cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate and chronology of Antarctica and adjacent South America over the past 30,000 yr

Abstract Well-dated records of paleoclimate, essential for developing general circulation models of the atmosphere during the Quaternary, are limited in the subpolar Southern Hemisphere. For Antarctica, where dating is particularly restricted, records from distal South America provide a measure to assess antarctic ice sheet chronology and to establish the timing of past climatic events. Of the continental and insular land masses in the middle latitudes, South America lies closest to Antarctica and most reflects conditions in the polar region. Close-interval dating of a pollen record at Harberton (54°52′S, 67°53′W) in southern Tierra del Fuego strengthens implications drawn from paleoecological data and from fluctuations of glaciers to show a climatic parallel with isotope temperature/climate data developed from antarctic ice cores. Over the time span of approximately 30,000 yr since before the full glacial, coldest conditions both in Antarctica and South America appear centered at 20,000 yr B.P. Warming of climate occurred in the late-glacial after 15,000 yr B.P., interrupted by a cold episode between about 13,000 and 10,500 yr B.P., with maximum warmth at 9000 yr B.P. in the early Holocene, after which temperatures were lower, varying only moderately until the present. This deglacial pattern, although inconsistent in other Southern Hemisphere records, is reproducible on a global scale.
Interactions of cnoidal waves with cylinder arrays

The three-dimensional scattering of cnoidal waves by cylinder arrays are studied numerically by using the generalized Boussinesq equations. The boundary-fitted coordinate transformation and a dual-grid technique are used to simplify the finite-difference computation. Also, a set of open boundary conditions and an incident cnoidal wave are incorporated for time-domain simulation. The free-surface elevation and hydrodynamic forces on each cylinder are calculated to illustrate the evolution of nonlinear waves and their interactions with large cylinder arrays. Comparisons are made between the present nonlinear wave loads and those obtained from linear diffraction theory. The sheltering role played by the neighboring cylinders and the feature of wave interference are discussed.
The Target of Incivility Cannot Be an Island: Group Influence and Social Comparison

This study extended incivility theory and research by conceptualizing group-level incivility within units across one organization as a social context which influenced the incidence of individual-le...
Real-time imaging of lymphocytes in vivo

New preparations, fluorescent probes and imaging techniques are providing the means to observe the behavior of cells in the tissue environment of lymphoid organs. In particular, when combined with two-photon laser microscopy, intravital imaging of surgically exposed lymph nodes provides a unique view of lymphocyte migration and antigen presentation as it occurs within the living animal. The view is emerging that lymphocytes migrate randomly within lymphoid organs, and that lymphocyte contact with antigen-presenting cells may be a stochastic process rather than one guided by chemokine gradients.
A Computational Approach for Probabilistic Analysis of Ls-Dyna Water Impact Simulations

NASA s development of new concepts for the Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion presents many similar challenges to those worked in the sixties during the Apollo program. However, with improved modeling capabilities, new challenges arise. For example, the use of the commercial code LS-DYNA, although widely used and accepted in the technical community, often involves high-dimensional, time consuming, and computationally intensive simulations. Because of the computational cost, these tools are often used to evaluate specific conditions and rarely used for statistical analysis. The challenge is to capture what is learned from a limited number of LS-DYNA simulations to develop models that allow users to conduct interpolation of solutions at a fraction of the computational time. For this problem, response surface models are used to predict the system time responses to a water landing as a function of capsule speed, direction, attitude, water speed, and water direction. Furthermore, these models can also be used to ascertain the adequacy of the design in terms of probability measures. This paper presents a description of the LS-DYNA model, a brief summary of the response surface techniques, the analysis of variance approach used in the sensitivity studies, equations used to estimate impact parameters, results showing conditions that might cause injuries, and concluding remarks.
Time Aggregation and the Money-Real GDP Relationship

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of temporal aggregation and systematic sampling on conclusions about the money-output relationship. We find that a causal relationship from M2 to real output is more likely detected using systematic sampling rather than temporal aggregation. Systematic sampled M2 has greater variation concentrated at business cycle frequencies, and this frequency band is important in explaining movements in output. In the case of M1, we find that temporal aggregation introduces a spurious causal relationship, and that the relationship between M1 and output is not stable. We find little evidence that base money or M3 help predict output.
Removal of glutathione interference in blood amino acid analysis

Abstract Whole blood amino acid analysis, which is necessary to determine the net transfer of free amino acids to an organ, is hampered by the presence of high concentrations of glutathione in the erythrocyte. Reduced and oxidized glutathione interfere with the accurate measurement of alanine, glycine, and aspartate during ion exchange chromatography. Oxidation with performic acid provides a simple and expedient method of removing interfering glutathione peaks from the blood sample during analysis. This technique permits the precise quantitation of the majority of amino acids (including alanine and glycine) commonly measured in blood samples.
Effects of synchronous uplift and intrusion during magmatic arc construction

