cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The physical basis of natural units and truly fundamental constants

The natural unit system, in which the value of fundamental constants such as c and ℏ are set equal to one and all quantities are expressed in terms of a single unit, is usually introduced as a calculational convenience. However, we demonstrate that this system of natural units has a physical justification as well. We discuss and review the natural units, including definitions for each of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI) in terms of a single unit. We also review the fundamental constants, which can be classified as units-dependent or units-independent. Units-independent constants, whose values are not determined by human conventions of units, may be interpreted as inherent constants of nature.
Prenatal Mortality in the Bovine between Pregnancy Diagnosis at 34-50 Days Post-Insemination and Parturition

Summary Prenatal mortality was observed in 44 out of 690 females that were diagnosed pregnant at 34-50 days post-insemination. The fetal mortality between pregnancy diagnosis and parturition was 6.38% with a standard deviation of 1.87. During gestation the variation in loss of pregnancy between 30-day periods was not significant (P > 0.05).
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide: key regulator of cutaneous immunity

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been viewed as a neuropeptide and vasodilator. However, CGRP is more appropriately thought of as a pleiotropic signalling molecule. Indeed, CGRP has key regulatory functions on immune and inflammatory processes within the skin. CGRP-containing nerves are intimately associated with epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), and CGRP has profound regulatory effects on Langerhans cell antigen-presenting capability. When LCs are exposed to CGRP in vitro, their ability to present antigen for in vivo priming of naive mice or elicitation of delayed-type hypersensitivity is inhibited in at least some situations. Administration of CGRP intradermally inhibits acquisition of immunity to Th1-dominant haptens applied to the injected site while augmenting immunity to Th2-dominant haptens, although the cellular targets of activity in these experiments remain unclear. Although CGRP can be a pro-inflammatory agent, several studies have demonstrated that administration of CGRP can inhibit the elicitation of inflammation by inflammatory stimuli in vivo. In this regard, CGRP inhibits the release of certain chemokines by stimulated endothelial cells. This is likely to be physiologically relevant as cutaneous blood vessels are innervated by sensory nerves. Exciting new studies suggest a significant role for CGRP in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and, most strikingly, that CGRP inhibits the ability of LCs to transmit the human immunodeficiency virus 1 to T lymphocytes. A more complete understanding of the role of CGRP in the skin immune system may lead to new and novel approaches for the therapy of immune-mediated skin disorders.
Performance measurements of turbo-coded bandwidth efficient modulations in the presence of a nonlinear TWTA

This paper presents results obtained from an end-to-end, proof-of-concept system for a GOES-R series satellite communication system, that integrates a multilevel modulator, turbo coding, and a nonlinear traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA). Multilevel modulation schemes allow high-speed data communications in a limited amount of spectrum, enabling higher data rates for GOES-R user downlink, as compared to the GOES user downlinks within the existing L-band allocation. Bandwidth-efficient modulations, such as 8-PSK and 16-QAM allow transmission of 3 or 4 times more data in the same amount of bandwidth than a standard BPSK modulation. This improvement, however, comes at the price of increased linearity requirements for the end-to-end link. This constraint is especially important for the power amplifier, which is typically a nonlinear device. TWTAs are frequently used on satellites for transmitter power amplification. These high-power devices operate at highest efficiency when in saturation mode. However, their transfer function is highly nonlinear in this mode, causing significant degradation in the link bit error rate (BER). Applying forward error correction based on turbo codes improves the BER by providing an additional noise margin of up to 5 dB. This paper presents measured BER curves for different Turbo codes, taken at different power levels relative to saturation. The results demonstrate that very low BER (below 10-10)can be achieved when using 8-PSK even when operating within 1 dB of saturation. This research and study was done by the Aerospace corporation in support of NOAA, and its future GOES-R series satellites.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The OsGEX2 Gene Promoter Confers Sperm Cell Expression in Transgenic Rice

Expression control elements (i.e., promoters) are crucial components required for the genetic engineering of plants, but relatively few well-characterized organ-specific promoters are available. We have characterized the rice Gamete Expressed 2 (OsGEX2) gene promoter in transgenic rice plants. The OsGEX2 gene (Os09g25650) is homologous to Arabidopsis GEX2, a gene that exhibits expression specifically in the gametic cells of Arabidopsis pollen. The OsGEX2 gene transcript was only detected in rice pollen (or mixed tissues containing pollen) and not found in other organs or tissues. Transgenic rice plants containing an OsGEX2 promoter fused to a GUSPlus reporter gene displayed cell type-specific β-glucuronidase enzyme activity localized within the sperm cells of mature rice pollen. This expression pattern was clearly distinct from the uniform reporter gene activity observed in the pollen vegetative cell of transgenic rice carrying the rice Pollen Specific 1 promoter. The sperm cell reporter gene activity in OsGEX2–GUSPlus transgenic plants correlated well with the native gene transcript levels, suggesting that the cis-regulatory elements necessary for this specificity are present in the 1.9-kb OsGEX2 promoter fragment. The OsGEX2 promoter with its cell type-specific expression will be a useful tool for precisely controlling sperm cell gene expression in rice and potentially other cereal crop plants.
Topical tritiated thymidine for epidermal growth fraction determination

