cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competition between color salience and perceptual load during visual selection can be biased by top-down set

Visual salience and perceptual load may both influence the efficiency of visual selection. Recently, Gibson and Bryant (2008) showed that perceptual load can dominate color salience in a distractor interference paradigm. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility that knowledge (of color or load) may modulate the relative operation of these two mechanisms. Consistent with previous findings, perceptual load dominated color salience, but only in certain contexts in which display load was mixed and high-load displays preceded other high-load displays. More important, color salience dominated perceptual load in other contexts in which display load was mixed and low-load displays preceded high-load displays. In addition, color salience also dominated perceptual load in contexts in which display load was fixed and advance knowledge of load was available. Altogether, the present findings suggest that the competition between color salience and perceptual load can vary as a function of task context, thereby supporting top-down accounts, although the precise aspect of task context remains to be identified.
Radiation loss calculations for corrugated dielectric waveguides

An efficient, simple numerical method is employed in, conjuntion with an optimum perturbation scheme to solve for the radiating and guided waves of a periodic corrugated dielectric waveguide. Results for sinusoidal, triangular, and rectangular grating profiles on waveguides and waveguide-lasers are obtained and compared with approximate analytic expressions.
The next step in blood glucose monitoring

New technologies for blood glucose monitoring offer promise for improved metabolic control and better lifestyles for children, adolescents, and adults with diabetes and their families. The Cygnus GlucoWatch biographer is one of these new technologies. On August 27, 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved the biographer for use in children 7 to 17 years old. It was approved for use in adults in March 2001. The study by Chase et al1 in this issue was randomized and controlled. The … Address correspondence to Leslie P. Plotnick, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Park 211, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287. E-mail: lplotni{at}jhmi.edu
The “Virtual Face” of Institutions: What Do Home Pages Reveal About Higher Education?

This research investigated the use of home pages by 40 higher education institutions, of which ten each were Doctoral/Research, Master’s, Baccalaureate, and Community Colleges. The institutions were also grouped by region and were drawn from 40 different states. Using an instrument based on criteria for evaluating web sites (Gurak 2001), the descriptive study answered three research questions. (1) How are higher education institutions using their home pages? (2) How well do these home pages perform? (3) What does higher education’s “virtual face” say about higher education in general? Findings indicate that institutions use their home pages for students and for functionality; and, while many home pages were well-designed, a minority were messy, required users to hunt for important services, and were difficult for the inexperienced user. The findings indicated that higher education’s “virtual face” may indeed be functional for insiders, but it was confusing to users who are new to higher education or the web.
Ambient-stable tetragonal phase in silver nanostructures

Crystallization of noble metal atoms usually leads to the highly symmetric face-centred cubic phase that represents the thermodynamically stable structure. Introducing defective microstructures into a metal crystal lattice may induce distortions to form non-face-centered cubic phases when the lateral dimensions of objects decrease down to nanometre scale. However, stable non-face-centered cubic phases have not been reported in noble metal nanoparticles. Here we report that a stable body-centred tetragonal phase is observed in silver nanoparticles with fivefold twinning even at ambient conditions. The body-centered tetragonal phase originates from the distortion of cubic silver lattices due to internal strains in the twinned nanoparticles. The lattice distortion in the centre of such a nanoparticle is larger than that in the surfaces, indicating that the nanoparticle is composed of a highly strained core encapsulated in a less-strained sheath that helps stabilize the strained core.
Dynamic modulus simulation of the asphalt concrete using the X-ray computed tomography images

The objective of this study is to predict the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixture using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Distinct Element Method (DEM) generated from the X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) images. The 3D internal microstructure of the asphalt mixtures (i.e., spatial distribution of aggregate, sand mastic and air voids) was obtained using the X-ray CT. The X-ray CT images provided exact locations of aggregate, sand mastic and air voids to develop 2D and 3D models. An experimental program was developed with a uniaxial compression test to measure the dynamic modulus of sand mastic and asphalt mixtures at different temperatures and loading frequencies. In the DEM simulation, the mastic dynamic modulus and aggregate elastic modulus were used as input parameters to predict the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus. Three replicates of a 3D DEM and six replicates of a 2D DEM were used in the simulation. The strain response of the asphalt concrete under a compressive load was monitored, and the dynamic modulus was computed. The moduli of the 3D DEM and 2D DEM were then compared with both the experimental measurements results. It was revealed that the 3D discrete element models successfully predicted the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus over a range of temperatures and loading frequencies. It was found that 2D discrete element models under predicted the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus.
Spirastrellolide B: construction of the C(26)-C(40) northern hemisphere and a related [5,5,7]-bis-spiroketal analogue.

