cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Catechol O-Methyltransferase-catalyzed O-Methylation of 2- and 4-Hydroxyestradiol by Quercetin POSSIBLE ROLE IN ESTRADIOL-INDUCED TUMORIGENESIS

Catecholestrogens have been postulated to mediate the induction of kidney tumors by estradiol in male Syrian hamsters. In this study, we examined the mechanism of inhibition by quercetin of the catechol O-methyltransferase-catalyzed O-methylation of catecholestrogens as a basis for the previously reported enhancement of estradiol-induced tumorigenesis by this flavonoid. In hamsters treated with 50 μg of [6,7-3H]estradiol, quercetin increased concentrations of 2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol in kidney by 80 and 59%, respectively. In animals treated with two 10-mg estradiol implants, quercetin also decreased by 63-65% the urinary excretion of 2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol monomethyl ethers. Taken together, these results demonstrate the in vivo inhibition of the O-methylation of catecholestrogens by quercetin. S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine, produced by the methylation of catecholestrogens, noncompetitively inhibited the O-methylation of 2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol by hamster kidney cytosolic catechol O-methyltransferase (IC50 approximately 10-14 μM). Due to the rapid O-methylation of quercetin itself, quercetin decreased renal concentrations of S-adenosyl-L-methionine by approximately 25% in control or estradiol-treated hamsters and increased concentrations of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine by 5-15 nmol/g of wet tissue, which was estimated to cause a 30-70% inhibition of the enzymatic O-methylation of catecholestrogens. Quercetin or fisetin (a structural analog) inhibited the O-methylation of 2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol by a competitive plus noncompetitive mechanism (IC50 approximately 2-5 μM). These results suggest that the in vivo O-methylation of catecholestrogens is inhibited more by S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine than by quercetin. The accumulation of 2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol during co-administration of estradiol and quercetin may enhance metabolic redox cycling of catecholestrogens and thus estradiol-induced kidney tumorigenesis.
The concept of grief: An analysis of classical and contemporary thought

Abstract Grief has been a topic of focused inquiry for a number of years. However, in spite of the attention given to this significant aspect of human existence, progress in gaining a clear understanding of grief has been relatively slow. This situation is at least partially due to the existence of a conceptual problem concerning the definition of grief making it difficult to identify a grief response and to differentiate among grief and a variety of related concepts. Persons interested in grief have had to rely on their individual interpretations of the concept and, as a result, have generated a plethora of confusing terms to address the experience. In this article, the results of a systematic inquiry to define grief as a concept are presented. The findings provide a synthesis of existing thought, suggestions for the reconceptualization of grief and grief outcomes, and guidelines for further study.
Copper Phytotoxicity in a Contaminated Soil: Remediation Tests with Adsorptive Materials

A long-contaminated mineral soil containing in excess of 3000 mg kg-1 total Cu was amended with several materials having metal-adsorptive properties, including humus and iron, aluminum, and mangane...
Real-Time Measured Performance of Micro Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cell Systems Independently Evaluated in the Field

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is working with industry to independently monitor up to fifteen distinct 5 kilowatt-electric (kWe) combined heat and power (CHP) high temperature (HT) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems (FCSs) installed in light commercial buildings. This research paper discusses an evaluation of the first six months of measured performance data acquired at a one-second sampling rate from real-time monitoring equipment attached to the FCSs at building sites. Engineering performance parameters are independently evaluated.Based on an analysis of the first few months of measured operating data, FCS performance is consistent with manufacturer-stated performance. Initial data indicate that the FCSs have relatively stable performance and a long term average production of about 4.57 kWe of power. This value is consistent with, but slightly below, the manufacturer’s stated rated electric power output of 5 kWe. The measured system net electric efficiency has averaged 33.7%, based on the higher heating value (HHV) of natural gas fuel. This value, also, is consistent with, but slightly below, the manufacturer’s stated rated electric efficiency of 36%. The FCSs provide low-grade hot water to the building at a measured average temperature of about 48.4°C, lower than the manufacturer’s stated maximum hot water delivery temperature of 65°C.The uptime of the systems is also evaluated. System availability can be defined as the quotient of total operating time compared to time since commissioning. The average values for system availability vary between 96.1 and 97.3%, depending on the FCS evaluated in the field. Performance at Rated Value for electrical efficiency (PRVeff) can be defined as the quotient of the system time operating at or above the rated electric efficiency and the time since commissioning. The PRVeff varies between 5.6% and 31.6%, depending on the FCS field unit evaluated. Performance at Rated Value for electrical power (PRVp) can be defined as the quotient of the system time operating at or above the rated electric power and the time since commissioning. PRVp varies between 6.5% and 16.2%. Performance at Rated Value for electrical efficiency and power (PRVt) can be defined as the quotient of the system time operating at or above both the rated electric efficiency and the electric power output compared to the time since commissioning. PRVt varies between 0.2% and 1.4%. Optimization to determine the manufacturer rating required to achieve PRVt greater than 80% has been performed based on the collected data. For example, for FCS unit 130 to achieve a PRVt of 95%, it would have to be down-rated to an electrical power output of 3.2 kWe and an electrical efficiency of 29%.The use of PRV as an assessment metric for FCSs has been developed and reported for the first time in this paper.For FCS Unit 130, a 20% decline in electric power output was observed from approximately 5 kWe to 4 kWe over a 1,500 hour period between Dec. 14th 2011 and Feb. 14th 2012.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Automated quantitative analysis of isolated (nonconjugated) trans isomers using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy incorporating improvements in the procedure

