cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of military sexual trauma on parent-infant bonding in a sample of perinatal women veterans

Background The experience of sexual assault and harassment during military service (military sexual trauma [MST]) is associated with increased risk for perinatal and reproductive health problems among women veterans. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between mothers' MST exposure and mother-infant bonding, as well as to examine whether there are any salient sociodemographic or military service characteristics among women veterans with greater impairment to mother-infant bonding, including stress during pregnancy and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of data collected from prospective, longitudinal study of women veterans using VHA maternity care benefits at 15 VHA medical centers across the US between January 2016 and February 2020. Participants were 697 pregnant veterans using VHA maternity care benefits. Results MST was associated with higher maternal depression, and higher maternal depression was associated with poorer mother-infant bonding. The effect of MST on bonding was indirect through depression. PTSD diagnosis and life stressors during pregnancy also had significant indirect pathways with bonding through maternal depression. Conclusions Results underscore the need for access to high quality and trauma-informed perinatal mental health treatment for women veterans, for education on the unique risks conveyed by MST provided to civilian providers treating this population outside VA, and for further research to understand how to ameliorate the harmful effects of MST on perinatal women veterans and their children.
Rapid differentiation of antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant bacteria through mediated extracellular electron transfer.

Abstract Conventional methods for testing antibiotic susceptibility rely on bacterial growth on agar plates (diffusion assays) or in liquid culture (microdilution assays). These time-consuming assays use population growth as a proxy for cellular respiration. Herein we propose to use mediated extracellular electron transfer as a rapid and direct method to classify antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant bacteria. We tested antibiotics with diverse mechanisms of action (ciprofloxacin, imipenem, oxacillin, or tobramycin) with four important nosocomial pathogens (Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) by adding the bacterial culture to a custom-designed electrochemical cell with a glassy-carbon electrode and growth media supplemented with a soluble electron transfer mediator, phenazine methosulfate (PMS). During cell respiration, liberated electrons reduce PMS, which is then oxidized on the electrode surface, and current is recorded. Using this novel approach, we were able to consistently classify strains as antibiotic-resistant or -susceptible in
Change detection in Arctic satellite imagery using clustering of sparse approximations (CoSA) over learned feature dictionaries

Advanced pattern recognition and computer vision algorithms are of great interest for landscape characterization, change detection, and change monitoring in satellite imagery, in support of global climate change science and modeling. We present results from an ongoing effort to extend neuroscience-inspired models for feature extraction to the environmental sciences, and we demonstrate our work using Worldview-2 multispectral satellite imagery. We use a Hebbian learning rule to derive multispectral, multiresolution dictionaries directly from regional satellite normalized band difference index data. These feature dictionaries are used to build sparse scene representations, from which we automatically generate land cover labels via our CoSA algorithm: Clustering of Sparse Approximations. These data adaptive feature dictionaries use joint spectral and spatial textural characteristics to help separate geologic, vegetative, and hydrologic features. Land cover labels are estimated in example Worldview-2 satellite images of Barrow, Alaska, taken at two different times, and are used to detect and discuss seasonal surface changes. Our results suggest that an approach that learns from both spectral and spatial features is promising for practical pattern recognition problems in high resolution satellite imagery.
Characterizing real world bugs causing sequential consistency violations

With the ubiquitous availability of parallel architectures, the burden falls on programmers' shoulders to write correct parallel programs that have high performance and portability across different systems. One of the major issues that complicates this task is the intricacies involved with the underlying memory consistency models. Sequential Consistency (SC) is the simplest and most intuitive memory model. Therefore, programmers usually assume SC for writing parallel programs. However, various concurrency bugs can lead to violations of SC. These subtle bugs make the program difficult to reason about and virtually always lead to incorrectness. This paper provides the first (to the best of our knowledge) comprehensive characteristics study of SC violation bugs that appear in real world codebases.We have carefully examined pattern, manifestation, effect, and fix strategy of 20 SC violation bugs. These bugs have been selected from randomly chosen 127 concurrency bugs from a variety of open source programs and libraries (e.g. Mozilla, Apache, MySQL, Gcc, Cilk, Java, and Splash2). Our study reveals interesting findings and provides useful guidance for future research in this area. References
CXCR4 expression in ovarian cancer is associated with peritoneal dissemination

