surface maker CD57 on natural killer (NK) immune cells. CD57 is a marker of terminal maturation and senescence in this cell subset. The study further tested the relative contribution of specific resources in the social, psychological, financial, and status-skill domains, given the potential differential value of different resources for younger and older adults, and the contribution of relative vs. absolute resources. Younger (N=38) and older (N=34) women completed measures of relative and absolute resources and had blood drawn. Examined both between groups and within the older women, older age and fewer total relative resources were associated with more CD57 expression on NK cells. One SD in resources was the equivalent of 5 years of aging among the older women. Among the specific resource types, a preponderance of financial resources, both relative and absolute, was associated with less CD57 expression on NK cells, and these relationships did not significantly vary between younger and older women. There was no evidence that depressive symptoms mediated the effects of resources on CD57 expression on NK cells. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that the sense that one has substantial resources, particular with regard to finances and possessions, may retard age-associated aspects of the microenvironment in which NK cells develop and mature, independent of effects on distress, and this process may begin in younger adulthood.
Optimal autorotational descent of a helicopter with control and state inequality constraints

A point-mass model of the OH-58A helicopter has been used to ascertain the autorotation profiles which minimize helicopter impact velocity while remaining within the bounds of the main rotor's collective pitch and angular speed. The optimal control strategies are comparable to those employed by pilots in autorotational landings. It is noted that a possibility exists for the reduction of the height-sink rate restriction zone of OH-58A helicopters, using optimal energy-management techniques.
Randomized, prospective trial of direct current versus bipolar electrocoagulation for bleeding internal hemorrhoids

Fifty patients with bleeding internal hemorrhoids unresponsive to 6 weeks of standard medical therapy were randomly assigned to receive treatment with direct current or bipolar electrocoagulation. Treatment groups were similar in bleeding severity and internal hemorrhoid grade. Treatment sessions were significantly longer for direct current electrocoagulation (8.8 ± 0.2 minutes) than for bipolar electrocoagulation (0.1 ± 0.03 minutes) (p
Models for Analyzing Logging Safety

Logging safety is a continuing problem. Developing solutions to safety problems requires an effective model of how accidents are produced by the design of logging systems. Such a model for engineering improvements must integrate human, equipment, environmental, and social factors over sufficient time to include antecedent events and management decisions which precede accidents. Various industrial safety models are reviewed and their limitations and applications to logging safety discussed.
Curiosity and Knowledge

The curiosity of 116 graduate students was compared with their knowledge of the items used to measure curiosity. There was an insignificant correlation (—.06) between curiosity and knowledge but a significant correlation between the curiosity value and the knowledge value (—.51) of the individual items on the test.
An economic analysis of an acid-reflux breath test in the evaluation of chronic cough

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common causes of chronic cough. A new diagnostic breath test for acid-reflux cough may allow more rapid diagnosis. The economic impact of this test is incompletely characterized. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a diagnostic breath test for acid-reflux cough, and to identify which testing characteristics are most important in a cost-effective approach to the problem of acid-reflux cough. Cohort simulations were used to compare direct costs of the acid-reflux breath test (ARBT) to an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (EBCPG) from a societal perspective over a one-year time horizon. Probabilities and costs were derived from the published literature and current US market conditions. Sensitivity analyses were performed. For all reasonable estimates of the prevalence of GERD causing cough, the most cost-effective diagnostic approach is to begin with the ARBT and initiate treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) if the test is positive. Assuming a disease prevalence of 36%, this strategy costs $622 per case correctly diagnosed. The approaches demonstrated similar rates of correct diagnoses (92.1% versus 93.0%, ARBT versus EBPG). The EBPG algorithm costs $967 per correct diagnosis. ARBT became increasingly cost-effective at lower disease prevalence. When the prevalence of acid-reflux cough exceeded 80%, EBPG become economically favored. The acid-reflux breath test is the most affordable means of determining whether therapy directed at acid reflux is the correct course of action for management of chronic cough.
Some cross-population comparisons of family bias in the effects of schooling on occupational status.