A method for determining the isolated (nonconjugated)trans isomer content of fats and oils was developed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which permits automatic sample analysis and calculation of percenttrans content. Integrated band areas were used as a measure of the intensity of the band associated with thetrans C=C double bond. Measured band areas for samples with known percenttrans content were fit with a second order polynomial, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.99998 and a standard error of estimate of 0.11 over the range of 0 to 50%trans content. This technique also allows the analysis of neat samples, a significant improvement over current procedures in that it eliminates the need for dilution by volatile solvents and any attendant errors.
Japanese translation historiography: Origins, strengths, weaknesses and lessons

In order to broaden and more equitably represent the field of translation historiography, it is ethically and methodologically important to explore cultural specificities in discourses around this field. Yet we also need to recognize that the writing of history can have transcultural origins and that these external influences might, in turn, shape the fabric of translation historiography. Alongside endogenous elements, much of Japanese historiography is in fact derived from Chinese and European paradigms and methods, which were subsequently adapted to Japanese circumstances. This paper outlines those influences and explores major themes in Japanese translation historiography (both academic and popular), as well as the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese approaches. It also considers what lessons Japanese and non-Japanese translation historiographers might learn from each other today.
Opsin activation as a cause of congenital night blindness

Three different mutations of rhodopsin are known to cause autosomal dominant congenital night blindness in humans. Although the mutations have been studied for 10 years, the molecular mechanism of the disease is still a subject of controversy. We show here, using a transgenic Xenopus laevis model, that the photoreceptor cell desensitization that is a hallmark of the disease results from persistent signaling by constitutively active mutant opsins.
Non-random mating by size in American toads, Bufo americanus

Abstract Male American toads, Bufo americanus , captured in amplexus at least once during the season were significantly longer than males captured only singly in the same breeding population in all three cases studied. Absence of any correlation between the body lengths of the members of amplexing pairs argues against selection for optimal relative size. Males successful at breeding were those that (1) were larger, (2) were at the pond more nights, and (3) spent more time calling than unsuccessful males. Residency, per se, did not enhance breeding success, however, as on any given day successful males were equally likely to come from recaptured males previously present at the pond and unmarked males presumed new to the pond. Amount of movement about the pond did not vary with breeding success; all males tended to remain in one area on any given night and to change areas between nights. A very low displacement rate (about 7%) of males in amplexus argues against primacy of this form of male-male competition in producing differential mating by size. Rather it appears that some combination of other forms of intrasexual competition and female choice caused the mating pattern seen.
Structure-function studies of canine cardiac sarcolemmal membranes. II. Structural organization of the sarcolemmal membrane as determined by electron microscopy and lamellar X-ray diffraction

Abstract The morphological and ultrastructural properties of highly purified canine cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles, prepared by a modification (Colvin, R.A., Ashavaid, T.F. and Herbette, L.G. (1985) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 812, 601–608) of the method of Jones et al. (Jones L.R., Madlock, S.W. and Besch, H.R. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 9971–9980), were examined by several techniques. Thin-section electron microscopy showed predominantly intact unilamellar vesicles with little staining beyond the lipid bilayer boundaries. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy demonstrated that the majority of particles are approx. 90 A diameter and present at a density of 780 ± 190 μ m −2 (±S.D.). If it is assumed that some of these particles represent the (Na + + K + )-ATPase, the finding that they are largely confined to the convex fracture face suggests a predominant right-side-out orientation of these sarcolemmal vesicles that is consistent with biochemical assays. The sarcolemmal membrane width measured by electron microscopy (unhydrated membrane width of 50–70 A) is consistent with the unit cell dimensions of 56–77 A determined by lamellar X-ray diffraction (hydrated membrane width). A unit cell dimension of 56–62 A was also found by X-ray diffraction for sarcolemmal lipids extracted from these preparations, indicating that the isolated sarcolemmal preparations do not contain a significant surface coat (glycocalyx). As both cardiac and skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes have a 80–100 A membrane width, these findings demonstrate that the purified sarcolemmal membrane is structurally distinct from both cardiac and skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum. In contrast to the protein-rich skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane, which contains a single essential protein responsible for the regulation of cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration, the sarcolemma is a lipid-rich membrane that contains a variety of proteins associated with many regulatory functions served by this membrane in cardiac muscle.
Grain size and its influence on efficiency in polycrystalline GaAs solar cells

