cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Endocrine-Related Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Ovarian and other hormones are major determinants of breast cancer risk. Particularly important is the accumulative exposure of the breast to circulating levels of the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone. A number of breast cancer risk factors can be understood in light of how they affect women's hormone profiles. Age is a marker for the onset and cessation of ovarian activity. Racial differences in hormone profiles correlate with breast cancer incidence patterns. Age at menarche not only serves as the chronological indicator of the onset of ovarian activity, but as a predictor of ovulatory frequency during adolescence and hormone levels in young adults, and has a long-lasting influence on risk. Age at menopause, another established breast cancer risk factor, marks the cessation of ovarian activity. Pregnancy history and lactation experience also are hormonal markers of breast cancer risk. Postmenopausal obesity, which is associated with higher levels of estrogen following cessation of ovarian activity, increases breast cancer risk, whereas physical activity, which can limit menstrual function, reduces risk. A relatively recent area of investigation is prenatal exposures like preeclampsia and low birth weight; both may be associated with lower in utero exposure to estrogen and also may predict lower breast cancer risk as an adult. Improved understanding of these exposures and their potential interactions with breast cancer susceptibility genes may, in the future, improve our prospects for breast cancer prevention.
The MA (p15) and p12 regions of the gag gene are sufficient for the pathogenicity of the murine AIDS virus.

Abstract Inoculation of the replication-defective retrovirus DEF27 (BM5d), packaged as an amphotropic virus pseudotype, into C57BL/6J mice leads to development of murine AIDS. Disease development showed a long incubation period (20 to 24 weeks), was associated with amplification of the BM5d provirus in splenocytes and lymph nodes, and was independent of the presence of exogenous or endogenous replication-competent helper viruses. However, both the onset of disease and amplification of the defective provirus were significantly enhanced by coinfection with the replication-competent B-cell-tropic ecotropic helper virus BM5e. The part of the BM5d viral genome that was essential for the pathogenicity was determined by making precisely engineered alterations in the reading frame of the gag and pol genes of BM5d proviral DNA and examining the ability of the altered amphotropic BM5d pseudotypes to induce the disease in C57BL/6J mice. The results show that expression of the MA (p15) and p12 regions of the gag gene is sufficient for pathogenicity of the BM5d retrovirus.
Accurate estimation of homologue-specific DNA concentration-ratios in cancer samples allows long-range haplotyping

Interpretation of allelic copy measurements at polymorphic markers in cancer samples presents distinctive challenges and opportunities. Due to frequent gross chromosomal alterations occurring in cancer (aneuploidy), many genomic regions are present at homologous-allele imbalance. Within such regions, the unequal contribution of alleles at heterozygous markers allows for direct phasing of the haplotype derived from each individual parent. In addition, genome-wide estimates of homologue specific copy- ratios (HSCRs) are important for interpretation of the cancer genome in terms of fixed integral copy-numbers. We describe HAPSEG, a probabilistic method to interpret bi- allelic marker data in cancer samples. HAPSEG operates by partitioning the genome into segments of distinct copy number and modeling the four distinct genotypes in each segment. We describe general methods for fitting these models to data which are suit- able for both SNP microarrays and massively parallel sequencing data. In addition, we demonstrate a specially tailored error-model for interpretation of systematic variations arising in microarray platforms. The ability to directly determine haplotypes from cancer samples represents an opportunity to expand reference panels of phased chromosomes, which may have general interest in various population genetic applications. In addition, this property may be exploited to interrogate the relationship between germline risk and cancer phenotype with greater sensitivity than is possible using unphased genotype. Finally, we exploit the statistical dependency of phased genotypes to enable the fitting of more elaborate sample-level error-model parameters, allowing more accurate estimation of HSCRs in cancer samples.
Preliminary Investigation of Gait Initiation and Falls in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objective To examine the relationship between gait initiation, fall history, and physiological fall risk in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) during both cognitive distracting and nondistracting conditions. Design Single time point cross-sectional analysis. Setting University research laboratory. Participants Ambulatory individuals (N=20) with MS ranging in age from 28 to 76 years. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Gait initiation time was quantified as the time to toe-off of the first step after an auditory cue. Gait initiation was performed with and without a concurrent cognitive challenge of reciting alternating letters of the alphabet. Additionally, participants underwent a test of fall risk using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) and provided a self-report of the number of falls in the previous 3 months. Results Gait initiation times ranged from .67 to 1.12 seconds during the single-task condition and .73 to 1.84 seconds during the cognitive challenge condition. PPA scores ranged from −.80 to 3.87. Participants reported a median of 0.0 falls (interquartile range, 0.0–2.75) in the previous 3 months. There was a significant correlation between PPA score and gait initiation times only in the cognitive distraction condition (ρ=.50). There was also a correlation between cognitive distraction gait initiation times and fall history (ρ=.60). Conclusions The observations provide preliminary evidence that gait initiation during cognitive challenge may represent a target for fall prevention strategies in MS.
Effect of Diet on Growth and Feed Efficiency Responses to Supplements of MD Bacitracin and 3-Nitro Phenylarsonic Acid Added Singly and In Combinations

