cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathways Signaling the Regulatory Volume Decrease of Cultured Nonpigmented Ciliary Epithelial Cells

Purpose. The authors identify the signaling pathways tor the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) of nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE) cells. The RVD is a regulatory response triggered by swelling and reflecting K.C1 release by NPE cells. Methods. The cell volumes of human nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells were measured in suspension by electronic cell sorting. Measurements were conducted in test solutions of constant ionic strength, but osmolality was varied by sucrose. Results. Cyclic AMP (cAMP), forskolin, PGE2, the PKC-inhibitor staurosporine, and increasing cytoplasmic Ca' 2+ activity with thapsigargin all enhanced the RVD. Leukotrienes A4, D4, E4, and the protein phosphatasc inhibitor okadaic acid had no detectable effect under the current experimental conditions. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomelhacin, the epoxygenase inhibitors ketoconazole and SKF 525A, and the PKC activator DiCK all downregulatcd the RVD. The addition of the cation ionophore, gramicidin, increased the RVD. In the presence of gramicidin, cAMP, PGE2, and indomethacin did not affect the RVD, but ketoconazole, DiCK, and the calcium-calmodulin blocker trilluoroperazine still inhibited—and staurosporine still enhanced—the RVD. Many of these observations are strikingly different from results reported with other cells. Anisosinotic swelling did not increase intraccllular cAMP concentration. Conclusions. The pathways signaling the regulatory responses to swelling are unique for each cell type. The authors propose that hypotonic swelling of NPE cells stimulates arachidonic acid turnover, triggering PGE^-mediated upregulation of K + channels and epoxide-mediatcd upregulation of Cl~ channels. Swelling may also reduce endogenous PKC activity, further upregulating Cl~ channels. Calcium-calmodulin plays a permissive role in upregulating the CI" channels. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994;35:2876-2886.
Active vs. spectator modes in nonadiabatic photodissociation dynamics of the hydroxymethyl radical via the 22A(3s) Rydberg state

The choice of the active degrees of freedom (DOFs) is a pivotal issue in a reduced-dimensional model of quantum dynamics when a full-dimensional one is not feasible. Here, several five-dimensional (5D) models are used to investigate the nonadiabatic photodissociation dynamics of the hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) radical, which possesses nine internal DOFs, in its lowest absorption band. A normal-mode based scheme is used to identify the active and spectator modes, and its predictions are confirmed by 5D quantum dynamical calculations. Our results underscore the important role of the CO stretching mode in the photodissociation dynamics of CH2OH, originating from the photo-induced promotion of an electron from the half-occupied π*CO antibonding orbital to a carbon Rydberg orbital.
Toeplitz Covariance Matrices and the von Neumann Relative Entropy

Sample covariances based on time-series data fail to be Toeplitz. The purpose of the paper is to suggest the von Neumann relative-entropy as a distance measure for approximating a positive-definite sample covariance by one having the Toeplitz structure. This leads to a convex optimization problem whose solution retains the property of being positive-definite.
Unraveling substituent effects on the glass transition temperatures of biorenewable polyesters.

Converting biomass-based feedstocks into polymers not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, but also furnishes multiple opportunities to design biorenewable polymers with targeted properties and functionalities. Here we report a series of high glass transition temperature (Tg up to 184 °C) polyesters derived from sugar-based furan derivatives as well as a joint experimental and theoretical study of substituent effects on their thermal properties. Surprisingly, we find that polymers with moderate steric hindrance exhibit the highest Tg values. Through a detailed Ramachandran-type analysis of the rotational flexibility of the polymer backbone, we find that additional steric hindrance does not necessarily increase chain stiffness in these polyesters. We attribute this interesting structure-property relationship to a complex interplay between methyl-induced steric strain and the concerted rotations along the polymer backbone. We believe that our findings provide key insight into the relationship between structure and thermal properties across a range of synthetic polymers.
Anticoagulant Use in High Stroke-Risk Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Author(s): Nguyen, Hannah K; Humber, Douglas; Checkoway, Harvey; Blanchard, Daniel; Watanabe, Jonathan H | Abstract: Background Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are recommended for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with moderate-to high-stroke risk. Objective To examine nationally reflective OAC usage in incident NVAF patients longitudinally. Design Three-year retrospective cohort analysis. Setting Medicare Part D recipients in the contiguous United States.Participants52,465 Medicare beneficiaries with incident NVAF in 2010 with two or more atrial fibrillation diagnoses seven or more days apart. Main outcome measure Stroke risk via congestive heart failure, hypertension, age greater than or equal to 75, diabetes, stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74, sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc) score. Primary outcome was proportion of patients receiving one or more OACs post-NVAF diagnoses. Results Of 48,980 high-risk patients, 32.7% received one or more OAC within 60 days of diagnosis. By close of 2011, 48% had one or more OAC. OAC use increased to 52.9% by close of 2012. Conclusions Fewer than 33% of high-risk NVAF patients received OACs within 60 days of diagnosis in 2010. Despite increased use over time, oral anticoagulation was below 53% at study end. Use of OACs declined with CHA2DS2-VASc greater than 6. Expanded efforts are warranted to augment OAC use in high stroke-risk patients.
Abstract P373: Design for a Pragmatic Trial Comparing Telehealth Care and Clinic-Based Care for Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