Abstract Several variations of the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process for growth of polycrystalline GaAs films have been developed. The grain size of the films ranged from less than one to several hundred microns, yet the air mass zero efficiencies of the best Schottky barrier solar cells made from films grown by each procedure were all only about 1–2%. The short-circuit current was quite high, as predicted, for large grain films but in nearly all cases where extra processing and higher temperatures were introduced in order to obtain larger grains the open-circuit voltage and fill factor were reduced. Clearly enhancement of grain size alone is insufficient to yield high quality devices, and the roles of contamination and/or process-induced defects must be thoroughly investigated in order to understand and improve the low efficiencies.
An Appraisal and Bibliography of Tests for Multivariate Normality

Summary This paper is a review of many of the dozens of procedures currently available for testing a data set for goodness-of-fit to the multivariate normal distribution. A majority of the procedures can be placed into one of four basic categories. Most procedures are multivariate extensions or adaptations of procedures used for testing univariate normality. Results of several power studies are summarized, and an extensive bibliography of literature pertaining to testing for multivariate normality is provided.
Two Models for Development of the Corn Earworm on Sweet Corn in Idah

Oviposition of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), on corn in Idaho was observed to decrease from July 1–15 and then to increase again. A simple model based on heat units above 55°F predicted when the mid-July oviposition would begin. A thermodynamic model (WATBUG) was used to simulate seasonal development of the population, produce life tables, and evaluate the effect of control treatments.
Attachment Behaviors, Depression, and Anxiety in Nonoffending Mothers of Child Sexual Abuse Victims:

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological well-being and attachment behavior of nonoffending mothers of child sexual abuse victims (CSAVs). This topic is significant because it is the mothers who most often provide support for young child victims. Two sets of data on maternal depression, state and trait anxiety, and Ainsworth's maternal attachment behaviors were analyzed. First, 38 mothers of CSAVs were compared based on the presence or absence of maternal history of abuse. Second, from the original 38 mothers of CSAVs, 27 mothers were compared to a matched group of mothers of nonabused children. Children in both data sets were 6 to 48 months. In the first data set, there were no significant differences in depression, anxiety, and attachment behaviors based on mothers' personal history of abuse. However, in the second data set, mothers of CSAVs had heightened levels of depression and anxiety and diminished maternal attachment behaviors.
Malignant triton tumor presenting as a rectal mass in an 11-month-old.

We report the case of an 11-month-old white male who had a family history of neurofibromatosis, had multiple cafe-au-lait spots on the trunk and extremities, and was diagnosed with a malignant triton tumor of the rectum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a malignant triton tumor of the rectum and one of the youngest patients reported with the tumor.
Maurice Duverger and the Study of Political Parties

Over a half century's experience with Duverger's Les Partis Politiques offers an opportunity to test his theory. His explanations for the numbers of parties survives as Duverger's Law, while his predictions for the development of the ‘membership party’ have not. Since the two rest on divergent explanations of electoral politics, the success of one and the failure of the other present an excellent test of our theories of electoral politics. Duverger's explanation of the numbers of parties understands free elections as markets in which candidates and voters alter their behavior as they try to get as close as possible to their preferred outcome. Duverger, in contrast, saw party organization as a product of ‘social forces’, notably the composition of the electorate. The ‘cadre’ party was the product of limited suffrage, while universal suffrage would lead to the ‘mass-based membership’ party. Given that the latter never developed, we argue that the logic Duverger applied to the numbers of parties also applies to their organization. We note how periodic free elections create markets where individuals pursue three fundamental political drives: ambition, choice, and benefits; whatever political organization develops, must respond to these three drives.
Immunogenicity of Casein Phosphopeptides Derived from Tryptic Hydrolysis of β-Casein

