cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generalization of susceptibility of RF systems through far-field pattern superposition

The purpose of this paper is to perform an analysis of RF (Radio Frequency) communication systems in a large electromagnetic environment to identify its susceptibility to jamming systems. We propose a new method that incorporates the use of reciprocity and superposition of the far-field radiation pattern of the RF system and the far-field radiation pattern of the jammer system. By using this method we can find the susceptibility pattern of RF systems with respect to the elevation and azimuth angles. A scenario was modeled with HFSS (High Frequency Structural Simulator) where the radiation pattern of the jammer was simulated as a cylindrical horn antenna. The RF jamming entry point used was a half-wave dipole inside a cavity with apertures that approximates a land-mobile vehicle, the dipole approximates a leaky coax cable. Because of the limitation of the simulation method, electrically large electromagnetic environments cannot be quickly simulated using HFSS’s finite element method (FEM). Therefore, the combination of the transmit antenna radiation pattern (horn) superimposed onto the receive antenna pattern (dipole) was performed in MATLAB. A 2D or 3D susceptibility pattern is obtained with respect to the azimuth and elevation angles. In addition, by incorporating the jamming equation into this algorithm, the received jamming power as a function of distance at the RF receiver Pr(Φr, θr) can be calculated. The received power depends on antenna properties, propagation factor and system losses. Test cases include: a cavity with four apertures, a cavity above an infinite ground plane, and a land-mobile vehicle approximation. By using the proposed algorithm a susceptibility analysis of RF systems in electromagnetic environments can be performed.
A coupled microvoid elongation and dilation based ductile fracture model for structural steels

Abstract This paper presents the formulation, implementation, calibration and validation of microvoid elongation and dilation based continuum damage model (MED-CDM) for ductile fracture simulation. The damage evolution in this model is derived from micromechanical analyses that accounts for the microscopic damage due to microvoid elongation and dilation. The proposed model is implemented in Abaqus® finite element program, and is calibrated and validated using existing experimental data for a range of stress triaxialities. The proposed model is shown to accurately predict the load displacement behavior, fracture strains, fracture initiation locations and the underlying microscopic damage mechanisms that are responsible for the fracture initiation in ASTM A992 structural steels.
Screening for glaucomatous visual field loss with frequency-doubling perimetry.

Purpose To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of the frequency-doubling contrast test as a means of screening for glaucomatous visual field loss. Methods Contrast thresholds for frequency-doubled stimuli were obtained under four test conditions: superior hemifield, inferior hemifield, and central (5 degrees radius) targets using a method of adjustment (MOA); superior hemifield, inferior hemifield, and central targets using a modified binary search (MOBS); four quadrant stimuli and the central target using MOBS; and 16 stimuli (four per quadrant) and the central target using MOBS. One eye each of 36 patients with early (12), moderate (12), and advanced (12) glaucomatous visual field loss was tested, as was one eye each of 36 age-matched normal control subjects. Results For hemifield stimuli, the MOBS test procedure had better test-retest reliability, lower individual variation, and greater separation of the normal population and the population with glaucoma than did the MOA procedure. The use of progressively smaller, more localized stimuli produced successively better separation of glaucomatous and age-matched normal control eyes. Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.81 for hemifield stimuli (sensitivity and specificity, 70% to 75%), 0.91 for quadrant stimuli (sensitivity and specificity, 83% to 85%), and 0.965 for the 16 stimuli (sensitivity 93%, specificity 100%). Test time was approximately 1.3 minutes for hemifields, 1.5 minutes for quadrants, and 5 minutes for the 16 targets. Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that the frequency-doubled contrast test provides a quick, efficient means of screening for glaucomatous visual field loss. Test time is relatively short, test-retest reliability is good, and sensitivity and specificity for detection of glaucomatous visual field loss is very good. The use of the MOBS staircase procedure and small, localized stimuli result in the best performance for screening purposes. An expanded normative database and the use of more rapid suprathreshold screening strategies should enhance further the efficacy of this test.
Problems and Issues in Implementing the Clinical-Reseach Model of Practice in Educational and Clinical Settings

Abstract This paper identifies possible problems, issues, and solutions in the practice implementation of the clinical-research methodology. The areas addressed include confusion in the conceptualization of accountability, misconceptions of the clinical-research model, and institutional constraints working against the implementation of the model.
Architecture from a Developer's Perspective

Editor in Chief Diomidis Spinellis discusses the importance of architectural considerations for developers.
Seasonality in future tropical lower stratospheric temperature trends

The seasonality of the 21st century trends in tropical lower stratospheric temperature (LST) is examined in simulations by a group of comprehensive chemistry-climate models. In contrast to the past LST trends, there is robust seasonal dependence among ensembles of the same model. Furthermore, most models show strongest cooling around July–September and minimal cooling in February–March, which results in a weakening of the seasonality in tropical LST. Sensitivity simulations with isolated forcing reveal that greenhouse gas increases dominate the future tropical LST trend. This seasonally varying LST trend is linked to changes in the Brewer-Dobson circulation (BDC). The BDC can influence the LST through direct dynamical heating/cooling and indirect radiative effects primarily from ozone changes due to vertical transport. The latter is found to be the main cause for the seasonality of the 21st century LST trend, while it is difficult to separate them in the past.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC STUDIES OF THE QUATERNARY STRUCTURE OF PROTEINS. I. METHOD OF CONCENTRATION-DIFFERENCE SPECTRA.