The 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline strongly recommends systematic follow-up and monitoring of treatment using team-based care and telehealth, based on Level A evidence. However, different mode...
Antecedent Life History and Students' Behavior in College: A Canonical Correlation Analysis

A longitudinal study was conducted to determine whether students' life-history or biographical data could be used to predict their experiences in college. A biographical data questionnaire was admi...
In the Dark Without a Light: Understanding Unmediated Sites of Dark Tourism

Since many sites of dark tourism are loci of events that took place in the past, tourists may require a form of mediation in order to understand what happened there, why, and to whom. Some such sites, like the Japanese internment camp at Manzanar, are well-mediated. This chapter explores some of the problems the tourist may encounter when faced with sites that are un- or under-mediated: sites with no more than a brief sign (Dean MacCannell’s “markers without a sight”) or to whose still-existing remains tourists are not directed. In many cases, mediating material exists, but is not available to the tourist “on site.” Using the examples of the Bennett-Arcane Long Camp, the Oatman Massacre site, and the Poston War Relocation Center, this chapter explores ways in which knowledge of such material might affect the experience of the tourist. Questions of the role of literary production by participants, “authenticity” of the touristic experience, and the interrelation between dark tourism and the broader field of tourist studies are also considered.
Man With Post-Traumatic Leg Swelling: A Morel-Lavallée Lesion

Morel-Lavallee lesions are closed degloving soft tissue injuries that should be considered in post-traumatic patients with persistent pain or swelling. Physicians must keep a high index of suspicion for this commonly missed entity, as early diagnosis is critical to preventing complications. We describe a case of a 46-year-old male who presented to the emergency department following a motorcycle accident. Initial radiographic imaging did not show evidence of osseous injury, and he was discharged home. He later returned with worsening right thigh pain and swelling. Further imaging showed a large fluid collection between the muscle and subcutaneous tissues consistent with a Morel-Lavallee lesion. This case report discusses the common presentation, diagnostic modalities, and treatments to help improve the identification and management of Morel-Lavallee lesions.
A psychosocial mediational model of homelessness among U.S. male and female veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan

Few studies have focused on homelessness among Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans, especially female veterans. An explanatory model of homelessness was constructed and tested for each gender. Data collected in the United States from 833 OEF/OIF/OND veterans (41.5% female; Mage = 35.22, SD = 8.86) who completed the baseline assessment of the Survey of the Experiences of Returning Veterans between September 2011 and July 2014 were analysed. Path analysis was used to examine associations between risk factors and any lifetime homelessness, stratified by gender. Adverse childhood events (ACEs) and low social support were significantly associated with lifetime homelessness for both genders. Social support mediated associations between ACEs and homelessness, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. While sociodemographic risk factors are often considered in homeless prevention, these findings highlight the importance of social support among male and female OEF/OIF/OND veterans, underscoring the need to target this life domain in preventing homelessness.
Tear Rates of the Ipsilateral ACL Graft and the Contralateral Native ACL Are Similar following ACL Reconstruction.

The aim of the study is to compare the tear rates of ipsilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts and the contralateral native ACL as well as to investigate the correlation of gender, age at time of surgery, and body mass index (BMI) with the occurrence of these injuries. The medical records of 751 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery with follow-up periods of 2 to 7 years were retrospectively analyzed. Survival analyses of ipsilateral ACL grafts and contralateral native ACL were performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors that were associated with these injuries. The tear rates of the ipsilateral ACL graft and contralateral ACL were 5.86 and 6.66%, respectively with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.998). The mean time of tears of the ipsilateral ACL and contralateral ACL was also similar (p = 0.977) at 2.64 and 2.78 years, respectively after surgery. Both the odds of sustaining an ipsilateral ACL graft and contralateral ACL tear were also significantly decreased by 0.10 (p = 0.003) and 0.14 (p = 0.000), respectively, for every 1-year increase in age at which the reconstruction was performed. However, graft type, gender, and BMI were not associated with an increased risk of these injuries. There was no difference between tear rates of ipsilateral ACL graft and contralateral ACL following ACL reconstruction. Patients who undergo ACL reconstruction at a young age are at an increased risk of both ipsilateral graft and contralateral ACL rupture after an ACL reconstruction. Patients who are young and more likely to return to competitive sports should be counselled of the risks and advised to not neglect the rehabilitation of the contralateral knee during the immediate and back to sports period of recovery. This is a Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Estimation of Climatic Parameters for Frost Depth Prediction

