cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Achromobacter xylosoxidans Bacteremia Associated with Persistent Lymph Node Infection in a Patient with Hyper-Immunoglobulin M Syndrome

Achromobacter xylosoxidans (formerly Alcaligenes xylosoxidans) is a rare but important cause of bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, and strains are usually multiply resistant to antimicrobial therapy. We report an immunocompromised patient with hyper-immunoglobulin M syndrome who suffered from 14 documented episodes of A. xylosoxidans bacteremia. Each episode was treated and resulted in rapid clinical improvement, with blood cultures testing negative for bacteria. Between episodes, A. xylosoxidans was isolated from an excised right axillary lymph node, whereas the culture of the central venous catheter, removed at the same time, was negative. Multiple cultures from sputum, stool, and urine samples, as well as from gastrointestinal biopsies or environmental sources, were negative. Results from antibiotic sensitivity testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggested that a single strain of A. xylosoxidans caused the recurrent bacteremias in this patient; this strain originated from persistently infected lymph nodes. Lymphoid hyperplasia is a prominent characteristic of hyper-IgM syndrome and may serve as a source of bacteremia with low-pathogenicity organisms.
Climacteric symptoms among Japanese women and men: comparison of four symptom checklists

Objectives To explore whether Japanese konenki (climacteric) symptoms are unique to women or are experienced by men, to compare common symptom indices, and to explore the relationship between symptoms and soy intake.Methods Two-week recall of 54 symptoms, an eight-item food frequency questionnaire, and views about konenki were collected from 60 individuals in Kanazawa, Japan. Factor analysis identified konenki-associated symptom groupings; Blatt–Kupperman, Simplified Menopausal Index, Lock, and Kanazawa symptom scores were calculated; and sex and konenki status differences were tested.Results Thirty-two women and 22 men (mean age 48.7 years) provided complete questionnaires. Although males had higher prevalence of stress, irritability, and nervousness (p < 0.05), no men reported having konenki. Four of eight female symptom factors exhibited significant correlations with konenki status. All symptom index scores were lower in pre-konenki women than in peri-konenki women, but scores for men and women did not...
Some possible effects of the delay of early treatment of deafness: a second look.

Children in a state-supported school for the deaf, although identified as hearing-impaired at an early age, were generally not enrolled in a special school and did not wear an aid until the age of ...
Using Student-Centered Cases in the Classroom An Action Inquiry Approach to Leadership Development

This article addresses the concern that business schools are not adequately developing the practical leadership skills that are required in the real world of management. The article begins by discussing the limitations of traditional case methods for teaching behavioral skills. This approach is contrasted with an alternative case method drawn from action inquiry (AI) that uses ongoing student cases to develop more effective leadership behaviors. The student-centered case approach is distinguished from traditional case teaching by tracing an important similarity between AI and Socratic pedagogy. A leadership workshop for evening MBAs that uses AI pedagogy to help students improve their leadership behaviors at work and in the class is also described. The article concludes with a discussion of the significant benefits and challenges associated with helping students develop new leadership behaviors.
Proximity effect: Amorphous Sn-Fe, amorphous Bi-Fe films

We report the results of an experimental investigation of the proximity effect in sandwiches of amorphous Bi-Fe and amorphous Sn-Fe. The measurements on $a$-Bi films resolve a controversy concerning its coherence length while that derived for $a$-Sn is consistent with values reported from critical-field measurements. The pair penetration depths determined from a new analysis technique are consistent with values derived from other proximity experiments which employ Fe normal layers. A linear decrease of the transition temperature with resistance per square and inverse film thickness, an apparently universal characteristic of amorphous superconducting films, was also observed in these experiments.
Forming a basis for acceptance: Excluded people form attitudes to agree with potential affiliates

Emerging evidence suggests that social exclusion motivates people to forge bonds with sources of affiliation, but little work has investigated the impact of this motivation on attitude formation. E...
Look to the Stars: Future Directions for the Evaluation of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems

In just over a decade, quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) have become a central feature of state early care and education systems. This article provides a commentary on work by Elicker a...
Comparison between techniques for measuring the LP11-mode cutoff wavelength in monomode fibres

The LP11-mode cutoff wavelength λc of a monomode fibre can be obtained by measuring changes in microbending loss or mode field width. These two methods have been compared and it was found that the presence of microbending in the latter technique resulted in a discrepancy of between 0.04 and 0.12 μm in the measurement of λc.
Optical Quadrupole Sum-Frequency Generation in Sodium Vapor

We show that second-order coherent sum-frequency generation via quadrupole transitions in metal vapors can be easily detected. The process is as strong as the allowed third-order processes. Our experimental results agree very well with theoretical predictions. (AIP)
Discovery of principles of nature from mathematical modeling of DNA microarray data