It is a truism of research on social stratification that the effects of socioeconomic or family background on educational attainment and adult success lead to biases in the simple regressions of occupational status (or other putative outcomes of schooling) on educational attainment. The present analysis compares findings of family bias in the effects of schooling on occupational status across samples of siblings drawn from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and from Olneck's sample of brothers from Kalamazoo, Michigan. The comparative analysis shows that family bias in the effect of schooling on occupational status may be much less than is commonly believed and that very large samples may be needed to measure it reliably. Moreover, the analysis suggests that estimates of family bias are very sensitive to the specification of response variability in schooling. The analysis also illustrates some useful methods for cross-population comparison of structural equation models.
Preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of crystals of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV).

Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) was purified from Chinese cabbage and crystallized in a form that permits high resolution structural analysis using X-ray diffraction. The crystals have a hexagonal bipyramidal morphology and often achieve dimensions of 1.0 × 1.0 × 0.5 mm. The crystals appear to be of hexagonal space group P6222 with a = b = 525 A, c=315 A, but we cannot strictly rule out the possibility that the space group is P622. They appear different than any crystals of TYMV previously reported. There are three T = 3 virus particles in the unit cell, which implies that one quarter of the particle, or 45 protein subunits, comprises the asymmetric unit of the crystal. Native data have been collected using synchrotron radiation to a resolution of 3.2 A. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Production, processing and uses of 94mTc

Technetium-99m is a widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine. The characteristics of this generator-produced radionuclide (T1/2 = 6 h, Eγ = 140.5 keV, Iγ = 87.2 %) make it an ideal isotope for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Technetium-94m has a half-life of 52 minutes and a positron branching ratio of 72 %, with Eβ+max of 2.44 MeV. Technetium-94m undergoes the same chemistry as 99mTc, but has characteristics suitable for imaging using positron emission tomography (PET), with which more quantitative measurements of radiopharmaceutical uptake, biodistribution and clearance can be made.
Virtue and voluntarism

My aim here is to characterize a certain type of ‘virtue approach’ to questions of responsibility for belief; then to explore the extent to which this is helpful with respect to one fundamental puzzle raised by the claims that we have, and that we do not have, voluntary control over our beliefs; and then ultimately to attempt a more exact statement of doxastic responsibility and, with it a plausible statement of ‘weak doxastic voluntarism.’
Genetic screen for chromosome instability in mice: Mcm4 and breast cancer.

We recently isolated a hypomorphic mutation of Mcm4 in a phenotype-based screen for chromosome instability in mice. This mutation, named Chaos3 (Chromosome aberrations occurring spontaneously 3), causes exclusively mammary adenocarcinomas in ~80% of homozygous females. Mcm4 encodes a subunit of the MCM2-7 complex, the replication-licensing factor and the replicative helicase. The Mcm4Chaos3 mutation appears to destabilize the MCM2-7 complex, causing impaired DNA replication. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the causative role of an Mcm mutation in cancer development. Furthermore, this raises the possibility that hypomorphic mutations in MCM2-7 genes may increase breast cancer risk in humans.
Effect of charge on anion and cation binding to poly(vinylbenzo-18-crown-6) in water

Abstract Complex formation constants, K , of cation to poly(vinylbenzo-18-crown-6) (P18C6) and to its monomeric analogue 4′-methylbenzo-18-crown-6 (MB 18C6) were measured in water potentiometrically or spectrophotometrically. The constants for Na + , K + and Cs + to P18C6, extrapolated to zero charge density, were found to be 2.4, 110 and 300 M −1 , respectively, and 27, 110 and ≈20 for MB18C6. Binding of K + and of picrate anions to P18C6 was measured as a function of the number of K + ions, Z , on the P18C6 chain. The charge effect (a decrease in K + binding with increasing Z , and an increase in picrate binding) can be reasonably well-described by assuming the macroion to be a solvent- and ion-impenetrable sphere, the potential of which can be calculated by using a Debye-Huckel approximation. A linear plot is predicted and found (at least for picrate binding) between In K and Z , the slope yielding information on the radius of the P18C6 macroion. The cation effect on picrate binding to P18C6 was utilized to determine spectrophotometrically the order of binding of a series of cations to P18C6. The results were confirmed by using the dye, 2-(4′-hydroxybenzeneazo)benzoate which produces a much larger bathochromic shift on binding to P18C6 in water than does the picrate anion.
Analysis and design of class-E/sup 2/ DC/DC converter

