cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Starbursts: Lessons for the Origin and Evolution of Galaxies and the Inter-Galactic Medium

Starbursts are episodes of intense star-formation that occur in the central regions of galaxies, and dominate the integrated emission from the galaxy. They are a significant component of the present- day universe, being the site of $\sim$ 25% of the high-mass star- formation. They offer unique `laboratories' for testing our ideas about star-formation, the evolution of high-mass stars, and the physics of the interstellar medium. They serve as local analogs of the processes that were important in the origin and early evolution of galaxies and in the heating and chemical enrichment of the inter-galactic medium. In this contribution I review starbursts from this broad cosmogonical perspective, stressing several key lessons we have learned from starbursts: 1) Violent, transient events play a significant role in the origin and evolution of galaxies. 2) Galaxies do not evolve as `Island Universes': starbursts are triggered by galaxy interactions and produce outflows of hot chemically-enriched gas that `pollute' the inter- galactic medium. 3) Dust dramatically affects of view of high-mass star-formation in starbursts and (probably) in high-redshift galaxies. Throughout this review I emphasize the importance of space-based observations in understanding starbursts.
La Filología Polaca en las universidades de los Estados Unidos: un siglo de investigación y docencia

espanolEl articulo analiza brevemente el estado de los estudios de la lengua y de la literatura polacas en las universidades en los Estados Unidos. EnglishThe paper examines briefly the state of American Polonistics.
Aconitase Functions as a Pleiotropic Posttranscriptional Regulator in Helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT Posttranscriptional regulation in bacteria has increasingly become recognized as playing a major role in response to environmental stimuli. Aconitase is a bifunctional protein that not only acts enzymatically but also can be a posttranscriptional regulator. To investigate protein expression regulated by Helicobacter pylori AcnB in response to oxidative stress, a global proteomics study was conducted wherein the Δ acnB strain was compared to the parent strain when both strains were O 2 stressed. Many proteins, including some involved in urease activity, in combating oxidative stress, and in motility, were expressed at a significantly lower level in the Δ acnB strain. A bioinformatics prediction tool was used to identify putative targets for aconitase-mediated regulation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that apo-AcnB is able to bind to RNA transcripts of hpn (encoding a nickel-sequestering protein), ahpC (encoding alkyl hydroperoxide reductase), and flgR (encoding flagellum response regulator). Compared to the wild type (WT), the Δ acnB strain had decreased activities of the nickel-containing enzymes urease and hydrogenase, and this could be correlated with lower total nickel levels within Δ acnB cells. Binding of apo-AcnB to the hpn 5′ untranslated region (UTR) may inhibit the expression of Hpn. In agreement with the finding that AcnB regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins such as AhpC, Δ acnB cells displayed oxidative-stress-sensitive phenotypes. The Δ acnB strain has a lesser motility ability than the WT strain, which can likely be explained by the functions of AcnB on the FlgRS-RpoN-FlgE regulatory cascade. Collectively, our results suggest a global role for aconitase as a posttranscriptional regulator in this gastric pathogen. IMPORTANCE Bacterial survival depends on the ability of the cell to sense and respond to a variety of environmental changes. For Helicobacter pylori, responding to environmental stimuli within the gastric niche is essential for persistence and host colonization. However, there is much to be learned about the regulatory mechanisms that H. pylori employs to orchestrate its response to different stimuli. In this study, we explore the role of aconitase, a bifunctional protein that has been found to act as a posttranscriptional regulator in several other bacteria. Our results shed light on the magnitude of aconitase-mediated regulation in H. pylori, and we propose that aconitase acts as a global regulator of key genes involved in virulence.
A review on properties of abrasive grits and grit selection

Although abrasive machining is among the oldest manufacturing principles, it is still essential for today's industry. Abrasive tool quality is significantly affected by the quality of the contained abrasive grits. This paper gives an overview on the most important grit properties for grinding tools with regard to tool performance and manufacture. These properties include grit size, shape, and toughness. Relevant techniques for grit sorting and analysis (sieving, sedimentation, shape sorting, friability testing, etc.) are presented and compared with regard to the controlled grit properties. Grit quality remains an important criterion for tool performance. More transparency in grit sorting techniques and quality indicators for abrasive grits can help many stakeholders: grit producers, tool manufacturers, and tool users. Moreover, recycling of used grinding tools might become a future market.
Midlatitude electron and ion temperatures at sunspot minimum