Abstract Two experiments of the same design were conducted to study the effect of diet composition on chick growth response to different dosage levels of MD bacitracin, 3-nitro-4-hydroxy phenylarsonic acid or their combinations. The two experiments were conducted in sequence at the same location. Diets were mixed separately for each of the experiments, but the same drug premixes were used. The design of the experiments was a factorial comprising two diets, two drugs and four dosage levels of each drug. The two basal diets contained either corn or rye as grain components. Data on body weight, feed consumption, feces condition and leg shank color were collected up to the time the birds were three weeks of age. Results of the experiments closely parallel each other and reinforce the conclusions obtained. Diet type had a significant effect on growth and size of growth response to the different supplements. The diet containing corn elicited significantly better performance in all parameters tested, as compared with the diet containing rye. MD bacitracin improved chick growth only at levels of 27 p.p.m. or greater, while similar improvement was obtained with levels of 37 p.p.m. or more of 3-nitro-4-hydroxy phenylarsonic acid. None of the drug supplements at any level had an effect on feces condition or shank color. Growth promoting effect of drug combinations at different dosage levels varied and there was evidence of additive effects of the two drugs.
Quantum Mechanical Stabilization of Minkowski Signature Wormholes

Abstract When considering classical wormholes in Minkowski signature spacetimes one encounters violations of the weak energy hypothesis. Since the weak energy hypothesis is experimentally known to be violated quantum mechanically, this suggests that a quantum mechanical analysis of Minkowski signature wormholes is in order. This note presents a minisuperspace analysis of a simple class of Minkowski signature wormholes. By solving the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for Einstein gravity on this minisuperspcace the quantum mechanical wave function of the wormhole is obtained in closed form. The wormhole is shown to be quantum mechanically stabilized with an average radius of the order of the Planck length.
The Use of Skype in a Community Hospital Inpatient Palliative Medicine Consultation Service

Skype™, an Internet-based communication tool, has enhanced communication under numerous circumstances. As telemedicine continues to be an increasing part of medical practice, there will be more opportunities to use Skype and similar tools. Numerous scenarios in the lay literature have helped to highlight the potential uses. Although most commonly used to enhance physician-to-patient communication, there has been limited reported use of Skype for patient-to-family communication, especially in end of life and palliative care. Our inpatient Palliative Medicine Consultation Service has offered and used this technology to enhance our patients' quality of life. The objective was to provide another tool for our patients to use to communicate with family and/or friends, especially under circumstances in which clinical symptoms, functional status, financial concerns, or geographic limitations preclude in-person face-to face communication.
Exploration and exploitation: The different impacts of two types of Japanese business group network on firm innovation and global learning

This article examines how two types of Japanese business group networks impact on firm innovation and global learning. Both the general network and Japanese business group literature have emphasized the important role this kind of tightly knit and stable network plays in facilitating the innovation of firms. Yet little is known of the different effects of the two types of business groups on innovation: horizontal versus vertical. In this article, we argue that the horizontal business group network, owing to its inter-industry conglomerate structure, promotes innovation of a wider knowledge-exploration type, whereas the vertical business group network, owing to its intra-industry supply chain linkage, promotes innovation of a close knowledge-exploitation type. In terms of global learning, it is hypothesized that the more domestically explorative horizontal business group network imposes a constraint on international innovation, whereas the vertical business group network does not. Empirical results largely support these arguments.
Dislocation relaxation in germanium single crystals