The immunogenicity of phosphopeptides derived from tryptic hydrolysis of β-casein (CN) was investigated in a rat model system. The titers of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgE antibodies made in response to intraperitoneal sensitization to β-CN, casein phosphopeptides, and skim milk proteins were examined using indirect and amplified indirect ELISA, respectively. Serum IgG antibodies from rats injected with β-CN were significantly more reactive to β-CN, casein phosphopeptides, and skim milk proteins coated on microtiter plate wells than were the IgG antibodies generated in rats that had been subjected to other treatments. A significant difference in titers because of the time of sampling (14 or 21 d postinjection) was noted for IgE but not for IgG. Rats that were injected with casein phosphopeptides did not produce IgG antibodies that crossreacted with either skim milk proteins or β-CN. Specific antibody levels for the IgE class rarely exceeded those of unimmunized controls. The findings suggest that immunogenicity of the phosphopeptides was reduced compared with that of native β-CN and skim milk proteins.
Portfolio Investing with EVA

Investment strategy using the EVA metric has gained popularity, particularly with Fortune9s publication of the top wealth creators as calculated by Stern Stewart & Co. In this article, the author examines if portfolios created with higher EVA firms lead to higher returns. Two anomalies exist. First, negative EVA to market value (EVA–MV) firms earn, on average, the highest portfolio returns over a 10-year period. Second, the relationship between the EVA–MV ratio and portfolio returns is not linear, but U-shaped. However, when a reward-to-risk measure is utilized, a positive linear risk–return relationship prevails, providing evidence that the EVA–MV ratio is a proxy for risk.
Influence of forest structure on habitat use by American marten in an industrial forest

American marten (Martes americana) are associated with late-successional, coniferous forests throughout much of their range. In the northeastern US, however, marten also occur in forests dominated by mid-successional, mixed coniferous–deciduous and deciduous stands. Structural attributes other than forest-stand age and dominant overstory type may be important determinants of habitat quality for marten. To identify structural conditions associated with patterns of habitat use by marten, we compared characteristics of coarse woody debris (CWD), understory vegetation, and overstory vegetation between 16 ha areas receiving different intensities of use by 24 (13 male, 11 female) resident, nonjuvenile (≥1 year) marten in an extensively clearcut industrial forest in Maine. Overstory features related to stand maturity were most useful for discriminating between areas receiving high use, low use, and no use by marten. Used areas had taller trees, higher live-tree basal areas, and greater snag volumes than unused areas, which were regenerated by clearcutting 13–21 years prior to our study. Unused areas apparently lacked vertical structure required by marten. Among areas receiving use, higher use intensity was associated with greater basal area of deciduous trees. Understory vegetation and woody debris was abundant in all use-intensity categories, although areas used most intensively had larger downed logs. We conclude that where horizontal structure is not limiting, forest stands regenerated by clearcutting may provide suitable habitat for resident, nonjuvenile marten when the following thresholds are reached: live-tree basal area ≥18 m2/ha, mean tree height ≥9 m for trees with dbh ≥7.6 cm, and snag volume ≥10 m3/ha. Suitability of harvested stands may be enhanced if large woody debris is retained, and mean maximum diameter of downed logs exceeds 22 cm. Methods of harvesting that provide for retention and recruitment of woody debris and vertical structure characteristic of mature forests may be consistent with maintenance of marten populations in managed forests. Our proposed thresholds can be used for developing stand-scale harvesting strategies in forests that support marten, although landscape-scale habitat requirements of marten should also receive management consideration.
Comparisons of land cover and LAI estimates derived from ETM+ and MODIS for four sites in North America: a quality assessment of 2000/2001 provisional MODIS products

The MODIS land science team produces a number of standard products, including land cover and leaf area index (LAI). Critical to the success of MODIS and other sensor products is an independent evaluation of product quality. In that context, we describe a study using field data and Landsat ETM+ to map land cover and LAI at four 49-km 2 sites in North America containing agricultural cropland (AGRO), prairie grassland (KONZ), boreal needleleaf forest, and temperate mixed forest. The purpose was to: (1) develop accurate maps of land cover, based on the MODIS IGBP (International Geosphere–Biosphere Programme) land cover classification scheme; (2) derive continuous surfaces of LAI that capture the mean and variability of the LAI field measurements; and (3) conduct initial MODIS validation exercises to assess the quality of early (i.e., provisional) MODIS products. ETM+ land cover maps varied in overall accuracy from 81% to 95%. The boreal forest was the most spatially complex, had the greatest number of classes, and the lowest accuracy. The intensive agricultural cropland had the simplest spatial structure, the least number of classes, and the highest overall accuracy. At each site, mapped LAI patterns generally followed patterns of land cover across the site. Predicted versus observed LAI indicated a high degree of correspondence between field-based measures and ETM+ predictions of LAI. Direct comparisons of ETM+ land cover maps with Collection 3 MODIS cover maps revealed several important distinctions and similarities. One obvious difference was associated with image/map resolution. ETM+ captured much of the spatial complexity of land cover at the sites. In contrast, the relatively coarse resolution of MODIS did not allow for that level of spatial detail. Over the extent of all sites, the greatest difference was an overprediction by MODIS of evergreen needleleaf forest cover at the boreal forest site, which consisted largely of open shrubland, woody savanna, and savanna. At the agricultural, temperate mixed forest, and prairie grassland sites, ETM+ and MODIS cover estimates were similar. Collection 3 MODIS-based LAI estimates were considerably higher (up to 4 m 2 m 2 ) than those based on ETM+ LAI at each site. There are numerous probable reasons for this, the most important being the algorithms’ sensitivity to MODIS reflectance calibration, its use of a prelaunch AVHRR-based land cover map, and its apparent reliance on mainly red and near-IR reflectance. Samples of Collection 4 LAI products were examined and found to consist of significantly improved LAI predictions for KONZ, and to some extent for AGRO, but not for the other two sites. In this study, we demonstrate that MODIS reflectance data are highly correlated with LAI across three study sites, with relationships increasing in strength from 500 to 1000 m spatial resolution, when shortwave-infrared bands are included.
Regioselective hydrosilations. III. The synthesis and polymerization of ambifunctional silicon‐containing epoxy monomers

