cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adrenoleukodystrophy by Disease of the Eye and Optic Nerve

Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-chromosome-linked recessive disease characterized by primary atrophy of the adrenal glands with or without Addison's disease and low plasma cortisol levels, and a degeneration of white matter of the central nervous system with blindness. In suspected cases of adrenoleukodystrophy an impaired rise in plasma cortisol levels after adrenocorticotrophin stimulation may be diagnostic. With the electron microscope, pathognomonic intracytoplasmic lamellar inclusions have been seen in adrenal cortical cells, peripheral nerve Schwann's cells, testicular interstitial cells, and in macrophages of the brain. Adrenoleukodystrophy appears to be a genetically determined lipid storage disease with an error in membrane sterol metabolism. A 10-year-old boy with adrenoleukodystrophy had visual loss, a prominent early symptom. The ocular abnormality consisted of a disproportionate loss of nerve fibers from the macular region. No intracytoplasmic lamellar inclusions were identified in cells representing macrophages within the optic nerve. They contained myelin debris suggestive of end-stage disease.
Turbulence Modeling in Simulation of Gas-Turbine Flow and Heat Transfer

The popular k-epsilon type two-equation turbulence models, which are calibrated by experimental data from simple shear flows, are analyzed for their ability to predict flows involving shear and an extra strain--flow with shear and rotation and flow with shear and streamline curvature. The analysis is based on comparisons between model predictions and those from measurements and large-eddy simulations of homogenous flows involving shear and an extra strain, either from rotation or from streamline curvature. Parameters are identified, which show the conditions under which performance of k-epsilon type models can be expected to be poor.
Electroproduction of N*(1535).

Helicity amplitudes for the electroproduction of the {ital N}{sup *}(1535) from the nucleon are calculated in a constituent quark model formulated in light front dynamics. Previous work is extended and improved.
The isolation of urinary estrogens and determination of their specific activities following the administration of radioactive precursors to humans

Abstract In vivo studies of estrogen production and metabolism in humans by isotope dilution methods frequently necessitate the isolation of small quantities of estrogen metabolites from large amounts of urine. In addition to large capacity, the isolation methods used in such studies must have a high degree of specificity since a large number of radiometabolites are excreted following the intravenous administration of a radioactive precursor. Under certain conditions such as pregnancy, the specific activities of all these urinary metabolites may not be identical. Therefore, accurate methods for determining the specific activities of these metabolites are also essential. A gradient elution, liquid-liquid partition Chromatographic system has been devised which is capable of isolating in purified form most of the estrogens present in crude phenolic extracts from 10 or more liters of human urine. Other partition and thin layer Chromatographic systems have been developed for the further purification of estrone, estradiol and estriol. A rapid method for determining the approximate specific activities of these metabolites by formation of their nitroso derivatives on thin layer Chromatographic plates is presented. Finally, procedures used for the precise determination of estrogen specific activities by acetylaticn with radioactive acetic anhydride are described.
Outcomes after surgical management of synchronous bilateral primary lung cancers.

Background Distinguishing between synchronous primary lung cancers and metastatic disease in patients with bilateral lung masses is often difficult. The objective of this study is to examine outcomes associated with a strategy of performing staged bilateral resections in patients without N2 disease based on invasive mediastinal staging and without distant metastases. Methods Patients undergoing resections of bilateral synchronous primary lung cancer at our institution between 1997 and 2010 were reviewed. Perioperative complications were graded according to National Cancer Institute guidelines. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a log-rank test. End points included overall survival, disease-free survival, operative death, cancer recurrence, and postoperative complications. Results Resections of bilateral synchronous primary lung cancers were performed in 47 patients. Forty-five patients (96%) had at least a unilateral thoracoscopic approach; 28 (60%) had bilateral thoracoscopic approaches. The median postresection length of stay was 3 days. Thirteen patients (28%) had a postoperative complication; only 3 (6%) were grade 3 or higher. There was 1 perioperative death (2%). Eleven patients received adjuvant therapy; only 3 patients in whom adjuvant therapy was indicated did not receive the recommended treatment. The overall 3-year survival was 35%. Survival of patients whose bilateral tumors had identical histology did not differ from patients whose histology was different ( p = 0.57). Three-year disease-free survival was 24%. Conclusions Aggressive surgical treatment of apparent synchronous bilateral primary lung cancer can be performed with low morbidity. Most patients tolerate the bilateral surgeries and adjuvant therapy. Overall survival is sufficiently high to support this aggressive approach.
Argument structure and event structure: the case of Korean imperfective constructions