Abstract A method is presented for determining effects of concentration-dependent structural changes on environment of chromophoric residues of proteins. The theory for this technique of “concentration-difference spectra” is developed; the experimental methods required for application of that theory are described, and the theoretical effects of certain important experimental errors are considered. An experimental criterion for establishing the validity of a concentration-difference spectrum is proposed. Examples of application of the theory, method, and validity criterion to a dissociable protein system are demonstrated.
Distribution of the Total Time in a Mode of an Alternating Renewal Process with Applications

Abstract We consider alternating renewal processes which change their mode intermittently, like on and off of a system. The distribution of the total on time for an interval (0, t] is developed explicitly in terms of the distributions F and G of the alternating renewals. This distribution is then applied to determine the distributions of the locations of telegraph processes and of alternating Brownian motions.
It takes two to tango.

Transient complexes between electron transfer proteins are essential to the function of biological energy storage systems. A new structure between ferredoxin and one of its reaction partners, ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase, reveals how these proteins interact with each other.
Ethnic Differences in the Salience of Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Marijuana

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to distinguish risk and protective factors that predict adolescent alcohol and marijuana use across all ethnic backgrounds from those that predict use for particular ethnic groups. Analysis of data from the 2000 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey was conducted separately for the three major ethnic groups- Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. The outcome measures were 30-day use of alcohol and marijuana and twenty-eight risk and protective factors were considered for inclusion into two logistic regression models as independent variables. Six variables were associated with all three ethnic groups' alcohol use, two with Whites and Blacks, one with Whites and Hispanics, four with Whites only, and one with Hispanics' use only. For marijuana, five variables were significant for all three ethnic groups, one for Whites and Blacks, one for Whites and Hispanics, and three for Whites only. These findings can be used to tailor adolescent drug preventive programs to specific groups, w...
Hairy Cell Leukemia Presenting with Duodenal Involvement Duodenum: A Case Report.

Context: A rare case of adult hairy cell leukemia (HCL) with duodenal involvement is presented. Case Report: The patient was a 48-year-old man, who had a history of hairy cell leukemia. Three days after completion of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (CDA) chemotherapy, the patient started experiencing abdominal pain. An extensive gastroenterological workup culminated in the patient getting an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) that revealed duodenal infl ammation and biopsies were taken. The duodenal biopsy was positive for chronic inflammatory infiltrate, primarily consisting of atypical lymphocytes and plasma cells with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positivity, and hence a diagnosis of duodenal involvement with HCL was made. Repeat bone marrow biopsy done 2 weeks after finishing chemotherapy revealed residual disease. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with a normocellular marrow and no residual disease. Repeat abdomen computerized tomography (CT) scan at completion of therapy showed resolution of duodenal thickening and spleen size of 12 cm. Currently, patient is in clinical remission for 6 years with 4-6 monthly follow-up visits and continues to do well. Conclusion: This case is presented to highlight the first case report of HCL with duodenal involvement that was successfully treated with CDA.
Uniform Ultimate Boundedness of Probe-to-Probe Dynamics in Dual Probe Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopes use a probe to interface with matter at the nanoscale through a variety of imaging or manipulation methods. A dual-probe atomic force microscope (DP-AFM) has been proposed for simultaneous imaging and manipulation. One challenge of DP-AFM is probe-to-probe contact, which may occur intentionally such as when locating one probe with the other. This work studies the stability for such interactions where the 1st probe is in the tapping mode (typically used for imaging) and 2nd probe is in the contact mode (typically used for manipulation). A state dependent switched model is proposed for DP-AFM. A theorem is proposed for uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) stability of switched systems under a sequence nonincreasing condition and applied to the DP-AFM problem.© 2014 ASME
Cytochrome oxidase and its derivatives. IX. Spectrophotometric studies on the rapid reaction of ferrous cytochrome c oxidase with molecular oxygen under conditions of complete and partial oxygenation.

