cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase locking of a two-element laser array

The dynamics of a two-element nonlinear-coupled laser array are briefly reviewed. It is pointed out that if the pump of the laser array reduces to zero for a time period shorter than the population decay time, then the system reduces to two coupled equations for the relative intensity and relative phase. It is well-known from the Poincare-Bendixson theorem that such an autonomous system of dimension two (without detuning) cannot exhibit chaos. By creating two evanescent-coupled lasers in a Nd:YAG etalon using diode end-pumping, the coupling strength between the two laser elements in the array can be continuously varied by adjusting the position of the pumping beams. This allows the observation of the phase locking process over a wide range of coupling strength. We have found that the locking is as fast as the on-set of lasing without undergoing a transition state as along as the coupling is strong enough to ensure such locking. The instantaneous locking is also independent of the coupling strength once the coupling is strong enough to ensure phase locking. New interpretation of phase locking process for a phase locked laser array is provided.
Ensemble methods for monitoring enzyme translocation along single stranded nucleic acids.

We review transient kinetic methods developed to study the mechanism of translocation of nucleic acid motor proteins. One useful stopped-flow fluorescence method monitors arrival of the translocase at the end of a fluorescently labeled nucleic acid. When conducted under single-round conditions the time courses can be analyzed quantitatively using n-step sequential models to determine the kinetic parameters for translocation (rate, kinetic step size and processivity). The assay and analysis discussed here can be used to study enzyme translocation along a linear lattice such as ssDNA or ssRNA. We outline the methods for experimental design and two approaches, along with their limitations, that can be used to analyze the time courses. Analysis of the full time courses using n-step sequential models always yields an accurate estimate of the translocation rate. An alternative semi-quantitative “time to peak” analysis yields accurate estimates of translocation rates only if the enzyme initiates translocation from a unique site on the nucleic acid. However, if initiation occurs at random sites along the nucleic acid, then the “time to peak” analysis can yield inaccurate estimates of even the rates of translocation depending on the values of other kinetic parameters, especially the rate of dissociation of the translocase. Thus, in those cases analysis of the full time course is needed to obtain accurate estimates of translocation rates.
Classifying and ranking search engine results as potential sources of plagiarism

Source retrieval for plagiarism detection involves using a search engine to retrieve candidate sources of plagiarism for a given suspicious document so that more accurate comparisons can be made. An important consideration is that only documents that are likely to be sources of plagiarism should be retrieved so as to minimize the number of unnecessary comparisons made. A supervised strategy for source retrieval is described whereby search results are classified and ranked as potential sources of plagiarism without retrieving the search result documents and using only the information available at search time. The performance of the supervised method is compared to a baseline method and shown to improve precision by up to 3.28%, recall by up to 2.6% and the F1 score by up to 3.37%. Furthermore, features are analyzed to determine which of them are most important for search result classification with features based on document and search result similarity appearing to be the most important.
Habitat-specific distinctions in estuarine denitrification affect both ecosystem function and services

Resource limitation controls the base of food webs in many aquatic ecosystems. In coastal ecosystems, nitrogen (N) has been found to be the predominant limiting factor for primary producers. Due to the important role nitrogen plays in determining ecosystem function, understanding the processes that modulate its availability is critical. Shallow-water estuarine systems are highly heterogeneous. In temperate estuaries, multiple habitat types can exist in close proximity to one another, their distribution controlled primarily by physical energy, tidal elevation and geomorphology. Distinctions between these habitats such as rates of primary productivity and sediment characteristics likely affect material processing. We used membrane inlet mass spectrometry to measure changes in N2 flux (referred to here as denitrification) in multiple shallow-water estuarine habitats through an annual cycle. We found significantly higher rates of denitrification (DNF) in structured habitats such as submerged aquatic vegetation, salt marshes and oyster reefs than in intertidal and subtidal flats. Seasonal patterns were also observed, with higher DNF rates occurring in the warmer seasons. Additionally, there was an interaction between habitat type and season that we attributed to the seasonal patterns of enhanced productivity in individual habitat types. There was a strong correlation between denitrification and sediment oxygen demand (SOD) in all habitats and all seasons, suggesting the potential to utilize SOD to predict DNF. Denitrification efficiency was also higher in the structured habitats than in the flats. Nitrogen removal by these habitats was found to be an important contributor to estuarine ecosystem function. The ecosystem service of DNF in each habitat was evaluated in US dollars using rates from a regional nutrient-offset market to determine the cost to replace N through management efforts. Habitat-specific values of N removal ranged from approximately three thousand U.S. dollars per acre per year in the submerged aquatic vegetation to approximately four hundred U.S. dollars per acre per year in the subtidal flat. Because of the link between habitat type and processes such as DNF, changes in habitat area and distribution will have consequences for both ecosystem function and the delivery of ecosystem services.
Activation of Protein Kinase B/Akt Is Sufficient to Repress the Glucocorticoid and cAMP Induction of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Gene