Recent advances in DNA microarray hybridization technology make it possible to record the molecular biological signals, e.g., mRNA expression levels and proteins' DNA-binding occupancy levels, that guide the progression of cellular processes on genomic scales (1, 2). Biology and medicine today may be at a point similar to where physics was after the advent of the telescope (3). The rapidly growing number of DNA microarray data sets holds the key to the discovery of previously unknown molecular biological principles, just as the astronomical tables compiled by Galileo and Brahe (Fig. 1 A ) enabled accurate predictions of planetary motions and, later, the discovery of universal gravitation. Just as Kepler and Newton made these predictions and discoveries by using mathematical frameworks to describe trends in astronomical data (Fig. 1 B ), so future predictive power, discovery, and control in biology and medicine will come from the mathematical modeling of DNA microarray data, where the mathematical variables and operations represent biological reality: The variables, patterns uncovered in the data, might correlate with activities of cellular elements, such as regulators or transcription factors, that drive the measured signals. The operations, such as data classification and reconstruction in subspaces of selected patterns, might simulate experimental observation of the correlations and possibly also causal coordination of these activities. Such models were recently created from DNA microarray data by using singular value decomposition (SVD) (4) and generalized SVD (GSVD) (5), and their ability to predict previously unknown biological as well as physical principles was demonstrated (6, 7). Fig. 1. Kepler' discovery of his first law of planetary motion from mathematical modeling of Brahe's astronomical data. ( A ) Astronomical table of positions of the sun, Earth, and Mars at different times. ( B ) Geometrical reconstruction of the orbit of Mars from these data reveals an ellipse with the sun located … *E-mail: orlyal{at}mail.utexas.edu
An analysis of mandibular volume in hemifacial microsomia.

Background: The mandibular deformity in hemifacial microsomia is characterized by ramus-condyle unit deficiency. The Pruzansky score classifies the proximal mandible according to aberrant condylar-unit structure. The authors sought to volumetrically evaluate the hemifacial mandible compared with controls, and to assess for Pruzansky score correlation. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of children with hemifacial microsomia. Demographic information was obtained, and computed tomographic data were analyzed by segmentation and volumetric calculations. Age-matched controls were compared using the t test. Results: Computed tomographic scans revealed 24 hemifacial and 13 controls: 62.5 percent right, 12.5 percent left, and 25 percent bilateral; and 34 percent type I, 28 percent type IIa, 16 percent type IIb, and 22 percent type III. Type IIb/III compared with type I/IIa were 11,100 and 17,773 mm 3 , respectively (p = 0.0029). Segmental evaluation of type IIb/III versus type I/IIa showed 3590 versus 6510 mm 3 for the proximal segments (p = 0.0022) and 7449 versus 10,829 mm 3 for the dental-bearing segments (p = 0.0221). All hemifacial microsomia hemimandibles (types I to III) were significantly less than controls: 14,837 versus 20,418 mm 3 (p = 0.0005). Both dentate and proximal hemifacial microsomia segments statistically decreased in volume with increasing Pruzansky score. The dentate segment of the unaffected hemifacial microsomia side was statistically less than controls. Conclusions: This study volumetrically characterized the hemifacial microsomia mandibular deformity. As expected, with increasing Pruzansky severity, hemimandibular and proximal segment volumes declined. Unexpectedly, the hemifacial dentate segment also proved significantly diminished, corresponding to the degree of proximal volume loss.
Variables inspection for SPC‐quarantined production

When a control chart signals an out-of-control condition for a production process, it may be desirable to “quarantine” all units produced since the last in-control SPC sample. This paper presents an efficient procedure for variables inspection of such “SPC quarantined” product. A Bayesian sequential inspection procedure is developed which determines whether the out of control production is of acceptable quality. By inspecting the units in reverse of the order in which they were produced, the procedure is also capable of detecting the point at which the process went out of control, thus eliminating the need to inspect units produced prior to the onset of the out of control condition. Numerical examples are presented, and the performance characteristics of the procedure are demonstrated using Monte Carlo simulation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 48: 159–171, 2001
Gender and climate change in Bangladesh the role of institutions in reducing gender gaps in adaptation program

This study on Bangladesh was undertaken to analyze the gender dimensions of climate change and the role of institutions in reducing gender gaps. The study was carried out in 20 sites covering 600 households, from March 2010 to May 2011, using both qualitative and quantitative instruments. This note is organized into five sections. The next section gives an overview of climate change and the gender and institutional context in Bangladesh. The third section presents the key study findings and is divided into three subsections: site- and household-specific vulnerabilities; analysis of gender dimensions of climate change using the household data and four propositions; and description of institutional challenges and gaps in supporting the resilience of women and men. Section four provides examples of adaptation programs in Bangladesh, and section five provides recommendations for enhancing gender-responsive adaptive capacity in Bangladesh.
Factors affecting dynamic foraminal stenosis in the lumbar spine.

