cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further studies on the two-level-atom picture of the Josephson effect

We demonstrate that the two-level atomic picture of the Josephson effect is valid for realistic tunneling models. In addition, we extend the analogy between two-level quantum systems and Josephson junctions to include stimulated emission and absorption processes.
Testing Measurement Invariance Using Item Response Theory in Longitudinal Data: An Introduction

— Item response theory (IRT) consists of a set of mathematical models for the probabilities of various responses to test items as a function of item and person characteristics. In longitudinal data, changes in measured variables can only be interpreted if important psychometric features of the measured variables are assumed invariant across time. Measurement invariance is invariance in the relation of a measure to the latent variable underlying it. Measurement invariance in longitudinal studies concerns invariance over time, and IRT provides a useful approach to investigating longitudinal measurement invariance. Commonly used IRT models are described, along with the representation of measurement invariance in IRT. The use of IRT for investigating invariance is then described, along with practical considerations in using IRT for this purpose. Conceptual issues, rather than technical details, are emphasized throughout.
Transferring training to child welfare practice: Individual and collective efforts

Abstract The transfer of training to practice constitutes an ongoing challenge in child welfare services. Many efforts to understand and promote training transfer address the concept as an individual-level behavior. This study suggests that training transfer is both an individual and collective process. The study involves a survey at two time points of 214 workers from child welfare agencies who attended a training program. Principle components analysis identified two meaningful sub-components within the concept of the training transfer. Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the influence of individual-level and contextual factors on both components. Findings suggest that to promote collective training transfer and enhance both individual and group performance, child welfare administrators may need to strengthen supervisory support and to promote positive work climates in which trainees can discuss training concepts and work together to apply them.
Evaluating deep updraft formulation in NCAR CAM3 with high‐resolution WRF simulations during ARM TWP‐ICE

The updraft formulation used in NCAR CAM3 deep convection parameterization assumes that the fractional entrainment rate for a single updraft is height-independent and the updraft mass flux increases monotonically with height to updraft top. These assumptions are evaluated against three-dimensional high-resolution simulations from the weather research and forecast (WRF) model during the monsoon period of the DOE ARM Tropical Warm Pool -- International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE). Analyses of the WRF-generated updrafts suggest that the fractional entrainment rate for a single updraft decreases with height and the updraft mass flux increases with height below the top of the conditionally unstable layer but decreases above. It is suggested that the assumed updraft mass flux profile in CAM3 might be unrealistic in many cases because the updraft acceleration is affected by other drag processes in addition to entrainment. Total convective cloud mass flux and detrainment rate over the TWP-ICE domain diagnosed from the CAM3 parameterization driven by WRF meteorological fields are smaller than those derived from WRF simulations. The total entrainment rate of CAM3 is smaller than that of WRF in the lower part of cloud and larger in the upper part of cloud. Compared with WRF simulations, the CAM3-parameterized convection is toomore » active and, as a result, excess moisture and heat may be transported to the upper troposphere by the parameterized convection. Future improvement is envisioned.« less
Evaluation of Serangium parcesetosum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as a biological control agent of the silverleaf whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

The coccinellid predator from India, Serangium parcesetosum Sicard, was studied as a potential biological control agent of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring [also known as the sweetpotato whitefly, B. tahaci (Gennadius) Biotype B]. Studies were performed on prey preference, and effects of host plant on predation, and temperature on life-histoty and predation rates. In one test, the predator was offered simultaneously 5 prey choices: corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) eggs; tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.) eggs; and ≈200 eggs and early instars of B. argentifolii reared on poinsettias, cantaloupes, or cucumbers. S. parcesetosum did not consume any lepidopteran eggs; however, they devoured nearly all whitefly prey offered averaging ≈600 prey per 24-h feeding period. Mean adult longevities were 27.6 d on cantaloupe, 24.5 d on cucumber, 44.2 d on hibiscus, and 27.8 d on tomato. Each S. parcesetosum adult consumed ≈170-200 whitefly eggs and immatures per 12-h feeding period. The predation rate was highest on cucumbers, followed by tomato and cantaloupe, and lowest on hibiscus. Under constant temperature conditions of 20, 30, and 40°C, adults survived best at 20°C with a mean longevity of ≈75 d. Adults lived ≈25 d at 30°C, whereas, 40°C resulted in death within 3 d. Predation rate was found to increase with temperature. The mean number of total immature B. argentifolii consumed by S. parcesetosum adults was 138.9, 180.8, and 187.4 per 12-h feeding period at 20, 30, and 40°C, respectively. The maximum cumulative lifetime predation was measured at >10,000 whiteflies consumed in the most long-lived indviduals, despite feeding only 12 h/d at 1- to 3-d intervals. Mean cumulative lifetime predation was measured at 4,909.5, 2,586.1, and 224.9 whiteflies at 20, 30, and 40°C, respectively. Because of its voracity in both immature and adult stages, and its apparent preference for whiteflies, including B. argentifolii (compared with lepidopteran eggs), S. parcesetosum is a promising biological control agent against the silverleaf whitefly.
A fair and balanced look at the news: What affects memory for controversial arguments?☆