A realistic method for estimating air freezing index, duration of freeze, and mean annual temperature for any latitude and elevation in West Virginia is presented. The method was developed after study of 20 weather stations having not less than 25 yr of weather records. The stations were selected to include a variety of geographical locations. A statistical study was made to relate air freezing index, duration of freeze and mean annual temperature to the elevations and latitudes of the weather stations studied and to permit consideration of any given return period or recurrence interval for design. A reasonably reliable estimate of the air freezing index, duration of freeze, and mean annual air temperature for design purposes may be obtained for any latitude and elevation in West Virginia for a specified recurrence interval. Regression equations and charts permit calculation of these estimates. It is proposed that the recurrence interval for pavement design purposes be chosen to be equal to the design life of the pavement.
TLR5-Mediated Lung Injury is Attenuated by Volatile Anesthetics: Protection for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Volatile anesthetics are widely known to be immomodulatory, and may have a significant impact on the progression of disease states. Flagellin is a component of Gram negative bacteria and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of bacterial pneumonia. Here we found that volatile anesthetics, not intravenous anesthetics, significantly attenuated the activation of TLR5 by flagellin and the release of the neutrophil chemoattract IL-8 from lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, flagellin-induced lung injury was significantly attenuated by volatile anesthetics by inhibiting neutrophil migration to bronchoalveolar space. Docking simulations indicated that volatile anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane docked into the interphase of TLR5-flagellin binding. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are plagued by Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, which is facilitated by TLR5-flagellin binding. We clinically validated our findings by retrospectively studying the oxygenation in patients with CF under volatile anesthetic-based anesthesia versus intravenous anesthesia showed that former was associated with significantly higher oxygenation compared to intravenous anesthesia, which suggested a protective effect of volatile anesthetics in this patient population.
Comparing Approaches to Measuring Structural Racism.

In their article, Adkins-Jackson and colleagues provide much needed insight on current approaches and challenges to epidemiologic research on structural racism (Am J Epidemiol. XXXX;XXX(XX):XXXX-XXXX). The authors encourage researchers to consider how structural racism is conceptualized in extant and future work, and whether existing measures accurately reflect the multidimensional nature of structural racism. In the spirit of continuing this conversation, I expand upon approaches to measuring structural racism for use in epidemiologic research. I compare the merits and challenges of scales, indices, indicators, and policy-based measures of structural racism for use in epidemiologic research.
Two-dimensional Yang-Mills Theory and Topological Field Theory

Two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory (YM2) is often dismissed as a trivial system. In fact it is very rich mathematically and might be the source of some important lessons physically.
Research in economics, ethnicity and gender: a comparative study on black female-owned and black male-owned business enterprises

African American-owned (Black) businesses are unique and have qualities that drive their market behavior and profitability. The purpose of this study is to examine market behavior and economic differences between Black female-owned business enterprises (BFO) with Black male-owned business enterprises (BMO). The objective of this study is two-fold: (a) build on the prior research on BBEs; and (b) continue prior research on small business enterprises (SME). This study examined two significant economic factors: endogenous variables and exogenous variables. Two independent studies were conducted on a sample (N = 102) of BBEs across 11 industries. Two data collection instruments were used: The Entrepreneurial Risk Survey (ERS) and Entrepreneurial Risk Assessment Scale (ERAS). Three statistical analyses were conducted: A One-Way ANOVA and independent sample t-Test were conducted to determine if there were any significant differences between the BFOs and BMOs; lastly another ANOVA was used to measure customer turnover to determine profitability levels and significance. The results of the study indicated there were no significant differences between BFOs and BMOs in terms of economic factors.
The Travels and Travails of Scholarship Today

I am much honored to address this conference and wish to thank President Krausch for his kind invitation to do so. It is a privilege to be visiting for the first time Johannes Gutenberg University, which is so ably led by President Krausch and his team. I also want to thank Vice Dean Alfred Hornung for his help in setting this program. As a scholar of American studies, he knows, I am sure, that for many years my organization, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Amerikastudien provided valuable opportunities for young German Americanists to carry out research in the United States. Prof. Dr. Hornung has been a principal in establishing a number of other exchange programs, including one that brought a young Mainz PhD, Dr. Nicole Stahlmann, to the United States and eventually to the ACLS, where she is now the Director of Fellowship Programs, overseeing the award of more than $15 million in fellowship stipends this year. Nicole is a valued colleague, and I want to thank the university and Dr. Hornung for preparing her so well for her considerable responsibilities.
Finite element based optical image reconstruction for breast cancer detection