Abstract 1. 1. The reaction of ferrocytochrome oxidase with molecular oxygen (15 μM) has a half-time of about 3 msec. 2. 2. 100 msec after 2 μM ferrous oxidase is mixed with 15 μM oxygen the difference spectrum of the ferrous enzyme minus the mixture shows a minimum in the Soret region at 420 mμ. The difference spectrum of the “oxygenated” compound has a minimum at 421–425 mμ while that of the ferric oxidase lies at 411–412 mμ. Thus under these conditions a mixture of “oxygenated” and ferric forms is produced with the “oxygenated” form predominating. 3. 3. By observing the absorption changes at the wavelength pair 428-418 mμ (in a stop-flow dual wavelength spectrophotometer) it is possible to distinguish between “oxygenated” and ferric oxidase formation in the early stages of the reaction between ferrous oxidase and oxygen. When insufficient oxygen is added so that only 10–30% of the ferrous enzyme reacts with oxygen the product is predominantly ferric oxidase with, on the average, about 30% “oxygenated” compound. The Soret band of this mixture has a broad maximum extending from 426 to 418 mμ. Similar results were obtained with cytochrome c -deficient electron transport particle. 4. 4. Vigorous aeration of ferrous oxidase produces “oxygenated” compound only, whereas, mixing with insufficient oxygen produces a mixture of ferric and “oxygenated” forms. It is suggested that “oxygenated” oxidase is formed by the interaction of the primary a 3 FeO 2 complex with ferrocytochrome a , whereas ferric cytochrome oxidase ( a 3 ‴ + a ‴) results when the primary complex can interact with ferrocytochrome a 3 as well as with ferrocytochrome a . 5. 5. On reduction of the ferric enzyme with dithionite the absorption changes at 428-418 mμ show an initial decreased absorbance followed by the expected increase. The initial absorbance decrease is due to the fast reduction of cytochrome a which has a Soret band at 426 mμ in the ferric form. This is followed by the slower reduction of cytochrome a 3 with its Soret band at 414 mμ causing an absorbance increase at 428-418 mμ.
High concentrations of marine snow and diatom algal mats in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: Implications for carbon and nitrogen cycles in the oligotrophic ocean

Abstract A video plankton recorder (VPR) and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) were utilized on three cruises in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) between 1995 and 2002 to quantify the size and abundance of marine snow and Rhizosolenia diatom mats within the upper 305 m of the water column. Quantitative image analysis of video collected by the VPR and an ROV-mounted particle imaging system provides the first transect of marine snow size and abundance across the central North Pacific Gyre extending from 920 km NW of Oahu to 555 km off Southern California. Snow abundance in the upper 55 m was surprisingly high for this oligotrophic region, with peak values of 6.0–13.0×10 3 aggregates m −3 at the western- and easternmost stations. At stations located in the middle of the transect (farthest from HI and CA), upper water column snow abundance displayed values of ∼0.5–1.0×10 3 aggregates m −3 . VPR and ROV imagery also provided in situ documentation of the presence of nitrogen-transporting, vertically migrating Rhizosolenia mats from the surface to >300 m with mat abundances ranging from 0 to 10 mats m −3 . There was clear evidence that Rhizosolenia mats commonly reach sub-nutricline depths. The mats were noted to be a common feature in the North Pacific Gyre, with the lower salinity edge of the California Current appearing to be the easternmost extent of their oceanic distribution. Based on ROV observations at depth, flux by large (⩾1.5 cm) mats is revised upward 4.5-fold, yielding an average value of 40 μmol N m −2 d −1 , a value equaling previous estimates that included much smaller mats visible only to towed optical systems. Our results suggest that the occurrence across a broad region of the NPSG of particulate organic matter production events represented by high concentrations of Rhizosolenia mats, associated mesozooplankton, and abundant detrital marine aggregates may represent significant stochastic components in the overall carbon, nitrogen, and silica budgets of the oligotrophic subtropical gyre. Likewise, their presence has important implications for the proposed climate-driven, ecosystem reorganization or domain shift occurring in the NPSG.
Corticotropin-releasing factor and schedule-induced polydipsia

Two experiments examined the effects of ICV-administered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and alpha-helical CRF (9-41), a CRF antagonist, on the performance of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP). Infusions of CRF into the lateral ventricle dose-dependently (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 micrograms) attenuated both the volume of water consumed and licking on a fixed-time 60-s schedule. This effect of CRF on schedule-induced drinking was accompanied by a reduction in the number of nose pokes made into the food tray, suggesting that CRF may attenuate SIP through an action on appetitive motivation. Neither the temporal distribution of responding nor the locomotor activity induced by the schedule was affected by CRF. In marked contrast to these effects of exogenous CRF on the performance of SIP, infusions of alpha-helical CRF (1, 5, and 25 micrograms) into the lateral ventricle did not affect the performance of schedule-induced polydipsia. The implications of these results for the hypothesis that SIP is a coping response to stress are discussed.
Novel Technique for Measurement of Screw Bending in Bone Fixation Constructs

