cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Hard VHE γ-Ray Emission in High-Redshift TeV Blazars: Comptonization of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation in an Extended Jet?

Observations of very-high-energy (VHE; E > 250 GeV) γ-ray emission from several blazars at z > 0.1 have placed stringent constraints on the elusive spectrum and intensity of the intergalactic infrared background radiation (IIBR). Correcting the observed VHE spectrum for γγ absorption, even by the lowest plausible level of the IIBR, provides evidence for a very hard (photon spectral index Γph < 2) intrinsic source spectrum out to TeV energies. Such a hard VHE γ-ray spectrum poses a serious challenge to the conventional synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) interpretation of the VHE emission of TeV blazars and suggests the emergence of a separate emission component beyond a few hundred GeV. Here we propose that such a very hard, slowly variable VHE emission component in TeV blazars may be produced via Compton upscattering of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons by shock-accelerated electrons in an extended jet. For the case of 1ES 1101–232, this component could dominate the bolometric luminosity of the extended jet if the magnetic fields are of the order of typical intergalactic magnetic fields (B ~ 10 μG) and if electrons are still being accelerated out to TeV energies (γ 4 × 106) on kiloparsec scales along the jet.
Precision stopping cross section measurement of gold for 4He

Abstract The stopping cross section of Au for 4 He from 0.5 to 2.1 MeV is reported. The estimated absolute error is 1.2%.
Functional determinants of the quorum-sensing non-coding RNAs and their roles in target regulation

Quorum sensing is a chemical communication process that bacteria use to control collective behaviours including bioluminescence, biofilm formation, and virulence factor production. In Vibrio harveyi, five homologous small RNAs (sRNAs) called Qrr1–5, control quorum-sensing transitions. Here, we identify 16 new targets of the Qrr sRNAs. Mutagenesis reveals that particular sequence differences among the Qrr sRNAs determine their target specificities. Modelling coupled with biochemical and genetic analyses show that all five of the Qrr sRNAs possess four stem-loops: the first stem-loop is crucial for base pairing with a subset of targets. This stem-loop also protects the Qrr sRNAs from RNase E-mediated degradation. The second stem-loop contains conserved sequences required for base pairing with the majority of the target mRNAs. The third stem-loop plays an accessory role in base pairing and stability. The fourth stem-loop functions as a rho-independent terminator. In the quorum-sensing regulon, Qrr sRNAs-controlled genes are the most rapid to respond to quorum-sensing autoinducers. The Qrr sRNAs are conserved throughout vibrios, thus insights from this work could apply generally to Vibrio quorum sensing.
Cerebellar Disorders in Childhood: Cognitive Problems

Over the last decade, increasing evidence of cognitive functions of the cerebellum during development and learning processes could be ascertained. Posterior fossa malformations such as cerebellar hypoplasia or Joubert syndrome are known to be related to developmental problems in a marked to moderate extent. More detailed analyses reveal special deficits in attention, processing speed, visuospatial functions, and language. A study about Dandy Walker syndrome states a relationship of abnormalities in vermis lobulation with developmental problems. Further lobulation or volume abnormalities of the cerebellum and/or vermis can be detected in disorders as fragile X syndrome, Downs’s syndrome, William’s syndrome, and autism. Neuropsychological studies reveal a relation of dyslexia and attention deficit disorder with cerebellar functions. These functional studies are supported by structural abnormalities in neuroimaging in these disorders. Acquired cerebellar or vermis atrophy was found in groups of children with developmental problems such as prenatal alcohol exposure or extreme prematurity. Also, focal lesions during childhood or adolescence such as cerebellar tumor or stroke are related with neuropsychological abnormalities, which are most pronounced in visuospatial, language, and memory functions. In addition, cerebellar atrophy was shown to be a bad prognostic factor considering cognitive outcome in children after brain trauma and leukemia. In ataxia teleangiectasia, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting primarily the cerebellar cortex, a reduced verbal intelligence quotient and problems of judgment of duration are a hint of the importance of the cerebellum in cognition. In conclusion, the cerebellum seems to play an important role in many higher cognitive functions, especially in learning. There is a suggestion that the earlier the incorrect influence, the more pronounced the problems.
The Growth Pattern and Final Height of Girls With Turner Syndrome With and Without Human Growth Hormone Treatment