1722 Objectives: The chemokine CXCR4 has been reported to be highly expressed in epithelial ovarian tumor cells and ascitic fluid (1). The receptor ligand SDF is also reported to be elevated in ascites (1). This study attempts to quantitate differences in CXCR4 expression based on patterns of metastasis. Methods: Epithelial ovarian tumor cells were categorized based on two patterns of cancer metastasis: nodal involvement versus exclusively peritoneal “node negative” disease. CXCR4 expression was quantitated by immunostaining of 5μm frozen sections. Results were correlated by a blinded observer based on quantitation of the size of foci, intensity of staining, and distribution of staining. Results: Perinuclear CXCR4 expression was detected in 100% of “node negative” samples but only 60% of “node positive” samples. CXCR4 was expressed in small and large foci, with mild to moderate staining, and in a mildly to moderately diffuse pattern in all of the “node negative” cancers with peritoneal spread. The “node positive” samples demonstrated less extensive expression of CXCR4 in small foci with minimal staining in a minimally diffuse pattern. Student’s t-test was used to determine the significance of the difference in CXCR4 expression between the two groups (p=0.002). Conclusions: Epithelial ovarian tumors that metastasize by intraperitoneal migration expressed CXCR4 more highly than tumors that metastasize by lymphatic dissemination. 1 Scotton CJ et al. Epithelial cancer cell migration: a role for chemokine receptors? Cancer Research, 61:4961-4965, 2001
Senior Women's Fitness Project:

To determine the special exercise needs of older, overweight women and the effects of gentle progressive exercise on physical fitness and psychological parameters, we recruited 30 sedentary women aged 60 to 72 years old to participate in an 11-week-long exercise study. The women were assigned to either a low-impact aerobic dance exercise class (N = 20) who exercised for 1 hour, 3 times a week, or a control group (N = 9) who received no exercise instruction. One hundred percent of the subjects completed the study. Fitness and psychological tests admitered pre- and postconditioning found significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure (c .001) and Beck Depression Inventory Scores (N < .05) for the exercise group as compared to the control group. Postconditioning interviews with exercise group women yielded perceptions that quality of life improved in the following areas: energy and sleep, flexibility, strength and mobility, heightened feelings of self-esteem and well-being, improvement in preexisting heal...
A Conversation with Sam Leffler: A Unix and BSD pioneer discusses the open source movement.

The seeds of Unix and open source were sown in the 1970s, and Sam Leffler was right in there doing some of the heaviest cultivating. He has been actively working with Unix since 1976 when he first encountered it at Case Western Reserve University, and he has been involved with what people now think of as open source, as he says, “long before it was even termed open source.” While working for the Computer Systems Research Group (CSRG) at the University of California at Berkeley, he helped with the 4.1BSD release and was responsible for the release of 4.2BSD. He has contributed to almost every aspect of BSD systems, most recently working (again) on the networking subsystem.
Protein-carbohydrate interaction. XVI. The interaction of concanavalin A with dextrans from L. mesenteroides B-512-F, L. mesenteroides (Birmingham), Streptococcus bovis, and a synthetic α-(1 → 6)-d-glucan

Abstract The precipitation reaction between concanavalin A, the jack-bean hemagglutinin and several dextrans has been examined by means of the quantitative precipitin technique. A synthetic linear α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan did not form a precipitate with concanavalin A, demonstrating that only branched α- d -glucans precipitate with the protein. The dextran from Streptcoccus bovis produced a typical precipitation curve with concanavalin A and gave the disaccharide nigerose when subjected to acetolysis. On the basis of these data it is suggested that this dextran, hitherto believed to be linear, is in fact a branched polymer. The concanavalin A precipitation curves of the dextrans from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512-F and Betacoccus arabinosaceous (L. mesenteroides) Birmingham strain were compared with the S. bovis dextran and an attempt has been made to correlate these data with the molecular structures of these dextrans. The differences in the solubility of the dextran-concanavalin A precipitates and the relative ease of inhibition of these systems in the presence of hapten inhibitor are also discussed.
A systematical approach to improve supply chain: An application of RFID technology on cargo transportation

This paper proposes a systematical approach for redesigning a secure and efficient supply chain. A real international trading case of transporting cargos from an offshore bonded warehouse to a domestic one is used to demonstrate. Through supply chain architecture analysis, system boundaries, interfaces, and value related operands are defined. With System Dynamics analysis, feedback and relations of actions to the goals are studied, and potential options are evaluated. Then a prototype of the selected option is implemented to gather further information for future improvement. The two elements, RFID and UCR, applied for improving supply chain, and how they work in the prototype are explained.
Myometrial response to prostaglandins enhanced by progesterone

Abstract The effect of estrogen and progesterone on prostaglandin-induced uterine contractions was studied in ovariectomized rats fitted with intrauterine recording balloons. The effects of the three prostaglandins, PGE 1 , PGE 2 , and PGF 2α , injected intravenously were very similar. Pretreatment with estradiol benzoate (1 μg per rat per day) resulted in a considerable reduction of the contractile response to the prostaglandins and was frequently associated with tachyphylactic reactions. Progesterone pretreatment (5 mg. per rat per day), on the other hand, markedly increased the uterine response to prostaglandins and no tachyphylaxis was observed. Intact pregnant rats were studied at mid-gestation; the uterine response in these rats was similar to the response in progesterone-treated rats.
Mirrors in the Kitchen: The New Cuban Woman Cooks Revolutionarily