The focus of the present research was to develop a reliable test method and apparatus to measure bending deflection of individual surgical screws during quasi-static loading of a plate construct. It was preferable to measure screw deflection in a non-invasive manner, thus promoting clinical relevance. Significant research has been conducted in the area of axial pullout strength and failure of screws due to torsion, but little exists related to bending deflection of surgical screws and the resultant bending stress. Current test methods to predict screw failure typically require cyclical loading of plate constructs to failure. This is both costly and time consuming. The desire to develop a new method for screw deflection measurement was instigated from observed screw failures postoperative open wedge high tibial osteotomy. Screw failures have been observed prior to healing of the open wedge, resulting in partial collapse and recurring misalignment. It was hypothesized that these failures were due to high bending loads. Engineers continue to design new plate and screw systems to strengthen the tibial plate construct. Most relevant design parameters include materials, plate geometry, number and alignment of screws, and most recently various retention methods of screw heads against the plate. With such a proliferation of designs, there exists a need to develop experimental methods for measurement of screw deflections as a precursor to ultimate cyclic failure. An open wedge, medial, high tibial osteotomy was performed on a composite replica tibia. A servo hydraulic machine was used to cyclically load the tibia in compression, while a Puddu plate construct supported the open wedge osteotomy. Deflection of individual screws was determined by means of laser projection and dial indicators affixed to exposed screw heads and reference points on the bone. During the period of elastic deformation, screw deflection measurements confirmed that each screw in the plate carried a different load. The laser projection method allows engineers to test newly designed plate constructs under relatively few cycles to determine the bending load carried by each screw. This non-invasive method of measuring screw deflection was repeatable with minimal error.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Using the VA LV VFQ-48 and LV VFQ-20 in low vision rehabilitation.

ABSTRACTPurpose.This study was conducted to demonstrate use of a simple scoring algorithm for the 48-item Veterans Affairs Low Vision Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VA LV VFQ-48) that approximates the measure of persons' visual ability that would be calculated with Rasch analysis and to provide a
Superresolution Plasmalemmal Lipid Mapping

Charged lipid species in the plasma-membrane play an integral role in a variety of signaling pathways, in which they function as second messangers as well as docking sites for proteins. It has been suggested that the spatial organization of charged lipids called phosphoinositides is not random_rather, they form nano-scale clusters that are distinct from lipid rafts. Through super-resolution imaging in live cells, we are investigating the role of these phosphoinositide nanodomains in providing spatial regulation of the PI3K/Akt and IP3 signaling pathways. Using PALM and photochromatic SOFI (pcSOFI) superresolution techniques, we are working to create high resolution, time-resolved lipid maps of the inner-leaflet of the plasma membrane. Lipids are probed using various fluorescent protein-tagged pleckstrin homology domains, which are coimaged with each other, with lipid raft markers, and with protein subunits. The resulting lipid maps will provide information on the how lipids in the plasma membrane are organized, and how this organization helps provide spatial regulation of the PI3K/Akt as well as the IP3 signaling pathways.
Trade, growth, and poverty in Zambia: Insights from a dynamic GE model

Abstract We analyze how trade policy and aid affect poverty and economic development in a dynamic optimizing model that features a full array of imports (intermediates, consumer goods, and capital goods), transport and distribution costs, sector-specific capital, public investment in social and physical infrastructure, learning externalities, and a dualistic labor market. Our main finding is that policy packages that combine an escalated structure of protection with an escalated structure of export promotion score best; there is no support for the view that free trade or a low uniform tariff is approximately optimal.
Detecting Intramolecular Dynamics and Multiple Förster Resonance Energy Transfer States by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a robust method for the detection of intramolecular dynamics in proteins but is also susceptible to interference from other dynamic processes such as triplet kinetics and photobleaching. We describe an approach for the detection of intramolecular dynamics in proteins labeled with a FRET dye pair based on global fitting to the two autocorrelation functions (green−green and red−red) and the two cross-correlation functions (green−red and red−green). We applied the method to detect intramolecular dynamics in the Ca2+ signaling protein calmodulin. Dynamics were detected on the 100 μs time scale in Ca2+-activated calmodulin, whereas in apocalmodulin dynamics were not detected on this time scale. Control measurements on a polyproline FRET construct (Gly-Pro15-Cys) demonstrate the reliability of the method for isolating intramolecular dynamics from other dynamic processes on the microsecond time scale and confirm the absence of intramolecular dynamics of polyproline....
Comments on: A general science-based framework for dynamical spatio-temporal models

My congratulations to Dr. Wikle and Dr. Hooten for their excellent article on physically-informed dynamical spatio-temporal models. This article nicely unifies a large and important body of work on scientifically motivated dynamical models, and it adds to it their generalized quadratic model. The authors (and their collaborators) have demonstrated the utility of these approaches in a variety of applications, which span the last 15 years; I am sure we will see more in the future. A key feature of this work is the use of physical modeling concepts to inform about the structure of the statistical model, while leaving a number of parameters within that structure free to be estimated by the physical observations. This general strategy of using the science to constrain the model form, but not necessarily the exact parameter values, has proven fruitful in a number of physical science applications we have worked with at Los Alamos National Laboratory. I think it is an excellent way to incorporate scientific judgement into statistical analyses. A good portion of all statistics addresses the question of how one combines scientific information (theories, models, judgement, etc.) and physical observations to make inferences. The approach taken in this article encodes physical rules and principles into a dynamic spatio-temporal model (DSTM) which is amenable to Bayesian computation. In contrast, the recent work in computer model calibration takes a different tact (see Kennedy and O’Hagan 2001; Higdon et al. 2004 or Sanso et al. 2008, for example). In these applications the scientific information is encoded in a large scale computer model. This computational model is basically embedded as a “black box” within the statistical model. Below I contrast these two basic approaches.
Using Twitter as a means of coping with emotions and uncontrollable crises