Silicon-containing epoxide compounds bearing Si H groups can be readily prepared in high yields by the regioselective rhodium-catalyzed monohydrosilation of α,ω-dihydrogen functional siloxanes and silanes with vinyl epoxides. The remaining Si H groups in these compounds can be further selectively hydrosilated with unsaturated epoxides to give a series of unique ambifunctional monomers containing two different epoxide groups in the same molecule. The photopolymerization of these monomers has been studied using analytical techniques including real time infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning photocalorimetry. On photopolymerization, the new monomers yield interesting networks. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electronic Publishing on Networks: Part II of a Selective Bibliography

This bibliography presents selected works, published between 1992 and the present, that are useful in understanding network-based electronic publishing. Key sources that deal with related topics, such as digital libraries, intellectual property rights, the NII and the NREN, and network software tools, are also included. It does not provide detailed coverage of the large body of literature that deals with general electronic publishing topics. The citation for the first part of this bibliography, which was previously published in The Public-Access Computer Systems Review, is included.
Errors-and-erasures coding to combat impulse noise on digital subscriber loops

The issue addressed is how closely ideal performance can be approached using a practical erasure declaration mechanism. A description is given of a specific practical erasure declaration mechanism, and the resulting coded system performance is investigated on the digital subscriber loop. Results indicate that, by appropriate choice of system parameters, it is possible to closely approach the ideal performance. >
Adaptive digital techniques for efficiency and linearity enhancement of CMOS RF power amplifiers

This paper presents a baseband adaptive digital compensation technique for cost-effective CMOS integration of next-generation OFDM wireless transmitters. High power efficiency and linearity are simultaneously achieved by using a class-B power amplifier (PA) with less back-off and treating the memoryless AM-AM and AM-PM distortions in the digital domain. When a 64-QAM OFDM signal is transmitted, computer simulations indicate that the post-compensation ACPR and EVM are improved by 13 dB and 30 dB, respectively. The average power efficiency of the PA is 10.9% as opposed to 3.2% of a class-A counterpart for typical usage patterns.
Mash-o-matic

Web applications called mash-ups combine information of varying granularity from different, possibly disparate, sources. We describe Mash-o-matic, a utility that can extract, clean, and combine disparate information fragments, and automatically generate data for mash-ups and the mash-ups themselves. As an illustration, we generate a mash-up that displays a map of a university campus, and outline the potential benefits of using Mash-o-matic. Mash-o-matic exploits superimposed information (SI), which is new information and structure created in reference to fragments of existing information. Mashomatic is implemented using middleware called the Superimposed Pluggable Architecture for Contexts and Excerpts (SPARCE), and a query processor for SI and referenced information, both parts of our infrastructure to support SI management. We present a high-level description of the mash-up production process and discuss in detail how Mash-o-matic accelerates that process.
Investigation of stress singularity fields and stress intensity factors for cracks

Abstract The reliability of semiconductor devices and packages used in microelectronics is compromised by interfacial delamination and homogenous cracking that is initiated at the edge of the interface between dissimilar materials during processing and stress tests. These failures have certain characteristics in that they begin at the stress singularity point. The knowledge of interfacial fracture mechanics is very important to the design for reliability of these devices and packages. In this paper, a model of stress singularity is proposed and applications of the model for the characterization of interfaces are subsequently presented. Examples are integrated circuit (IC) device interfaces and plastic package interfaces. These interfaces were mainly characterized with the order of stress singularity. Furthermore, this study demonstrates applications of the stress intensity factors for the stress singularity fields. The stress intensity factors were obtained from a r – θ coordinate system, the order of stress singularity, the Dunders' parameters, and the extrapolation as a function of distance. The relationship between the stress intensity factors and the fracture toughness strength of molding compound as a function of mode mixed was also investigated for cracking at the edge of the interface. The proposed numerical scheme was verified by the experiments on the lead-on-chip (LOC) package crack under temperature cyclic loads.
Other Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Platelet Defects