Abstract Background context Lumbar foraminal stenosis is a common clinical problem and a significant cause of lower extremity radiculopathy. Minimal in vivo data exists quantifying changes in foraminal area (FA) as the spine moves from flexion to extension in the lumbar spine or on the relationship between FA and lumbar segmental angular motion, translational motion (TM), or disc bulge migration. Purpose To use kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) to evaluate changes in dimensions of lumbar neural foramina during weight bearing in neutral, flexion, and extension positions. To evaluate the relationship between foraminal stenosis and lumbar segmental angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration. Study design A retrospective radiographic study. Patient sample Forty-five patients with a mean age of 44 years undergoing kMRI for symptoms of low back pain or radiculopathy. Outcome measures Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of FA, angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration. Methods Kinetic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was reviewed in 45 patients with low back pain or radiculopathy, and parasagittal images were evaluated for changes in neural foraminal dimensions in various degrees of motion with weight bearing. The changes in foraminal dimension were correlated to the amount of segmental angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration at each level. Neural foramina were also assessed qualitatively by Wildermuth criteria. Only those foramina that were clearly visualized with well-defined anatomic boundaries in all three positions were taken into consideration. Patients with previous surgery, tumor, and scoliosis were excluded from the study. Results There was a significant decrease in the FA from flexion to neutral (p 2 ) and the smallest change occurring at L5–S1 (135–106 mm 2 ) (p 2 when angular motion was less than 5° and was 75.16 mm 2 when angular motion exceeded 15°. The extent of disc bulging posteriorly in the neural foramen was also correlated with the reduction in the FA from flexion to extension, but TM had no effect. Conclusions Foraminal area decreased significantly in extension compared with flexion and neutral on MRI. Lumbar disc bulge migration and angular motion at each level contributed independently to the decrease in FA in extension, whereas TM had no effect on FA.
Contributions to the GNU compiler collection

The GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) project of the Free Software Foundation has resulted in one of the most widespread compilers in use today that is capable of generating code for a variety of platforms. Since 1987, many volunteers from academia and the private sector have been working to continuously improve the functionality and quality of GCC. Some of the compiler's key components were, and continue to be, developed at IBM Research laboratories. We review several of IBM's contributions to the compiler, including a code generator for the IBM zSeries® processor and a front end for a PL/I-like language used for systems software programming. We also cover many optimizations, including the interblock instruction scheduler, software pipeliner, and vectorizer. These contributions help improve the overall performance of code generated by GCC, and in particular, enhance the IBM RISC (reduced instruction set computer) architecture and the zSeries processors. This paper includes a report on our general experience with GCC in both open source and proprietary software environments and reviews the quality and performance of GCC-generated code.
MBE growth of laterally antiphase-patterned GaAs films using thin Ge layers for waveguide mixing

Summary form only given. The authors have developed an all-epitaxial technique to fabricate orientation-patterned GaAs films. This technique could make possible orientation-patterned waveguide devices with extremely small (<100 /spl Aring/) corrugations and thereby reduce associated waveguide losses in these devices, as scattering losses scale nonlinearily with corrugation amplitude.
Therapeutic targeting of NOTCH1 signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Abstract The recent identification of activating mutations in NOTCH1 in the majority of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALLs) has brought major interest toward targeting the NOTCH signaling pathway in this disease. Small-molecule γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), which block a critical proteolytic step required for NOTCH1 activation, can effectively block the activity of NOTCH1 mutant alleles. However, the clinical development of GSIs has been hampered by their low cytotoxicity against human T-ALL and the development of significant gastrointestinal toxicity derived from the inhibition of NOTCH signaling in the gut. Improved understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms of NOTCH1 and the effects of NOTCH inhibition in leukemic cells and the intestinal epithelium are required for the design of effective anti-NOTCH1 therapies in T-ALL.
Gas system Upgrade for the BaBar IFR Detector at SLAC

A new gas distribution and monitoring system was installed as part of an upgrade of the forward endcap muon detection system (IFR) of the BaBar detector at SLAC. Over 300 gas circuits are controlled and monitored. The return gas flow is monitored by digital bubblers which use photo-gate electronics to count the bubbling rate. The rates are monitored in real time and recorded in a history database allowing studies of flow rate versus chamber performance.
Developing an effective service learning program: student perceptions of their experience.