Abstract Direct autoradiographic identification of the epidermal growth fraction (GF) requires the delivery of tritiated thymidine ([ 3 H]dThd) to the skin during the time interval of an entire cell cycle. The GF in normal human epidermis has not been directly measured using this technique because the systemic infusion of radioactive [ 3 H]dThd in benign skin conditions is precluded by ethical considerations. Studies were undertaken to assess the feasibility of measuring the epidermal GF in vivo by the topical delivery of [ 3 H]dThd. The percutaneous penetration of [ 3 H]dThd in various vehicles was evaluated to select an effective topical delivery system. A vehicle consisting of Azone, isopropanol, and water (2:49:49) was the best of 4 different vehicles tested. The optimal penetration of [ 3 H]dThd, with respect to the concentration of Azone over a range of 0–4%, was achieved at 2%. During the initial 24 h following a single topical application of [ 3 H]dThd to hairless mice the labeling increased linearly with time. In vivo studies in hairless mice produced a GF of 95% by both continuous systematic [ 3 H]dThd infusion, and by twice daily topical [ 3 H]dThd. Azone vehicles induced epidermal hyperplasia which was minimized by lowering the Azone concentration and by decreasing the frequency of applications from 24 to 48 h. These studies establish the rationale for using topical delivery of [ 3 H]dThd for the in vivo measurement of epidermal GF.
Background Selections of Geometrid and Noctuid Moths

Several common moths, collected at night and placed in an experimental box, showed daytime selections of backgrounds which tended to match the reflectance of their forewings. In one case, two distinct forms of a species showed dijferent background selections.
Variables Influencing the Precision of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Measurements

Several factors influence the precision of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements. This paper reports on the effect of emission signal temporal development, sample translational velocity, number of spectra accumulated, laser pulse stability, detector gate delay, surface roughness, and use of background correction on LIBS precision. The results are presented in two formats: within measurement/shot-to-shot precision (intra-measurement) and between measurement precision (inter-measurement). The data indicate that intra- and inter-measurement precision are optimized under different conditions. The best precision obtained was 0.03% .
My concerns about the AAP clinical report on "Motor delays: early identification and evaluation".

The authors should be congratulated for their expert guidance on promptly identifying motor delays and disorders. I support their emphasis on a 48-month broadband/general developmental screening for kindergarten readiness. Nonetheless, I have some concerns. Introduction: “The most commonly used developmental screening tools (the Ages & Stages Questionnaire [ASQ] and Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status [PEDS]) have not been validated on children with motor delays.” Yes, additional research is needed; however, studies suggest clinicians can rely on the results of the ASQ as a whole but not solely on the failed gross or fine motor domains to identify neuromotor delays.1,2 Other research supports the ASQ’s ability to detect gross motor delays3 and cerebral …
Children in the forest: towards a canonical problem of spatio-temporal collaboration

Canonical problems are simplified representations of a class of real world problems. They allow researchers to compare algorithms in a standard setting which captures the most important challenges of the real world problems being modeled. Such examples are the block world for planning, two-player games for algorithms which learn the behavior of the opponent agent, or the "split the pie" game for a large class of negotiation problems.In this paper we focus on negotiating collaboration in space and time, a problem with many important real world applications. Although technically a multi-issue negotiation, we show that the problem can not be represented in a satisfactory manner by the split the pie model. We propose the "children in the rectangular forest" (CRF) model as a possible canonical problem for negotiating spatio-temporal collaboration. By exploring a centralized and a peer-to-peer negotiation based solution, we demonstrate that the problem captures the main challenges of the real world problems while allows us to simplify away some of the computationally demanding but semantically marginal features of real world problems.
The role of threat and efficacy in AIDS prevention.

The results of a factorial-design study conducted among sexually active US college students suggest that fear-provoking messages can induce behavioral changes that reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as long as the recommended responses are perceived as effective. 115 students were told they were participants in a study to evaluate acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) educational materials and presented with a core message derived from AIDS prevention campaigns a case study of a fictitious AIDS patient and a message about the effectiveness of condoms. Threat (high moderate low) was varied in the core message and case study while efficacy (high low) was manipulated in the information about condoms. After reviewing the materials students completed a post-test questionnaire. A follow-up questionnaire was administered 6 weeks later. Students exposed to the high-threat message were most likely to believe AIDS is a serious disease; they further viewed themselves as more susceptible to AIDS and were more fearful of the virus than those exposed to moderate and low-threat messages. Similarly students exposed to high-efficacy messages about condoms believed condoms were more effective in preventing AIDS than low-efficacy subjects and had stronger beliefs that they could use condoms to reduce their risk of HIV infection. Students most likely to report condom use in the 6 weeks after the experiment were those in the high-threat high-efficacy subgroup. In contrast when a highly frightening AIDS message was coupled with a message that condoms often fail students attitudes toward and use of condoms deteriorated in the follow-up period. Overall these findings suggest that behavior change is most likely to occur when perceived efficacy outweighs perceived threat.
Mars laser communication demonstration: what it would have been