An image reconstruction experiment using a cw He-Ne laser system is reported here. Based on the diffusion approximation model and the finite element method, the authors have developed a reconstruction algorithm for their imaging system and have obtained a reconstructed image for the first time in the laboratory setting. The laboratory data is based on the type of tomographic data collection scheme and parameter estimation algorithm described here. The object geometry the authors attempted to reconstruct in this experiment was a two-region cylinder with distinct optical properties where the phantom material is composed of uniform microsphere solutions. >
A population-based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors: a report from the American Cancer Society's studies of cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND. The use of complementary methods (CMs) is widespread and increasing in the United States. Most literature on CM use among cancer survivors focuses on the treatment period, whereas only a few studies address use further along the cancer continuum. METHODS. This study analyzed the prevalence and the medical and demographic associations of CM use among cancer survivors surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. The study's sample—4139 survivors of 1 of 10 adult cancers—was selected from stratified random samples provided by statewide cancer registries and surveyed by mail and telephone. Three logistic regression models examined associations between medical and demographic factors and CM use among survivors of sex-specific and non–sex-specific cancers. RESULTS. Of the 19 CMs included in the survey, the CMs most frequently reported were prayer/spiritual practice (61.4%), relaxation (44.3%), faith/spiritual healing (42.4%), nutritional supplements/vitamins (40.1%), meditation (15%), religious counseling (11.3%), massage (11.2%), and support groups (9.7%). Among these 19 CMs, the least prevalent were hypnosis (0.4%), biofeedback therapy (1.0%), and acupuncture/acupressure (1.2%). Survivors more likely to use CMs were female, younger, white, higher income, and more educated. CONCLUSIONS. This study provides information regarding prevalence and medical–demographic determinants of CM use reported by a large, population-based sample of survivors of 10 cancers surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. These findings may be used by clinicians and researchers to inform their decisions regarding which CMs to address in practice and research. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
A mm-wave power harvesting RFID tag in 90nm CMOS

A mm-wave power-harvesting RFID tag is implemented in 90nm CMOS. Operation at mm-wave reduces antenna size and could allow antenna integration on-chip. This, together with power harvesting that can be used in lieu of a battery, can result in a CMOS-only tag with no off-chip components whatsoever. The tag harvests energy from the incoming mm-wave CW signal by the reader and then uses a 60GHz free-running oscillator to transmit back pulse-width modulated bursts. With 2dBm mm-wave input power, the tag transmits 5kb/s. The tag size is 1.3×0.95mm2 including pads.
Cognitive and emotional contributors to intimate partner violence perpetration following trauma

Exposure to potentially traumatic events is common, with lifetime exposure estimates ranging from 56% to 85% of men and women (Frazier et al., 2009; Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Hughes, & Nelson, 1995). Although much research is focused on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), only approximately 3.6% of men and 9.7% of women (6.8% overall) develop PTSD (National Comorbidity Survey, 2005). Trauma reactions occur along a dimension of severity (Broman-Fulks et al., 2006) and, beyond PTSD symptoms, a host of negative consequences can occur, including interpersonal difficulties such as the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV; Schumacher, Feldbau-Kohn, Slep, & Heyman, 2001). Thus, a broader consideration of the effects of trauma is warranted. Cognitions regarding trauma and its sequelae play an important role in emotional and behavioral responses. Maladaptive appraisals of the trauma and overgeneralization from the trauma to normal events are theorized to result in external threat (e.g., belief that the world is dangerous) and internal threat (e.g., self-view as incapable and unacceptable; Ehlers & Clark, 2000). Such maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions have not previously been associated with perpetration of IPV. Research among non-traumatized populations indicating that perpetration of IPV is associated with hostile attribution biases and low self-esteem (Schumacher et al., 2001) leads to the possibility that post-traumatic cognitions are implicated in the perpetration of IPV by those who have been exposed to and affected by traumatic stressors. From the perspective of Ehlers and Clark (2000), two mechanisms may account for the relation between maladaptive post-traumatic cognitions and perpetration of IPV. First, posttraumatic cognitions are hypothesized to include selective misappraisal of threat. Because expressions of anger are conceptualized as signs of threat (Whalen et al., 2001), mistakenly appraising the emotional expressions of others as anger may occur. Misappraisal of anger has not been examined in relation to posttraumatic cognitions or IPV, although generalized deficits in the recognition of emotion have been associated with PTSD (Freeman, Hart, Kimbrell, & Ross, 2009) and perpetration of IPV (Marshall & Holtzworth-Munroe, 2010). Second, posttraumatic cognitions are hypothesized to lead to strong emotional reactions and dysfunctional strategies for regulating such emotions. Although emotion dysregulation has not been examined in relation to posttraumatic cognitions, it has been linked to PTSD (Tull, Barrett, McMillan, & Roemer, 2007) and perpetration of IPV (McNulty & Hellmuth, 2008). We hypothesized that misappraisal of anger as well as dysregulation of emotion would mediate the expected relation between maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions and perpetration of IPV. Because aggression occurs on a continuum of severity and IPV is often preceded by psychological aggression (Murphy & O’Leary, 1989), we examined whether our predictions extend to the perpetration of psychological aggression.
Challenges of Randomized Controlled Surgical Trials