This research demonstrates how prior knowledge may allow for qualitative differences in representation of texts about controversial issues. People often experience a memory bias in favor of information with which they agree. In several experiments it was found that individuals with high prior knowledge about the topic were better able to recall arguments on both sides of a controversial issue (the legality of abortion, US military action in the Persian Gulf, the OJ Simpson case). Being able to integrate new information into a coherent representation seems to be one of the main advantages of prior knowledge on text comprehension. Individuals with less prior knowledge tended to recall more arguments that supported their position. The final two studies extend this finding by manipulating the presentation of the arguments. The results suggest that giving readers an interleaved text (where supporting and opposing arguments are presented in a point/counterpoint fashion) eliminated differences due to knowledge.
The dilemma of hydroxychloroquine screening: new information from the multifocal ERG.

t a r 1 YDROXYCHLOROQUINE RETINOPATHY IS A FRUStrating clinical entity. It is rare among hydroxychloroquine users, yet visually damaging and rreversible once recognized with annular maculopathy. It s associated with higher dosages and longer duration of se, but it is not clear whether the critical factor is daily ose, duration of use, or cumulative dose. It may be onditioned by other risk factors (for example, ABCA4 ene abnormalities have been proposed1), but there is no niversally-accepted method for screening or judging risks. The development of the multifocal electroretinogram mfERG) as an objective tool for the topographic functional valuation of the macula raised hope that this new test would rovide more sensitive and specific information to recognize arly toxicity. Several reports that have shown visible annular aculopathy is recognizable in the pattern of mfERG reponses.2,3 However, there have been no data on whether the fERG is more sensitive than physiologic tests such as 10-2 utomated fields in picking up early functional loss. Furtherore, no one really knows how to define or recognize “early” oxicity that would precede maculopathy. This task is comlicated by the facts that the autoimmune disorders that equire hydroxychloroquine treatment (predominantly lupus rythematosis and rheumatoid arthritis) could, in theory, ffect the retina themselves, and that hydroxychloroquine ay have pharmacologic effects on the retina that are not toxicity.” These are not trivial issues since individuals using ydroxychloroquine who lack definitive toxicity with macuopathy can have irregular field changes, mild granular retiopathy (from age or otherwise), or even nonspecific full-field RG abnormalities.4 The report by Lai and associates in this issue of THE OURNAL5 provides intriguing new data that may move us loser to resolving these questions. They show that early nd subtle functional changes from hydroxychloroquine
Permeability-Porosity Patterns of Some Recent Sediments: ABSTRACT

Permeability, porosity, and textural analyses were conducted on 1,016 sand samples collected from river point bars, beaches, and dune fields undergoing active sedimentation. A total of 326 samples are from point bars on the Whitewater River in southwestern Ohio and the Wabash River in western Indiana; 531 samples are from beaches on the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, Ship Island in Mississippi, and Santa Rosa Island in Florida; and 159 samples are from dunes on Santa Rosa Island and St. Andrew's Beach in Florida. River point-bar sand samples have permeability values ranging from 160 md to more than 500 d and average 93 d. Porosity values range from 17 to more than 50 percent, and average 38. Permeability-porosity values for point bars are highly variable and show a systematic pattern related to positions on the bars. Beach and dune sand samples have very similar permeability values, which range from 3,600 md to 166 d and average 60 d. Porosity values range from 30 to more than 65 percent, and average 45. Permeability-porosity values for beaches and dunes show a low variability and a poorly developed pattern related to positions within the environments. Permeability and porosity values in all three depositional environments have low correlations with textural parameters. In some point-bar sands, high percentages of silt and clay account for low permeability values. However, high permeability and porosity in river-bar, beach, and dune sands are not well correlated with large grain sizes and good sorting; instead, packing seems to be the primary controlling factor. Comparison of permeability-porosity values of these Recent sediments with available values from comparable ancient sediments shows that the Recent sediment values are several orders of magnitude higher; however, Recent sediments do show the same degrees of variability and distribution patterns as those in the ancient sediments. End_of_Article - Last_Page 546------------
A model of flotation selectivity