The Mars Laser Communications Demonstration Project completed a preliminary system design for sending data at 1-30 Mbps from a spacecraft orbiting Mars. The flight transceiver diameter was 30.6 cm, transmitting 5 W average laser power at 1064 nm and using 32- and 64-ary pulse position modulation (PPM). A ground network comprised of two receive terminals (5-m and 1.6-m effective diameter) and two transmit terminals for sending 1076 nm lasers would have been used to communicate with the transceiver.
MATING BIOLOGY OF AUSTROMUSOTIMA CAMPTOZONALE (LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE), A POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT OF OLD WORLD CLIMBING FERN, LYGODIUM MICROPHYLLUM (SCHIZAEACEAE)

Abstract Austromusotima camptozonale (Hampson) is under investigation as a potential biological control agent of Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br., which is a serious invasive weed in southern Florida. Studies were conducted to investigate aspects of the mating biology of A. camptozonale with a view to improving field colonization efforts. A laboratory colony of A. camptozonale had a female-biased sex ratio of 1:1.3 male:female, with females emerging slightly earlier than males. The majority of female moths mated only once, even when they were confined with multiple males for several nights. Sex ratio had a significant effect on the percentage of females that were mated, with higher percentages of females mated at high male sex ratios. However sex ratio had no effect on the number of times individual females mated. Larval production was significantly higher in colony cages with high male sex ratios, and this was likely due to the higher percentages of females that were mated in ...
Comparative Enzymology of (2S,4R)4-Fluoroglutamine and (2S,4R)4-Fluoroglutamate

Abstract Many cancer cells have a strong requirement for glutamine. As an aid for understanding this phenomenon the 18 F-labeled 2 S ,4 R stereoisomer of 4-fluoroglutamine [(2 S ,4 R )4-FGln] was previously developed for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET). In the present work, comparative enzymological studies of unlabeled (2 S ,4 R )4-FGln and its deamidated product (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu were conducted as an adjunct to these PET studies. Our findings are as follows: Rat kidney preparations catalyze the deamidation of (2 S ,4 R )4-FGln. (2,4 R )4-FGln and (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu are substrates of various aminotransferases. (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu is a substrate of glutamate dehydrogenase, but not of sheep brain glutamine synthetase. The compound is, however, a strong inhibitor of this enzyme. Rat liver cytosolic fractions catalyze a γ-elimination reaction with (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu, generating α-ketoglutarate. Coupling of a deamidase reaction with this γ-elimination reaction provides an explanation for the previous detection of 18 F − in tumors exposed to [ 18 F](2 S ,4 R )4-FGln. One enzyme contributing to this reaction was identified as alanine aminotransferase, which catalyzes competing γ-elimination and aminotransferase reactions with (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu. This appears to be the first description of an aminotransferase catalyzing a γ-elimination reaction. The present results demonstrate that (2 S ,4 R )4-FGln and (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu are useful analogues for comparative studies of various glutamine- and glutamate-utilizing enzymes in normal and cancerous mammalian tissues, and suggest that tumors may metabolize (2 S ,4 R )4-FGln in a generally similar fashion to glutamine. In plants, yeast and bacteria a major route for ammonia assimilation involves the consecutive action of glutamate synthase plus glutamine synthetase (glutamate synthase cycle). It is suggested that (2 S ,4 R )4-FGln and (2 S ,4 R )4-FGlu will be useful probes in studies of ammonia assimilation by the glutamate synthase pathway in these organisms. Finally, glutamine transaminases are conserved in mammals, plants and bacteria, and probably serve to close the methionine salvage pathway, thus linking nitrogen metabolism to sulfur metabolism and one-carbon metabolism. It is suggested that (2 S ,4 R )4-FGln may be useful in studies of the methionine salvage pathway in a variety of organisms.
Puerto Rican Natural Support Systems: Impact on Families, Communities, and Schools.

This manuscript focuses on the identification and use of Puerto Rican natural support systems in collaborative ventures with schools and other systems. The article presents the results of a longitudinal study of 24 Puerto Rican families with children in a local elementary school. Implications are presented for a developmental approach for school involvement with natural support systems in an urban environment.
Treatment resistant depression and axis I co-morbidity.