This paper examines the complex relationship between gender politics, food, cooking and the ideology of the Cuban revolution by analyzing the cooking section of the important women's magazine Mujeres, and three foundational cookbooks that established an inter-textual dialogue of omissions and additions, symbolizing both the transformations that occurred on the island with the revolution and the divisions brought about by the Cuban diaspora. At the center of the analysis are the writings of Nitza Villapol, the Cuban food guru that have continued to dominate Cuban cuisine on both sides of the strait of Florida. The paper therefore looks at different editions of her main cookbook, from both the island as well as Miami, as an instrument to understand on the one hand, elements in the redefinition of women within the revolution, and on the other, the way in which cooking as a part of popular culture is fictionalized in response to ideological changes.
AIDS Cholangiopathy in an Asymptomatic, Previously Undiagnosed Late-Stage HIV-Positive Patient from Kenya

AIDS-associated cholangiopathy is a form of biliary tract inflammation with stricture formation seen in AIDS patients who are severely immunosuppressed. It is no longer common in countries in which HAART therapy is widely employed but is still seen in underdeveloped countries. The majority of patients are symptomatic at the time of presentation. Herein, we describe a seventy-four-year-old woman who presented with unilateral leg swelling after a prolonged airplane flight. She was otherwise entirely asymptomatic. Routine laboratory testing was notable for a hypochromic microcytic anemia, slight leukopenia, and mild hypoalbuminemia. Liver enzymes were all elevated. Deep venous thrombosis was confirmed, and a CT scan of the chest disclosed no pulmonary emboli. However, the visualized portion of the abdomen showed dilatation of the common bile and pancreatic ducts. This was confirmed on ultrasonography and MRCP, and no obstructive lesions were noted. An ERCP revealed a dilated common bile duct without filling defects or strictures. A balloon occlusion cholangiogram showed strictures and beading of the intrahepatic ducts. Shortly thereafter, serology for HIV returned positive along with a depressed CD4 cell count, and the patient was diagnosed with AIDS-associated cholangiography.
Dual roles of infrared imaging on a university campus: serving the physical plant while enhancing a technology-based curriculum

The campus of a comprehensive, residential university is in many respects a small city unto itself. All the amenities and services one would expect in a typical community are readily available on a college campus, including residences, athletic and dining facilities, libraries, and stores. A large campus, therefore, requires a reliable energy plant to provide steam, hot water, chilled water, and electricity. James Madison University supports two power plants: a vintage steam plant and a modern resource recovery facility comprising two solid-waste incinerators and two gas-fired units for steam generation, three steam-driven absorption- chilling units, and a single steam-driven generator for peak electricity production. Infrared imaging, as a teaching tool, was introduced in the Program of Integrated Science and Technology at James Madison University in 1997. The Infrared Development and Thermal Testing Laboratory was established at the university later in 1997 with government and industry support, and it is presently equipped with infrared imagers and scanners, single-point detectors, and data-acquisition systems. A study was conducted between 1998 and 1999 to test the economic feasibility of implementing an IR-based predictive maintenance program in the university steam plant. This paper describes the opportunities created at James Madison University to develop IR-based predictive maintenance programs that enhance the operation of the university energy plants; to establish IR-related research and development activities that support government and industry activities; and to enhance a science- and technology-based curriculum by way of unique, IR-based laboratory experiences and demonstrations.
Simulation of laser propagation on long stratospheric paths

The ABLE ACE experiment involved measurements of effects of stratospheric turbulence on the propagation of laser beams over nearly horizontal paths between two aircraft flying in the vicinity of the tropopause. The simulations described in this talk were performed in support of the ABLE ACE data reduction effort, and as a means of anchoring the validity of the propagation codes and the atmospheric turbulence models used in these codes. At the outset of this work we were unsure whether the standard turbulence models applied at the altitudes of interest. Turbulence parameters at issue in this regard are the: (1) the spectrum, (2) the inner and outer scale lengths, and (3) the strength as a function of position along the path. Most of the simulations assumed a Kolmogorov spectrum with finite inner and outer scale lengths; and we believe that the ABLE ACE data are consistent with these assumptions. Anemometer and scintillometer measurements of turbulence strength in ABLE ACE indicate that stratospheric turbulence is highly intermittent. Techniques for accounting for this intermittency in the simulations will be discussed. Comparison of simulation results and predictions of theory for weak turbulence indicates that the codes accurately model such effects.
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF MISSOURI

RTS HE State of Missouri is geographically diverse. Several systems of areal subdivision of Missouri have been developed, some complete for the entire state and some for major areas within the state, notably the Ozark region. Few of these have considered several or all of the component elements of the total pattern; most have been limited in scope and purpose. This paper attempts to synthesize the many and varying areal patterns into a system of regions, each of which is relatively homogeneous in its total complex and significantly different from adjacent regions.
Application of nonsingular transformation to on-line optimal control of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate fermentation

A poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) production model has been proposed and is used to calculate the optimal profiles. Feedforward concentration control, off-line optimal control, and on-line optimal control algorithms are applied to enhance the PHB productivity. When an off-line optimal control algorithm was applied, the resulting profiles of glucose and ammonium chloride concentration were different from those calculated from the model. Therefore, an on-line control algorithm was necessary to compensate for the errors between the model prediction and actual measurements. By applying the on-line optimal control algorithm, the final PHB concentration was increased to 17.1 g/l which compares favorably with 13.9 g/l obtained with the off-line optimal control.
Gadd45|[beta]| is important for perpetuating cognate and inflammatory signals in T cells

Gadd45β (growth arrest and DNA damage–inducible, β) is involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, signal transduction and cell survival. In T cells, Gadd45b was rapidly induced by T cell receptor (TCR) and inflammatory signals. Deficiency of Gadd45β in CD4+ T cells impaired their responses to TCR stimulation or inflammatory cytokines. ERK, p38 and JNK activation were all substantially suppressed in Gadd45β-deficient CD4+ T cells. Cytokine production by Gadd45β-deficient CD4+ T cells was also impaired. Furthermore, Gadd45β mediated inflammatory cytokine production by dendritic cells, and Gadd45β-deficient mice showed an impaired T helper type 1 response during Listeria monocytogenes infection. Gadd45β is therefore a critical feedback regulator that perpetuates both cognate and inflammatory signals.
Through the Looking Glass. Focus on “Representation of an Abstract Perceptual Decision in Macaque Superior Colliculus”

Oculomotor circuits have recently been used as a sort of looking glass, providing reflections of higher brain functions like reward expectation, target selection, and decision making ([Glimcher 2003][1]). One well-studied example is a decision about the direction of visual motion in a random-dot
A neuroprotective role of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A (NR3A) in ischemic stroke of the adult mouse.

GluN3A or NR3A is a developmentally regulated N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit, showing a unique inhibitory role that decreases NMDAR current and the receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx. In ...
Depression and increased risk of death in adults with stroke

Abstract Objective Depression is a common condition among individuals with stroke and believed to influence post-stroke mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of depression on all-cause mortality among adults with and without a history of stroke. Methods We studied 10,025 participants in the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study who were alive and interviewed in 1982 and had complete data for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Four groups were created based on history of stroke and depression status in 1982: (1) no stroke, no depression (reference group); (2) no stroke, depression present; (3) history of stroke, no depression; and (4) history of stroke present, depression present. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of death for each group compared with the reference group. Results Over 8 years (83,624 person-years of follow-up), 1,925 deaths were documented. Mortality rate per 1,000 person-years of follow-up was highest in the group with both a history of stroke and depression. Compared with the reference group, HRs for all-cause mortality were: no stroke, depression present, 1.23 (95% CI 1.08–1.40); stroke present, no depression 1.74 (1.06–2.85); and stroke present, depression present, 1.88 (1.27–2.79). Conclusions The coexistence of stroke and depression increases the risk of death; however, the combined effect is less than additive.
Effect of heating rate on shortening, ultrastructure, and fracture behavior of prerigor beef muscle

Rapidly heated prerigor beef is tender because of incompletely described myofibrillar disruption and tissue fracture. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of heating rate on heat-induced myofibrillar shortening, ultrastructural changes, and fracture behavior in prerigor triceps brachii muscle. Rapid heating (2°C/2 min) to 53°C caused (P < 0·05) more severe myofibrillar shortening in a shorter time and at higher muscle pH and temperature, less muscle weight loss, and shorter sarcomeres than slow heating (2°C/12 min) to 47 or 53°C. Rapid heating caused more extensive degradation of A and I bands, greater loss of the tridimensional pattern of myofibrils, more fragmentation and melting of myofibrils, widened intermyofibrillar spaces, and maximum separation of fiber bundles as compared to slow heating. Slow heating caused extensive shortening but not extensive degradation and disruption of myofibrils. Muscles slowly heated to 53°C sustained greater loss of structural integrity than those slowly heated to 47°C, but fracture behavior was similar. Separation and fracture occurred near the perimysial/endomysial junction in all heated samples, but the perimysium remained affixed to the endomysium at one side of the interface in many rapidly heated samples. Longitudinal fractures showed a granular endomysium and large numbers of supercontraction nodes alternating with areas of sarcolemmal membrane fragmentation and fiber tearing in rapidly heated samples. Alterations of myofibrillar ultrastructure and fiber structure, and separation of bundles, may account for enhanced tenderness of rapidly heated prerigor muscle.
Seasonal History and Host Synchronization of Lydella grisescens (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Minnesota