This chapter reviews less common inherited bleeding diathesis such as congenital thrombocytopenia, inherited platelet dysfunction, and deficiency of coagulation factors such as XIII. Inherited platelet defects fall into two general categories: congenital defects in platelet function and the inherited thrombocytopenic disorders. These syndromes cause varying degrees of platelet-type bleeding ranging from minor to severe.
Individualizing Instruction in Business Arithmetic

(1975). Individualizing Instruction in Business Arithmetic. The Journal of Business Education: Vol. 51, No. 3, pp. 111-114.
Neutrons Produced in the Atmosphere by the Cosmic Radiations

The distribution of disintegration product neutrons in the atmosphere has been measured from the geomagnetic equator to 65\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}N and up to \ensuremath{\sim}220 g-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ air. The measured exponential absorption of the neutron producing radiations in the equilibrium portion of the atmosphere is: $L(0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})=212$, $L(19\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})=206$, $L(40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})=181$, $L(53\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})=157$, $L(65\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})=157$ g-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. It is shown that the neutron component has the largest latitude effect of any known secondary component in the cosmic rays and that the neutrons are part of a low energy nucleonic component in the atmosphere. The yield of neutrons per incident primary particle in an air column one ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ area extending through the atmosphere has been calculated at various latitudes. The yield increases by 400 percent between 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}N. The slow neutron absorption in air at the geomagnetic equator under 312 g-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ air was measured. It is concluded that nucleon collision chains in the atmosphere are the principal process by which a low energy nucleonic and neutron component is produced. Measurements at high latitudes over a period of two years have shown that fluctuations and large changes of intensity of the neutron component may occur during solar and terrestrial disturbed days.
Scalable Link-Based Similarity Computation and Clustering

Data objects in a relational database are cross-linked with each other via multi-typed links. Links contain rich semantic information that may indicate important relationships among objects, such as the similarities between objects. In this chapter we explore linkage-based clustering, in which the similarity between two objects is measured based on the similarities between the objects linked with them. We study a hierarchical structure called SimTree, which represents similarities in multi-granularity manner. This method avoids the high cost of computing and storing pairwise similarities but still thoroughly explore relationships among objects. We introduce an efficient algorithm for computing similarities utilizing the SimTree.
One (small) step closer to public health service in the dental office.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Screening for diabetes mellitus in dental practices: a field trial. Robert J. Genco, Robert E. Schifferle, Robert G. Dunford, Karen L. Falkner, William C. Hsu, James Balukjian. J Am Dent Assoc 2014;145(1):57-64. Reviewer Andrei Barasch, DMD, MDSc Purpose/Question This study assessed the feasibility of screening for diabetes mellitus (DM) or pre-diabetes in community dental practices and compared results between private practice and a community health center. Source of Funding Delta Dental Type of Study/Design Cohort Level of Evidence Level 2: limited-quality patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Gatifloxacin Induced Torsades De Pointes

The authors present an unusual case of torsades de pointes in an elderly woman treated with intravenous gatifloxacin antibiotic therapy.
Letter Writing and Learning in Anthropology

Writing has special importance in anthropology. Writing fieldnotes is a central methodology for documenting and analyzing culture, and written personal reflections upon this process are viewed as providing insight into how knowledge is produced by a “situated” researcher. That said, there is little discussion in the discipline about the use of writing as pedagogy or a tool for popularizing the discipline. This article considers how old fashion letter writing to anthropologists can strengthen students’ learning to write and analyze culture. It also indicates how writing letters popularizes the discipline. Letter writing is communication, method, tradition, and now pedagogy in anthropology. This progression of uses has relevance to teaching and learning in other disciplines.
Caliber: Camera Localization and Calibration Using Rigidity Constraints

This article presents a camera calibration system, Caliber, and the underlying pose estimation problem it solves, which we call sensor localization with rigidity (SL-R). SL-R is a constraint-satisfaction-like problem that finds a set of poses satisfying certain constraints. These constraints include not only relative pose constraints such as those found in SLAM and motion estimation problems, but also rigidity constraints: the notion of objects that are rigidly attached to each other so that their relative pose is fixed over time even if that pose is not known a priori. We show that SL-R is NP-hard, but give an inference-based algorithm that works well in practice. SL-R enables Caliber, a tool to calibrate systems of cameras connected by rigid or actuated links, using image observations and information about known motions of the system. The user provides a model of the system in the form of a kinematic tree, and Caliber uses our SL-R algorithm to generate an estimate for the rigidity constraints, then performs nonlinear optimization to produce a solution that is locally least-squares optimal in terms of reprojection error. In this way, Caliber is able to calibrate a variety of setups that would have previously required special-purpose code to calibrate. We demonstrate Caliber in a number of different scenarios using both synthetic and experimental data.
Jatropha Natural Products as Potential Therapeutic Leads

