cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual interaction of 2nd to 5th order Zernike aberration terms with vertical coma

Purpose In order to better understand the optical consequence of residual aberrations during conventional rigid contact lens wear in keratoconus, this study aimed to quantify the visual interaction between positive vertical coma (C(3, -1)) and other individual 2nd to 5th radial order Zernike aberration terms. Methods The experiment proceeded in two parts. First, two levels of C(3, -1) (target term) were simulated. Individual Zernike aberration terms from the 2nd to 5th radial orders (test terms) were combined in 0.05-µm steps a) from -2.00 µm to +2.00 µm with +1.00 µm of C(3, -1) and b) from -1.00 µm to +1.00 µm with +0.50 µm of C(3, -1). The resulting combinations were used to calculate the logarithm of the visual Strehl ratio (logVSX) and predict the relative beneficial or deleterious impact of the interaction. Second, for test terms where an interaction was predicted to provide more than a 0.25 logVSX benefit compared to C(3, -1) alone, high contrast logMAR acuity charts were constructed (simulating the manner in which the test + target term combinations would impact the retinal image of the chart), and randomly read by three well-corrected, typically-sighted individuals through a 3.0-mm diameter artificial pupil. Results When combined with positive C(3, -1), C(3, -3), C(4, -4), C(5, -5), C(5, -3), and C(5, -1) exhibited better visual image quality compared with C(3, -1) alone. Ratios of the test terms to target term providing maximal benefit remained constant for both +0.50 µm and +1.00 µm of C(3, -1). C(3, -3) and C(5, -1) had the largest predicted beneficial effect, with the maximal effect for +1.00 µm of C(3, -1) occurring with +0.35 µm of C(5, -1) and -1.00 µm of C(3, -3). When individuals read letter charts convolved with the point spread function derived from C(3, -1) combined with C(3, -3) and C(3, -1) combined with C(5, -1), the maximal beneficial effect was 0.27 logMAR (13.5 letters) for C(3, -3) and 0.36 logMAR (18 letters) for C(5, -1). Conclusions While most interactions reduced visual image quality, combinations of C(3, -3) (vertical trefoil) and C(5, -1) (vertical secondary coma) provided a clinically relevant beneficial effect in the presence of C(3, -1) (vertical coma) which was demonstrated in both through-focus simulation and chart reading tests. Future work will examine whether these effects persist in the presence of the entire spectrum of residual aberrations seen in the eyes of individuals with keratoconus.
Impact of Parasitic Capacitors on Cell Capacitor Voltage Balance in Power Converters Having Integrated Capacitor Blocked Transistor Cells

Power converters built with series-connected Integrated Capacitor Blocked Transistor (ICBT) cells have the capability to transfer power at higher voltages while using switching devices with lower voltage ratings. ICBT cells bring little additional losses and do not require large cell capacitors or fast capacitor voltage balancing control methods. However, the converter operation may be impacted by the parasitic capacitors because of the fast voltage changes across the parasitic capacitors during the switching transients. Specifically, the parasitic capacitors between device terminals to ground may cause voltage unbalance among the cell capacitors. The impact of different types of parasitic capacitors at different converter operation conditions are analyzed. Based on the results, solutions to mitigate and compensate the impact are explored.
Like Father, Like Son

Introduction Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (Familial DCM) is a result of a genetic mutation in one or more of the 50+ identified genes, which encode components of the cardiac cytoskeleton, sarcomere and nuclear lamina. Genes associated predominantly with arrhythmogenic DCM include TTN (encodes titin), LMNA (encodes lamin A/C), FLNC (encodes filamin C) and SCN5A (encodes sodium voltage-gated channels). Early diagnosis of arrhythmogenic DCM genotypes can impact clinical management including earlier prophylactic defibrillator (ICD) implantation and referral for cardiac transplantation. Familial DCM continues to be under-recognized with recent studies suggesting a familial component in up to 25-40% among nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients. Case Report A 54-year-old male presented to ER with recurrent, symptomatic, hemodynamically stable monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) despite his metoprolol succinate, amiodarone and mexiletine therapies. His medical history includes ventricular fibrillation in 2012 (in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD)) status post single chamber ICD, history of atrial fibrillation in 2018 status post radiofrequency ablation, dilated cardiomyopathy with moderately reduced ejection fraction with NYHA class II symptoms with CRT upgrade in 2019 and hypertension. Family history notable for presumed NICM in his father who underwent cardiac transplantation. Patient underwent a thorough cardiac evaluation with non-obstructive CAD on coronary angiogram and no myocardial inflammation on cardiac PET. Despite the addition of intravenous antiarrhythmic therapies and two successful endocardial and epicardial ablations (using unipolar and bipolar methods) of the anterobasal LV, his clinical VT persisted. He then underwent a bilateral stellate ganglion block followed by a surgical sympathectomy, yet his VT remained refractory. Genetic testing revealed mutations in the MYBPC3 and TTN genes. Based off his clinic history and high-risk genetic predisposition, a repeat ablation was not pursued and instead a transplant evaluation was initiated. Two weeks later, the patient underwent an uncomplicated cardiac transplant. Summary A familial component is often identified in NICM patients with confounding ventricular arrhythmias. The presence of arrhythmogenic genetic variants may identify those who benefit more from advanced heart failure therapies versus aggressive ablation attempts.
Angiopoietin-like protein 4 is a chromatin-bound protein that enhances mammosphere formation in vitro and experimental triple-negative breast cancer brain and liver metastases in vivo

