cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of American Hazardscapes: The Regionalization of Hazards and Disasters edited by Susan L. Cutter

Taking aim at Smokey the Bear requires knowledge of his terrain as well as knowledge of Smokey’s symbolism. Making Smokey an endangered species requires an unconventional view, which the author provides when he discusses disturbance ecology. Disturbance ecology as the force creating biodiversity is set against the more conventional ecological paradigm of equilibrium: environmental constancy. Disturbance ecology takes into account the changes that ‘‘disasters’’ bring about in the natural world. As such, these disturbances create new opportunities for species to survive and thrive, enlarging biodiversity. The subtitle pushes the claims made. There is much here about fire, wind, and water but other natural ‘‘hazards’’ such as earthquakes are evidently not that beneficial. The author, a professor of biology and ecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, deals with the complexity of his topic with an informal style, converting technical details into lively prose. This is not to stigmatize him as a ‘‘popularizer’’ but only confirms that it is possible to take research and explain it to others who are not as familiar with the facts and ideas. His recommendations to others—to get out of nature’s way—leads to several familiar solutions: changing federal flood insurance, changing national forest management policies, decommissioning dams, developing ecologically based zoning for beaches and flood plains, as well as protecting ecosystems—not just endangered species. All of these ‘‘solutions’’ make abstract sense, and he seems to suggest that proper ecological attitudes will lead to good social policy. Social life is not that simple, but Reice has provided an interesting text for thinking, as he terms it, ‘‘eco-logically.’’
THE POLITICS OF COURT REFORM:d IN A NUTSHELL

State court reform is proceeding at an ever-quickening pace. A major theme is centralized state judicial leadership and management in court organization and funding, and improved methods for the selection and discipline of judges. Trends in court reform, groups supporting and opposing change and a brief evaluation of some court reform efforts are examined. Court reform is viewed as a political process.
An empirical study of queueing approximations based on phase-type distributions

The GI/PH/1 model (single-server queue with general independent interarrival times and phase-type service times) is used to explore the behavior of phase-type (PH) approximations of interarrival- and service-time distributions. Various PH approximating distributions are considered for five non-PH interarrival-time distributions and two PH service-time distributions. Simple two- and three-moment-matching approximations and, in some cases, approximations obtained by also considering distribution shape are compared. Each approximating distribution is evaluated on the basis of the quality of the corresponding approximations of steady-state measures of the congestion seen by an arriving customer. The traffic intensity and the variability of the distribution (interarrival-or service-time) that is not approximated are shown to have a substantial effect on the accuracy of the queueing approximations. Rules for selecting approximating distributions for queueing applications are suggested
Spirituality, Chronic Illness, and Rural Life:

Purpose:The purpose of this article is to report the findings of an exploration of the associations among spirituality, hope, depression, social support, and well-being in rural dwelling people who...
Measurement Invariance of the Chinese Gifted Rating Scales: Teacher and Parent Forms

The Gifted Rating Scales-School Form (GRS-S) has been validated in several countries; however, no study has examined the rater invariance of this measure. The present study built on previous validity studies and examined configural and metric invariance between parent and teacher raters using the Chinese version of the GRS-S Teacher and Parent Forms. Analyses were conducted from a Joreskog tradition, with testing of hypotheses related to group invariance. Model fit indices (i.e., comparative fit index [CFI], root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA], χ(2)/df) supported equivalence in factor structure and standardized loadings between raters. Additionally, hypothesis testing revealed equivalence in loadings for raters. Implications of the results, as well as limitations and directions for future research, are discussed.
High-speed optical correlator with custom electronics interface design

Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed an innovative Grayscale Optical Correlator (GOC) architecture using a pair of Digital Light Processor Spatial Light Modulator (DLP SLM) as the input and filter devices and a CMOS sensor for correlation output detection [1-5]. In order to achieve ultra high-speed Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), we have developed custom Electronic Interfaces to maximize the system data throughput rate for both the DLP and CMOS. The high-performance Electronic Interface System (EIS) is capable of achieving sustained 1000 frames per second (fps) at 1920x1024 data frame size. In this paper, we will first overview the new GOC architecture. We will the depict the detailed design of the EIS for the DLP SLM and CMOS. The innovation of JPL’s high-performance digital/optical ATR system is in its implementation of a high-speed, high-resolution DLP display, and a high-speed CMOS camera sensor with an advanced I/O interface and high-speed parallel on-board processing capability.
Towards full band colorless reception with coherent balanced receivers