Experiential learning and learningcentered approaches to instruction have received increased attention in higher education. A service learning program can facilitate both of these activities simultaneously if properly designed and evaluated. Allowing students to make their own choices offers them freedom and control, which may improve their college learning experience and better prepare them for entry-level positions. Service learning opportunities may also help students' marketability by providing unique opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge through civic engagement. The role of service learning in higher education has increased. A national report estimated that 24.8% of college students were volunteers in 2007, and a 2010–2011 survey reported that 37% of students engaged in service learning at Campus Compact–participating institutions. The estimated value of service learning according to the Campus Compact report increased from $5.7 billion in 2008 to $9.1 billion in 2011. Limited information has been published about service learning successes with nutrition and dietetics students. Previous research has reported nutrition-related service learning projects associated with a specific course or 1 project from an instructors' perspective. However, there is a lack of department-level program evaluation and anonymous student feedback in
Bilateral renal vein thrombosis can cause nephrotic range proteinuria

That patients with nephrotic syndrome are at an increased risk of developing renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is well established.1,2 However, whether RVT as an isolated event can cause nephrotic range proteinuria is not well documented. A 61-year-old Caucasian male, with history of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, deep venous thrombosis with placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (5 years ago), presented with an abrupt onset of gross hematuria and severe back pain. Pertinent laboratory results included an increased serum creatinine of 2.3 mg/dl (baseline 1.3 mg/dl). Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed bilateral renal vein thrombosis. The right renal vein was fully and the left partially occluded. The IVC filter was displaced and adjacent to the renal veins. …
Teaching as a Healing Craft: Decolonizing the Classroom and Creating Spaces of Hopeful Resistance through Chicano-Indigenous Pedagogical Praxis

This paper builds upon the edict for self-determination in El Plan de Santa Barbara: a Chicano plan for higher education (1969), which calls for “strategic use of education,” by placing value on needs of the community (La Causa, p. 9). For me, this passage translates into valuing needs of community-college students entering my classes and life. I believe it is my obligation, as an educator, to problematize ways in which knowledge has been defined, framed, presented, and researched by dominant ideologies informing institutions of learning at all levels. In essence, this work is a meditation allowing readers to witness how I am weaving together various strands of myself including the personal, emotional, professional, intellectual, and spiritual. It captures how my participant-observation of MAS-Tucson educators, while describing their use of barrio pedagogy and critically compassionate intellectualism, has been enhanced by my re-reading of Elena Avila’s (2000) Woman who Glows in the Dark: A Curandera Reveals Traditional Aztec Secrets of Physical and Spiritual Health. This paper represents an ongoing epistemological exercise about my own teaching and scholarship, resulting in an emergence of my own modality as an apprenticing practitioner of Chicano-Indigenous pedagogy.
Pushing the envelope in genetic analysis of species invasion.

How a species spreads once introduced into a new environment is a major question in landscape genetics. When the species in question is a potential disease vector, the findings are important not only for fundamental science, but can impact applied science and public health as well. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Medley et al. (2014) study, the invasion patterns of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is thought to have been introduced in Houston, Texas in the 1980s and can be a vector for human disease including dengue fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever, encephalomeylitis and the Chikungunya virus. This topic is at the extreme cutting edge of landscape genetics. By combining multiple scales of analysis within a rangewide study of genetic differentiation of an invasive species, Medley et al. (2014) undertake a truly ambitious analysis that pushes the envelope in methodology and scope of inference in the study of the genetics of range expansion.
Bioluminescence of myctophid and stomiiform fishes is not due to bacterial luciferase

A recent report by D. Foran proposes that bioluminescence of myctophids and some stomiiform fishes is due to bacterial symbionts in their photophores, based on positive hy- bridization of bacterial luminescence (lux) gene probes to DNA from muscle and skin of myctophids and stomiiforms and in situ hybridization. Previous microscopic studies have not revealed the presence of bacteria in these fishes, and bioluminescence of myctophids has been attributed to a coelenterazine-based system. We have investigated this finding by assay of bacterial luciferase and by lux hybridization to DNA from photophores and control samples in order to determine whether bacterial symbionts or bacterial lux genes are present in these fishes. Results of enzyme assays of photophores from six species of myctophids and two species of stomiiforms show bacte- rial luciferase activity ranging from 0 to 7 x lo5 quanta sec-' mg wet weight-'. The highest levels detected were 3-4 orders of magnitude less than the activity of luminous bacteria and symbiotic light organ extracts, and were less than or equal to the activity of gut homogenates, which were up to tenfold higher than the highest photophore activities. Hybridization with lux probes did not detect lux sequences in photophore DNA from three species of myctophids and three species of stomiiforms. We find no evidence that bacterial luciferase is the source of luminescence in myc- tophid and stomiiform light organs. o 1994 Wey-Liss, Inc. Myctophid and stomiiform fishes have photo- phores that have been accepted to be non-symbi- otic on the basis of ultrastructure, physiology, and biochemistry (Hastings, '83; Herring, '82). Unlike other cases of symbiotic bioluminescence, bacte- ria-like objects have not been observed microscopi- cally in photophores of these animals (Edwards and Herring, '77). Bacterial bioluminescence is continuous, and host control is primarily effected by occlusion of light. In contrast, intrinsic light emission is generally under nervous and/or hor- monal control. Although pyrosomes control light emission of their intracellular bacterial symbionts directly, in all fish symbioses light emission is con- trolled by occlusion mechanisms (Haygood, '93). In myctophids and stomiiforms, light emission is under control of the animal and can be elicited by mechanical, electrical, or hormonal stimulation (Herring, '82; Mallefet and Baguet, '91). Co- elenterazine, a luciferin widely employed in bioluminescence in midwater animals, and co- elenterazine-specific luciferase have been detected in myctophid and stomiiform photophores. Al- though coelenterazine is abundant in the gas- trointestinal tract of these animals, suggesting a
Magnetic bremsstrahlung radiation sources using the Meissner effect