Introduction: Metastatic progression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients occurs primarily because of nuclear reprogramming that includes chromatin remodeling and epigenetic modifications. The existing and most successful chemotherapies available for metastatic TNBC target nuclear proteins or damage DNA. The objectives here are to investigate an undescribed role for the molecular biology of nuclear angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and to characterize the effect of ectopic overexpression of ANGPTL4 in the metastatic biology of TNBC. Materials and Methods: Lentiviral-mediated transduction was used to overexpress ANGPTL4 in the TNBC cell line MD Anderson–metastatic breast cancer 231. The overexpression of ANGPTL4 was confirmed by western blot and ELISA. Subcellular fractionation, western blot, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to characterize the intracellular localization of ANGPTL4. Mammosphere culture and the anchorage-independent growth assay analyzed the metastatic potential of the cell line. Xenograft assays assessed the effect of ANGPTL4 overexpression on TNBC metastases in vivo. Results: The ANGPTL4 overexpressing cell line formed larger mammospheres and anchorage-independent colonies in vitro and developed larger primary tumors, more liver metastases, and brain metastatic outgrowth in vivo in comparison to a cell line that expressed endogenous levels of ANGPTL4. ANGPTL4, aurora kinase A (AURKA), a mitotic kinase, and Tat-interacting protein p60 kDa (Tip60), a lysine acetyltransferase, associated with chromatin in the ANGPTL4 overexpressing cells but not in cells that expressed endogenous levels of ANGPTL4. Conclusions: The ANGPTL4 overexpressing cell line showed in vitro and in vivo activities that suggest that nuclear ANGPTL4, AURKA, and Tip60 may cooperatively modulate TNBC metastases within chromatin-remodeling complexes or DNA-associated machinery.
Body norms and normative bodies in Highland Guatemala

OBJECTIVES The concept of bionormalcy highlights the potential tensions between bodies defined clinically as normal or healthy, bodies that are normative (frequent) within a population, and bodies defined within a given social context as abnormal or devalued. Theories of resource scarcity predict preferences for larger bodies should deviate from what is biologically normative (i.e., most frequent) or clinically defined as healthy. Using the case of adult women in a Guatemalan community with chronically low food security, we test how food scarcity shapes individual views of smaller, larger, and clinically categorized normal bodies. METHODS Participants were 102 women from a community in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Using the Stunkard figure scale and a word elicitation task, participants attributed positive and negative characteristics to male and female silhouettes clinically defined as underweight, normal, overweight, mildly obese, and obese. Mixed-effects models were used to compare attribution scores for figures relative to the clinically normal silhouette. RESULTS Silhouettes deviating from the clinically defined normal BMI category on both sides are stigmatized to varying degrees. Food insecurity exacerbates the degree of stigma, while also relatively preferencing overweight bodies. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, women exhibit a preference for body sizes that fall within the clinical normal and overweight categories and stigmatize bodies outside this range, but in distinct ways. We suggest the attachment of stigma to small and large bodies are not mirror processes, and require more detailed testing to untangle the likely complex ecological and social explanations.
A technological bridge to equity: how VR designed through culturally relevant principles impact students appreciation of science

Although the population of science teachers in the US lacks diversity, the technology used to teach science should be diverse and culturally connected. Culturally relevant frameworks for science ca...
A case of extracutaneous pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with persistent cutaneous and systemic symptoms: Implications for differential diagnosis and treatment.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a noninfectious neutrophilic dermatosis that results in large painful ulcers with violaceous borders and cribriform pitting.1 Altered neutrophil chemotaxis and deregulation of the innate immune system have been suggested to play roles in the pathogenesis.2 The disease course is unpredictable, ranging from superficial ulcers to rare, widespread extracutaneous involvement, including but not limited to the lungs, spleen, eyes, and upper airways.3 We describe a patient with cutaneous PG who developed extracutaneous pulmonary, pericardial, hepatic, splenic, and pancreatic involvement. Colonization of sputum by mycobacteria and an indeterminate interferon gamma assay, along with a history of anti tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy twice, led to the false assumption that the lung and visceral disease were infectious. This case emphasizes the importance of considering extracutaneous PG in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent cutaneous PG accompanied by systemic lesions.
Effect of atmospheric pressure cold plasma treatment time and composition of feed gas on properties of skim milk