A family of class-E/sup 2/ DC/DC power converters is introduced. Their analysis and design are presented and experimentally verified. The converters are composed of class-E inverters and class-E rectifiers. Zero-voltage switching (with low dv/dt) of the transistor and zero-current switching (with low di/dt) of the rectifier diode reduce switching losses in both stages of the converters, making them especially suitable for high-frequency operation. Because of the high loaded quality factor of the resonant circuit, the range of frequency required for output-voltage regulation is as narrow as 5.46% for load resistances from a full load of 100 Omega to an open circuit. The full-load overall efficiency is 80.36% at 1 MHz. The converters can also operate at a fixed frequency if synchronous rectifiers are applied. The reduction of class-E/sup 2/ converters to lower order converters is presented. Many multiresonant converter topologies are created in this way. The class-E/sup 2/ converters can be utilized to build highly efficient high-power-density switching power supplies. >
Effects of intermittent hydrostatic pressure and BMP-2 on osteoarthritic human chondrocyte metabolism in vitro†

Purpose This study examined effects of intermittent hydrostatic pressure (IHP) and a chondrogenic growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), on anabolic, catabolic, and other metabolic markers in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes in vitro. Methods Articular chondrocytes, isolated from femoral OA cartilage and maintained in high-density monolayer culture, were examined for effects of BMP-2 and IHP on gene expression of matrix-associated proteins (aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX9) and catabolic matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-3) and culture medium levels of the metabolic markers MMP-2, nitric oxide (NO), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The results were analyzed using a mixed linear regression model to investigate the effects of load and growth factor concentration. Results IHP and BMP-2 modulated OA chondrocyte metabolism in accordance with growth factor concentration independently, without evidence of synergism or antagonism. Each type of stimulus acted independently on anabolic matrix gene expression. Type II collagen and SOX9 gene expression were stimulated by both IHP and BMP-2 whereas aggrecan was increased only by BMP-2. IHP exhibited a trend to decrease MMP-2 gene expression as a catabolic marker whereas BMP-2 did not. NO production was increased by addition of BMP-2 and IHP exhibited a trend for increased levels. GAG production was increased by BMP-2. Conclusions This study confirmed the hypothesis that human OA chondrocytes respond to a specific type of mechanical load, IHP, through enhanced articular cartilage macromolecule gene expression and that IHP, in combination with a chondrogenic growth factor BMP-2, additively enhanced matrix gene expression without interactive effects. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:361–368, 2011
New distribution and host-range records for Apanteles deplanatus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasite of Diatraea considerata and D. magnifactella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in Mexico

Abstract Apanteles deplanatus Muesebeck is a gregarious endoparasite of Diatraea considerata (Heinrich) from sugarcane and Diatraea magnifactella Dyar from sugarcane and corn in southern Mexico. Apanteles deplanatus was not reared from the stalkboring pyralids Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, Diatraea lineolata (Walker), Diatraea muellerella Dyar & Heinrich, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), or Xubida rutubella Schaus collected from the same agricultural habitats as the pyralid hosts that were successfully parasitized by A. deplanatus . Field-collected middle-to late-instar host larvae produced parasites; small hosts (first two larval instars) did not produce A. deplanatus . Average brood size was 107 individuals and ranged from 35 to 204. Overall, 85% of a brood was female, although some broods were >87% male. The number of female progeny was correlated with brood size, but the number of male progeny was independent of brood size averaging 12 males per brood. Apanteles deplanatus was known previously from the Mexican states of Jalisco and Nayarit; its known range is now expanded across southern Mexico to include the states of Colima, Michoacan, Morelos, Puebla, and Veracruz. Natural mortality of D. considerata and D. magnifactella in corn and sugarcane could be enhanced by expanding the distribution of A. deplanatus to coincide with the distribution of its hosts. Possibilities for colonizing A. deplanatus for biological control of noncoevolved stalkborers is discussed.
Characterizing dependence of pesticide load in surface water on precipitation and pesticide use for the Sacramento River watershed.