Differential synthetic access to an advanced C26–C40 northern hemisphere fragment of spirastrellolide B and to a related [5,5,7]-bis-spiroketal analogue from a common intermediate has been achieved. Central to this venture is the regiocontrolled functionalization of a C(31–32) alkyne, exploiting different transition metal catalysts (cf. PtII and AuI).
Optimal trade-off distortion-tolerant constrained-modulation correlation filters

A closed-form filter formulation that builds on the optimal trade-off filter formulation and uses the minimum-Euclidean-distance principle is presented. This new formulation provides filters that are optimal in a mean-square error sense relative to multiple criteria over a training set of images when they are implemented with limited modulation levels typically afforded by spatial light modulators. The relationship of the new formulation to several existing filter concepts is discussed.
Abstract 2324: Phospho-MED1 mediates the transcriptional regulation of AR splice variants in castration-resistant prostate cancer

The appearance of constitutively active androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs) has been proposed as one of the causes of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Prior to treatment with enzalutamide or abiraterone, around 20-30% of CRPC patients already have high levels of AR-Vs in their metastases, especially AR v567es , and this portends a rapid progression and shorter survival. However, the underlying mechanism of AR-Vs in CRPC transcriptional regulation still remains unclear. A distinct transcriptome enriched with cell cycle genes (like UBE2C) has been associated with AR-Vs, which indicates the possibility of a different transcriptional mechanism than that of wild type AR. In our study, we performed co-immunoprecipitation, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays to explore the components involved in AR v567es activated UBE2C transcription. We found that (i) MED1 is necessary for AR v567es induced UBE2C up-regulation and subsequent prostate cancer cell growth; (ii) p-MED1 is recruited to AR v567es independent of full-length AR; (iii) p-MED1 has higher recruitment to UBE2C promoter and enhancer regions in the presence of AR v567es , (iv) AR v567es enhanced UBE2C transcription could be blocked by silencing MED1; (v) AR v567es /p-MED1 signaling cross talks with the PI3K-AKT pathway but not the MAPK pathway, and (vi) FoxA1 and histone methylation are involved in AR v567es /p-MED1 induced UBE2C long range chromatin interactions. In summary, these data indicate that p-MED1 serves as a key mediator in AR v567es transcriptional regulation and suggests a mechanism by which AR-Vs promote the development and progression of CRPC. Citation Format: Gang Liu, Cynthia Sprenger, Pin-Jou Wu, Shihua Sun, Takuma Uo, Kathleen Haugk, Kathryn Soriano Epilepsia, Stephen Plymate. Phospho-MED1 mediates the transcriptional regulation of AR splice variants in castration-resistant prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2324. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2324
Augustinian Moral Consciousness and the Businessman

Augustine of Hippo (354–430 A.D.) meditated on the transcendent attributes of numbers that accountants so skillfully employ and on the attributes of moral rules. He thereby achieved a profound awareness of their Source in Truth. Nature is also governed by numbers; it is a “melody” that, again, woos one to its Source in Beauty. Whereas some businessmen meditate to clear their minds of clutter so as to make successful business decisions, Augustine persisted beyond the mere absence of clutter. Within the stream of his own consciousness he found a focal point that led to the experience of the presence of a transcendent God in his own deeper self. The “order of love” enables one to achieve balance and a higher freedom wherein one cannot do wrong and possesses the courage to work toward building an earthly city that is just and beautiful, one that facilitates Everyman’s penetration of his own depth.
Optical emission spectroscopy: Toward the identification of species in the plasma deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys

Abstract Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) of a silane glow discharge reveals the presence of the species Si, SiH, SiH + , H 2 , H, SiCl, SiO and N 2 under various processing conditions during the plasma deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) alloys. The first five species are formed either directly or indirectly by the decomposition of silane. The molecule SiCl is formed by the decomposition of chlorosilane impurities originally contained in the silane process gas. The species SiO and N 2 appear when oxygen and nitrogen respectively are present in the discharge. OES provides information about the plasma chemistry that can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in a-Si:H film growth. The technique also plays a diagnostic role by detecting impurities in the plasma that importantly affect film properties.
A Mutagenesis Study of the Putative Luciferin Binding Site Residues of Firefly Luciferase

Firefly luciferase catalyzes the highly efficient emission of yellow-green light from substrate firefly luciferin by a sequence of reactions that require Mg-ATP and molecular oxygen. We had previously developed [Branchini, B. R., Magyar, R. A., Murtiashaw, M. H., Anderson, S. M., and Zimmer, M. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 15311-15319] a molecular graphics-based working model of the luciferase active site starting with the first X-ray structure [Conti, E., Franks, N. P., and Brick, P. (1996) Structure 4, 287-298] of the enzyme without bound substrates. In our model, the luciferin binding site contains 15 residues that are within 5 A of the substrate. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we made changes at all of these residues and report here the characterization of the corresponding expressed and purified proteins. Of the 15 residues studied, 12 had a significantly (>or=4-fold K(m) difference) altered binding affinity for luciferin and seven residues, spanning the primary sequence region Arg218-Ala348, had substantially (>or=30 nm) red-shifted bioluminescence emission maxima when mutated. We report here an interpretation of the roles of the mutated residues in substrate binding and bioluminescence color determination. The results of this study generally substantiate the accuracy of our model and provide the foundation for future experiments designed to alter the substrate specificity of firefly luciferase.
Using attitude measurement to validate consultant-taught writing courses