The concept of evidence-based medicine has gained broad support in the medical community, because clinical decisions based on information from rigorous scientific study are most likely to provide optimal care. Researchers attempt to answer clinical questions using either observational studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Observational studies currently dominate the surgical literature but provide a level of evidence inferior to RCTs. RCTs are ethically grounded in clinical equipoise and may further reduce the potential for bias or other confounding factors by blinding. This article discusses the barriers to implementation of surgical RCTs.
Interband Transitions and Exciton Effects in Semiconductors

The band structures of Ge, Si, GaAs, GaP, GaSb, InAs, InP, InSb, and AlSb have been studied in reflectivity in the energy region 1.6-5.0 eV at temperatures ranging from 80 to 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Utilizing a double-beam, single-detector wavelength-modulation system, and ensuing Kramers-Kr\"onig analyses, experimentally unambiguous line shapes have been obtained for the real and imaginary part of the dielectric constants, permitting the identification of the types of critical points involved in an optical transition, and the determination of the existence of hyperbolic exciton interactions. Such an interaction has been verified in all materials, except Si, as an ${M}_{1}$ critical point located at $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ in the Brillouin zone. The location and energy of the interband transition in these semiconductors correlates with existing band calculations. The interband transitions in Si are dominated by structure from a large region of the Brillouin zone. The high-energy ${E}_{2}$ transitions in all materials give evidence of a multiplicity of critical-point structure.
Augmentation of type-1 polarizing ability of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from chronically immunosuppressed organ-transplant recipients.

Background. Chronic immunosuppressive (IS) therapy impairs normal T-cell immune surveillance and may predispose to opportunistic infections and malignancies that represent life-threatening complication of solid-organ transplantation (SOTx). Our study was designed to ascertain the impact of chronic in vivo administration of IS on the ability of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) to differentiate, mature, and function ex vivo. The potential of these cells to be implemented for DC-based adoptive immunotherapy was also considered. Methods. MoDCs were propagated by conventional procedures, their phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry, and their function was assessed by mixed leukocyte reaction, enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, and ELISPOT assays. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-kB was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results. Circulating DC1s in peripheral blood were reduced in SOTx patients. MoDCs generated from patients displayed higher endocytic activity versus normal DCs, indicating their comparative immaturity. Patients’ DCs exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-, interleukin [IL]-1, and IL-6) were less able to mature, to stimulate recall antigen (Ag)- or allo–Ag-induced proliferation responses, or to secrete IL-12p70. These deficiencies were associated with a decrease in NF-kB translocation. In contrast, combination of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferon (IFN)- (a Th1-polarizing factor) augmented patients’ DC1-type function and IL-12p70 production by way of an NF– kB-independent mechanism. Conclusions. Chronic IS restrains DC differentiation, maturation, and function at a transcriptional level; however, type-1 polarizing potential of patients’ DC1 can be augmented ex vivo by a two-signal stimulation provided by pro-inflammatory cytokines and IFN-. These results may have implications for DC-based immunotherapy of malignancies in the transplantation setting.
Solar system: Pluto is again a harbinger

New astronomical and laboratory data show that the abundances of the two dominant ices, nitrogen and methane, on the surfaces of the Solar System's two largest dwarf planets are surprisingly similar — raising fresh questions.
Phosphodiesterases: genes and their variants, inhibitors and potential therapeutic applications

The overall structure of the superfamily of the 3´,5´-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) proteins is highly conserved across species [1]. This is because these enzymes play a very importan...
Maintaining a Technology-Neutral Approach to Hydrogen Production Process Development Through Conceptual Design of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) charges the Department of Energy (DOE) with developing and demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of using high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology for the production of electricity and/or hydrogen. The design, construction and demonstration of this technology in an HTGR proto-type reactor are termed the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Project. Currently, parallel development of three hydrogen production processes will continue until a single process technology is recommended for final demonstration in the NGNP — a technology neutral approach. This analysis compares the technology neutral approach to acceleration of the hydrogen process downselection at the completion of the NGNP conceptual design to improve integration of the hydrogen process development and NGNP Project schedule. The accelerated schedule activities are based on completing evaluations and achieving technology readiness levels (TRLs) identified in NGNP systems engineering and technology roadmaps. The cost impact of accelerating the schedule and risk reduction strategies was also evaluated. The NGNP Project intends to design and construct a component test facility (CTF) to support testing and demonstration of HTGR technologies, including those for hydrogen production. The demonstrations will support scheduled design and licensing activities, leading to subsequent construction and operation of the NGNP. Demonstrations in the CTF are expected to start about two years earlier than similarly scaled hydrogen demonstrations planned in the technology neutral baseline. The schedule evaluation assumed that hydrogen process testing would be performed in the CTF and synchronized the progression of hydrogen process development with CTF availability.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Family Structure, Policy Shocks, and Family Business Adjustment Choices