Background Shortness is the most frequent and quite disturbing characteristic of girls with Turner syndrome (TS). Human growth hormone administration (hGH) to girls with TS increases growth velocity (GV), but a favorable effect on final height (FH) has not been documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hGH administration on the growth pattern and FH in girls with TS. Methods The study group was comprised of 123 girls with TS who were cared for in our center. Eighty-two of these girls received hGH (mean dose, 0.78 +/- 0.12 IU/kg/week), given subcutaneously 5 to 7 times per week for a period of 2.2 +/- 1.2 years (hGH group). The mean chronological age (CA) and bone age (BA) at hGH initiation were 11.5 +/- 2.5 years and 9.7 +/- 2.3 years, respectively. The remaining 41 girls did not receive hGH and are designated as the untreated control group. In both groups, gonadal steroids were given for pubertal initiation and maintenance. Results The GV during the first year of hGH therapy (GV1) was higher than the year before hGH (6.3 cm/year vs 4.0 cm/year) and higher than the GV of the untreated group at a similar CA (4.4 cm/year). The GVs during the second (GV2) and third (GV3) year of hGH treatment (5.4 and 4.9 cm/year, respectively) were lower, but still higher in the hGH group, in comparison with the untreated group (GV2, 4.2 cm/year; GV3, 3.4 cm/year). GV1, GV2, and GV3 were negatively related to age and to BA at hGH initiation. The FH of the 35 hGH-treated girls was not significantly different from the FH of the 27 untreated girls (146.1 cm vs 144.0 cm). The Delta target height-FH was not significantly different in the two groups. The FH standard deviation score of the hGH-treated group was positively related to height standard deviation score for CA at treatment initiation (r = +0.73), maternal height (r = +0.57), target height (r = + 0.66), and birth weight (r = +0.54), but was unrelated to CA or BA at start of therapy or to hGH dose. Conclusions hGH therapy in girls with TS, in the dose and duration of treatment applied in this study, significantly accelerated GV but did not significantly improve FH.
Positivity, Complete Positivity, and SOS Representation

The gap between positive multivariate polynomials and the sum-of-squares (SOS) representation has resurfaced as a problem of importance and interest in control theory. A representation theorem for a bihermitian form is proved. A linear map and its dual are associated with this unique form. Complete positivity and not just positivity of the linear maps is necessary as well as sufficient for SOS representation of the form.
Our Stake in Struggle (Or Is Resistance Something Only Others Do

Encourages critical organization scholars to develop our stake in struggle in at least three ways: (a) by examining how the structure and practice of our own work enacts relations of power and resistance (i.e., reflexive, empirical study of organizational dynamics in higher education), (b) by considering how our experience of knowledge labor implicitly shapes our representations of organization (i.e., reflexive analyses of the relation between the process and products of scholarly production), and (c) by more explicitly accounting for our role as cultural agents in representing organizational life and inducting students into it (i.e., reflexive analyses of the relations among the labors of teaching, researching, and theorizing power and resistance).
Synthesis of corn-derived carbohydrate derivatives as effective multifunctional sunscreens

A range of novel biomass-derived sunscreens and additives were synthesized by substituting corn-produced isosorbide with different functional moieties, such as naturally-occurring cinnamic acids. Based on the different reactivity of the two isosorbide hydroxyl groups, an effective synthetic route was developed for making multifunctional molecules such as UV-absorbing polymer plasticizers and antioxidants. Isosorbide-derived UVB/UVA sunscreens and other additives were characterized by NMR, FTIR and UV spectra. A UV photostability test showed that such sunscreens not only have a high molar extinction coefficient but also a high photostability, the combination covering both UVB and UVA regions. By following this scheme, other medically-useful bio-molecules can be synthesized in the future, such as a full spectrum UV absorber and a UV-absorbing antioxidant, to name a few.
Reproducing kernel element method. Part I: Theoretical formulation

In this paper and its sequels, we introduce and analyze a new class of methods, collectively called the reproducing kernel element method (RKEM). The central idea in the development of the new method is to combine the strengths of both finite element methods (FEM) and meshfree methods. Two distinguished features of RKEM are: the arbitrarily high order smoothness and the interpolation property of the shape functions. These properties are desirable especially in solving Galerkin weak forms of higher order partial differential equations and in treating Dirichlet boundary conditions. So unlike the FEM, there is no need for special treatment with the RKEM in solving high order equations. Compared to meshfree methods, Dirichlet boundary conditions do not present any difficulty in using the RKEM. A rigorous error analysis and convergence study of the method are presented. The performance of the method is illustrated and assessed through some numerical examples.
A Unifying Framework for Typical Multitask Multiple Kernel Learning Problems

Over the past few years, multiple kernel learning (MKL) has received significant attention among data-driven feature selection techniques in the context of kernel-based learning. MKL formulations have been devised and solved for a broad spectrum of machine learning problems, including multitask learning (MTL). Solving different MKL formulations usually involves designing algorithms that are tailored to the problem at hand, which is, typically, a nontrivial accomplishment. In this paper we present a general multitask multiple kernel learning (MT-MKL) framework that subsumes well-known MT-MKL formulations, as well as several important MKL approaches on single-task problems. We then derive a simple algorithm that can solve the unifying framework. To demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed framework, we formulate a new learning problem, namely partially-shared common space MT-MKL, and demonstrate its merits through experimentation.
Highly linear Y-fed directional coupler modulator with low intermodulation distortion