Abstract Individual areas in the southern Patagonian batholith (SPB) contain similar sequences of old mafic to young felsic plutons that crystallized during overlapping time intervals. A positive correlation between age and initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (Sri) suggests magmatism was not diachronous. Field relations and geobarometry show that mafic plutons crystallized at greater depths than felsic plutons. An arc construction model involving continual uplift driven by continual magmatic inflation can explain the observed relationships. In the model, old mafic plutons are uplifted to shallower depths where younger, more felsic plutons intrude adjacent to them. Model age-lithology histograms show that exposed plutonic suites inaccurately record the timing and nature of arc magmatism. The observed mafic to felsic sequence can result from uplift and erosion rather than from protracted changes in magma composition. Differences in plutonic ages, crystallization depths and length of magmatic records can be used to interpret local and regional uplift histories. During magmatic inflation a nodal plane must exist between the upper crust that experiences shallowing due to erosion and the lower crust that experiences deepening due to crustal thickening. The depth of the nodal plane is located were the mass of magmatic additions above is balanced by the mass removed by erosion and is controlled by the relative rates of erosion and magmatic inflation and the vertical distribution of magmatic additions. This depth may be buffered because increased magmatism shallows the nodal plane and accelerates erosion, which lowers the nodal plane. Under steady-state conditions, rocks below the nodal plane will not be exposed by uplift and erosion.
Nonuniform muscle fiber orientation causes spiral wave drift in a finite element model of cardiac action potential propagation.

Mechanism for Spiral Wave Drift. Introduction: Reentrant tachyarrhythmias are thought to involve spiral waves of excitation and recovery that may be nonstationary. The effect of muscle fiber curvature on spiral and planar wave propagation was studied using a computational model. Methods and Results: Two-dimensional anisotropic cardiac propagation was modeled using a finite element method to solve a modification of the FitzHugh-Nagumo equations. Spiral waves that propagated stably about a fixed core in tissue with a uniform fiber orientation were found to drift at an oblique angle to the fibers when the fibers curved. The drift velocity was linearly related to the fiber angle gradient and was 10% of the longitudinal propagation velocity with a gradient of 4 degree/cm. Planar wavefronts were also affected by fiber curvature. The maximal upstroke rate, propagation velocity, and the action potential amplitude all increased when the fibers curved toward the wavefront and decreased when they curved away. For example, when the fibers curved toward the wavefront with a moderate gradient of 15 degree/cm, maximal upstroke rate increased 74%, transverse propagation velocity increased 65%, and action potential amplitude increased 9%, This phenomenon caused the spiral wave drift: As a spiral wave traverses a cycle, the angle between the wavefront at the wavetip and the fibers changes periodically, thus altering the propagation parameters. These periodic changes affect the instantaneous radius of curvature of the wavetip path, which results in drift. Conclusion: Spiral and planar waves are affected by muscle fiber curvature. The resulting dynamics may be important in determining the lifetime and stability of reentrant arrhythmias.
Excess hospital admissions during the July 1995 heat wave in Chicago

Abstract Introduction: This study describes medical conditions treated in all 47 non-VA hospitals in Cook County, IL during the 1995 heat wave. We characterize the underlying diseases of the susceptible population, with the goal of tailoring prevention efforts. Methods: Primary and secondary discharge diagnoses made during the heat wave and comparison periods were obtained from computerized inpatient hospital discharge data to determine reasons for hospitalization, and comorbid conditions, respectively. Results: During the week of the heat wave, there were 1072 (11%) more hospital admissions than average for comparison weeks and 838 (35%) more than expected among patients aged 65 years and older. The majority of this excess (59%) were treatments for dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion; with the exception of acute renal failure no other primary discharge diagnoses were significantly elevated. In contrast, analysis of comorbid conditions revealed 23% ( p = 0.019) excess admissions of underlying cardiovascular diseases, 30% ( p = 0.033) of diabetes, 52% ( p = 0.011) of renal diseases, and 20% ( p = 0.027) of nervous system disorders. Patient admissions for emphysema ( p = 0.007) and epilepsy ( p = 0.009) were also significantly elevated during the heat wave week. Conclusions: The majority of excess hospital admissions were due to dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion, among people with underlying medical conditions. Short-term public health interventions to reduce heat-related morbidity should be directed toward these individuals to assure access to air conditioning and adequate fluid intake. Long-term prevention efforts should aim to improve the general health condition of people at risk through, among other things, regular physician-approved exercise.
Life-Cycle Assessment of Electric Rice Cooker: A Case Study