Measurements of the effectiveness of a writing course is considered especially important to those who hire consultants to teach their employees. The author presents a method of evaluating participants' skill improvement by means of measuring their attitudes toward writing tasks before and after taking a consultant-taught course. Sample results of such pre-test and post-test analyses are given.
Thermodynamic, kinetic, and structural factors in the synthesis of imine-linked dynamic covalent frameworks

The formation of imine-linked dynamic covalent frameworks (DCFs) has been systematically studied to determine how different factors such as reaction solvent and composition, reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, and structure of the building units influence the yield, degree of condensation, and homogeneity of the resulting products. Using molecular tetraimine analogs, we first investigated the kinetics and thermodynamics of imine condensation reactions under a variety of conditions, as well as the structures of the basic tetraimine units by X-ray crystallography. These model systems allowed us to identify conditions that favored both high reversibility and fast reaction kinetics for the imine condensation, leading in the end to the development of effective synthetic routes toward imine-linked DCFs with high degrees of cross-linking and homogeneity.
Modeling and the adaptive solution of CVD fiber-coating process

Abstract We develop a mathematical model for the coating of ceramic fibers by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in cylindrical hot- or cold-walled reactors. The model couples the Navier-Stokes equations for the mixture of a carrier gas and precursor species, an energy equation for the gaseous mixture, a convection-diffusion system for the reacting precursor species, a fiber coating model, and a fiber heat conduction equation. The system is heated by a combination of conduction, convection and radiation. The partial differential system resulting from this model is solved by adaptive finite element software using automatic mesh refinement and coarsening on a quadtree-structured mesh. The results of parameter studies indicate the effectiveness of using adaptive solution techniques with CVD applications and also suggest some guidance for improving the process.
Diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis and its complications

Abstract Acute pancreatitis is a common disorder in the USA. Its diagnosis, prognosis and management, both in the short and long term, have long presented significant challenges to clinicians, surgeons, and diagnostic and interventional radiologists. This article reviews historical and current concepts in the diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis and its complications, including radiological diagnosis and percutaneous intervention, as well as endoscopic and surgical management.
Stabilization, tracking and disturbance rejection in linear multivariable distributed systems

The paper describes the algebra s(?0) of transfer functions of distributed systems; s(?0) generalizes the algebra of proper rational functions [see, e.g. 7,8]. The first theorem generalizes for the distributed case a result of Youla et al. [10]: any plant ? can be stabilized by pre-or post-compensation and the closed-loop natural frequencies can be preassigned in C? 0+, the domain of definition of ?. The second theorem generalizes for the distributed case the known results of the lumped case [for a detailed review, see 10]: stabilization and asymptotically zero tracking-error can be achieved by a precompensator with elements in s (?0). Furthermore, the stabilization and tracking is robust.
An On-sun parametric study of solar hydrogen production using WO3 photoanodes

Abstract The solar production of hydrogen using photoactive electrodes is a topic receiving much attention in recent years. The use of thin metal oxide films as photoanodes allows the water splitting reaction to occur at a much lower applied voltage than would be necessary with a straight electrolysis process. The University of Nevada Las Vegas in collaboration with the UK based firm Hydrogen Solar and funded by the United States Department of Energy, has developed a prototype of this type of cell using a WO 3 photoanode. An on-sun test facility has been constructed by the UNLV Center for Energy Research (CER) where a study is being conducted with regard to the effects various design parameters on the rate of hydrogen evolution. Parameters being studied include electrolyte temperature, electrolyte flow rate, electrolyte resistivity, applied voltage, and membrane to electrode spacing. The data collected is used in a parametric study of the cell performance. The results of this study are then used to establish general trends as to the effects of these parameters on the performance of the cells outside of a laboratory environment.
Forward Production in d+Au Collisions by Parton Recombination

We discuss parton recombination as a hadronization mechanism for d+Au collisions. We show that several features of hadron production measured at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) can be explained by recombination, including the Cronin effect at midrapidity and the suppression of hadrons in forward direction.
Non-Asymptotic Capacity Lower Bounds for Non-coherent SISO Channels