High purity single crystals of [213] and [111] orientations were plastically deformed in tension at approximately 900 °K to various strain levels. Internal friction measurements at 50 kHz were made on the deformed specimens over the temperature range 10 to 1120 °K. Almost no strain amplitude dependence of the internal friction up to ϵ = 2 × 10−5 was observed over this whole temperature range. A small relaxation peak was found near 150 °K in all easy glide specimens but disappeared in the deformed [111] specimens. Another small peak was found at about 220 °K in deformed specimens of both orientations. These peaks, as well as the internal friction plateau above room temperature, are interpreted in terms of kink diffusion on screw and edge-type dislocations. At temperatures above ≈ 550 °K an exponential-like rise in internal friction occurs, which is interpreted in terms of thermally activated nucleation of kinks followed by other dislocation glide processes. A second exponential-like rise which occurs at about 1050 °K is thought to be due to non-conservative dislocation motion. Hochreine Einkristalle mit [213] und [111]-Orientierung wurden bei etwa 900 °K plastisch zugverformt zu unterschiedlichen Belastungsgraden. Messungen der inneren Reibung bei 50 kHz wurden an den verformten Proben im Temperaturbereich von 10 bis 1120 °K durchgefuhrt. Bis zu ϵ = 2 × 10−5 wurde im gesamten Temperaturbereich meistens keine Abhangigkeit der Spannungsamplitude von der inneren Reibung beobachtet. Bei 150 °K wurde in allen Proben mit leichter Gleitung ein kleines Relaxationsmaximum gefunden, das aber in deformierten [111]-Proben nicht auftrat. Ein anderes kleines Maximum wurde bei 220 °K in deformierten Proben bei beiden Orientierungen gefunden. Diese Maxima und das Plateau der inneren Reibung oberhalb Zimmertemperatur werden mit „kink”-Diffusion an Versetzungen mit Schrauben- und Stufencharakter erklart. Bei Temperaturen oberhalb ≈ 550 °K tritt ein exponentieller Anstieg der inneren Reibung auf, der mit thermisch aktivierter Bildung von, „kinks”, gefolgt von anderen Gleitprozessen der Versetzungen, erklart wird. Ein weiterer exponentieller Anstieg, der bei 1050 °K auftritt, wird einer nicht-konservativen Wanderung der Versetzungen zugeschrieben.
Peering through the RISC/CISC fog: an outline of research

We are defining a computer architecture to support a decentralized operating system that is under development. Since complex functions of this system could appear directly in the architecture's instruction set, we are immersed in the current RISC/CISC debate where we have found many questions and few answers. Hoping to shed light on aspects of this conflict, we have embarked on two studies. The first seeks to find an environment where complex instructions can enhance system performance. The second tries to decouple multiple register set performance from instruction set performance in general-purpose register machines.
Advancing women's health via FDA Critical Path Initiative.

Studying sex and gender differences is critical to understanding diseases that affect women solely, disproportionately or differently from men. Although inclusion of both sexes is essential in clinical research, advanced technology and analysis methods offer tools to define complex biological and physicochemical differences and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatments for diseases in women and men. This paper identifies the potential for biomarker development, pharmacogenetics and bioinformatics in research under the FDA Critical Path Initiative.
High speed implementation of certain adaptive filters: A novel Toeplitz matrix decomposition approach

We study implementation problems involved with certain adaptive filters requiring high speed matrix-vector multiplies of the formTw, whereT isn×n Toeplitz andw is ann×1 vector. We solve the problem using a novel and simple matrix decomposition of the formT=C+S, whereC is circulant and5 is "factor" circulant.C andS support fast Fourier transform implementations of all basic matrix computations. The decomposition can also be used to implement the productT 1 T 2 with fast Fourier transform algorithms.
A Density Functional Theory Study of Hydrogen Adsorption in MOF-5

Ab initio molecular dynamics in the generalized gradient approximation to density functional theory and ground-state relaxations are used to study the interaction between molecular hydrogen and the metal−organic framework with formula unit Zn4O(O2C−C6H4−CO2)3. Five symmetrically unique adsorption sites are identified, and calculations indicate that the sites with the strongest interaction with hydrogen are located near the Zn4O clusters. Twenty total adsorption sites are found around each Zn4O cluster, but after 16 of these are populated, the interaction energy at the remaining four sites falls off significantly. The adsorption of hydrogen on the pore walls creates an attractive potential well for hydrogen in the center of the pore. The effect of the framework on the physical structure and electronic structure of the organic linker is calculated, suggesting ways by which the interaction between the framework and hydrogen could be modified.
A partial analysis of share tenancy relationships in Northeast Brazil

In order to explicitly examine the implications of sharecroppers and landowners having different objective functions, and to handle a multiple-output complication, a mathematical programming structure is employed to analyze share tenancy relationships. For a typical sharecropped plot in Northeast Brazil, simulations are obtained when the landowner and sharecropper respectively are the decision-makers, and for policies involving abolition of share contracts, land reform, and variations in share of the cash crop accruing to the landowner. The observed shares permit agreement by the two agents on farm plan, and this agreed-upon solution is Pareto-optimal. Beyond a narrow range around the observed share, the desired farm plans diverge, Pareto-optimality does not hold, and enforcement costs would be required.
Effects of prenatal sex hormones on gender-related behavior

Gender identity depends largely on postnatal environmental influences, while sex-dimorphic behavior and temperamental sex differences appear to be modified by prenatal sex hormones. A role of the prenatal endocrine milieu in the development of erotic partner preference, as in hetero-, homo-, or bisexual orientation, or of cognitive sex differences has not been conclusively demonstrated.
Do Conflict Managers Matter?: An Empirical Assessment of Interstate Security Disputes and Resolution Efforts, 1945–1974