This research used survey data collected between 2005 and 2006 in rural Kentucky to empirically investigate how different types of rural households in Kentucky cope with the changes in economic environment during the post-tobacco buyout by employing two different family business models, the Agricultural Household Model and the Sustainable Family Business Model. Data were analyzed using a multinomial probit model. The results indicate that multi-generational households were more likely to invest in low risk investments and less likely to employ a family member off-farm than couples with young children. Therefore, family structure plays an important part in the types of adjustment strategies chosen by farm families. The results also indicate that the Sustainable Family Business Model is a better predictor of the observed correlation between family structure and family farms’ choices of adaptation strategies.
Volatility in Medicare AAPCC rates: 1990-1997

As Medicare beneficiary enrollment in managed care plans increases, and as Congress considers relying on capitation for achieving savings in the program, the question of finding a fair and equitable formula for determining the monthly payment to managed care plans has become increasingly salient. This DataWatch focuses on one dimension of using previous expenditures to determine annual capitation rates: the effects of historic volatility in total expenditures. Annual changes in adjusted average per capita cost (AAPCC) rates are especially dramatic in rural counties, with those not adjacent to urban areas experiencing the greatest volatility. This pattern of annual change may discourage managed care organizations from entering markets, even when the rate in any given year may appear to be favorable for accepting risk.
Fact, Theory, and Democratic Theory

NE of the persistent problems in contemporary democratic theory has been to specify the proper relationship(s) of democratic ideals to actual political practices. This problem is often expressed in the form of a dilemma between the demands of democratic ideals and empirical constraints on their realization. For example, Margolis argues that, "It may not be possible to develop a theory of liberal democracy which is compatible with both the empirically demonstrated capabilities of the citizenry and the theoretically demonstrated necessity of preserving liberal values" (1979: 93). There seems to be an inevitable trade-off between making democratic theory realistic or practical, on the one hand, and fulfilling democratic ideals, on the other. If we allow empirical research to constrain our ideals by leading us to underestimate what is possible, then we may undercut those ideals and fail to use them to guide us in improving the political system. If we insulate our ideals from empirical evidence and analysis, then we may be merely building elegant but wholly unrealistic and useless analytical systems. This problem is not unique to democratic theory. Any ideals or ideologies simultaneously express the way someone thinks the world does work, should work, and even might work if social and political behavior and institutions were changed. The problem arises when the world does not conform to these expectations. In the face of discrepancies between ideals and reality, one might cling to the former believing that the contrary evidence is merely an aberration or a misinterpretation. Or, more aggressively, it might be demanded that the world itself be changed to conform more closely to the ideal pattern. On the other hand, the collision of ideals and facts may prompt an adjustment in what one believes can and should be done. This latter strategy is often what is anticipated by the injunction to be "realistic" in political and moral affairs, i.e., to temper or modify our moral expectations on the basis of a clear view of empirical evidence and practical possibility. The appeal to realism is thus not unique to arguments in democratic theory but may be used for or against relatively narrow policies or the broadest world views.'
An accurate differential pressure gauge for use in liquid and gaseous helium

Abstract We have developed and calibrated an accurate pressure gauge studying the flow of liquid or gaseous helium. The gauge is designed to make measurements of pressure drops in liquid helium flow experiments but could be used for a broad range of other purposes. The gauge is calibrated over a range of pressures from 0 to 200 Pa and can resolve pressures as small as 0.01 Pa. It is accurate to better than 0.5% of the reading or ±0.01 Pa, whichever is greater, and maintains this accuracy even after warm up and cool down.
The Joshua Generation: Conquest and the Promised Land

I set out to read the book of Joshua together with its most literal interpreters – those who enacted a version of the war for the Promised Land – and suggest that interpretations of the book are al...
Endocrine and metabolic regulation of renal drug transporters