In addition to linear compensation of fiber channel impairments, coherent receivers also provide colorless selection of any desired data channel within multitude of incident wavelengths, without the need of a channel selecting filter. In this paper, we investigate the design requirements for colorless reception using a coherent balanced receiver, considering both the optical front end (OFE) and the transimpedance amplifier (TIA). We develop analytical models to predict the system performance as a function of receiver design parameters and show good agreement against numerical simulations. At low input signal power, an optimum local oscillator (LO) power is shown to exist where the thermal noise is balanced with the residual LO-RIN beat noise. At high input signal power, we show the dominant noise effect is the residual self-beat noise from the out of band (OOB) channels, which scales not only with the number of OOB channels and the common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of the OFE, but also depends on the link residual chromatic dispersion (CD) and the orientation of the polarization tributaries relative to the receiver. This residual self-beat noise from OOB channels sets the lower bound for the LO power. We also investigate the limitations imposed by overload in the TIA, showing analytically that the DC current scales only with the number of OOB channels, while the differential AC current scales only with the link residual CD, which induces high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Both DC and AC currents at the input to the TIA set the upper bounds for the LO power. Considering both the OFE noise limit and the TIA overload limit, we show that the receiver operating range is notably narrowed for dispersion unmanaged links, as compared to dispersion managed links.
Chronic Kidney Disease After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Acute and chronic kidney diseases occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These are caused by the transplant itself, and the complications of transplant. Recent estimates show that near 15% of subjects undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation will develop chronic kidney disease, which is a complication rate that can affect outcome and reduce survival. Investigation of the causes of chronic kidney disease is needed, as are ways to prevent, mitigate, and treat it.
Application of New Least-squares Methods for the Quantitative Infrared Analysis of Multicomponent Samples

Improvements have been made in previous least-squares regression analyses of infrared spectra for the quantitative estimation of concentrations of multicomponent mixtures. Spec- tral baselines are fitted by least-squares methods, and overlap- ping spectral features are accounted for in the fitting procedure. Selection of peaks above a threshold value reduces computation time and data storage requirements. Four weighted least- squares methods incorporating different baseline assumptions were investigated using FT-IR spectra of the three pure xylene isomers and their mixtures. By fitting only regions of the spectra that follow Beer's Law, accurate results can be obtained using three of the fitting methods even when baselines are not cor- rected to zero. Accurate results can also be obtained using one of the fits even in the presence of Beer's Law deviations. This is a consequence of pooling the weighted results for each spectral peak such that the greatest weighting is automatically given to those peaks that adhere to Beer's Law. It has been shown with the xylene spectra that semiquantitative results can be obtained even when all the major components are not known or when expected components are not present. This improvement over previous methods greatly expands the utility of quantitative least-squares analyses.
Current balance at the surface of a cold cathode.

Recent experimental and theoretical developments, including an electric field diagnostic based on optogalvanic detection of Rydberg atoms, an analytic treatment of ion transport in the cathode fall, and a null collision Monte Carlo technique, are combined to determine the current balance at the surface of a cold cathode in a He glow discharge. The ratio of the ion current to the electron current is measured and calculated over a range of current densities from a near normal to a highly abnormal glow discharge.
Role of oxygen intermediates in cytotoxicity: Studies in chronic granulomatous disease

The ability of human neutrophils to lyse various target cells was investigated using cells from normal individuals and from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) whose cells lack the ability to form reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Cytolysis was stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), rabbit antiserum, and a heteroantibody that binds to both the FcRII receptor of neutrophils and to the target. The PMA-activated CGD neutrophils were deficient compared to controls in killing both tumor and chicken erythrocyte (CRBC) targets at all effector-target ratios in 18-h assays. When CRBC were sensitized with rabbit antiserum, the normal cells still killed slightly more. When killing of CRBC was mediated by the heteroantibody, however, cytotoxicity of CGD neutrophils exceeded that of normal cells. CGD mononuclear cells (MNC) killed tumor cell targets as well as or better than normal MNC. Thus, PMA-mediated cytolysis appears to depend primarily upon the ability of the cell to generate ROI whereas antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and MNC-mediated lysis of tumor cells do not require ROI formation.
The role of the marketing function in small and medium sized enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine marketing in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), its role as a driver of competitive advantage, and, therefore, its importance to the firm.Design/methodology/approach – The study is conducted with 100 SMEs located in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States.Findings – The marketing function is not as well developed or influential in SMEs as it is in large corporations. Two environmental factors, type of market (consumer) and firm orientation (hierarchal), facilitate marketing's influence within a firm.Research limitations/implications – Analyses conducted and conclusions reached in this research are based on a very limited sample of SMEs located in one region of one country. Broader sampling would help in generalization of the findings.Practical implications – The results of this study are particularly troubling because marketing resources are one driver of competitive advantage. For marketing to increase in influence, individuals trained in mar...
From Public Concern to Policy Effectiveness: Civic Conservation in Developing Countries

An earlier version of this article appeared as a background paper for the World Bank's World Development Report 2003. Additional material draws on case studies produced under the author's direction at the RARE Center for Tropical Conservation, with research assistance from Cristin Tighe and Mary Ann Kutny. The author wishes to thank Russell Dalton for timely access to data from the GEOS survey.
A continuum-atomistic simulation of heat transfer in micro- and nano-flows