Abstract Effect of cold plasma generated using Nitrogen–Oxygen and Nitrogen as feed gases on the properties of skim milk treated for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min was evaluated. Cold plasma treatment with N2–O2 plasma (0.9 mol N2 & 0.1 mol O2 per mol feed gas) significantly decreased the pH and increased the titratable acidity of milk. Furthermore, skim milk treated with N2–O2 plasma showed higher browning intensity at the end of 5 min. Also, the particle size of milk significantly increased with time in case of N2–O2 plasma treatment , indicating aggregation of proteins. SDS PAGE results showing changes in the electrophoretic bands of casein as well as whey proteins also signified denaturation and aggregation of proteins and indicated the formation of insoluble protein aggregates. Apparently, the resultant protein aggregation led to a significant decrease in the surface hydrophobicity of skim milk. FTIR spectroscopy used to study the changes in the secondary structure of milk proteins revealed an overall increase in α-helix and aggregated β-sheet. The results showed that the composition of feed gas had a significant effect on physico-chemical properties, particle characteristics and surface hydrophobicity of skim milk as well as the molecular weight of milk proteins.
Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Total Abdominal Colectomy

The laparoscopic mobilization of the total abdominal colon is a difficult and time-consuming procedure, but the use of hand-assisted surgery has improved operative times. The utilization of a hand port may allow less-experienced laparoscopic surgeons to tackle this daunting procedure. Furthermore, in cases of fulminant colitis, the surgeon may feel more comfortable dissecting the fragile colon using a hand rather than small laparoscopic graspers. In our practice, the hand-assisted approach has become the preferred method for performing a total colectomy.
Radio Spectral Diagnostics

We review solar radio emission from the perspective of imaging spectroscopy. Radio emission mechanisms differ in their spectral properties, which can be used to determine parameters of the emitting particles and the ambient solar atmosphere in the emitting volume. After generation, the propagation of radiation in the solar atmosphere leads to changes in the spectrum that can be exploited to gain further information about the atmospheric parameters along the line of sight.
Teacher as Exemplar: Freedom in Private Life.

(1986). Teacher as Exemplar: Freedom in Private Life. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 59, No. 7, pp. 301-304.
Beaver pond biogeochemical effects in the Maryland Coastal Plain

The fluxes and concentrations ofmaterials from two contiguous second-order watershedsin the Coastal Plain of Maryland, U.S.A. were measuredfor six years prior to and six years subsequent to theformation of a 1.25 ha beaver pond near the bottom ofone of the watersheds. The watersheds have a clayaquiclude and were equipped with V-notch weirs andcontinuous volume-integrating water samplers. Thebeaver pond reduced annual discharge of water,total-N, total-P, dissolved silicate, TOC, and TSS by8, 18, 21, 32, 28, and 27%, respectively. Most ofthe total-N reduction was due to increased retentionof nitrate in the winter and spring and TON in thewinter and summer. Most of the total-P reduction wasthe result of retention of both TPi and TOP in thewinter and summer. Dissolved silicate retentionpeaked in the spring, while TOC and TSS retentionpeaked in the winter. Prior to the formation of thebeaver pond, concentrations of TON, TPi, TOP, TOC, andTSS had highly significant correlations with streamdischarge, especially in the winter, but subsequent tothe pond there was little or no relationship betweenthese concentrations and stream discharge. However,concentrations of nitrate in the spring and ammoniumin the summer were highly correlated with streamdischarge both before and after the formation of thebeaver pond and regressions of discharge versusconcentrations of these nutrients explained more ofthe variation in concentrations after the formation ofthe pond.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Keywords: DSM-5; psychopathology; anti-social behavior; assessment; comorbidity; disruptive behavior disorders; externalizing; oppositional defiant disorder; parenting; risk
PI-3 kinase and IP3 are both necessary and sufficient to mediate NT3-induced synaptic potentiation

Signaling mechanisms underlying neurotrophic regulation of synaptic transmission are not fully understood. Here we show that neurotrophin-3 (NT3)-induced potentiation of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular synapses is blocked by inhibition of phosphoinositide-3 kinase, phospholipase C-gamma or the downstream IP3 receptors of phospholipase C-gamma, but not by inhibition of MAP kinase. However, neither stimulation of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores by photolysis of caged IP3, nor expression of a constitutively active phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K(star)) in presynaptic motoneurons alone is sufficient to enhance transmission. Photo-uncaging of IP3 in neurons expressing PI3K(star) elicits a marked synaptic potentiation, mimicking the NT3 effect. These results reveal an involvement of PI3 kinase in transmitter release, and suggest that concomitant activation of PI3 kinase and IP3 receptors is both necessary and sufficient to mediate the NTS-induced synaptic potentiation.
Performance Verification for Behavior-Based Robot Missions

Certain robot missions need to perform predictably in a physical environment that may have significant uncertainty. One approach is to leverage automatic software verification techniques to establish a performance guarantee. The addition of an environment model and uncertainty in both program and environment, however, means that the state space of a model-checking solution to the problem can be prohibitively large. An approach based on behavior-based controllers in a process-algebra framework that avoids state-space combinatorics is presented here. In this approach, verification of the robot program in the uncertain environment is reduced to a filtering problem for a Bayesian network. Validation results are presented for the verification of a multiple-waypoint and an autonomous exploration robot mission.
Polycystic kidneys, internal hydrocephalus and polydactylism in newborn siblings.