This paper uncovers a systematic correlation between semantics of aspect and syntactic argument structure as manifested in the difference between two imperfective aspect markers -ko iss and -a iss in Korean. Unlike the common assumption that the -ko iss form is a progressive marker, while the -a iss form is a resultative marker, this paper argues that the difference between the two derives from their different argument structure: -ko iss selects transitive and unergative verbs, which have an external argument, while -a iss selects unaccusative and passive verbs, which only have an internal theme argument. It is argued that the difference in argument structure is determined by semantic event structure depending on agentivity in Korean. The results of the paper have broader implications for the issues of syntax and semantics interface and unaccusativity.
A Recursive Multibody Dynamics and Sensitivity Algorithm for Branched Kinematic Chains

In this work an efficient dynamics algorithm is developed, which is applicable to a wide range of multibody systems, including underactuated systems, branched or tree-topology systems, robots, and walking machines. The dynamics algorithm is differentiated with respect to the input parameters in order to form sensitivity equations. The algorithm makes use of techniques and notation from the theory of Lie groups and Lie algebras, which is reviewed briefly. One of the strengths of our formulation is the ability to easily differentiate the dynamics algorithm with respect to parameters of interest. We demonstrate one important use of our dynamics and sensitivity algorithms by using them to solve difficult optimal control problems for underactuated systems. The algorithms in this paper have been implemented in a software package named Cstorm (Computer simulation tool for the optimization of robot manipulators), which runs from within Matlab and Simulink. It can be downloaded from the website http://www.eng.uci.edu/ bobrow/ @DOI: 10.1115/1.1376121#
Salvage Therapy of Refractory Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis with Alemtuzumab

Background Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that remains difficult to treat. Even with current standard HLH therapy, only approximately half of patients will experience complete resolution of disease, and early mortality remains a significant problem. Salvage therapies have been described only in limited case reports, and there are no large studies of second-line therapies.
Seasonal variation in adrenal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)☆

Abstract [4- 14 C]Progesterone is converted to corticosterone by adrenal homogenates of Microtus pennsylvanicus . The 11-keto derivative, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, is a secondary conversion product formed by the action of an adrenal 11β-hydroxysteroid (11β-OHD) dehydrogenase on corticosterone. There is a marked seasonal variation in the 11β-OHD enzyme with peak activity in late fall-winter and very low activity in early spring and summer. Adrenal 11β-OHD enzyme activity is greatest during the period when adrenal responsiveness is low and the voles are reproductively inactive.
Interactions between adenosine and nifedipine in the rat cerebral cortex.

Abstract Nifedipine inhibits the uptake of [ 3 H]adenosine into rat cerebral cortical synaptosomes with an IC 50 value of 1.1 μM. When applied by iontophoresis onto rat cerebral cortical neurons it potentiated the depressant effects of adenosine on spontaneous firing. Some of the calcium-antagonist actions of nifedipine may be mediated by adenosine.
Fatigue Reliability Based Optimal Replacement Decision of Mechanical Components

This paper introduces a maintenance decision-making strategy in the general area of replacement and reliability of mechanical components. The decision-making strategy involves the optimization of replacement interval based on fatigue failure of mechanical components. This new approach is based on the cumulative damage distribution function for evaluating mean fatigue life. By using the approach, the analytical expressions for the mean and the variance of the cumulative damage distribution under both stationary narrow-band and stationary wide-band random process are provided. The mean value and variance of the fatigue life distribution are thus evaluated to determine the optimal replacement intervals under fatigue failure. An algorithm of evaluating the mean and standard deviation of fatigue life is also presented. Therefore, the reliability of a component under random cyclic loading for a specified duration is quantified accordingly. Even though the new method introduces a great deal of complexity in the analytical models, this method can efficiently determine replacement intervals for component whose operating costs increases with use and replacement intervals for component subject to failure induced by the random process. An example is presented to demonstrate the application of the present method.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Similarity Solution for Heat Convection From a Porous Rotating Disk in a Flow Field

A mathematical method is described for the analytical solution of the convective heat transfer rates from a rotating isothermal and porous disk in a uniform flow field. By applying the appropriate velocity component of the fluid in the energy equation, a similarity solution was derived showing an increase in the rates of heat transfer with increasing rotational Reynolds number and with decreasing flow Reynolds number. Effects of natural convection and viscous dissipation were assumed negligible. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4024283]
Abbasid Popular Narrative (The Formation Of Readership And Cultural Production

This article focuses on narrative production, especially popular tales, and argues that producers of knowledge as well as their products were major arbiters of taste and social or economic relations. However, they were not the only power to decide the nature of production. The article relates this to other arbiters of taste, especially jurists and market inspectors, who began to assert their influence on storytellers and preachers since the eleventh century. As a critical assessment of taste and oral/ written traditions, this study goes beyond historical surveying to engage the socio-political and cultural dynamics that make up such a literary phenomenon as the growth of popular narrative and its readership.
Homocyst(e)ine and coronary heart disease: pharmacoeconomic support for interventions to lower hyperhomocyst(e)inaemia.