Seasonal history of Lydella grisescens Robineau-Desvoidy was studied in its primary host, the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) and an alternate host, the stalk borer, Papaipema nebris (Guenee). Results show that the seasonal development of the parasite is poorly synchronized with that of the corn borer host. If only the European corn borer is available as the host, most of the Lydella adults emerged in the spring will find the borer larvae too young to be parasitized. The parasite adults will die before larvipositing. The very few adults which emerge very late may find the borer larvae old enough. The parasite will then carry on 3 generations in the year with a rather low initial population. If stalk borers are present, they are usually more advanced in development than corn borers. Larvae old enough for parasitization are available during the entire period of Lydella emergence. The parasite then carries out 1 or 2 generations in stalk borers, depending upon the host plants on which the stalk borers feed. The parasite will then complete 2 or 3 generations in the corn borer, making a total of 4 generations in the year. Thus, the presence of the stalk borer is beneficial to the preservation of the Lydella parasite in this area. Other relationships between Lydella and its hosts are discussed.
Structure of the Epstein-Barr Virus gp42 Protein Bound to the MHC Class II Receptor HLA-DR1

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis, establishes long-term latent infections, and is associated with a variety of human tumors. The EBV gp42 glycoprotein binds MHC class II molecules, playing a critical role in infection of B lymphocytes. EBV gp42 belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily, with homology to NK receptors of the immune system. We report the crystal structure of gp42 bound to the human MHC class II molecule HLA-DR1. The gp42 binds HLA-DR1 using a surface site that is distinct from the canonical lectin and NK receptor ligand binding sites. At the canonical ligand binding site, gp42 forms a large hydrophobic groove, which could interact with other ligands necessary for EBV entry, providing a mechanism for coupling MHC recognition and membrane fusion.
The stratigraphic significance of fission-track ages on volcanic ashes in the marine Late Cenozoic of Southern California

Abstract Fission-track dates and planktonic microfossil datum levels provide a revised chronology for the marine Late Cenozoic of southern California. In southern California, the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary has been placed at the first appearance of Globorotalia truncatulinoides within the Pico Formation, Balcom Canyon, Ventura County. A fission-track age on glass shards from the Bailey Ash close to this level yields a result of 1.12 ± 0.36 m.y. B.P. (millions of years before present). In tropical deep-sea cores, however, G. truncatulinoides has been shown to evolve within the Gilsa paleomagnetic event with an estimated age of 1.8 m.y. B.P. Thus, the first appearance of G. truncatulinoides in southern California is cryptogenic and probably related to the delayed migration into this region of water-mass conditions suitable for this species. Two volcanic ashes from the upper part of the Malaga Formation, Malaga Cove, Los Angeles County, yielded fission-track dates on glass shards of 4.42 ± 0.57 m.y. B.P. (lower ash) and 3.364 ± 0.69 m.y. B.P. (upper ash). These dates, in addition to inferred paleomagnetic ages of planktonic microfossil datum levels suggest that the Delmontian Stage of California ranges in age from ∼6 to ∼3 m.y. B.P. Therefore, the Miocene/Pliocene boundary considered by Berggren and Van Couvering to be ∼5 m.y. B.P. must lie in the lower Delmontian Stage but paleontologic criteria for its recognition in California are not yet available.
Clinical Experience with the Use of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Patients with Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular and Renal Diseases

The Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have been efficacious and safe drugs for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy and stroke from several short and long term clinical trials. The ARBs exert their effects through selective blockade of the angiotensin II (Ang-II) subtype 1 (AT1) receptor and quite possibly through stimulation by Ang-II of the unoccupied subtype 2 (AT2) receptor. The ARBs are equipotent to other antihypertensive drugs with respect to their effect on blood pressure, heart failure or diabetic nephropathy. They appear to be superior to the other drugs with respect to their stroke protective effect. They exert their stroke protective effect by a dual action, selectively blocking the action of Ang-II on the AT1 receptors, while allowing Ang-II to stimulate the unoccupied AT2 receptors. This dual action is unique to ARBs and results in vasodilation and increase in blood flow to the ischemic zone of the brain leading to improvement and prevention of its extension. All these actions of the ARBs will be discussed in this comprehensive review.
Effects of nortriptyline on heart rate variability in panic disorder patients: A preliminary study using power spectral analysis of heart rate

Previous reports on heart rate variability suggest that, compared to controls, panic disorder patients have a higher relative mid-frequency (MF) (0.07–0.15 Hz) power in standing posture and that they
Radial ion energy measurements in an electron cyclotron resonance reactor

A high resolution Fabry-Perot interferoineter has been used to study the translational dynandcs of ions in a divergent field ECR reactor. The degree of radial ion motion in the plasn'ia was characterized through measurements of the Doppler profiles of Ar and Cl emission lines at various operating pressures, optical orientations and itagnetic field configurations. Average translational energies for both Ar and Cl ions increase from 1.0eV to 2.5eV as the pressure is decreased from 2.OmTorr to 0.lmTorr. In addition, the application of a collimating magnetic field in the substrate region has a significant effect on the ion emission linewidth. A small Doppler shift is observed for emission collected along the axis of the reactor providing evidence for directed ion motion out of the source region of the plasma. These observations, coupled with Langmuir probe studies of the ion density and plasma potential suggest that radial electric field variations in the plasma contribute significantly to lateral ion motion.
The extensional flow capillary as a new method for extensional viscosity measurement