In this paper, we focus on deriving tighter non-asymptotic lower bounds for SISO systems on correlated regular fading channels. We derive an asymptotically tight SISO lower bound, as well as a tighter SISO lower bound on low SNR regions. The lower bound on constant amplitude modulation scheme is also considered.
Cerebrospinal fluid prostaglandins and corticotropin releasing factor in schizophrenics and controls: relationship to sleep architecture

Sleep abnormalities have been consistently observed in patients with schizophrenia. Elevated levels of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and prostaglandins (PGs) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with schizophrenia have been reported, and these neurochemical substances, known to modulate sleep in experimental animals, may play a role in these sleep abnormalities. In this study, we measured PGD2, PGE2, PGF2alpha and CRF levels in the CSF of 14 unmedicated schizophrenic patients and 14 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Polysomnographic recordings were also carried out for each subject. As expected, the sleep of the schizophrenic subjects significantly differed from that of the controls; schizophrenic subjects had a longer sleep onset latency, slept less, spent fewer minutes in stage 2 sleep and had a lower sleep efficiency. We could not, however, detect any differences in CSF CRF and PG levels between normal and schizophrenic subjects, nor could we find any correlation between CSF variables and sleep parameters in the schizophrenic subjects and the non-psychiatric controls. These results do not favor the hypothesis of a role for CRF or PGs in the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in schizophrenia.
Education—Problems and Opportunities for Administrators:

Overseeing the birth and growth of new courses in computing can be an exciting and sat isfying experience for a school princi pal if that principal has a plan.
Characterization of finite fuzzy measures using Markoff-kernels

Abstract Generalizing the definitions of L. A. Zadeh (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 23 (1968), 421–427) and E. P. Klement, R. Lowen, and W. Schwyhla (Fuzzy Sets and Systems, in press) a larger class of finite fuzzy measures is defined. It is shown that these fuzzy measures can be characterized in a unique way by a finite (classical) measure and a Markoff-kernel.
Development of a Practical Synthesis of an Aminoindanol-Derived M1 Agonist†

An efficient and scalable synthesis of the clinical candidate 1 is described. The first-generation synthesis built the enantioenriched nitro-aminoindanol core from 6-nitroindanone using a five-step literature route. The second-generation route used a safe aromatic nitration protocol in the presence of the unprotected alcohol to afford the requisite nitro-aminoindanol in one step. Challenges addressed in the remainder of the synthesis include a nitro group reduction to afford ppm levels of unreacted Ar-NO2 (a mutagen) and a novel amidine formation under mild conditions via DMAP/K2CO3-promoted reaction with a thioimidate-activated amide. A convenient protocol for freebasing the API was provided by stirring with solid K2CO3 and monitoring disappearance of HI by reverse-phase HPLC.
Response to Comment on Kahn and Davidson. The Reality of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention. Diabetes Care 2014;37:943–949

We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Gregg et al. (1) regarding our commentary on community-based lifestyle modification programs to prevent diabetes (2). Gregg et al. believe that we have a disagreement over the interpretation of the extant data and that in our analysis we ignored other important findings of the landmark trials. Gregg et al. (1) cite the 2012 systematic review by Ali et al. (3) (which we discussed in our article) as evidence that in community programs “an average 4% weight loss was observed” (1), which Gregg et al. believe is “comparable” to the major prevention trials. What Gregg et al. (1) ignore is the fact that the duration of the intervention and follow-up in 24 of the 28 studies in the Ali article was less than 1 year— most were 3–9 months; only 4 had a duration of 1 year. As we showed (2), which was also confirmed in a …
Predicting the probability of detecting organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in stream systems on the basis of land use in the Pacific Northwest, USA†

We analyzed streambed sediment and fish tissue (Cottus sp.) at 30 sites in the Puget Sound and Willamette basins in Washington and Oregon, USA, respectively, for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The study was designed to determine the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in fish tissue and sediment by land use within these basins and to develop an empirical relation between land use and the probability of detecting these compounds in fish tissue or sediment. We identified 14 organochlorines in fish tissue and sediment; three compounds were unique to either fish tissue or sediment samples. The highest number of organochlorines detected in both fish tissue and streambed sediment was at those sites located in watersheds dominated by urban land uses. Using logistic regression, we found a significant relation between percentage agriculture and urban land use and organochlorines in fish tissue. The results of this study indicate that organochlorine pesticides and PCBs are still found in fish tissues and bed sediments in these two basins. In addition, we produced statistically significant models capable of predicting the probability of detecting specific organochlorines in fish on the basis of land use. Although the presented models are specific to the two study basins, the modeling approach could be applied to other basins as well.
Decisions for enteral access in the intensive care unit.

