cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The genetic diversity of rhizobia associated with Dalea purpurea Vent. in fragmented grasslands of west-central Minnesota.

The increase in human population and the spread of agriculture over the past 150 years have transformed the landscape in west-central Minnesota into a mosaic of agricultural fields and urban land, ...
Evaluation of potentially labile soil organic carbon and nitrogen fractionation procedures

Abstract Particulate organic matter (POM) and light fraction (LF) organic matter are potentially labile (active) fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) that have been shown to be indicators of short-term changes in soil management practices (e.g. tillage, manure and fertilizer applications, and crop rotation). These two fractions consist mainly of partially decomposed plant residues, microbial residues, seeds, and spores forming organo-mineral complexes with soil mineral particles; however, they cannot be used as synonyms because of their different chemical composition and structure. Particulate-OM is recovered by size-based procedures while LF is generally recovered in two distinct fractions [free-LF (FLF) and occluded-LF (OLF)] using density-based solutions in conjunction with soil-aggregate disruption. Solutions used in these density-based separations have most commonly varied in density from 1.6 to 2.0 g cm −3 . Sodium iodide (NaI) and sodium polytungstate (SPT) are the chemicals most often used to prepare the density solutions in LF recovery but comparisons of the effectiveness of two solutions have not been conducted. The objectives of this research were: (1) compare the efficiency of similar density solutions of NaI and SPT in recovering FLF; and (2) compare POM, FLF, and OLF as possible sensitive indices of short-term soil changes due to tillage management. Soil samples were collected at 0–15 cm depth from a cropping system experiment conducted on a silt loam Ultisol. Plots selected for sampling had received either reduced till (RT) or no-till (NT), and cropping was continuous corn silage for a period of 3 years prior to sampling. Solutions of NaI and SPT at densities of 1.6 and 1.8 g cm −3 were used to recover FLF, and OLF was recovered with SPT solution at a density of 2.0 g cm −3 from the soil pellet remaining after FLF recovery with SPT 1.6 g cm −3 . The average total soil organic carbon (SOC) content of these samples was of 12.7 g kg −1 , and carbon-POM (C-POM), carbon-FLF (C-FLF), and carbon-OLF (C-OLF) represented 22.4, 5.5, and 5.2% of it, respectively. In general, C-FLF and nitrogen-FLF (N-FLF) contents recovered did not differ significantly between chemical solutions (NaI or SPT) adjusted to the same density (1.6 or 1.8 g cm −3 ). Increasing the density within a specific solution (NaI or SPT) resulted in significantly higher C-FLF and N-FLF recovery. For instance, C-FLF recovery averaged 637 and 954 mg kg −1 at 1.6 and 1.8 g cm −3 , respectively. For both chemicals increasing density from 1.6 to 1.8 g cm −3 reduced the variability in recovering C-FLF and N-FLF with coefficient of variation values decreasing from a range of 14.9–19.1% for densities of 1.6 g cm −3 to 6.7–10.4% when densities increased to 1.8 g cm −3 . In the present work, POM and OLF were more sensitive than FLF to changes in tillage management, with significantly greater amounts of the sensitive fractions in RT samples. A better sensitivity of FLF would be expected if treatments dealing with residue input (e.g. crop rotation and cover crop) were evaluated.
Grass‐Roots Conflict Resolution Exercises andConstituent Commitment

A basic assumption behind intergroup conflict resolution theory and practice is that representatives of communities in conflict who successfully find common ground through conflict resolution exercises will then work symmetrically to commit their own constituents to that same agreement. This paper argues that such beliefs are based on a general model of conflict resolution derived from official conflict resolution exercises such as mediation and international negotiation. Rather, grass-roots conflict resolution groups find that constituent commitment is hindered by organizational problems inherent in such groups. They may, in fact, demonstrate a different pattern whereby participants use the bridge they build to cross over and address constituents on the other side. This paper is based on a six-year participant-observation study of a U.S.-based Middle East dialogue group.
Induction of Stable Long-term Mixed Hematopoietic Chimerism Following Nonmyeloablative Conditioning With T Cell-Depleting Antibodies, Cyclophosphamide, and Thymic Irradiation Leads to Donor-Specific In Vitro and In Vivo Tolerance