Background. Treatment resistant depression (TRD) continues to present a formidable challenge to clinicians, accounts for over half of the annual costs associated with treatment for depression and causes great frustration to patients. Although there have been studies attempting to define TRD, little information is available as to the cause of TRD. One suggestion is that patients with TRD have a greater frequency of co-morbid psychiatric disorders, which explains their resistance to standard antidepressant treatments. The objective of this study was to compare the co-morbidity of Axis I disorders between a sample of TRD patients and a sample of non-TRD patients.Methods. TRD and non-TRD patients, recruited from two separate antidepressant treatment studies, were assessed for Axis I co-morbidity using the SCID-P for the DSM-III-R. Patients for the two samples were then matched for baseline HAM-D-17 total score and gender.Results. Results reveal that non-TRD patients had a higher rate of both lifetime and current generalized anxiety disorder co-morbidity than did the TRD patients. No other statistically significant differences in Axis I co-morbidity were found.Conclusions. These findings do not support the idea that current or lifetime Axis I co-morbidity is more common in TRD than non-TRD patients. In fact, the only statistical difference showed non-TRD patients with higher co-morbidity rates.
Can the histologic changes of cystic fibrosis-associated hepatobiliary disease be predicted by clinical criteria?

Background Correlation between clinical parameters and histology changes in cystic fibrosis liver disease has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the histologic spectrum of cystic fibrosis liver disease and the degree to which a clinical scoring system can identify subjects with significant histologic abnormalities. Methods We reviewed the predictive value of physical examination, biochemical parameters, and a clinical liver score, incorporating physical examination and biochemical parameters, in predicting significant abnormalities of liver histology in 43 cystic fibrosis patients who underwent hepatic biopsy. Biopsies were scored by two masked pathologists for fibrosis, inflammation, inspissation, fatty infiltration, and congestion. Results Significant histologic disease was present in 56% of patients despite little biochemical or physical examination evidence of disease. No single parameter used in the scoring system predicted the type or degree of the liver disease. The clinical liver score had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 82% in predicting significant histologic changes, yet it was unable to predict the specific lesion. Conclusions Significant histologic liver disease is common in cystic fibrosis, although the exact nature of the lesion cannot be predicted without liver biopsy. A clinical liver score that was developed for this may be useful in determining which patients require more definitive evaluation.
Catalytic Asymmetric Acyl Halide‐Aldehyde Cyclocondensation Reaction

(S)-Valinol Triethylamine Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (S)-N-Trifluoromethylsulfonyl-2-isopropylaziridine Benzylamine (2S,6S)-4-Benzyl-1,7-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-2,6-disopropyll-1,4,7-triazaheptane Disiopropylethylamine Trimethylaluminum Acetyl bromide Hydrocinnamaldehyde (4S)-4-(2-Phenethyl)oxetane-2-one Keywords: cyclocondensation; catalyst; asymmetric reaction; acyl halide; aldehyde; enantioenriched β-lactones; oxetanones; waste disposal
Reliability of the Goutallier classification in quantifying muscle fatty degeneration in the lumbar multifidus using magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of the Goutallier classification system (GCS) for grading muscle fatty degeneration in the lumbar multifidus (LM) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Methods Lumbar spine MRI scans were obtained retrospectively from the radiology department imaging system. Two examiners (a chiropractic diagnostic imaging resident and a board certified chiropractic radiologist with 30 years of experience) independently graded each LM at the L4/5 and L5/S1 intervertebral level. ImageJ pixel analysis software (version 1.47; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) was used independently by 2 observers to quantify the percent fat of the LM and allow correlation between LM percent fat and GCS grade. Twenty-five subject MRIs were randomly selected. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were included if they were obtained using a 1.5 T imaging system and were excluded if there was evidence of spinal infection, tumor, fracture, or postoperative changes. For all tests, P Results Intraobserver reliability grading LM fat ranged from a weighted κ ( κ w ) of 0.71 to 0.93. Mean interobserver reliability grading LM fat was κ w , 0.76 to κ w , 0.85. There was a significant ( P Conclusions In this study, the GCS was reliable in grading LM fatty degeneration and correlated positively with a quantified percent fat value. In addition, ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health) was reliable between raters when quantifying LM percent fat.
Developing a Systematic Framework for Utilizing Discrete Types of Qualitative Data as Therapy Research Evidence

In a follow-up study on a "Research Jury Method" for qualitatively adjudicating statements about psychotherapy process and outcome (Bohart, Tallman, Byock, & Mackrill, 2011), the utility of 56 criteria for aiding jurors in analyzing a case history was examined. It was found that these criteria were useful in helping jurors identify aspects of the case that led to their conclusions. Utilizing the criteria also helped jurors adjudicate differences between them.
Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Examination as a Predictor of Neuromotor Outcome in Premature Infants