We develop a hybrid atomistic-continuum scheme for simulating micro- and nano-flows with heat transfer. The approach is based on spatial ''domain decomposition'' in which molecular dynamics (MD) is used in regions where atomistic details are important, while classical continuum fluid dynamics is used in the remaining regions. The two descriptions are matched in a coupling region where we ensure continuity of mass, momentum, energy and their fluxes. The scheme for including the energy equation is implemented in 1-D and 2-D, and used to study steady and unsteady heat transfer in channel flows with and without nano roughness. Good agreement between hybrid results and analytical or pure MD results is found, demonstrating the accuracy of this multiscale method and its potential applications in thermal engineering.
DETERMINING DISTRIBUTION AND SIZE OF LARVAL PACIFIC GEODUCK CLAMS (PANOPEA GENEROSA GOULD 1850) IN QUARTERMASTER HARBOR (WASHINGTON, USA) USING A NOVEL SAMPLING APPROACH

ABSTRACT Realistic species-specific information about larval life history is necessary for effective management of shellfish and parameterization of larval connectivity models. The patchiness of dispersing larvae, and the resources needed for sorting and identifying them, has limited many studies of larval distribution in the field, especially for species that are less common. In particular, little is known about in situ larval distribution of Pacific geoduck clams (Panopea generosa Gould 1850), a commercially important species found in Puget Sound, WA. A novel approach—time-integrating larval tube traps paired with molecular identification and sorting (FISH-CS)—was used to determine the distribution of geoduck larvae over 4 mo at 3 stations in Quartermaster Harbor. Larvae were found consistently at the surface and thermocline rather than at the bottom. More and larger larvae were captured in the inside and middle of the harbor than the outer harbor, indicating at least some larval retention. Two pulses o...
The language of feelings

The acquisition of a language of feelings is similar to the acquisition of other language and can be conceptualized within a Piagetian framework. The acquisition of this language of feelings is subject to certain pitfalls that are reflective of various emotional problems. The linguistic poverty for affect that is concomitant with being unable to label feelings points to the need for parents and therapists to be involved in helping the child or patient develop an “affective schema.” The development of a differentiated, accurate, and flexible language of emotion to both express personal feelings and evoke responses in others is a schematic gift which parents provide. We find that when parents have not provided this, a reparative language developmental task is part of a psychotherapy. A grasp of the interplay of the concepts ofassimilation andaccommodation in Piaget (1952) appears essential to encouraging a healthy language of feelings. Related concepts drawn from Schacter (1965), Laing (1967), Krystal (1979), Kelly (1955) and Malerstein and Ahern (1979) are interwoven in a Piagetian structure for a language of feelings.
An exploration of the effects of L- and D-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid substitutions at positions 2, 3 and 7 in cyclic and linear antagonists of vasopressin and oxytocin and at position 3 in arginine vasopressin.

We have investigated the effects of mono-substitutions with the conformationally restricted amino acid, 1,2,3,4 tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic) at position 3 in arginine vasopressin (AVP), at positions 2, 3 and 7 in potent non-selective cyclic AVP V2/V1a antagonists, in potent and selective cyclic and linear AVP V1a antagonists, in a potent and selective oxytocin antagonist and in a new potent linear oxytocin antagonist Phaa-D-Tyr(Me)-Ile-Val-Asn-Orn-Pro-Orn-NH2 (10). We report here the solid-phase synthesis of peptide 10 together with the following Tic-substituted peptides: 1. [Tic3]AVP: 2. dICH2)5[D-TIc2]VAVP: 3, d(CH2)5[D-Tyr(Et)2Tic3]VAVP: 4, d(CH2)5[Tic2Ala-NH2(9)]AVP: 5. d(CH2)5[Tyr]Me)2.Tic3,Ala-NH2(9)]AVP: 6. d(CH2)5 [Tyr(Me)2,Tic7]AVP: 7, Phaa-D-Tyr(Me)-Phe-Gln-Asn-Lys-Tic-Arg-NH2: 8, desGly-NH2,d[CH2]5[Tic2,Thr4]OVT: 9. desGly-NH2d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2Thr4, Tic7[OVT; 11, Phaa-D-Tic-Ile-Val-Asn-Orn-Pro-Orn-NH2, using previously described methods. The protected precursors were synthesized by the solid-phase method, cleaved, purified and deblocked with sodium in liquid ammonia to give the free peptides 1-11 which were purified by methods previously described. Peptides 1-11 were examined for agonistic and antagonistic potency in oxytocic (in vitro, without Mg2+) and AVP antidiuretic (V2-receptor) and vasopressor (V1a-receptor) assays. Tic3 substitution in AVP led to drastic losses of V2, V1a and oxytocic agonistic activities in peptide 1, L- and D-Tic2 substitutions led to drastic losses of anti-V2/anti-V1a and anti-oxytocic potencies in peptides 2, 4, 8 and 11 (peptide 2 retained substantial anti-oxytocic potency; pA2 = 7.25 +/- 0.025). Whereas Tic3 substitution in the selective V1a antagonist d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Ala-NH2(9)]AVP(C) led to a drastic reduction in anti-V1a potency (from anti-V1a pA2 8.75 to 6.37 for peptide 5, remarkably, Tic3 substitution in the V2/V1a antagonist d(CH2)5(D-Tyr(Et)2]VAVP(B) led to full retention of anti-V2 potency and a 95% reduction in anti-V1a potency. With an anti-V2 pA2 = 7.69 +/- 0.05 and anti-V1a pA2 = 6.95 +/- 0.03. d(CH2)5[D-Tyr(Et)2, Tic3]VAVP exhibits a 13-fold gain in anti-V2/anti-V1a selectivity compared to (B). Tic7 substitutions are very well tolerated in peptides 6, 7 and 9 with excellent retention of the characteristic potencies of the parent peptides. The findings on the effects of Tic3 substitutions reported here may provide promising leads to the design of more selective and possibly orally active V2 antagonists for use as pharmacological tools and as therapeutic clinical agents for the treatment of the syndrome of the inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
Zebrafish Rohon-Beard Neuron Development: Cdk5 in the Midst