Abstract BACKGROUND: Successful transplantation of solid organs relies on long-term immunosuppression for the prevention of graft rejection. Donor-specific tolerance without the need for continuous immunosuppression can be observed after allogeneic BMT. However, its routine use for tolerance induction has been precluded so far by the high conditioning-related toxicity of standard BMT regimens. Our laboratory has recently established a cyclophosphamide (CTX) plus thymic irradiation (TI)-based nonmyeloablative conditioning protocol for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. We have recently described the successful clinical application of this approach for the induction of donor-specific tolerance in a patient receiving a living-related kidney transplant, which resulted in graft acceptance without long-term immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the induction and maintenance of host-versus-graft tolerance following this CTX-plus-TI-based regimen in a mouse model. METHODS: Induction of mixed hematopoietic chimerism and development of donor-specific tolerance following the CTX-based nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen (200 mg/kg CTX, in vivo T-cell depletion [anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) GK1.5 and anti-CD8 MoAb 2.43], and 7 Gy TI) was studied in the fully major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched B10.A (H2a)-->B6 (H2b) strain combination. RESULTS: The conditioning regimen allowed allogeneic bone marrow engraftment and persistent (>30 weeks) mixed lymphohematopoietic chimerism in almost all recipients. TI was essential to allow engraftment and development of tolerance, which was evident in all lasting chimeras. Compared to animals receiving a similar TBI-based conditioning regimen, overall levels of chimerism were significantly lower in the CTX-plus-TI-conditioned animals. However, donor-specific tolerance in vitro and in vivo was evident in CTX-plus-TI-conditioned chimeras. Tolerance was associated with the presence of donor-type MHC class II+ cells in the thymus and deletion of donor-reactive cells, as determined by Mtv-8 and Mtv-9 superantigen-mediated deletion of Vbeta11+ and Vbeta5/1.2+ T cells. CONCLUSION: Engraftment, long-term chimerism, and induction of donor-specific tolerance can be achieved using a nonmyeloablative CTX-based conditioning regimen in fully MHC-mismatched BMT recipients without the induction of GVHD. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2001;7(12):646-55.
Detailed three-dimensional analysis of structural features of Myxococcus xanthus fruiting bodies using confocal laser scanning microscopy

Myxococcus xanthus is a motile soil bacterium with complex social behaviors. Upon starvation, a developmental program is initiated that results in cellular aggregation and fruiting body formation. This process requires the exopolysaccharide (EPS) component of the extracellular matrix. With prolonged starvation, a part of the cells within a fruiting body die, while the other cells differentiate into spores. Extensive genetic and biochemical information has been generated that elucidates this interesting developmental process. Little is known, however, about the detailed three-dimensional structural features of native fruiting bodies or the EPS and distribution of live/dead cells (spores) within these structures. In this study, changes in the three-dimensional architecture of fruiting bodies and the distribution of the extracellular matrix within the fruiting bodies during the developmental process were investigated using a gfp-expressing M. xanthus strain and carbohydrate-specific lectins or monoclonal antibodies in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The extracellular matrix was found to form a scaffold within the fruiting body structure. Furthermore, using a bacterial viability staining assay, the distribution of live/dead cells within fruiting bodies was examined at different times. The majority of live cells were found to localize at the outer layer of a mature fruiting body, with dead cells underneath.
Phase transitions in one-dimensional cluster-interaction fluids III. Correlation functions

An explicit expression is derived for the pair correlation function g(r) in the class of one-dimensional many-body cluster interaction models studied previously. It is shown that the product property and the compressibility theorem are satisfied. The asymptotic behavior of g(r) is studied in the simple logarithmic model for pressure and temperature near the vapor pressure curve. Explicit expressions for the nearest neighbor distribution and the cluster length distribution are also derived.
Legitimizing the Wound: Mapping the Military's Diagnostic Discourse of Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACTFollowing reports spanning from the beginning of the OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) conflicts to the early 2010s, this rhetorical investigation analyzes the U.S. military's diagnostic practices used to identify mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in blast-affected troops. Considering the notion of “wound/injury” as a possible boundary object, this paper discusses how the conceptual framing of “invisible” injuries may produce interruptions of distrust that inhibit effective diagnosis.
Enhancing Patient Safety: The Effect of Process Improvement on Bedside Fluoroscopy Time Related to Nasoduodenal Feeding Tube Placement in Pediatric Burn Patients

Nutrition support is essential in the care of burn patients. Early in the course of treatment, postpyloric feeding tube placement permits initiation of enteral nutrition, minimizes risk of aspiration, and may also attenuate hypermetabolism. Fluoroscopy aids in postpyloric feeding tube placement, yet concerns remain about safety. The purpose of this study was to measure fluoroscopy-associated radiation exposure during bedside feeding tube placement in pediatric burn patients and to take appropriate action to improve hospital protocols that minimize radiation exposure. During a 19-year period, radiation doses were measured before and after performance improvement of radiation safety initiatives. This plan included mandatory training for surgical house officers, measurement of maximum midline dosage for each procedure, limitation of radiation exposure to 5 minutes, and development of standardized policies and protocols for feeding tube placement. Phase 1 of the study retrospectively determined fluoroscopy time required for enteral tube placement. Phase 2 used thermoluminescent chips to measure the amount of radiation during fluoroscopy to establish an acceptable midline radiation dose. Phase 3 evaluated fluoroscopy times following implementation of improved safety processes. There were 357 procedures in phase 1 and mean fluoroscopy time was 4.1 minutes. Of the 10 procedures in phase 2, mean fluoroscopy time decreased to 2.7 minutes. There were 1804 procedures in phase 3, and mean fluoroscopy time was 2.3 minutes. Mean radiation exposure was significantly reduced following implementation of standardized policies and the development of a clinical protocol for bedside fluoroscopy (P < .0001). With proper processes, fluoroscopy procedures result in minimal radiation exposure for patients and staff.
Effect of axial tibial torque direction on ACL relative strain and strain rate in an in vitro simulated pivot landing