There was a marked correlation (P less than .000001) between neonatal neurodevelopmental examination results and neuromotor outcome at 1 year of age or older in 210 high-risk premature infants (mean birth weight 1,107 g, mean gestational age 28.4 weeks). This neonatal examination consisted of assessment of posture, extremity and axial tone, deep tendon reflexes, pathologic reflexes, primitive reflexes, symmetry, oromotor function, cranial nerve function, auditory and visual responses, and behavior. Premature infants whose neonatal neurodevelopmental examination results were abnormal had significantly higher incidences of both cerebral palsy (38% v 6%, P less than .000001) and minor neuromotor dysfunction (27% v 13%, p less than .05) than did premature infants whose examination results were normal. This correlation continued to be highly significant even with the analysis of subgroups (infants born at or before 27 weeks' gestation, infants with chronic lung disease discharged with oxygen supplementation, infants with periventricular hemorrhage) and when a variety of individual perinatal, demographic, and social variables were used as controls. Normal or nearly normal neonatal neurodevelopmental examination results can be used to reassure parents of high-risk premature infants. Although abnormal neonatal neurodevelopmental examination results cannot be used to diagnose handicap in premature infants, they can be used to select a group of high-risk infants who should be carefully monitored during infancy and childhood.
Identification of the gene encoding the sole physiological fumarate reductase in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is a Gram-negative, nonfermentative rod with a complex electron transport system which facilitates its ability to use a variety of terminal electron acceptors, including fumarate, for anaerobic respiration. CMTn-3, a mutant isolated by transposon (TnphoA) mutagenesis, can no longer use fumarate as an electron acceptor; it lacks fumarate reductase activity as well as a 65-kDa soluble tetraheme flavocytochrome c. The sequence of the TnphoA-flanking genomic DNA of CMTn-3 did not align to those for fumarate reductase or related electron transport genes from other bacteria. Sequence analysis of the MR-1 genomic database demonstrated that an open reading frame encoding a 65-kDa tetraheme cytochrome c with sequence similarity to the fumarate reductase from S. frigidimarina NCIMB400 was found 8 kb away from the TnphoA-flanking genomic DNA of CMTn-3. PCR analysis demonstrated that a large deletion (>or=9.2 kb and <or=11 kb) of genomic DNA occurred in CMTn-3 as a result of TnphoA insertion. This deletion included at least half of the fumarate reductase gene as well as approximately 8 kb of upstream DNA. Complementation of CMTn-3 with the fumarate reductase gene plus 0.5-kb of upstream DNA restored growth on fumarate. These studies explicitly define the sole physiological fumarate reductase gene from the several possibilities suggested by the genomic sequence of MR-1. Surprisingly, the fumarate reductase gene plus 0.77-kb upstream DNA from S. frigidimarina NCIMB400 did not complement CMTn-3.
Measurement of vector and tensor analyzing powers in the d + 3He three-body break-up

Abstract The vector analyzing power Ay and the two tensor analyzing powers Ayy and Axx have been measured for the three-body break-up reactions d + 3 He → p + 3 He + n and d + 3 He → p + t + p . Two of the outgoing particles were identified and detected in coincidence at θlab = ±30°. The deuteron bombarding energy was Ed = 15 MeV. The measurements are backed up by a series of tests in order to prove the absence of false asymmetries.
Protection against antisocial behavior in children exposed to physically abusive discipline.

Abstract Purpose The study investigated protective factors (school commitment/importance, parent/peer disapproval of antisocial behavior, positive future orientation, and religion) hypothesized to lower risk for antisocial behavior among adolescents who, as children, had been physically abused. Protective factors also were investigated for comparison, nonabused children, and for children at risk on abuse and other factors: low socioeconomic status and early antisocial behavior. Methods Analyses used a two-step hierarchical regression approach. In step 1, age, gender, and early antisocial behavior were entered as controls. In step 2, each protective factor was entered separately as a predictor. A final regression model in each case examined the additive (combined) effect of all protective factors on a given outcome. Tests of predictor-by-group interactions were used to examine group differences. Results Among abused and nonabused children, having a strong commitment to school, having parents and peers who disapprove of antisocial behavior, and being involved in a religious community lowered rates of lifetime violence, delinquency, and status offenses. Having a positive future orientation appeared less powerful as a protective influence. Exposure to an increasing number of protective factors was for each outcome associated with a diminution in risk for antisocial behavior. Conclusions Protective factors represent targets for preventive intervention that are viable for children as they enter adolescence. The fact that protective factors were predictive of lower antisocial behavior in both the abuse and comparison groups suggests that protective effects are more universal than they are unique to a given group of children.
Finding all bessel type solutions for linear differential equations with rational function coefficients

A linear differential equation with rational function coefficients has a Bessel type solution when it is solvable in terms of Bv(f), Bv+1(f). For second order equations, with rational function coefficients, f must be a rational function or the square root of a rational function. An algorithm was given by Debeerst, van Hoeij, and Koepf, that can compute Bessel type solutions if and only if f is a rational function. In this paper we extend this work to the square root case, resulting in a complete algorithm to find all Bessel type solutions.
Analysis and average value model of a source-commutated 5-phase rectifier