Twitter is a popular social medium that has the capacity to provide real-time information to stakeholders and crisis managers during an organizational crisis. While several studies have described the multiple ways in which Twitter can be used by organizations to communicate with stakeholders, this study explores how stakeholder tweets can be analyzed by organizations to gauge the public's collective sentiment in order to construct messages that facilitate coping during a crisis. Using Jin, Pang, and Cameron's (2007, 2012) Integrated Crisis Mapping Model, this study analyzes 818 tweets obtained immediately after a repeat crisis. Each tweet was analyzed according to the elements of perceived controllability and predictability, as well as the emotions and coping strategies used on behalf of the organization's external stakeholders. The findings of this study suggest ways in which organizations can provide support and clarity while trying to prevent reputational damage during a highly emotional crisis.
Maquiladoras: Exploitation or Emancipation? An Overview of the Situation of Maquiladora Workers in Honduras

Abstract Are offshore assembly workers being exploited or emancipated? The answer depends largely on what factors are being considered and with whom the workers are being compared. This paper presents data on 12 indicators, including both economic and social factors, which together provide an overview of the situation of maquiladora workers in Honduras. Second, it uses an alternative control group, first time applicants to the maquiladoras. Finally, this paper presents data collected in Honduras in 1998—providing insights into the industry as it is operating post-NAFTA and in a non-Mexican setting.
Retinal cell types are differentially affected in sheep with scrapie.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized microscopically by spongiform lesions (vacuolation) in the neuropil, neuronal loss, and gliosis. Accumulation of the abnormal form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) has been demonstrated in the retina of natural and non-natural TSE-affected hosts, with or without evidence of microscopically detectable retinal pathology. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of PrP(Sc) accumulation on retinal neurons in a natural host lacking overt microscopical evidence of retinal degeneration by comparing the distribution of retinal cell type-specific markers in control and scrapie-affected sheep. In retinas with PrP(Sc)-immunoreactivity, there was disruption of the normal immunoreactivity patterns of the alpha isoform of protein kinase C (PKCalpha) and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), markers of retinal bipolar cells. Altered immunoreactivity was also observed for microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a marker of a subset of retinal ganglion cells, and glutamine synthetase (GS), a marker of Muller glia. These results demonstrate alterations of immunoreactivity patterns for proteins associated with specific cell types in retinas with PrP(Sc) accumulation, despite an absence of microscopical evidence of retinal degeneration.
Creep functions of dental ceramics measured in a beam-bending viscometer

Abstract Objective. To characterize the high temperature viscoelastic properties of several dental ceramics by the determination of creep functions based on mid-span deflections measured in a beam-bending viscometer (BBV). Methods. Six groups of beam specimens (58×5.5×2.5 mm) were made from the following materials: (1) IPS Empress2® body—a glass veneer ceramic (E2V); (2) an experimental glass veneer (EXV); (3) Vita VMK 68 feldspathic body porcelain—a low-expansion body porcelain (VB); (4) Will-Ceram feldspathic body porcelain—a high-expansion body porcelain (WCB); (5) Vita feldspathic opaque porcelain-a medium-expansion opaque porcelain (VO); and (6) Will-Ceram feldspathic opaque porcelain—a high-expansion opaque porcelain (WCO). Midpoint deflections for each specimen were measured in a BBV under isothermal conditions at furnace temperatures ranging from 450 to 675 °C. Non-linear regression and linear regression analyses were used to determine creep functions and shear viscosities, respectively, for each material at each temperature. Results. The shear viscosities of each group of dental ceramics exhibited bilinear Arrhenius behavior with the slope ratios (x) ranging from 0.19 for WCB to 0.71 for EXV. At the higher temperature ranges, activation energies ranged from 363 kJ/mol for VO to 386 kJ/mol for E2V. Significance. The viscoelastic properties of dental ceramics at high temperatures are important factors in understanding how residual stresses develop in all-ceramic and metal–ceramic dental restorations.
Memories of Chicano History: The Life and Narrative of Bert Corona