Nowadays, almost every family has one electric rice cooker, thus making electric rice cooker one of the most popular household appliance in our society. If the product is not designed ecologically and is used heavily, then the product may lead to large ecological impact to our environment. To assess a product’s environmental impacts, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is utilized. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, for one such technology (electric rice cooker), no complete LCA studies have existed by far. Therefore, the question about the electric rice cooker’s environmental performance is still open. This paper presents an LCA study for the complete life cycle of an electric rice cooker with the power 500Watts as the functional unit. In order to conduct LCA study, the whole life cycle of electric rice cooker was divided into four primary phases: raw materials acquisition, product manufacturing, product utilization and final disposal. To facilitate the data collection and LCA implementation, the whole life cycle system was classified as two subsystems — background system and foreground system. Based on the proposed method, primary data and environmental impact calculation was aided by Simapro 7.2 software. In the light of the Ecoindicator-99 methodology, eleven impact categories (Carcinogens, Resp. organics, Resp. inorganics, Climate change, Radiation, Ozone layer, Ecotoxicity, Acidification, Land use, Minerals, Fossil fuels) were used for the classification and characterization of the life cycle impact assessment. In this paper, the LCA study was found as a very helpful tool to define ecodesign measures for this product. Several measures are suggested to the manufacturers to implement the ecodesign in the future: 1) Use recyclable plastics in the minor parts and hidden components, such as switcher, handle etc.; 2) Reduce the number of different materials in packaging; 3) Avoid incompatible plastics during recycling; 4) Minimize the volume of the heat plate on the premise of meeting the rated heating power.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reactions of vinylketenes. Stereo- and regiospecific preparation of vinylketenes from α,β-unsaturated acid chlorides

Abstract Treatment of α,β-unsaturated acid chlorides 5, 6, 14, 17, and 18 with NEt3 in toluene at reflux generates, stereo- and regiospecifically, the vinylketene which undergoes a facile intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition.
Very low temperature growth and doping of Hg-based epilayers and superlattices

Abstract Photoassisted MBE growth of Hg-based thin films at very low temperatures (125–150°C) is reported. Substitutionally doped superlattices were also prepared at low temperatures, using modulation doping techniques in which In and As were used as n-type and p-type dopants, respectively. The doped superlattices exhibit excellent electrical properties and optical properties characteristic of 2D quantum structures. Analysis of the measured absorption data yields a valence band offset of ∼ 350 meV for the HgTe-CdTe interface.
Self-improving algorithms for convex hulls

We describe an algorithm for computing planar convex hulls in the self-improving model: given a sequence I1, I2,... of planar n-point sets, the upper convex hull conv (I) of each set I is desired. We assume that there exists a probability distribution D on n-point sets, such that the inputs Ij are drawn independently according to D. Furthermore, D is such that the individual points are distributed independently of each other. In other words, the i'th point is distributed according to Di. The Di's can be arbitrary but are independent of each other. The distribution D is not known to the algorithm in advance. After a learning phase of ne rounds, the expected time to compute conv(I) is O(n + H(conv(I))). Here, H(conv(I)) is the entropy of the output, which is a lower bound for the expected running time of any algebraic computation tree that computes the convex hull. (More precisely, H(conv(I)) is the minimum entropy of any random variable that maps I to a description of conv(I) and to a labeling scheme that proves nonextremality for every point in I not on the hull.) Our algorithm is thus asymptotically optimal for D.
Evaluation of Synthetic Mulches on the Establishment and Growth of Cottonwood

ABSTRACT Soil microclimatic conditions created by various weed-control mulches and the resulting survival, diameter, and height growth of cottonwood seedlings were studied in central Kansas. The treatments compared the effects of six synthetic plastic mulches often used in horticultural practices with the effects of cultivation or a herbicide. One-year-old seedlings were planted with either clear plastic, blue and yellow waste plastics, black or gray/black polyethylene, or polypropylene fabric weed barrier; cultivation; or herbicide weed-control treatment. After five years, sapling survival was more than 85% for all mulch types except the clear plastic (82% survival). Differences among weed-control treatments were significant for survival, height, stem diameter, and biomass. Sapling growth was best with sulfometron methyl herbicide, slightly less for cultivation, and nearly the same for all other materials for weed control. Stem temperature had no relationship to first year height growth. Soil temperature...
The Tail of the Stripped Gas that Cooled: HI, Halpha and X-ray Observational Signatures of Ram Pressure Stripping