A rat hepatoma cell line, H4IIE, was stably transfected with a tamoxifen regulatable Akt-1 construct. Treatment of these cells with tamoxifen caused a rapid stimulation of Akt enzymatic activity that was comparable with the activity observed with the endogenous Akt after insulin stimulation. Prior studies have extensively documented that insulin can repress the glucocorticoid and cAMP-stimulated increase in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene transcription. Activation of this regulatable Akt with tamoxifen was found to mimic the dominant inhibitory effect of insulin on PEPCK gene transcription. Dose response curves to insulin and tamoxifen demonstrated that this response was very sensitive to Akt activation although the maximal response observed with tamoxifen activation was slightly less than that observed with insulin, indicating that the response to insulin may also involve other signaling cascades. The regulation of PEPCK transcription via Akt was, like that previously described for insulin, not dependent upon 70 kDa S6 kinase activity in that it was not inhibited by rapamycin. Finally, the expression of a kinase dead Akt was able to partially inhibit the ability of insulin to stimulate this response. In summary, the present results indicate that activation of Akt alone is sufficient to repress the glucocorticoid and cAMP-stimulated increase in PEPCK gene transcription.
Application of the lateral photoeffect to a tracking system

Abstract A tracking system, utilizing the lateral-photoeffect radiation transducer as the error-sensing element, has been built by Sperry Utah Division. Problems encountered in the application of the lateral photoeffect were (1) obtaining a reference for sensing and (2) removing the intensity variations from the error signal. The method developed to overcome the directionsensing problem was to use a sampling technique whereby opposing terminal pairs are alternately short-circuited and used as a reference. The intensity variation problem will be the subject of further investigation, but a possible solution is proposed in this paper.
Reaction mechanisms in OMVPE growth of GaAs determined using D2 labelling experiments

The emergence of organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) as a viable commercial growth technique for III/V semiconductors has prompted renewed interest in understanding the basic growth chemistry. To date, the reactions occurring during the OMVPE growth of GaAs using TMGa and ASH3 are not fully understood. Efforts to improve the technique, including the search for new and better source materials, are dependent on obtaining a more detailed understanding of the growth kinetics.
Ab initio calculations predicting the existence of an oxidized calcium dihydrogen complex to store molecular hydrogen in densities up to 100 g/L

We propose a system that can store molecular hydrogen in densities up to $\ensuremath{\sim}100\text{ }\text{g}/\text{L}$. Our ab initio calculations predict the existence of an oxidized calcium dihydrogen complex, which holds up to eight ${\text{H}}_{2}$, i.e., $\text{Ca}(\text{ion}){({\text{H}}_{2})}_{8}$. The dihydrogen binding to the Ca is via a weak electron-donation mechanism from the occupied ${\text{H}}_{2}$ $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ orbital to the unoccupied, but bound, $\text{Ca}\text{ }3d$ orbitals. Because of the high concentration of the hydrogen in such complexes, even in calcium-intercalated pillared graphite, one can obtain reversible hydrogen storage denser than that of liquid hydrogen, 70 g/L.
Biopsy needle tract cauterization using an embedded array of piezoceramic microheaters

This paper presents the use of an array of piezoceramic microheaters embedded in a biopsy needle for tract cauterization. Circular PZT-5A heaters of 200 µm diameter and 70–80 µm thickness are embedded in the wall of a 20-gauge stainless steel needle. Finite element modeling suggests that a PZT array with no gap between the elements to be the most suitable design. The temperature profile generated is measured at two resonance modes: the radial mode (10.3 MHz) and the thickness mode (22.3 MHz). The needle surface exceeds the minimum target temperature rise of 33°C for applied voltages of 17 V RMS and 14 VRMS for radial and thickness mode, respectively. The corresponding input powers are 236 mW and 325 mW, respectively. The tissue cauterization extends 1–1.25 mm beyond the perimeter of needle.
An investigation of the rank transform in the multivariate one- sample location problem

In the multivariate one-sample location problem, the size of Hotelling's T 2 test fluctuates widely from nominal alpha as the distributions deviate from multinormality due to skewness or the distributions have tails heavier than multinormal distributions. For skewed distributions, several modifications of Hotelling's T 2 are available to adjust for skewness. In this paper for symmetric distributions, a test statistic based on the signed ranks of the data is discussed and investigated. The proposed test statistic is obtained by computing Hotelling's T 2 statistic as a function of the signed ranks and is equivalent to a statistic of Puri and Sen (1971). An approximation to its null distribution is derived by moment matching criterion. Monte Carlo results are presented to compare several test statistics. For various multidimensional distributions the Monte Carlo results indicate the robustness of the proposed statistics. For bivariate normal, uniform and Cauchy distributions, the results of a power compariso...
Development of real-time PCR assays for the quantitative detection of Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, comparison of TaqMan probes, and molecular beacons