Who is Bert Corona? Though not readily identified by most Americans, nor indeed by many Mexican Americans, Corona is a man of enormous political commitment whose activism has spanned much of this century. Now his voice can be heard by the wide audience it deserves. In this landmark publication - the first autobiography by a major figure in Chicano history - Bert Corona relates his a story. This book evolved from a three-year oral history project between Bert Corona and historian Mario T. Garcia. The result is a testimonio, a collaborative autobiography in which historical memories are possessed more through oral traditions than through written documents. Corona's story represents a collective memory of the Mexican-American community's struggle against discrimination and racism. His narration and Garcia's analysis together provide a journey into the Mexican-American world. Corona was born in El Paso in 1918. Inspired by his parents's participation in the Mexican Revolution, he dedicated his life to fighting economic and social injustice. An early labour organizer among ethnic communities in southern California, Corona has agitated for labour and civil rights since the 1940s. His efforts continue today in campaigns to organize undocumented immigrants. Bert Corona's reflections offer us an invaluable glimpse at the lifework of a major grass-roots American leader. His story is doubly enriched by biographical sketches of others whose names have been little recorded during six decades of American labour history.
Relationship between the concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

The integrity of the blood-brain barrier is disrupted in certain clinical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, resulting in an increase in brain calcium content. To examine the mechanism(s) of this phenomenon, studies were undertaken to evaluate the regulation of calcium and phosphorus by the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interface of the blood-brain barrier in humans and animals. The relationship between the concentrations of total calcium (CaT) and its ionized fraction (CaI and inorganic phosphorus (P) in blood and CSF were studied during acute and chronic marked variations in their blood levels and in the presence and absence of parathyroid hormone. The concentration of CaT in CSF was stable [4.78 ± 0.05 (SE) mg/100 ml] when the blood CaT ranged between 5.1–9.5 mg/100 ml and rose only slightly (to 5.37 ± 0.06 mg/100 ml) when blood CaT ranged between 9.5–14.8 mg/100 ml. Ca1 constituted only 50–65% CaT in CSF. The level of CSF P ranged between 1.0–1.9 mg/100 ml despite wide variations in blood P (1...
Serial testing of B-type natriuretic peptide and NTpro-BNP for monitoring therapy of heart failure: The role of biologic variation in the interpretation of results

Background B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NTpro-BNP are widely used for diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with heart failure (HF). Although not currently cleared by the Food and Drug Administration as a test indication, there is interest in using these biomarkers for monitoring the success of HF medications. An assessment of the analytical and biologic variations is necessary to interpret the results of serial testing. Methods and Results The intra-individual biologic variances and analytical assay variances of BNP and NT-proBNP from healthy subjects and those with stable HF were reviewed. The analytical variability of BNP and NT-proBNP assays was reported, as some have suggested that only the analytical variance is important in interpreting the results of tightly regulated hormones. The reference change values (RCV) for serial measurements were derived and used to interpret results of therapeutic studies whereby serial changes in BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations were obtained to evaluate the therapeutic success of short-term (inpatient) and long-term (outpatient) management. The use of RCV may also be important in studies comparing BNP-guided versus physician-guided HF drug therapy. Conclusions Relative to the RCV, short-term therapeutic studies of inpatients have largely resulted in a statistically significant decline in BNP and NT-proBNP with clinical evidence of patient improvements. In contrast, many therapeutic studies involving long-term outpatient monitoring have produced changes in BNP/NT-proBNP that do not exceed the biologic variances. The value of BNP for monitoring therapeutic success can be questioned for trials that demonstrate clinical benefit without statistically significant decreases in biomarker levels.
Selection of measures in epidemiologic studies of the consequences of obesity

The most popular measure for conducting analyses in studies of adiposity is body mass index (BMI); however, BMI does not discriminate between muscle and adipose tissue and does not directly assess regional adiposity. In this article, we address the question of whether alternatives to BMI should be used in epidemiologic analyses of the consequences of obesity. In general, measures of fat distribution such as waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter are more highly correlated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and diabetes than BMI; however, differences are usually small. Precise measures of adiposity from methods such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry may provide more specific and larger associations with disease, but published studies show that this is not always true. Further, practical considerations such as cost and feasibility must influence the choice of measure in many studies of large populations. Measures of adiposity are highly correlated with each other, and the additional cost of a more precise measure may not be justified in many circumstances. Validated prediction equations that include multiple anthropometric measures, along with demographic variables, may offer a practical means of obtaining assessments of total adiposity in large populations, whereas waist circumference can provide a feasible assessment of abdominal adiposity. Finally, public health messages to the public must be simple to be effective. Therefore, investigators may need to consider the ease of translation of results to the public when choosing a measure.
The construction of wavelets from generalized conjugate mirror filters in L2(Rn)

Abstract The classical constructions of wavelets and scaling functions from conjugate mirror filters are extended to settings that lack multiresolution analyses. Using analogues of the classical filter conditions, generalized mirror filters are defined in the context of a generalized notion of multiresolution analysis. Scaling functions are constructed from these filters using an infinite matrix product. From these scaling functions, non-MRA wavelets are built, including one whose Fourier transform is infinitely differentiable on an arbitrarily large interval.
Diffusivity and micro-hardness of blended cement materials exposed to external sulfate attack