Homocyst(e)ine, a sulphur-containing amino acid, is an intermediate formed during the metabolism of the essential amino acid methionine. Biological and epidemiological evidence suggest that elevated plasma levels of homocyst(e)ine are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). In the general US population, hyperhomocyst(e)inaemia is common and most often due to mild nutritional deficiencies in the B vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6). While high homocyst(e)ine levels can be effectively lowered using folic acid and other B vitamins, it is unknown whether such vitamin therapy will lead to clinical benefits. Given that strategies for homocyst(e)ine-lowering are safe and inexpensive, however, even small reductions in CHD risk will be highly cost effective. Thus, it may be prudent for patients to ensure an adequate daily intake of dietary folic acid and other B vitamins and for physicians to screen high-risk adults such as those with established CHD as we await definitive results from ongoing clinical trials.
Quantum kinetic equations for electrons in high electric and phonon fields

Abstract A general theory is presented for the one-electron density operator for electrons in strong and time-dependent electric fields in the presence of phonons, with full account of electron exchange. A quantum kinetic equation for the distribution function of electrons in one band is derived and discussed. Other applications are indicated.
SAMGORI FIELD, REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA: CRITICAL REVIEW OF ISLAND-ARC OIL AND GAS

The Samgori field in the Republic of Georgia (CIS) has produced more than 165 million brls of oil since its discovery in 1974, and the development of recently-discovered deep gas is now under way. The field produces oil from an Eocene volcaniclastic section which has been interpreted as being associated with an island arc. Available data from the field include well logs, porosity and permeability measurements from cores, chemical analyses of fluids produced, and reservoir-performance history. These data comprise the basis for an investigation of generation, migration and entrapment of hydrocarbons. The Samgori field provides evidence that requisite parameters for significant accumulations of oil and gas are present in Georgia. The existence of other large fields depends primarily upon the occurrence of suitable reservoir rocks. Volcanogenic rocks offer potential reservoirs, but the importance of enhanced secondary porosity development must be emphasized. Regional porosity within the volcaniclastic section has developed as a result of zeolitization coupled with fracturing, a situation evidenced by infiltration of meteoric water over large distances. In view of this, reasonable possibilities exist for the occurrence of similar reservoirs nearby. The ability to predict zeolitization and fracturing elsewhere in Georgia would be critical to exploration success.
Effective Birth Control Use among Women at Risk for Unintended Pregnancy in Los Angeles, California

Abstract Context Identifying sociodemographic and health-related risk factors associated with more effective versus less effective birth control use can help to identify barriers to effective birth control use and decrease risk for unintended pregnancy. Methods Data used were from the 2007 Los Angeles County Health Survey. More effective birth control use was assessed among women ages 18 to 49, who were at risk for unintended pregnancy, residing in Los Angeles County. The study population consisted of 849 women. Multivariate associations of more effective birth control use with sociodemographic and health factors were assessed in logistic regression models. All analyses used weighted data. Results Women who used a more effective birth control method at last act of coitus were less likely to be Black (odds ratio [OR], 0.33) or Asian/Pacific Islander (OR, 0.49), have less than a high school education (OR, 0.33), be a smoker (OR, 0.52), and have public insurance (OR, 0.47) than women using a less effective birth control method. They were more likely to have received a pap test (OR, 2.66), describe their health as fair or poor (OR, 2.39), and have a household income of 200% to 299% of the federal poverty level (OR, 2.25) than women using a less effective birth control method. Conclusions Sociodemographic factors, some of which underlie cultural diversity, predict the use of more effective birth control methods and should be considered when providing family planning services and preconception health counseling to unique populations.
INFLUENCES ON DECISION-MAKING BEHAVIOR

The purpose of this study was to examine, using a series of vignettes, the association of ethical values and decision-making behavior of marketing managers. A questionnaire was mailed to 1,000 practicing marketing managers; a total of 539 usable responses were received. The findings were that respondents tended to make ethical decisions based on costs and benefits of the consequences of the decision rather than absolute moral imperative.
Parameter spaces of separating hyperplanes

Every pair of relatively disjoint polytopes is dual to the parameter space of all their separating hyperplanes, which is also a polytope. For a polytope whose interior is disjoint from the relative interior of another polytope, the parameter space of all separating hyperplanes is a polytope of the same dimension. One face of this parameter space parametrizes the separating hyperplanes that also simultaneously support both polytopes. A separating hyperplane corresponds to a vertex of this face if and only if no other hyperplanes support the polytopes at the same intersection points. If all the vertices of the polytopes have all their coordinates in an ordered field, then the same results and their proofs hold with the same ordered field.
Multiple protein/protein and protein/RNA interactions suggest roles for yeast DNA/RNA helicase Sen1p in transcription, transcription‐coupled DNA repair and RNA processing

