cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indomethacin-responsive mononuclear cell dysfunction in “atypical” mycobacteriosis

Abstract To evaluate cellular immunity in purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test-negative patients with “atypical” mycobacterioses, mononuclear cells from nine patients were examined for in vitro proliferative responses to PPD, candida (CAN), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The cell cultures received one of the following inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism: indomethacin, a preferential inhibitor of cyclooxygenase; nordihydroguaiarectic acid, a preferential inhibitor of lipoxygenase; or phenidone, an inhibitor of both enzymes; control cultures received no inhibitors. Every patient's lymphocyte responses to PPD and CAN were found to be significantly lower (P
Signs of the Times: Missionaries and Tribal Genesis in Southern Rhodesia

Early missionaries to Africa played an instrumental role in the creation of new identities amongst and between African peoples. In particular, missionaries were central in classifying and naming groups of local people, reified as tribal' groups, whose access to missionary and colonial resources was contingent on their newly ascribed social identities. Inscription (of local languages) and ascription (of identities based on apparent differences in language) were key processes in this phenomenon. Drawing on primary and secondary historical sources, this article explores the processes through which local peoples were ascribed these identities by missionaries and how these processes foregrounded particular colonial constructions of African peoples which, subsequently, transmutated in unforeseen ways. This process not only altered local peoples' perceptions of reality and altered their course of action, it provided a powerful cultural marker for local peoples' use in political mobilization.
Robust Optimal Adaptive Control Method with Large Adaptive Gain

In the presence of large uncertainties, a control system needs to be able to adapt rapidly to regain performance. Fast adaptation is referred to the implementation of adaptive control with a large adaptive gain to reduce the tracking error rapidly. However, a large adaptive gain can lead to high-frequency oscillations which can adversely affect robustness of an adaptive control law. A new adaptive control modification is presented that can achieve robust adaptation with a large adaptive gain without incurring high-frequency oscillations as with the standard model-reference adaptive control. The modification is based on the minimization of the Y2 norm of the tracking error, which is formulated as an optimal control problem. The optimality condition is used to derive the modification using the gradient method. The optimal control modification results in a stable adaptation and allows a large adaptive gain to be used for better tracking while providing sufficient stability robustness. Simulations were conducted for a damaged generic transport aircraft with both standard adaptive control and the adaptive optimal control modification technique. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modification in tracking a reference model while maintaining a sufficient time delay margin.
Quantitative PET of EGFR expression in xenograft-bearing mice using 64Cu-labeled cetuximab, a chimeric anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody

Cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells, was approved by the FDA to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. It is currently also in advanced-stage development for the treatment of several other solid tumors. Here we report for the first time the quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of EGFR expression in xenograft-bearing mice using 64Cu-labeled cetuximab. We conjugated cetuximab with macrocyclic chelating agent 1,4,7,10-tetraazadodecane-N,N′,N′′,N′′′-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), labeled with 64Cu, and tested the resulting 64Cu-DOTA-cetuximab in seven xenograft tumor models. The tracer uptake measured by PET was correlated with the EGFR expression quantified by western blotting. The estimated human dosimetry based on the PET data in Sprague-Dawley rats was also calculated. MicroPET imaging showed that 64Cu-DOTA-cetuximab had increasing tumor activity accumulation over time in EGFR-positive tumors but relatively low uptake in EGFR-negative tumors at all times examined (<5%ID/g). There was a good correlation (R 2 = 0.80) between the tracer uptake (measured by PET) and the EGFR expression level (measured by western blotting). Human dosimetry estimation indicated that the tracer may be safely administered to human patients for tumor diagnosis, with the dose-limiting organ being the liver. The success of EGFR-positive tumor imaging using 64Cu-DOTA-cetuximab can be translated into the clinic to characterize the pharmacokinetics, to select the right population of patients for EGFR-targeted therapy, to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of anti-EGFR treatment, and to optimize the dosage of either cetuximab alone or cetuximab in combination with other therapeutic agents.
Infrared spectra of some uranium oxyfluoride molecules isolated in solid argon

Abstract Reaction of laser-ablated uranium with oxygen/fluorine mixtures or laser-ablated uranium dioxide ceramic with fluorine produces the uranium oxyfluorides molecules UO 2 F 2 , UO 2 F and UOF 4 , which have been isolated in solid argon and identified by virtue of the effects of oxygen isotopic substitution on their infrared spectra.
Functional analysis of third ventriculostomy patency with phase-contrast MRI velocity measurements