Abstract Midlatitude F -region electron temperature profiles, determined by ground-based radar methods, indicate a positive gradient at all altitudes up to at least 700 km at sunspot minimum. This is not in accord with current theoretical ideas on the problem of the thermal balance in the ionosphere. According to these ideas the electron temperature should be almost isothermal above 300 km altitude because of the absence of significant heat input at these altitudes and the high thermal conductivity of the electron gas. Thus the results suggest the existence of heat sources above the ionosphere. The diurnal and seasonal variations of the electron temperature and the gradient at 500 km altitude are consistent with a model of photoelectron escape into the protonosphere which gives rise to this heating. Previous theoretical estimates put the energy deposited above 500 km by this means at 10 9 eV/cm 2 /sec. The experimental results imply, in winter, a flux of ~6 × 10 9 eV/cm 2 /sec and it is presumed that the theoretical value is too low because the number of escaping particles has been under-estimated.
Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema with normal BNP: the value of repeat BNP testing ☆ ☆☆

• BNP level can be normal in acute pulmonary edema if the patient present immediately after symptom onset.
Color and Texture Differences in Embedded Target Visual Search Situations

This study provides a direct investigation of embedded target visual search situations. The relationships between measures of visual search performance, peripheral visual acuity and ratings of discriminability were determined. The embedded target displays were constructed using a color and a monochrome texture background. They were used in a rating study, in which the production magnitude rating method was used, and in visual search and peripheral acuity experiments. In the first of these, 28 observers rated the discriminability of five color targets from the color background, and of four black and white targets from the monochrome background. There were two visual search experiments. Five observers searched the color background for the color targets, and six searched the monochrome background for the black and white targets. In both experiments, after practice, there were sixty search trials per observer per target. The extent into the periphery, that the five color targets could be seen when the color d...
Expression of the Ly49A gene in murine natural killer cell clones is predominantly but not exclusively mono-allelic

The Ly49 family of natural killer (NK) cell receptors are major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-specific inhibitory receptors that are distributed to overlapping NK cell subsets. Extending earlier studies of polyclonal NK cell populations, we have employed an analysis of short-term NK cell clones from Ly49A heterozygous mice, to demonstrate that the Ly49A gene is usually expressed from one or the other allele in each Ly49A+ cell. However, we also detected a small percentage of clones that expressed both Ly49A alleles. The possibility that the colonies exhibiting bi-allelic Ly49A gene expression had been inoculated with more than one cell was ruled out by parallel analysis of clones isolated from mixtures of NK cells from Ly49A homozygous mice. The frequency of bi-allelic Ly49A+ clones suggested that the two Ly49A alleles in an NK cell are chosen for expression independently. These data are consistent with the proposal that mono-allelic Ly49A gene expression may arise as a consequence of a stochastic Ly49 gene activation mechanism. Analysis of Ly49A+ clones from MHC-different mice demonstrated that class I-deficient mice harbored a greater number of bi-allelic Ly49A+ cells than did H-2d mice, which express a Ly49A ligand. Although the numbers were insufficiently large for a clear assignment, H-2b mice may harbor an intermediate number of bi-allelic Ly49A+ NK cells. The effects of MHC expression on the prevalence of bi-allelic Ly49A+ cells suggest that an MHC-dependent education process modifies the Ly49 repertoire.
Design of an Adenosine Analogue that Selectively Improves the Affinity of a Mutant U1A Protein for RNA

The RNA recognition motif (RRM), one of the most common RNA binding domains, contains three highly conserved aromatic amino acids that participate in stacking interactions with RNA bases. We have investigated the contribution of these highly conserved aromatic amino acids to the affinity of the complex formed between the N-terminal RRM of the U1A protein and stem loop 2 of U1 snRNA. Previously, we found that substitution of one of these conserved aromatic amino acids, Phe56, with Ala resulted in a large destabilization of the complex. Here, we have modified A6, the base in stem loop 2 RNA that stacks with Phe56, to compensate for a portion of the destabilization caused by the Phe56Ala mutation. We have designed two modified adenosines, A-3CPh and A-4CPh, in which a phenyl group is linked to the adenosine such that it may replace the phenyl group that is eliminated by the Phe56Ala mutation in the complex. We have found that incorporation of A-3CPh into stem loop 2 RNA stabilizes the complex formed with Phe...
Buddy, Can You Spare a Job? Getting a Hospital Library Job in the New Millennia