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries most frequently occur under the large loads associated with a unipedal jump landing involving a cutting or pivoting maneuver. We tested the hypotheses that internal tibial torque would increase the anteromedial (AM) bundle ACL relative strain and strain rate more than would the corresponding external tibial torque under the large impulsive loads associated with such landing maneuvers. Twelve cadaveric female knees [mean (SD) age: 65.0 (10.5) years] were tested. Pretensioned quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit forces maintained an initial knee flexion angle of 15°. A compound impulsive test load (compression, flexion moment, and internal or external tibial torque) was applied to the distal tibia while recording the 3D knee loads and tibofemoral kinematics. AM-ACL relative strain was measured using a 3 mm DVRT. In this repeated measures experiment, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the null hypotheses with p < 0.05 considered significant. The mean (±SD) peak AM-ACL relative strains were 5.4 ± 3.7% and 3.1 ± 2.8% under internal and external tibial torque, respectively. The corresponding mean (± SD) peak AM-ACL strain rates reached 254.4 ± 160.1%/s and 179.4 ± 109.9%/s, respectively. The hypotheses were supported in that the normalized mean peak AM-ACL relative strain and strain rate were 70 and 42% greater under internal than under external tibial torque, respectively (p = 0.023, p = 0.041). We conclude that internal tibial torque is a potent stressor of the ACL because it induces a considerably (70%) larger peak strain in the AM-ACL than does a corresponding external tibial torque. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:528–534, 2012
Pecuniary redistribution through in-kind programs

Abstract The pecuniary effects of cash and in-kind programs differ. A program that builds housing for the poor, for example, is likely to result in a lower price of existing low-income housing than would an equally costly cash transfer program. Low-income renters in general would benefit; landlords would lose. This paper argues that these pecuniary effects provide a previously unstudied rationale for the use of in-kind programs. Specifically, in a world in which the government has limited ability to target taxation, the pecuniary effects of in-kind programs may be used to transfer rents from one group in society to another. The pros and cons of using in-kind programs in this way are identified and examples from the real world are discussed.
Thermodynamics of the Li2O fusion reactor breeder

Abstract Lithium oxide is one of the candidate tritium breeders for a fusion reactor. A computational survey, using experimentally measured activity coefficients for LiOH in Li2O, was made of the thermodynamic behavior of Li2O as a fusion reactor breeder blanket material. All significant species involved in establishing an equilibrium state, including those generated from the effects of H-T exchange, are included in the analysis. Oxygen activity, particularly at values less than approximately 10−15, is a variable that was found to strongly influence the balance of the molar quantities and activities of various species. These relationships are important in assessing the HT-HTO balance in the gas phase, the enhancement of tritium release by protium purging, the vaporization of LiOH/LiOT and Li, and the effects of elemental lithium and LiT in the condensed phase.
Phytotoxicity of Eight Insecticides to Some Nursery-Grown Ornamentals

Insecticides were applied to nursery stock (canary island pine, Oriental arborvitae, Chinese elm, Indian laurel, Japanese pittosporum, firethorn, burford holly, Japanese spindle tree, Japanese privet, crape-myrtle, and oleander) to evaluate for phytotoxicity. The insecticides utilized were: acephate, aldicarb, chlorpyrifos, fenvalerate, methidathion, methomyl, oxamyl, and pirimicarb. Three applications were made at 4-wk intervals during the winter and summer and at 2-wk intervals during the fall. Insecticides were applied at the 1X (recommended), 2X, and 4X rates. No phytotoxicity resulted from 1X treatment rates but was observed at higher rates. Severe damage occurred on Nerium oleander L. treated with chlorpyrifos at the highest rate.
An experimentally validated dynamic model of the spine

Abstract : Although there has been a large number of mathematical models proposed for the simulation of spinal response to acceleration, few have been validated against experimental data and none appears to reflect the actual conditions of load transmission from one vertebra to the next. This paper provides a brief survey of existing spinal models and presents a discrete parameter model with experimental validation. The transmission of load via the articular facets is a major new feature of the model, based on previously obtained experimental data. Good correlation was obtained between the model results and experimentally measured spinal loads for different impact acceleration levels and spinal configurations.
Synthesis of a novel 8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2] azine