Sen1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a Type I DNA/RNA helicase. Mutations in the helicase domain perturb accumulation of diverse RNA classes, and Sen1p has been implicated in 3′ end formation of non-coding RNAs. Using a combination of global and candidate-specific two hybrid screens, eight proteins were identified that interact with Sen1p. Interactions with three of the proteins were analyzed further: Rpo21p(Rpb1p), a subunit of RNA polymerase II, Rad2p, a deoxyribonuclease required in DNA repair, and Rnt1p (RNase III), an endoribonuclease required for RNA maturation. For all three interactions, the two-hybrid results were confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Genetic tests designed to assess the biological significance of the interactions indicate that Sen1p plays functionally significant roles in transcription and transcription-coupled DNA repair. To investigate the potential role of Sen1p in RNA processing and to assess the functional significance of the Sen1p/Rnt1p interaction, we examined U5 snRNA biogenesis. We provide evidence that Sen1p functions in concert with Rnt1p and the exosome at a late step in 3′ end formation of one of the two mature forms of U5 snRNA but not the other. The protein–protein and protein–RNA interactions reported here suggest that the DNA/RNA helicase activity of Sen1p is utilized for several different purposes in multiple gene expression pathways.
Some general considerations for synthetic aperture sonar design

This paper is devoted to synthetic aperture sonar for sea bottom imaging. The reader is assumed to be familiar with this topic on which a large literature is available. The paper is composed of four parts. Part 1 aims at determining the domain of interest of the synthetic aperture mode with respect to the real aperture mode in terms of along-track resolution, range, array length and speed. In part 2 the effect of a speed overpass is illustrated on sonar images from a computer simulation. In part 3 accuracy requirements are assessed for the motion sensing system. In part 4 autofocusing methods allowing to make the above requirements less stringent are briefly reviewed.
Surgical Practice: Evidence or Anecdote

Objectives Our objective is to highlight a few surgical practices that are not based on evidence but are still taught in surgical education, and to assess our experience with these practices. Design We identified 3 practices (clamping of nasogastric tubes before removal, bowel preparation before elective colon resection, and elective sigmoid colectomy following 2 bouts of diverticulitis), identified the data supporting each practice, and administered a survey to faculty and residents at our institution. Setting Wright State University Department of Surgery, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. Participants Twenty-one faculty and 35 residents responded to the survey. Results No studies were found relating to clamping nasogastric tubes before removal. Seven faculty (33%) and 11 residents (31%) used this practice. Two faculty (10%) and 0 residents felt this was an evidence-based practice. Faculty were more likely to have reviewed the evidence (85% vs 40%, p Conclusions Frequent use of surgical practices without evidence support can create a misperception that such practices are evidence-based. Faculty are more likely to change a practice after obtaining continuing medical education, suggesting that residents may need validation by faculty practice of evidence-based procedures before incorporation into their clinical care.
2-D to 3-D global/local finite element analysis of cross-ply composite laminates

An example of two-dimensional to three-dimensional global/local finite element analysis of a laminated composite plate with a hole is presented. The 'zoom' technique of global/local analysis is used, where displacements of the global/local interface from the two-dimensional global model are applied to the edges of the three-dimensional local model. Three different hole diameters, one, three, and six inches, are considered in order to compare the effect of hole size on the three-dimensional stress state around the hole. In addition, three different stacking sequences are analyzed for the six inch hole case in order to study the effect of stacking sequence. The existence of a 'critical' hole size, where the interlaminar stresses are maximum, is indicated. Dispersion of plies at the same angle, as opposed to clustering, is found to reduce the magnitude of some interlaminar stress components and increase others.
Eliminating Plasmodium falciparum in Hainan, China: a study on the use of behavioural change communication intervention to promote malaria prevention in mountain worker populations.