Abstract Before one can be a hospital librarian, one must get a job. First job seekers are not the only ones in need. Hospital librarians can be victims of downsizing or ready to transition to another position. A spouse may have to relocate. For a myriad of reasons, librarians must work the job market, find a position, apply for that position and go to interviews. The skills needed to successfully meet these challenges have changed over the years. Librarians, who are new to the job market or have been out of the job market for a while, must learn the process to be successful in a job search.
A Scanning X-Ray Microscope Using Synchrotron Radiation

Focused synchrotron radiation collimated by means of a pinhole has been used to construct a scanning x-ray microscope capable of making stereoscopic element-discriminating pictures of relatively thick specimens in an atmospheric environment.
Daily emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate reduced risk for HIV infection in men who have sex with men

Source Citation Grant RM, Lama JR, Anderson PL, et al. Preexposure chemoprophylaxis for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men. N Engl J Med. 2010;363:2578-99. 21091279
The Sexual Harassment of Men?: Exploring the Concept with Theory and Data:

Recently the focus of sexual harassment research on the harassment of women by men has been challenged. Treatments of sexual harassment of men, however, have generally ignored power differentials between the genders. Our analysis predicts that behaviors identified as harassing by men stem from negotiations of gender in the workplace that challenge male dominance, whereas behaviors experienced by women as sexually harassing reinforce female subordinance. Consistent with our predictions, results indicated the following: men are considerably less threatened than women are by behaviors that women have found harassing; men find sexual coercion the most threatening form of harassment; men as well as women sexually harass men; and men identify behaviors as harassing that have not been identified for women. Results also showed signs of backlash among men against organizational measures that address sexual harassment and discrimination against women. Implications for psychological and legal definitions of sexual harassment of men are discussed.
Evaluation of high latitude disturbances with MAGSAT (The importance of the MAGSAT geomagnetic field model)

Studies of Birkeland current systems have been conducted primarily with low altitude satellite magnetometer data whereas electrojet current signatures have been usually analyzed with data from ground-based magnetometer chains. However, the Magsat magnetometer data set allows magnetic disturbances due to both field-aligned and electrojet currents to be examined simultaneously. This is mainly due to Magsat's approximately 400 km altitude, thus providing data closer to the electrojet current system than has been previously available from satellite measurements. Of additional importance are the superior accuracy, both in sensitivity and altitude, of the magnetic field measurements obtained by Magsat and last, but not least, the availability of an accurate magnetic field model of the concurrent epoch (based on the Magsat data set) that allows one to obtain a better baseline than previous models. The aforementioned points are emphasized and both Birkeland and electrojet currents have been analyzed in a case study for November 13, 1979.
A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CARIBBEAN CONTREDANSE

The present essay is based on comparative fieldwork, which is discussed in detail elsewhere; however, here the emphasis is on ethnology rather than ethnography through a critical analysis of the values that inform Caribbean dance behaviors, that is, values that have marked the longevity and pervasiveness of contredanse-derived dancing throughout the Caribbean region. The essay looks at neo-African values concerning the centrality of dance in culture, identity in humane culture, and ancestor reverence, as well as neo-colonial values and the Caribbean colonial experience.
Volatile organic compounds up to C20 emitted from motor vehicles; measurement methods