A unique covalently hydrated cyclazine adduct, 2-imino-6a-hydroxy-4,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-7H-8-thia-J, 4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azin-5-one hydrochloride was prepared by reacting ethyl 4-chloro-acetoacetate with 4,6-diamino-2-thiopyrimidine in neutral alcohol. Neutralization gave 2-imino-5,6a-dihydroxy-6,6a-dihydro-7H-8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azine which decomposed to 4,6-diamino-2-acetonylthiopyrimidine upon heating in water. Warming the hydrated hydrochloride in concentrated hydrochloric acid caused dehydration to yield 2-imino-5-hydroxy-6H-8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azine hydrochloride. Partial isomerization (20%) to 2-imino-5-hydroxy-7H-8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azine hydrochloride occurred during recrystallization from aqueous acidic methanol. The free base, 2-imino-5-hydroxy-7H-8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azine was obtained after neutralizing either of the tautomeric hydrochlorides. Treating the free base with trifluoroacetic acid produced a mixture of the trifluoroacetate salts of the two tautomeric bases. Isomerization of one trifluoroacetate salt into the other in trifluoroacetic acid was observed by pmr at room temperature. Both 2-amino-5-hydroxy-7-nitroso-8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azine and 2-amino-5-hydroxy-6-nitroso-8-thia-1,4-diazacycl[3.3.2]azine were isolated after nitrosation of the hydrochloride mixture.
Severe acute pancreatitis in the community: confusion reigns

Abstract Background The management of acute pancreatitis (AP) has evolved through enhanced understanding of the disease. Despite several evidence-based practice guidelines for AP, our hypothesis is that many hospitals still use historical treatments rather than adhere to the current guidelines, which have demonstrated shorter hospital stays, decreased infectious complications, decreased morbidity, and decreased mortality. Materials and methods Seventy-eight patients transferred to our institution with AP from 2010–2014 were retrospectively studied to compare pretransfer versus posttransfer adherence to current practice guidelines. Primary measures included use of antibiotics (abx), enteral nutrition, drainage of asymptomatic pseudocysts, and interventions for necrosis in the early phase ( Results Pretransfer, abx were given to 51 patients; however, posttransfer, abx were discontinued in 33 patients and started in 6 patients within 24 h of admission (pretransfer versus posttransfer abx, 51 versus 24, P versus 9 patients posttransfer ( P versus posttransfer feeding, 9 versus 65 patients, P 4 wk from initial episode of AP. Pretransfer, five patients had pancreatic debridement in the early phase, which resulted in prolonged postoperative length of stay compared with eight patients requiring debridement, which were delayed (early versus late, 56 versus 16 d, P Conclusions There is still great confusion in the treatment of AP in community hospitals. Primary principles in the care of these patients are not routinely followed despite established guidelines. Increased dissemination is required to prevent lengthy hospitalizations and long-term morbidity.
Effects of dietary sodium restriction during pregnancy on the histochemistry of the rat zona glomerulosa.

SummaryPregnant rats on two levels of dietary Na (1.1, 28.7 meq/100 g) were studied along with their nonpregnant counterparts. At the end of gestation, adrenals were removed and studied histochemically for the demonstration of G6PD and sudanophilic lipids. Plasma Na and K concentrations and hematocrit values were taken as supporting data to aid in the interpretation of the histochemical findings.Either pregnancy or a restricted intake of dietary Na led to slight hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the zona glomerulosa. The combination of Na restriction and pregnancy resulted in extreme hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the zona glomerulosa.G6PD in the zona glomerulosa increased by 54% due to pregnancy and by 68% due to dietary Na restriction. However, the combined stress of pregnancy plus Na restriction caused a 656% increase in G6PD.Alterations in the patterns of sudanophilic lipids were noted. Dietary Na restriction or the stress of pregnancy resulted in a slight increase in zona glomerulosa lipid as compared t...
Image processing experiments on a multi-microprocessor system

Abstract This paper presents the design of a multi-microcomputer which provides the basis of a system useful for processing large numbers of images. We present the architecture, the features of the operating system and experimental results. This system consists of a central computer and a number of satellite microcomputers. Communication between the central computer and each satellite is accomplished through dual-ported RAMs. It is a single bus system with a ‘star’ architecture, which under certain conditions can simulate other architectures. We have developed an operating system that allows our multicomputer system to be used in ‘user’, ‘star’, ‘queue’ and ‘pipeline’ processing modes. These processing modes allow the user to configure a powerful queueing multicomputer system. This paper presents models that predict the throughput of the system, and reports on an extensive set of experiments that are designed to test the system and verify its performance increase as a function of the number of satellites.
Changes in the heterogametic mechanism of sex determination.