Three male siblings with polycystic kidney disease, internal hydrocephalus, and polydactylism are presented. These identical anomalies in three siblings constitute a new syndrome. It is recommended that future studies on polycystic kidney disease with central nervous system anomalies occurring in siblings should be reported in detail if the pathogenesis of the disease is to be understood.
Defective Motor Behavior and Neural Gene Expression in RIIβ-Protein Kinase A Mutant Mice

Motor behavior is modulated by dopamine-responsive neurons in the striatum, where dopaminergic signaling uses G-protein-coupled pathways, including those that result in the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). The RIIβ isoform of PKA is highly enriched in the striatum, and targeted disruption of the RIIβ gene in mice leads to a dramatic reduction in total PKA activity in this region. Although the mutant mice show typical locomotor responses after acute administration of dopaminergic drugs, they display abnormalities in two experience-dependent locomotor behaviors: training on the rotarod task and locomotor sensitization to amphetamine. In addition, amphetamine induction of fos is absent, and the basal expression of dynorphin mRNA is reduced in the striatum. These results demonstrate that motor learning and the regulation of neuronal gene expression require RIIβ PKA, whereas the acute locomotor effects of dopaminergic drugs are relatively unaffected by this PKA deficiency.
Validation of a Generic Quantitative 1H NMR Method for Natural Products Analysis

Introduction Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is increasingly employed in the quantitative analysis and quality control (QC) of natural products (NP) including botanical dietary supplements (BDS). The establishment of QC protocols based on quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR) requires method validation. Objective Develop and validate a generic qHNMR method. Optimize acquisition and processing parameters, with specific attention to the requirements for the analysis of complex NP samples, including botanicals and purity assessment of NP isolates. Methods In order to establish the validated qHNMR method, samples containing two highly pure reference materials were used. The influence of acquisition and processing parameters on the method validation was examined, and general aspects of method validation of qHNMR methods discussed. Subsequently, the method established was applied to the analysis of two NP samples: a purified reference compound and a crude mixture. Results The accuracy and precision of qHNMR using internal or external calibration were compared, using a validated method suitable for complex samples. The impact of post-acquisition processing on method validation was examined using three software packages: TopSpin, Mnova and NUTS. The dynamic range of the qHNMR method developed was 5000:1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of better than 10 µm. The limit of quantification (LOQ) depends on the desired level of accuracy and experiment time spent. Conclusion This study revealed that acquisition parameters, processing parameters and processing software all contribute to qHNMR method validation. A validated method with a high dynamic range and general workflow for qHNMR analysis of NP is proposed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pity the Women and Children: Punishment by Siege in Josephus’s Jewish War

Abstract This paper analyzes the neglected theme of suffering women and children in Josephus’s Jewish War. Women and children did suffer the effects of sieges in Greco-Roman antiquity, but historiographers also use the stories of their suffering to interpret warfare. Josephus participates in this tradition by using the imagery of suffering women and children to condemn the Jewish rebels, a presentation which is also influenced by Deut 28 and Lamentations. The warnings against rebellion in J.W. 2.237, 400, and 5.418 heighten the rhetorical power of this condemnation by offering the alternative of surrender for the sake of women and children.
POSSIBILITIES AND CHALLENGES THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was initiated in 1987 to establish “high and rigorous” standards for the teaching profession, create a voluntary system to certify acc...
Athermal martensitic transformation with an isothermal component in an Fe-21Ni-4Mn alloy

Abstract The kinetic characteristics of athermal and isothermal martensitic transformations in an Fe-21Ni-4Mn alloy have been studied using electrical resistance measurements. Different transformation kinetics were found during a cooling and heating cycle between room temperature and lower temperatures, comparing the athermal and isothermal transformations. The microstructures of the athermal and isothermal martensites were analyzed using optical microscopy and found to be different. The athermal martensite forms as “random” plates whereas the isothermal martensite forms as rows of parallel laths with a common direction. Further details are presented.
Point-charge wakefield calculations from finite length bunch wake potentials

We present a new method to accurately calculate point-charge geometric wakefields and/or short-bunch wake potentials from wake potentials due to a much longer bunch, typically obtained with a time-domain electromagnetic (EM) field solver. By allowing a long bunch in the EM solver, this method can significantly reduce the need for computer resources as well as drastically shorten the computing time. After explaining the method we give examples of longitudinal wakefield calculations for several 2D accelerator structures of various complexity.
Ideology over strategy: Extending voting rights to felons and ex-felons, 1966–1992 ☆