Renal xenobiotic transporters are important determinants of urinary secretion and reabsorption of chemicals. In addition to glomerular filtration, these processes are key to the overall renal clearance of a diverse array of drugs and toxins. Alterations in kidney transporter levels and function can influence the efficacy and toxicity of chemicals. Studies in experimental animals have revealed distinct patterns of renal transporter expression in response to sex hormones, pregnancy, and growth hormone. Likewise, a number of disease states including diabetes, obesity, and cholestasis alter the expression of kidney transporters. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the major xenobiotic transporters expressed in the kidneys and an understanding of metabolic conditions and hormonal factors that regulate their expression and function.
Homosexual inclinations and the passions: A Thomistic theory of the psychogenesis of same-sex attraction disorder

The Catholic Church has held that every human being is a child of God, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and love regardless of their actions. The phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” is a simple summary of the approach the Church takes to loving all human beings. The Church has also held firmly that both homosexual acts and homosexual inclinations are disordered, although the origins or contributing factors of homosexual inclinations are not entirely understood. In this paper, I apply principles from St. Thomas Aquinas's treatise on the passions to show that habitual mis-identification of the cause of pleasure associated with the apprehension of beauty, or misjudgments, may be involved in the psychogenesis of same-sex attraction disorder.
Organic Semiconductor Thin Films Deposited by Resonant Infrared Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation: A Fundamental Study of the Emulsion Target

Poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin films were deposited using emulsion-based, resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR-MAPLE) from emulsions containing different solvents and different alcohols, to investigate the impact of emulsion on film morphology. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and grazing-incidence, wide angle x-ray scattering (GIWAXS) results show that surface morphology of RIR-MAPLE as-deposited films can be varied from rough to smooth and the microcrystalline domain orientations with respect to the substrate can be tuned from randomly oriented to preferentially oriented in the vertical direction. The demonstrated ability to tune the structural characteristics of polymer thin films by controlling the target emulsion is important for the application of organic optoelectronic devices deposited by RIR-MAPLE.
Pollination Interference in Seed Corn from Silk Feeding by Colaspis louisianae Blake (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Field cage experiments initiated in 1980 indicated a 13.2% reduction in kernel production on seed corn ears artificially infested with Colaspis louisianae Blake. Ears receiving heavy silk feeding (ca. 80% silk removal) produced fewer kernels than infested ears receiving only moderate to light silk feeding. In 1981, all infested ears incurred severe silk pruning which resulted in a 60.4% reduction in kernel set. The relationship between kernel production and both infestation level of C. louisianae and silk loss was linear. Pollen applied by hand to silks of infested ears reduced kernel loss.
The application of high-voltage thin-layer electrophoresis to the separation of peptides, nucleotides, and proteins☆

Abstract The migration of large peptides, nucleotides and proteins during thin-layer electrophoresis has been studied using cellulose and Pevikon C-870 (PVC), a copolymer of polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl acetate, as the supporting medium. PVC provides an inert support which overcomes the adsorption effects that occur between macromolecules and cellulose. Peptides and proteins of various molecular weights all exhibited good mobility and high resolution when electrophoresis was carried out on PVC thin-layer plates. Nucleotides separate rapidly and with good resolution when cellulose is used as the supporting medium. TLE affords a good method for quantitatively estimating microgram quantities of nucleotides in RNA.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults With ADHD

Objective: Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is the most common comorbid condition in childhood ADHD. This trial was prospectively designed to explore ODD symptoms in ADHD adults. Method: A total of 86 patients in this placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) were categorized based on the presence of ODD symptoms in childhood and adulthood, and then were compared for baseline and outcome differences. Results: In all, 42% met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria for ODD as adults and were significantly more impaired on measures of ADHD, personality disorder, and substance abuse and 27% had childhood ODD that had resolved. Childhood and adult ODD symptoms were significantly correlated. ODD and ADHD symptoms improved significantly with MTS (p < .001), and the most consistently significant results were found in participants with adult ODD. Conclusion: A total of 69% met criteria for ODD as children and/or adults. Understan...
A COMPARISON OF THE 17-KETOSTEROID EXCRETION IN CUSHING'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH ADRENAL TUMOR AND WITH ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

AN EXCESS of the gluconeogenic (sugar or “S”) hormone of the adrenal is a sine qua non for the development of Cushing's syndrome. The gluconeogenic hormone is thought by many to be derived from the fascicular zone. To this hormone may be attributed the disordered sugar metabolism and the atrophy of skin, muscle, and bone. Whether the hypertension, edema, and changes in the blood electrolyte pattern (Kepler (1, 2), McQuarrie (3)) are due to the same or to a separate (DCA-like of sodiumretaining) hormone fortunately is not vital to the present argument. In any case, assays for gluconeogenic hormone in Cushing's syndrome should show an increase and they do. The clinical manifestations of Cushing's syndrome are opposite in certain fundamental respects to those of the virilizing adrenal syndromes (4). The chief hormone responsible for the latter condition was thought by Blackmail (5) to be derived from the reticular zone. The adrenal component of the 17-ketosteroid excretion is used as an index of the activity...
Friedreich's ataxia associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and coronary vasospasm