Abstract Many degradation processes in cement based materials include the diffusion of one or more chemical species into concrete and consequent chemical reactions which alter the chemical and physical nature of the microstructure. External sulfate attack is mostly described by a coupled diffusion–reaction mechanism which leads to the decomposition of hardened cement constituents and cracking of the paste. This paper discusses the significance of diffusion properties and chemical changes in external sulfate attack in blended cement based composites. A method based on Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) was developed to measure the diffusion properties in a non-destructive test method. Quantitative Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and micro-hardness technique were also used to study the chemical and mechanical changes from sulfate attack. Diffusion coefficients and rates of reaction were determined for paste and mortar mixtures, showing higher diffusion rates and lower hardness values in mortar compared to paste for control mixtures. Partial replacement of cement with fly ash improved the transport properties and reduced the level of damage in exposure to sulfate attack.
Unique molecular properties of a urea- and salt-stable DNA-binding estrogen receptor dimer covalently labeled with the antiestrogen [3H]desmethylnafoxidine aziridine. A comparison with the estrogen-receptor complex.

A new antiestrogen affinity ligand for the covalent labeling of estrogen receptors, [3H]desmethylnafoxidine aziridine, has been used to investigate the salt- and temperature-independent formation of DNA-binding estrogen receptor forms from untransformed (300 kilodaltons) receptor. Calf uterine estrogen receptor proteins labeled with [3H]estradiol or [3H]desmethylnafoxidine aziridine were quantitatively transformed (>90%) to their DNA-binding configuration in low ionic strength buffers by brief exposure to 3 m urea at 0 C. The urea effect was hormone-dependent and partially reversible. The transformed receptors were purified (ca 250-fold) by affinity chromatography on single-stranded DNAagarose in the continued presence of 3 m urea to prevent transformation reversal. Scatchard analyses revealed a single class of high affinity radioligand binding sites (Kd = 0.34 nm) unchanged by ureainduced transformation and purification. The DNAbinding receptor form labeled with [3H]desmethylnafoxidine aziridine was stab...
Hydrogenation of Arenes under Mild Conditions Using Rhodium Pyridylphosphine and Bipyridyl Complexes Tethered to a Silica-Supported Palladium Heterogeneous Catalyst

The rhodium complexes [Rh(COD)(1)]BF4 (Rh(N−P)) and [Rh(COD)(2)]BF4 (Rh(N−N)), containing the new pyridylphosphine and bipyridyl ligands (1 and 2) with alkoxysilane groups, were tethered on the silica-supported palladium heterogeneous catalyst Pd−SiO2 to give the TCSM (tethered complex on supported metal) catalysts Rh(N−P)/Pd−SiO2 and Rh(N−N)/Pd−SiO2. Under the mild conditions of 70 °C and 4 atm of H2, the two TCSM catalysts are very active for the hydrogenation of arenes (PhCO2Me, PhOH, toluene, PhOCH3, PhCO2Et, 4-CH3C6H4CO2Et, dimethyl terephthalate) to cyclohexanes; the activities are higher than those of the separate homogeneous Rh(N−P) and Rh(N−N) complex catalysts, the silica-supported palladium catalyst Pd−SiO2, or the rhodium complex catalysts tethered on just SiO2. The catalysts are easily separated from the reaction mixtures and can be recycled several times without losing activity. Of the two TCSM catalysts, the higher activity for the hydrogenation of anisole to methyl cyclohexyl ether was obs...
Carotenoid Content of 50 Watermelon Cultivars

The lycopene content of 50 commercial cultivars of seeded and seedless red-fleshed watermelons was determined. Scanning colorimetric and spectrophotometric assays of total lycopene were used to separate watermelon cultivars into low ( 90 mg/kg fw). Cultivars varied greatly in lycopene content, ranging from 33 to 100 mg/kg. Most of the seeded hybrid cultivars had average lycopene contents. Sixteen of the 33 seedless types had lycopene contents in the high and very high ranges. All-trans-lycopene was the predominant carotenoid (84-97%) in all watermelon cultivars measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, but the germplasm differed in the relative amounts of cis-lycopene, beta-carotene, and phytofluene. Red-fleshed watermelon genotypes vary extensively in carotenoid content and offer opportunities for developing watermelons with specifically enhanced carotenoids.
Habermas on the new conservatism

(1992). Habermas on the new conservatism. History of European Ideas: Vol. 14, No. 5, pp. 729-733.
Thermally Actuated Pumping of a Fluid With a Free Interface Using Surface Asymmetry