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase that is activated mostly by association with its activators, p35 and p39. Initially projected as a neuron-specific kinase, cdk5 is expressed ubiquitously and its kinase activity solely depends on the presence of its activators, which are also found in some non-neuronal tissues. As a multifunctional protein, cdk5 has been linked to axonogenesis, cell migration, exocytosis, neuronal differentiation and apoptosis. Cdk5 plays a critical role in functions other than normal physiology, especially in neurodegeneration. Its contribution to both normal physiological as well as pathological processes is mediated by its specific substrates. Cdk5-null mice are embryonically lethal, therefore making it difficult to study precisely what cdk5 does to the nervous system at early stages of development, be it neuron development or programmed cell death. Zebrafish model system bypasses the impediment, as it is amenable to reverse genetics studies. One of the functions that we have followed for the cdk5 ortholog in zebrafish in vivo is its effect on the Rohon-Beard (RB) neurons. RB neurons are the primary sensory spinal neurons that die during the first two days of zebrafish development eventually to be replaced by the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Based on ours studies and others’, here we discuss possible mechanisms that may be involved in cdk5’s role in RB neuron development and survival.
Mixed Mode Loading of an Interface Crack Between Graded Creeping Solids

Interface cracks are seldom subjected to pure Mode I conditions. Stationary cracks between two distinct, bonded elastic-creep materials subjected to remotely applied mixed mode loading are simulated using the finite element method (FEM). Plane strain conditions are assumed. In most cases a functionally graded transition layer is included between two homogeneous, yet distinctive, materials. Examples of such systems include bonded structures or repaired components subjected to elevated temperatures. Numerical solutions based on the asymptotic fields of the homogeneous and heterogeneous Arcan-type specimens are presented. Creep ductility-based damage models are used to predict the initial crack propagation trajectory. Incorporation of functionally graded transition layer regions was determined to affect the evolution of time-dependent stress components in the vicinity of the crack tip. The magnitude and direction of crack tip propagation can then be optimized with respect to interface properties.
Asteroseismology of δ Scuti Stars: A Parameter Study and Application to Seismology of FG Virginis

We assess the potential of asteroseismology for determining the fundamental properties of individual δ Scuti stars. We computed a grid of evolution and adiabatic pulsation models using the Yale Rotating Evolution Code to study the systematic changes in low-order (l = 0, 1, 2, and 3) modes as functions of fundamental stellar properties. Changes to the stellar mass, chemical composition, and convective core overshooting length change the observable pulsation spectrum significantly. In general, mass has the strongest effect on evolution and on pulsation followed by the metal abundance. Changes to the helium content have very little effect on the frequencies until near the end of the main sequence. Changes to each of the four parameters change the p-mode frequencies more, in both absolute and relative terms, than they do the g- and mixed-mode frequencies, suggesting that these parameters have a greater effect on the outer layers of the star. We also present evolution and pulsation models of the well-studied star FG Virginis, outlining a possible method of locating favorable models in the stellar parameter space based on a definitive identification of only two modes. Specifically, we plot evolution models on the (period-period ratio) and (temperature-period ratio) planes to select candidate models and modify the core overshooting parameter to fit the observed star. For these tests, we adjusted only the mass, helium and metal abundances, and core overshooting parameter, but this method can be extended to include the effects of first-order rotational splitting and second-order rotational distortion of pulsation spectra.
Improvement of domestic wastewater quality by subsurface flow constructed wetlands