Abstract A mathematical model of the flotation process was developed having at least two features which can make it a useful tool for flotation analysis. First, the model includes physically meaningful descriptions of the inter-relationships between bubbles and particles in the flotation process. This makes the model a more reliable predictor of flotation result changes than, for example, a regression curve fitted to experimental data, but having no causal meaning. Second, once the model is fitted to a given process, it significantly simplifies a search for physical conditions optimizing that process. Computer simulations can be used instead of experiments, or can be employed as screening tests before commencing an experimental program. The model can indicate where the process conditions are located with respect to the optimum conditions, thus showing the directions of necessary adjustments. The model has several inherent limits of its application as well, caused by the model's structure and by simplifying assumptions made throughout its development. The most significant limitation arises from the fact that, at this stage of its development, the model requires several empirical coefficients. This reduces model flexibility, and limits quantitative predictions to that flotation system to which the model has been fitted. Another limitation is caused by the fact that effects of the flotation chemical conditions are expressed by lumped parameters. Thus the model cannot be used to simulate any effects of collector or frother concentrations on the flotation results. Constitutive equations describing the influence of flotation reagents on the collection efficiency and on gangue entrainment into the froth would alleviate this shortcoming of the model. The model presents a relatively simple description of the extremely complex process of froth flotation. The comparisons of model predictions with experimental results showed that the model can provide sufficiently accurate predictions of changes in the flotation results induced by variations of process conditions. However, it should be kept in mind that the model has been validated for a limited number of applications, and for the batch type flotation only. It still requires further verification, especially with different flotation systems, to better evaluate all its applications and shortcomings.
Hypodontia: an epidemiologic study of American black and white people.

Introduction There are numerous epidemiologic studies of hypodontia, but most focus on white populations that, because of small teeth and slow development, might not represent the status of other peoples. The purpose of this study was to contrast the distributions of hypodontia in an adolescent sample of American blacks (n = 600) with a comparable sample of whites (n = 1100). Methods Panoramic radiographs of 1700 unrelated adolescents between 12 and 18 years were scrutinized for hypodontia. Those with syndromes and major genes contributing to congenital absence were omitted. Results The prevalence of people with missing teeth is significantly lower in blacks (11%) than in whites (27%), as is the number of missing teeth per person. When all tooth types were combined for a summary value, the frequency of missing teeth in whites (1.5% of the expected 32 teeth per person) was significantly higher than in blacks (0.6%), with an odds ratio of 2.52 (95% confidence limits [CL]: 2.07, 3.08). Differences between black and white people are disproportionately large where hypodontia is most common, notably in 2 tooth types: (1) the difference is statistically significant for third molars, with the odds ratio 3.18 higher in whites (CL: 2.43, 4.17) for all quadrants combined, and (2) for second premolars (combining all quadrants), whites are 1.75 times more likely to exhibit congenital absence (CL: 1.06, 2.90). In contrast, significant sex differences were found only for the third molars (absence more common in females), and the sex differences were greater in whites than in blacks. Conclusions Extrapolations from the literature, based largely of studies of white subjects, do not readily apply to American blacks or, potentially, to other racial groups.
Norms of restricted color association

Increasing use of the Stroop color-word test to assess the activation of words in memory requires a pool of words whose color associations are known. To provide such a pool, 100 Ss were asked to indicate which of four common colors (red, blue, yellow, or green) was most closely associated with each of 72 words. Normative response tables of the obtained associations are provided.
Education reform and its needs for technical standards

Abstract This paper discusses some of the leading concepts in education reform and their need for technical standards. It also discusses the efforts by several organizations to develop such standards and specifications, and how new stakeholders can get involved or monitor this work. There are a variety of reform efforts being advocated and pursued by researchers, educators, learning institutions, corporate trainers, and government leaders. Concepts such as student-centered learning, computer-based training, on-line learning, distance learning, just-in-time learning, and self-learning are widely accepted as having the potential to substantially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of learning. All of these concepts have the need for one or more underlying technical standards. This paper describes a number of these standards and the work that is being done to develop them. It is important to note that these technical standards are independent from the content material (known as content standards) that students would be required to learn, as well as from the amount of that content (known as performance standards) a student would be expected to master.
Reprint of “Discourses of transdisciplinarity: Looking back to the future” ☆