In this paper, we explore the feasibility of linearizing Y-fed directional couplers. We demonstrate that the linearity of their performance can be enhanced significantly by the appropriate selection of the interaction lengths with respect to the coupling length. The proposed linearization technique brings about the advantage of highly linear performance combined with a simple device design. The single- and two-section embodiments of the Y-fed coupler are compared both in terms of the linearity of the transfer curve and the level of the third-order intermodulation distortion. We show the two-section Y-fed coupler to be the device of choice since it can exhibit high linearity and improved tolerance to fabrication imperfections. We have determined that if the lengths of the two sections are set to 4.1 and 1.05 times the coupling length, respectively, the transfer curve is linear within 1% of the maximum output power over 98% of the entire interval of modulation. Advantageously, a 100% optical modulation depth is achieved at the same time. On the other hand, if these relative lengths are set to 2.3 and 1.05, the third-order intermodulation distortion in the optical output can be significantly suppressed (by more than 100 dB below the carrier). While comparable performance is possible with other linear modulator schemes of more complex designs, practical applications demand simple design with few or no controls. In this regard, the Y-fed modulator is known to benefit from the built-in quadrature point and nearly equal time-averaged power levels in the arms. The former feature can minimize or even eliminate the necessity of using bias voltages, while the latter minimizes potential impact of optical damage on device performance. Furthermore, we also describe a preferred scheme of a two-section Y-fed coupler with a domain reversal in a ferroelectric material. In this case, only a simple uniform electrode structure is utilized which is fully compatible to a single driving source and hence, is convenient for high-speed applications.
Almost-global tracking of simple mechanical systems on a general class of Lie Groups

We present a general intrinsic tracking controller design for fully-actuated simple mechanical systems, when the configuration space is one of a general class of Lie groups. We first express a state-feedback controller in terms of a function-the "error function"-satisfying certain regularity conditions. If an error function can be found, then a general smooth and bounded reference trajectory may be tracked asymptotically from almost every initial condition, with locally exponential convergence. Asymptotic convergence from almost every initial condition is referred to as "almost-global" asymptotic stability. Error functions may be shown to exist on any compact Lie group, or any Lie group diffeomorphic to the product of a compact Lie group and R/sup n/. This covers many cases of practical interest, such as SO(n), SE(n), their subgroups, and direct products. We show here that for compact Lie groups the dynamic configuration-feedback controller obtained by composing the full state-feedback law with an exponentially convergent velocity observer is also almost-globally asymptotically stable with respect to the tracking error. We emphasize that no invariance is needed for these results. However, for the special case where the kinetic energy is left-invariant, we show that the explicit expression of these controllers does not require coordinates on the Lie group. The controller constructions are demonstrated on SO(3), and simulated for the axi-symmetric top. Results show excellent performance.
COMPARISON OF MODIFIED SALMONELLA‐TEK ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY AND MODIFIED GENE‐TRAK SALMONELLA ASSAY FOR RECOVERY OF SALMONELLA FROM SELECTED LOW‐MOISTURE FOODS

The sensitivity of the original versus the modified Salmonella-Tek enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was compared for recovery of Salmonella spp. from selected low-moisture foods. Serial tenfold dilutions were inoculated into incubated post enrichment media (dilution-to-extinction approach). Results indicated no significant difference between the original and modified Salmonella-Tek EIAs. A comparison of the modified Salmonella-Tek EIA and the modified GENE-TRAK Salmonella assay, using the same approach, also showed no significant differences. The effectiveness of the assays was then compared using a second approach (dry bulk inoculation). A lyophilized culture was inoculated into bulk food. Replicate 25-g test portions were used in a 3-way comparison of the effectiveness of the modified Salmonella-Tek EIA, the modified GENE-TRAK Salmonella assay, and the standard culture method approved by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) International and recommended in the Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual. Of 460 test portions examined, 307 gave positive reactions with the modified Salmonella-Tek EIA, 298 with the modified GENE-TRAK Salmonella assay, and 292 with the AOAC/BAM culture method.
Learning Algorithms for Human–Machine Interfaces

The goal of this study is to create and examine machine learning algorithms that adapt in a controlled and cadenced way to foster a harmonious learning environment between the user and the controlled device. To evaluate these algorithms, we have developed a simple experimental framework. Subjects wear an instrumented data glove that records finger motions. The high-dimensional glove signals remotely control the joint angles of a simulated planar two-link arm on a computer screen, which is used to acquire targets. A machine learning algorithm was applied to adaptively change the transformation between finger motion and the simulated robot arm. This algorithm was either LMS gradient descent or the Moore-Penrose (MP) pseudoinverse transformation. Both algorithms modified the glove-to-joint angle map so as to reduce the endpoint errors measured in past performance. The MP group performed worse than the control group (subjects not exposed to any machine learning), while the LMS group outperformed the control subjects. However, the LMS subjects failed to achieve better generalization than the control subjects, and after extensive training converged to the same level of performance as the control subjects. These results highlight the limitations of coadaptive learning using only endpoint error reduction.
Sensory Neuron-Specific GPCR Mrgprs Are Itch Receptors Mediating Chloroquine-Induced Pruritus

The cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating histamine-independent itch in primary sensory neurons are largely unknown. Itch induced by chloroquine (CQ) is a common side effect of this widely used antimalarial drug. Here, we show that Mrgprs, a family of G protein-coupled receptors expressed exclusively in peripheral sensory neurons, function as itch receptors. Mice lacking a cluster of Mrgpr genes display significant deficits in itch induced by CQ but not histamine. CQ directly excites sensory neurons in an Mrgpr-dependent manner. CQ specifically activates mouse MrgprA3 and human MrgprX1. Loss- and gain-of-function studies demonstrate that MrgprA3 is required for CQ responsiveness in mice. Furthermore, MrgprA3-expressing neurons respond to histamine and coexpress gastrin-releasing peptide, a peptide involved in itch sensation, and MrgprC11. Activation of these neurons with the MrgprC11-specific agonist BAM8-22 induces itch in wild-type but not mutant mice. Therefore, Mrgprs may provide molecular access to itch-selective neurons and constitute novel targets for itch therapeutics.
Angiotensin-(1-7) downregulates the angiotensin II type 1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells

Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is a biologically active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system that has both vasodilatory and antiproliferative activities that are opposite the constrictive and proliferative effects of angiotensin II (Ang II). We studied the actions of Ang-(1-7) on the Ang II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells to determine whether the effects of Ang-(1-7) are due to its regulation of the AT(1) receptor. Ang-(1-7) competed poorly for [(125)I]Ang II binding to the AT(1) receptor on vascular smooth muscle cells, with an IC(50) of 2.0 micromol/L compared with 1.9 nmol/L for Ang II. The pretreatment of vascular smooth muscle cells with Ang-(1-7) followed by treatment with acidic glycine to remove surface-bound peptide resulted in a significant decrease in [(125)I]Ang II binding; however, reduced Ang II binding was observed only at micromolar concentrations of Ang-(1-7). Scatchard analysis of vascular smooth muscle cells pretreated with 1 micromol/L Ang-(1-7) showed that the reduction in Ang II binding resulted from a loss of the total number of binding sites [B(max) 437.7+/-261.5 fmol/mg protein in Ang-(1-7)-pretreated cells compared with 607.5+/-301.2 fmol/mg protein in untreated cells, n=5, P<0.05] with no significant effect on the affinity of Ang II for the AT(1) receptor. Pretreatment with the AT(1) receptor antagonist L-158,809 blocked the reduction in [(125)I]Ang II binding by Ang-(1-7) or Ang II. Pretreatment of vascular smooth muscle cells with increasing concentrations of Ang-(1-7) reduced Ang II-stimulated phospholipase C activity; however, the decrease was significant (81.2+/-6.4%, P<0.01, n=5) only at 1 micromol/L Ang-(1-7). These results demonstrate that pharmacological concentrations of Ang-(1-7) in the micromolar range cause a modest downregulation of the AT(1) receptor on vascular cells and a reduction in Ang II-stimulated phospholipase C activity. Because the antiproliferative and vasodilatory effects of Ang-(1-7) are observed at nanomolar concentrations of the heptapeptide, these responses to Ang-(1-7) cannot be explained by competition of Ang-(1-7) at the AT(1) receptor or Ang-(1-7)-mediated downregulation of the vascular AT(1) receptor.
First-Principles Study of Structural and Defect Properties in FeCo Intermetallics

Employing ab-initio calculations and statistical thermodynamic modeling, we investigated the structural stability, defect energies, and ordering of B2 FeCo intermetallics. We find that FeCo in the B2 structure is a marginally stable and weakly ordered system, with a high density of antisite defects on both sublattices and low APB energies for the slip on both {110} and {112} planes. The structural stability of B2 FeCo is very sensitive to the change in local atomic environment, as the system transforms to a lower-symmetry L10 phase under the effects of reduced dimensionality or applied shear stress. We suggest that internal stresses near dislocation cores might be closely connected with the intrinsic brittleness of ordered FeCo, as it is likely to induce a local structural transformation from the B2 structure to the L10 structure.
Utilizing DEMs derived from LIDAR data to analyze morphologic change in the North Carolina coastline

By using digital elevation model (DEM) data derived from light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data, an approximately 70-km stretch of the southern North Carolina coastline was studied. The coastline consists of five barrier islands located between Masonboro Island at the southern extent and Topsail Island at the northern extent. The high-resolution DEM data allowed for a comprehensive visual/quantitative investigation into the spatial patterns of morphologic change that occurred to the barrier islands’ oceanfront beaches between 1997 and 2000. This study also demonstrated the usefulness of using laser altimetry to examine barrier islands’ response to level of tropical activity, and showed that the coastal process of overwash was recognized as an integral component of barrier island landward migration. Means of net volumetric change per unit area (m 3 /m 2 ) for study areas of different beach management practices, characterized as developed, undeveloped, and nourished beaches on a yearly basis for the period between 1997 and 2000 were derived. t-Test of the means has been conducted, and results showed that beaches differed statistically if different management practices were applied to them, and the differences were minimized or disappeared if sequential hurricanes or storms affected the beaches. D 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
The Monarchy Shapes Up: Arboreal Metaphors in Royal Propaganda and Court Panegyrics during the Reign of Louis XV