Abstract A large proportion of households throughout the world and approximately 25% of the households in the US use on-site wastewater disposal systems. Subsurface flow constructed wetlands are gaining popularity as a reduced cost and low-maintenance technology for on-site treatment of septic effluents. Constructed wetlands from residences at eight locations in Texas have been used for the past 2–4 years to determine their effectiveness in improving the quality of septic effluent passing through them. Influent and effluent samples were collected once every month over a period of one year from each location and analyzed to determine the reduction in concentrations of biological oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), ammonium-N (NH 4 + -N), phosphorus, total and fecal coliform bacteria. Results of these investigations indicate that the organic load, fecal coliform populations and the N and P concentrations of the septic water decreased considerably by passing through the wetlands. Constructed wetlands reduced BOD 5 of septic water by 80–90% which provided for feasible disinfection by chlorination. Reduction in populations of fecal coliforms varied but generally, populations were reduced by 90–99%. Chlorination further reduced populations of fecal coliforms to less than 2 cfu 100 ml −1 . Constructed wetlands provided an effective method for secondary treatment of on-site domestic wastewater.
Lessons learned: wrong intraocular lens.

Objective To report cases involving the placement of the wrong intraocular lens (IOL) at the time of cataract surgery where human error occurred. Design Retrospective small case series, convenience sample. Participants Seven surgical cases. Methods Institutional review of errors committed and subsequent improvements to clinical protocols. Main Outcome Measures Lessons learned and changes in procedures adapted. Results The pathways to a wrong IOL are many but largely reflect some combination of poor surgical team communication, transcription error, lack of preoperative clarity in surgical planning or failure to match the patient, and IOL calculation sheet with 2 unique identifiers. Conclusions Safety in surgery involving IOLs is enhanced both by strict procedures, such as an IOL-specific “time-out,” and the fostering of a surgical team culture in which all members are encouraged to voice questions and concerns. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Nucleon transfer cross sections for mixed odd-A targets

Abstract The effect on single-nucleon transfer cross sections of Nilsson orbital admixture in odd- A target states is considered. Explicit expressions for the population of the even-even ground-state band and two-quasiparticle bands are presented. A comparison with the results of the 189 Os(d,t) 188 Os reaction is made.
The effects of merit pay on teacher job satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to determine if the existence of a district-level merit pay system has any effects on teacher job satisfaction. Using a large sample of public school teachers from the year 2007, the results of this study suggest that teachers who work in districts that use a merit pay system are no less satisfied with their jobs than are other teachers; these results are consistent for both an ordered probit model and a two-stage analysis. Although the effect of merit pay on overall job satisfaction was insignificant, teachers in merit pay districts were less enthusiastic, did not think teaching was important, and were more likely to leave for better pay. However, in examining a sample of teachers who worked only in merit pay districts, it was found that teachers who received merit pay were more satisfied overall with their jobs than were teachers who did not receive merit pay.
Resistance to cracking of a stretchable semiconductor : speed of crack propagation for varying energy release rate

We have measured and calculated the propagation velocity of successive cracks in a single sample of amorphous SiNx as a function of energy release rate. We have obtained the conditions for controlled, repetitive crack formation by using a substrate of compliant plastic that survives the cracking of a thin film formed on it. We have recorded the crack velocity curves using high-speed micro-photography using dark field illumination. Under uniform, uniaxial tensile strain, the films crack in an array of essentially straight, parallel lines, if the increase of the strain density is slow. We find reasonable agreement in the comparison of theory and experiment and find a linear relationship between the initial velocity and energy release rate threshold. Consequently, in cases where the theoretical agreement with the data is reasonable, the successive cracks show velocity curves that scale with each other.
α-Adrenergic receptors in auditory cue detection: α2 receptor blockade suppresses false alarm responding in the rat.

Abstract Numerous studies have suggested a facilitatory role of the noradrenergic system in attention. Cognitive functions relating to attentive states—arousal, motivation, behavioral flexibility, and working memory—are enhanced by norepinephrine release throughout the brain. The present study addresses the role of the adrenergic system on stimulus validity and sustained attention within the auditory system. We examined the effects of adrenoceptor stimulation via systemic injection of α1 and α2-adrenoceptor antagonist and agonist drugs, prazosin (1 mg/kg), phenylephrine (0.1 mg/kg), yohimbine (1 mg/kg), and clonidine (0.0375 mg/kg), respectively. Our results indicate that α1-adrenergic stimulation is ineffective in modulating the biological assessment of auditory signal validity in the non-stressed rat, while α2-adrenoceptor antagonist and agonist drugs were effective in modulating both accuracy and response latencies in the habituated animal. Remarkably, blockade of α2-adrenoceptors significantly improved the animal's ability to correctly reject non-signal events. These findings indicate not only a state dependent noradrenergic component of auditory attentional processing, but a potential therapeutic use for drugs targeting norepinephrine release in neurological disorders ranging from Alzheimer's disease to schizophrenia.
Temporal-Spatial Expression of the HNF-3β in the Developing Human Lung.• 301