Transport of pesticides by surface runoff during rainfall events is a major process contributing to pesticide contamination in rivers. This study presents an empirical regression model that relates pesticide loading over time in the Sacramento River with the precipitation and pesticide use in the Sacramento River watershed. The model closely simulated loading dynamics of diazinon, simazine, and diuron during 1991-1994 and 1997-2000 winter storm seasons. The coefficients of determination for regression ranged from 0.168 to 0.907, all were significant at <0.001. The results of this study provide strong evidence that precipitation and pesticide use are the two major environmental variables dictating the dynamics of pesticide transport into surface water in a watershed. The capability of the statistical model to provide time-series estimates on pesticide loading in rivers is unique and may be useful for total maximum daily load (TMDL) assessments.
Cell migration promoted by a potent GRGDS-containing thrombin-cleavage fragment of osteopontin.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted adhesive glycoprotein with a gly-arg-gly-asp-ser (GRGDS) cell binding domain. Several independent studies have suggested that OPN functions in tumor growth and metastasis, and one likely possibility is that OPN facilitates tumor invasion by promoting tumor cell migration. Consistent with this hypothesis, immobilized OPN promoted concentration-dependent tumor cell migration (i.e., haptotaxis) in modified Boyden chambers. In particular, cleavage of OPN by thrombin, which likely occurs in the tumor microenvironment, resulted in enhancement of OPNs haptotactic activity; and assays performed with purified preparations of the two individual OPN thrombin-cleavage fragments demonstrated that all detectable activity was associated with the GRGDS-containing fragment. In contrast to the activity of both OPN and its GRGDS-containing fragment in promoting haptotaxis, neither of these proteins in solution promoted chemotaxis, indicating that each must be immobilized to promote cell migration. In haptotaxis assays, antibody LM609 to integrin alpha v beta 3 blocked > 80% cell migration towards the GRGDS-containing OPN fragment, implicating alpha v beta 3 as its principal functional receptor. In comparison with equimolar quantities of other adhesive proteins, the GRGDS-containing OPN thrombin-cleavage fragment was not only > 2-fold more effective than intact OPN at promoting haptotaxis, but also > 8-fold and > 6-fold more effective than fibrinogen and vitronectin, respectively, indicating that this OPN fragment is highly active relative to other alpha v beta 3 ligands.
Ultra-thin Body GaN-on-insulator nFETs and pFETs: Towards III-nitride complementary logic

Ultra-thin body (UTB) devices with tight electrostatic and quantum confinement of charge carriers have been well developed in highly scaled silicon CMOS technology. For adopting such advanced methods, III-nitrides can benefit immensely from epitaxial AlN as the substrate platform, in contrast to conventional GaN-based substrate platform. With its large polarization charge, wide bandgap and large band offsets, AlN induces the maximal carrier densities while providing the best confinement for nitride channels of all compositions. Such devices stand also to benefit from the symmetry of electronic polarization: high density hole gases can be generated in much the same way as the high density 2DEG in GaN HEMTs, thus enabling p-channel FETs on the same material platform in a logical manner. The AlN/GaN heterojunctions where mobile carriers are located are epitaxial, and excellent transport properties are expected as opposed to the rougher oxide-semiconductor interfaces. Furthermore, AlN is an excellent electrical insulator but simultaneously an excellent thermal conductor, which makes it highly attractive to act as back-barrier and to lower junction temperatures in high power devices by efficient heat dissipation. There have been reports on relaxed GaN n-channel FETs (nFETs) on AlN [1, 2] and III-nitride based p-channel field effect transistors (pFETs) [3, 4]. All the prior work uses relaxed GaN as the channel, and strained GaN channels on AlN have not been explored before. In this work we demonstrate UTB GaN nFETs [5] and pFETs on AlN grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) as the first step towards complementary logic and high power applications.
Characterization of 0.5 mm thick films of orientation-patterned GaAs for nonlinear optical applications

Summary form only given. Quasi-phasematched frequency conversion in orientation-patterned GaAs (OPGaAs) is a promising way to generate mid-infrared radiation from near-infrared laser sources. GaAs has very attractive properties for such applications: a large nonlinear susceptibility (d/sub 14//spl sim/90 pm/V), transparency between 1 and 12 /spl mu/m, a high thermal conductivity (46 W/m-K), and a high optical damage threshold (60 MW/cm/sup 2/ for 10 ns pulses). We report optical and crystallographic properties of epitaxial OPGaAs films with a thickness as large as 0.5 mm, sufficient for these materials to be useful in a wide variety of nonlinear optical applications.
Rare earths in Precambrian sediments