When making decisions regarding nutrition support, many factors must be considered before committing a patient to receive parenteral or enteral nutrition. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is more expensive and technically more difficult to administer than enteral nutrition (EN). The charge for PN can range from US $200 to $1000 per day, where a standard hospital diet or enteral tube feedings might cost less than US $25/d. PN is also associated with a much higher incidence of biochemical complications such as hyperglycemia and other electrolyte abnormalities and catheter-related complications such as infection, thrombosis, or pneumothorax. For many years PN was preferred to EN because it was believed to be unwise to feed a critically ill patient into the gut. It has now been shown in multiple studies that it is not only feasible to feed critically ill patients early, but also it may be immunologically advantageous to feed enterally. The cost effectiveness of the nutrition support team approach to monitoring PN and EN should not be underestimated by hospital administrators. If enteral therapy can be instituted, significant patient-care cost savings may be realized. This presentation will discuss decisions that must be addressed in the intensive care unit. With more physician education, protocols can be designed to provide the most advantageous use of nutrition support for the benefit of the hospitalized patient.
Exploring navigational patterns on the web

Reports on our preliminary analyses of our research which was designed to determine the navigational patterns that users follow in the World Wide Web and hierarchical Web sites. In all, 33 participants completed the study using a within-subjects Greco-Latin design, where each person viewed two sites - one organized in a Web structure and one organized in a hierarchical structure. The results suggest no significant difference in the participants' perceptions of their navigation of the sites, the sites' ease of use, feeling lost in hyperspace, and the organization of the sites.
Post-Mortem on Prussia: The East German Position

In the East German Marxist-Leninist analysis of German history the role of Prussia, of the Prussian state and the Junkers, of Prussian militarism and agrarianism have received a great deal of attention. Since they are regarded as major causes of the catastrophes that subsequently befell Germany, this concern is of course not surprising. Moreover, class interests, special socio-economic configurations, the transition from feudal conditions to a capitalist-industrial system played so manifest a role in Prussia's rise that Marxist scholars, if only for that reason, were bound to turn to the investigation of these developments.
Variability in Resilient Modulus of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as Base Layer and its Impact on Flexible Pavement Performance

The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a base layer is gaining popularity, but there are gaps in the literature about its material performance. One problem not well investigated is the variability in the resilient modulus (MR) of RAP as a base layer, as compared with typical granular material, and the impact of this variability on pavement performance. Selection of one MR value has its own variability, beyond the expected variability in the base layer MR that results from the use of aggregates with different qualities. This paper investigates the effect of three sources of variability to determine the base layer resilient modulus in the laboratory for RAP as compared with granular material. The three sources considered were (a) the variability in the material and sample preparation for the MR testing, (b) the constitutive model used to predict the resilient modulus, and (c) the state of stress used to predict the base layer modulus. The study compared the variability of the MR of RAP with the MR o...
Fungal Chitin from Asthma-Associated Home Environments Induces Eosinophilic Lung Infiltration

Development of asthma and allergic inflammation involves innate immunity, but the environmental contributions remain incompletely defined. Analysis of dust collected from the homes of asthmatic individuals revealed that the polysaccharide chitin is environmentally widespread and associated with β-glucans, possibly from ubiquitous fungi. Cell wall preparations of Aspergillus isolated from house dust induced robust recruitment of eosinophils into mouse lung, an effect that was attenuated by enzymatic degradation of cell wall chitin and β-glucans. Mice expressing constitutively active acidic mammalian chitinase in the lungs demonstrated a significant reduction in eosinophil infiltration after fungal challenge. Conversely, chitinase inhibition prolonged the duration of tissue eosinophilia. Thus, fungal chitin derived from home environments associated with asthma induces eosinophilic allergic inflammation in the lung, and mammalian chitinases, including acidic mammalian chitinase, limit this process.
Relation of field studies and modeling in the prediction of storm runoff

Abstract Routine methods of predicting storm hydrographs do not require accurate conceptual models of storm runoff processes. Application of hydrology to the analysis of landform evolution and other scientific and land-management problems requires realistic concepts of runoff processes and their variation within drainage basins. These concepts need to be refined, developed, and formalized through more vigorous combination of rigorously designed field experiments and realistic physically-based mathematical models.
Migration of rat thoracic duct lymphocytes from tissues to central lymphatic circulation.