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-3β (HNF-3β) is a member of the winged helix family of transcription factors that is thought to play a role in the formation of the embryonic foregut endoderm and in control of gene expression and differentiation of the respiratory epithelium. In order to further define a role of HNF-3β in lung development, the temporal-spatial distribution of HNF-3β was assessed by immunostaining with polyclonal antisera generated against rat HNF-3β (kindly provided by Dr. R. Costa) using avidin-biotin peroxidase staining after antigen retrieval. Fetal and postnatal human tissue from 21 fetuses from 10-23 weeks gestation, from 4 infants dying from non-pulmonary causes (36-42 weeks) and 24 infants with hyaline membrane disease (HMD) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) from 2 days to 7 months of postnatal ages were assessed. HNF-3β was first detected in human fetal lung at 10 weeks gestation, where it was confined to the nuclei of respiratory epithelial cells in the trachea, bronchi and developing bronchioles and terminal airways. Thereafter, HNF-3β staining was detected in the respiratory epithelium of most infants, generally being expressed more widely in the distal vs. the proximal airways. In postnatal infants, without primary lung disease, staining was generally less intense than in fetal, and was confined to alveolar portals and Type II cells. In infants with BPD, HNF-3β staining was most intense in distal airways, most abundantly in the periphery in regions of regeneration. In the adult lung, HNF-3β was detected in only alveolar Type II cells. The temporal-spatial pattern of HNF-3β paralleled that of TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor-1) and proSP-B. Of other tissues tested, HNF-3β was detected only in fetal pancreas, in the duodenal crypts of Lieberkuhn and in the stomach epithelium. The thyroid was unstained. The temporal-spatial pattern of HNF-3β staining in the respiratory epithelium is consistent with its role in epithelial differentiation, regeneration and in surfactant protein gene expression.
Structural Determinants of RhoA Binding and Nucleotide Exchange in Leukemia-associated Rho Guanine-Nucleotide Exchange Factor

Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) activate Rho GTPases, and thereby regulate cytoskeletal structure, gene transcription, and cell migration. Leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG) belongs to a small subfamily of RhoGEFs that are RhoA-selective and directly activated by the Gα12/13 family of heterotrimeric G proteins. Herein we describe the atomic structures of the catalytic Dbl homology (DH) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of LARG alone and in complex with RhoA. These structures demonstrate that the DH/PH domains of LARG can undergo a dramatic conformational change upon binding RhoA, wherein both the DH and PH domains directly engage RhoA. Through mutational analysis we show that full nucleotide exchange activity requires a novel N-terminal extension on the DH domain that is predicted to exist in a broader family of RhoGEFs that includes p115-RhoGEF, Lbc, Lfc, Net1, and Xpln, and identify regions within the LARG PH domain that contribute to its ability to facilitate nucleotide exchange in vitro. In crystals of the DH/PH-RhoA complex, the active site of RhoA adopts two distinct GDP-excluding conformations among the four unique complexes in the asymmetric unit. Similar changes were previously observed in structures of nucleotide-free Ras and Ef-Tu. A potential protein-docking site on the LARG PH domain is also evident and appears to be conserved throughout the Lbc subfamily of RhoGEFs.
Coronary Heart Disease Events Preventable by Control of Blood Pressure and Lipids in US Adults With Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). In 676 (projected to 26.1 million) US persons from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002 with HTN, the authors estimated the preventable CHD events from statistical control of blood pressure (BP) and lipid levels. Using Framingham algorithms, the authors projected the CHD events that could be prevented from statistical control of BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. If BP was controlled to nominal levels, the authors projected 19% of CHD events (37% if controlled to optimal) would be prevented. Improving lipid levels to nominal levels was estimated to prevent 27% of CHD events (62% if controlled to optimal). Combined control of BP and lipid levels to nominal levels was projected to prevent 38% of CHD events (76% if controlled to optimal). The authors' results demonstrate that combined control of BP and lipid levels may prevent the majority of CHD events in Americans with HTN.
Vitamin therapy in progressive muscular dystrophy

Summary When careful muscle tests were performed, no improvement was noted in six patients with progressive hypertrophic muscular dystrophy after administration of wheat germ oil, α-tocopherol, vitamin B6 orally and intravenously, and combinations of the vitamin B complex orally. In our small series we were unable to confirm reports of favorable results with these materials.
Removing an intersubject variance component in a general linear model improves multiway factoring of event-related spectral perturbations in group EEG studies.