The authors discuss the development of a radiation source that could utilize the novel properties of high-T/sub c/ superconductors. On approach would be to use the Meissner magnetic field rejection phenomenon to create a high-field gradient region that could function as a source of magnetic bremsstrahlung. Physical structures containing superconducting components could serve as the basis for such magnetic bremsstrahlung devices as a free-electron laser. A preliminary discussion of the merits and liabilities of the use of Meissner-effect magnetic field manipulation in radiation source applications is presented. It is concluded that using the Meissner effect to create a magnetic bremsstrahlung source or, specifically, a synchrotron source or free-electron laser undulator holds significant promise for the development of exciting high-frequency devices. >
Interactions between carbon dioxide, climate, weathering, and the Antarctic ice sheet in the earliest Oligocene

Abstract A coupled set of models is used to explore the possibility of long-term internal cycles in the CO 2 –climate–weathering–Antarctic Ice Sheet system. Cycles of this type were found in an earlier study with 0-D box models, and proposed to explain the quasi-periodic oscillations in benthic deep-sea-core records during the Eocene–Oligocene Transition ~ 34 Ma. Here the system is extended using a 3-D Global Climate Model, a 3-D Antarctic ice-sheet model, and two previously published spatially distributed parameterizations of CO 2 consumption by silicate weathering. In 6-million year long simulations across an idealized Eocene–Oligocene Transition, no internal cycles are found, and the coupled system just relaxes from the initial state to the final state, with at most one overdamped half-cycle. The absence of cycles is presumably due to features in this 3-D model system that are absent in the 0-D models: powerful Height Mass-Balance Feedback producing strong ice-sheet expansion after initial growth, and hysteresis in ice-sheet response to climate that damps retreat due to moderate warming. With one of the weathering parameterizations, the models indicate a region of negative slope in the relation between CO 2 level and global weathering consumption, occurring in the range ~ 0.2 to 1.5x PAL (preindustrial atmospheric level). This contrasts with the monotonically increasing relation usually assumed. If confirmed, it would have serious consequences for the well-known CO 2 -weathering thermostat mechanism, at least for CO 2 levels below ~ 1.5x PAL.
Feeding activates protein synthesis in mouse pancreas at the translational level without increase in mRNA

To determine the mechanism of meal-regulated synthesis of pancreatic digestive enzymes, we studied the effect of fasting and refeeding on pancreatic protein synthesis, relative mRNA levels of digestive enzymes, and activation of the translational machinery. With the use of the flooding dose technique with L-[3H]phenylalanine, morning protein synthesis in the pancreas of Institute for Cancer Research mice fed ad libitum was 7.9 +/- 0.3 nmol phenylalanine.10 min(-1).mg protein(-1). Prior fasting for 18 h reduced total protein synthesis to 70 +/- 1.4% of this value. Refeeding for 2 h, during which the mice consumed 29% of their daily food intake, increased protein synthesis to 117.3 +/- 4.9% of the control level. Pancreatic mRNA levels of amylase, lipases, trypsins, chymotrypsin, elastases, as well as those for several housekeeping genes tested were not significantly changed after refeeding compared with fasted mice. By contrast, the major translational control pathway involving Akt, mTOR, and S6K was strongly regulated by fasting and refeeding. Fasting for 18 h decreased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 to almost undetectable levels, and refeeding highly increased it. The most highly phosphorylated form of the eIF4E binding protein (4E-BP1) made up the 14.6% of total 4E-BP1 in normally fed animals, was only 2.8% after fasting, and was increased to 21.4% after refeeding. This was correlated with an increase in the formation of the eIF4E-eIF4G complex after refeeding. By contrast, feeding did not affect eIF2B activity. Thus food intake stimulates pancreatic protein synthesis and translational effectors without increasing digestive enzyme mRNA levels.
ASEXUAL BLOOD STAGES OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM EXHIBIT SIGNS OF SECONDARY NECROSIS, BUT NOT CLASSICAL APOPTOSIS AFTER EXPOSURE TO FEBRILE TEMPERATURE (40 C)