Our purpose was to explore the utility of cine phase-contrast MRI velocity measurements in determining the functional status of third ventriculostomies, and to correlate the quantitative velocity data with clinical follow-up. We examined six patients with third ventriculostomies and 12 normal subjects by phase-contrast MRI. The maximum craniocaudal to maximum caudocranial velocity range was measured at regions of interest near the third ventricular floor, and in cerebrospinal fluid anterior to the upper pons and spinal cord on midline sagittal images. Ratios of the velocities of both the third ventricle and prepontine space to the space anterior to the spinal cord were obtained. The velocities near the third ventricular floor and in the pontine cistern were significantly higher in patients than in normal subjects, but the velocity anterior to the spinal cord was similar between the groups. The velocity ratios, used to normalize individual differences, were also higher in patients than in controls. Two patients had lower velocity ratios than their fellows at the third ventricular floor and in the pontine cistern; one required a shunt 11 months later, while in the other, who had a third ventricular/thalamic tumor, the lower values probably reflect distortion of the third ventricular floor. We conclude that phase-contrast MR velocity measurements, specifically the velocity ratio between the high pontine cistern and the space anterior to the spinal cord, can help determine the functional status of third ventriculostomies.
Seniority in the generational transition of laboratory groups: The effects of social familiarity and task experience☆

Abstract The determinants of leadership seniority in laboratory groups were investigated in two experiments. In both experiments a procedure was used in which individual group members were periodically replaced throughout 7 generations. The individuals within the groups folded origami products and traded with other groups so as to earn quarters. In the first experiment the effect of social familiarity on seniority was investigated by comparing a set of standard groups with a set of rotational groups in which the group members moved from group to group between generations and thus always interacted with strangers. There was less seniority in the rotational groups. In the second experiment the effect of experience on seniority was investigated by comparing a set of standard groups with a set of experienced groups in which the new group members were recruited from the standard groups. There was less seniority in the experienced groups. It was found in both experiments, in agreement with previous research, that over generations the subjects earned increasing amounts of money and worked with increasing speed and efficiency.
Sexual function following restorative proctocolectomy in women

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to identify the incidence and type of sexual dysfunction experienced by women after undergoing restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 262 females who underwent restorative proctocolectomy by a single surgeon from 1984 to 1993. The response rate was 35 percent (92/262). Additional information was gained from our pelvic pouch data base. Mean follow-up was 43 (6–130) months. RESULTS: Following surgery, a significant increase was found in vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, pain interfering with sexual pleasure, and limiting of sexual activity because of concerns of stool leakage. There was no significant change in sexual desire, arousal, sensitivity, frequency of intercourse, or satisfaction with sexual relationship. CONCLUSION: Potential sexual dysfunction following restorative proctocolectomy in women merits discussion in preoperative counseling with the patient.
Contextual determinants of visual recognition with verbal and nonverbal stimuli

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether the presence of a meaningful non-verbal context (i.e., a schematic face) facilitates the recognition of an element (i.e., a facial feature) embedded in that context. Verbal stimuli (i.e., letters as elements and words as contexts) were also presented to provide a direct comparison of the context effects with the two types of stimuli. Although the verbal stimuli did not exhibit a context facilitation effect (i.e., letters presented in the context of a word were not recognized more accurately than letters presented alone), a significant interaction of Stimulus Type by Presentation Form resulted in both experiments because the nonverbal stimuli exhibited a context impairment effect (i.e., facial features presented in the context of a face were recognized less accurately than facial features presented alone).
An initial comparison of the interactions of Type I and III kerogens with organic liquids

The swelling of a pair of Type I (Green River and Rundle) kerogens and a Type III (Pittsburgh No. 8 coal) kerogen in a set of organic solvents is compared. Their behavior shows a regular trend with a low O/C Type I kerogen showing no specific interactions, and Type III dominated by specific kerogen-solvent interactions. The less polar low O/C Type I kerogen (Green River) follows regular solution theory and there appear to be no specific intermolecular interactions serving as non-covalent cross-links. The more polar higher O/C Type I kerogen comes close to regular solution behavior, but the data for polar and non-polar liquids are more scattered. There is evidence for specific interactions with hydrogen bonding solvents. The magnitude of the specific interactions is not large. The typical bituminous coal shows good regular solution behavior with non-polar solvents. All other solvents have specific interactions which can strongly enhance swelling. Good hydrogen bond acceptors show large effects. Only solvents which interact specifically can lead to significant swelling of untreated coal.
One-step holographic lithography fabrication of a rainbow-colored photonic bandgap structure

We report a holographic photopolymerization technique to fabricate a polymeric photonic bandgap structure whose period varies gradually along the length of the structure, leading to a unique rainbow-colored reflection image in the same viewing angle.
Hepatitis C virus.