Galaxies moving through the intracluster medium (ICM) of a cluster of galaxies can lose gas via ram pressure stripping. This stripped gas forms a tail behind the galaxy which is potentially observable. In this paper, we carry out hydrodynamical simulations of a galaxy undergoing stripping with a focus on the gas properties in the wake and their observational signatures. We include radiative cooling in an adaptive hydrocode in order to investigate the impact of a clumpy, multi-phase interstellar medium. We find that including cooling results in a very different morphology for the gas in the tail, with a much wider range of temperatures and densities. The tail is significantly narrower in runs with radiative cooling, in agreement with observed wakes. In addition, we make detailed predictions of H I, Halpha and X-ray emission for the wake, showing that we generally expect detectable H I and Halpha signatures, but no observable X-ray emission (at least for our chosen ram-pressure strength and ICM conditions). We find that the relative strength of the Halpha diagnostic depends somewhat on our adopted minimum temperature floor (below which we set cooling to zero to mimic physics processes not included in the simulation).
The JIL-1 kinase interacts with lamin Dm0 and regulates nuclear lamina morphology of Drosophila nurse cells

We have used a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify lamin Dm0 as an interaction partner for the nuclear JIL-1 kinase. This molecular interaction was confirmed by GST-fusion protein pull-down assays and by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Using deletion construct analysis we show that a predicted globular domain of the basic region of the COOH-terminal domain of JIL-1 was sufficient for mediating the molecular interactions with lamin Dm0. A reciprocal analysis with truncated lamin Dm0 constructs showed that the interaction with JIL-1 required sequences in the tail domain of lamin Dm0 that include the Ig-like fold. Further support for a molecular interaction between JIL-1 and lamin Dm0 in vivo was provided by genetic interaction assays. We show that nuclear positioning and lamina morphology were abnormal in JIL-1 mutant egg chambers. The most common phenotypes observed were abnormal nurse cell nuclear lamina protrusions through the ring canals near the oocyte, as well as dispersed and mislocalized lamin throughout the egg chamber. These phenotypes were completely rescued by a full-length JIL-1 transgenic construct. Thus, our results suggest that the JIL-1 kinase is required to maintain nuclear morphology and integrity of nurse cells during oogenesis and that this function may be linked to molecular interactions with lamin Dm0.
An Evolutionary Scenario for Blazar Unification

Blazar subclasses ranging from flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) through low-frequency-peaked BL Lac objects (LBLs) to high-frequency-peaked BL Lac objects (HBLs) exhibit a sequence of increasing spectral hardness with decreasing luminosity that cannot be explained solely by orientation effects. Using an analytic model for the synchrotron, synchrotron self-Compton, and Compton-scattered external radiation from blazar jets, we propose an evolutionary scenario that links these blazar subclasses in terms of a reduction of the black hole accretion power with time. As the circumnuclear material accretes to fuel the central engine, less gas and dust are left to scatter accretion-disk radiation and produce an external Compton-scattered component in blazar spectra. This evolutionary trend produces the sequence FSRQ → LBL → HBL. Such a scenario may also link radio-loud AGNs with ultraluminous infrared galaxies and optical quasars, if the latter constitute the high-Eddington-ratio epoch of supermassive black hole growth, as suggested by the observed anticorrelation between radio and soft X-ray activity in some Galactic black hole candidates.
Correlation of photospheric magnetic field strength with coronal brightness on 7 March, 1970

The common observation that where photospheric magnetic fields are strong, the overlying corona is bright is examined quantitatively. White light coronal brightness is employed because it is independent of coronal temperature and is directly related to coronal electron density. Brightness data for the inner corona on 7 March, 1970, taken from isodensitometer traces having a resolution of ∼10 arc sec, are utilized. The data were obtained from photographs which exhibit distinct chromospheric features 5 arc sec or smaller. These data are quantitatively compared, using cross correlation and scatter plot techniques, with the corresponding photospheric magnetic field data provided by Kitt Peak National Observatory. Cross correlation coefficients are computed between latitudes ±55° at specified heights. In general, a statistically significant positive correlation is found. The correlation decreases with height in the corona. However, a range of values in several parameters remains to be investigated so the physical significance of the presently observed correlation is not yet entirely clear. We expect that refinement of our input parameters will produce a more sensitive correlation and lead to an expression for the relationship of electron density to photospheric magnetic field strength.
Children's use of phonology to infer grammatical class in vocabulary learning.

Prior studies of the relationship between phonological information and grammatical category assignment have focused on whether these relationships exist and whether people have learned them. This study investigates whether these relationships affect preschool children’s vocabulary acquisition in a laboratory setting. Child participants learned 12 vocabulary words (6 nouns and 6 verbs) under three conditions, in which, (1) the syllable number/grammatical category relationship matched English, (2) the syllable number/grammatical category relationship was opposite to English, or (3) there was no relationship between syllable number and grammatical category. In the initial presentation of the words, children assumed that the novel words matched the pattern found in English. When the syllable number/grammatical category pattern matched that of English, the children learned more of the words. Phonological information also predicted error patterns. These results suggest that any account of vocabulary acquisition should consider the role of phonological information.
Chaotic ac Conductivity in the Charge-Density-Wave State of(TaSe4)2I