This paper attempts to explain how the different heterogametic mechanisms of sex determination, such as male and female heterogamety, can arise from a single ancestor. We study this problem by first building and analysing some models and then comparing the models to relevant data from animals. Based on these comparisons, the models appear to be useful for understanding how sex determining mechanisms evolve. Some results of the models include:
Historical Retreat of Alpine Glaciers in the Ahklun Mountains, Western Alaska

Abstract The Ahklun Mountains support the only extant glaciers in southwestern Alaska north of the Alaska Peninsula. The glaciers were originally mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey using photogrammetry methods based on 1972–1973 aerial photos. We surveyed for presence or absence of the glaciers by fixed-wing aircraft in 2006. Of 109 glaciers originally mapped, 10 (9%) had disappeared. Using aerial imagery of a subset of 76 glaciers at three time steps between 1957 and 2009, we determined the average rate of areal loss was 45% over 52 y. At this rate, it is likely that all Ahklun Mountain glaciers will be extinguished by the end of the current century.
Phytic acid: divalent cation interactions: III. A calorimetric and titrimetric study of the pH dependence of copper(II) binding

Abstract The interaction of the cupric ion with phytic acid as a function of pH has been studied by potentiometric and thermal titration and by the determination of ligand binding. As has been found for the reaction of zinc and calcium cations with phytate, the presence of the Cu(II) ion results in a displacement of the titration curves to more acid values. Evaluation of the parameters that describe such changes in ionization behavior by curve-fit analysis showed that as the Cu(II):phytate mol ratio was increased from one to eight, the p K ' values of the ionizable group sets of phytic acid (ranging from 1.59 to 9.79) were consolidated into just two sets with curve-fit (CP) values ca. 1.5 and 3.7. Marked pH hysteresis effects are seen in such systems because of the pronounced acid strength of the Cu(II):aqua ion and the Cu(II) ligand aqua ion complex. The combined heat of binding and precipitation (plus solvation changes, etc.) of Cu(II) to phytate is endothermic (21.8–22.2 kcal mol −1 ). This is similar in magnitude to that reported for the binding of either Zn(II) or Ca(II) to phytate. In the titration of Cu(NO 3 ) 2 with KOH, presumably to form Cu(OH) 2 , ΔH° was exothermic (−12.5 kcal mol −1 ). From measurements of free Cu(II) cation concentration in the presence of phytate the binding reaction was found to be stoichiometric with 6 mols Cu(II) bound at pH 6. Binding occurs within the pH range 2–6. An apparent necessary requirement for binding is the availability of the oxo dianion structure formed from the second dissociation step of a phosphoryl group. Curve-fit analysis of the binding data as a function of pH showed that a group or group set with CP value ca. 4 governs the binding reaction(s) at all mol ratios of Cu(II) to phytate examined. It is suggested that the binding of cupric ions to phytate may occur to the equatorial rather than the axial configuration as suggested for Ca(II) binding. A space-filling molecular model to illustrate this has been constructed. Soluble Cu(II):phytate complexes are formed within the pH range from 2 to ca. 3.4. This is supported by the results of difference absorption spectrometry.
A review of successful transport and home injury interventions to guide developing countries

Injury is recognized as an increasing public health problem in developing countries. Extensive research on injury control has been conducted in the U.S. and other industrialized countries in the past several decades, but research is still in its infancy in developing countries. In this paper, successful interventions for transport and home injuries are reviewed in the context of the developing country setting. The aim is to evaluate injury interventions developed in the industrialized countries and identify those likely to be usable in developing countries. The evaluation criteria used include the efficacy of the interventions, as well as their affordability, feasibility and sustainability. The review demonstrates that while several interventions are available in the field of injury prevention for developing countries to import, caution should be taken in doing this. The use of automobile safety seat belts, bicyclist and motorcyclist helmets, speed limits, laws banning the sale of alcohol at lorry parks, pedestrian crossing signs, adequate roadway lighting, separation of pedestrians from vehicles, conspicuity-enhancement measures, simple safety equipment, and poison prevention packaging should be seriously considered by developing countries to reduce the morbidity and mortality from transport and home injuries. Since injury prevention may often require a blend of several interventions due to the multifactorial nature of the causes of injury, interventions that appear to be most effective are those with multidimensional strategies including education, legislation and environmental modification. This review should serve as a useful guide to injury control efforts in developing countries which must grapple with limited resources and low levels of education.
Exploring online dating and customer relationship management

Purpose – To explore and add insight to the online‐dating services phenomena which is the next product and beneficiary of the internet revolution that offers customers a convenient and affordable alternate to traditional methods of dating.Design/methodology/approach – Empirically investigated through conceptual models and statistical methods was the value proposition of online matchmaking services, which boils down to the ability to provide appropriate matches through successfully business‐to‐customer (B2C) customer service enhanced by the web and based on sound customer relations management practices.Findings – The differentiation of the marketplace includes unique ways to collect user‐based information and customized, proprietary algorithms that generate what are believed to be the best matches, based on user and matchmaking service criteria. Online dating services use statistics, data mining, and activity monitoring to provide appropriate matches; thus, differentiating their services and understanding ...
Accurate estimation of phase-shifting error in digital holography