HepCV is the major cause of NANB PT hepatitis and is also implicated as the cause in a large proportion of sporadic cases of NANBH. Chronic infection with HepCV has also been linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Chimpanzees and marmosets are the only animals found to be experimentally infectable and the virus has not been propagated in any cell culture system. HepCV is an enveloped virus with a diameter of 30-60 nm and a 10-kb positive-stranded RNA genome. Its genome organization resembles that of the flaviviruses and pestiviruses. A 5'-untranslated segment of 341 nucleotides precedes a continuous ORF of 9030/9033 nucleotides which is followed by a 54 nucleotides long 3'-non-coding segment. Further work is required to resolve the question of whether the genomic RNA possesses a 3'-poly(U) or poly(A) tail. The genome also carries an internal poly(A) segment towards the 5'-end of its ORF. Genomic RNA is probably translated into a single polyprotein of 3010/3011 amino acids which is processed into functional proteins. The viral proteins have not been identified, but on the basis of the predicted amino acid sequences, hydrophobicity plots, location of potential glycosylation sites and similarities of these properties to those of pesti- and flaviviruses, the following genome organization has been predicted. The predicted viral structural proteins, a nucleocapsid protein and two envelope glycoproteins are located at the amino-terminal end of the polyprotein. They are followed by a highly hydrophobic protein and proteins that exhibit proteinase, helicase and replicase domains and thus are probably involved in RNA replication and protein processing. The replicase domain is located close to the carboxy terminus of the polyprotein. Although the overall nucleotide and amino acid homologies between HepCV and pestiviruses are low, a number of similarities exist that point to a closer ancestral relationship to the latter than the flaviviruses. First, the 5'-untranslated segment of the HepCV genome resembles that of the pestivirus genomes in size and presence of several short ORFs and it contains several segments with high nucleotide homology. Second, the two putative envelope glycoproteins of HepCV resemble two of the three putative envelope glycoproteins of the pestiviruses. Because its genome organization and predicted virion structure closely resemble those of the flaviviruses and pestiviruses, HepCV has been proposed to be placed in the family Flaviviridae.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Infinite Eulerian tessellations

An Eulerian path in a graph G is a path @p such that (1) @p traverses each edge of G exactly once in each direction, and (2) @p does not traverse any edge once in one direction and then immediately after in the other direction. A tessellation T of the plane is Eulerian if its l-skeleton G admits an Eulerian path. It is shown that the three regular tessellations of the Euclidean plane are Eulerian. More generally, if T is a tessellation of the plane such that each face has 2t least p sides and each vertex has degree (number of incident edges) at least q, where 1/p+1/[email protected]?12, then, except possibly for the case p = 3 and q = 6, T is Eulerian. Let T^* be the truncation of T. If every vertex of T has degree 3, then T^* is not Eulerian. If every vertex has degree 4, or degree at least 6, then T is Eulerian.
E‐glass/DGEBA/m‐PDA single fiber composites: New insights into the statistics of fiber fragmentation

The interfacial shear strength is a critical parameter for assessing composite performance and failure behavior. This parameter is usually obtained from a single-fiber fragmentation test that induces sequential fracture with increasing strain of a single embedded fiber with output being the distribution of fragment lengths. An exact analytical form for the expected fragment length distribution is still not known. Such data are often fit empirically to Weibull, shifted-exponential, or lognormal distribution functions. In this report, new insights into the sequential fiber fracture process are provided by detailed analyses of the fiber break locations along the length of the embedded fiber. From this approach, the high degree of uniformity of the break coordinate loci strongly suggests that there can be no mechanistic rationale for the use of the Weibull, or lognormal, or exponential functions to fit the fragment lengths. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2301–2312, 2009
V. On the motions of camphor towards the light : To the editors of the Philosophical Magazine and Journal

(1863). V. On the motions of camphor towards the light. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 25, No. 165, pp. 38-39.
Passive neutralizing antibody controls SHIV viremia and enhances B cell responses in infant macaques

Maternal HIV-1-specific antibodies are efficiently transferred to newborns, but their role in disease control is unknown. We administered neutralizing IgG, including the human neutralizing monoclonal IgG1b12, at levels insufficient to block infection, to six newborn macaques before oral challenge with simian-HIV strain SF162P3 (SHIV(SF162P3)). All of the macaques rapidly developed neutralizing antibodies and had significantly reduced plasma viremia for six months. These studies support the use of neutralizing antibodies in enhancing B cell responses and viral control in perinatal settings.
Observations on the function of the faucial isthmus in deglutition.