To understand better the sources of observed differences between on-road vehicle emissions and model estimates, and to evaluate the emission of ozone precursors from motor vehicles, a series of experiments was conducted in the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore, Maryland (18–24 June 1992), and in the Tuscarora Mountain Tunnel, Pennsylvania (2–8 September 1992). Samples were collected using stainless steel canisters (whole air samples, analyzed for C2C12 hydrocarbons), Tenax-TA solid adsorbent cartridges (for semi-volatile hydrocarbons, in the C8C20 range), and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) impregnated cartridges (for carbonyl compounds). The samples were analyzed using high resolution gas chromatographic separation with Fourier transform infrared/mass spectrometric detection (GC/IRD/ MSD) for qualitative identification and with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) for quantitation of hydrocarbons, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for identification and quantitation of carbonyl compounds. A custom-designed database management system was used to handle the large data sets generated by these analyses. From the evaluation of canister and Tenax sample stability upon storage, it was found that hydrocarbons in the C8C12 range seemed to be more stable in the Tenax cartridge than in the canister. The effect of the Nafion® dryer (frequently used for moisture removal prior to cryogenic concentration of the canister samples) was also assessed and it was found to lower the measured concentrations of hydrocarbons collected in the canisters. Comparison of hydrocarbon concentrations found in the Tenax and canister samples allows an assessment of the contribution of semi-volatile hydrocarbons (C10C20 range derived from Tenax data) to the total non-methane hydrocarbons (C2C20, derived from canisters and Tenax data). The results of this study show that hydrocarbons in the range of C10C20 are important components of gas-phase hydrocarbons emitted from heavy-duty diesel vehicles (they account for approximately half of the total gas-phase non-methane hydrocarbon emission rates) and hence that solid adsorbent sampling should be used in addition to canister sampling in measurements of motor vehicle emissions.
Efficient 193 am generation by eighth harmonics of Er/sup 3+/-doped fiber amplifier

We report the narrow-band 193 nm sources using eighth-harmonic generation from the output of an erbium-doped fiber amplifier at 1547 nm. The conversion efficiency from the fundamental, 1547 nm, to 193 nm is 7.0%. To our knowledge, this represents the highest conversion efficiency ever achieved for 193 nm generation by a frequency conversion system.
Inverse Precision Velocity Update for Monopulse Calibration

A critical function of a radar system is to precisely locate moving targets for identification and targeting. The moving target location is determined with respect to the actual boresight of the radar antenna performing the angle measurements. The accuracy of these angle measurements is often limited by bias errors (e.g., radome errors, sum and difference channel isolation and imbalances, and harmonization errors) which are not related to the signal-to-noise ratio of the received radar return. In effect, the bias errors preclude accurate monopulse angle measurement to a target, even if the target is clearly visible by the radar. A new technique is proposed which avoids these limitations, deriving a correction for the electrical boresight of a monopulse antenna mounted on a moving platform. It exploits highly accurate velocity measurements from currently available low-cost INS/GPS systems with carrier phase measurements. The measured velocity coupled with advanced multichannel processing of a monopulse SAR mode provide independent pointing error estimates from many pixels. This patented technique has been named Inverse Precision Velocity Update (or Inverse PVTJ) for monopulse calibration. The angle estimates from a selected set of pixels are weighted and averaged to obtain a precise estimate of the monopulse beam pointing for accurate moving target geolocation.
Physical activity and the incidence of obesity in young African-American women.

Background Obesity occurs more commonly among African-American women than among other racial/ethnic groups, and most weight gain occurs before middle age. Purpose The study prospectively investigated the relationship of vigorous exercise and brisk walking to the incidence of obesity (BMI ≥30) among African-American women aged Methods During 1995–2009 in the Black Women's Health Study, the current authors followed 20,259 African-American women who were aged Results The incidence of obesity decreased with increasing vigorous exercise; the IRR was 0.77 (95% CI=0.69, 0.85) for ≥7 hours/week relative to little or no exercise; the IRRs were reduced both among women with a healthy weight (BMI Conclusions The results suggest that vigorous exercise may reduce the incidence of obesity among young African-American women. Results for brisk walking were inconclusive.
Maintaining the status quo: federal government budget deficits and defensive rent‐seeking

The purpose of the present study is to test the hypothesis alluded to by Tullock, within the context of defensive rent‐seeking efforts developed by others (e.g. McChesney). Here, we test the idea that defensive rent seeking efforts (or rent‐defending) to maintain the status quo augment offensive rent‐seeking (all proxied by real campaign contributions to US House/Senate candidates, 1976‐1992) during federal budgetary climates of deficit‐cutting (budget‐balancing). When a panel estimator is properly used, our econometric evidence confirms our hypothesis. Evidence from a Parks regression technique suggests that total rent‐seeking is positively related to the amount of federal spending, as others have shown, but that rent‐seeking efforts increase when federal budget deficits are reduced, threatening existing spending patterns and rents. Perhaps an unintended consequence of deficit‐reduction efforts, holding government spending constant, is an increase in the size of the rent‐seeking industry.
The effect of petal size manipulation on pollinator/seed-predator mediated female reproductive success of Hibiscus moscheutos