Phase shifting error is a major error source in phase-shifting digital holography. It affects the quality of the reconstructed object and causes errors in its phase and amplitude calculation. This paper presents a simple method to accurately retrieve the actual phase-shifting value used in practical hologram recording. It therefore provides the possibility of completely eliminating the phase-shifting error in digital hologram. The proposed method is based on solving the object wave reconstruction equation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by both mathematical analysis and computer simulation.
Coming out online: Interpretations of young men’s stories

How do young gay men experience the coming-out process by participating in Internet chat rooms? This qualitative study examined the experiences of young gay men who participated in chat rooms as they were coming out. Between December 2000 and March 2001, 13 self-identified gay men (ages 19–26) residing in an urban southern coastal community participated in face-to-face interviews. The researchers employed interpretive interactionism (Denzin, 1989) to analyze coming-out stories that captured epiphanies associated with participants’ chat room interactions with gay men. Online experiences led to manifestations of greater self-acceptance. The illumination of both positive and negative experiences that resulted from chat room participation may provide valuable insight to stakeholders who aim to support young gay men as they come out. Developmental, policy, and practice implications are discussed.
Transubstantiation, essentialism, and substance

According to the Eucharistic doctrine of Transubstantiation, when the priest consecrates the bread and wine, the whole substance of the bread and wine are converted into the body and blood of Christ. The ‘accidents’ of the bread and wine, however, remain present on the altar. This doctrine leads to a clutch of metaphysical problems, some of which are particularly troubling for essentialists. In this paper, I discuss some of these problems, which have recently been pressed by Brian Ellis and Justin Broackes. I argue that defenders of Transubstantiation have satisfactory replies.
Comparing characteristics of voluntarily childless men and women

Voluntary childlessness among women has been well researched, but the theories derived from that work may not apply to men. In this paper, we test whether or not female-derived explanations of voluntary childlessness are applicable to voluntarily childless men. We use US data from the National Survey of Family Growth to compare voluntarily childless men to other men and to voluntarily childless women in an effort to determine the distinctions between groups. We examine four long-held explanations of female voluntary childlessness and test their application to men: demographic, socialization, economic, and attitudinal differences. We find that demographic and socialization variables predict voluntary childlessness in both men and women similarly. Traditional sex role belief decreases the probability of being voluntarily childless for both men and women, though the effect is slightly stronger for women. However, variables associated with economic theory do not predict voluntary childlessness for men. Most importantly, education is not a significant predictor of voluntary childlessness for men, while it greatly increases the chances of being voluntarily childless among women. We conclude that new theories of voluntary childlessness need to be developed or existing theories refined to take into account the gendered routes to childlessness—especially theories explaining the different effect of education on men’s and women’s childlessness.
The dielectric properties of as-received and gamma irradiated fused silica

Abstract Audio frequency capacitance and conductance measurements have been carried out on 15 kinds of fused silica over the temperature range 5.5–380 K. The results are used to arrive at corresponding values for the complex dielectric constant. It is shown that the relative strengths of the three relaxations observed in as-received fused silica are characteristic of the type of fused silica. In addition, it is found that one of the relaxations can be destroyed by gamma rays and that the destruction is accompanied by the creation of a lower activation energy relaxation. A corresponding growth of optical absorption bands in the visible portion of the spectrum is observed. The gamma-ray sensitive relaxation is attributed to an aluminum-alkali center and the gamma-ray induced relaxation is attributed either to an aluminum-oxygen-hole center or to a “non-local” alkali ion. Finally, accurate values for the real part of the dielectric constant at various temperatures are presented.
Elevated mPer1 gene expression in tumor stroma imaged through bioluminescence

The tumor stroma has significant effects on cancer cell growth and metastasis. Interactions between cancer and stromal cells shape tumor progression through poorly understood mechanisms. One factor regulating tumor growth is the circadian timing system that generates daily physiological rhythms throughout the body. Clock genes such as mPer1 serve in molecular timing events of circadian oscillators and when mutated can disrupt circadian rhythms and accelerate tumor growth. Stimulation of mPer1 by cytokines suggests that the timing of circadian oscillators may be altered by these tumor-derived signals. To explore tumor and stromal interactions, the pattern of mPer1 expression was imaged in tumors generated through subcutaneous injection of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Several imaging studies have used bioluminescent cancer cell lines expressing firefly luciferase to image tumor growth in live mice. In contrast, this study used non-bioluminescent cancer cells to produce tumors within transgenic mice expressing luciferase controlled by the mPer1 gene promoter. Bioluminescence originated only in host cells and was significantly elevated throughout the tumor stroma. It was detected through the skin of live mice or by imaging the tumor directly. No effects on the circadian timing system were detected during three weeks of tumor growth according to wheel-running rhythms. Similarly, no effects on mPer1 expression outside the tumor were found. These results suggest that mPer1 activity may play a localized role in the interactions between cancer and stromal cells. The effects might be exploited clinically by targeting the circadian clock genes of stromal cells.
Improving Data Systems about Juvenile Victimization in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To suggest improvements to 13 data sets and systems that collect information about juvenile victimization in United States. METHOD: The suggestions were gathered from a variety of sources, including data system users and administrators, as well as a special meeting convened on the topic by the National Consortium on Children, Families and the Law in Washington, DC (December 2000). RESULTS: Key areas of improvement were identified for each of 13 US data systems and possible solutions were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This paper suggests three broad categories of improvements that apply to a number of data systems. First, data systems could expand the coverage of the systems to include more jurisdictions or other segments of the population. Second, in order to be more comprehensive and specific to child victimization, the systems need to create more specific data items, questions, or response categories. Finally, the data systems need to be modified to provide continuity and interrelationships among systems, either by using uniform definitions, or integrating data systems to facilitate the tracking of children across systems. Language: en
Resolving the tail instability in weighted log-rank statistics for clustered survival data