Human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause serious complications in immunocompromised patients. Rapid diagnosis of EBV and CMV infection is critical in the management of the disease so that anti-viral therapy can be started early. Here we describe the development of real-time PCR assays using TaqMan probes and molecular beacons and compare the performance of both assays with a well-established, validated, gel-based PCR method for the quantification of EBV and CMV in patients' samples. The TaqMan and molecular beacon assays were linear between 10 to 107 viral genomes/reaction. Both assays generated calibration curves with strong correlation and low intra-assay and interassay variation. Results of EBV and CMV viral load determination inpatient samples obtained by the gel-based and real-time PCR were very similar. The real-time PCR assays showed increases in viral load before clinical measures of viral disease and decreases in viral load during anti-viral therapy in two of six pediatric patients. The data indicate that these TaqMan and molecular beacon approaches are accurate, rapid, and reliable assays for the diagnosis and monitoring of EBV and CMV infections in patients.
Bioengineered SDF-1a Analogue Delivered as an Angiogenic Therapy Significantly Normalizes Elastic and Viscoelastic Material Properties of Infarcted Cardiac Muscle

Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and coronary heart disease causes 1 of every 6 deaths in the United States [1]. Following a myocardial infarction, scar tissue gradually replaces myocardium that is lost through a process of collagen deposition and an increase in tensile strength of the tissue [2]. This leads to infarct expansion, adverse ventricular remodeling and dysfunction, and ultimately heart failure. Dilation of the left ventricle (LV) leads to increased LV wall stress and is ultimately responsible for adverse ventricular remodeling. LV dilation causes stretching and thereby increased wall stress, prohibiting cardiomyocytes from effectively contracting, which leads to further dilation, and ultimately a decrease in cardiac pump efficiency [3]. Previously, it has been shown that using a tissue filler to modify the material properties of an infarct limits the process of ventricular remodeling [4]. Angiogenesis is another mechanism by which adverse ventricular remodeling can be limited. Previously, our group developed engineered stromal cell-derived factor-1α (ESA), a computationally designed analog of an established endothelial progenitor cell chemokine, SDF-1α, and demonstrated that ESA injection enhances LV function by promoting angiogenesis and retains the native properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) [5] [6]. In this study, we propose that injection of ESA to infarcted cardiac muscle improves the tensile strength and viscoelastic properties of ventricular muscle.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Anorexia nervosa as a case of complex instrumental conditioning.

Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) can be considered a result of complex instrumental conditioning. It is postulated that in healthy nonsatiated individuals, the sight and smell of the preferred food, acting as a conditioned stimulus (food CS), activates a memory pattern of associations “eating-desirable sensory input” (approach pattern). This leads to the instrumental reaction of eating which is reinforced by sensory satisfaction. In victims of AN, in addition to the approach pattern the food CS activates another pattern of associations consisting of such components as “eating-obesity-failure” and “noneating—thinness—success” (avoidance pattern). The establishment of the avoidance pattern depends on such factors as social preferences and pressures to be slim, inborn dispositions, and personal psychological problems. If the activation of the avoidance pattern prevails over the activation of the approach pattern, the individual refrains from eating. The refusal to eat is here an instrumental avoidance reaction; its performance is reinforced by satisfaction derived from successful self-control and losing weight. A prolonged activation of the avoidance pattern leads to malnutrition and ultimately to death. In cases in which the approach pattern and the avoidance pattern are frequently activated simultaneously to the same degree, a neural conflict may develop. In a variation called “bulimia nervosa”, an activation of the approach pattern alternates with the activation of the avoidance pattern. First, overeating takes place; it is reinforced by oral-gastric satisfaction. Then, the avoidance reaction of self-induced vomiting or purging follows; it is reinforced by satisfaction derived from preventing weight gain.
Generic nonsinusoidal phase error correction for 3D shape measurement using a digital video projector

Structured light system using a digital video projector is increasingly used for a 3-D shape measurement because of its digital nature. However, the nonlinear gamma of the projector causes the projected fringe patterns to be non-sinusoidal, which results in phase error therefore shape measurement error. Previous work showed that, by using a small look-up-table (LUT), this type of phase error can be reduced significantly for a three-step phase-shifting algorithm. In this research, we prove that this type of phase error compensation method is not limited to a three-step phase-shifting algorithm. It is generic for any phase-shifting algorithm. The phase error compensation algorithm is able to theoretically eliminate the phase error caused by the gamma of the projector completely. It is based on our finding that in phase domain, the phase error due to the projector's gamma is preserved for arbitrary object's surface reflectivity under arbitrary ambient light condition. The phase error can be pre-calibrated and stored into a LUT for phase error reduction. In this research, we captured a set of fringe images of a uniform flat surface board for such a calibration. The phase error of the flat board is analyzed and stored in a LUT for phase error compensation. Our experimental results show that by using this method, the measurement error can be reduced by at least 13 times for any phase-shifting algorithm.
Longitudinal Links between Contextual Risks, Parenting, and Youth Outcomes in Rural African American Families