It has been shown by others that after cultures of Plasmodium falciparum were exposed to a febrile temperature of 40 C, parasitemia was reduced in the subsequent generation, suggesting a temperature-induced inhibition of trophozoites and schizonts. In the current study, influences unique to cultivation were ruled out, demonstrating that 40 C impacted the parasites directly. Metabolic profiling of DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and glucose utilization clearly indicated that febrile temperatures had a direct effect on parasite development, beginning 20-24 hr after erythrocyte invasion. The mechanism of parasite death was investigated for evidence of temperature-induced apoptosis. Lack of typical physiological hallmarks, namely, caspase activation, characteristic mitochondrial membrane potential changes, and DNA degradation as indicated by DNA laddering, eliminated 'classical' apoptosis as a mechanism of parasite death. Parasites dying under the influence of heat, staurosporine, and chloroquine initially appeared pyknotic by light and electron microscopy (as in apoptosis), but eventual swelling and lysis of the food vacuole membrane led to secondary necrosis. Chloroquine did induce DNA laddering, but it was later attributed to occult white blood cell contaminants. While not apoptosis, the results do not rule out other forms of temperature-induced programmed cell death.
Recent advances in Cr 2+ and Fe 2+ doped mid-IR laser materials

Recent advances in Cr2+ and Fe2+ doped mid-IR polycrystalline, hot-pressed ceramic, and quantum dot laser materials fabrication and lasing under optical excitation are presented. First steps towards achieving a direct electrical excitation are demonstrated.
On/off cycling under multiple stresses

The authors describe an experiment, a model, and an analytic method for on/off vs. continuous policy evaluation. The methodology was developed and verified through experimentation. An experimental life-test of small DC motors was designed and performed; it involved on/off cycling vs. continuous operation under multiple stresses. A stress-factor reliability model based on the two-parameter Weibull proportional-hazards life distribution was fitted to the data. The analysis provides an estimate of the model parameters for the life distribution of the DC motors under two operating policies, while under multiple stresses. The characteristic life was related to the explanatory covariates: voltage, on/off cycling, and load. Due to the proportional hazards (common Weibull shape) nature of the model, acceleration factors were calculated to relate the stress levels. The reliability model was extended to develop a simple rule to aid in a decision between on/off cycling and continuous-run policies (to achieve higher reliability). The proposed model (with covariates) allows a much broader approach to reliability modeling than the usual Weibull model (without covariates) because it predicts the reliability under various environmental combinations. >
Wittengstein’s Language Games and Forms of Life from a Social Constructivist Point of View

In this paper our main objective is to interpret the major concepts in Wittgenstein’s philosophy of mathematics, in particular, language games and forms of life, from a social constructivist point of view in an attempt to show that this philosophy is still very relevant in the way mathematics is being taught and practiced today. We start out with a brief discussion of radical constructivism followed by a rudimentary analysis of the basic tenets of social constructivism, the final blow against absolutism – the soulless landmark of mathematics as often construed by the uninitiated. We observe that, the social constructivist epistemology of mathematics reinstates mathematics, and rightfully so, as “…a branch of knowledge which is indissolubly connected with other knowledge, through the web of language” (Ernest 1999), and portrays mathematical knowledge as a process that should be considered in conjunction with its historical origins and within a social context. Consequently, like any other form of knowledge based on human opinion or judgment, mathematical knowledge has the possibility of losing its truth or necessity, as well. In the third section we discuss the main points expounded in Wittgenstein’s two books, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations, as well as in his “middle period” that is characterized by such works as Philosophical Remarks, Philosophical Grammar, and Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics. We then briefly introduce the two main concepts in Wittgenstein’s philosophy that will be used in this paper: forms of life and language games. In the fifth and final section, we emphasize the connections between social constructivism and Wittgenstein’s philosophy of mathematics. Indeed, we argue that the apparent certainty and objectivity of mathematical knowledge, to paraphrase Ernest (Ernest 1998), rest on natural language. Moreover, mathematical symbolism is a refinement and extension of written language: the rules of logic which permeate the use of natural language afford the foundation upon which the objectivity of mathematics rests. Mathematical truths arise from the definitional truths of natural language, and are acquired by social interaction. Mathematical certainty rests on socially accepted rules of discourse embedded in our forms of life, a concept introduced by Wittgenstein (Wittgenstein, 1956).We argue that the social constructivist epistemology draws on Wittgenstein’s (1956) account of mathematical certainty as based on linguistic rules of use and forms of life, and Lakatos’ (1976) account of the social negotiation of mathematical concepts, results, and theories.
Pulse of an Ocean: Sonification of Ocean Buoy Data

The author presents his work in sonifying ocean buoy data for scientific, pedagogical and compositional purposes. Mapping the spectral buoy data to audible frequencies creates interesting and illuminating sonifications of ocean wave dynamics. Several phenomena can be heard, including both those visible and those invisible in graphical representations of the data. The author has worked extensively with this data to compose music and to produce Music from the Ocean, a multimedia CD-ROM demonstrating the data, the phenomena and the sonification. After a brief introduction to physical oceanography, many examples are presented and a composition and installation created from the sonifications are discussed.
Let Numbers Speak: Job Opportunities and International Exchange Programs for Female Maritime Cadets