THE behaviour of non-newtonian fluids in extensional flow is of both theoretical and practical importance. However, because of the difficulty of imposing a purely extensional deformation on a fluid material, very few experimental measurements of extensional viscosity have been obtained in well defined kinematic conditions. All of the experimental techniques currently available which utilise constant extension rate kinematics involve the application of a tensile stress to a cylindrical sample, and thus require the assumption of uniform deformation of material which is bounded by a free surface. These techniques are applicable only for very high viscosity materials (> 105 P), and are difficult to use in the study of materials whose resistance to extensional deformation is ‘tension thinning’ because of a tendency of the sample to neck and fail. We describe here an extensional flow capillary rheometer which we have evaluated for the measurement of extensional flow properties of a wide variety of materials over a broad range of extension rates. Recent discussion1 of a ‘speculative rheometer’ of apparently similar design emphasises the value of such a device.
The N-Terminal Transactivation Domain Confers Target Gene Specificity of Hypoxia-inducible Factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α

The basic helix-loop-helix-Per-ARNT-Sim-proteins hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and HIF-2alpha are the principal regulators of the hypoxic transcriptional response. Although highly related, they can activate distinct target genes. In this study, the protein domain and molecular mechanism important for HIF target gene specificity are determined. We demonstrate that although HIF-2alpha is unable to activate multiple endogenous HIF-1alpha-specific target genes (e.g., glycolytic enzymes), HIF-2alpha still binds to their promoters in vivo and activates reporter genes derived from such targets. In addition, comparative analysis of the N-terminal DNA binding and dimerization domains of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha does not reveal any significant differences between the two proteins. Importantly, replacement of the N-terminal transactivation domain (N-TAD) (but not the DNA binding domain, dimerization domain, or C-terminal transactivation domain [C-TAD]) of HIF-2alpha with the analogous region of HIF-1alpha is sufficient to convert HIF-2alpha into a protein with HIF-1alpha functional specificity. Nevertheless, both the N-TAD and C-TAD are important for optimal HIF transcriptional activity. Additional experiments indicate that the ETS transcription factor ELK is required for HIF-2alpha to activate specific target genes such as Cited-2, EPO, and PAI-1. These results demonstrate that the HIF-alpha TADs, particularly the N-TADs, confer HIF target gene specificity, by interacting with additional transcriptional cofactors.
A nonparametric test for the two-sample problem

Moses [3] has proposed a nonparametric test of the null hypothesis that two samples, say a treatment and a control group, have been drawn from the same population; his test is designed to be sensitive to the alternative hypothesis that the treatment group is extreme in either or both directions as compared with the controls. This paper presents a test of similar character, except that rather than being based on a range of the control group ranks, it depends upon the variance of those ranks. This has the advantage of making ties less troublesome. Tables of significance values are presented for some small sample sizes. A normal approximation is developed and seen to be useful.
A community education program on atrial fibrillation: implications of pulse self-examination on awareness and behavior.

Objectives: We postulated that community groups with older demographics could be taught to find and characterize their pulse rhythm for the presence of an irregular pulse (IP), which may indicate atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke. Methods: We conducted 281 community group education sessions involving 6203 attendees. Awareness objectives were to demonstrate that: (1) group education was effective in establishing awareness that an IP may indicate atrial fibrillation; and (2) this message was retained at follow-up. Behavioral objectives were to: (1) assess ability of participants to find and characterize their pulse rhythm; (2) regularly monitor pulse rhythm; and (3) act with medical appropriateness upon detecting an IP. Results: Of 6203 attendees, 4322 were older than 50 years and consented to participate. Of these consenting participants, 73.2% found their radial pulse and 91% characterized the rhythm (regular, 72.1%; irregular, 11%; undetermined, 7.9%). Telephone follow-ups on 1839 participants were performed at 30 to 60 days to assess durability of message and action taken. At follow-up, 89.1% remembered that an IP is potentially a risk factor for stroke, and 70.3% had taken their pulse since the program. Of those who discovered a new IP, 38% sought medical assessment. Conclusion: Community education programs focusing on pulse self-examination are effective in improving awareness that an IP may be a surrogate indicator of stroke risk. Such programs may lead to improved awareness of atrial fibrillation, subsequent behavioral changes, and stroke prevention.
Cluster Analysis of Adult Children of Alcoholics