We report the observation of chaotic ac response in the charge-density-wave state of ${(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{Se}}_{4})}_{2}$I, when coupled to an external inductance and driven by an rf electric field. The chaotic state is achieved, within a well-defined driving frequency window, by increasing rf amplitude. We analyze our results in terms of a simple nonlinear classical equation of motion for the charge-density-wave condensate.
A simple CT aperture emulator for use with a radiotherapy simulator

Abstract Tumor localization in radiation treatment planning often involves the generation of quantitative anatomical data from multiple imaging modalities. It is desirable to take all of the images in the selected treatment position, which is usually decided upon during the initial simulator session. The different scanning modalities are often operated by different staff, at different times and in different locations; thus, it is difficult to ensure consistency in the position of the patient's body, and its documentation, at various times and places. Also, devices such as CT and MR scanners frequently pose restrictions due to their limited apertures. Failure to consider the physical limitations of such scanning equipment at the time of simulation or localization may result in placing the patient in a treatment position which will not fit through the aperture of the CT (or MRI) scanner, or which will result in a clinically important portion of the anatomy being "cut off" in the resulting scans. This can lead to re-simulation of the patient or result in a lack of accurate coordination of simulator and CT scan data. To minimize problems such as these, we have developed a CT Aperture Emulator which can be used at the time of the initial simulation. This is a lightweight "halo" easily attached to the simulator, which mimics the size and shape of the CT aperture. It permits reproducible adjustment of the patient's position, while allowing technologists and physicians to set up the patient with respect to potential CT constraints, in particular with regard to the use of immobilization and support devices. The emulator device also facilitates reproducing a patient's treatment position on the CT scanner. The concept has been found to have additional clinical uses and can be extended to a variety of imaging equipment.
ROLE OF VARIOUS ENTEROTOXINS IN AEROMONAS HYDROPHILA - INDUCED GASTROENTERITIS: GENERATION OF ENTEROTOXIN GENE - DEFICIENT MUTANTS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR ENTEROTOXIC ACTIVITY

Three enterotoxins from the Aeromonas hydrophila diarrheal isolate SSU have been molecularly characterized in our laboratory. One of these enterotoxins is cytotoxic in nature, whereas the other two are cytotonic enterotoxins, one of them heat labile and the other heat stable. Earlier, by developing an isogenic mutant, we demonstrated the role of a cytotoxic enterotoxin in causing systemic infection in mice. In the present study, we evaluated the role of these three enterotoxins in evoking diarrhea in a murine model by developing various combinations of enterotoxin gene-deficient mutants by marker-exchange mutagenesis. A total of six isogenic mutants were prepared in a cytotoxic enterotoxin gene (act)-positive or -negative background strain of A. hydrophila. We developed two single knockouts with truncation in either the heat-labile (alt) or the heat-stable (ast) cytotonic enterotoxin gene; three double knockouts with truncations of genes encoding (i) alt and ast, (ii) act and alt, and (iii) act and ast genes; and a triple-knockout mutant with truncation in all three genes, act, alt, and ast. The identity of these isogenic mutants developed by double-crossover homologous recombination was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Northern and Western blot analyses revealed that the expression of different enterotoxin genes in the mutants was correspondingly abrogated. We tested the biological activity of these mutants in a diet-restricted and antibiotic-treated mouse model with a ligated ileal loop assay. Our data indicated that all of these mutants had significantly reduced capacity to evoke fluid secretion compared to that of wild-type A. hydrophila; the triple-knockout mutant failed to induce any detectable level of fluid secretion. The biological activity of selected A. hydrophila mutants was restored after complementation. Taken together, we have established a role for three enterotoxins in A. hydrophila-induced gastroenteritis in a mouse model with the greatest contribution from the cytotoxic enterotoxin Act, followed by the Alt and Ast cytotonic enterotoxins.
Microarray Data Demonstrate That Trypanosoma cruzi Downregulates the Expression of Apoptotic Genes in BALB/c Fibroblasts

Parasites have been shown to up- and downregulate host apoptosis, most likely facilitating their ability to successfully establish an infection in the host. It has been demonstrated that pathogens modulate well-established pathways, leading to cell death, including induction of the Fas–FasL system to promote apoptosis. In contrast, it has also been shown that in other instances a decrease in host cell apoptosis results after the upregulation of genes in the Bcl-2 family. The present study examined the ability of Trypanosoma cruzi to modulate expression of host cell genes of the TNFR1 apoptotic pathway. Using microarray technology, gene expression was compared between uninfected BALB/c fibroblasts and T. cruzi–infected BALB/c fibroblasts. After comparing expression patterns between uninfected and T. cruzi–infected BALB/c fibroblasts, it was concluded that genetic expression of genes in the TNFR1 apoptotic pathway is downregulated in T. cruzi–infected cells, indicating that in BALB/c fibroblasts the parasit...
Optimal power policy for energy harvesting transmitters with inefficient energy storage