Summary The role of the valving structures of the faucial isthmus in the act of deglutition is reviewed. Five patients were studied who had ablation of components of the soft palate and pillar area. Cinefluorography of barium swallow was done on these individuals. The most significant abnormality seen was loss of the important faucial cut-off mechanism in a patient who had undergone extensive resection of faucial structures. This loss results in a marked disturbance of deglutition.
Diagnostic Approach to a Patient With Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome

Herein, we discussed a case of an otherwise healthy man who presented with progressive gait imbalance and ataxia, found to have small cell lung cancer. Based upon our clinical findings and laboratory data, a diagnosis of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration was made. Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are relatively rare but diverse and always should be considered in differentials. A diagnostic algorithm along with appropriate work up is discussed here.
Continuum Corrections to the Polarization and Thermodynamic Properties of Ewald Sum Simulations for Ions and Ion Pairs at Infinite Dilution

Ewald sum simulations of the solvation thermodynamics of charged solutes employ an unphysical uniform neutralizing background charge to ensure convergence of the periodic lattice sum. Continuum cor...
Life-threatening asthma.

Abstract Asthma may be a fatal disease. Dangerous attacks are likely to occur in older patients without evidence of allergy, especially if chronic bronchitis, respiratory infection, or obesity are present. Potentially fatal attacks may follow the use of oxygen or sedation. Ten patients with carbon dioxide retention secondary to severe asthma were treated. Possible errors that contributed to the respiratory failure were: inadequate steroid administration, use of sedation, and use of oxygen. Tracheostomy followed by assisted ventilation was used in 8 patients. Three of these were adequately ventilated by use of intermittent positive pressure breathing, but 5 required a volume respirator. All patients were treated with symptomatic drugs. Prednisone was used in 9. Antibiotics were used when infection was recognized. All patients recovered. Aggressive treatment should prevent death in severe asthma. This must include frequent blood gas measurements, large doses of steroids, antibiotics, and assisted ventilation when needed to control carbon dioxide retention.
Design of phase-controlled coatings to correct skew-ray depolarization in LCOS projectors

Abstract LCOS projectors usually employ tilted beam-dividing coatings that see both bright and dark polarization states. The optics must then be designed to eliminate polarization mixing at these coatings, which ordinarily arises whenever the S/P planes of different rays are not aligned with one another. (This non-parallelism is a consequence of the compound incidence angles with which a beam of finite NA intercepts a tilted coating.) We show how to correct this effect using phase-controlled coatings that exploit the double-pass symmetry of the Plumbicon tri-prism geometry, reducing cross-polarized leakage to ∼1×10 −3 . In lowest order, any polarization ellipticity that the coatings may introduce in the light valve illumination will cancel in the return pass through the optics (while induced rotation will double). The condition that must be satisfied to correct rotation will only constrain the coatings in a single collective degree of freedom (for each color channel); this condition depends on both the orientations and phase shifts of the coatings. Even beyond this first order result, we show that for NA≲ 0.2 the computation involved in calculating beam contrast can be reduced to the equivalent of tracing a single ray (in double-pass), despite the fact that contrast along different rays in the beam will vary as a function of both the skew component and incidence angles of the rays at coatings. The efficiency of this algorithm makes it practical to refine the design of all coatings in the system simultaneously to take higher order terms into account.
The extent, time course, and fraction size dependence of mouse spinal cord recovery from radiation injury

Abstract Purpose: This experiment was designed to assess: (a) the influence of fraction size and time interval between fractions on the tolerance of the spinal cord to high cumulative doses of radiation; and (b) the influence of the long-term recovery process on the tolerance of the spinal cord to reirradiation. Methods and Materials: The T10-L2 level of the spinal cord of C3Hf mice was irradiated using a conventionally fractionated regimen of 2.0 Gy once daily, a prolonged fractionated regimen of 1.2 Gy once daily, a hyperfractionated regimen of 1.2 Gy twice daily, or a single dose of 12 Gy followed 0–190 days later by a second dose of 5–20 Gy. Mice in the multifractionated regimen groups were given a single 15 Gy top-up dose 24 h after reaching a cumulative fractionated dose of 24–70 Gy. Hind limb strength was measured weekly for 2 years after the completion of irradiation. Results: Paralysis occurred in a bimodal time distribution, with peaks at 5–10 months and 15–23 months after the completion of irradiation. The cumulative radiation dose was directly associated with the incidence of paralysis in each radiation schedule ( p p = 0.0001) and 2.0 Gy q.d. schedules ( p = 0.03). The median latency of paralysis in each group was inversely associated with the incidence of paralysis in that group ( p p p 20 and ED 50 values that were approximately double those of the 2.0 Gy once daily and the 1.2 Gy twice daily schedules and a relative risk of paralysis from a given dose that was 0.03 times the risk associated with the other two regimens ( p p = 0.86). The residual from a single 12 Gy radiation dose was 17% after 190 days, leaving the retreatment ED 50 only 10% below the ED 50 of previously unirradiated spinal cord. The relative risk of paralysis after 12 Gy plus a second radiation dose decreased from 1.00 with no time interval between doses to 0.51–0.73 with a 0.25, 1 or 3 day interval, 0.32 with a 7 day interval, 0.11 with a 30 day interval, and 0.06 with a 190 day interval. Conclusion: The increased radiation tolerance of the murine spinal cord produced by decreasing the fraction size from 2.0 to 1.2 Gy was offset by the diminished tolerance produced by decreasing the time interval between fractions from 24 to 8–16 h, resulting in no significant difference in the dose-paralysis curves of conventional and hyper-fractionated radiation schedules. The rodent spinal cord eliminates the majority of the occult radiation injury produced by a radiation dose equal to half the ED5o during the months following irradiation. This permits retreatment of previously irradiated spinal cord to high doses without the induction of myelopathy.
Xp22.1-p21.3 Mental Retardation: Identification of CNS-Expressed Genes in Patients' Deletions • 715