In the island of Hainan, the great majority of malaria cases occur in mountain worker populations. Using the behavioral change communication (BCC) strategy, an interventional study was conducted to promote mountain worker malaria prevention at a test site. This study found the methods and measures that are suitable for malaria prevention among mountain worker populations. During the Plasmodium falciparum elimination stage in Hainan, a representative sampling method was used to establish testing and control sites in areas of Hainan that were both affected by malaria and had a relatively high density of mountain workers. Two different methods were used: a BCC strategy and a conventional strategy as a control. Before and after the intervention, house visits, core group discussions, and structural surveys were utilized to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding mountain worker populations (including knowledge, attitudes, and practices [KAPs]; infection status; and serological data), and these data from the testing and control areas were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of BCC strategies in the prevention of malaria. In the BCC malaria prevention strategy testing areas, the accuracy rates of malaria-related KAP were significantly improved among mountain worker populations. The accuracy rates in the 3 aspects of malaria-related KAP increased from 37.73%, 37.00%, and 43.04% to 89.01%, 91.53%, and 92.25%, respectively. The changes in all 3 aspects of KAP were statistically significant (p 0.05). Furthermore, in the testing areas, both the percentage testing positive in the serum malaria indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the number of people inflicted decreased more significantly than in the control sites (p < 0.01). The use of the BCC strategy significantly improved the ability of mountain workers in Hainan to avoid malarial infection. Educational and promotional materials and measures were developed and selected in the process, and hands-on experience was gained that will help achieve the goal of total malaria elimination in Hainan.
On the analysis of the medium term planform dynamics of meandering rivers

The continuous wavelet transform is applied to the analysis of curvature signals from both synthetic meanders and 52 realizations from 16 natural meanders ranging from class B to class G (Brice classification), thus providing information on the spatial distribution of their arc-wavelength spectrum, and therefore, representing an objective characterization of meanders. Past research has studied the meander dynamics by using the centerline (short-term frame) and the valley centerline (long-term frame). The present study introduces a medium term frame, termed the mean center (MC), which is defined as the medium term coherent wave being present in the meander planimetry for a period that is strongly governed by the occurrence of cutoff events; although in the absence of them, it is present for ∼10 to ∼30 years. The MC is obtained by using a methodology that combines the capabilities of the principal component analysis and the discrete wavelet transforms. The application of wavelet cross correlation shows that peaks in the centerline curvature are strongly correlated with those of the MC suggesting that (1) a linear relationship between them may be associated to bank processes and, (2) in all other cases, a higher nonlinear relationship may be induced by autogenic hydrodynamic processes. In freely meandering rivers, compound bends, multiple loops, and cutoff events are associated to peaks in the MC local curvature. We define the planform amplitudes as the orthogonal distance of the centerline from mean center. Planform amplitudes (orthogonal distance of the centerline from mean center) are normally distributed and ranges from 2 to 20 river mean widths.
Damped and undamped frequency responses of underdamped catheter manometer systems.

Abstract Compliance is the most troublesome variable in obtaining high frequency response. Factors such as occult air bubbles and leaky connections cause the greatest difficulty. Damped natural frequency was shown to be directly related to the radius and inversely related to the square root of length of the catheter. Coils, bends, and the angle of attachment of the catheter to the transducer are of minor importance in obtaining a good frequency response.
Structure-based pKa calculations using continuum electrostatics methods.

Electrostatic free energy is useful for correlating structure with function in proteins in which ionizable groups play essential functional roles. To this end, the pKa values of ionizable groups must be known and their molecular determinants must be understood. Structure-based calculations of electrostatic energies and pKa values are necessary for this purpose. This unit describes protocols for pKa calculations with continuum electrostatics methods based on the numerical solution of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation by the method of finite differences. Critical discussion of key parameters, approximations, and shortcomings of these methods is included. Two protocols are described for calculations with methods modified empirically to maximize agreement between measured and calculated pKa values. Applied judiciously, these methods can contribute useful and novel insight into properties of surface ionizable groups in proteins. Keywords: pKa calculations; continuum electrostatics; finite difference; Poisson-Boltzmann; UBHD
Distributed consensus-based demodulation: algorithms and error analysis

This paper deals with distributed demodulation of space-time transmissions of a common message from a multi-antenna access point (AP) to a wireless sensor network. Based on local message exchanges with single-hop neighboring sensors, two algorithms are developed for distributed demodulation. In the first algorithm, sensors consent on the estimated symbols. By relaxing the finite-alphabet constraints on the symbols, the demodulation task is formulated as a distributed convex optimization problem that is solved iteratively using the method of multipliers. Distributed versions of the centralized zero-forcing (ZF) and minimum mean-square error (MMSE) demodulators follow as special cases. In the second algorithm, sensors iteratively reach consensus on the average (cross-) covariances of locally available per-sensor data vectors with the corresponding AP-to-sensor channel matrices, which constitute sufficient statistics for maximum likelihood demodulation. Distributed versions of the sphere decoding algorithm and the ZF/MMSE demodulators are also developed. These algorithms offer distinct merits in terms of error performance and resilience to non-ideal inter-sensor links. In both cases, the per-iteration error performance is analyzed, and the approximate number of iterations needed to attain a prescribed error rate are quantified. Simulated tests verify the analytical claims. Interestingly, only a few consensus iterations (roughly as many as the number of sensors), suffice for the distributed demodulators to approach the performance of their centralized counterparts.
Theoretical study on photonic devices based on a commensurate two-pattern photonic crystal