For 6 years, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) of the USA has been conducting a student exchange program with Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) of China. Every spring term, about 20 cadets are selected from each institution and sent to the other campus to study for one semester. MMA, like many other traditional maritime schools, is a male-dominated institute, with the gender distribution being 12 % female cadets and 88 % male cadets. However, the cadets participating in the MMA exchange program have shown quite a different gender ratio with the female’s participation rate, displaying a surge in the past 2 years. Furthermore, the female cadets tend to stand out in the job market upon graduation, especially in comparison to their male peers. This paper presents an analysis of what accounts for the success of selected female cadets, how they outperform in the international exchange programs, and their subsequent achievements in the job market by applying case-study methodology, school-wide surveys and the data collected over the course of 6 years. The findings indicate that the outstanding qualities of female cadets, such as language proficiency, cultural adaptability, flexibility, intuitive vision, and genuine curiosity and perseverance, are displayed and encouraged, allowing the women to reach their full potential. The school-wide cultural awareness and job market success, motivate more MMA female cadets to participate in the MMA-SMU exchange program.
Get Your Kicks...

This article discusses trademark infringement and dilution, and trademark fair use defenses, including, in some cases, First Amendment considerations. When Roxbury Entertainment, the owner of the rights to the Route 66 TV series and the ROUTE 66 mark, sued Penthouse Media for trademark infringement and violations of the anti-dilution act, Penthouse claimed First Amendment protection of its artistic work.
Puzzle-Brushing the Court Lines Optimally

Clay-court tennis players are familiar with the well-known courtesy, after finishing their match, of preparing the court for the next players who will use the court. Preparation consists of two parts: sweeping the court and brushing the lines. Sweeping the court is straightforward, but the quantitatively oriented player surely wants to know how to brush the lines a nontrivial routing problem in the most efficient fashion.
In vitro Action of Penicillin Alone, and in Combination with Sulfathiazole, on Brucella Organisms

ConclusionPenicillin exerted a considerable antibacterial action on 8 out of 15 strains, of Brucella in vitro. This action was enhanced by the combination of penicillin with a small amount of sodium sulfathiazole.
Performance Prediction of a Novel Design for Turbine Vane Film Cooling With Low Aerodynamic Loss and High Effectiveness

A new film-cooling scheme for the suction surface of a gas turbine vane in a transonic cascade is studied numerically. The concept of the present design is to inject a substantial amount of coolant at a very small angle, approaching a “wall-jet,” through a single row of relatively few, large holes near the vane leading edge. The near-match of the coolant stream and mainstream momentums, coupled with the low coolant trajectory, theoretically results in low aerodynamic losses due to mixing. A minimal effect of the film cooling on the vane loading is also important to realize, as well as good coolant coverage and high adiabatic effectiveness. A systematic computational methodology, developed in the Advanced Computational Research Laboratory (ACRL) and tested numerous times on film-cooling applications, is applied in the present work. For validation purposes, predictions from two previous turbine airfoil film-cooling studies, both employing this same numerical method, are presented and compared to experimental data. Simulations of the new film-cooling configuration are performed for two blowing ratios, M=0.90 and M=1.04, and the density ratio of the coolant to the mainstream flow is unity in both cases. A solid vane with no film cooling is also studied as a reference case in the evaluation of losses. The unstructured numerical mesh contains about 5.5 million finite-volumes, after solution-based adaption. Grid resolution is such that the full boundary layer and all passage shocks are resolved. The Renormalization Group (RNG) k-e turbulence model is used to close the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Predictions indicate that the new film-cooling scheme meets design intent and has negligible impact on the total pressure losses through the vane cascade. Additionally, excellent coolant coverage is observed all the way to the trailing edge, resulting in high far-field effectiveness. Keeping the design environment in mind, this work represents the power of validated computational methods to provide a rapid and reasonably cost-effective analysis of innovative turbine airfoil cooling.© 2004 ASME
Velocity Measurement of Fast Balls and Curve Balls

(1952). Velocity Measurement of Fast Balls and Curve Balls. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 95-97.
O3-S1.04 Performance characteristics of bioplex 2200 syphilis IgG and Liaison Treponema automated assays for detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum

Background Serological testing continues to be a crucial tool for syphilis diagnosis and control. The commonly accepted syphilis screening algorithm is screening with non-treponemal tests such as RPR or VDRL, and confirming with treponemal tests such as TP-PA. Recently, automation has been introduced whereby serological screening using treponemal tests has resulted in reduced labour time and removal of the subjectivity associated with the traditional testing algorithm. The objective of this study was to compare the performance characteristics of two FDA approved automated tests, the BioRad BioPlex 2200 Syphilis IgG and the DiaSorin LIAISON treponemal assays, with known predicate tests. The BioPlex 2200 syphilis IgG is a multiplex test that utilises three analytes (15-, 17-, & 47-kDa) to detect specific IgG antibodies, whereas the LIASION treponemal assay uses only one analyte (17 kDa) in a single step sandwich method to detect both syphilis IgG and IgM antibodies. Methods A total of 1086 commercially obtained sera tested in this study consisted of: 430 from pregnant women, 409 from HIV positive individuals, and 111 from known syphilis patients of various disease stages. Characterised syphilis samples (n=140) were also obtained from the CDC serum repository. All samples were screened by the Bioplex IgG, Liaison, RPR and TP-PA tests. Any indeterminate results were repeated at least once. Results Of the 1086 samples tested, the syphilis reactivities were the following: 551 (50.7%) by BioPlex IgG, 528 (48.6%) by LIAISON, and 509 (46.9%) by TP-PA. The sensitivity and specificity when compared to TP-PA for LIASION was 98.8% and 90.5% respectively. The BioPlex IgG sensitivity and specificity when compared to TP-PA was 85.1% and 80% respectively. Overall, 443 (40.8%) samples were found to be reactive and 450 (41.4%) non reactive to both LIAISON and BioPlex IgG. All three tests agreed on 877 (81%) samples. On the 209 discordant samples TP-PA agreed with LIAISON 85.2% (n=178), BioPlex 7.2% (n=15), but disagreed with both tests 7.7% (n=16). Conclusion Both tests have high throughput, walk-away capability, and would be useful in low prevalence settings. There was good agreement between the LIAISON and the BioPlex IgG in 893 (82%) samples (Cohen9s κ=0.64). The LIAISON had higher sensitivity most likely due to its detection of both IgG and IgM, while the BioPlex detected only IgG antibodies. Both tests show significant promise in the future of syphilis serology.
Abstract 045: Epigenetic Modification of Brain (pro)renin Receptor Contributes to the Development of Doca-salt Hypertension via Epithelial Sodium Channel

We reported that elevated brain (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression levels contributes to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH); however, the underlining mechanism on how PRR is regulated remains unknown. High-salt intake is a major life style epigenetic factors for the SSH. To test our hypothesis that epigenetic mechanism is involved in the regulation of PRR expression in SSH, we used deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt induced hypertension as a model of SSH. C57Bl/6J mice (n=5/group) were implanted with SHAM or DOCA (50mg) pellet and supplied with saline for 3 weeks. Histone modifications on PRR promoter were assessed in the hypothalamus using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assays at the end of protocol. We found an increase (fold change) in histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) on the PRR promoter in DOCA-salt (2.45±0.36) compared with SHAM treated mice (1.00±0.16, P
Affect of the psychological intervention on 115 counselees of children with psychological problems

Objective:To investigate the psychological problems of counselees of children with psychological problems. Methods: Psychological intervention was given to 115 counselees of children with psychological problems in children's hospital. Results:Effective,14 cases(12.2%); improved,88 cases(76.5%); ineffective,13 cases (11.3%). Summed up, the ef fective rate was 88.7%. Conclusion:Psychological intervention is an effective method on counselees of children with psychological problems.
Racial Differences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Personnel: Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma as a Theoretical Lens

ABSTRACTVarious theorists have explored how intergenerational transmission of trauma impacts minority groups. Intergenerational trauma theories suggest that trauma(s) endured by a community have long-standing effects that can be passed on through generations. However, much of the research has focused on indigenous populations or Holocaust survivors despite the historical experiences of the African American community. The minority stress model adds support to intergenerational trauma theories, in that racial minority groups might suffer worse health due to a variety of stressors. Racial minorities are also at greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Within military populations, PTSD is one of many mental health issues and has been labeled one of the signature injuries of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) criteria for PTSD do not take into account the effects of intergenerational trauma, discriminatio...
Casting shadows: Ecological interface design for augmented reality pedestrian collision warning

Ecological interface design (EID) has the opportunity to complement current approaches for augmented reality (AR) interface design by considering human-environment interaction and leveraging the inherent benefit of AR interfaces: conformal graphics. This work applies EID to design a novel interface for pedestrian collision warning for an automotive AR head-up display (HUD). Our initial usability evaluation shows potential benefits of incorporating EID into AR interface design.
Solid-State Polyimide Foaming from Powder Precursors: Effect of Morphology and Process Parameters on the Diffusive Phenomena+:

Solid poly(amic acid) (PAA) precursor is used for foaming into microspheres or foams depending on whether the powder particles are free or confined inside a mold. Solid-state foaming of powder precursors is studied by examining concurrent and competitive phenomena that determine the morphology and physical properties of the foam unit cell. Simultaneous analysis through thenno gravimetric analysis (TGA) and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) is proposed for the characterization of important transitions during the blowing process. Effects of particle size and shape on bubble growth will be addressed.