Previous studies of conflict management efforts do not empirically describe the importance of such activities in terms of interstate conflict behavior in general. Some address only particular management techniques; others are concerned only with particular managers. None empirically characterizes management activities with respect to interstate conflict generally. This paper establishes the context for such earlier studies by examining management efforts—including measures of collective security, peaceful change, pacific settlement, peacekeeping, preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conciliation, both organizational and not—in light of a comprehensive survey of interstate security disputes. Empirical answers are sought to questions about the degree and type of “mattering” that such efforts have played with respect to interstate conflict behavior. Specifically, three questions are considered: the relevance of managers; their degree of influence, including which managers have been comparatively more influential; and the developmental potential shown by organizational management agents. This analysis finds that management efforts matter a great deal in terms of relevance, to a limited extent in terms of direct influence, and very little in terms of system development.
A GPU Task-Parallel Model with Dependency Resolution

A task-parallel approach to programming commodity graphics hardware is useful for implementing irregular parallel workloads with dependencies, particularly for applications such as video encoding and backtracking algorithms
Word-of-mouth referral sources for buyers of international corporate financial services

Abstract Managing word-of-mouth promotion for corporate or commercial services has received little research attention, even less in an international context—surprising given the growth and importance of services in the global economy. This study explores the issue of who does the referring of financial services in the world’s two largest economies: the U.S. and Japan. Decision makers in both locations who made the initial financial services purchase for 48 Japanese and American companies were interviewed regarding whom they used as a referral source. A total of 13 different types of sources were identified and grouped into four categories. The dominant type of referral source used was the “insider” (headquarters, partner, investor) for both Japanese and American companies, especially in a foreign market. Otherwise, the Japanese buyers of services used more of a variety of sources than did the Americans in both foreign and domestic locations. General implications for marketers of financial services in the U.S. and Japan are discussed.
Modular synthase-encoding gene involved in α-olefin biosynthesis in Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002.

ABSTRACT A gene involved in the production of medium-chain α-olefins was identified in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002. The gene encodes a large multidomain protein with homology to type I polyketide synthases, suggesting a route for hydrocarbon biosynthesis from fatty acids via an elongation decarboxylation mechanism.
Crystallization of liquids and glasses to quasicrystals

The local structures of metallic glasses and undercooled liquid metal alloys are presumed to contain a high degree of icosahedral short-range order, incompatible with translational periodicity and creating a barrier to the nucleation of crystal phases. The barrier should be lower for the nucleation of icosahedral quasicrystals (i-phase). A brief overview is provided of studies in liquids and glasses that support this conclusion. Recent X-ray diffraction and undercooling results in a TiZrNi alloy that forms an i-phase are presented, correlating an icosahedral local order in the liquid with a lower nucleation barrier for the i-phase. For a growing number of alloys that can be prepared as glasses, a nanosized i-phase microstructure forms upon glass crystallization (devitrification), consistent with the expected low nucleation barrier. However, since glasses that do not form quasicrystals have similar devitrification nanostructures, other crystallization mechanisms must also be operative. These are reviewed. A new model for homogeneous nucleation that couples the interfacial and the long-range diffusion fluxes, is advanced as one way to explain nanostructure formation in these metallic glasses.
Onchocerca volvulus-mediated keratitis: cytokine production by IL-4-deficient mice.

Abstract Corneal inflammation similar to human onchocercal keratitis can be induced in mice by subcutaneous immunization of a soluble extract ofOnchocerca volvulus(OvAg) followed by direct injection of OvAg into the corneal stroma. Previous studies have shown that corneal pathology is associated with increased systemic and corneal Th2 cytokine expression and that IL-4 gene knockout (IL-4−/−) mice develop less severe or noO. volvulus-mediated keratitis. The current study examined the contribution of Th2 cytokines to the diminished OvAg-induced corneal immunopathology observed in IL-4−/−mice. IL-4−/−mice (129Sv × C57B1/6), wild-type F2 littermates (IL-4+/+), and C57B1/6 mice were sensitized by repeated subcutaneous immunization with OvAg. Ten days after the final immunization, mice were sacrificed, spleens were removed, and cells were incubated with OvAg. Cells from immunocompetent C57B1/6 and IL-4+/+mice produced IL-4 and IL-5, but no IFN-γ, whereas cells from IL-4−/−mice had elevated IFN-γ but no IL-4. Interestingly, cells from these animals produced levels of IL-5 protein equivalent to those of C57B1/6 and IL-4+/+mice. To determine cytokine production in corneas during the onset of onchocercal keratitis, OvAg-immunized mice were injected intracorneally with OvAg, and cytokine gene expression in the cornea was determined by RT-PCR. Temporal analysis of cytokine gene expression in corneas of immunocompetent mice showed that the Th2-associated cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 were produced within 1 day of intrastromal injection, with sustained elevations for 10 days. Maximal IFN-γ mRNA levels were not detected until Day 10. This was in contrast to IL-4−/−mice in which IFN-γ appeared at Day 1 and remained elevated for at least 10 days. Moreover, in corneas from IL-4−/−mice, all Th2 cytokines with the exception of IL-4 were up-regulated and expressed with kinetics similar to that of IL-4+/+littermates. Histologically, corneas from IL-4−/−mice were less edematous and contained fewer eosinophils and other inflammatory cells than those from immunocompetent controls. As there was no difference in peripheral eosinophil levels, these data indicate that the diminished severity of onchocercal keratitis in IL-4−/−mice is not due to failure to develop systemic or local Th2 cytokine responses or to produce eosinophils, but that IL-4 may be involved in recruitment of eosinophils and other inflammatory cells into the corneal stroma.
Recruitment pattern of Rhus integrifolia populations in periods between fire in chaparral