To determine if adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) are heterogeneous with respect to personality characteristics, 97 ACOAs took the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), and the results were analyzed through cluster analysis techniques. The resulting three-cluster solution showed that, in one subgroup (44%), all CPI scales were at or above the mean; another subgroup (40%) achieved scores at or slightly below the mean; and the third subgroup's (16%) scores were considerably below the mean. Therefore, clinical claims regarding ACOAs may only be accurate for a small proportion of ACOAs. Research on resiliency in children may explain why many ACOAs have normal personality profiles.
Utilization of glutaraldehyde cross-linked antibodies in the purification of a plant virus

Abstract Gels satisfactory for partial purification of a plant virus were produced by treatment of whole or reconstituted tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) antisera with aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde. With partially purified TRSV retention capacities of immunoadsorbents from whole antisera ranged from 50 to 70% while those of immunoadsorbents from reconstituted concentrated antisera ranged from 85 to 96% of the added TRSV. Attempts to dissociate the antibody-antigen complex with high salt concentrations resulted in the dissociation and solubilization of antibodies to TRSV. On the other hand, dissociation with eluents of low pH (0.1 M glycine·HCl buffer, pH 2.8) resulted in the dissociation and subsequent elution of virus antigen from the complex. Between 20 and 25% of the retained virus was dissociated and eluted from the immunoadsorbents using low pH and employing a batch procedure. When immunoadsorbents were used to isolate TRSV from crude sap, the isolated virus fractions showed the typical absorbency of a nucleoprotein at 240 nm and 260 nm, respectively and were between 80 and 85% as infectious as partially purified virus. TRSV particles were present in these fractions as shown by electron microscopy.
Incision width after phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation.

Abstract Purpose To determine the incision size after insertion of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) using both a forceps and injectors. Setting Intermountain Ocular Research Center, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Methods One hundred patients had phacoemulsification through a clear corneal wound. The incision width was measured before and after IOL implantation. A 3-piece silicone IOL and a 3-piece acrylic IOL (both with an optic diameter of 5.5 mm) were inserted using a forceps. A plate-haptic silicone lens and a 3-piece silicone lens with a 6.0 mm diameter optic were inserted using an injector. Results The wound size in the group with the 3-piece silicone lens inserted with a forceps enlarged 4.4% (3.23 to 3.38 mm) in the low-power IOL group (15.0 to 20.0 diopters [D]) and 6.2% (3.24 to 3.44 mm) in the high-power IOL group (20.5 to 25.0 D). Similarly, the acrylic IOL wound enlarged 5% (3.21 to 3.37 mm) in the low-power IOL group and 6% (3.25 to 3.44 mm) in the high-power IOL group when a forceps was used. The 3-piece silicone and plate silicone lenses inserted using an injector enlarged the wound 3.2% and 3.3% (3.02 to 3.11 mm and 3.05 to 3.15 mm), respectively. There was no difference in the wound size with higher IOL powers in eyes with injected lenses. Conclusions Clear corneal incisions enlarge after insertion of foldable IOLs in a predictable manner, with a forceps-inserted IOL enlarging the wound diameter more than lenses inserted with an injector. The forceps-inserted lens group also showed a difference in wound size related to IOL power.
Photosynthetic pathways in a midwestern rock outcrop succulent, Sedum nuttallianum Raf. (Crassulaceae).

Shoots of Sedum nuttallianum exhibited CAM* acid fluctuations in the field. These nocturnal acid accumulations persisted in the laboratory under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. Simultaneous measurements of transpiration, however, indicated daytime stomatal opening and nocturnal stomatal closure. Measurements of CO2 and H2O vapor exchange continuously for six days after watering substantiated these results in part: the majority of CO2 uptake occurred during the day early in the experiment; however, after several days without water, nighttime CO2 uptake was stimulated and eventually was greater than the drastically reduced daytime CO2 uptake. This nighttime uptake was never quite sufficient to account for all estimated increases in tissue acidity. Thus, a combination of CAM and CAM-cycling occurred early in the desiccation experiment. Evidence for CAM and a form of CAM-idling was found later in the experiment. Though nighttime CO2 uptake occurred and persisted after only one day without water, rates were too low to alter the tissue δ13C/12C value from a C3-like number (−30‰). Thus, although CAM and CAM-idling may have survival value during extended droughts, shoots of S. nuttallianum apparently utilize the C3 pathway to obtain most of their carbon.
Biochemical Characterization of a Dihydroneopterin Aldolase Used for Methanopterin Biosynthesis in Methanogens