Longitudinal links between contextual risks, parenting processes, youth self-regulation, academic achievement, and conduct problems were explored in young adolescents. Data were gathered across 4years from 139 rural, African American, single mother-headed families with young adolescents (mean age =11 years at recruitment). Structural equation modeling indicated that accumulated risks were associated with lower levels of the competence-promoting parenting practices that were linked indirectly with youth outcomes via youth self-regulation. A combination of parent and youth variables appears to foster a link that encourages academic achievement and discourages conduct problems during early adolescence. Parental involvement, support, and vigilance and youths' development of self-regulation appear to enhance development among rural African American youths growing up in challenging circumstances. When Wave 1 academic achievement and conduct problems were controlled, all paths in the model remained significant t...
FOSTER CARE. Johnson, J. L., & Grant, G. J. (Eds.). (2005). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. 116 pp., $16.00, pb. ISBN 0-205-38950-3

Editors Jerry Johnson and George Grant, Jr. attempt to give voice to those in foster care in the Allyn and Bacon Casebook Series Foster Care. This book, directed at those beginning practice in the ...
Centrifugal Inertia Effects in Two-Phase Face Seal Films

A simplified, semianalytical model has been developed to analyze the effect of centrifugal inertia in two-phase face seals. The model is based on the assumption of isothermal flow through the seal, but at an elevated temperature, and takes into account heat transfer and boiling. Using this model, seal performance curves are obtained with water as the working fluid. It is shown that the centrifugal inertia of the fluid reduces the load-carrying capacity dramatically at high speeds and that operational instability exists under certain conditions. While an all-liquid seal may be starved at speeds higher than a 'critical' value, leakage always occurs under boiling conditions.
A model study of kBH−1 for vegetated surfaces using ‘localized near-field’ Lagrangian theory

Abstract Models of energy and mass exchange between vegetation canopies and the atmosphere usually include some formulation of the bulk boundary layer resistance ( R b or the related parameter kB −1 ) to describe the effects of molecular diffusion occurring near the leaf and soil surfaces. Present formulations of kB −1 are either empirical expressions or are physically based models derived from a K-theory approach. However, K-theory does not describe the observed counter gradient flow within canopies and the empirical expressions usually lump both canopy and soil effects into a single surface resistance (single source approach). For areas of partial canopy cover, single source formulations have been difficult to formulate with any certainty and often do not agree with observations. This study uses ‘localized near-field’ (LNF) Lagrangian theory to develop a model of kB −1 (for heat transfer) for the vegetation component of a dual source model and for the combined effects of canopy and soil in a single source approach. The present model also uses a physically based, one-dimensional, analytical model to describe the influence of canopy structure and density upon the within-canopy far field diffusivity and Lagrangian time scale which are central to the LNF Lagrangian theory. The canopy turbulence model is designed for arbitrary foliage structure and density and kB −1 is defined in terms of heat and momentum fluxes rather than the more conventional logarithm of the ratio of the momentum and thermal roughness lengths. The resulting kB −1 model is used for sensitivity studies of kB −1 for canopies only (i.e. no soil contribution) and for the coupled canopy–soil system (i.e. a single source model). Results indicate that foliage density (Drag Area Index or Leaf Area Index), wind speed, leaf size, possible sheltering effects, and, to a lesser extent, the vertical foliage distribution and the vertical variation of the temperature difference between the foliage and the near-leaf air space can influence kB −1 . For the single source model the soil boundary layer resistance was found to be significant for areas of partial canopy cover. In spite of the relative complexity of the full LNF model of kB −1 , a simple expression that varies smoothly between bare soil and full canopy cover is developed that captures much of the modeled and observed variation in kB −1 for the single source approach.
PATHOGENESIS OF PARAINFLUENZA VIRUS (PV)-INDUCED CROUP: ROLE OF DEFICIENT REGULATION OF CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE RESPONSE AND IGE PRODUCTION

We studied children with croup (C) or upper respiratory illness (URI) alone due to PV to determine if abnormalities of immune regulation play a role in the pathogenesis of C. The presence of PV-specific IgE in nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS) was determined by an ELISA test. Whole blood lymphocyte transformation (LTF) responses to PV antigen were determined in vitro, and histamine was added to LTF assays in order to determine the degree of suppression of PV-specific LTF responses. As expected, patients with C had significantly greater titers of PV-specific IgE in NPS than patients with URI alone (mean titer = 4.2 ± 1 vs. 1.6 ± 1, p<0.05). LTF responses to PV antigen were also greater in patients with C than in patients with URI (mean stimulation index = 3.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.6 ± 0.4, p<0.01). The addition of histamine at 10−8 and 10−6 M to LTF assays resulted in a 70% suppression of the LTF response at each histamine concentration in URI patients, but only in a 36% and 40% suppression, respectively, in C patients (p<0.05). For the entire study group, the magnitude of histamine-induced suppression was inversely correlated with the peak titer of PV-IgE produced (p<0.01). Reduced function of a suppressor cell regulating both IgE production and lymphoproliferative responses to PV antigen may underlie the pathogenesis of PV-induced croup, and links this disease to bronchiolitis and to atopic disease states.
Genetic relatedness among dsRNAs from different isolates of Discula destructiva