Abstract The current ascendancy of transdisciplinarity (TD) is marked by an exponential growth of publications, a widening array of contexts, and increased interest across academic, public and private sectors. This investigation traces historical trends, rhetorical claims, and social formations that have shaped three major discourses of TD: transcendence, problem solving, and transgression. In doing so, it also takes account of developments that have emerged or gained traction since the early 21st century when a 2004 issue of Futures on the same topic was being written. The epistemological problem at the heart of the discourse of transcendence is the idea of unity, traced in the West to ancient Greece. The emergence of transdisciplinarity was not a complete departure from this historical quest, but it signalled the need for new syntheses at a time of growing fragmentation of knowledge and culture. New synthetic frameworks emerged, including general systems, post/structuralism, feminist theory, and sustainability. New organizations also formed to advance conceptual frameworks aimed at transcending the narrowness of disciplinary worldviews and interdisciplinary combinations of approaches that did not supplant the status quo of academic structure and classification. The discourse of problem solving is not new. It was fundamental to conceptions of interdisciplinarity in the first half of the 20th century. Heightened pressure to solve problems of society, though, fostered growing alignment of TD with solving complex problems as well as trans-sector participation of stakeholders in society and team-based science. The discourse of transgression was forged in critique of the existing system of knowledge and education. TD became aligned with imperatives of cultural critique, socio-political movements, and conceptions of post-normal science and wicked problems that break free of reductionist and mechanistic approaches. It also became a recognized premise in interdisciplinary fields, including cultural studies, women's and gender studies, urban studies, and environmental studies. And, calls for TD arrived at a moment of wider crisis in the privileging of dominant forms of knowledge, human rights accountability, and democratic participation. Even with distinct patterns of definition, though, discourses are not air-tight categories. Transcendence was initially an epistemological project, but the claim of transcendence overlaps increasingly with problem solving. The imperatives of transgression also cut across the discourses of transcendence and problem solving. Broadly speaking, though, emphasis is shifting from traditional epistemology to problem solving, from the pre-given to the emergent, and from universality to hybridity and contextuality.
Apert's syndrome.

This paper discusses 33 cases of Apert's syndrome whitc were treated in the Australian Craniofacial unit at the adelaide Children's Hospital. The main features were discussed. We found that mild ventricular dilatation is common in Apert's syndrome but without associated raised intracranial pressure. Severe ventricular dilatation was seen in only one case. No shunt procedures were performed. We also studied the changes in the ventricular size after transcranial corrective procedures. There was no significant change in the ventricular size, the increase in the skull volume was compensated by expansion of the brain tissue and to some extent by increase in the subrachnoid space. Two cases with unusual features are also described.
Magnetism in BEDT-TTF materials

Strong commensurate antiferromagnetism proximate to superconductivity is found in some members of the κ-(ET) family, while a spin gap (SG) is found in the θ-(ET). Both κ- and θ-(ET) materials have frustrated triangular lattice structures. We show from calculations of spin-spin correlations within the effective half-filled band triangular lattice proposed for the κ-ET, as well as for the real lattice, that long range AFM order is not obtained as a consequence of this frustration. We argue that some other mechanism reduces the magnetic frustration in these systems. We show that the low temperature magnetic states in these materials can only be understood if the effects of the cooperative charge and bond ordering transitions occurring at higher temperatures in these systems are taken into account. In the κ-ET, this co-operative transition leads to unequal hole populations on the ET dimers that form the triangular lattice.
The Question of Realism

Different countries want different things; sometimes those desires conflict; how then do those conflicts get worked out? This is perhaps the most basic problem in the study of international politic...
A computerized measurement and data acquisition system for field poultry research

A comprehensive computerized measurement and data acquisition system was developed to collect dynamic data relating to thermal environment profiles, energy use, operational characteristics, and animal performance of four field research broiler houses (12 × 121 m each). Although the basic components of the system consisted of available industrial electronic and mechanical products, certain design and application features involved were noteworthy and could be of reference value to those who wish to conduct similar field measurements. The 85–90 response variables in each broiler house were measured every two minutes and stored every 10 minutes into a battery-powered data logger. Outside climatic data were collected similarly with a local weather station. A central PC was linked to the data loggers via a 75 Ωoaxial transmission cable and communication software. Unattended data acquisition was implemented by automatically retrieving data from the data loggers, storing the data on the PC hard drive, and backing them up on floppy disks. Daily body weight of the broilers was monitored with a stand-alone weighing unit in each house. Each weighing unit consisted of two platform electronic load-cell scales. The unit could display up to 10 days of weight readings. Having operated for three years, the system allowed for collection of an enormous amount of valuable data for various investigations that could not have been obtained otherwise from such commercial-scale broiler facilities. The data enabled the researchers to analyze dynamic environmental profiles; dynamic patterns of energy use; projected energy shavings with alternative building structures and ventilation strategies; feeding and drinking behavior of the broilers, and daily growth performance. General maintenance of the measurement system included periodically refilling water reservoirs (once every 3–5 days) of the fan-actuated psychrometers designed to operate in dusty environment; cleaning (and sometimes adjusting) the psychrometers after each flock; occasionally repairing thermocouples broken by the chickens; and replacing data logger batteries about once every four months. Lightning proved to be the major challenge to the reliability of the system, particularly to the analog outputs of the feed weigh bin scales.
Synergism between a lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus and Eperythrozoon coccoides.