Xp22.1-p21.3 Mental Retardation: Identification of CNS-Expressed Genes in Patients' Deletions • 715
Incorporation of amino acids into polyribosome-associated protein in cytoplasmic extracts of poliovirus-infected HeLa cells.

Abstract Recent reports have made clear that aggregates of ribosomes (polyribosomes) are functional units for protein synthesis both in the intact cell (e.g., Warner et al. 1962 ) and in cell-free systems ( Goodman & Rich, 1963 ). These findings have prompted a further study of the incorporation of amino acids into ribosome-associated protein in cytoplasmic extracts of HeLa cells infected with poliovirus, a phenomenon first described by Attardi and Smith (1962) .
It Ain’t What You Do, It's the Way You Do It: Five Golden Rules for Transforming Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening

The benefit-harm ratio of PSA screening can be dramatically improved by avoiding screening, biopsy and treatment in men who are unlikely to benefit, and by referring men that do need treatment to high volume centers.
Experimental Study of Flow and Separation in Vortex Tubes With Application to Gaseous Fission Heating

An experimental investigation of the flow in simple jet driven vortex tubes under conditions dynamically similar to those estimated to be necessary for operation of a vortex cavity reactor indicated that viscous retardation of the vortex motion near the periphery is severe. Estimates of virtual viscosities and skin friction coefficients based on an assumed two dimensional flow field were correlated in terms of the peripheral tangential Reynolds number based on the tube diameter. Friction coefficients so defined for vortex flow appear to be high by a factor of about two compared with those for turbulent flow along a flat plate with zero pressure gradient. Observed tangential velocities are compared with theoretical calculations for viscous vortex flow in terms of the turbulent radial Reynolds number. This comparison suggests that virtual viscosity probably decreases with decreasing radius. Extrapolation of the experimental results to typical reactor operating conditions indicated the need for small diameter tubes and recirculation of a large fraction of the inlet gas in order to achieve adequate vortex strength without exceeding an allowable exit mass flow rate. Quantitative measurements of concentration profiles for separation of helium and a heavy fluorocarbon vapor were made using a radial gas sampling probe andmore » thermal conductivity analysis. The data are compared with laminar flow separation theory. (auth)« less
Amphibian calcium metabolism

Calcium is present in amphibian blood at a concentration similar to that in other vertebrates, about 1–2 mmol l-1. The fraction of free calcium in amphibians is lower than that in other tetrapod vertebrates because about 50% of the plasma Ca2+ is bound to plasma proteins and perhaps other molecules. Plasma [Ca2+] varies seasonally, increasing in spring and summer and decreasing in winter. Changes in plasma [Ca2+] also occur during larval development, as the concentration of this ion increases in larval forms as they approach metamorphosis. Calcium is exchanged at a variety of sites in animals. There is evidence for Ca2+ uptake across the skin and gills of larval anurans. It is also transported into the blood from the small intestine (especially the duodenum) and reabsorbed in renal tubules from the glomerular filtrate. The possibility of Ca2+ absorption from urine stored in the urinary bladder has not been confirmed, however. Calcium is stored in bone and in specialized endolymphatic sacs. This Ca2+ can be mobilized when the need arises. There are a number of endocrine and other humoral factors that appear to be involved in amphibian calcium metabolism. These include parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, vitamin D and prolactin.
The Implications of Crime Control Policy on HIV/AIDS-Related Risk among Women Prisoners