The genetic relationships among double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) from 76 isolates ofDiscula destructiva obtained from different geographic locations from New York to Alabama were studied by dot-blot hybridization. The dsRNA segments, identified by agarose gel electrophoresis, varied in size and number. Probes were constructed from total dsRNA from six isolates with different dsRNA profiles and of different geographic origins. Each probe hybridized with dsRNA from ca. 62% of the isolates under the high-stringency washing conditions used. No major differences in the percentage of the total isolates that hybridized with each probe were observed. These results suggest a recent common origin of these isolates ofD. destructiva.
Supervisee Countertransference: A Holistic Supervision Approach

Countertransference (CT) has been recognized as a significant variable in the process and outcome of therapy and counseling for over 100 years. A review of the literature suggests that little attention has been devoted to strategies that supervisors can use to address CT in supervision with novice counselors. Informed by models of CT proposed by Ladany, Friedlander, and Nelson (2005) and Van Wagoner, Gelso, Hayes, and Diemer (1991), this article provides counselor educators and field placement supervisors with a reflective strategy for the holistic supervision of CT.
Anticorrelated discrete-time stochastic simulation

We provide the first known rigorous theoretical analysis of previously published anticorrelated variance reduction techniques for tau-leaping systems. These algorithms provide a way to reduce the expected MSE of mean estimators by introducing local negative correlation between Monte Carlo sample paths. We prove a recursive equation governing the evolution of these covariances in both the nonlinear and linear cases. Further, we prove sufficient algebraic conditions for variance reduction in the linear rates case that require no stochastic simulation. Finally, we present an example system to illustrate both the application of these tests and to demonstrate their effectiveness.
How Evangelicals from Two Churches in the American Southwest Frame Their Relationship with the Environment

In this article, we analyze the ways in which Evangelicals frame a rhetoric of environmental concern and environmental apathy, with a larger focus on the latter. Heeding calls to further explore within-Evangelical differences, we compare environmental narratives of 20 leaders and laity of a predominantly white Southern Baptist congregation and 20 leaders and laity from an African American Baptist church, both located in a Southwestern American city. We find, especially on the topic of climate change, that most Evangelicals in our study readily evince environmental apathy, which we explore in depth. In particular, we find a belief in a rigid hierarchy of God, humans, and then the environment; a belief in the sovereignty of God; and evangelical eschatological beliefs help generate narratives of environmental apathy. There are different environmental narratives, between the two congregations, that are framed in terms of political affiliation and socioeconomic status. But we find little evidence to suggest that religious beliefs foster different environmental attitudes across the two congregations. We conclude with future research directions and implications for those who wish to foster environmental concern among Evangelicals.
Reifying social movement trajectories

In this paper we describe the development of a novel paper-digital interface for recording movement trajectories, designed to assist ethnographers and ethologists in analysis of social movement. While we focus on development of a system to aid analysis of elephant movement, the resulting interaction techniques and facilities are quite general. The paper highlights how our design evolved to balance the goals of researchers, their current practices, and the challenges of integrating the relatively unconstrained world of pen and paper with the relatively constrained world of digital systems.
Lange's Folds: A Meaningful Ocular Artifact

Lange's fold is a postmortem artifact seen in enucleated eyes of infants and young humans. We also demonstrate its presence in young monkey eyes obtained at autopsy, but did not find it in the eyes of fetal monkeys removed by cesarean section and immediately preserved by freezing. The artifact is thought to occur in autopsy eyes due to the vitreous base and posterior lens zonules exerting traction upon the periphery of the retina. In the eyes of older humans the peripheral retina is firmly bound down to the subjacent retinal pigment epithelium following the loss of peripheral photoreceptors, and thus, Lange's fold cannot develop. Peripheral cystoid retinal degeneration was also noted in early infancy, became more prevalent with age, and was almost always noted by age 8 years.
The art of microRNA: various strategies leading to gene silencing via an ancient pathway.