Abstract The disenfranchisement of felons and ex-felons has long served to restrict the practice of democracy in the United States. In the late 20th century, a number of states allowed increasing numbers of felons and ex-felons to vote. Previous work has noted that Democrats are often associated with extensions of voting rights to felons and ex-felons. If this is the case, what accounts for their support for re-enfranchisement? In this paper I conduct a series of event history analyses of voting rights policy changes at the state level. I argue that Democratic support was not based on expected electoral benefits that might derive from changes in the composition of the electorate. Instead, analyses suggest that would-be reformers—often Democratic, but also Republican—were importantly constrained by the ideological climate among a state's population. Thus, policy liberalism appears to have trumped crass partisan strategizing in encouraging restoration of voting rights to felons and ex-felons. Results also confirm claims that local patterns of racial domination were relevant in decisions to re-enfranchise or not.
Axial ligand effects on iron and manganese porphyrins: Extended hückel calculations of cyt p450 analogs and of O2 binding to iron and manganese

Certain axial ligand-metal interactions can perturb the electronic structure of metallorporphrins in ways that significantly alter their optical and magnetic spectra. Two classes of such interactions, the origin of the anomalous optical spectra of the hydroxylating enzyme cytochrome P450 and the nature of molecular oxygen binding to Fe(II) and Mn(II) porphyrins, have been examined by charge iterative extended Hueckel calculations. (1) Calculations performed on various low-spin ferrous and ferric porphin RS/sup -/ (mercaptide) and RSH (mercaptan) complexes support the hypothesis that the anomalous spectra of cyt P450 complexes are due to mercaptide sulfur p ..-->.. porphin ..pi..* charge transfer transitions which mix with the porphin ..pi.. ..-->.. ..pi..* transitions. (2) Oxy Fe and Mn porphins were calculated with O/sub 2/ bound in the Pauling (end on, bent) and Griffith (edge on, parallel to the porphin ring) modes. On the basis of optical spectra, the Fe calculations cannot distinguish between the two possible modes of O/sub 2/ binding. In the Mn case, however, all the experimental optical and magnetic data can be explained in terms of the Griffith model but not the Pauling model. The anomalous optical spectra of oxy Mn porphrns are ascribed to porphin ..pi.. ..-->.. d/sub ..pi../ +more » O/sub 2/..pi../sub g/ charge transfer transitions which mix with the porphin ..pi.. ..-->.. ..pi..* transitions.« less
Efficiency increase in a traveling wave tube by tapering the phase velocity of the wave

The beam-wave interaction in a Cerenkov traveling wave tube is considered theoretically. The system is assumed to operate at 8.75 GHz either as an amplifier or as an accelerator. The injected electrons have a kinetic energy of 0.85 MeV and the beam at the entrance can be prebunched or uniform. To avoid saturation, two kinds of tapering are considered: one which is adaptable, in the sense that the phase velocity follows exactly the particle's velocity; in the other, the dielectric coefficient varies algebraically in space. In the case of an accelerator (Eo equals 5 MV/m, I equals 1 A and d equals 0.8 m) the adaptable tapering causes the system to be almost three times more effective than in a uniform device. An analytical solution corresponding to the case 2(gamma) (r)(2) >> 1, is discussed. The other case considered is when the injected beam has a uniform distribution of phases relative to the wave. The construction of the bunching is illustrated as well as the regime in which the amplitude of the wave increases linearly; our simulation reveals that almost 50% of the interaction region is exploited for the former process. The authors show that by tapering, both the gain and the efficiency increase. When operated as an amplifier (E0 equals 1.0 MV/m, I equals 450 A and d equals 0.3 m) with an optimal linear variation of the dielectric coefficient, the efficiency is improved to about 30% from the 5% in the uniform device.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Facilitation of free recall by categorical blocking depends on stimulus type

Items that are blocked by category are typically more memorable than unblocked items. We examined the blocking effect with different types of stimuli. In Experiment 1, subjects memorized either actual objects or the printed names of those objects. Free recall was enhanced significantly by blocking only in the printed name condition. In Experiment 2, it was demonstrated that these relationships occurred whether or not verbal labels are supplied for the stimulus items. The difference in the impact of blocking on free recall was hypothesized to reflect differences in the visual detail that characterized the stimulus items in the object and printed name conditions. To test this hypothesis, Experiment 3 was conducted, using four sets of stimulus items graded in visual detail. These were a set of objects, photographs of the objects, line drawings of the objects, and printed names of the objects. The visual detail hypothesis was supported.
Synthesis of mesoporous aluminophosphate (AlPO) and investigation of zirconium incorporation into mesoporous AlPOs.