An interaction occurs when a lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus and Eperythrozoon coccoides are present together in the mouse host. The synergism is expressed by a substantial increase in plasma lactate dehydrogenase, spleen enlargement, host anemia, and quantitative alteration of several blood elements.
Foreign Object Damage in Gas-Turbine Grade Silicon Nitrides by Silicon Nitride Ball Projectiles

Foreign object damage (FOD) behavior of two gas-turbine grade silicon nitrides (AS800 and SN282) was determined with a considerable sample size at ambient temperature using impact velocities ranging from 50 to 225 m/s by 1.59-mm diameter silicon nitride ball projectiles. The degree of impact damage as well as of post-impact strength degradation increased with increasing impact velocity, and was greater in SN282 than in AS800 silicon nitride. The critical impact velocity in which target specimens fractured catastrophically was remarkably low: about 200 and 130 m/s, respectively, for AS800 and SN282. The difference in the critical impact velocity and impact damage between the two target silicon nitrides was attributed to the fracture toughness of the target materials. The FOD by silicon nitride projectiles was significantly greater than that by steel ball projectiles. Prediction of impact force was made based on a yield model and compared with the conventional Hertzian contact-stress model.
A statistical analysis of saturated nucleate boiling along a heated wire

Abstract Bubble dynamics for saturated nucleate boiling of water on an electrically heated platinum wire at atmospheric pressure have been photographed using a high-speed movie camera. The average number density of active nucleation sites has been found to increase linearly with the boiling heat flux. In addition, the frequency distribution of bubble departure diameters has been found to be well represented by an asymptotic expansion of the normal frequency function. These data have been used to determine the relative contributions to the boiling heat flux of latent heat transport by vapor bubbles, natural convection, and ‘enhanced convection’ heat transfer.
Functional Elbow Range of Motion for Contemporary Tasks

Background: Elbow range of motion for functional tasks has been previously studied. Motion arcs necessary to complete contemporary tasks such as using a keyboard or cellular telephone have not been studied and could have implications on what is considered to be a functional arc of motion for these tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine elbow range of motion, including flexion-extension, pronation-supination, and varus-valgus angulation, with use of three-dimensional optical tracking technology for several previously described positional and functional tasks along with various contemporary tasks. Methods: Twenty-five patients performed six positional and eleven functional tasks (both historical and contemporary). Elbow flexion-extension, varus-valgus, and forearm rotation (pronation and supination) ranges of motion were measured. Results: Positional tasks required a minimum (mean and standard deviation) of 27° ± 7° of flexion and a maximum of 149° ± 5° of flexion. Forearm rotation ranged from 20.0° ± 18° of pronation to 104° ± 10° of supination. Varus and valgus angulations ranged between 2° ± 5° of varus to 9° ± 5° of valgus. For functional tasks, the maximum flexion arc was 130° ± 7°, with a minimum value recorded as 23° ± 6° and a maximum value recorded as 142° ± 3°. All of these were for the cellular telephone task. The maximum pronation-supination arc (103° ± 34°) was found with using a fork. Maximum pronation was found with typing on a keyboard (65° ± 8°). Maximum supination was found with opening a door (77° ± 13°). Maximum varus-valgus arc of motion was 11° ± 4°. Minimum valgus (0° ± 6°) was found with cutting with a knife, while maximum valgus (13° ± 6°) was found with opening a door. Conclusions: Functional elbow range of motion necessary for activities of daily living may be greater than previously reported. Contemporary tasks, such as using a computer mouse and keyboard, appear to require greater pronation than other tasks, and using a cellular telephone usually requires greater flexion than other tasks.
Assessing the Impacts of Stormwater Runoff from I-59 to a Headwater Stream in Central Alabama

Some studies have shown that stormwater runoff may have constituents that cause adverse impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Various related studies have focused eit…
The revival of polish national consciousness: A comparative study of Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine

(1996). The revival of polish national consciousness: A comparative study of Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. Nationalities Papers: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 217-236.
Receptor sites for Ca2+ channel antagonists

Ca2+ channel antagonist drugs inhibit voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in many different cell types. Inhibition of Ca2+ channels in smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells by these drugs is valuable in the therapy of a wide range of cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, atrial arrhythmia and angina pectoris. Additional uses under evaluation are protection against ischemic damage during myocardial infarction and stroke and in a wide range of other conditions. Further understanding of the sites and mechanisms of action of Ca2+ channel antagonists, as described in this review by Bill Catterall and Jorg Striessnig, will provide new insight into the design of novel therapeutic agents acting on Ca2+ channels and provide further understanding of Ca2+ channel structure and function.
Role for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the generation of human T regulatory type 1 cells

Granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF) may affect T-cell homeostasis by multiple mechanisms, inducing polarization of cytokine secretion, inhibition of T-cell proliferation, and enhancement of T-cell apoptosis. We analyzed the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) by T cells from healthy volunteer donors treated with recombinant human G-CSF. Highly purified CD4+ T cells obtained before and after G-CSF administration (pre-G and post-G, respectively) were activated using the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction. Post-G CD4+T cells produced high levels of IL-10 but undetectable levels of IL-2 and IL-4, whereas the level of TGF-β1 release was comparable to that of pre-G CD4+ T cells. Notably, post-G CD4+ T cells proliferated poorly in response to alloantigens and to recall antigens and suppressed the proliferation of autologous CD4+ T cells in a cell contact–independent and an antigen-nonspecific manner. TGF-β1 and IL-10 were not dispensable for post-G CD4+ T cells to mediate suppression, as shown by neutralization studies. Compared with pre-G CD4+ T cells, alloantigen-activated post-G CD4+ T cells preferentially expressed markers associated with memory T cells, in conjunction with reduced levels of CD28 and CD62L. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CD4+ T cells exposed to G-CSF in vivo acquire the properties of T regulatory (Tr) cells once triggered in vitro through the T-cell receptor, including a peculiar cytokine production profile (IL-10++TGF-β1+IL-2low/−IL-4low/−), an intrinsic low proliferative capacity, and a contact-independent suppression of antigen-driven proliferation. Tr cells generated ex vivo after exposure to G-CSF might be clinically relevant for transplantation medicine and for the treatment of human immune-mediated diseases.
Gender differences in trauma and substance use characteristics among veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e202–e284 e213 Methods: Healthy, non-dependent opioid abusers (n=10) were enrolled in this within-subject, double blind, placebo-controlled, inpatient study. Three 7.5h sessions were completed (Days 1, 4 and 5) with dosing as follows: Day 1: 30mg, p.o. oxycodone, Days 2–4: quinine (80mg, p.o.), Day 5: quinine and oxycodone 2 hr later. A broad array of pharmacodynamic measures was collected, and multiple blood and urine samples were collected to capture the pharmacokinetic profile of both drugs. Results: Quinine produced a peak plasma concentration of 488ng/mL with a Tmax of 1.6h. After 4 consecutive days of once daily dosing, quinine was detectable (144ng/mL) in plasma 24h after the last dose. Estimates suggest a plasma half-life of 8h. In urine, quinine reached a Cmax of 8032ng/mL with a Tmax of 7.8h. Urinary accumulation occurred (urine t1/2–22h) and quinine was still detectable in urine (464ng/mL) 72h after repeated dosing. Oxycodone did not alter urine or plasma concentrations (p< .05), a finding which is supported by the pharmacodynamic data. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic profile of quinine in plasma is orderly and appropriate for once daily dosing. Due to its long urinary half-life, quinine may be suitable for urine-based assays to monitor adherence to drugs with similar urinary half-lives or as a tool for detecting multiple missed medication doses. Financial support: R01DA016718-08S1 (SLW), UL1RR033173 (UK CTSA). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.046 Gender differences in trauma and substance use characteristics among veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders Sudie E. Back1,2, Therese Killeen1, Andrew Teer1, Francis Beylotte1, Jenna L. McCauley1, Daniel F. Gros1,2, Julianne Hellmuth1, Kathleen T. Brady1,2 1 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States 2 Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston,
THE DENITRIFYING NITRITE REDUCTASE OF BACILLUS HALODENITRIFICANS

Denitrifying nitrite reductase was purified from Bacillus halodenitrificans, a newly isolated moderate halophile, and identified as a dimeric nonheme copper protein with a molecular mass of 82 kDa comprising two identical 40-kDa subunits. Unlike its counterparts in other denitrifiers, this enzyme is firmly bound in the cytoplasmic membrane, a characteristic that may be related to the Gram-positive nature of this bacillus (and thus lack of a periplasmic space). The enzyme functioned most effectively at pH 6, and was activated by elevated salt concentrations, a property shared by the copper nitrite reductase from another, but nonhalophilic, denitrifier, Achromobacter cycloclastes. In contrast, high salt activation was not exhibited by cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductases from either nonhalophilic Thiobacillus denitrificans or halophilic Paracoccus halodenitrificans. The enzyme was rich in aspartate/asparagine and methionine residues. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed both type 1 and type 2 copper in the protein. The physiological electron donor that transfers electrons to the copper nitrite reductase from A. cycloclastes, a small blue copper protein, did not transfer electrons to the copper nitrite reductase of B. halodenitrificans.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a Systemic Approach in Counseling An Interview With Art Freeman

This article presents an interview with Dr. Arthur Freeman, an expert in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Freeman shares the process of his therapeutic training and the experiences that led him to...
To screen or not to screen: symptoms identifying primary care medical patients in need of screening for depression.