Abstract Thirty-six samples of well-preserved Precambrian sedimentary rocks have been analyzed for rare-earth elements (REE) as one test of the proposition that the present relative REE abundances at the Earth's surface have developed gradually with time. Except for Eu, the average relative abundances of the REE appear to be the same for the Precambrian sediments as in a composite of Paleozoic shales (taken as representative of younger sedimentary rocks). Abundances of Eu relative to the other REE in all except two of the Precambrian sedimente are significantly higher than in the younger sediments. The extent of enrichment of the Precambrian sediments in Eu over the composite of younger sediments ranges from 0.7 to 3.0. The average abundance of Eu relative to the other REE for all the Precambrian sedimente is the same as that in chondritic meteorites. Several of the oldest Precambrian sedimente have relative abundances of Eu that exceed that of chondrites. Large-scale separations of Eu from the other REE as a result of igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary processes are considered. Present information does not convincingly support any of the proposed mechanisms.
Social connections, immigration-related factors, and self-rated physical and mental health among Asian Americans

Focusing on Asian Americans, this study examines how self-rated physical and mental health depends on the layered social connections (including 4 types: family cohesion, relative support, friend support, and neighborhood cohesion), socioeconomic status, and immigration-related factors (including nativity, length of residence in the U.S., and proficiency of the English language). It draws on the 2002-2003 National Latino and Asian American Study, a nationally representative household survey of Latino and Asian Americans. Findings of this study include: (1) there are significant differences in self-rated physical health among Asian Americans of different national origin, but their self-rated physical health differences diminish after indicators of socioeconomic status and immigration-related factors are considered; (2) four types of social connections are all related to the self-rated physical and mental health of Asian Americans, but the patterns of the associations as well as the mechanisms linking the associations vary; and (3) family cohesion has independent and direct effects on both self-rated physical and mental health over and above controls and mediators, whereas the effects of other social connection measures are partially mediated by socioeconomic status and immigration-related factors. In sum, this study indicates the significant effects of social connections, socioeconomic status, and immigration-related factors on the self-rated physical and mental health of Asian Americans.
Separated Anomalous Scattering Amplitudes for the Inequivalent Cu Sites in YBa2Cu3O7-δ using DAFS

The separate complex resonant scattering amplitudes for the two inequivalent Cu sites in YBa 2 CU 3 O 7-δ have been determined using diffraction anomalous fine structure (DAFS). The combined amplitudes Δf(Q,E) for eight specular (00l) reflections were isolated from the measured intensity using the iterative dispersion algorithm of Pickering, et al., modified to accommodate contributions to the imaginary part of the scattering amplitude from the heavy Ba and Y atoms. The individual site response functions f(E) were solved by singular value decomposition of the matrix of crystallographic coefficients and applying the inverse matrix to Af(Q> E) at each value of energy. For comparison, a second set of coefficients was obtained by simultaneously fitting the DAFS fine structure functions X(Q>k) using the computer program FEFFIT under a set of constraints. The X(Q, k) were modeled as linear combinations of the two Cu site X(κ) functions using a kinematic structure factor model with Q as the independent variable and theoretical X(κ) from FEFF7.
The Design, Development, and Implementation of LUDA Virtual High School

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the Large Unit District Association virtual high school (LUDA-VHS) project and discuss its design, development, and implementation. A model developed at the Center for the Application of Information Technologies for designing online classes will be presented and discussed. The focus of the paper will be to present the lessons learned and provide practical recommendations on how to design successful online programs. Issues to be discussed include the following: recruiting, training, and compensating teachers; selecting and supporting students; developing instructional strategies for online learning; building a sense of community; educating the public on the benefits of online education; providing equal access; building quality assurance mechanisms.
Section I. Self-Identity

Several years ago, when the Soviet Union dissolved, there was a need for a vision concerning the direction education should take in what had previously been a unified, yet highly diverse, country. ...
Religious Cinematics: The Immediate Body in the Media of Film

Religious cinematics is concerned with the “moving picture,” and with its impact on the “moving body.” Particularly utilizing Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological descriptions of the “aesthesiological body,” this article briefly outlines a movement of the film viewer’s body that is pre-conscious, before rational awareness, in front of the film screen. Ultimately, it turns to Stan Brakhage’s unwatchable film, The Act of Seeing With One’s Own Eyes, to make the case for moments of “cinematic mysticism,” when the categorizing functions of film and the senses break down. In this way, a renewing function of filmic ritual emerges, not from a transcendental otherworldliness but from a grounding in the human sensing body.
Dynamics of selectivity reactions in isothermal CSTRs