An energy harvesting transmitter with an inefficient energy storage device, i.e., battery or capacitor, is considered, where a fraction of the stored energy is lost in the process. An optimal transmission policy maximizing the average rate within a finite time horizon is found for a given energy harvesting scenario. In contrast to previous results for optimal power allocations with energy harvesting transmitters, it is observed that storage losses encourage instantaneous consumption of harvested energy without storage for moderate harvest rates. It is also shown that this policy converges to the known constant power transmission policies when storage efficiency goes to unity. Based on the optimal offline policy, an online policy based on constant charging and discharging thresholds is proposed. The performance of the optimal offline and proposed online algorithms are simulated along with naive transmission policies, and the behavior of the algorithms for various storage efficiencies is discussed.
The relative contributions of different levels of overweight and obesity to the increased prevalence of diabetes in the United States: 1976–2004

Abstract Background. Policy makers are divided on whether to focus public health efforts to prevent type 2 diabetes on subpopulations at high risk or on the entire population. We examined the extent to which increases in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity have contributed to the increase in diabetes prevalence among U.S. adults between 1976–1980 and 1999–2004. Methods. Using assembled data of 37,606 U.S. adults aged 20 to 74 years from 3 consecutive U.S. national surveys (NHANES II, III, and NHANES 1999–2004), we compared the body mass index distributions among prevalent diabetes cases over time and divided changes in prevalence of 5 diabetes-body mass index categories by changes in the diabetes prevalence observed in the total population. Results. Prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 20 to 74 increased from 5.08% in 1976–1980 to 8.83% in 1999–2004. Of the 3.75 additional cases per hundred that existed in 1999–2004 as compared to 1976–1980, we estimated that − 8% were among persons of normal or below normal weight (body mass index 40), respectively. Thus, of the additional prevalent diabetes cases that existed in 1999–2004 as compared to 1976–1980, 81% were obese (i.e. body mass index > 30) and 49% had class II or III obesity (body mass index > 35), a group that increased in prevalence from 4% to 13% of the overall adult population. Conclusions. The increases in diabetes prevalence over recent decades have been disproportionately comprised of persons with extreme levels of obesity.
On the ratio X/Y for some elliptically symmetric distributions

The distributions of the ratio X/Y are derived when (X,Y) has the elliptically symmetric Pearson-type II distribution, elliptically symmetric Pearson-type VII distribution and the elliptically symmetric Kotz-type distribution.
The Extent of Early Viral Replication Is a Critical Determinant of the Natural History of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Different patterns of viral replication correlate with the natural history of disease progression in humans and macaques infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), respectively. However, the viral and host factors influencing these patterns of viral replication in vivo are poorly understood. We intensively studied viral replication in macaques receiving identical inocula of SIV. Marked differences in viral replication patterns were apparent within the first week following inoculation, a time prior to the development of measurable specific immune effector responses to viral antigens. Plasma viral RNA levels measured on day 7 postinoculation correlated with levels measured in the postacute phase of infection. Differences in the susceptibility of host cells from different animals to in vitro SIV infection correlated with the permissiveness of the animals for early in vivo viral replication and hence with the postacute set point level of plasma viremia. These results suggest that host factors that exert their effects prior to full development of specific immune responses are critical in establishing the in vivo viral replication pattern and associated clinical course in subjects infected with SIV and, by extension, with HIV-1.
Algorithms for calculating excluded volume and its derivatives as function of molecular conformation and their use in energy minimization

A numerical method for calculating the volume of a macromolecule and its first and second derivatives as a function of atomic coordinates is presented. For N atoms, the method requires about 0.3 N In@) seconds of CPI: time on a VAX-8800 to evaluate the volume and derivatives. As a test case, the method was used to evaluate a pressure-volume energy term in energy minimizations of the protein lysozyme at 1000 atm (1 atm = 1.013 x 10' Pa). R.m.s. gradients of 10 -' kcal/mol/A were obtained at convergence. The calculated structures exhibited pressure-induced changes which were qualitatively similar to the changes observed in the 1000 atm structure determined by X-ray crystallography.
Structural basis for segmental gene conversion in generation of Anaplasma marginale outer membrane protein variants