This study examined the relationship between offense, prior drug taking, and HIV/AIDS-related risk behavior among women prisoners. Women drug offenders in this study engaged in numerous high-risk drug and sexual behaviors. Many had engaged in injection drug use and prostitution. Recent drug control policies, grounded in deterrence and based on harsh legal penalties, have led to the incarceration of numerous offenders who are low criminal risks but represent major public health risks on release. Criminal justice policies penalizing drug users may be contributing factors to the spread of HIV infection in the wider society.
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS OF MICRON-SIZED H2SO4/H2O PARTICLES STUDIED BY INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

A new experimental technique has been developed for investigations of phase transitions of micron-sized particles through infrared spectroscopy. The particles are attached to the inner walls of a g...
Size-dependent thermal oxidation of copper: single-step synthesis of hierarchical nanostructures

Thermal oxidation of copper is a simple and scalable method to produce copper oxide nanowires. We report for the first time the formation of nanowires on copper powder during thermal oxidation and the resulting nanowire coverage that is dependent on the initial particle size. Systematic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of thermal oxidation of particles of different sizes provide insights into the size-dependent process and evolution of the various phases of copper and copper oxide with time. Furthermore, we find that a large void is formed within these particles after oxidation and propose a mechanism based on the Kirkendall effect. The unique tunability of hierarchical features and hollow interior can be used to create new scalable structures for applications in a variety of areas including thermal management and catalysis.
Estimating suspended sediment concentration using turbidity in an irrigation-dominated Southeastern California watershed

This study investigates the feasibility of using turbidity T as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration C in an irrigation-dominated watershed in southeastern California. A nonlinear T -C relationship was developed and evaluated using two inde- pendent sets of data obtained by physical sampling and laboratory turbidimeter. The relationship was interpreted in terms of the hetero- geneous particle size distribution in the samples. The effects of spatial and temporal variation of particle sizes and water colors on the relationship were examined. Further, possible effects of laboratory procedures on the relationship such as time delay of sample measure- ment and calibration of T for C using lab-prepared samples were analyzed. The study showed that the variation of particle size distribution is the key factor controlling the T -C relationship. Water color and time delay for sample analysis did not significantly affect the turbidity values, whereas laboratory procedures may mislead the T -C relationship. It is concluded that turbidity may be a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration in such irrigation-dominated watersheds in arid regions, though the T -C relationship has to be established with care.
GaInAs/GaAs strained layer MQW electroabsorption optical modulator and self-electro-optic effect device

We observed a clear excitonic absorption effect at room temperature in MBE-grown Ga1−xInxAS/GaAs strained layer multiple quantum well structures, and fabricated optical pin modulators on the same structures. A change of 27% in the transmission, corresponding to a change in the absorption coefficient of 2260cm−1, with 6 V reverse bias voltage and at 9710 A wavelength, was measured. We also operated the modulator as a self-electro-optic effect device, resulting in a nonlinear optical input/output characteristic.
An Exploration of Reflective Dialogue between Student Teachers in Music and Their Cooperating Teachers

The purpose of this study was to explore the content of reflective dialogues between student teachers in music and their cooperating teachers, as well as to understand the effects of reflective dialogue on professional development. I was guided in this analysis of 49 transcriptions of interviews and reflective dialogues between student teachers and their cooperating teachers by classifications and terminology from previous research. I identified patterns and found that student teachers reflect most frequently on technical, clinical, and personal issues; critical topics were less frequently discussed. From this analysis, I highlighted the process and benefits of reflective dialogues with experienced teachers and offered approaches for cooperating teachers and university supervisors in music education.
Center for stroke disparities solutions community- based care transition interventions: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Racial and ethnic disparities persist in stroke occurrence, recurrence, morbidity and mortality. Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke risk. Home health care organizations care for many patients with uncontrolled HTN and history of stroke; however, recurrent stroke prevention has not been a home care priority. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effectiveness, relative to usual home care (UHC), of two Community Transitions Interventions (CTIs). The CTIs aim to reduce recurrent stroke risk among post-stroke patients via home-based transitional care focused on better HTN management.
A hybrid self-organizing Neural Gas based network

This paper examines the neural gas networks proposed by Martinetz and Schulten and Fritzke in an effort to create a more biologically plausible hybrid version. The hybrid algorithm proposed in this work retains most of the advantages of the Growing Neural Gas (GNG) algorithm while adapting a reduced parameter and more biologically plausible design. It retains the ability to place nodes where needed, as in the GNG algorithm, without actually having to introduce new nodes. Also, by removing the weight and error adjusting parameters, the guesswork required to determine parameters is eliminated. When compared to Fritzkepsilas algorithm, the hybrid algorithm performs admirably in terms of the quality of results it is slightly slower due to the greater computational overhead. However, it is more biologically feasible and somewhat more flexible due to its hybrid nature and lack of reliance on adjustment parameters.
The Effect of Interruptions and Global Placekeeping on Postcompletion Error Rates