The steady-state behaviors of a 5-phase diode rectifier system connected to both an inductive voltage source and a synchronous machine have been investigated. For the voltage source/rectifier system, research has been performed in hardware and simulation, starting with a light load and ending with a short circuit on the DC bus. Seven modes of operation have been identified. Analytical average value models relating output current and voltage have been derived for each mode. Comparisons are made to 3-phase systems of identical volume. For the machine/rectifier system, a different regulation characteristic has been observed, due to the effect of mutual inductances between phase windings. Operation modes are shown to be the same as those of the voltage source/rectifier system. Analytical average-value models for two modes of operation have been established, and agree well with detailed simulation results.
Modeling of an improved Chemical Vapor infiltration Process for Ceramic Composites Fabrication

A quasi-steady-state approach is applied to model the pressure-driven, temperature-gradient chemical vapor infiltration (improved CVI process) for ceramic matrix composites fabrication. The deposited matrix in this study is SiC which is converted from the thermal decomposition of methyltrichlorosilane gas under excess hydrogen. A three-dimensional unit cell is adopted to simulate the spatial arrangements of reinforcements in discontinuous fiber mats and three-dimensionally woven fabrics. The objectives of this paper are to predict (1) the temperature and density distributions in a fibrous preform during processing, (2) the advancement of the solidified front, (3) the total fabrication period, and (4) the vapor inlet pressure variation for maintaining a constant flow rate. Furthermore, the effect of boundary temperature and inlet pressure variations on the total proassing period is also studied. The fabrication temperature examined in this paper is in the range between 873 and 1473 K, and the pressure is from 1.0001 to 2.0000 atm (1.0134 × 105 to 2.0265 × 105 Pa). Based upon this analysis, the influence of the reactor condition on the density of the final product in a CVI process can be quantified.
The Research to Practice Gap in Special Education.

In the last 100 years, research discoveries and new knowledge have transformed the lives of many around the world. Special education research has provided equally startling advances leading to improved practices that have dramatically improved the lives, learning, and competencies of persons with and without disabilities. Common to research in all disciplines is the gap between initial discoveries and their becoming a part of routine practices. However, unique to special and general education research are the separateness of the research and practice communities, the limited relevance of educational research, the failure to articulate manageable research-validated interventions, and the weak opportunities for professional development. These are among the primary reasons that explain the current gap between research and practice in special education. Implications and solutions are discussed.
Campylobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease

Campylobacter pylori is now known to be the most common and important cause of gastritis, and C. pylori infections have been associated with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, nonulcer dyspepsia, and gastric cancer. Although it has been only possible to culture C. pylori for about 5 yr, there are already sufficient data available to allow us to develop the basic framework that relates C. pylori gastritis to the causation of peptic ulcer disease. We review the data and propose mechanisms that implicate C. pylori as an important factor in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease and consider the therapeutic implications. What we now know about C. pylori begins to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding peptic ulcer disease.
RECOVERY AND EVALUATION OF SOYBEAN PLANTS TRANSGENIC FOR A BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS VAR. KURSTAKI INSECTICIDAL GENE

Lepidopteran insects are major defoliating pests of soybean in the southeastern United States. Soybean plants transgenic for a nativecryIA(b) gene fromBacillus thuringiensis var.kurstaki HD-1 were obtained. Embryogenic cultures were induced by plating cotyledons on a Murashige and Skoog-based medium supplemented with 40 mg/liter of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The embryogenic cultures were maintained in liquid medium containing 5 mg/liter 2,4-D. These cultures were subjected to microprojectile bombardment, followed by selection on 50 mg/liter hygromycin. Resistant embryogenic cell lines were transferred to growth regulator-free medium to permit recovery of mature somatic embryos. After a desiccation period, the somatic embryos were returned to growth regulator-free medium for conversion into plants. Southern hybridization analysis verified transformation. Feeding assays of T1 plants from one cell line deterred feeding, development, and survival of velvetbean caterpillar at a level comparable to that of GatIR81-296, a soybean breeding line with a high level of insect resistance. Reduced feeding on T1 plants correlated with the presence of the transgene.
Estimating Models with Dispersed Information

We conduct likelihood evaluation of a DSGE model in which firms have imperfect common knowledge. Imperfect common knowledge is found to be more successful than price stickiness a la Calvo to account for the highly persistent effects of nominal shocks on output and inflation. Our likelihood analysis suggests that firms pay little attention to aggregate nominal conditions. This paper shows that such allocation of attention is plausible because it is optimal for firms with a reasonably small size of information frictions and a size of idiosyncratic uncertainty that is in line with the micro evidence on price changes. (JEL C51, D83, E13, E23, E31)
Complete Coating of Underlying Pt Electrodes by Electrochemical Reduction of Graphene Oxide