Abstract In this note, we consider weighted log-rank statistics applied to clustered survival data with variable cluster sizes and arbitrary treatment assignments within clusters. Specifically, we verify that the contribution over the time interval for which the risk set proportion is arbitrarily small (the so-called “tail instability”) is asymptotically negligible. These results were claimed but not proven by Gangnon and Kosorok [2004. Sample-size formula for clustered survival data using weighted log-rank statistics. Biometrika 91, 263–275.] who developed sample size formulas in this context. The main difficulty is that standard martingale methods cannot be used on account of the dependencies within clusters, and new methods are required.
Myeloma-Associated Orbital Amyloidosis

Orbital amyloidosis is extremely rare and may be localized finding or secondary to a systematic process. The majority of the patients with orbital amyloidosis have primary localized disease. We report a 55 year old male with multiple myeloma and secondary amyloidosis who presented with incidental bilateral orbital masses on MRI. Biopsy revealed amyloid deposition. We review the previously published cases of the orbital amyloidosis secondary to systematic light chain (AL) amyloidosis, including one patient with multiple myeloma. The clinical signs and symptoms, histopathologic findings, and radiographic features of orbital amyloidosis are discussed.
Inherited hyperammonemia: an algorithm for diagnosis.

Twenty-two patients with inherited hyperammonemic syndromes are presented. These patients represent 22 different families. The diagnosis was based mainly on family history, blood ammonium levels, acid base balance, urinary orotic acid, urinary and plasma amino acids and organic acids. The final diagnosis was confirmed by determination of liver enzyme activity. In 12 patients (54%), the first clinical manifestations were noticed after the neonatal period; 7 patients (31%) were diagnosed after infancy, and 8 (23%) after the age of 8 years. Two patients who represent the late-onset group of inherited hyperammonemic syndromes are presented in detail. The three most common diagnoses were ornithine transcarbamoylase deficiency, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase deficiency, and lysinuric protein intolerance, which comprised 59% of the diagnosed patients. Our data, based on one of the largest series reported, reveal a relatively large percentage of late-onset inherited hyperammonemic syndromes as compared with previous reports.
Water Retention Characteristics and Pore Structure of Binary Mixtures

The mixing of different sized soil particles is known to affect soil properties such as density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and soil water retention. To better understand how the mixing controls soil water retention characteristics, a set of laboratory experiments was performed using binary mixtures of coarse and fine particles with seven different mixing fractions. For each mixture, the water retention characteristics, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were obtained. To enhance the effects of mixing, coarse and fine sands with a relatively large particle size contrast were used. Results showed that at equal to or above the fine fraction of ∼0.3, the fine particles controlled the behavior. Starting from the fine-only sample, introducing more coarse particles to the fine particles led to rather gradual changes in the water retention characteristics. Wall effects at the coarse–fine particle interfaces were presumed to be responsible for the changes in the water retention curves. The water retention curves for the mixtures with a fine fraction lower than 0.3 were controlled by the coarse particles yielding the displacement pressure similar to that of the coarse sand. Furthermore, it was inferred that different mixing fractions led to different spectra of pore sizes, suggesting that a parametric model with sufficient flexibility is needed to describe the water retention characteristics of binary mixtures.
Effects of Substrate Conductivity on Convective Cooling of Electronic Components

The coupled conduction and forced convection transport from substrate-mounted modules in a channel is numerically investigated to identify the effects of the substrate conductivity. The results presented apply to air and two-dimensional laminar flow conditions. It was found that recirculating cells as well as streamwise conduction through the substrate play an important role in predicting convective heat transfer from the printed circuit board (PCB) and modules and in determining the temperature distributions in the PCB, modules, and fluid. The dimensionless temperature and the local Nusselt number along the interface between the fluid and the module or PCB are rather complicated, and therefore, predetermined simple boundary conditions along the solid surface may be inappropriate in many conjugate heat transfer problems. In general, the results show that the maximum temperature within heat sources can be greatly reduced by increasing the conductivity of the PCB. The effectiveness of the use of highly conductive materials for PCB, however, depends on the distance between the heat generating modules on the PCB. In addition, finite thermal resistance between the module and the PCB would serve to diminish the PCB conduction effects, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the enhancement afforded by increased conductivity.
INPATIENT INTERVENTION IN AN INDIGENT, MINORITY POPULATION WITH UNCONTROLLED DIABETES