The effects of petal-size manipulations on the behavior of pollinators and pollen/seed predators, and on pollen removal and deposition, were studied in Hibiscus moscheutos (Malvaceae) populations. The ultimate effects on the female reproductive success of flowers, such as fruit set, seed predation rate, and final seed set were also measured. We applied three levels of petal removal (100%, 50%, and 0% size reduction in radius) to flowers in natural populations. Two pollinators (Bombus pennsylvanicus and Ptilothrix bombiformis) ignored flowers without petals, suggesting that pollinators use petals as a visual cue to locate flowers. Consequently, 100% petal removal reduced female reproductive success considerably, mainly through a higher rate of fruit abortion due to failure of pollen deposition on stigmas. No significant differences between the 50% petal removal treatment and uncut control were detected in any components of female success examined. The results, therefore, suggest that differences in petal size have little influence on female reproductive success of Hibiscus flowers at our study site. Final seed set varied considerably depending on the larval densities of two coleopteran seed predators (Althaeus hibisci and Conotrachelus fissunguis). A. hibisci responded to petal size, and a higher density of adults was found in flowers in which petal size had not been reduced. Because Althaeus feed on pollen as adults and no effect of petal size on seed predation was detected, the preference of Althaeus for larger flowers may represent a foraging strategy for adult beetles and may exert counteracting selection pressure on petal size through male reproductive success of flowers.
Increased Tunneling Magnetoresistance Using Normally bcc CoFe Alloy Electrodes Made Amorphous without Glass Forming Additives

Using cross-section transmission electron microscopy we show that films of CoFe alloys, sandwiched between two conventional amorphous materials, are amorphous when less than $\ensuremath{\sim}25--30\text{ }\text{ }\AA{}$ thick. When these amorphous layers are integrated into magnetic tunnel junctions with amorphous alumina tunnel barriers, significantly higher tunneling magnetoresistance is found compared to when these layers are made crystalline (e.g., by heating or by thickening them). We postulate that this is likely due to changes in interfacial bonding at the alumina-CoFe interface. Indeed, x-ray emission spectroscopy shows a significant increase in the Fe, but not the Co, $3d$ density of states at the Fermi energy for thin amorphous CoFe layers.
Feedback stabilization of the nonlinear pendulum under uncertainty: A robustness issue

Abstract We examine the control of a (prototype) nonlinear pendulum under uncertainty in modelling. The uncertainty is sufficiently small and is a function of both state and time. We apply Liapunov's direct method to prove the stability of an equilibrium point. Then, we apply Melnikov's method to introduce a criterion for the control to avoid deforming the actual region of stability of the equilibrium point. We demonstrate the cooperative relationship between the Liapunov and Melnikov methods in assessing stability. Consequently, we propose preserving the size and shape of the region of stability, and preventing the creation of complicated dynamics on its boundary, as indicative of robust control. In essence, robustness of controllers for nonlinear systems must be treated from (nonlocal) dynamical systems viewpoint. A simulation result is given which quantitatively supports the analysis.
Programmed electrical stimulation protocols: variations on a theme.