Linear statistical models are used very effectively to assess task-related differences in EEG power spectral analyses. Mixed models, in particular, accommodate more than one variance component in a multi- subject study, where many trials of each condition of interest are measured on each subject. Generally, intra- and intersubject variances are both important to determine correct standard errors for inference on functions of model parameters, but it is often assumed that intersubject variance is the most important con- sideration in a group study. In this article, we show that, under common assumptions, estimates of some functions of model parameters, including estimates of task-related differences, are properly tested relative to the intrasubject variance component only. A substantial gain in statistical power can arise from the proper separation of variance components when there is more than one source of variability. We first de- velop this result analytically, then show how it benefits a multiway factoring of spectral, spatial, and tempo- ral components from EEG data acquired in a group of healthy subjects performing a well-studied response inhibition task. Hum Brain Mapp 34:651-664, 2013. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of momentum and sensible heat fluxes in constant density coordinates: Application to superpressure balloon data during the VORCORE campaign

[1] Expressions for momentum and heat fluxes using density as the vertical coordinate are derived. These are applied in the evaluation of fluxes using data from super-pressure balloons drifting on constant density surfaces in the Antarctic lower stratosphere during the VORCORE campaign (September 2005 to February 2006). We focus on the core months of October and November. Vertical fluxes of zonal and meridional momentum are calculated using wind, pressure and height data and the vertical flux of sensible heat is calculated using temperature and height data. Calculations were performed in three band passes covering 1–13 h. We find that the largest fluxes are in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula. In October the fluxes in the low period band pass (1–5 h) account for the main part of the total flux of zonal momentum, consistent with topographically forced waves. During November the vertical fluxes of zonal momentum are found mainly in longer period band passes, consistent with weaker winds. The peak campaign-averaged flux of zonal momentum in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula is ∼−30 mPa. These values are ∼60% larger over the peninsula than those inferred by other authors. The flux of zonal momentum provides a zonal body force of ∼5 m s−1 day−1 assuming a saturated spectrum. We infer downward sensible heat fluxes of ∼3 W m−2. The corresponding cooling rates assuming a saturated spectrum are ∼0.6 K day−1, a significant fraction of the net radiative imbalance in the springtime Antarctic lower stratosphere.
The structure of laser written lines in a Te81Ge15As4 glass

Abstract The structure and morphology of laser written lines has been examined in a Te 81 Ge 15 As 4 glass by transmission and scanning electron microscopes. It is found that the difference in optical reflection and transmission properties between the laser exposed and unexposed regions in the specimen can be ascribed only in part to an amorphous to crystalline transformation. The remaining difference is attributed to a smoothening of the external surface and formation of voids in the film.
Human Factors Issues for Resolving Adverse Effects of Human Work Underload and Workload Transitions in Advanced Transportation Systems

A workshop was conducted in which the specific purpose was to build on earlier work by the National Research Council, Federal Government agencies, and the larger human factors community to: (1) clarify human factors issues pertaining to degraded performance in advanced transportation systems due to human work underload and workload transition; and (2) develop strategies for resolving these issues.The workshop affirmed that: (1) work underload and workload transition are issues that will have to be addressed by designers of human-automation operating configurations, if cost, performance, safety, and user acceptability are to be optimized, (2) human function allocation models, standards, and guidelines which go beyond simple capability approaches will be needed to preclude or seriously diminish the work underload and workload transition problems, and (3) the issues identified during the workshop, need resolution if these models, standards, and guidelines are to be achieved.
MiB: A comparative assembly processing pipeline

This paper introduces MiB, a comparative genome assembly pipeline that uses three key steps. The first step involves choosing the best reference sequence by using the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle. The MDL principle not only chooses the best reference sequence (model) but also fine-tunes the model for a better assembly by rectifying all the inversions and removing most of the insertions from the reference sequence. The MDL principle also identifies the set of reads that could align to the reference sequence. The second stage uses the same set of reads that did not align to the reference sequence as an input to a de-Buijn graph based algorithm that Identifies the Deletions in the reference sequence and then Inserts Them at Appropriate Places (IDITAP). The last stage uses Bayesian Estimation for Comparative Assembly (BECA). BECA uses Quality (Q-) values for identifying probabilities of the base calls for every read and then exploits the Q-values to find the best alignments and the consensus sequence. Therefore, MiB, derived from the use of MDL-IDITAP-BECA aims to take the optimal reference sequence and the set of reads from the unassembled genome and transform the reference sequence into the novel genome by removing or rectifying four set of mutations: inversions and insertions using MDL, deletions using IDITAP and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) using BECA. Preliminary test results of the proposed framework revealed promising results.
Resistance and Resilience to Coral Bleaching: Implications for Coral Reef Conservation and Management