On 25 February 1745, during a ball celebrating the Dauphin's marriage to the Infanta of Spain, Louis XV dressed up as a pruned yew tree. A large watercolour and hundreds of prints produced by the royal office of the Menus Plaisirs offered contemporaries a stunning image of this event. This article analyses the self-fashioning implicit in the king's sartorial choice, arguing that it informed a new political script characterised by an increasingly technical arboreal discourse. Royal epithalamia in particular drew on tree metaphors to describe the health of the body politic in the second half of the eighteenth century.
Threat-perception and the armament-tension dilemma

failed to preserve the peace in the fourth century, did little better during the fifteen succeeding ones, and has thrice in this century failed to prevent mass bloodshed. Neither the evidence of history nor the application of logic would suggest that the para bellum doctrine holds out any peaceful prospects for the present; yet, as Madariaga sadly concluded, "its vitality is incredible" (25, p. 13). Clinging to the dogma as if in a trance, the Soviet and Western blocs are today engaged in a hypertrophic race for superiority in weapons technique and production. Like the Hobbesian "Kings and Persons of Soveraigne Authority," they find themselves "in the state and posture of gladiators; having their weapons pointing and their eyes fixed on one another; that is, their Forts, Garrisons, and Guns upon the Frontiers of their Kingdomes, and continuall Spyes upon their neighbors; which is a posture of War" (14, p. 65).
Neural control of renal function in edema-forming states

To define the role of the renal nerves in renal sodium-retaining edema-forming states, experiments were conducted in conscious chronically instrumented rats with congestive heart failure (myocardial infarction), nephrotic syndrome (adriamycin injection), and hepatic cirrhosis (common bile duct ligation). In each experimental model, renal excretion, as water or sodium, of an acutely administered oral or intravenous isotonic saline load was significantly less than that in control rats. Bilateral renal denervation of the experimental rats restored their renal excretory response to that of the control rats. In addition, in response to the acute administration of a standard intravenous isotonic saline load, the decrease in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity was significantly less in all three experimental models compared with that of control rats. These results suggest that the impaired ability to excrete an acute isotonic saline load in these experimental models is partially dependent on an increase in basal efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity that fails to suppress normally in response to the isotonic saline load.
Oxidative stress and rheologic properties of stored red blood cells before and after transfusion to surgical patients

BACKGROUND The loss of structural and functional integrity of red blood cells (RBCs) during storage, collectively referred to as “storage lesion,” has been implicated in reduced oxygen delivery after transfusion. RBCs are highly susceptible to oxidative damage from generation of reactive oxygen species by autoxidation of hemoglobin. Therefore, we examined whether increased oxidative stress (OS) in stored RBCs is associated with impaired cell membrane deformability before or after transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-four patients undergoing multilevel spine fusion surgery were enrolled. OS in RBCs was assessed by the presence of fluorescent heme degradation products and methemoglobin, which were measured with fluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Deformability and aggregation were determined by ektacytometry in stored RBCs, autologous salvaged RBCs, and posttransfusion blood samples. RESULTS OS in stored RBCs was significantly increased with longer storage (R = 0.54, p = 0.032) and significantly higher than that in fresh RBCs (9.1 ± 1.3 fluorescent arbitrary units vs. 7.7 ± 0.9 fluorescent arbitrary units, p < 0.001). Deformability decreased (R = −0.60, p = 0.009) with increasing storage duration. OS was elevated (p < 0.05) and deformability was decreased (p < 0.05) in postoperative blood from patients who had undergone moderate (≥4 RBC units) but not minimal or no transfusion. Neither the decrease in deformability of RBCs nor the aggregation changes were correlated with OS. CONCLUSIONS Although stored RBCs show signs of increased OS and loss of cell membrane deformability, these changes were not directly correlated and were only evident after moderate but not lower dose transfusion in postoperative surgical patients. These findings suggest that factors other than OS may contribute to impaired rheology with stored RBCs in the clinical setting.
X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: Updated Criteria for Diagnosis

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), was one of the first immunodeficiencies described (Bruton 1952) and it is often thought of as a prototype immunodeficiency because the clinical and laboratory findings are felt to be distinctive. Affected boys have the onset of recurrent bacterial infections in the first few years of life. The serum immunoglobulins are profoundly decreased and the number of B cells is markedly reduced; although T cell number and function appears to be normal. Similarly affected male are seen in the maternal lineage (Ochs 1989; Lederman 1985). However, the prototype is evolving. Over the years, there has been a gradual change in the criteria required to make the diagnosis of XLA, and in the approach to identifying the underlying genetic defect.
REVELATION IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY: A LUTHERAN PERSPECTIVE