Mesoporous aluminophosphate materials with variable amounts of zirconium have been synthesized at room temperature using a nonionic surfactant tri-block copolymer (PEO20PPO70PEO20) as the structure-directing agent. Powder X-ray diffraction of as-synthesized and calcined AlPO and ZrAlPO mesoporous materials shows a single broad peak near 2θ = 2.5°, indicative of the average pore−pore correlation distance. Electron probe microanalysis shows that the ratio of P/Al in the powders is ∼0.5, far lower than 1.0 for an ideal aluminophosphate framework. XRD, TEM, and N2 adsorption data indicate that the calcined samples consist of wormlike tubular materials having surface areas >350 m2/g and pores in the mesopore range. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies of the γ-irradiated and evacuated ZrAlPO samples show signals due to Zr3+ that increase with Zr content in addition to signals due to framework defects (i.e., V centers) and H atoms. The line shape and g values observed for Zr3+ are best explained as arising fro...
Obsessive Beliefs and Dimensions of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An Examination of Specific Associations

Although current cognitive-behavioral models have highlighted a central role of dysfunctional “obsessive beliefs” about threat, responsibility, uncertainty, perfectionism, importance and control of thoughts in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), empirical evidence in support of this notion has been inconsistent. The present investigation further examines the association between obsessive beliefs and OCD symptoms among nonclinical (Study 1) and clinical samples (Study 2). Findings from Study 1 (n = 368) demonstrated that OCD symptom dimensions are associated with some form of obsessive belief (generality). Although findings from Study 1 revealed that different obsessive beliefs related to different OCD symptom dimensions in a meaningful way (congruence), findings from Study 2 failed to support the hypothesis that OCD patients (n = 30) would endorse obsessive beliefs more strongly than patients (n = 30) with generalized anxiety disorder (specificity). However, both patient groups endorsed obsessive beliefs more strongly than non-clinical controls (n = 30). Implications of these findings for conceptualizing the relationship between obsessive beliefs and specific dimensions of OCD are discussed.
What is hardware/software partitioning?

Hardware/software partitioning is the problem of dividing an application's computations into a part that executes as sequential instructions on a microprocessor (the "software") and a part that runs as parallel circuits on some IC fabric like an ASIC or FPGA (the "hardware"), such as to achieve design goals set for metrics like performance, power, size, and cost. The circuit part commonly acts as a coprocessor for the microprocessor. For example, a video compression application may be partitioned such that most of the frame handling computations execute on a microprocessor, while the compute-intensive DCT (discrete cosine transformation) part of the compression application is offloaded to execute in a fast DCT coprocessor circuit. Circuits can execute some computations thousands of times faster than sequential instructions, due largely to their parallel execution. For example, if a computation consists of 100 multiplications of independent data items, then while a microprocessor would have to execute the multiplications one (or a few) at a time thus requiring hundreds of clock cycles, a circuit could potentially (subject to data availability) execute all 100 multiplications in parallel using 100 multipliers and thus requiring just 1 or a few clock cycles. Energy reductions can also result.
Clinical analysis of reflux esophagitis in symptomatic patients

Mucosal atrophy is a criterion of reflux esophagitis but requires histologic confirmation. Pinch biopsies often are inadequate for fine diagnosis; suction biopsies yielded better specimens. Meticulous histologic technic is essential.
Ventilatory accommodation of changing oxygen demand in sciurid rodents

Ventilation was measured across a range of O2 consumption rates in four sciurid rodents: Tamias minimus (47 g), Spermophilus lateralis (189 g), S. beecheyi (531 g), and Marmota flaviventris juveniles (1054 g) and adults (2989 g). Maximum thermogenic oxygen consumption was measured for all but adult M. flaviventris. Aerobic scopes (maximum/minimum O2 consumption rates) were 4.6, 3.8, 5.4, and 4.8 in T. minimus, S. lateralis, S. beecheyi, and juvenile M. flaviventris, respectively. Aerobic scope was at least 4.1 in adult M. flaviventris. Ventilatory accommodation of changing O2 consumption rate was qualitatively similar in the four species, with the bulk of accommodation resulting from changes in minute volume. Nevertheless, there were significant differences in the relative importance of frequency, tidal volume, and O2 extraction in accommodation. In all species, frequency and minute volume were strongly correlated to O2 consumption rate. Tidal volume was significantly correlated to O2 consumption rate in T. minimus and S. beecheyi, but not in the other species. Oxygen extraction was not significantly correlated to O2 consumption rate in any species. Analysis of factorial ventilation changes across a standardized 3.8-fold change in O2 consumption rate revealed significant differences among species in frequency and O2 extraction, but not in tidal or minute volume. When compared to a generalized allometry for mammalian resting ventilation, the four sciurid species had consistently lower respiration frequency and higher O2 extraction than predicted, perhaps because the sciurid measurements were made on unrestrained animals. There was no indication that ventilation constrained maximum O2 consumption rate.
Projecting population trends of endangered amphibian species in the face of uncertainty: A pattern-oriented approach