Bacterial pathogens in the genus Anaplasma generate surface coat variants by gene conversion of chromosomal pseudogenes into single-expression sites. These pseudogenes encode unique surface-exposed hypervariable regions flanked by conserved domains, which are identical to the expression site flanking domains. In addition, Anaplasma marginale generates variants by recombination of oligonucleotide segments derived from the pseudogenes into the existing expression site copy, resulting in a combinatorial increase in variant diversity. Using the A. marginale genome sequence to track the origin of sequences recombined into the msp2 expression site, we demonstrated that the complexity of the expressed msp2 increases during infection, reflecting a shift from recombination of the complete hypervariable region of a given pseudogene to complex mosaics with segments derived from hypervariable regions of different pseudogenes. Examination of the complete set of 1183 variants with segmental changes revealed that 99% could be explained by one of the recombination sites occurring in the conserved flanking domains and the other within the hypervariable region. Consequently, we propose an 'anchoring' model for segmental gene conversion whereby the conserved flanking sequences tightly align and anchor the expression site sequence to the pseudogene. Associated with the recombination sites were deletions, insertions and substitutions; however, these are a relatively minor contribution to variant generation as these occurred in less than 2% of the variants. Importantly, the anchoring model, which can account for more variants than a strict segmental sequence identity mechanism, is consistent with the number of msp2 variants predicted and empirically identified during persistent infection.
A U.S. Population-Based Survey of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization

In the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the prevalence of colonization with any strain of Staphylococcus aureus was 31.6%. The prevalence of methicillin-resistan...
The Psychological and Legal Aftermath of False Arrest and Imprisonment

False arrest and imprisonment can be an extraordinarily stressful psychological trauma. This is clearly demonstrated in the evaluation of forensic cases alleging false arrest and imprisonment, a review of the recent forensic psychiatric literature and reported legal cases. A clinical vignette is presented that illustrates the psychological trauma and sequelae associated with false arrest and imprisonment. Psychiatric treatment of these individuals is discussed. A number of these cases are litigated.
Comparison of vacuum rise time, vacuum limit accuracy, and occlusion break surge of 3 new phacoemulsification systems.

Purpose To compare vacuum rise time, vacuum limit accuracy, and occlusion break surge of 3 new phacoemulsification machines. Setting Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods The vacuum rise time under normal and enhanced aspiration modes, vacuum limit accuracy, and occlusion break surge of the Infiniti Vision System, Stellaris Vision Enhancement System, and WhiteStar Signature Phacoemulsification System were tested. Vacuum rise time and limit accuracy were measured at limit settings of 400 mm Hg and 600 mm Hg. Surge area was recorded at vacuum limit settings of 200 mm Hg, 300 mm Hg, 400 mm Hg, and 500 mm Hg. Results The Infiniti had the fastest vacuum rise times under normal and enhanced aspiration modes. At 4 seconds, the vacuum limit accuracy was greatest with the Infiniti at the 400 mm Hg limit and the Signature at the 600 mm Hg limit. The Stellaris did not reach either vacuum target. The Infiniti performed better than the other 2 machines during testing of occlusion break surge at all vacuum limit settings above 200 mm Hg. Conclusions Under controlled laboratory test conditions, the Infiniti had the fastest vacuum rise time, greatest vacuum limit accuracy at 400 mm Hg, and least occlusion break surge. These results can be explained by the lower compliance of the Infiniti system.
Photodegradation and photosensitization in pharmaceutical products: Assessing drug phototoxicity

Toxic reactants are a common result of the interaction of sunlight with pharmaceu- tical agents transported in the blood system or applied topically. Over the past decade there has been a considerable amount of research toward understanding both the unimolecular de- activation pathway of photoexcited pharmaceutical products and their photosensitizing capa- bility in the presence of biological substrates. This work summarizes recent developments in the study of the photodegradation mechanism of ketoprofen, fenofibric acid, and tiaprofenic acid. An analysis of excited-state electronic energy levels, the type of intermediates formed following excitation, and transient intermediate lifetimes is presented. The analysis involves both parent drugs and their major photoproducts. Phototoxicity, usually the result of adverse photochemical reactions following direct photoexcitation of the drugs, is shown to be strongly related to the photoexcitation of photoproducts when high radiation dose conditions prevail. The photoproducts are the species directly involved in photosensitizing reactions.
Fidaxomicin in Clostridium difficile infection: latest evidence and clinical guidance

The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has risen 400% in the last decade. It currently ranks as the third most common nosocomial infection. CDI has now crossed over as a community-acquired infection. The major failing of current therapeutic options for the management of CDI is recurrence of disease after the completion of treatment. Fidaxomicin has been proven to be superior to vancomycin in successful sustained clinical response to therapy. Improved outcomes may be due to reduced collateral damage to the gut microflora by fidaxomicin, bactericidal activity, inhibition of Clostridial toxin formation and inhibition of new sporulation. This superiority is maintained in groups previously reported as being at high risk for CDI recurrence including those: with relapsed infection after a single treatment course; on concomitant antibiotic therapy; aged >65 years; with cancer; and with chronic renal insufficiency. Because the acquisition cost of fidaxomicin far exceeds that of metronidazole or vancomycin, in order to rationally utilize this agent, it should be targeted to those populations who are at high risk for relapse and in whom the drug has demonstrated superiority. In this manuscript is reviewed the changing epidemiology of CDI, current treatment options for this infection, proposed benefits of fidaxomicin over currently available antimicrobial options, available analysis of cost effectiveness of the drug, and is given recommendations for judicious use of the drug based upon the available published literature.
An Online Course Of Business Statistics: The Proportion Of Successful Students