Population structure, fruit production and dispersal, and recruitment of Rhus integrifolia, a gynodioecious sclerophy llous shrub living in coastal chaparral, were studied in two localities in southern California last burned 60 and 90 years ago. Though hermaphroditic plants produce some fruits, only the male-sterile plants bore significant numbers. Among the sample plants, one individual accounted for 50% of the crop measured. Terrestrial animals, through the loss of some seeds taken for consumption, play a decisive role in the seed dispersal, promoting the establishment of seedlings outside the parent's canopy. Birds have not been demonstrated to contribute to long distance dispersal, but they are responsible for dropping 25% of the fruits collected below the R. integrifolia canopies, 36%) of which were completely destroyed. Allelopathic effects were not observed in laboratory assays, and germination is probably not influenced by the species beneath which seeds have been deposited. This pattern can explain the non-aggregated distribution of individuals observed in the studied populations. We conclude that establishment of new individuals has been continuous at both localities and that the populations of R. integrifolia are increasing in these long unburned stands. This may be indicative of a successional trend in unburned chaparral and coastal scrub toward a sclerophy llous woodland.
Nonlinear and frequency-dependent transport phenomena in low-dimensional conductors

Abstract Nonlinear and frequency-dependent electrical conductivity is more a rule than an exception in materials with highly anisotropic electronic structure. Disorder leads to localization of the electronic wave functions, and the temperature-(T), electric field-(E), and frequency (ω)-dependent transport are due to random transfer rates between localized single particle states, a process fundamentally different from band transport. Interactions lead to collective modes, represented by a periodic modulation of the charge or spin density. The charge density wave (CDW) mode is pinned by impurities, but for small pinning forces, it can be depinned by moderate electric fields, leading to nonlinear conductivity due to a sliding CDW. Both classical and quantum models account for the field and frequency dependent response; they also describe current oscillation phenomena and effects which arise when both dc and ac excitations are applied. For strong pinning the collective mode cannot be depinned at small electric field strengths, but nonlinear (soliton) excitations of the collective modes may be responsible for the nonlinear conductivity observed. In all these cases field-and frequency-dependent transport is strongly related. This feature is reproduced by various models, and therefore a detailed study of σ(T,E,ω) is called for to distinguish between the various sources of novel transport phenomena in these new types of solids.
Energy minimization-based analysis of electrowetting for microelectronics cooling applications

Electrowetting (EW)-induced droplet motion has been studied over the last decade in view of its promising applications in the field of microfluidics. The objective of the present work is to analyze the physics underlying two specific EW-based applications for microelectronics thermal management. The first of these involves heat absorption by liquid droplets moving on the surface of a chip under EW actuation. Droplet motion between two flat plates under the influence of an electrowetting voltage is analyzed. An energy minimization framework is employed to predict the actuation force on a droplet. This framework, in combination with semi-analytical models for the forces opposing droplet motion, is used to develop a model that predicts transient EW-induced droplet motion. The second application is targeted at hot-spot thermal management and relies on the control of droplet states on artificially structured surfaces through an applied EW voltage. The influence of an electrowetting voltage in determining and altering the state of a static droplet resting on a rough surface is analyzed. An energy minimization-based modeling approach reveals the influence of interfacial energies, surface roughness parameters and electric fields in determining the apparent contact angle of a droplet in the Cassie and Wenzel states under the influence of an EW voltage. The model is used to establish preliminary criteria to design rough surfaces for use in the hot-spot mitigation application. The concept of an electrically tunable thermal resistance switch for hot-spot cooling applications is introduced and analyzed.
Rehabilitative therapies in cerebral palsy: the good, the not as good, and the possible

In the past decade, growing recognition of the importance of motor activity for the development and maintenance of central nervous system pathways and for recovery of function post injury has provided new avenues for rehabilitation. Physical therapy is likely to have a prominent role in stimulating neuroplastic changes in damaged developing nervous systems that may finally alter the natural history of these disorders, which has not yet been possible. In this article, we discuss the scientific evidence for various physical therapy treatment options for children with cerebral palsy. Newer, more intense, and task-related exercise programs show the strongest level of evidence. Traditional approaches and newer ‘‘packaged’’ approaches have failed to provide evidence of superiority. Their continued prevalence among clinicians is puzzling and disconcerting, as evidence supporting other approaches continues to accumulate.
Turbulence measurements in a rectangular mesoscale confined impinging jets reactor