A postcompletion error occurs when the final step of a task is omitted because the main goal of the task is thought to be completed (Byrne & Bovair, 1997). Postcompletion errors are more likely to occur after interruptions (Ratwani, McCurry & Trafton, 2008). Global placekeeping cues (Gray, 2000) allow a user to track their progress in a task and may be a method for reducing the rate of postcompletion errors. A computer-based procedural task with a postcompletion step was used in this experiment to determine how the interaction of global placekeeping cues with interruptions would affect postcompletion errors. These results suggest that global placekeeping cues reduce the postcompletion error rate after interruptions, but that global placekeeping does not completely eliminate postcompletion errors.
The fine structure of the rod-bipolar cell synapse in the retina of the albino rat.

The fine structure of the rod-bipolar synapse is described and illustrated. Each rod spherule possesses a large, single, oval or elongate mitochondrion approximately 0.5 x 2.0 microns. Surrounding the mitochondrion are elements of agranular endoplasmic reticulum. The bipolar dendrite projects into the lower pole of the spherule and usually terminates in two lobes separated by a cleft. The plasma membranes appear dense and thicker in the region of the synapse. In the rod spherule cytoplasm, contiguous with the plasma membrane is a dense, slightly concave arciform structure, the rod arciform density, extending from the base of the bipolar bifid process through the cleft to an equivalent point on the opposite side. Also within the spherule, and external (towards the sclera) to the rod arciform density, is a parallel, dense, thin lamella, the rod synaptic lamella. This is approximately 25 mµ in thickness and 400 mµ in width at its widest extent. This halfmoon-shaped plate straddles the cleft between the two lobes of the bipolar process. The lamella appears to consist of short regular rodlets or cylinders 5 to 7 mµ in diameter, oriented with their long axes perpendicular to the plane of the lamella. Minute cytoplasmic vesicles found in the cytoplasm of both the rod spherule and the bipolar terminal are most abundant near the rod synaptic lamella.
Limits, Variability, and General Behavior of Statistical Predictability of the Midlatitude Atmosphere

Abstract The nature of statistical predictability is analyzed in a T42 global atmospheric model that is able to adequately capture the main features of the midlatitude atmosphere. Key novel features of the present study include very large prediction ensembles and information theoretic techniques. It is found globally that predictability declines in a quasi-linear fashion with time for short-term predictions (3–25 days), while for long ranges (30–45 days) there is an exponential tail. In general, beyond 45 days the prediction and climatological ensembles have essentially converged, which means that beyond that point, atmospheric initial conditions are irrelevant to atmospheric statistical prediction. Regional predictions show considerable variation in behavior. Both of the (northern) winter storm-track regions show a close-to-quasi-linear decline in predictability toward a cutoff at around 40 days. The (southern) summer storm track shows a much more exponential and considerably slower decline with a small ...
Passive structural control of offshore wind turbines

The application of control techniques to offshore wind turbines has the potential to significantly improve the structural response of these systems. A new simulation tool is developed that can be utilized to model passive, semi-active and active structural control systems in wind turbines. Two independent, single degree of freedom (DOF) tuned mass- damper (TMD) devices are incorporated into a modified version of the aero-elastic code FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures and Turbulence). The TMDs are located in the nacelle of the turbine model, with one TMD translating in the fore-aft direction, and the other in the side-side direction. The equations of motion of the TMDs are incorporated into the source code of FAST, yielding a more realistic system for modeling structural control in wind turbines than has previously been modeled. The stiffness, damping and commanded force of each TMD are controllable through the FAST-Simulink interface, and so idealizations of semi-active and active control approaches can be implemented. A parametric study is performed to determine the optimal parameters of a passive single DOF, fore-aft, TMD system in both a barge-type and monopile support structure. The wind turbine models equipped with TMDs are then simulated and the performance of these new systems is evaluated. The results indicate that passive control approaches can be used to improve the structural response of offshore wind turbines. The results also demonstrate the potential for active control approaches. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RNA–Magnesium–Protein Interactions in Large Ribosomal Subunit