Recently I investigated how nine Lutherans in the United States coped with and sought consolation for a wide spectrum of negative events they had experienced. My research focused specifically on how, in their very praxes, they had both appropriated and reformed the theology of the early Lutheran tradition about coping and consolation. I discovered that these participants in my research, or "co-researchers," did so in a number of ways. On the one hand, even the most professedly Orthodox (those who attempted to norm their beliefs and practices according to the "pure doctrine" of the Lutheran Confessions) often gave their own unique twist to the tradition through their reflective-practice. On the other hand, even the most nominal or "accidental" of Lutherans (e.g., "I married into it") evidenced some influence ofthat tradition in their beliefs and practices. These mixed results provide an example what the historian of American religion David D. Hall has called "the messiness of lived religion (1997, p. x). One co-researcher, C, a retired pastor in his late sixties, is descended from a long line of renowned Orthodox Lutheran theologians. C. shared that "after a life-time of relatively good health," he experienced a cascade of illnesses including cancer and heartdisease. C. reported that, throughout his illnesses, he received
Recovery and characterization of spontaneous, selenate-resistant mutants of Magnaporthe grisea, the rice blast pathogen

There have been numerous biochemical mutants of Magnaporthe grisea previously described. In this study, selenate-resistant (sel) mutants were recovered and characterized. The mutants were recovered as spontaneous, fast-growing sectors arising from initially restricted colonies grown in the presence of 0.1% sodium selenate. Over 94% of the sectors generated were resistant to selenate, and approximately 70% of the selenate-resistant mutants were unable to utilize sulfate sulfur. The sulfate nonutilizing (sul) mutants could be distinguished from wild type by their thin expansive growth with little or no aerial mycelium on a defined minimal medium with sulfate as the sole sulfur source. However, growth of the sul mutant was comparable to the wild type when given L-methionine as a reduced sulfur source. Sul mutants were recovered from all 36 isolates examined representing four distinct MGR586 DNA fingerprint groups commonly found on rice in Arkansas. The frequency of sul mutants recovered from the 36 isolates varied on different media and among the different isolates examined. Generally, sectoring frequency and the number of sul mutants recovered was much higher on rice bran agar amended with selenate (0.1 to 1.4 sectors per colony) than on a defined minimal medium amended with selenate (0.0 to 0.7 sectors per colony). No sectors were observed on potato dextrose agar amended with 0.1 % sodium selenate. The mean sectoring frequency among isolates in MGR586 DNA fingerprint group B was significantly higher than among isolates in three other fingerprint groups examined. Complementation tests with multiple sul mutants from a given isolate and sexual crosses among sul mutants of two fertile laboratory isolates indicated that the sul mutation was at a single locus. The sul mutants tested were pathogenic on rice in greenhouse tests and indistinguishable in their virulence phenotype to the correAccepted for publication June 12, 1998. 'Corresponding author, email: jcorrell@comp.uark.edu sponding wild type. The sul mutation was stable and may be useful as a marker in epidemiological studies.
Courtship Behavior and Source of a Sexual Pheromone from Cardiochiles nigriceps

The sexual behavior of male and female Cardiochiles nigriceps Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is described. Wing fanning by the male plays an important role in orientating the male towards the female located 3-5 cm away and may also have a quieting effect on the female. Female antennae appear to play an important role in orientating the male on the female prior to copulation and in signaling female receptivity. Females produce a sex pheromone just prior to emergence from the cocoon. Sex pheromone activity remains after mating and throughout adult life. Through amputation, ligation, and masceration of various parts of the female, sexual activity was revealed to be elicited by the female abdominal region. Although no region of the female or extracts of females were effective in eliciting full sexual display in males, Dufour's gland and hexane extracts of females elicited antennation by males. Antennation may represent a response of the male to a close range sexual stimulant.
Bilateral carcinoma of the parotid, one cancer arising in a Warthin's tumor.

This report deals with a singular case of squamoid cancer arising in a Warthin’s tumor of the parotid gland. A poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the contralateral parotid and its metastasis had been brought under control with radiotherapy only little more than a year before the present lesion was resected.
Shared life history strategy as a strong predictor of romantic relationship satisfaction

We test a romantic couple’s shared Life History Strategy (LHS) as a primary predictor of romantic relationship satisfaction against competing theories. First, we demonstrated that, when compared against the couples’ shared level of supportive communication and the geographical distance separating the partners, the pure shared-partner LHS variance, rather than unique partner-specific variance, is the strongest predictor of relationship satisfaction. Then, we revised the measurement model and demonstrated that, when compared against the couple’s disassortative mating on LHS, a couple’s mean LHS was the sole predictor of relationship satisfaction, and also a strong predictor of the couple’s assortative mating on indicators of LHS. Thus, shared LHS seems to be the most critical predictor of relationship satisfaction when compared to supportive communication, geographical distance separating the partners, and the couple’s assortative mating on indicators of LHS.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF CONSTITUENT TRANSPORT IN BAY SYSTEMS