Mesoscale chemical reactors capable of operating in the turbulent flow regime, such as confined impinging jets reactors (CIJR), offer many advantages for rapid chemical processing at the microscale. One application where these reactors are used is flash nanoprecipitation, a method for producing functional nanoparticles. Because these reactors often operate in a flow regime just beyond transition to turbulence, modeling flows in these reactors can be problematic. Moreover, validation of computational fluid dynamics models requires detailed and accurate experimental data, the availability of which has been very limited for turbulent microscale flows. In this work, microscopic particle image velocimetry (microPIV) was performed in a mesoscale CIJR at inlet jet Reynolds numbers of 200, 1,000, and 1,500. Pointwise and spacial turbulence statistics were calculated from the microPIV data. The flow was observed to be laminar and steady in the entire reactor at a Reynolds number of 200. However, at jets Reynolds numbers of 1,000 and 1,500, instabilities as a result of the jets impinging along the centerline of the reactor lead to a highly turbulent impingement region. The peak magnitude of the normalized Reynolds normal and shear stresses within this region were approximately the same for the Reynolds numbers of 1,000 and 1,500. The Reynolds shear stress was found to exhibit a butterfly shape, consistent with a flow field dominated by an oblique rocking of the impingement zone about the center of the reactor. Finally, the spatial auto- and cross-correlations velocity fluctuations were calculated and analyzed to obtain an understanding of size of the coherent structures.
Self-Compassion and Well-Being in Parents of Children with Autism

Parents of children with autism are faced with difficult and unique daily stressors associated with their child’s disorder. The personal characteristics of parents can influence how they approach stressful life events and potentially help them cope with some of the deleterious effects associated with extreme stress. One factor that may be an important coping strategy is self-compassion, which involves being kind to oneself in times of difficulty, recognizing the shared nature of human suffering, and being mindfully aware of negative thoughts and emotions. This study examined the association between self-compassion and well-being in 51 parents of a child with autism using self-report measures. Self-compassion was positively associated with life satisfaction, hope, and goal reengagement and negatively associated with depression and parental stress. Even though child symptom severity is often the strongest predictor of negative adjustment for parents, self-compassion universally predicted parental well-being over and above the effects of child symptom severity. Results suggest that self-compassion may play a significant role in well-being for parents of children with autism. Implications for future research and applications of the construct of self-compassion are discussed.
Optimal control of cascading power grid failures

We study algorithms for computing optimal load shedding schedules in the event of a cascading power system failure. The algorithms compute an affine control at the onset of the cascade; the control is applied during the cascade as a function of observed state parameters such as line overloads. In the case of line outages that follow a deterministic rule, we obtain an efficient (polynomial time) algorithm for computing an optimal control. For the case of stochastic line outages we describe a stochastic gradients algorithm. We present computational experiments with a parallel implementation of our algorithms, tested on a snapshot of the U.S. Eastern Interconnect.
Regulation of glucose transporter messenger RNA levels in rat adipose tissue by insulin

Analysis of glucose transporter mRNA levels in adipose tissue from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats demonstrated a specific decrease (10-fold) in adipose tissue GLUT-4 mRNA with no significant effect on GLUT-1 mRNA levels. Treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with twice daily injections of insulin for 1-3 days resulted in a 16-fold increase in the relative amount of GLUT-4 mRNA to levels approximately 2-fold greater than those in control animals. However, after 7 days of insulin therapy the amount of GLUT-4 mRNA decreased approximately 2-fold back to the levels in the control animals. Normalization of the STZ-induced serum hyperglycemia by phlorizin treatment, which inhibits renal tubular reabsorption of glucose, had no effect on GLUT-4 mRNA in the absence of insulin. Similar to STZ-diabetes, fasting for 48 h also reduced adipose GLUT-4 mRNA levels. Parenteral administration of insulin with glucose over 7.5 h, but not glucose alone, increased the levels of the GLUT-4 mRNA 3- to 4-fold. These studies demonstrate that the relative glycemic state does not influence GLUT-4 glucose transporter mRNA expression in vivo and strongly suggests that insulin is a major factor regulating the levels of GLUT-4 mRNA in adipose tissue.
Case Selection via Matching

This article shows how statistical matching methods can be used to select “most similar” cases for qualitative analysis. I first offer a methodological justification for research designs based on s...
Rubber shark as user interface

This paper presents a simple means to tag real world physical objects with digital information and functions. The system is low-cost and easily distributable to allow the general public outside the laboratory and academic environments to explore and experiment with physical-digital object couplings as an interface. The system is a tool to test out conceptual physical-digital mapping and metaphor and to prototype elements of Tangible User Interface. It can simply enhance the Graphical User Interface experience.
On the energy source for diffuse Jovian auroral emissivity