Abstract 3 H-Uridine labeled rat thoracic duct lymphocytes were injected into syngeneic recipients which later were subjected to thoracic duct cannulation. In recipients, about 50% of intraperitoneally injected lymphocytes recirculated, and from 0–20% of subcutaneously injected cells migrated back into the lymphatic system. No labeled cells migrated out of an air-turpentine inflammatory pouch. Since the labeled thoracic duct cells were probably almost entirely long-lived T lymphocytes, it should be emphasized that other types of lymphocytes may have quite a different potential for migration from tissues back into central lymph.
Inhibition and Recovery of Cell Wall Formation in Root Hairs of Ceratopteris thalictroides

Meekes, H. T. H. M. 1986. Inhibition and recovery of cell wall formation in root hairs of Ceratopteris thalictroides.—J. exp. Bot. 37: 1201-1210.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Study of Probe Diffusion in Poly(vinyl alcohol) Solutions and Gels

In this study, we demonstrate how the diffusion of probe particles in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solutions and gels is affected by: (i) the presence of cross-links, (ii) the cross-link density, (iii) the polymer concentration. We apply fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to measure the diffusion time of a rhodamine-based fluorescent particle (TAMRA) and TAMRA-labeled dextran in PVA solutions and gels prepared at various polymer concentrations (1% to 8.6% w/v) and cross-link densities (1/400 to 1/50 cross-link monomers per PVA monomers). The measurements indicate that the probe particles are slowed down with increasing polymer concentration and with increasing cross-link density. Also, FCS can detect differences in the diffusion times measured in fresh and aged PVA solutions. We find that FCS provides a quantitative measure of network inhomogeneities.
Batch microreactor studies of lignin and lignin model compound depolymerization by bases in alcohol solvents

Abstract The depolymerization of Kraft- and organosolv-derived lignins by KOH in supercritical methanol or ethanol was studied in rapidly heated batch microreactors. High conversions were realized, with only 7% ether insoluble material remaining after treating organosolv lignin in KOH/ethanol at 290°C. The conversion was rapid, reaching the maximum value within 10–15 min. Further studies with KOH, NaOH, CsOH, LiOH, Ca(OH)2, and Na2CO3 indicate that strong bases give superior conversion, and that combinations of bases can give both positive and negative synergistic effects. An excess of base relative to lignin monomer units was required for maximum conversion. Model compound studies confirm the dominant depolymerization route is the solvolysis of ether linkages. Ethanol solvent is also partially converted to acetic acid, higher alcohols, and other products in addition to alkylating phenolic rings. The formation of acidic products may account for the excess base requirement.
Morphology and merom gradients in the Ordovician receptaculitid Fisherites reticulatus

Finney, S.C., Fisher, D.C., & Nitecki, M.H. 1994. Morphology and merom gradients in the Ordovician receptaculitid Fisherites reticdatus. Acta Palaeontologica Polonicn 38,3/4,233-272. The Middle to Late Ordovician receptaculitid F'isherites retfculatus (Owen 1844) is the most abundant and widespread receptaculitid known, and yet existing descriptions of its morphology do not reach the level of detail achieved in recent studies of other receptaculitid taxa. We present a redescription of the morphology of individual meroms and of the entire thallus, focusing on gradients in merom number and shape. We document positional information not with distance or angular measurements, but in terms of units of organization of the thallus itself, the number of merom sites from a reference pole. Although more labor intensive, this more accurately portrays thallus symmetry and yields a characterization of form that more directly reflects the developmental program of the organism.
Uniplanar de Ronde's CPW-slot directional couplers

A new uniplanar de Ronde's CPW-slot directional coupler was developed with good amplitude characteristics and phase balance. The even-odd mode analysis of four-port networks with double symmetry was used to analyze the uniplanar de Ronde's couplers. A directional coupler with 5-dB coupling was designed and demonstrated over the frequency range of 2.4-3.4 GHz. The experimental results agree with the theoretical design. >
US–Guinea relations during the rise and fall of Charles Taylor

The Liberian civil war was the major issue in US-Guinea relations between 1990 and 2003. During the first half of this period, the US sought with limited success to secure Guinea's cooperation in finding a diplomatic solution. President Conte viewed Charles Taylor as Guinea's implacable enemy and authorised arms support for anti-Taylor factions, while the US pressed for a negotiated peace. The Guinean leader's negative reaction to US criticism of the flawed 1993 presidential elections halted most dialogue on Liberia for the next two years. When Taylor continued supporting civil war in Sierra Leone after 1997, and fighters allied to him assaulted Guinea border posts in 1999, the US strengthened its engagement with Guinea. Providing military training and non-lethal equipment, it sought to counter the threat that Guinea would succumb to the destabilisation which had afflicted Liberia and Sierra Leone. The US appears positioned to play a positive role in Guinea's political and economic transition after the departure from the scene of the seriously ill Guinean president.
Hecke Characters and Formal Group Characters