Objective:It is estimated that 5 percent to 10 percent of primary care patients meet criteria for Major Depressive Disorder with an additional 10 percent to 30 percent experiencing significant subclinical depression. However, only 18 percent to 50 percent of depressed primary care patients are so diagnosed by their primary care physicians and even fewer receive professional mental health care. The current study proposes a quick and efficient means to assist physicians in determining for which patients the resource intensive process of thoroughly screening for depression should be engaged.Method:The present study examined responses of 358 consecutively reporting patients to a midwest university-based primary care clinic on the Beck Depression Inventory.Results:Among individuals reporting high levels of depressive symptomatology, five questions from the Beck Depression Inventory were endorsed by 90 percent or greater of the participants. Analyses by gender indicated that while the same five items were endor...
Modeling the Run-time Behavior of Transactional Memory

In this paper, we develop a queuing theory based analytical model to evaluate the performance of transactional memory. Based on the statistical characteristics observed on actual experiments, we model each transaction as a client requesting services from the computing system. Continuous Time Markov chain is used to describe the start and completion (commit or abort) of the transactions. We analyze the mean transaction execution time to evaluate the performance of target transactional memory systems. Experimental results based on STAMP benchmarks show that our model can predict the performance of real transactional memory systems with an average error rate of 7.9\%.
3D Scene Estimation with Perturbation-Modulated Light and Distributed Sensors

In this paper, we present a framework to roughly reconstruct the 3D occupancy scenario of an indoor space using color-controllable light and distributed color sensors. By applying randomly generated perturbation patterns onto the input of the LED fixtures, and measuring the changes of the sensor readings, we are able to recover the light transport model (LTM) of the room. Then a variant of the inverse Radon transform is applied on the LTM to reconstruct the 3D scene. The reconstructed scene by our algorithm can faithfully reveal the occupancy scenario of the indoor space, while preserving the privacy of human subjects. An occupancy-sensitive lighting system can be designed based on this technique.
Retinal Innervation of Calbindin-D28K Cells in the Hamster Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: Ultrastructural Characterization:

The authors have described a subregion of the hamster hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) containing cells that are immunopositive for the cytosolic calcium-binding protein, Calbindin-D28K (CaBP). Several lines of evidence indicate that this region may constitute the site of the pacemaker cells that are responsible for the regulation of circadian locomotor rhythms. First, 79% of the CaBP-immunoreactive (ir) neurons express Fos in response to photic stimulation, indicating that they are close to or part of the input pathway to pacemakers. Second, at the light microscopy level, retinal terminals innervate the CaBP subnucleus. Finally, destruction of this subnucleus renders animals arrhythmic in locomotor activity. In this study, the authors examined the ultrastructural relationship between cholera toxin (CTbeta) labeled retinal fibers and the CaBP-ir subregion within the hamster SCN. CTbeta-ir retinal terminals make primarily axo-somatic, symmetric, synaptic contacts with CaBP-ir perikarya. In addition, retinal terminals form synapses with CaBP processes as well as with unidentified profiles. There are also complex interactions between retinal terminals, CaBP perikarya, and unidentified profiles. Given that axo-somatic synaptic input has a more potent influence on a cell's electrical activity than does axo-dendritic synaptic input, cells of the CaBP subregion of the SCN are ideally suited to respond rapidly to photic stimulation to reset circadian pacemakers.
Radial artery vs saphenous vein graft used as the second conduit for surgical myocardial revascularization: long-term clinical follow-up

There is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of the radial artery (RA) as an aortocoronary conduit, with few solid data regarding long-term clinical results. We sought to determine if the use of the RA as the second arterial conduit, beside left internal thoracic artery (LITA), would improve long-term clinical outcome after CABG as compared to saphenous vein graft (SVG). Between March 2001 and November 2003, 200 patients underwent isolated CABG and were randomized in 1:1 fashion to receive either LITA and RA grafts or LITA and SVGs. The primary end point was composite of cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and need for repeat myocardial revascularization (either surgical or percutaneous). There was no significant difference in absolute survival, with 12 deaths in each group during the study period (log rank = 0.01, p = 0.979). There were 3 and 2 cardiac deaths in RA and SVG groups, respectively. There was no difference in long-term clinical outcome between the groups (log rank = 0.450, p = 0.509). Eleven patients in RA group had one or more non-fatal events; 7 patients suffered a myocardial infarction, 9 patients underwent percutaneous coronary angioplasty, and 1 patient required redo coronary surgery. Likewise, 13 patients in SVG group had non-fatal event; 7 patients had myocardial infarction, 13 patients had percutaneous coronary intervention and 3 patients required redo coronary surgery. Angiograms were performed in 23 patients in RA group (patency rate 92 %) and 24 in SVG group (patency rate 86 %) (p = 0.67). In this small randomised study our data indicate that there is no difference in the 8 year clinical outcomes in relatively young patients between those having a RA or a saphenous vein graft used as a second conduit, beside LITA, for surgical myocardial revascularisation.
Time-hopping and frequency-hopping multiple-access packet communications