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs), an endogenous type of small RNAs of ∼ 22 nucleotides (nt), have long resided in the cells of plants and animals including humans, constituting an ancient pathway of gene regulation in eukaryotes. They have a simple structure in their mature form but carry enormous information that may regulate up to 90% of the human transcriptome. Furthermore, the multi-facets of a miRNA are tightly associated with diverse cellular proteins that make it broadly connected to various physiological and pathological processes. This review aims to examine miRNAs briefly from their biogenesis to their general functions with an emphasis on working mechanisms in regulation of their target mRNAs.
Life After HIV: Examination of HIV Serodiscordant Couples’ Desire to Conceive Through Assisted Reproduction

The current study addresses fertility desires and considerations among 143 HIV serodiscordant, opposite-sex couples (in which only the male partner is HIV positive) in the Northeastern U.S. Couples responded to questionnaires during their initial consultation for assisted reproduction, and data were collected over 7 years and analyzed retrospectively. Results indicated that a majority of the male participants had HIV when they met their partner, and a majority also disclosed their HIV status upon meeting. Most couples reported that they had previously discussed or considered a host of fertility-related issues, including the potential risk of HIV infection to the mother and the fetus during the process of fertility treatment. The majority of couples had also discussed the possibility that the male partner could die prematurely due to HIV/AIDS and had considered making arrangements for third-party parenting in the event of the male partner’s death. If their fertility treatment were to be successful in the future, most couples desired additional children, and most believed that their future child should be told of the male partner’s HIV status. Predictors of the desire for additional children after successful fertility treatment included: younger age, shorter relationship duration, being childless currently, and beginning their relationship after the male partner had already been diagnosed as HIV positive. Future research on fertility desires should include perspectives of HIV positive men on fatherhood, as well as concerns and issues specific to HIV serodiscordant couples.
Irrigation magnifies CAM-photosynthesis in Opuntia basilaris (Cactaceae)

Measurements of acid metabolism and gas exchange were carried out four times during a year to assess the relative importance of temperature and the accompanying seasonal change to the carbon metabolism of Opuntia basilaris Engelm. & Bigel. plants growing in situ under irrigated and natural (control) conditions. Our experiments showed that this cactus did not change its pattern of carbon assimilation when continuously irrigated under field conditions. Non-irrigated cacti had maximum acid accumulation after periods of precipitation. Maximum acid accumulation in irrigated cacti occurred when there was a large difference between day/night temperatures (i.e., 16°C), and when nighttime temperatures were moderate (14C). Irrigated cacti had greater duration of stomatal opening and lower resistance to 14CO2 uptake. When temperatures were low, daytime stomatal resistance to 14CO2 uptake decreased (to 20-40 s cm-1), but never to the level of the nocturnal resistances (5-10 s cm-1). During periods of drought, nonirrigated cycti changed to a pattern in which organic acids fluctuated. Irrigated cacti continued to have 14CO2 uptake when nighttime temperatures were as high as 33°C. 13C/12C isotope composition ratios, determined after two years of irrigation, were near -12‰ in irrigated and non-irrigated plants. Therefore, under conditions of continual irrigation, seasonal and temperature changes affected the degree of dark CO2 fixation and acid metabolism, but these cacti did not change from CAM to CO2 fixation in the light.
Antiabortifacient action of dibenzyloxyindanpropionic acid in mice

DIPA [5,6-bis(dibenzyloxy)-1-oxo-2-propyl-2-indanpropionic acid] was evaluated for its antiabortifacient action in mice. PGF2 alpha administered intramuscularly twice daily at 525 micrograms/kg per dose starting on day-17 of gestation resulted in premature delivery (prior to day-19 of gestation) in 55% of the animals. This constituted an ED50 abortifacient dosage schedule of PGF2 alpha. Intramuscular administration of DIPA at a dose of 50 mg/kg twice daily, starting on day-15 of gestation, protected the mice against the premature delivery induced by the ED50 dosage schedule of PGF2 alpha in that only 20% of the animals delivered prematurely. In saline-treated controls, none of the animals delivered prior to day-19 of gestation. Thus, DIPA appears to be an effective antiabortifacient agent.
History of and in Sociology

Epochal synthesis, retrospective ethnography, and critical comparison identify three distinct ways of thinking about history–sociology relations. Epochal synthesis has lost the favor it enjoyed 40 years ago, but is likely to revive with the rising prevalence of evolutionary explanations for social affairs. Retrospective ethnography requires an ability to reconstruct actors’ dispositions from the historical record, never an easy task. Critical comparison opens the way to specification of causal mechanisms and processes without reconstruction of dispositions. Retrospective ethnography and critical comparison will compete for historical sociologists’ attention for some time to come.
Perioperative coagulopathy in patients undergoing primary cytoreduction

Background. This study was performed to determine the frequency of a perioperative coagulopathy in patients undergoing primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer or carcinoma of the peritoneum and to identify variables that might predict this phenomenon. Methods. A retrospective review of 90 patients undergoing primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer or carcinoma of the peritoneum was performed at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Univariate analysis was performed to test the relationship between 15 variables and coagulopathy status. Results. Six patients (6.7%) developed a perioperative coagulopathy that was unrelated to preoperative subcutaneous heparin or dilution. Coagulation disturbances developed intraoperatively before packed erythrocyte replacement equivalent to one blood volume. Four patients (4.4%) required a repeat laparotomy due to continued postoperative bleeding unresponsive to blood component replacement. Vascular pedicles were not the cause of bleeding in any patient. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between perioperative coagulopathy and the following variables: ascites volume (P = 0.009), estimated blood loss (P = 0.002), preoperative serum albumin less than 3.5 g/dl (P < 0.0001), and metastasis greater than 10 cm (P = 0.033). Conclusions. Patients undergoing primary cytoreduction who have ascites, preoperative serum albumin less than 3.5 g/dl, or metastases greater than 10 cm may be at increased risk for development of a perioperative coagulopathy.
Modeling biological circuits with urn functions