Abstract Graphene oxide electrochemically reduced from aqueous and nonaqueous graphene oxide suspensions was compared. The protocol that utilized the nonaqueous suspension resulted in a more reproducibly complete covering of the underlying Pt electrode while still retaining its electrochemical integrity. The hydrogen evolution reaction was found to be detrimental to achieving complete electrode coverage from the aqueous suspension due to H 2 bubbles physically dislodging previously reduced graphene oxide. However, since this parasitic reaction does not proceed as readily in organic solvents such as DMF, the nonaqueous reduction was able to form a complete layer once the aqueous suspension was drop-casted and dried on the Pt electrode. The graphene oxide-coated electrodes resulting from both aqueous and nonaqueous protocols were compared using electrochemistry, SEM, AFM, and XPS. Overall, the sample produced from the nonaqueous suspension possessed a significantly rougher morphology and was determined to possess a higher amount of reduced carbon than that produced using the aqueous suspension.
The Devil’s in the Details: A Multidimensional Account of State Secularism

What explains the wide variation in patterns of religion-state relations on a global scale? In particular, how can one assess the relative merits of hypotheses based on modernization, civilization, or historical path dependence as explanations for variation in legal secularism? We advance a two-stage argument using statistical methods to sort out the influence of structural, historical and cultural variables on state-religion relations. We begin by using data available from the Religion and State Database to identify four underlying dimensions of institutional secularism that exist at the global level. Each of these facets of secularism yields a distinct dependent variable, which allows for more precise assessment of the causal factors driving diverse elements of global secularism. We then use regression analysis to assess the plausibility of various causal explanations for these distinct elements of secularism. These models include original coding for a range of historical legacies, such as patterns of colonial rule, along with levels of religious pluralism, predominant religious tradition, and regime type. These results demonstrate that both structural features such as level of modernization and historical legacies such as French colonial and Communist rule have enduring independent effects on the nature of state regulation of religion. These results clarify the global practice of legal secularism, and improve the theoretical categories that guide scholarly analysis of this phenomenon.
Tumor cell killing by macrophages activated in vitro with lymphocyte mediators: II. Inhibition by inhibitors of protein synthesis

Abstract The effect of inhibitors of protein synthesis on the killing of tumor cells by in vitro activated macrophages was determined. Cytotoxicity was inhibited by concentrations of puromycin, pactamycin, and actinomycin D that almost completely inhibited protein synthesis by guinea pig macrophages, but not by concentrations of drug that inhibited protein synthesis by only ± 50%. Cytotoxicity was inhibited when the effector macrophages were pretreated with the metabolic inhibitors, but not when the drugs were added 30 to 60 min after the initiation of the reaction. Pretreatment with puromycin or pactamycin also markedly inhibited the binding of tumor cells by mediator activated macrophages. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that one possible mechanism by which inhibitors of protein synthesis inhibit macrophage mediated cytotoxicity is by inhibiting close contact between effector and target cells. The finding that pretreatment of activated macrophages with trypsin also inhibits tumor cell killing suggests that protein synthesis may be necessary to maintain an adequate number of “recognition structures” on the macrophage membrane, structures that mediate the initial contact between the activated macrophage and the target tumor.
Coccospora Agricola Goddard, Its Specific Status, Relationships, and Cellulolytic Activity

Three living cultures are identified as Coccospora agricola, a species described by H. N. Goddard in 1913, but which has remained an unknown entity since that time. Goddard's species is considered ...
Effect of the Patch Material and Dimension on the Vascular Mechanics After Aortic Coarctation Repair Surgery

The patch material and dimension are two important factors which might affect the surgical outcomes after the aortic arch coarctation repair surgery. To quantity their acute impacts on the biomechanical environment of the repaired aortic arch, an aortic arch model was constructed and the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) technique was utilized to characterize its hemodynamics and wall mechanics. Three different patch materials were considered including pulmonary artery, ECM CorMatrix and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The induced wall shear stress, distribution of flow patterns, and von-Mises stress on arterial wall were compared. Results showed that ECM CorMatrix patch had better performance Two different patch dimension (large v.s small) using CorMatrix patch were compared and the relatively smaller patch demonstrated a better hemodynamics than the larger one. No significant difference in terms of wall stress was observed between the different patch sizes.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Seamless elastic boundaries for atomistic calculations

Modeling interfacial phenomena often requires both a detailed atomistic description of surface interactions and accurate calculations of long-range deformations in the substrate. The latter can be efficiently obtained using an elastic Green's function if substrate deformations are small. We present a general formulation for rapidly computing the Green's function for a planar surface given the interatomic interactions, and then coupling the Green's function to explicit atoms. The approach is fast, avoids ghost forces, and is not limited to nearest-neighbor interactions. The full system comprising explicit interfacial atoms and an elastic substrate is described by a single Hamiltonian and interactions in the substrate are treated exactly up to harmonic order. This concurrent multiscale coupling provides simple, seamless elastic boundary conditions for atomistic simulations where near-surface deformations occur, such as nanoindentation, contact, friction, or fracture. Applications to surface relaxation and contact are used to test and illustrate the approach.
In Situ PFG NMR of Silicalite-1 Synthesis Mixtures