Data from the Energetic Particle Detector on Galileo have been used to investigate whether the radiation belt population can act as a direct energy reservoir for Jovian auroral emissions. Energetic (E > 42 keV) ion distributions in the middle magnetosphere (9 < RJ < 26) yield peak precipitation energy fluxes comparable to a few ergs-cm−2-s−1, which are too weak to produce significant auroral emissivity. Detailed analysis of energetic electrons (15-884 keV) indicates the presence of an enhanced population near the loss cone that may provide precipitation energy flux above 10 ergs-cm−2-s−1 over an extended region (10 ≤ RJ ≤ 25) of the middle magnetosphere. The available precipitation electron energy flux decreases at higher radial distance, falling to values below 1 erg-cm−2-s−1 outside 30 RJ. Additional acceleration mechanisms such as field-aligned currents are required to account for observed auroral intensities at higher L. The precipitation flux values presented here have been calculated under the assumption of strong pitch-angle scattering due to wave-particle interactions in the essentially collisionless middle magnetosphere. Plasma waves with relatively modest amplitude (Bw≥ 25 pT or Ew≥ 5 mV/m) are sufficient to induce strong diffusion scattering outside 10 RJ. Such scattering can account for energy deposition over a broad latitude range (Δ λ ≥5 °) associated with the diffuse Jovian aurora.
Preventing Drug Abuse among Hispanic Adolescents: Developing a Responsive Intervention Approach.

Intervention research is essential to help Hispanic American adolescents avoid drug use. This article describes an intervention research program aimed at preventing drug use among these youths. Grounded in salient epidemiological data, the program is informed by bicultural competence, social learning, and motivational interviewing theories. The program, called Vamos, is aimed at the risk and protective factors as well as the cultural prerogatives that demark the adolescent years of Hispanic American youths. Innovative in its approach, the program is delivered through a smartphone application (app). By interacting with engaging content presented via the app, youths can acquire the cognitive-behavioral skills necessary to avoid risky situations, urges, and pressures associated with early drug use. The intervention development process is presented in detail, and an evaluation plan to determine the program's efficacy is outlined. Lessons for practice and intervention programming are discussed.
Hybrid Structures of NiTi and Carbon Nanotubes

indicating a significant improvement in the sample crystallinity for both NiTi/Si and NiTi/CNT. HRTEM and SAED pattern of a single column extracted from the NiTi/CNT indicates that it is highly polycrystalline with random orientation. EDS of the column confirms that it comprises Ni and Ti. We have also identified metal nanocrystals on the sidewalls of conformally coated CNT . Kinking and buckling of the bundles CNT walls at theNiTi/CNT interface was also observed. Upon annealing,further crystallization was confirmed by well defined XRD peaks for both NiTi/Si and NiTi/CNT. In comparison,the anneale d NiTi/CNT samples exhibit welldefined diffraction spots- , confirming an increase in . crystallinityWe are performing additional structural and mechanical characterization of the NiTi/CNT hybrids, seeking to determine how nanoscale interfaces and polycrystalline order may affect shape memory behavior.
Separation of soluble antigen-antibody complexes by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation.

Abstract Soluble antigen-antibody complexes between ovotransferrin and its antibody were separated by rate zonal centrifugation and by acrylamide gel electrophoresis in 5.0% gel or in a discontinuous gel gradient. The isolation of centrifuged fractions was facilitated by photopolymerizing the tube content in acrylamide gel. Both methods gave identical types of antigen-antibody complexes, characterized by electrophoretic mobility, antigen-antibody ration, and sedimentation constant. The acrylamide gel electrophoresis in 5.0% gel is particularly suitable for the identification and the quantitative determination of various Ag Ab complexes. Small quantities of concentrated Ag Ab complexes can be obtained easily in the “pore limit” electrophoresis, larger quantities by zonal centrifugation in acrylamide containing sucrose gradients.
Macular hole repair with minimal vitrectomy.

PURPOSE Conventional macular hole surgery usually involves removing 80% of the intraocular contents to repair a hole a few hundred micrometers in diameter. Although the success rate for conventional surgery is good, it may be possible to reduce the number of complications with less invasive surgery. METHODS A newly designed microspatula knife was used to dissect the connection between the vitreous and the retina previously delineated by optical coherence tomography. The posterior vitreous was not stripped from the retinal surface. Limited vitrectomy over the hole was performed to create a space for a gas bubble. RESULTS The macular holes in three eyes of three patients were closed with this technique with no operative or postoperative complications after a mean follow-up of 8.7 months. The mean change in visual acuity was 6.3 lines. CONCLUSION It is possible to repair macular holes by using optical coherence tomography to guide the dissection of the vitreous from the macular hole followed by limited vitrectomy. By using a less invasive approach, it may be possible to repair macular holes in less operative time and with fewer complications.
Nuclear nonproliferation and the future expansion of nuclear power

Abstract This paper examines the relationships between the future expansion of nuclear power and the prospect for world nuclear nonproliferation. For this purpose, recent changes and developments in international political environment, nonproliferation regimes, business practices surrounding civilian nuclear power industry, and technological advancements were examined. Based on these examinations, the paper attempts to answer the question, “What should be done for future nuclear power development not to result in further increase in proliferation risk?”
High prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in patients with sickle cell disease: results from a community hospital in the U.S.