Abstract Dynamics of two specific reaction schemes involving selectivity behavior: the consecutive-parallel reaction, and the Van de Vusse reaction, occurring in isothermal CSTRs are exhaustively treated. Analytic transient solutions are presented, and the precise reactor startup conditions that lead to unique transient maximum or transient minimum in the yield of the desired product are identified. These considerations have direct applications in rational reactor design and operation. For example, they imply that given a set of kinetic and reactor parameters, the transient yield of the desired product can be sizeably enhanced by simply choosing the reactor startup conditions appropriately.
Detailed Study of C−O and C−C Bond-Forming Reductive Elimination from Stable C2N2O2−Ligated Palladium(IV) Complexes

This paper describes the synthesis of a series of PdIV complexes of general structure (N∼C)2PdIV(O2CR)2 (N∼C = a rigid cyclometalated ligand; O2CR = carboxylate) by reaction of (N∼C)2PdII with PhI(O2CR)2. The majority of these complexes undergo clean C−O bond-forming reductive elimination, and the mechanism of this process has been investigated. A variety of experiments, including Hammett plots, Eyring analysis, crossover studies, and investigations of the influence of solvent and additives, suggest that C−O bond-forming reductive elimination proceeds via initial carboxylate dissociation followed by C−O coupling from a 5-coordinate cationic PdIV intermediate. The mechanism of competing C−C bond-forming reductive elimination from these complexes has also been investigated and is proposed to involve direct reductive elimination from the octahedral PdIV centers.
Chiral habit modifications of gypsum from epitaxial-like adsorption of stereospecific growth inhibitors

Abstract Understanding of organo-crystalline interactions is vital in the study of the formation of biomineralized structures including bones and teeth. Crystal faces of the same form but on opposite sides of the mirror plane of symmetry in monoclinic (2/m) gypsum are shown in 28 instances to exhibit unequal affinity for chiral organic molecules. Preferential adsorption results in crystal habits that are asymmetric with respect to the mirror plane. Computer modeling supports an epitaxial-like relationship.
ETO family protein Mtg16 regulates the balance of dendritic cell subsets by repressing Id2

Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise two major subsets, the interferon (IFN)-producing plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and antigen-presenting classical DCs (cDCs). The development of pDCs is promoted by E protein transcription factor E2-2, whereas E protein antagonist Id2 is specifically absent from pDCs. Conversely, Id2 is prominently expressed in cDCs and promotes CD8+ cDC development. The mechanisms that control the balance between E and Id proteins during DC subset specification remain unknown. We found that the loss of Mtg16, a transcriptional cofactor of the ETO protein family, profoundly impaired pDC development and pDC-dependent IFN response. The residual Mtg16-deficient pDCs showed aberrant phenotype, including the expression of myeloid marker CD11b. Conversely, the development of cDC progenitors (pre-DCs) and of CD8+ cDCs was enhanced. Genome-wide expression and DNA-binding analysis identified Id2 as a direct target of Mtg16. Mtg16-deficient cDC progenitors and pDCs showed aberrant induction of Id2, and the deletion of Id2 facilitated the impaired development of Mtg16-deficient pDCs. Thus, Mtg16 promotes pDC differentiation and restricts cDC development in part by repressing Id2, revealing a cell-intrinsic mechanism that controls subset balance during DC development.
Hyperphosphatemia is associated with anemia in adults without chronic kidney disease: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): 2005–2010

Hyperphosphatemia, serum phosphorus ≥ 4.4 mg/dL, is associated with increased risk for chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have shown a weak association between dietary phosphorus intake and serum phosphorus concentrations. While much less common in the general population, hypophosphatemia (< 2.5 mg/dL) may be associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. Using three cycles from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005–2010), this study evaluated independent risk factors for hyperphosphatemia and hypophosphatemia. Risk factors for hyperphosphatemia included higher adjusted calcium (OR 2.90, 95% CI 2.43-3.45), increasing cholesterol (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.005), female gender (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.39-1.87) and low hemoglobin (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17-1.98). Advanced age was protective (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.977-0.987). Models that included fasting serum glucose found lower body mass index (BMI) to be protective (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.99) and adjusting for serum vitamin D and parathyroid hormone removed the association with low hemoglobin and BMI. Risk factors for hypophosphatemia included the following protective factors: higher albumin (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.93), higher BUN (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86, 0.95), corrected calcium (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23-0.63) and female gender (OR 0.47, 95% 0.24-0.94). In men, higher fasting glucose levels increased risk (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.0004-1.01). This study is the first to show an association between low hemoglobin levels and increased risk for hyperphosphatemia among individuals without chronic kidney disease. We did not find any association between diabetes mellitus, increasing BMI or fasting glucose levels and hypophosphatemia.
Speech-enabled card games for incidental vocabulary acquisition in a foreign language