This article describes the students' academic progress in an online course of business statistics through interactive software assignments and diverse educational homework, which helps these students to build their own e-learning through basic competences; i.e. interpreting results and solving problems. Cross-tables were built for the categorical variables: course-type (at 2 levels of classification: “online” and “classroom”) and the 2 levels of gender, where the dependent variable was the proportion of successful and unsuccessful students. The statistical analysis was performed via the Chi-square test for which we found that the variable “course-type” was not significant (p-value=0.512). Similarly, the variable “gender” was not significant (pvalue=0.652). Both conclusions were also confirmed via the Normal distribution z-test with similar p-values: 0.516 for course-type and 0.556 for gender. Thus, our research indicates that the population proportion of successful students in a course of Business Statistics does not depend on their gender; likewise, the proportion of success is not affected nor depends on the manner on how these students decided to take their course instruction, whether online or in a classroom.
Representing Subgrid Snow Cover Heterogeneities in Regional and Global Models

Abstract To improve the depiction of autumn through spring land–atmosphere interactions and feedbacks within regional and global weather, climate, and hydrologic models, a Subgrid SNOW Distribution (SSNOWD) submodel that explicitly includes subgrid snow-depth and snow-cover variability has been developed. From both atmospheric and hydrologic perspectives, the subgrid snow-depth distribution is an important quantity to account for within large-scale models. In the natural system, these subgrid snow-depth distributions are largely responsible for the mosaic of snow-covered and snow-free areas that develop as the snow melts, and the impacts of these fractional areas must be quantified in order to realistically simulate grid-averaged surface fluxes. SSNOWD's formulation incorporates observational studies showing that snow distributions can be described by a lognormal distribution and the snow-depth coefficient of variation. Using an understanding of the physical processes that lead to these observed snow-dept...
Molecular Imprinted Hydrogels in Drug Delivery Applications

Molecular imprinting is the process by which molecules are imprinted into the matrix of a material through non-covalent bonding, including hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. In this study hydrogels were imprinted with glaucoma medication with the purpose of creating a reusable ocular drug delivery device with reversible binding sites. The material was synthesized and tested with UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine the concentration of the released drug after twelve hours in distilled water. Modifications were made to the polymer to explore methods required for the proper delivery of the drug over an adequate period of time.
Authorship policies of scientific journals

We analysed the authorship policies of a random sample of 600 journals from the Journal Citation Reports database. 62.5% of the journals we sampled had an authorship policy. Having an authorship policy was positively associated with impact factor. Journals from the biomedical sciences and social sciences/humanities were more likely to have an authorship policy than journals from the physical sciences, engineering or mathematical sciences. Among journals with a policy, the most frequent type of policy was guidance on criteria for authorship (99.7%); followed by guidance on acknowledgments (97.3%); requiring that authors make substantial contributions to the research (94.7%); requiring that authors be accountable for the research as a whole (84.8%); guidance on changes in authorship (77.9%); requiring that authors give final approval to the manuscript (77.6%); requiring that authors draft or critically revise the manuscript (71.7%); providing guidance on corporate authorship (58.9%); prohibiting gift, guest or ghost authorship (31.7%); requiring authors to describe their contributions (5.3%); limiting the number of authors for some types of articles (4.0%) and requiring authors to be accountable for their part in the research (1.1%). None of the policies addressed equal contribution statements. Journals that do not have authorship policies should consider adopting or developing ones.
The Death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, The Life of Mexico City

As Barbara E. Mundy convincingly argues in her new book, the reports of the death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, the metropolis that would become Mexico City, have been greatly exaggerated. The indigenous ...
Snap, Crackle, Pop

Legal writers use a variety of literary and mechanical devices to persuade readers. This article explores two specific techniques that, though seemingly minor, can nevertheless heighten a brief's impact on readers.
LG Investments, LLC: A Family Business in Generational Transition (D)

This case could be used in courses about entrenpreneurship and managing small businesses. The founder and patriarch of a family business is confronted by his children regarding succession, equitable distribution of money from the business to nonworking family members, and nepotism. THe transition from first- to second- and third-generation involvement creates major challenges to the family harmony and the business beyond the life of the founding generation. There is a B case [ENT-0124] that examines these issues further.