This paper describes the results of a numerical modeling study of the Lower Biscayne Bay system in southeast Florida. The purpose of the study is to predict the effects of cooling water intake and discharge associated with the Turkey Point Power Plant facility, which comprises two fossil-fueled units and two nuclear units. When completed the system will generate 2450 megawatts. One of the original (but since abandoned) operating plans considered would require intake by the plant ranging from 4250 to 10,600 cfs of Bay water for cooling and dilution purposes to be returned via a six-mile canal to the Bay system. The Lower Biscayne Bay system comprises several bodies of water of 6 to 10 ft. depth which are connected over shallow limestone and mud sills. The numerical model incorporates an area of approximately 36 by 12 nautical miles divided into grid squares of 2 nautical miles on each side. Available field data are used to calibrate the model. The results of the calibration and predictions of the effects of the plant withdrawal and discharge on the natural bay system flows are presented. The primary features of interest of the study include: 1) the effect of the plant cooling water requirements on the Bay hydromechanics, including recirculation and flows through small inlets connecting the Bay to the Ocean; and 2) the concentration distributions of conservative constituents in the Bay system as affected by advective and dispersive processes. The numerical procedure consists of a non-dispersive and a dispersive model which are employed sequentially.
Nonlinear Optical Response of Conducting Polymers

We compute analytic expressions for the nonlinear optical response functions for the Peierls model of a conducting polymer by using the Keldysh non-equilibrium Green’s function methods. The only parameter in the model is the gap, which can be determined independently from the linear optical response. Our results for 3rd harmonic generation are in excellent agreement with experiments on polyacetylene. This constitutes strong evidence that polyacetylene is well described by a model of weakly interacting quasi-particles. Further nonlinear optical effects, which should be experimentally observable, are predicted.
Designing a compact high performance brain PET scanner-simulation study.

The desire to understand normal and disordered human brain function of upright, moving persons in natural environments motivates the development of the ambulatory micro-dose brain PET imager (AMPET). An ideal system would be light weight but with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, although these requirements are often in conflict with each other. One potential approach to meet the design goals is a compact brain-only imaging device with a head-sized aperture. However, a compact geometry increases parallax error in peripheral lines of response, which increases bias and variance in region of interest (ROI) quantification. Therefore, we performed simulation studies to search for the optimal system configuration and to evaluate the potential improvement in quantification performance over existing scanners. We used the Cramer-Rao variance bound to compare the performance for ROI quantification using different scanner geometries. The results show that while a smaller ring diameter can increase photon detection sensitivity and hence reduce the variance at the center of the field of view, it can also result in higher variance in peripheral regions when the length of detector crystal is 15 mm or more. This variance can be substantially reduced by adding depth-of-interaction (DOI) measurement capability to the detector modules. Our simulation study also shows that the relative performance depends on the size of the ROI, and a large ROI favors a compact geometry even without DOI information. Based on these results, we propose a compact 'helmet' design using detectors with DOI capability. Monte Carlo simulations show the helmet design can achieve four-fold higher sensitivity and resolve smaller features than existing cylindrical brain PET scanners. The simulations also suggest that improving TOF timing resolution from 400 ps to 200 ps also results in noticeable improvement in image quality, indicating better timing resolution is desirable for brain imaging.
The study of the relationship between COPD incidence and living environment in rural women of Tangshan

Objective To study the relationship between COPD incidence and living environment in rural women of Tangshan.Methods 1948 rural women(over the age of 40) were randomly selected from 10 counties of Tangshan City,and all of them received pulmonary function tests and the survey,including the dust condition of room environment,indoor ventilation,and the kind of domestic fuel.Results The incidence of COPD was significantly higher in those families with high-level indoor dust,poor ventilation and the use of coal and biofuels than in those with low-level indoor dust,good ventilation and the use of liquefied gas and electricity(P0.05).Conclusion The indoor environment and the usage of domestic fuel are related with COPD incidence in rural women.
The blood picture of pyridoxine deficiency in the monkey.

1. Pyridoxine deficiency in the monkey results in a severe anemia characterized by hypochromia, increase in mean diameter, decrease in mean cell thickness, dehydration, the appearance of "target" cells and increased resistance to hemolysis. 2. The administration of pyridoxine results in restoration of hematologic values to normal, correction of dehydration and disappearance of "target" cells. 3. Further evidence is offered relating "target" cells to dehydration and, in addition, possibly to hepatic damage. 4. A delayed macrocytic anemia which was not corrected by low doses of vitamin B12, folic acid or iron is described in control animals. This anemia occurred chronologically one to two years later than the induced anemia of pyridoxine deficiency and is not necessarily related. The cause of this anemia is unknown. 5. Normal hematologic data on twenty-one M. rhesus monkeys is presented.
Prologue: The Purpose of This Work