Time-hopping and frequency-hopping multiple-access (TH/FHMA) packet communication systems are proposed and investigated. In TH/FHMA communication systems, a message packet is encoded into several subpackets via a Reed-Solomon error correcting code. The subpackets are transmitted over the channel using time-hopping and frequency-hopping patterns. It is assumed that the channel is noiseless and the side information is perfect so that all subpacket collisions can be correctly detected. Slot-synchronous and totally asynchronous TH/FHMA systems are analyzed in detail, and they are shown to have excellent throughputs at small packet erasure rates. Various time-hopping techniques which significantly reduce the multiple-access interference are developed. >
How polyunsaturated fatty acids modify molecular organization in membranes: insight from NMR studies of model systems.

Abstract Marine long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are bioactive molecules with clinical applications for the treatment of several diseases. In order to effectively translate these molecules into clinical trials, it is essential to establish the underlying mechanisms for n-3 PUFA. This review focuses on efforts to understand how EPA and DHA, upon incorporation into plasma membrane phospholipids, remodel the molecular organization of cholesterol-enriched lipid microdomains. We first give an overview of results from studies on cells. Paradoxical data generated from mouse studies indicate that EPA and DHA incorporate into lipid microdomains, yet in spite of their high disorder increase molecular order within the domain. We then spotlight the utility of solid state 2H NMR spectroscopy of model bilayers as a tool for elucidating underlying mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA-containing phospholipids can regulate molecular organization of lipid microdomains. Evidence is presented demonstrating that n-3 PUFA exert differential structural effects when incorporated into phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) compared to phosphatidylcholines (PC), which explains some of the conflicting results observed in vivo. Recent studies that reveal differences between the interactions of EPA and DHA with lipid microdomains, potentially reflecting a differential in bioactivity, are finally described. Overall, we highlight the notion that NMR experiments on model membranes suggest a complex model by which n-3 PUFA reorganize lipid microdomains in vivo. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: NMR Spectroscopy for Atomistic Views of Biomembranes and Cell Surfaces. Guest Editors: Lynette Cegelski and David P. Weliky.
Linear stability of homogeneous elongational flow of the upper convected Maxwell fluid

We prove that planar elongational flow of the upper convected Maxwell fluid is linearly stable and analyze the associated spectral problem.
The position of the aorta relative to the spine: a comparison of patients with and without idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: There is little information documenting the relationship of the aorta to the thoracic scoliotic spine. Recent studies have suggested that the ends of screws placed during an anterior spinal arthrodesis, and pedicle screws used for the treatment of right thoracic scoliosis, may be in proximity to the aorta. The purpose of this study was to analyze the anatomical relationship between the aorta and the spine in a comparison of patients with idiopathic right thoracic scoliosis and patients with a normal spine. Methods: Thirty-six patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a right thoracic curve and forty-three with a normal straight spine were studied. Radiographs were analyzed to determine the Cobb angle, the apex of the curve, and the apical vertebral rotation for the patients with scoliosis. Axial magnetic resonance images from the fourth thoracic vertebra to the third lumbar vertebra at the midvertebral body level were used to measure the distance from the aorta to the closest point of the vertebral body cortex, the distance from the posterior edge of the aorta to the spinal canal, and the aorta-vertebral angle. Results: No differences were found between the groups with respect to age or sex distribution. For the scoliosis and normal groups, boys had greater average vertebral body width and depth for all levels than did girls (p < 0.05). For the scoliosis group, the most common apical vertebra was the eighth thoracic vertebra, the average coronal curve measurement was 55.2°, and the average apical rotation was 17.3°. The average distance from the aortic wall to the vertebral body cortex at the apex of the curve was greater in the patients with scoliosis (4.0 mm) than at similar levels in the normal group (2.5 mm) (p < 0.05). The distance from the posterior aspect of the aorta to the anterior aspect of the spinal canal was less in the scoliosis group (11.1 mm) than in the normal group (19.2 mm) for the fifth to the twelfth thoracic level (p < 0.05). The aorta was positioned more laterally and posteriorly adjacent to the vertebral body at the fifth to the twelfth thoracic level in patients with scoliosis compared with that in normal patients as reflected in a smaller aorta-vertebral angle (p < 0.05). With an increasing coronal Cobb angle in the thoracic curve and apical vertebral rotation, the aorta was positioned more laterally and posteriorly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis, the aorta is positioned more laterally and posteriorly relative to the vertebral body compared with that in patients without spinal deformity. Clinical Relevance: The altered position of the aorta and its proximity to the vertebral cortex pose challenges for safe placement of anterior screws or left posterior pedicle screws in patients with right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis. Surgeons should be wary of the position of the aorta when placing these screws. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in planning surgery.