A rare patient with Friedreich's ataxia and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who showed evidence of coronary artery vasospasm on ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring is presented.
Digital QAM Modulation and Equalization for High Performance 400 GbE Data Center Modules

A digital QAM modem concept is proposed and investigated for 400-Gb/s data center modules based on 25G DFB transmitter technology. Monte-Carlo simulations, including DFB nonlinearities and RIN, show 2-dB advantage for QAM over optimized DMT.
On Higher Order Point-Line and the Associated Rigid Body Motions

This paper presents a study on the higher-order motion of point-lines embedded on rigid bodies. The mathematic treatment of the paper is based on dual quaternion algebra and differential geometry of line trajectories, which facilitate a concise and unified description of the material in this paper. Due to the unified treatment, the results are directly applicable to line motion as well. The transformation of a point-line between positions is expressed as a unit dual quaternion referred to as the point-line displacement operator depicting a pure translation along the point-line followed by a screw displacement about their common normal. The derivatives of the point-line displacement operator characterize the point-line motion to various orders with a set of characteristic numbers. A set of associated rigid body motions is obtained by applying an instantaneous rotation about the point-line. It shows that the ISA trihedrons of the associated rigid motions can be simply depicted with a set of ∞2 cylindroids. It also presents for a rigid body motion, the locus of lines and point-lines with common rotation or translation characteristics about the line axes. Lines embedded in a rigid body with uniform screw motion are presented. For a general rigid body motion, one may find lines generating up to the third order uniform screw motion about these lines.
Isolation and characterization of the 5′-flanking sequence of the human ocular lens MIP gene

Abstract The MIP (major intrinsic protein) gene, a member of an ancient family of membrane channel genes, encodes the predominant fiber cell membrane protein of the ocular lens. Its specific expression in the lens fibers is temporally and spatially regulated during development. To study the regulation of expression of MIP and delineate the regulatory elements underlying its tissue specificity and ontogenic profile, we have cloned 2840 bp of the human MIP 5′-flanking sequence. The human MIP 5′-flanking sequence contains three complete Alu repetitive elements in tandem at position between nt −1699 and −2684 (nt −1699/−2684). These Alu elements appear to have had a complex evolutionary history with insertions at different times. We have fused DNA fragments containing MIP 5′-flanking sequences to the bacterial cat reporter gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and assayed them in primary cultures of chicken lens cells. We have mapped two negative regulatory regions in the human MIP 5′-flanking sequences −1564/−1696 and −948/−1000. We demonstrated that the human MIP 5′-flanking sequence −253/+42 contains a functional promoter in lens cells but is inactive in kidney epithelial cells or mouse fibroblasts, suggesting that this sequence contains regulatory elements responsible for the lens-specific expression of MIP .
Comparative responses of Achillea millefolium ecotypes to competition and soil type

Achillea millefolium populations from adjacent sites with zonal and serpentime soil were used to test predictions about the relation between growth and the competitive ability of plants in productive and unproductive environments. Under greenhouse conditions, individually-grown plants from both sources grew larger in serpentine soil than in zonal soil; serpentine plants accumulated 72% more biomass than zonal plants. In zonal soil, zonal plants were 71% larger than serpentine plants, although these differences were not statistically significant, and plants from both sources accumulated much less biomass and were shorter than plants growing in serpentine soil. In a high density, fertilized replacement series, zonal plants were taller and heavier but exhibited no more competitive ability than serpentine plants. The predictions that rapid height growth and biomass accumulation contribute significantly to competitive ability are not supported by our results. Although ecotypic differentiation has occurred between these A. millefolium populations, apparently in response to different soil types, the expression of these heritable differences can be masked by other environmental effects. There has been no apparent “trade-off” in these ecotypes between their response to the physical environment and their competitive ability.
Automated cellular pathology in noninvasive confocal microscopy

A computer algorithm was developed to automatically identify and count melanocytes and keratinocytes in 3D reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) images of the skin. Computerized pathology increases our understanding and enables prevention of superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). Machine learning involved looking at the images to measure the size of cells through a 2-D Fourier transform and developing an appropriate mask with the erf() function to model the cells. Implementation involved processing the images to identify cells whose image segments provided the least difference when subtracted from the mask. With further simplification of the algorithm, the program may be directly implemented on the RCM images to indicate the presence of keratinocytes in seconds and to quantify the keratinocytes size in the en face plane as a function of depth. Using this system, the algorithm can identify any irregularities in maturation and differentiation of keratinocytes, thereby signaling the possible presence of cancer.