Let E be an elliptic curve with complex multiplication by the ring of integers of an imaginary quadratic field K. The theory of complex multiplication associates E with a Hecke character ψ. The Hasse-Weil L-function of E equals the Hecke L-function of ψ, whose special value at s = 1 encodes important arithmetic information of E,as predicted by the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture and verified by Rubin[Ru] when the special value is non-zero. For integers k, j, special values of the Hecke L-function associated to the Hecke character \({\psi ^k}{\bar \psi ^j}\) should encode arithmetic information of the Hecke character \({\psi ^k}{\bar \psi ^j}\) as predicted by the Bloch-Kato conjecture[B-K]. When p is a prime where E has good, ordinary reduction, the p-part of the conjecture has been verified when j = 0[Ha] and when j≠ 0, p > k[Gu]. To verify the conjecture in other cases, it is important to have an explicit description of the exponential map of Bloch and Kato. In this paper we provide such an explicit exponential map for the case j≠ 0, p ∤ k, by studying relation between the Hecke characters and formal group characters.
Ordered YAC Clone Contigs Assigned to Rice Chromosomes 3 and 11

Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones were arranged on the positions of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence-tagged site (STS) markers already mapped on the high-resolution genetic maps of rice chromosomes 3 and 11. From a total of 416 and 242 YAC clones selected by colony/Southern hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, 238 and 135 YAC clones were located on chromosomes 3 and 11, respectively. For chromosomes 3 and 11, 24 YAC contigs and islands with total coverage of about 46% and 12 contigs and islands with coverage of about 40%, respectively, were assigned. Although many DNA fragments of multiple copy marker sequences could not be mapped to their original locations on the genetic map by Southern hybridization because of a lack of RFLP, the physical mapping of YAC clones could often assign specific locations of such multiple copy sequences on the genome. The information provided here on contig formation and similar sequence distribution revealed by ordering YAC clones will help to unravel the genome organization of rice as well as being useful in isolation of genes by map-based cloning.
Empirically supported treatments in pediatric psychology: severe feeding problems.

Objective: To identify treatment studies for severe pediatric feeding problems that meet the modified methodological criteria of the Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures (1995). Methods: Articles in peer-reviewed medical and psychological journals (1970‐1997) reporting psychosocial or behavioral intervention studies targeting an identified oral feeding problem in children were selected. Methodologically rigorous studies were identified and treatments were classified as well established, probably efficacious, or promising interventions according to specified criteria. Results: Effective interventions for children with severe feeding problems are contingency management treatments that include positive reinforcement of appropriate feeding responses and ignoring or guiding inappropriate responses. Promising interventions include positive reinforcement for acceptance and not removing the spoon for refusal and swallow induction training. Conclusions: Because only studies of behavioral interventions met methodological criteria, well-controlled intervention studies are needed across a variety of theoretical perspectives. Empirically supported treatments for feeding problems exist; it is now time to turn to questions about for whom they are appropriate, and when, and why.
Kinematics of a robotic gait trainer for stroke rehabilitation

Repetitive task therapy is an effective form of rehabilitation for people suffering from the debilitating injuries of stroke. Robotic physical therapy devices have been developed in the past, many of which may benefit from the use of bidirectional pneumatic actuators. This paper presents the Robotic Gait Trainer, an ankle rehabilitation device structurally based on a tripod mechanism with one fixed link. The device incorporates two double-acting, compliant Spring Over Muscle (SOM) actuators as actuation links. The kinematic model of the tripod structure and analysis of the workspace of the robotic device are discussed. It is shown that the device is capable of moving the foot about the ankle joint in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion as well as inversion and eversion, a feature unique to the lightweight, compact and easily portable device. Results of the analysis prove that the tripod structure generates a range of motion that matches the safe anatomical range of the ankle joint during gait
Mapping Difficult Terrain: “Legal Culture,”“Legal Consciousness,” and Other Hazards for the Intrepid Explorer

By this time Gertrude Stein was in a sad state of indecision and worry. I sat next to her and she said to me early in the afternoon, what is the answer? I was silent. In that case, she said, what is the question? Then the whole afternoon was troubled, confused and very uncertain. … (Toklas, 1963: 173)
Macrophage Apoptosis in Response to High Intracellular Burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Is Mediated by a Novel Caspase-Independent Pathway

We previously reported that macrophage exposure to attenuated strains of pathogenic mycobacteria at multiplicities of infection (MOI) ≤ 10 triggers TNF-α-mediated apoptosis which reduces the viability of intracellular bacilli. Virulent strains were found to suppress macrophage apoptosis, and it was proposed that apoptosis is an innate defense against intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis analogous to apoptosis of virus-infected cells. The potential similarity of host cell responses to intracellular infection with mycobacteria and viruses suggests that M. tuberculosis might lyse infected macrophage when that niche is no longer needed. To investigate this question, we challenged murine macrophages with high intracellular bacillary loads. A sharp increase in cytolysis within 24 h was observed at MOI ≥ 25. The primary death mode was apoptosis, based on nuclear morphology and phosphatidyl serine exposure, although the apoptotic cells progressed rapidly to necrosis. Apoptosis at high MOI differs markedly from low MOI apoptosis: it is potently induced by virulent M. tuberculosis, it is TNF-α-independent, and it does not reduce mycobacterial viability. Caspase inhibitors failed to prevent high MOI apoptosis, and macrophages deficient in caspase-3, MyD88, or TLR4 were equally susceptible as wild type. Apoptosis was reduced in the presence of cathepsin inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of lysosomal proteases in this novel death response. We conclude that the presence of high numbers of intracellular M. tuberculosis bacilli triggers a macrophage cell death pathway that could promote extracellular spread of infection and contribute to the formation of necrotic lesions in tuberculosis.
Risks for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes associated with the metabolic syndrome: a summary of the evidence.