Abstract Amphibian populations have been declining worldwide for the last three decades. Determining the risk of extinction is one of the major goals of amphibian conservation, yet few quantitative models have been developed for amphibian populations. Like most rare or threatened populations, there is a paucity of life history data available for most amphibian populations. Data on the critical juvenile life stage are particularly lacking. Pattern oriented modeling (POM) has been used successfully to estimate life history parameters indirectly when critical data lacking, but has not been applied to amphibian populations. We describe a spatially explicit, individual-based, stochastic simulation model developed to project population dynamics of pond-breeding amphibian populations. We parameterized the model with life history and habitat data collected for the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis), a species for which there is a high degree of uncertainty for juvenile and adult male survival. During model evaluation, we focused on explicitly reducing this uncertainty, evaluating 16 different versions of the model that represented the range of parametric uncertainty for juvenile and adult male survival. Following POM protocol, we compared simulation results to four population-level patterns observed in the field: population size, adult sex ratio, proportion of toads returning to their natal pond, and mean maximum distance moved. Based on these comparisons, we rejected 11 of the 16 model versions. Results of the remaining versions confirmed that population persistence depends heavily on juvenile survival, and further suggested that probability of juvenile survival is likely between 0.0075 and 0.015 (previous estimates ranged from 0.003 to 0.02), and that annual male survival is near 0.15 (previous estimates ranged up to 0.43). Thus, although the uncertainty associated with population projections for the Houston toad remains large, we were able, via the POM approach, to (1) narrow the range of plausible survival estimates, (2) calculate a first estimate of over-wintering metamorph survival, and (3) provide a set of alternative model versions that quantifies the current level of uncertainty associated with population projections. These results suggest that POM is particularly well suited for modeling amphibian systems, and other ecological systems characterized by low structural uncertainty and high parametric uncertainty.
Change of blaze wavelength as a function of position on the surface of a concave grating

Conventional ruling of a concave diffraction grating with blaze angle constant relative to the optical axis produces a grating whose blaze wavelength changes continuously with displacement across the face of the ruled area. A simple explanation of the effect is given in terms of geometrical optics, and quantitative expressions are developed that relate the expected blaze-wavelength shift to the grating constant and aperture ratio. Results are compared with experimental efficiency measurements, and the magnitude of the effect in a typical grating is discussed.
Ethanol withdrawal alters apomorphine-induced motility

Acute administration of ethanol is accompanied by alterations in dopamine turnover and release, and chronic ethanol exposure is associated with changes in biochemical measures of dopamine receptor function. This paper presents data examining the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on behavioral responses to the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine. Measurements of behavior were obtained through the use of an electronic motility monitor which permitted the quantification of movements in terms of their characteristic frequency components. Results are presented which indicate that apomorphine-induced movements with modal frequencies of 2 Hz and of 8-9 Hz are significantly increased during the 12 to 24 hr following ethanol withdrawal, suggesting an increase in the functional responsiveness of central dopaminergic systems.
A convenient new synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of double headed acyclo-C-nucleosides from unprotected d-glucose

Abstract Double headed acyclo-C-nucleosides, 1,4-bis(3-mercapto-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol (6), 5,5′-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutane-1,4-diyl)bis(1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione) (7), and 1,4-bis(4-amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol (8) have been synthesized from d -glucose (1) without protecting hydroxyl groups. Two steps synthesis leading to formation of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxyhexanedihydrazide (4) which is regarded as starting intermediates for the synthesis of 6,7 and 8. Synthetic intermediates and final products were appropriately characterized by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The products were tested in vitro against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria inovanii and gram negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli and compared with the known antibiotic: amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (AMC) and showed variable effects.
Enhancing the translation of disaster health competencies into practice.

OBJECTIVES: Disaster health workers currently have no common standard based on a shared set of competencies, learning objectives, and performance metrics with which to develop courses or training materials relevant to their learning audience. We examined how existing competency sets correlate within the 2012 pyramidal learning framework of competency sets in disaster medicine and public health criteria and describe how this exercise can guide curriculum developers. METHODS: We independently categorized 35 disaster health-related competency sets according to the 4 levels and criteria of the pyramidal learning framework of competency sets in disaster medicine and public health. RESULTS: Using the hierarchical learning framework of competency sets in disaster medicine and public health criteria as guidance, we classified with consistency only 10 of the 35 competency sets. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed series of minor modifications to the framework should allow for consistent classification of competency sets. Improved education and training of all health professionals is a necessary step to ensuring that health system responders are appropriately and adequately primed for their role in disasters. Revising the organizing framework should assist disaster health educators in selecting competencies appropriate to their learning audience and identify gaps in current education and training. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:70-78). Language: en
Dual effects of glutathione-S-transferase pi on As2O3 action in prostate cancer cells: enhancement of growth inhibition and inhibition of apoptosis

To determine the effects of glutathione-S-transferase pi (GSTpi) on the actions of As2O3, As2O3-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis was studied in three prostate cancer cell lines: DU-145, PC-3 and LNCaP cells. As2O3 inhibited cell proliferation of DU-145 and PC-3 cells (both cells express GSTpi), but not of LNCaP cells (which lack GSTpi expression) at concentrations below 1 microM. LNCaP cells stably transfected and expressed GSTpi (LNCaP/GSTpi) became sensitive to As2O3 growth inhibition. As2O3 arrested cell growth of DU-145, PC-3 and LNCaP/GSTpi cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle at low concentrations (<2 microM), but did not induce apoptosis. At higher concentrations (10-20 microM), As2O3 induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells, but not in DU-145 or PC-3 cells. The apoptosis induction due to As2O3 treatment of LNCaP cell correlated with the activation of JNK and p38 and induction of p53 protein. LNCaP/GSTpi cells became insensitive to As2O3-induced apoptosis with reduced JNK activition. These data indicate that GSTpi increases growth inhibition due to As2O3 treatment and prevents As2O3-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Therefore, it appears that As2O3 inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis through different mechanisms.
Formulation of rigorous coupled-wave theory for gratings in bianisotropic media.