Motivated to understand the role of randomness in biological computation, we study a class of urn models that are characterized by urn functions. At each step, one ball is randomly sampled according to an urn function and replaced with a different colored ball. This process is repeated until the urn contains a single color, at which point the process halts. Such an urn can be thought of as a random switch; depending on the initial ball colors and the urn function, the urn population has some probability of converging to any of the initial ball colors. We find that these probabilities have surprisingly simple closed-form solutions and also derive expressions for the switching time. We demonstrate the application of such urn models to biological systems by deriving the urn function for the genetic network controlling the lysis-lysogeny decision in the Lambda phage virus. By applying our results to this system, we then derive an intriguing hypothesis on the role of dimers in genetic switches. Many open questions exist on further generalizations of such urn models and their applications to the understanding of randomness and biological computation.
Assessment of a Piping System Subjected to Thermal Stratification and Thermal Striping

Piping systems in nuclear power plants are often designed for pressure and mechanical loadings (including seismic loads) and operating thermal transients. In the last few decades a number of failures have occurred due to thermal stratification caused by the mixing of hot and cold fluids under certain low flow conditions. Such stratified temperature fluid profiles give rise to circumferential metal temperature gradients through the pipe leading to high stresses causing fatigue damage. In this work, thermal stresses due to such temperature gradients have been calculated using a finite element method. The peak stresses calculated by this method has been used for fatigue evaluation. In addition the stresses due to thermal striping associated with stratification have also been independently assessed for high cycle fatigue. The method outlined in this paper is a simplified conservative procedure to obtain stratification stresses.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Public vs. private: comparing public social network information with email

The goal of this research is to facilitate the design of systems which will mine and use sociocentric social networks without infringing privacy. We describe an extensive experiment we conducted within our organization comparing social network information gathered from various intranet public sources with social network information gathered from a private source - the organizational email system. We also report the conclusions of a series of interviews we conducted based on our experiment. The results shed light on the richness of public social network information, its characteristics, and added value over email network information.
Interaction of tritium-labeled H2DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyano-1,2,diphenyl ethane-2,2'disulfonic acid) with the Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cell.

The experiments reported in this paper were undertaken to explore the interaction of tritiated H2DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyano-1,2,diphenyl ethane-2,2′-disulfonic acid) with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Addition of (3H)H2DIDS to tumor cell suspension at 21°C, pH 7.3, resulted in: (i) rapid reversible binding which increased with time and (ii) inhibition of sulfate transport. Tightly bound H2DIDS, i.e., reagent not removed by cell washing, also increased with time. Binding of 0.02 nmol H2DIDS/mg dry mass or less did not affect sulfate transport, but, at greater than 0.02 nmol and up to 0.15 nmol the relationship between tight binding and inhibition of transport is linear. The fact that H2DIDS could bind to the cell and yet not affect anion transport suggests that binding sites exist unrelated to those concerned with the regulation of anion permeability. Support for this is the observation that H2DIDS is spontaneously released from cells even after extensive washings by a temperature-sensitive process. The most important source of released H2DIDS is the cell surface coat which labels rapidly (within 1 min) and is then spontaneously released into the medium. A second source is derived from H2DIDS that slowly entered the cells. Consequently, at least four modes of interaction exist between H2DIDS and ascites tumor cells. These include both reversible and irreversible binding to membrane components which regulate anion permeability, irreversible binding to cell surface proteins or glycocalyx, and finally incorporation of H2DIDS into the intracellular phase.
'ĀLIM AND MUJĀHID IN EGYPT: ORTHODOXY VERSUS SUBCULTURE, OR DIVISION OF LABOR?

Ou situer le centre de l'orthodoxie islamique? A l'universite d'al-Azhar et chez les ulemas, ou bien chez les " mujahiddin "? - Tanzim Faraj et les evenements de 1981 : la revolution islamique. - Le " Mujahid " : fondement et niveau d'activite. - Une tradition et une sous-culture. - Les Ulemas : politique, orthodoxie et Gihad. Cette analyse historique aide a situer la cause de la violente mobilisation des peuples musulmans
An investigation of harmonic generation in liquid media with a mid-infrared laser.