In two-dimensional optical chip applications, the optical wave is classified to two modes according to its polarization: TE and TM. It is desirable to integrate multiple optical wave control devices for different polarizations onto the same plane at the scale of the wavelength. Here we demonstrate a periodic two-pattern photonic crystal with a large, complete photonic bandgap (PBG). It comes from the superposition of two substructures: one contributes the TM PBG and the other contributes the TE PBG. By purposely introducing defects into the substructures, photonic devices for different polarizations can be integrated to bend, split, and resonate TM/TE waves simultaneously on the same plane.
Gemeinschaft Revisited: A Critique and Reconstruction of the Community Concept

Community remains a potent symbol and aspiration in political and intellectual life. However, it has largely passed out of sociological analysis. The paper shows why this has occurred, and it devel...
Nanoscale Investigation of Pathogenic Microbial Adhesion to a Biomaterial

Microbial infections of medical implants occur in more than 2 million surgical cases each year in the United States alone. These increase patient morbidity and mortality, as well as patient cost and recovery time. Many treatments are available, but none are guaranteed to remove the infection. In many cases, the device infections are caused by the adhesion of microbes to the implant, ensuing growth, pathogenesis, and dissemination. The purpose of this work is to examine the initial events in microbial adhesion by simulating the approach and contact between a planktonic cell, immobilized on an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever, and a biomaterial or biofilm substrate. The two model microbes used in this study, Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 90018) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), were chosen for both their clinical relevance and their ease of acquisition and handling in the laboratory setting. Attractive interactions exist between C. parapsilosis and both unmodified silicone rubber and P. aeruginosa biofilms. Using C. parapsilosis cells immobilized on AFM cantilevers with a silicone substrate, we have measured attractive forces of 4.3 ± 0.25 nN in the approach portion of the force cycle. On P. aeruginosa biofilms, the magnitude of the attractive force decreases to 2.0 ± 0.40 nN and is preceded by a 2.0-nN repulsion at approximately 75 nm from the cell surface. These data suggest that C. parapsilosis may adhere to both silicone rubber and P. aeruginosa biofilms, possibly contributing to patient morbidity and mortality. Characterization of cell-biomaterial and cell-cell interactions allows for a quantitative link between the physicomechanical and physicochemical properties of implant materials and the nanoscale interactions leading to microbial colonization and infection.
Can the Quantum Measurement Process be Put into QED

A time irreversible description of nonlocal quantum measurement processes emerges dynamically when an Abelian integer operator labeling symmetry called Measurement Color[1, 2] is imposed upon the QED formalism.
Systemic Acquired Resistance: Turning Local Infection into Global Defense

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an induced immune mechanism in plants. Unlike vertebrate adaptive immunity, SAR is broad spectrum, with no specificity to the initial infection. An avirulent pathogen causing local programmed cell death can induce SAR through generation of mobile signals, accumulation of the defense hormone salicylic acid, and secretion of the antimicrobial PR (pathogenesis-related) proteins. Consequently, the rest of the plant is protected from secondary infection for a period of weeks to months. SAR can even be passed on to progeny through epigenetic regulation. The Arabidopsis NPR1 (nonexpresser of PR genes 1) protein is a master regulator of SAR. Recent study has shown that salicylic acid directly binds to the NPR1 adaptor proteins NPR3 and NPR4, regulates their interactions with NPR1, and controls NPR1 protein stability. However, how NPR1 interacts with TGA transcription factors to activate defense gene expression is still not well understood. In addition, redox regulators, the m...
Receptor Transformation — A Key Step in Estrogen Action

Experiments from many laboratories (1,2) have established that, for all classes of steroid hormones, the hormone-receptor complex found in the nuclei of target cells is derived from an initially formed extranuclear complex, as first proposed for estrogens in uterine tissue (3,4). Evidence is accumulating that the steroid-induced translocation of the hormone-receptor complex to the nucleus is accompanied by a hormone-mediated alteration of the receptor protein, a process that has been called receptor transformation (5–7) or activation (8, 9). This paper summarizes some observations concerning transformation of estrophilin, the receptor protein for estrogens, and describes recent achievements in the purification of the transformed estradiol-receptor complex of calf uterus.
An experimental study of the performance of the counter-rotating wave energy conversion turbine