OBJECTIVE —In recent years, several major organizations have endorsed the concept of the metabolic syndrome and developed working definitions for it. How well these definitions predict the risk for adverse events in people with the metabolic syndrome is only now being learned. The purpose of this study was to summarize the estimates of relative risk for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes reported from prospective studies in samples from the general population using definitions of the metabolic syndrome developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and World Health Organization (WHO). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —The author reviewed prospective studies from July 1998 through August 2004. RESULTS —For studies that used the exact NCEP definition of the metabolic syndrome, random-effects estimates of combined relative risk were 1.27 (95% CI 0.90–1.78) for all-cause mortality, 1.65 (1.38–1.99) for cardiovascular disease, and 2.99 (1.96–4.57) for diabetes. For studies that used the most exact WHO definition of the metabolic syndrome, the fixed-effects estimates of relative risk were 1.37 (1.09–1.74) for all-cause mortality and 1.93 (1.39–2.67) for cardiovascular disease; the fixed-effects estimate was 2.60 (1.55–4.38) for coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS —These estimates suggest that the population-attributable fraction for the metabolic syndrome, as it is currently conceived, is ∼6–7% for all-cause mortality, 12–17% for cardiovascular disease, and 30–52% for diabetes. Further research is needed to establish the use of the metabolic syndrome in predicting risk for death, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in various population subgroups.
Incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in acute care using two different risk assessment scales: results of a retrospective study

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿More than one million people develop pressure ulcers (PU) every year in the US - a major problem that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. A hospital-acquired PU (HAPU) is defined as any ulcer noted 24 or more hours after hospital admission. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the incidence of HAPUs between two 1-year periods of time (March 1, 2007 through March 17, 2008 and March 18, 2008 through March 31, 2009) at an acute care facility. Records from all admitted adult medical-surgical and critical care patients along with routinely submitted quality control reports on patients who acquired PUs during hospitalization were reviewed and abstracted. A locally developed PU risk assessment instrument (SST) was used during the first time period and the Braden Scale (BS) was used during the second time period. The overall PU incidence was 368 in 41,840 patient admissions (8.80 per 1,000); 9.49 in the SST and 8.08 in the BS patient sample (P = 0.125). No significant differences in patient age, race, and PU severity or location were observed. However, the incidence of more severe ulcers (Stage III and Stage IV) was lower in the BS group (0.5667 in the SST group compared to 0.2419 per 1,000 admissions in the BS group) even though median patient length of stay was longer (28 days and 34 days in the SST and BS groups, respectively), suggesting that use of a valid and reliable PU risk assessment instrument may reduce the incidence of severe PUs. Study design and sample size limit the ability to generalize the results of this study. Controlled clinical studies comparing the effect of different PU risk assessment instruments on PU incidence are needed.
Cotton Futures Markets in Europe

The price of American cotton tends to be a world price. It is made primarily in the futures markets of the world, which are based on American cotton, because the American crop is the most important and the futures contract is the most highly standardized and the most liquid. The futures markets are the clearing houses for all information which affects either the supply of cotton or the demand for it. This discussion will not be concerned with the problems and technique of handling and marketing spot cotton, for, while they are important and helpful, they are not essential to a fair understanding of the operation and functions of cotton futures markets. Moreover, accurate studies of prices for comparative purposes are more easily made in the futures than the spot cotton markets. There are in all the world only eight cotton futures markets. Three of these, New York, New Orleans, and Chicago, are in America; three of the others, Liverpool, Havre, and Bremen, are in Europe. The seventh one is in Alexandria, and the eighth in Bombay. The first six of these are based on and specify the delivery of cotton of the growth of the United States. The one in Alexandria is based on long staple Egyptian cotton and the one in Bombay on Indian cotton. This discussion will deal entirely with the three European futures markets except where it is advisable to make comparisons with American markets for illustrative purposes. Europe represents the biggest single source of demand for American cotton. Prior to the War, she took normally approximately 56 per cent of the crop. Since the war, the percentage taken by her has not averaged so high. In only one year, 1924-25, has she taken over 50 per cent. When normal conditions are restored, she will probably take about half the American crop. In order therefore to understand the world's price of American cotton and