Abstract: We present a harmonic generation experiment using liquid H2O and D2O interrogated by a mid-infrared, 3.66 μm, laser at a maximum intensity of 8x1013 W/cm2. The unique aspects of the experiment include the long wavelength and short (9 cycle-110 fs) pulse duration of the laser as well as the near-resonant excitation of the H2O and D2O vibrational modes. We observe up to the 13th harmonic order in H2O and intensity scaling is consistent with a direct perturbative process up to the 9th harmonic order. Phase matching and resonant absorption are unable to account for the observed differences in harmonic yields between samples.
Health System Reform: Forward or Backward With Quality Oversight?

IN HIS September 22,1993, health system reform speech to the nation, President Clinton stated: "If we reformed everything else in health care, but failed to preserve and enhance the high quality of our medical care, we will have taken a step backward, not forward." The Health Security Act that the president actually submitted to Congress, however, largely dismantles the system that has evolved for external oversight of the quality of health care in the United States without putting in its place an adequate alternative means to assure health care quality. The most popular congressional alternatives to the Clinton plan give even less attention to quality issues. Indeed, health system reform threatens to take us backward rather than forward with respect to external quality oversight. The field of health care quality oversight has long been characterized by a certain faddishness. Ideologies, methodologies, and programs have come and gone with astonishing rapidity,
Coordination of Pricing and Multiple-Period Production Across Multiple Constant Priced Goods

This paper addresses the problem of jointly determining prices and production schedules for a set of items that are produced on the same production equipment. Under the assumptions that the production setup costs are negligible and that demand is seasonal but price dependent, we exploit the special structure of the problem to develop a solution procedure. Through a set of numerical examples, we demonstrate how a product's contribution to aggregate seasonality can increase its optimal price. Our examples also demonstrate that, among products that experience demand peaks during the firm's busy season, those that peak early in the busy season should be priced more aggressively than those that peak later.
Induction of apoptosis by chemotherapeutic drugs without generation of reactive oxygen species.

Studies in a variety of cell types have suggested that cancer chemotherapy drugs induce tumor cell apoptosis in part by inducing formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using human B lymphoma cells as the targets, we have found that apoptosis can be induced in the absence of any detectable oxidative stress. Apoptosis was induced with the chemotherapy drugs VP-16 and cisplatin. To determine whether oxidants are formed as part of the drug-induced apoptotic process, intracellular markers of oxidative stress were examined. These included measurement of (1) protein carbonyl groups by Western blot immunoassay, (2) protein methionine sulfoxide residues by amino acid analysis, (3) protein sulfhydryl oxidation by Western blot immunoassay, (4) F2-isoprostanes by GC/MS, and (5) intracellular ROS production using the oxidant-sensitive dyes DCFDA and dihydrorhodamine 123. Apoptosis was quantified using fluorescence microscopy to assess nuclear morphology. The results show that VP-16 and cisplatin induce extensive apoptosis in the absence of any detectable protein or lipid oxidation, measured in both the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments of the cell. In contrast, H2O2, which kills the cells by nonapoptotic pathways, caused increases in both protein and lipid oxidation. Three different antioxidant compounds (N-acetyl cysteine, Tempol, and MnTBAP) failed to inhibit VP-16-induced apoptosis, while inhibiting H2O2-induced cell death. Only N-acetyl cysteine inhibited cisplatin-induced cell death and this is attributed to its known ability to react directly with and inactivate cisplatin before it enters the cell. The results demonstrate that, at least in B lymphoma cells, chemotherapy-induced apoptosis occurs using a mechanism that does not involve oxidants.
Depopulated vena caval homograft: a new venous conduit.

Abstract Objective Completion of the Fontan procedure is frequently performed by using an extracardiac conduit between the inferior vena cava and the pulmonary artery. Most centers use a polytetrafluoroethylene graft for the extracardiac conduit, and because re-endothelialization is unlikely, anticoagulation is used for a variable period. This study explores the use of an alternate large-caliber venous conduit. Methods The superior vena cava was replaced in 8 minipigs with either a polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft (2 pigs) or a depopulated (acellular), cryopreserved superior vena caval homograft (6 pigs). After 6 months, the animals were killed, and the grafts were examined for patency and histology, including immunostaining. No anticoagulation was used. Results Polytetrafluoroethylene grafts have a cross-sectional luminal narrowing, ranging from 16% to 40%. Histology showed only partial intimal ingrowth, with excessive subendothelial fibrosis and early calcification. In contrast, the depopulated venous homografts showed minimal luminal narrowing, ranging from 2% to 9%. These grafts were completely repopulated by the recipient with an endothelial lining, which stained positively for factor VIII, and a subendothelial region appropriately recellularized by myofibroblasts, which stained positively for smooth muscle actin and procollagen. There was no evidence of an immune response to the venous homografts, as judged by staining for T-cell surface antigen, CD4, and CD8. Thrombus was not seen in any of the grafts. Conclusion Depopulated, cryopreserved vena caval homografts might be superior conduits for cavopulmonary connection during completion of the Fontan operation by using the extracardiac conduit technique.