In this paper, we present a novel application for speech technology to aid students with vocabulary acquisition in a foreign language through interactive card games. We describe a generic platform for card game development and then introduce a particular prototype card game called Word War, designed for learning Mandarin Chinese. We assess the feasibility of deploying Word War via the Internet by conducting our first user study remotely and evaluating the performance of the speech recognition component. It was found that the three central concepts in our system were recognized with an error rate of 16.02%. We then turn to assessing the effects of the Word War game on vocabulary retention in a controlled environment. To this end, we performed a user study using two variants of the Word War game: a speaking mode, in which the user issues spoken commands to manipulate the game cards, and a listening mode, in which the computer gives spoken directions that the students must follow by manipulating the cards manually with the mouse. These two modes of learning were compared against a more traditional computer assisted vocabulary learning system: an on-line flash cards program. To assess long-term learning gains as a function of time-on-task, we had the students interact with each system twice over a period of three weeks. We found that all three systems were competitive in terms of the vocabulary words learned as measured by pre-tests and post-tests, with less than a 5% difference among the systems' average overall learning gains. We also conducted surveys, which indicated that the students enjoyed the speaking mode of Word War more than the other two systems.
Intrinsic viscosity and the molecular weight of kraft lignin

Abstract This study developed Kuhn-Mark-Houwink-Sakurada (KMHS) equations for kraft lignin, based on the absolute molecular weight characterized with low-angle laser light scattering. The KMHS exponential factors of kraft lignin were found to be 0.11, 0.13 and 0.23 in dimethylformamide (DMF) at 318.2 K, in DMF at 350.7 K and in 0.5 N sodium hydroxide at 303.2 K, respectively. Lignin molecules in solution are approximately spherical particles and slightly solvated with solvent.
Reintroduction of the PLB1 gene into Candida albicans restores virulence in vivo.

Phospholipases have been proposed to contribute to the virulence of Candida albicans. Recently, a candidal strain deleted for PLB1, the gene encoding the predominant phospholipase B (Plb1) secreted by C. albicans, was constructed and its virulence in an intravenous murine model of disseminated candidiasis was evaluated. In the present study, the PLB1 gene was reintroduced back into the plb1 null mutant to generate the revertant strain, which showed similar growth and morphology to its isogenic parent strain. Virulence of the revertant strain was found to be comparable to that of the parent strain in an intravenous murine model of disseminated candidiasis. To compare the abilities of the plb1 null mutant, the revertant and the isogenic parent strains to cross the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cause systemic infection, an oral–intragastric infant mouse model of candidiasis was used. Histological examinations and analysis of c.f.u. of the pathogen in liver homogenates revealed that the parental and revertant strains were able to invade and traverse the GI mucosa to a significantly greater extent than the plb1 null mutant. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic studies of infected host tissue using anti-Plb1 antibody showed that Plb1 is secreted during invasion of the gastric mucosa by the parental and revertant strains. In contrast, little or no labelling was observed in the null mutant strain. The results indicate that the Plb1 secreted by C. albicans enhances the ability of this organism to cross the GI tract and disseminate haematogenously. These studies provide unequivocal evidence supporting a role for Plb1 during the course of infection by C. albicans.
Perceived Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms Among Immigrant-Origin Adolescents

Although discrimination has been found to contribute to psychological distress among immigrant populations, there are few studies that have examined the relationship between racial and ethnic discrimination in the school setting among foreign-born immigrant and U.S.-born immigrant-origin adolescents. This study examined the relationship between perceived discrimination by adults and peers in the school setting and depressive symptoms in a sample (N = 95) of racial minority immigrant-origin adolescents (13 to 19 years of age) attending an urban high school. We examined the relation between perceived discrimination and depressive symptomology across gender and nativity status (foreign born vs. U.S. born), and the potential moderating role of ethnic identity and social support. Consistent with previous research, girls reported higher levels of depressive symptomology than boys, although the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms was significant for both boys and girls. Perceived discrimination by adults and by peers at school was positively related to depressive symptoms for U.S.-born adolescents. For U.S.-born adolescents, ethnic identity mitigated the negative effects of perceived adult discrimination on depressive symptoms. However, ethnic identity did not moderate the relationship between perceived peer discrimination and depressive symptoms. Social support did not moderate the relationship between adult and peer discrimination and depressive symptoms for either foreign-born or U.S.-born adolescents. The findings support previous research concerning the immigrant paradox and highlight the importance of context in the relationship between perceived discrimination and mental health. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
Comparison of Two Raindrop Size Distribution Retrieval Algorithms for X-Band Dual Polarization Observations