A series of prospective protocols were designed to determine the yield ratio (true positives vs. false positives = nonclinical) in various patient groups using a variety of programmed electrical stimulation (PES) variables. First, a PES protocol was used in 772 patients. Single, double, and triple extrastimuli were delivered in sequence (leaving each successive extrastimulus just beyond its refractory period before moving to the next extrastimulus) during sinus rhythm and two ventricular paced rates at the RV apex, before moving to the outflow tract and repeating the sequence and then moving on to isoproterenol infusion with the PES sequence repeated at the apex. This protocol met NASPE standards for induction of VT in patients with coronary artery disease and a history of VT, while failing to induce monomorphic VT in any control patient. The best yield ratios combined with the greatest likelihood of inducing clinical tachycardia were achieved with sinus rhythm and three extrastimuli, and pacing at the lower rate and three extrastimuli. Pacing at the faster rate and triple extrastimuli was highly inductive of clinical arrhythmias, but had a low yield ratio due to induction of more nonclinical arrhythmias than other steps. The next protocol was performed in 61 patients with inducible ventricular tachycardia. In each case, the protocol described above was completed at the RV apex, even if tachycardia was also induced at an earlier point in the protocol. This allowed for more accurate yield ratios to be established for each step in the protocol, since each patient was exposed to each of these steps. The results confirmed those of the first protocol described above. The next protocol compared extrastimuli delivered (1) in a straight sequential fashion (each extrastimulus decremented to its refractory period and then left just late enough to capture while the next extrastimulus was added and decremented in a similar fashion); versus (2) the tandem method, in which after reaching refractoriness, each extrastimulus was moved 50 msec beyond the refractory period and then decremented in tandem with the next extrastimulus. Preliminary analysis of this protocol in > 30 subjects indicates no significant difference in the number of clinical or nonclinical arrhythmias induced with these methods, although the tandem method was much more time consuming. We conclude that a simple sequential PES protocol, taken to refractoriness, is efficient and effective, and is not at a disadvantage compared to more complex or cumbersome protocols.
Smoothed functional principal component analysis for testing association of the entire allelic spectrum of genetic variation

Fast and cheaper next-generation sequencing technologies will generate unprecedentedly massive and highly dimensional genetic variation data that allow nearly complete evaluation of genetic variation including both common and rare variants. There are two types of association tests: variant-by-variant test and group test. The variant-by-variant test is designed to test the association of common variants, while the group test is suitable to collectively test the association of multiple rare variants. We propose here a smoothed functional principal component analysis (SFPCA) statistic as a general approach for testing association of the entire allelic spectrum of genetic variation (both common and rare variants), which utilizes the merits of both variant-by-variant analysis and group tests. By intensive simulations, we demonstrate that the SFPCA statistic has the correct type 1 error rates and much higher power than the existing methods to detect association of (1) common variants, (2) rare variants, (3) both common and rare variants and (4) variants with opposite directions of effects. To further evaluate its performance, the SFPCA statistic is applied to ANGPTL4 sequence and six continuous phenotypes data from the Dallas Heart Study as an example for testing association of rare variants and a GWAS of schizophrenia data as an example for testing association of common variants. The results show that the SFPCA statistic has much smaller P-values than many existing statistics in both real data analysis examples.
Strategies for using technology in the teaching of ethics

Particularly with the advent of the World Wide Web, the Internet has become an important tool in education, both in computer science and across the broader curriculum. This paper describes several strategies for integrating the use of the Internet into a course on computing ethics. Those strategies include using the Internet as a research tool, as a discussion medium, and as a publication channel. While some of those strategies have proved highly effective, others---particularly using the Internet for discussion---have been much more problematical. This paper outlines the problems that arise in each of these usage paradigms and describes how the course has evolved in an effort to address the shortcomings.
Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornene by Cp*2Os2Br4 and Related Compounds

The dinuclear complex Cp*2Os2Br4 (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) and related mono(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)osmium compounds are catalysts for the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP...
The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale and Physician Reimbursement Policy

Most physicians are unfamiliar with the details of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) and how changes in the RBRVS influence Medicare and private reimbursement rates. Physicians in a wide variety of settings may benefit from understanding the RBRVS, including physicians who are employees, because many organizations use relative value units as productivity measures. Despite the complexity of the RBRVS, its logic and ideal are simple: In theory, the resource usage (comprising physician work, practice expense, and liability insurance premium costs) for one service is relative to the resource usage of all others. Ensuring relativity when new services are introduced or existing services are changed is, therefore, critical. Since the inception of the RBRVS, the American Medical Association's Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) has made recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on changes to relative value units. The RUC's core focus is to develop estimates of physician work, but work estimates also partly determine practice expense payments. Critics have attributed various health-care system problems, including declining and growing gaps between primary care and specialist incomes, to the RUC's role in the RBRVS update process. There are persistent concerns regarding the quality of data used in the process and the potential for services to be overvalued. The Affordable Care Act addresses some of these concerns by increasing payments to primary care physicians, requiring reevaluation of the data underlying work relative value units, and reviewing misvalued codes.
The effect of vaccination on the evolution and population dynamics of avian paramyxovirus-1.