Results of an experimental study of a counter-rotating turbine operating on a pneumatic wave energy conversion system are presented. The vertical capture chamber of the water column of the system has a down-facing water intake. An electrical generator (d-c) is coupled to the turbine by a ten-gear-ratio drive train. Tests of the pneumatic wave energy conversion system were conducted with the mouth at two depths in order to vary the natural oscillating frequency of the water column. The maximum electrical power output of the system was approximately 90 W in the monochromatic waves. This value corresponds to at 36-percent efficiency based on the incident wave power in a wave crest width equal to the diameter of the capture chamber. The theoretical maximum efficiency of such a system has been shown to be 50 percent by several investigators.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yta7 Regulates Histone Gene Expression

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yta7 protein is a component of a nucleosome bound protein complex that maintains distinct transcriptional zones of chromatin. We previously found that one protein copurifying with Yta7 is the yFACT member Spt16. Epistasis analyses revealed a link between Yta7, Spt16, and other previously identified members of the histone regulatory pathway. In concurrence, Yta7 was found to regulate histone gene transcription in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. Association at the histone gene loci appeared to occur through binding of the bromodomain-like region of Yta7 with the N-terminal tail of histone H3. Our work suggests a mechanism in which Yta7 is localized to chromatin to establish regions of transcriptional silencing, and that one facet of this cellular mechanism is to modulate transcription of histone genes.
Why is leading school improvement such a difficult process

Leading meaningful school improvement and reform has proven to be a difficult process. This article looks at some of the interactive, contextual variables that lend to the complexity of this challenge. These include complexities inherent in schools, in change processes and in the leadership role itself.
Mls and the helper T-cell repertoire. I. Mls as a regulator of T-helper cell activation.

SUMMARY We provide evidence that the Mls reaction involves a broad cross-section of the helper cell population. In addition to those cells reacting overtly to Mls stimulatory spleen cells, there is a second large population of helper cells that are affected by an Mls difference. This latent Mls effect is manifested by either synergy or antagonism in mitogen-mediated, Ia-dependent T-cell activation, depending on Mlsa or Mlsb phenotypes of stimulator cells, respectively. Our data can be explained by attributing to Mls alleles the function of differential regulation of autoreactivity of T cells. The results show that the concept of the Mls exerting a negative signal deserves serious consideration.
Occupational Exposure to Aerosolized Pentamidine

Occupational exposure to aerosolized pentamidine has raised questions regarding transmission of tuberculosis and the effect of the drug itself. To estimate the exposure of a health care worker, we measured the ambient concentration of aerosolized pentamidine in field conditions in 36 m3 unventilated treatment room. The amount of pentamidine averaged in three different environmental air samples over a four-hour period was 4.5 ± 3.6 x 10-5 mg/m3. This amount is very small compared to the doses received by the patients in whom long-term adverse effects are few. The greater risk to health care workers is probably transmission of tuberculosis from undiagnosed cases, especially in populations with an increased incidence of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis control measures such as improved ventilation and masks should also decrease exposure to ambient air pentamidine until toxicity studies determine long-term adverse effects, if any, of aerosolized pentamidine.
Broadband rate-equation model including many-body gain for WDM traveling-wave SOAs

We present a traveling-wave rate-equation model for wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA) which utilizes many-body gain spectra. Good agreement with measurements is obtained across a broad wavelength range.
Of gnomes and leprechauns: the recruitment of recent and categorical contexts in social judgment.

Participants rated schematic faces from two categories, gnomes and leprechauns, on feature widths and pleasantness of facial configuration. Three target faces shared critical facial features across categories while two contextual faces extended the range for that category to include either very wide or very narrow features. In Experiment 1a, results indicated contextual effects on judgments of target faces when they were rated in separate categorical blocks [Wedell, D. H., & Pettibone, J. C. (1999). Preference and the contextual basis of ideals in judgment and choice. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 128, 346–361], but not when faces from both categories were rated together in Experiment 1b. Two additional experiments explored this failure to use categorical information. Categorical context was found to produce contrast effects on descriptive ratings of feature width when participants were forced to rely on name cues rather than actual faces in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, both contrast effects on descriptive ratings and assimilation effects on ideals for pleasantness were found when the names for the faces were learned separately for each category. These results identify constraints on the nature of category-based stereotyping effects on judgment while isolating the influence of recent and categorical context.
Edleson Revisited: Reviewing Children’s Witnessing of Domestic Violence 15 Years Later

A systematic review of literature was conducted using the criteria identified in Edleson’s (Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(8), 839–870, 1999) article titled “Children’s witnessing of domestic violence.” Based on the recommendations in Edleson’s (Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(8), 839–870, 1999) article, four themes were examined in the current research 1) the impact of exposure to domestic violence, 2) the cumulative effects of exposure to multiple forms of violence, 3) potential protective factors that highlight children’s resilience, and 4) the father-child relationship. Using similar methods identified in Edleson’s (Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(8), 839–870, 1999) article, the literature was searched and 46 articles reviewed during the Fall of 2014. The results highlight areas of great success in expanding the understanding of children’s exposure to domestic violence to increase identification and prevalence. However, the results found that after nearly 15 years, there has been little advancement in the research literature on emphasizing children’s voices in their experiences of domestic violence.
Comments on the Temporary Intermiate Sanctions Regulations