An experimental study of thermally actuated pumping of a single-component fluid is presented in the context of thermal management of a heat source. The prominent feature of this pumping method is that the very heat that is to be removed from the heat source causes a net fluid motion. Surface tension is the dominant driving force for convection in this study. An asymmetry in this force is created by the use of a surface with repeated asymmetric triangular structures. Silicone oil was used as the working fluid. Independent parameters that were varied consisted of the channel surface-to-ambient temperature difference and the fluid thickness. A dye-tracking imaging method was developed to determine the fluid interfacial velocity. The flow results were corroborated with interfacial temperature measurements obtained using infrared thermography. Dye tracking experiments indicate that the direction of net fluid motion is from the less-steep side of the ratchet towards its steeper side, resulting in a clockwise flow direction in the closed loop channel for all three liquid depths of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 2.7 mm. The range of the net flow velocities varies from 0.18 mm/min to 0.86 mm/min. A fluid height of 1 mm results in a maximum net fluid velocity at both surface-to-ambient temperatures studied. Interfacial temperature contour maps indicate the presence of thermal structures that are indicative of convection cells, and that an optimum thickness exists for maximum heat transfer coefficient. Difference in streamwise gradients of temperature (and hence surface tension) on either side of the thermal structures causes a net streamwise surface tension gradient in the direction of net fluid motion. An optimal fluid thickness for heat transfer as well as net interfacial fluid velocity is suggested by the results.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Both protein dynamics and ligand concentration can shift the binding mechanism between conformational selection and induced fit

This study aimed to shed light on the long debate over whether conformational selection (CS) or induced fit (IF) is the governing mechanism for protein–ligand binding. The main difference between the two scenarios is whether the conformational transition of the protein from the unbound form to the bound form occurs before or after encountering the ligand. Here we introduce the IF fraction (i.e., the fraction of binding events achieved via IF), to quantify the binding mechanism. Using simulations of a model protein–ligand system, we demonstrate that both the rate of the conformational transition and the concentration of ligand molecules can affect the IF fraction. CS dominates at slow conformational transition and low ligand concentration. An increase in either quantity results in a higher IF fraction. Despite the many-body nature of the system and the involvement of multiple, disparate types of dynamics (i.e., ligand diffusion, protein conformational transition, and binding reaction), the overall binding kinetics over wide ranges of parameters can be fit to a single exponential, with the apparent rate constant exhibiting a linear dependence on ligand concentration. The present study may guide future kinetics experiments and dynamics simulations in determining the IF fraction.
TH-C-I-609-05: Spatial Calibration of a Novel Real-Time Dynamic Ultrasound/CT Image Fuser

Purpose: To increase interpretability of ultrasound and to measure respiratory motion. Method and Materials: An ultrasound probe is affixed to a position‐sensing articulating arm, and the calculated ultrasoundimage plane is dynamically intersected with a 3D CTimage volume. The resulting synchronized ultrasound/CT image pair is superimposed on a multi‐layer display or blended on a single monitor for real‐time presentation. Additionally the ultrasound stream is captured to file along with regularly sampled system transformations, and the ultrasound/CT image pairs can be extracted at a later time. The system is calibrated with derivations of the transformations among the coordinate systems of the patient, ultrasound probe, and articulating arm. The system was tested by capturing image pairs using a QA phantom, and calculating the proximity of registered points. Specifically, identifiable points were registered in the ultrasoundimage, and the transformations used in deriving the CTimage plane were applied to those points. Distances were calculated between those transformed ultrasound points and the corresponding points in the CTimage.Results: In 12 experiments, the mean distance between the transformed ultrasound points and the corresponding CT ranged from 1.13 mm to 1.80 mm, with standard deviation between 0.81 mm and 1.76 mm, and maximum distance between 4.56 mm and 12.08 mm. The results were not consistently affected by the position or orientation of the phantom with respect to the articulating arm, nor by the depth of the image plane. Conclusion: The system provides real‐time and post‐imaging super position of ultrasound and CTimages, with displayed accuracy better than 2 mm. The high resolution of the CTimage provides accurate context for interpreting the ultrasound. Moreover, it provides a static reference for observing and calculating the effect of respiratory motion and other real‐time factors on patient anatomy. Work is funded by NIH grant 1RO1EB002899.
Rheumatologists on the road: A subspecialist's role in caring for the homebound

Objective By 2030, the number of permanently homebound individuals in the US will increase by 50% to reach 2 million. However, no medicine subspecialty consult services exist for this rising subset of the population. This pilot program establishes a rheumatology consult service for the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors, the largest primary care academic home visit program in the nation serving more than 1,000 patients in New York City. Our service addresses the unmet need for homebound patients with rheumatic diseases, and secondarily provides an educational opportunity for trainees in community-based rheumatology. Methods Using an electronic medical record, home-based primary care physicians sent consult requests to the Rheumatology Division. Initial assessments were made using the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) questionnaire. Results Over 12 months, 57 home visits were made: 31 new consults and 26 followup visits. Reasons for referral included medical management of a known connective tissue disease, question of inflammatory arthritis, and procedures. The demographics for new consults were as follows: 94% women, 45% Hispanic, and 80% between ages 60 and 101 years. Thirty-nine percent of patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment interventions included addition of a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in 11 patients, 11 procedures, nonpharmacologic management in 8 patients, and a change in the dose of the existing medication in 5 patients. At the initial evaluation, the average RAPID3 scores for patients reflected high severity of disease. Conclusion The number of consults and the severity of disease seen highlight the importance of a rheumatologist's role in the community, especially because the number of homebound patients will dramatically increase in the future.