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a pathogenic strain of avian paramyxovirus (aPMV-1) that is among the most serious of disease threats to the poultry industry worldwide. Viral diversity is high in aPMV-1; eight genotypes are recognized based on phylogenetic reconstruction of gene sequences. Modified live vaccines have been developed to decrease the economic losses caused by this virus. Vaccines derived from avirulent genotype II strains were developed in the 1950s and are in use globally, whereas Australian strains belonging to genotype I were developed as vaccines in the 1970s and are used mainly in Asia. In this study, we evaluated the consequences of attenuated live virus vaccination on the evolution of aPMV-1 genotypes. There was phylogenetic incongruence among trees based on individual genes and complete coding region of 54 full length aPMV-1 genomes, suggesting that recombinant sequences were present in the data set. Subsequently, five recombinant genomes were identified, four of which contained sequences from either genotype I or II. The population history of vaccine-related genotype II strains was distinct from other aPMV-1 genotypes; genotype II emerged in the late 19th century and is evolving more slowly than other genotypes, which emerged in the 1960s. Despite vaccination efforts, genotype II viruses have experienced constant population growth to the present. In contrast, other contemporary genotypes showed population declines in the late 1990s. Additionally, genotype I and II viruses, which are circulating in the presence of homotypic vaccine pressure, have unique selection profiles compared to nonvaccine-related strains. Collectively, these data show that vaccination with live attenuated viruses has changed the evolution of aPMV-1 by maintaining a large effective population size of a vaccine-related genotype, allowing for coinfection and recombination of vaccine and wild type strains, and by applying unique selective pressures on viral glycoproteins.
Particle identification for a position sensitive proportional counter

Abstract A three-counter telescope of about 25 cm active length provides energy and rate of energy loss information for identification of particle type. One counter provides position information after magnetic analysis. Two-dimensional display and curved digital windows select particles of various types.
Peroxynitrite Mediates Active Site Tyrosine Nitration in Manganese Superoxide Dismutase. Evidence of a Role for the Carbonate Radical Anion

Protein tyrosine nitration has been observed in a variety of human diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular conditions. However, the pathways leading to nitration of tyrosine residues are still unclear. Recent studies have shown that peroxynitrite (PN), produced by the reaction of superoxide and nitric oxide, can lead to protein nitration and inactivation. Tyrosine nitration may also be mediated by nitrogen dioxide produced by the oxidation of nitrite by peroxidases. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), which plays a critical role in cellular defense against oxidative stress by decomposing superoxide within mitochondria, is nitrated and inactivated under pathological conditions. In this study, MnSOD is shown to catalyze PN-mediated self-nitration. Direct, spectroscopic observation of the kinetics of PN decay and nitrotyrosine formation (k(cat) = 9.3 × 10(2) M(-1) s(-1)) indicates that the mechanism involves redox cycling between Mn(2+) and Mn(3+), similar to that observed with superoxide. Distinctive patterns of tyrosine nitration within MnSOD by various reagents were revealed and quantified by MS/MS analysis of MnSOD trypsin digest peptides. These analyses showed that three of the seven tyrosine residues of MnSOD (Tyr34, Tyr9, and Tyr11) were the most susceptible to nitration and that the relative amounts of nitration of these residues varied widely depending upon the nature of the nitrating agent. Notably, nitration mediated by PN, in both the presence and absence of CO2, resulted in nitration of the active site tyrosine, Tyr34, while nitration by freely diffusing nitrogen dioxide led to surface nitration at Tyr9 and Tyr11. Flux analysis of the nitration of Tyr34 by PN-CO2 showed that the nitration rate coincided with the kinetics of the reaction of PN with CO2. These kinetics and the 20-fold increase in the efficiency of tyrosine nitration in the presence of CO2 suggest a specific role for the carbonate radical anion (•CO3(-)) in MnSOD nitration by PN. We also observed that the nitration of Tyr34 caused inactivation of the enzyme, while nitration of Tyr9 and Tyr11 did not interfere with the superoxide dismutase activity. The loss of MnSOD activity upon Tyr34 nitration implies that the responsible reagent in vivo is peroxynitrite, acting either directly or through the action of •CO3(-).
Effect of Central Administration of |[beta]|-Endorphin on Lung Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity in Developing Rats