Abstract: The massive scale of the 1997–1998 El Nino–associated coral bleaching event underscores the need for strategies to mitigate biodiversity losses resulting from temperature-induced coral mortality. As baseline sea surface temperatures continue to rise, climate change may represent the single greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide. In response, one strategy might be to identify ( 1 ) specific reef areas where natural environmental conditions are likely to result in low or negligible temperature-related bleaching and mortality ( i.e., areas of natural “resistance” to bleaching ) and ( 2 ) reef areas where environmental conditions are likely to result in maximum recovery of reef communities after bleaching mortality has occurred ( i.e., areas of natural community “resilience” ). These “target areas,” where environmental conditions appear to boost resistance and resilience during and after large-scale bleaching events, could then be incorporated into strategic networks of marine protected areas designed to maximize conservation of global coral reef biodiversity. Based on evidence from the literature and systematically compiled observations from researchers in the field, this paper identifies likely environmental correlates of resistance and resilience to coral bleaching, including factors that reduce temperature stress, enhance water movement, decrease light stress, correlate with physiological tolerance, and provide physical or biological enhancement of recovery potential. As a tool for identifying reef areas that are likely to be most robust in the face of continuing climate change and for determining priority areas for reducing direct anthropogenic impacts, this information has important implications for coral reef conservation and management.
Hypnosis and inhibition as viewed by Heidenhain and Pavlov.

About 1880, Rudolf Heidenhain, then Professor of Physiology and Histology at the University of Breslau, experimentally studied hypnotic phenomena. Heidenhain explained hypnosis physiologically, in terms of cortical inhibition. Subsequently, I.P. Pavlov, who in 1877 and again in 1884 was Heidenhain's student at Breslau, encountered hypnotic phenomena during conditional reflex experiments. In 1910, Pavlov described hypnotic states and explained them (as had Heidenhain three decades earlier), in terms of partial inhibition of the cortex. As the concepts of inhibition and excitation are cornerstones of Pavlov's theory of higher nervous activity, it is of historical interest to search for influences that led Pavlov to incorporate the concept of inhibition into his theory. It is most likely that Pavlov first encountered the concept of central inhibition in the 1860s when reading I.M. Sechenov's The Reflexes of the Brain (1863/1866) and that the importance of the concept was augmented by Heidenhain's use of it in explaining hypnotic phenomena.
Vascular risk factors in cocaine users with stroke.

Objectives: To determine if the classic stroke risk factors, chronic hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, chronic alcohol abuse, older age, and male sex, are also risk factors in cocaine-related ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: A computer search of ICD-9 codes identified 100 patients admitted to two inner city hospitals between 1986 and 1995 with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who also tested positive for cocaine in the urine. The case records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. The ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke groups were compared with a control group of 109 cocaine users without a history of stroke. Multiple logistic regression was performed to see if the classic stroke risk factors independently increased the risk of cocaine-induced ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke. Results: A total of 66 stroke patients in the study group had ischemic stroke, whereas 34 had hemorrhagic stroke. The stroke and control groups were similar in racial and gender composition. The mean ages of patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (both 41 years) were greater than the control group (34 years) ( P P P P P Conclusions: Chronic hypertension and older age may magnify the risk of cocaine-related ischemic stroke, whereas female sex and older age may increase the risk of cocaine-related hemorrhagic stroke.
Comparison of intradermal pigeon crop-sac bioassay and double antibody radioimmunoassay for rat prolactin.

On an absolute basis, the intradermal pigeon crop-sac bioassay (PCA) gave results that were 20.5% higher than the radioimmunoassay (RIA) in rat anterior pituitary (AP) preparations. A highly significant correlation (r=0.87) was obtained between RIA (in μg) and PCA (in Reece-Turner units) when 58 medium samples obtained by culturing rat APs in vitro were assayed for prolactin (PRL) content.
Topological events in two-dimensional grain growth : experiments and simulations

Abstract Grain growth in polycrystals is a process that occurs as a result of the vanishing of small grains. The mean topological class of vanishing two-dimensional (2-D) grains was found experimentally to be about 4.5. This result suggests that most vanishing grains are either 4- or 5-sided. A recent theory of 2-D grain growth is explicitly based on this fact, treating the switchings as random events. The process of shrinking of 4- and 5-sided two-dimensional grains was observed experimentally on polycrystalline films of transparent, pure succinonitrile (SCN). Grain shrinking was studied theoretically and simulated by computer (both dynamic and Monte Carlo). It was found that most shrinking grains are topologically stable and remain within their topological class until they are much smaller than their neighbors. We discuss differences which were found with respect to the behavior of 2-D polycrystals, a 2-D ideal soap froth, and a 2-D section of a 3-D grain structure.
Electrical properties of p+/n+ InGaAsP tunnel diodes with a bandgap of 0.95 eV grown by liquid phase epitaxy

p +/n + InGaAsP tunnel diodes with a bandgap of 0.95 eV were fabricated by liquid phase epitaxy and their electrical properties were characterized. Forward conductances of 500 Φ−1 cm−2, peak current densities of 28.5 A/cm2 and peak to valley current ratios of 14.3 were obtained at room temperature. These devices were incorporated successfully as Intercell Ohmic Connections (IOCs) for an InP-based, two-terminal monolithic multijunction tandem solar cell.