Objective: To study whether a program of brief, intensive, inpatient intervention could improve glycemic control in an indigent, minority population with uncontrolled diabetes unresponsive to outpatient treatment. Methods: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes unresponsive to treatment in our outpatient Diabetes Clinic were admitted to our inpatient Diabetes Unit, where their care was directed by the Diabetes Team (an attending diabetologist, an endocrinology fellow, two nurses, and two nutritionists). Of 108 patients admitted, data were available for 96. Patients from minority populations constituted 91.7% of the group. All patients were indigent. The mean duration of stay was 4.3 days. After dismissal, patients underwent follow-up again in our Diabetes Clinic. During the 540-day follow-up period, 25 patients were electively readmitted when satisfactory improvement in glycemic control was not achieved. Hemoglobin A1c levels were averaged and plotted for the group at defined time points up to 360 days before admission and up to 540 days after admission. Results: During the year before admission, hemoglobin A1c increased slowly from 10.1 ± 0.3% (mean ± standard error) at day -360 to 10.3 ± 0.2% at day -210 (F5 = 29; P<0.01) and then rapidly to 11.4 ± 0.2% at admission (F 7 = 1,541; P<0.001). After admission, hemoglobin A1c declined rapidly to 9.5 ± 0.2% at day 90 (F4 = 121; P<0.005), plateaued at that level until day 240, and then declined again slowly to 9.0 ± 0.3% at day 540, the end of the follow-up period (F10 = 70; P<0.01). All hemoglobin A 1c levels 30 days or more after admission were significantly lower than the mean level at admission (P<0.05 at day 30 and P<0.001 from day 45 to day 540). Conclusion: Brief, intensive, inpatient intervention in an indigent, minority population with uncontrolled diabetes unresponsive to outpatient treatment produced and sustained a significant improvement in glycemic control. This mode of treatment is a practical approach to achieving the improvement in glycemic control that the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated to be effective in delaying the onset and slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. (Endocr Pract. 1998;4:251-258)
Combined Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry of the Radical Adducts of a Fluorescamine-Derivatized Nitroxide

Dynamic liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (dyn-LSIMS) was employed to acquire continuous, on-line mass spectral data from the effluent of a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) used to separate a broad suite of carbon-centered radicals trapped as the O-alkylhydroxylamine adducts of an amino nitroxide that was subsequently derivatized with fluorescamine. Data obtained by the use of these combined techniques (LC/MS) can be employed to elucidate radical adduct structures; elemental compositions of the adducts can be confirmed by acquiring mass spectra at high resolution. At low resolution, introduction into the source of <1 pmol of adduct yielded usable spectra. The first application of this technique to the identification of photochemically generated radicals in natural water samples is presented.
Prediction of surface generation in microgrinding of ceramic materials by coupled trajectory and finite element analysis

This study investigates numerical modeling of surface generation in microgrinding of ceramic materials by coupled trajectory and finite element analysis. The resultant surface generation from both ductile flow mode grinding and fracture mode grinding is modeled in microgrinding of alumina. In the ductile flow mode grinding, the surface generation is simulated by trajectory analysis. In the fracture mode grinding, the surface generation is estimated from the fully damaged subsurface depth by cohesive zone method (CZM) based FEA simulation. The simulated surface profile matches well with the experimental result in the arithmetic average surface roughness. However, larger error is observed in the root mean squared surface roughness at high feed rate. It is suspected that this is caused by the increased vibration in microgrinding at high feed rate, which increases the complexity in the ground surface.
Cognitive Control Signals in Posterior Cingulate Cortex

Efficiently shifting between tasks is a central function of cognitive control. The role of the default network—a constellation of areas with high baseline activity that declines during task performance—in cognitive control remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that task switching demands cognitive control to shift the balance of processing towards the external world, and therefore predicted that switching between the two tasks would require suppression of activity of neurons within the CGp. To test this idea, we recorded the activity of single neurons in posterior cingulate cortex (CGp), a central node in the default network, in monkeys performing two interleaved tasks. As predicted, we found that basal levels of neuronal activity were reduced following a switch from one task to another and gradually returned to pre-switch baseline on subsequent trials. We failed to observe these effects in lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP), part of the dorsal fronto-parietal cortical attention network directly connected to CGp. These findings indicate that suppression of neuronal activity in CGp facilitates cognitive control, and suggest that activity in the default network reflects processes that directly compete with control processes elsewhere in the brain..