Natural products (NPs) are nature’s evolutionarily product, containing complex and diverse molecular structures. For the past two decades, pharmaceutical companies have focused on developing targeted therapeutic agents by screening libraries of small synthetic molecules. However, recent development of new technologies that improve the extraction/characterization process as well as new synthetic methodologies that render NP derivatization possible have ignited a revival in the field of NPs. NPs are now being used as a rich repository for drug discovery. Here we review recent work on the bioactive NPs derived from Jatropha isabelli along with their corresponding derivatives. Most of these NPs are sesquiterpenoids with unique molecular architectures. They display activity against various disease models and therefore may offer early compound leads for drug discovery programs.
Predictors of Homonegativity in the United States and the Netherlands Using the Fifth Wave of the World Values Survey.

Using data from the fifth wave of the World Values Survey (WVS), I investigated negative attitude toward homosexual individuals in two countries—the United States and the Netherlands—to determine h...
Nonlinear Reduced-Order Analysis with Time-Varying Spatial Loading Distributions

Oscillating shocks acting in combination with high-intensity acoustic loadings present a challenge to the design of resilient hypersonic flight vehicle structures. This paper addresses some features of this loading condition and certain aspects of a nonlinear reduced-order analysis with emphasis on system identification leading to formation of a robust modal basis. The nonlinear dynamic response of a composite structure subject to the simultaneous action of locally strong oscillating pressure gradients and high-intensity acoustic loadings is considered. The reduced-order analysis used in this work has been previously demonstrated to be both computationally efficient and accurate for time-invariant spatial loading distributions, provided that an appropriate modal basis is used. The challenge of the present study is to identify a suitable basis for loadings with time-varying spatial distributions. Using a proper orthogonal decomposition and modal expansion, it is shown that such a basis can be developed. The basis is made more robust by incrementally expanding it to account for changes in the location, frequency and span of the oscillating pressure gradient.
Factors Influencing Dental Educators As They Develop Problem-Based Learning Cases

In problem-based learning (PBL) environments, patient cases encourage students' development of critical thinking and problem-solving. Previous research has found that non-structured patient cases fostered students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities; however, structured cases dominate in dental PBL. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing educators as they developed cases for a hybrid PBL dental education program in Canada. In this phenomenological study, semi-structured interviews were used to collect seven educators' experiences with PBL case development. Content analyses with conceptual mapping were triangulated with field notes, researcher memos, and member checking to elucidate codes and themes. There were two major themes and 14 subthemes. The major theme-external factors-involved environmental parameters that influenced educators to develop PBL cases with a definitive problem-solving approach and preferred solution. Structured PBL cases dominated because of limited curricular time for students to explore identified learning issues within a three-session framework. The hybrid PBL dental curriculum further influenced educators to develop structured PBL cases such that content was not duplicated by corresponding lectures. The second major theme-internal factors-encompassed the educators' beliefs and values about teaching and student learning. These educators were enthusiastic about PBL as an instructional strategy, but did not appear to support the PBL philosophy wherein students engage in self-directed, self-exploratory learning. Structured PBL case development occurred when educators believed students needed content expert guidance. Structured PBL cases dominated in the hybrid PBL program because the educators felt students needed guidance in solving the cases to meet the learning objectives within the limited curricular time.
School Autonomy and District Support: How Principals Respond to a Tiered Autonomy Initiative in Philadelphia Public Schools

ABSTRACTA tiered autonomy policy was recently implemented in Philadelphia, where select principals were granted autonomy to manage school operations while others were promised greater district support to improve school functioning. This article provides evidence on how principals used their autonomy and the extent of district support for non-autonomous principals. Principals granted greater autonomy were more likely to change teacher professional development and curriculum and instructional strategies, while principals with longer tenures and more leadership training were more likely to implement organizational changes. Non-autonomous principals reported a misalignment between school and district priorities and limited district support for improving school functioning.
Progression of asymptomatic optic disc swelling to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