In this article, the author examines the temporary regulations under section 4958, released January 10, that replace proposed regulations published in mid-1998.
Implications of cross-species interactions on the temperature dependence of Kapitza conductance

We investigate the behavior of Kapitza conductance at interfaces between two Lennard-Jones fcc solids as a function of the range and strength of cross-species interactions via molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that decreasing either of these quantities leads to a reduction in the slope of linear temperature dependence of Kapitza conductance, suggesting a corresponding decrease in the probability of inelastic phonon-phonon interactions. To further explore the mechanisms responsible for such behavior, we calculate the phonon density of states and spectral temperature of each of the monolayers adjacent to the interface. It is found that the reduction of the range and strength of cross-species interactions leads to a softening of the density of states near the interface, while the spectral temperature calculations provide further evidence that such reductions decrease the probability of inelastic phonon scattering. These findings help explain varying accounts of the temperature dependence of Kapitza conductance observed in previous works.
Colitis, Cancer, and Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy has added a new dimension to the diagnosis of colonic diseases. In the field of inflammatory bowel disease, colonscopy is indicated only when certain specific problems arise. Patients with acute colitis and those who are too sick to withstand cleansing enemas should not undergo colonoscopy. A major use of the colonoscope is in the detection of carcinoma in the colitic colon either in the form of colonic strictures or filling defects discovered by barium enema x-ray, or in the long-term surveillance of patients with universal ulcerative colitis. Criteria are listed to assist in the colonoscopic differential diagnosis between ulcerative and granulomatous colitis. By using different criteria than the radiographer, and with the help of biopsy specimens, a high degree of accuracy in proper diagnosis can be achieved.
Typology of Employee Improvement-Oriented Voice: An Exploration of Voice Content

This qualitative study explores the typology of employee improvement-oriented voice, or the ideas and suggestions employees speak up the hierarchy with the intention to enhance organizational processes. Research suggests that the content of employee voice can affect the voice calculus and influence whether or not the speaker voices his suggestions or ideas up the hierarchy. Further, characteristics of employee voice can affect a manager’s decision to propagate employee voice up, down and across the hierarchy. Thus, exploring the typology of employee voice can lead to a finer-grain understanding of the types of ideas and suggestions that employees pass up the hierarchy, and the process in which these types of ideas and suggestions can influence the flow of communication up, down and across the hierarchy. In other words, understanding what suggestions and ideas employees choose to speak up to their managers can have an importance in unpacking the process of how managers pass on valuable employee input to other levels of the organization, as well as understanding further why employees choose to speak up or remain silent. This study surveyed 135 full-time working managers to collect data on actual suggestions and ideas voiced by their subordinates. A typology of employee improvement-oriented voice is put forth, and implications are discussed.
Factors Contributing to the Job Satisfaction of Nuclear Medicine Technologists: A National Study

Work holds an important place in the life of most Americans. It occupies almost half of their waking hours and may dramatically influence their quality of life. Perceptions of self worth are often defined by workers' attitudes towards their jobs. Job satisfaction is believed to affect productivity, absenteeism, turnover, and overall organizational effectiveness (1, 2). Locke defined job satisfaction as "the pleasurable emotional state that results from the beliefthat one's job achieves or helps to achieve one's work values" (3). Job satisfaction is derived largely from intrinsic and extrinsic benefits or rewards that workers receive from their work (4). Because work has a variety of meanings for individuals, one's value system may modify the importance of various rewards, thus impacting their overall satisfaction. Factors that affect job satisfaction have been actively studied over the last three decades in the belief that applying this knowledge might produce better quality service or products, and a higher quality of life for employees (5). In health care settings, service is delivered through direct interaction with patients. Consequently, employee work satisfaction may influence patient care and organizational effectiveness. The majority of research pertaining to job satisfaction has been conducted in business, industry and government ( 6 ). Research on job satisfaction for health professions is limited, and none addresses nuclear medicine technologists specifically. Awareness of the rewards that influence job satisfaction of nuclear medicine technologists could help in planning strategies to alleviate job and occupational turnover. This knowledge will take on increasing importance in the future as the pool of available workers is expected to shrink ( 7). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between five facets of job satisfaction (co-workers, salary, advancement opportunities, supervision, work performed on the job) for certified nuclear medicine technologists and overall, or global, job satisfaction. The work performed on the job is an intrinsic reward while fellow employees, salary, advancement opportunities, and supervision are extrinsic rewards. Previous research has indicated a relationship between both