My subject is Adam Smith's economics as he presents it in his Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (sometimes abbreviated WN in what follows). Smith's rhetorical strategy in The Wealth of Nations is to lay out his narrative in a stepwise process of analytical presentation, empirical persuasion, and policy implications. There are five “Books” in WN . Smith begins his analytical presentation in Book I, defining his terms and arranging them into statements about economic processes. In Book II he turns to the dynamics of economics systems, analyzing how and why the wealth of a nation grows, stagnates, or declines. In Book III he offers an empirical case for his model by demonstrating the power of his analysis to explain both the twists and turns and the long view of humankind's history. Having presented his model and made his empirical case for it, in Book IV Smith examines two alternative models, Mercantilism and Physiocracy, highlighting their weaknesses and the perverse consequences of their application as policy. Finally, in Book V Smith turns to the policy implications of his own analysis, offering his perspective on the role of government in a liberal society with a special emphasis on the importance of establishing security and justice, providing public goods, optimal revenue generation, and properly aligning incentives. The Wealth of Nations (first edition published in 1776) is one piece of Smith's planned body of work that was to offer a moral philosophical (a holistic) analysis of the human condition. He makes this agenda clear in the original “Advertisement” to the first published piece in this analysis, the first edition (1759) of his Theory of Moral Sentiments . Therein he tells us that there are more dimensions of his analysis yet to be written concerning law and government (never written, but his Lectures on Jurisprudence reflect his thinking on this dimension) and economics (realized in WN ).
Personality Traits and Burnout Among Athletic Trainers Employed in the Collegiate Setting.

Context: Burnout, a psychological state of mental weariness that occurs when work stresses become overwhelming, has frequently been documented in athletic trainers and has been hypothesized to affe...
Systematic review of religious affiliations and beliefs as correlates of public attitudes toward capital punishment

AbstractReligious reasons are frequently described as considerations that shape support for or opposition to capital punishment; however, there are many inconsistencies in the literature. This study represents a systematic review of the extant research on religious affiliations and beliefs as correlates of public attitudes toward capital punishment. Searches conducted in five databases identified 33 articles, representing 97,570 respondents. Results revealed that people belonging to Protestant affiliations and with negative images of God were more likely to support capital punishment. People possessing positive images of God and with strong beliefs in compassion were less likely to support capital punishment. The religious correlates commonly assessed in the extant literature, such as fundamentalism, are not significant correlates of attitudes toward capital punishment. Findings also revealed that the predominance of research examined Christian religious affiliations, to the exclusion of other common affi...
Hydroxyurea Dose and Toxicity in African American Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Renal Impairment

Abstract Abstract 4844 Background: Hydroxyurea (HU) use in patients with sickle cell anemia is associated with a well established laboratory and clinical benefits by inducing fetal hemoglobin. The principal toxicity observed with HU is hematologic and it includes reversible and transient depression of white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin concentration. An initial HU dose of 15mg/kg/day is indicated in patients with normal renal function. Approximately 37% of an orally administered dose of HU is excreted by the kidneys in patients with normal renal function. This can be altered in patients with renal insufficiency and, based on recent pharmacokinetic data, a 50% dose reduction was proposed in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 60 mL/min. The safety and the proper dosage of this agent in sickle cell patients with impaired renal function have not been well studied in the clinical setting. The purpose of our study was to evaluate HU dose and hematological toxicity in adult African American patients with sickle cell disease and impaired renal function. Methods: A retrospective study, approved by the institutional review board, was conducted in a tertiary care academic institution by reviewing the medical records of 250 adult African American patients with sickle cell disease. Patients who were on HU for at least one year were included in the study. The average HU dose (assumed to be the most effective and the least toxic) and the mean CrCl (calculated by using Cockcroft and Gault equation) over the last year were used in the analysis. Patients were considered to have renal insufficiency if their CrCl Results: Among the 250 patients with sickle cell disease, we found 60 patients on HU for at least one year. Eight patients (13%) were found to have renal insufficiency (CrCl Table-1 shows different CrCl groups with their correspondence HU dose. The average HU dose in the renal insufficiency group was 10.9 mg/kg/day (656 mg/day) as compared to 20 mg/kg/day (1433mg/day) in the normal renal function group ( table-2 ). Eleven patients (18%) developed hematological toxicity while on HU. The most common toxicity was neutropenia (7 patients) followed by reticulocytopenia (5 patients including one patient developed both toxicities). In patients with CrCl table-2 ). Table-1 . CrCl (mL/min) Patients (No.) Average HU (mg/day) HU/Kg (mg/kg/day) Toxicity 15-29 1 750 11.3 0 30-59 7 643 10.9 1 60-89 9 1194 19.4 3 ≥90 43 1483 20.2 7 Table-2 . CrCl (mL/min) Patients (No.) Average HU (mg/day) HU/Kg (mg/kg/day) Toxicity 8 656 10.9 1 ≥60 52 1433 20 10 Conclusion: Our data shows that around 55 % dose reduction in HU dose was needed and it was associated with a comparable hematological toxicity profile in adult African American patients with sickle cell disease and renal insufficiency compared to patients with normal kidney function. Patients with CrCl Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia (EAH)

Management of athletes often requires attention to not only musculoskeletal injuries but also medical conditions. Those who oversee athletic competitions should be able to understand the basic management of conditions ranging from asthma to sudden cardiac arrest, and also be able to assess patients with concussions, metabolic derangements, frostbite, and heat illness.