Some of the magnesium ions in the ribosome are coordinated by multiple rRNA phosphate groups. These magnesium ions link distal sequences of rRNA, primarily by incorporating phosphate groups into the first coordination shell. Less frequently, magnesium interacts with ribosomal proteins. Ribosomal protein L2 appears to be unique by forming specific magnesium-mediated interactions with rRNA. Using optimized models derived from X-ray structures, we subjected rRNA/magnesium/water/rProtein L2 assemblies to quantum mechanical analysis using the density functional theory and natural energy decomposition analysis. The combined results provide estimates of energies of formation of these assemblies, and allow us to decompose the energies of interaction. The results indicated that RNA immobilizes magnesium by multidentate chelation with phosphate, and that the magnesium ions in turn localize and polarize water molecules, increasing energies and specificities of interaction of these water molecules with L2 protein. Thus, magnesium plays subtle, yet important, roles in ribosomal assembly beyond neutralization of electrostatic repulsion and direct coordination of RNA functional groups.
Increasing Opportunities for Partnership with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families

It is “Back to School Night” at a large elementary school serving an ethnically, linguistically, and economically diverse suburban community. There is a large turnout, and parents seem to have enjo...
Evaluating Models Of The Relationship Between Accounting Profitability Measures And Internal Rate Of Return

Researchers have investigated the relationship between the internal rate of return (IRR) and accounting-based profitability measures using analytical and indirect empirical methodologies. The current study employs computer simulation to complement the other two methodologies and corroborate their results. The results indicate that the accounting rate of return (ARR) and the conditional estimate of internal rate of return (CIRR) are strongly associated with IRR; however, the length of the estimation period and formulation used for CIRR appear to affect its relationship to IRR. ARR’s relationship to IRR appears to be unaffected by the length of the estimation period.
Some effects of accelerated charged particles on bacterial spores.

SummaryDry spores of Bacillus megaterium were irradiated with stripped atoms accelerated in the heavy ion linear accelerator. Nine different ions were used, each at 8·3 MeV/nucleon, with specific energy losses (LET) varying from 5 keV/µ (total) for the ionized deuteron up to 500 keV/µ for the Ne10+ ion. Survival curves were constructed for each ion in three experimental conditions allowing distinction among three classes of damage; class I, the completely oxygen-independent damage; class II, that seen only when oxygen is present during irradiation; and class III, that produced by interactions between oxygen and free radicals.Class I increased with increasing LET up to 190 keV/µ while classes II and III are constant in this range. Beyond this, II and III decrease to zero approximately at 500 keV/µ, with I falling slightly. Cross-sectional values correspond with actual geometric dimensions of the spore: a high LET particle is lethal in any part of the protoplast; lower LET particles yield cross-sectional va...
The Phantom Decoy Effect in Perceptual Decision Making

A phantom decoy is an alternative that is superior to another “target” option but is unavailable at the time of choice. In value-based decisions involving phantom decoys (e.g., consumer choices), individuals often show increased preference for the similar, inferior target option over a non-dominated competitor alternative. Unlike value-based decisions that are driven by subjective goals, perceptual decisions typically have an outside criterion that defines the goal of the task (e.g., target is present or absent). Despite their obvious differences, past research has documented a number of commonalities between both types of decisions. In a set of three experiments, we examine the influence of phantom options on simple perceptual decisions and point out a critical difference between perceptual and value-based decisions. Our results show that in perceptual choice, participants prefer competitor options to target options, the opposite of the pattern typically found in consumer choice. We use the results of the experiments to examine the predictions of four different models of context effects including loss aversion and dynamic, preference accumulation models. We find that accumulation models provide the best explanation for our results as well as being able to generalize to other context effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological Manipulation of the Rostromedial Tegmental Nucleus Changes Voluntary and Operant Ethanol Self-Administration in Rats.

Background The aversive properties of ethanol (EtOH) that limit its intake are poorly understood. There is an increasing interest in the role of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), because it encodes aversion signals and inhibits motivated behaviors. It is also a major source of inhibitory GABAergic inputs to the midbrain dopamine neurons. Up to this time, the role of the RMTg in EtOH-drinking behaviors has not been well explored. Methods Male Long–Evans rats were trained either to drink EtOH under the intermittent 2-bottle-choice protocol or to self-administer EtOH in operant chambers under fixed-ratio-3 schedules. Changes in drinking behaviors induced by the bilateral infusion into the RMTg of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), an agonist of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, or muscimol, an agonist of GABAA receptors, were measured. Results Consumption and preference for EtOH, numbers of active lever pressing, and head entrance to the EtOH port were all significantly decreased upon activation of the RMTg by the infusion of AMPA, but were increased upon inhibition of the RMTg by the infusion of muscimol. By contrast, intra-RMTg infusion of these agents did not change sucrose consumption. Conclusions These data show for the first time that EtOH-drinking and EtOH-seeking behaviors of rats changed inversely with RMTg function, supporting the idea that the RMTg plays a crucial role in EtOH-drinking behaviors.