In this study the authors evaluate two algorithms, the so-called beta () and constrained methods, proposed for retrieving the governing parameters of the “normalized” gamma drop size distribution (DSD) from dual-polarization radar measurements. The method treats the drop axis ratio as a variable and computes drop shape and DSD parameters from radar reflectivity (ZH), differential reflectivity (ZDR), and specific differential phase shift (KDP). The constrained method assumes that the axis-ratio relation is fixed and computes DSD parameters from ZH, ZDR, and an empirical relation between the DSD slope and shape parameters. The two techniques are evaluated for polarimetric X-band radar observations by comparing retrieved DSD parameters with disdrometer observations and examining simulated radar parameters for consistency. Error effects on the method and constrained method retrievals are analyzed. The approach is found to be sensitive to errors in KDP and to be less consistent with observations. Large retrieved values are found to be associated with large retrieved DSD shape parameters and small median drop diameters. The constrained method provides reasonable rain DSD retrievals that agree better with disdrometer observations.
Genome-scale NCRNA homology search using a Hamming distance-based filtration strategy

Background NCRNAs (noncoding RNAs) play important roles in many biological processes. Existing genome-scale ncRNA search tools identify ncRNAs in local sequence alignments generated by conventional sequence comparison methods. However, some types of ncRNA lack strong sequence conservation and tend to be missed or mis-aligned by conventional sequence comparison.
Plasmon drag effect in metal nanostructures

A dramatic enhancement of the photon drag effect was observed in nanostructured gold and silver at localized plasmon resonance conditions. We demonstrated a possibility to control the effect with nanoscale geometry.
Does dexamethasone induce more neuropsychological side effects than prednisone in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia? A systematic review

Steroid-induced neuropsychological side effects impact quality of life in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dexamethasone induces more metabolic side effects than prednisone. To evaluate whether dexamethasone also leads to more neuropsychological side effects, we reviewed all available literature. Randomized controlled trials with neuropsychological function as the primary or secondary outcome did not show clinically meaningful differences between dexamethasone and prednisone on cognition, mood or behavior.
Contribution of complement component C5 to the pathogenesis of experimental murine cryptococcosis

C5-deficient (C5-) mice succumb much sooner after intravenous inoculation with Cryptococcus neoformans than do C5-sufficient (C5+) mice. The C5- mice developed acute, fatal cryptococcal pneumonia, whereas the C5+ mice did not. The pneumonia was characterized by lung viable counts in C5- mice up to 1000-fold higher than in C5+, initial sequestration of twice as much 59Fe-labeled C. neoformans, and subsequent development of pulmonary edema. Chemotaxis of heterophils (PMNs) and mononuclear cells in response to C. neoformans was markedly greater in C5+ mice than in C5- animals. The effect of C5 on localization and growth of C. neoformans in the lung appeared to account for the disparate survival times of C5+ and C5+ mice after intravenous inoculation with C. neoformans.
Structure of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase: NOVEL FOLDING PATTERN FOR A SERINE PROTEIN KINASE*

The structure of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 2 is of interest because it represents a family of serine-specific protein kinases that lack sequence similarity with all other eukaryotic protein kinases. Similarity exists instead with key motifs of prokaryotic histidine protein kinases and a family of eukaryotic ATPases. The 2.5-A crystal structure reported here reveals that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 2 has two domains of about the same size. The N-terminal half is dominated by a bundle of four amphipathic α-helices, whereas the C-terminal half is folded into an α/β sandwich that contains the nucleotide-binding site. Analysis of the structure reveals this C-terminal domain to be very similar to the nucleotide-binding domain of bacterial histidine kinases, but the catalytic mechanism appears similar to that of the eukaryotic serine kinases and ATPases.