The interactions between tetrapropylammonium cations and the silica nanoparticles present in silicalite-1 precursor solutions were characterized at 70 °C using in situ pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR experiments. In situ PFG NMR results show that the organocation diffusion coefficients at 70 °C are larger than those at 25 °C. Although the adsorption isotherms calculated from the diffusion data present similar trends at both temperatures, the adsorption isotherms at 70 °C could not be accurately described using a Lineweaver–Burk analysis. Therefore, the Freundlich equation was used to fit the adsorption data and Gibbs free energies between 6 and 15 kJ/mol were obtained. Time evolution studies show that organocation diffusion coefficients increased with the time, reached a maximum at about 6 days, and trended to a plateau towards the end of the synthesis. This maximum in the diffusion coefficient of the organocation coincides in time with the exothermic–endothermic transition that is known to occur near the...
The Character of a Scattered Wavelet: Aspherical Obstacle Embedded in an Elastic Medium

Wavelets scattered from a spherical heterogeneity were computed from solutions of the wave equation for a plane wave incident on a spherical inhomogeneity. The solution is expressed as an orthogonal function expansion that is asymptotically correct for all wavelengths. In this paper we computed the spectral response and corresponding time-domain impulse response for wavelengths greater than one tenth the radius. The frequency content and amplitude of the scattered wave from an incident compressional wave systematically varies with scattering angle. A comparison of the scattered waves with arrival times and amplitudes computed using ray theory shows that the variations in response with scattering angle are closely tied to arrival times and amplitudes of the internally reflected and refracted waves. Use of the minimum phase criterion in order to generate a wavelet does not replicate the wavelet shape, but can be used to generate wavelets where the spectral amplitudes are the principal objective. The Born approximation, the first two terms in the orthogonal function expansion, underestimates the high-frequency energy.
A meta-analysis of syntactic priming in language production

Abstract We performed an exhaustive meta-analysis of 73 peer-reviewed journal articles on syntactic priming from the seminal Bock (1986) paper through 2013. Extracting the effect size for each experiment and condition, where the effect size is the log odds ratio of the frequency of the primed structure X to the frequency of the unprimed structure Y, we found a robust effect of syntactic priming with an average weighted odds ratio of 1.67 when there is no lexical overlap and 3.26 when there is. That is, a construction X which occurs 50% of the time in the absence of priming would occur 63% if primed without lexical repetition and 77% of the time if primed with lexical repetition. The syntactic priming effect is robust across several different construction types and languages, and we found strong effects of lexical overlap on the size of the priming effect as well as interactions between lexical repetition and temporal lag and between lexical repetition and whether the priming occurred within or across languages. We also analyzed the distribution of p-values across experiments in order to estimate the average statistical power of experiments in our sample and to assess publication bias. Analyzing a subset of experiments in which the primary result of interest is whether a particular structure showed a priming effect, we did not find evidence of major p-hacking and the studies appear to have acceptable statistical power: 82%. However, analyzing a subset of experiments that focus not just on whether syntactic priming exists but on how syntactic priming is moderated by other variables (such as repetition of words in prime and target, the location of the testing room, and the memory of the speaker), we found that such studies are, on average, underpowered with estimated average power of 53%. Using a subset of 45 papers from our sample for which we received raw data, we estimated subject and item variation and give recommendations for appropriate sample size for future syntactic priming studies.
Fatty acids stereospecifically stimulate neurotensin release and increase [Ca2+]i in enteric endocrine cells.

In primary cultures of canine enteric endocrine cells, fatty acids directly stimulated the release of neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI). This stimulatory effect was cell specific, selective ...
Loss of Opportunity.

Several months ago, I looked at the issue of what type of malpractice insurance a transport medical director should carry and some of the issues related to malpractice litigation. This month, I have reached into an obscure corner of medical malpractice law and examine the “loss of opportunity doctrine.” Loss of opportunity is a legal canon permitting recovery of damages for the elimination or reduction of prospects for achieving a more favorable outcome in a given clinical scenario. In medical malpractice actions, the loss of opportunity doctrine permits a claimantwith a 50% or less chance of survival or better outcome to recover damages for any negligence of the physician that reduced this chance of survival or better outcome. Insurance underwriters, physician groups, and many legislatures who understand that the loss of opportunity doctrine has opened the door and lowered the barriers to suits against physicians would like to see the law of medical liability codified and stabilized, by statute, to prevent the courts from expanding opportunities to sue such as those contained in the loss of opportunity doctrine. The loss of opportunity doctrine adversely affects the cost and availability of care. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court inMatsuyama v Birnbaum1 described how to apply the loss of opportunity doctrine in a specific language that is included in the Massachusetts Superior Court Civil