Despite the low prevalence (0.008%) of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in the general population, this disorder was recently diagnosed in a substantial number of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients at our hospital. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of AI in SCD patients. All adult patients admitted to the Department of Medicine at Interfaith Medical Center from October 2010 to November 2011 were eligible for this retrospective study. Medical records of adult SCD patients hospitalized for painful crisis and who had undergone cosyntropin testing were reviewed. Adult non-SCD patients hospitalized for painful crisis and who had undergone cosyntropin testing served as controls. The result of the cosyntropin test was the primary outcome. The prevalence of positive cosyntropin tests was compared between the 2 groups by using Student’s t-test, and odds ratios. 62 adult SCD patients were enrolled in the study. 15 underwent cosyntropin testing and 12 (19.4%) of these patients were found to have AI. AI was also diagnosed in 1 of 1 340 non-SCD patients. The odds ratio for AI in SCD to non-SCD patients [(12/62)/(1 340)] was 259. The odds ratio for the prevalence of AI in SCD patients in our study (19.4%) vs. the general population (approximately 0.008%) was 2 375. AI occurred in 19.4% of SCD patients included in this study. These patients thus have a 2 375-fold higher risk of developing AI than the general population, and a 259-fold greater risk of developing AI than do hospitalized non-SCD patients.
Allozyme Variation in the Rare Gulf Coast Endemic Polygonella macrophylla Small (Polygonaceae)

Polygonella macrophylla Small is a rare, perennial, primarily gynodioecious plant species endemic to a narrow zone of coastal sand pine scrub habitat along the Gulf of Mexico from Carrabelle, Florida, to Gulf Shores, Alabama (U.S.A.). The species is comprised of a crimson-red flowered form (“rubra”), known from only two populations at the eastern distributional limit of the species, and a white/pink flowered form ("alba") represented by several populations throughout the remainder of the range of the species. An electrophoretic investigation revealed that commonly used measures of gene diversity are very close to expected values in “rubra” given the combination of ecological attributes displayed by the species; however, gene diversity in “alba” is much lower than expected. Population differentiation is high, with estimates of the coefficient of gene differentiation (GST) indicating that more than 30% of the diversity is among populations. Lack of gene flow among populations, estimated to be at most 0.6 migrating individuals per generation for the species, is a likely cause of greater population differentiation. High inbreeding, detected both within populations and within the species, is suggestive of high rates of self-fertilization in hermaphroditic plants and/or biparental inbreeding in small populations.
PERSON-TO-PERSON SPREAD OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM AFTER A HOSPITAL COMMON-SOURCE OUTBREAK

In September, 1973, diarrhoea caused by Salmonella typhimurium developed in 32 people in a Maine hospital. Both epidemiological and microbiological evidence indicated that raw egg beaten in milk ("egg-nog") was responsible for the infection. However, 6 patients and 8 employees had not had egg-nog, and their illness developed after the source of infection had been recognised and removed. Most of these people had had direct contact with an infected patient, and presumably acquired the infection by person-to-person spread. It is concluded that person-to-person spread of S. typhimurium can occur in hospitals and can be a hazard to patients and staff.
Reflecting upon our experiences: an auto-ethnographic approach to understanding graduate learning

Using an auto-ethnographic approach, this work features the journaling experiences of three student writers as they apply course content, hone their work as writers, and develop the skill of reflective practice. Through journaling, the authors delve into the triumphs and challenges of critically reflecting upon course material and the academic writing experience. Results of this research suggest the benefits of journaling in understanding course content, applying the knowledge to educational practice, and utilizing reflection in training and the workplace.
A difference between plasma and cellular fibronectins located with monoclonal antibodies

We describe the properties of two monoclonal antibodies to hamster cellular fibronectin. One of them exhibits a marked specificity for cellular fibronectin, whereas the other recognized both cellular and plasma fibronectins. However, both antibodies recognize determinants in the same restricted region of cellular fibronectin, located near to but not at the C-terminal and of the intact molecule. Tryptic and chymotryptic digestions release this portion of the molecule in 40 kd fragments that contain a free sulfhydryl group. Recognition of fibronectin by these two monoclonal antibodies does not require the presence of carbohydrate residues on the fibronectin. These monoclonal antibodies allow location of a structural difference between the two forms of fibronectin and should permit further analysis of this difference.