A formulation of rigorous coupled-wave theory for diffraction gratings in bianisotropic media that exhibit linear birefringence and/or optical activity is presented. The symmetric constitutive relations for bianisotropic materials are adopted. All of the incident, exiting, and grating materials can be isotropic, uniaxial, or biaxial, with or without optical activity. The principal values of the electric permittivity tensor, the magnetic permeability tensor, and the gyrotropic tensor of the media can take arbitrary values, and the principal axes may be arbitrarily and independently oriented. Procedures for Fourier expansion of Maxwell’s equations are described. Distinctive polarization coupling effects due to optical activity are observed in sample calculations.
Chelator, metal ion and buffer studies for protein C separation.

Abstract Protein C (PC) is the pivotal anticoagulant and antithrombotic in the human coagulation cascade. PC deficiency can result in major medical problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), leading to tissue oxygen deprivation. PC treatment has no bleeding or skin necrosis problems because it circulates in the blood as a zymogen and is only activated when and where it is needed. One source of PC is transgenic animal milk. The major components in the milk, such as α-casein, β-casein, κ-casein, α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, are proteins that must be separated from PC. Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) is an inexpensive separation technology with relatively high specificity, and it has great potential for difficult protein separations. After systematic studies of different chelator, metal ion and buffers, the combination of iminodiacetic acid (IDA) and Fe was found to be effective to separate PC from major milk components. α-Lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin fell through the column in the starting buffer. PC was eluted. α-Casein, β-casein, κ-casein remained bound in the column after PC elution. This technology might be applied for PC separation from transgenic animal milk. It is very important for PC production in large quantities and at low cost to treat PC-deficient patients.
Computerized mappings of the cerebral cortex: A multiresolution flattening method and a surface-based coordinate system

We present a new method for generating two-dimensionnl maps of the cerebral cortex. Our computerized, two-stage flattening method takes as its input any well-defined representation of a surface within the three-dimensional cortex. The first stage rapidly converts this surface to a topologically correct two-dimensional map. without regard for the amount of distortion introduced. The second stage reduces distortions using a multiresolution strategy that makes gross shape changes on a coarsely sampled map and further shape refinements on progressively finer resolution maps. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by creating flat maps of the entire cerebral cortex in the macaque monkey and by displaying various types of experimental data on such maps. We also introduce a surface-based coordinate system that has advantages over conventional stereotaxic coordinates and is relevant to studies of cortical organization in humans as well as non-human primates. Together, these methods provide an improved basis for quantitative studies of individual variability in cortical organization.
Nonexistence of seven-dimensional tangential 2-blocks

Tutte generalized some well-known coloring problems in graph theory into a single geometric problem about the existence of tangential 2-blocks in PG(n, 2); and the problem was solved up to the 6-dimensional case [5,8]. In this paper 7-dimensional case of the problem is solved.
Alternative Exit and Restructuring Strategies: Reorganization and Liquidation

Reforms in creditor rights tend to increase the availability and reduce the cost of credit in countries, where court enforcement is quick and fair. Haselmann, Pistor, and Vig (2006) show that, in their sample of bank loans in 12 emerging countries, the availability of credit increased, and the cost of credit declined in response to bankruptcy laws enforcing creditor rights to the collateral underlying loans. Hence, the quick and fair enforcement of creditor rights to the collateral underlying loans tends to lower borrowing costs and increase access to credit. The effective enforcement of bankruptcy laws is integral to the success of this process. This chapter focuses on bankruptcy and liquidation as alternative restructuring or exit strategies for failing firms. Bankruptcy enables a failing firm to reorganize, while protected from its creditors, or to cease operation by selling its assets to satisfy all or a portion of the firm's outstanding debt. The chapter addresses how reorganization and liquidation take place both inside and outside the protection of the bankruptcy court. The chapter also discusses common strategic options for failing firms, the current state of bankruptcy prediction models, and empirical studies of the performance of firms experiencing financial distress.
Exact Distribution of the Sum of Independent Identically Distributed Discrete Random Variables

Abstract Let Sn be the sum of n independent discrete variates with common probability distribution px (x = 0, 1, 2, [mdot][mdot][mdot]). A table is presented which allows Pr (Sn = s) to be written down, for any n and for s ≤15, as a finite series involving mixed powers of the px 's. If the range of x is finite (x ≤ m) the table will also give Pr(Sn = mn - s). The use of the table is illustrated and several applications are indicated.