The gene encoding 7,8-dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA) was recently identified in archaea through comparative genomics as being involved in methanopterin biosynthesis (V. Crecy-Lagard, G. Phillips, L. L. Grochowski, B. El Yacoubi, F. Jenney, M. W. Adams, A. G. Murzin, and R. H. White, ACS Chem. Biol. 7:1807–1816, 2012, doi:10.1021/cb300342u). Archaeal DHNA shows a unique secondary and quaternary structure compared with bacterial and plant DHNAs. Here, we report a detailed biochemical examination of DHNA from the methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Kinetic studies show that M. jannaschii DHNA possesses a catalytic capability with a kcat/Km above 105 M−1 s−1 at 70°C, and at room temperature it exhibits a turnover number (0.07 s−1) comparable to bacterial DHNAs. We also found that this enzyme follows an acid-base catalytic mechanism similar to the bacterial DHNAs, except when using alternative catalytic residues. We propose that in the absence of lysine, which is considered to be the general base in bacterial DHNAs, an invariant water molecule likely functions as the catalytic base, and the strictly conserved His35 and Gln61 residues serve as the hydrogen bond partners to adjust the basicity of the water molecule. Indeed, substitution of either His35 or Gln61 causes a 20-fold decrease in kcat. An invariant Tyr78 is also shown to be important for catalysis, likely functioning as a general acid. Glu25 plays an important role in substrate binding, since replacing Glu25 by Gln caused a ≥25-fold increase in Km. These results provide important insights into the catalytic mechanism of archaeal DHNAs.
The Visual Perception of Accelerated Motion

The present research is an investigation of how changes in the rate of motion are perceived. Five separate experiments were performed with the use of filmed stimulus material and a variety of response measures, including both categorical judgments and reproduction techniques. It was found that (a) the smaller the ratio of terminal to initial velocity, the less frequent the judgments of acceleration or deceleration, (b) deceleration was significantly easier to perceive than acceleration, (c) the perception of acceleration was facilitated when the velocity of a lead-in segment was the same as the velocity at onset of motion, (d) a short tunnel centered in the motion path facilitated the perception of acceleration and deceleration, and (e) instantaneous changes in velocity were much more easily perceived than gradual changes. A one-event model for the perception of motion change in which there is a continuous interplay between earlier, later, and interpolated motion segments is favored over a two-event model...
DIFFUSION IN ZEOLITES : EFFECT OF DIRECTIONAL BIAS

Abstract Pore networks in zolites such as ZSM-5 are zigzagged. This suggest that large sorbate molecules may manifest a directional bias in their migration through such zeolites. At very low sorbate concentration levels, such a directional bias can lead to appreciable anisotropy of the tracer diffusion coefficients. However, this anisotropy becomes less pronounced as the concentration of sorbates increases.
Retinal imaging with a combined adaptive optics/optical coherence tomography and adaptive optics/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy system

We describe results of retinal imaging with a novel instrument that combines adaptive optics - Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO). One of the benefits of combining Fd-OCT with SLO includes automatic co-registration between the two imaging modalities and the potential for correcting lateral and transversal eye motion resulting in motion artifact-free volumetric retinal imaging. Additionally this allows for direct comparison between retinal structures that can be imaged with both modalities (e.g., photoreceptor mosaics or microvasculature maps). This dual imaging modality could provide insight into some retinal properties that could not be accessed by a single imaging system. Additionally, extension of OCT and SLO beyond structural imaging may open new avenues for diagnostics and testing in ophthalmology. In particular, non-invasive vasculature mapping with these modalities holds promise of replacing fluorescein angiography in vascular identification. Several new improvements of our system are described, including results of testing a novel 97-actuator deformable mirror and AO-SLO light intensity modulation.
Imaging the infant retina with a hand-held spectral-domain optical coherence tomography device.

Purpose To evaluate and treat infant retina through the use of a hand-held spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) device in selected cases of Shaken Baby syndrome (SBS). Design Observational case series. Methods A novel SD OCT system was optimized and evaluated for infant imaging. An adult eye was imaged with both a standard clinical SD OCT system and the hand-held system. Four eyes of two infants with a history of SBS were imaged with the hand-held system. One infant was imaged again during follow-up examinations. Robust image processing algorithms were developed to create high-quality images. Images were assessed for usefulness in demonstrating pertinent morphologic features. Results The novel SD OCT unit proved effective for data acquisition and comparable with conventional chin-rest SD OCT. Rapid data acquisition limited motion artifact within the B-scan, although there was slight motion between B scans. The SD OCT images provided previously unseen details with regard to the morphologic features of retinal lesions in these infant eyes. This information influenced prognosis and management. Conclusions As with adults, the hand-held customized SD OCT proved to be an invaluable tool in the differentiation of disease processes or injury in these eyes under study. SD OCT imaging systems may be considered a useful adjunct to RetCam fundus photography for assessment and clinical management in cases of SBS.
Computation of configurational entropy using Monte Carlo probabilities in cluster-variation method entropy expressions

We study the applicability of a combined approach to the calculation of free energies in lattice models using Monte Carlo simulations and several cluster-variation method (CVM) entropy expressions. We demonstrate that very accurate free energies can be obtained for ordered and disordered phases at arbitrary chemical field and temperature without thermodynamic integration, provided that use is made of high-order CVM entropy expressions. We also present a novel approach to grouping clusters into symmetry equivalent groups during a Monte Carlo simulation without prior knowledge of the space-group of the phase being sampled.