Background The time of onset of optic disc swelling in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is not known, and it is commonly assumed to arise simultaneously with vision loss. Our goal is to report the presence and persistence of optic disc swelling without initial vision loss and its subsequent evolution to typical, symptomatic NAION. Methods Clinical case series of patients with optic disc swelling and normal visual acuity and visual fields at initial presentation who progressed to have vision loss typical of NAION. All subjects underwent automated perimetry, disc photography and optic coherence tomography and/or fluorescein angiography to evaluate optic nerve function and perfusion. Results Four patients were found to have sectoral or diffuse optic disc swelling without visual acuity or visual field loss; the fellow eye of all four had either current or prior NAION or a ‘disc at risk’ configuration. Over several weeks of clinical surveillance, each patient experienced sudden onset of visual field and/or visual acuity loss typical for NAION. Conclusions Current treatment options for NAION once vision loss occurs are limited and may not alter the natural history of the disorder. Subjects with NAION may have disc swelling for 2–10 weeks prior to the occurrence of visual loss, and with the development of new therapeutic agents, treatment at the time of observed disc swelling could prevent vision loss from NAION.
Prevalence of lactic acidaemia in patients with advanced heart failure and depressed cardiac output.

Aims Heart failure (HF) has been defined classically as a condition in which the heart is unable to deliver sufficient oxygen to match the needs of the metabolizing tissues. Surprisingly, this definition has never been validated. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of elevated lactate levels in a cohort of patients with advanced heart failure. Methods and results We retrospectively analysed the arterio-venous oxygen difference (A–V O2), haemodynamics, and plasma lactate levels in stage D heart failure patients who were being evaluated for a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We identified 359 patients with a right heart catheterization (RHC) performed prior to LVAD implantation. Plasma lactate was available for 96 patients. RHC showed that 93% of the patients had an A–V O2 above the upper limit of normal (>5 mL/100 mL). Among patients with measured lactate levels, the prevalence of elevated lactate (>2.1 mmol/L) was 25% (95% confidence interval 16.7–34.9). The A–V O2 was widened in all patients with elevated lactate, but plasma lactate did not correlate with A–V O2 (r = 0.02) and only 27% of patients with increased A–V O2 had elevated plasma lactate. Conclusions Lactate levels were normal in ∼75% of the patients with advanced heart failure and a widened A–V O2, suggesting that the cardiac output was sufficient to meet the metabolic needs of the peripheral metabolizing tissues. Given that ∼4% of heart failure patients are in NYHA class IV, these findings suggest that the classic definition of heart failure pertains to ∼1% of patients with HF.
A study of silicon photomultiplier sensor prototypes for readout of a scintillating fiber / lead sheet barrel calorimeter

The GlueX collaboration is designing a detector system to study exotic hybrid meson states at the upgrade beam line of Jefferson Laboratory. The hermetic detector includes a cylindrical electromagnetic calorimeter based on the scifi design used in KLOE, SPACAL, and JETSET. Since the calorimeter will be placed within a 2.24 tesla axial magnetic field, the optimal readout solution will include a solid state photodetector known as the silicon photomultiplier. This is an array of avalanche photodiode microcells operated in geiger mode with the output summed from all the microcells. The result is a photodetector with many of the same characteristics of vacuum photomultipliers such as high gain (106) and fast response, but with the additional advantage of immunity to high magnetic fields and superior quantum efficiency. This study is a report on the characteristics of a variety of prototype devices being developed by SensL of Cork, Ireland. The chief parameters being studied are photon detection efficiency (PDE), gain, dark noise, linearity, dynamic range, optimum operating voltage, and stability. This is a status report for an ongoing study.
JOB AUTHORITY AND EMERGING RACIAL INCOME INEQUALITIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Has the adoption of “new governance” reforms over the last two decades eroded the public sector as a long-standing occupational niche for African Americans? Utilizing data from the General Social Survey, we address this issue in the context of earnings “returns” to three levels of job authority for African American men and women relative to their White counterparts. Findings, derived from analyses of three waves of the General Social Survey, indicate that the acceleration of this “business model” of work organization in the public sector has had relatively profound and negative consequences for African American income. Specifically, racial parity in earnings returns at all levels of authority in the “pre-reform” period (1992–1994) progressively eroded during “early reform” (2000–2002) and then even more so during the “late reform” (2010–2012) period. Much of this growing public sector disadvantage—a disadvantage that is approaching that seen in the private sector—is driven largely by income gaps between White and African American men, although a similar (though smaller) racial gap is witnessed among women. We conclude by discussing the occupational niche status of public sector work for African Americans, calling for further analyses of the growing inequality patterns identified in our analyses, and drawing attention to the implications for contemporary racial disadvantages.
Survival and outcomes of critically ill sarcoma patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

10576 Background: Survival and long-term outcomes of the critically ill patients with sarcoma who are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are unknown. As a result, oncologists are often unsur...