Results from a number of studies suggest a role for endogenous opioids in the regulation of lung development and function. Although it is not known which opioid peptides are involved in these processes, accumulated evidence suggests a prominent role for beta-endorphin (BE). Our study examines the effect of BE on lung ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in preweanling rats. ODC catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of the polyamines spermidine and spermine, key regulators of cell growth, multiplication, and differentiation. Central (but not peripheral) administration of BE reduced lung ODC activity by as much as 80% in the 6-d-old rat. Significant decreases in ODC activity were seen at doses of BE as low as 0.5 micrograms/g brain wt. In contrast to the reductions in ODC activity, plasma levels of corticosterone in animals administered BE were approximately five times higher than those seen in control animals. BE's actions on ODC activity and plasma corticosterone levels were prevented by naloxone or naltrexone, indicating that both responses are mediated by opioid receptors. Studies of ODC kinetics showed a profound reduction in Vmax (70% below control values), but no change in Km. The effect was observed only during the first 2 wk of postnatal age, a period of time in lung maturation that is characterized by active alveolarization. Because changes in ODC levels during early postnatal life are associated with perturbations in tissue growth and/or function, the data suggest that CNS BE may influence lung maturation through an indirect action that may involve glucocorticoids.
Copurification of prostaglandin F2a receptors with rat uterine plasma membranes

Myometrial homogenates of estrogen-treated nonpregnant rats were fractionated by differential and discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation. Binding of PGF2a was maximal in membrane fraction which showed the highest specific activity of 5′-nucleotidase, a marker for plasma membrane.
Students' perceptions of teaching technologies, application of technologies, and academic performance

This study examined business students' perceptions of four objectives (i.e., Enjoyment, Learning, Motivation, and Career Application) across five teaching technologies (i.e., Projector, PowerPoint, Video, the Internet, and Lecture), business professors' effective application of technologies, and students' academic performance. We collected data from 215 students at a regional state university in the USA. We developed Students' Perceptions of Technology Scale, SPOTS, specifically for the present study, used the most rigorous criteria, and investigated reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and measurement invariance of this scale. Mean scores revealed that Video conveyed the highest amount of Enjoyment. PowerPoint provided the highest amount of Learning and Motivation. The Internet provided the highest Career Application for future jobs. Younger students preferred Video, whereas older students favored Lecture. Regression results showed that the use of Video for Learning, Projector and Lecture for Enjoyment, PowerPoint for career and Motivation, and the Internet for Learning contributed to professors' teaching effectiveness. Students' high ratings for professors' effective use of the Lecture method and low expectation for the use of a Projector predicted their self-reported GPA (academic performance). Professors may use a different mix of technologies in the classroom and use them creatively in order to promote the most Learning for students and satisfy students' Learning needs and objectives.
Optimally controlled quantum molecular dynamics : a perturbation formulation and the existence of multiple solutions

This work considers optimal control of quantum-mechanical systems within the framework of perturbation theory with respect to the controlling optical electric field. The control problem is expressed in terms of a cost functional including the physical objective, the penalties, and constraints. The resultant nonlinear variational equations are linearized by considering the lowest-order term in an expansion in powers of the optical-field strength. The optical field is found to satisfy a linear integral equation, and the solution may be expressed in terms of a generalized eigenvalue problem associated with the corresponding kernel. A full determination of the field is specified through the solution to the integral equation and the roots of an accompanying linearized spectral equation for a characteristic multiplier parameter. Each discrete value of the latter parameter corresponds to a particular solution to the variational equations. As a result, it is argued that under very general conditions there will be a denumerably infinite number of solutions to well-posed quantum-mechanical optimal-control problems.
The development of a disposable gas chromatography microcolumn

The first molded gas chromatography (GC) microcolumn is described. This microcolumn consists of a single microtextured thermoset polymer composite which acts as both the structural material and the stationary phase. The resultant microcolumn is inexpensive and has been coupled to a disposable colorimetric sensor array, creating a disposable column-detector unit and demonstrating a proof of concept for a disposable GC microcolumn.
Scar tissue associated with the apices of pulpless teeth prior to endodontic therapy

Abstract A review of the literature yields little information concerning scar formation after endodontic therapy. However, what is reported is usually associated with surgical procedures. Of the 362 cases of scar tissue on file in the Oral Pathology Department at Indiana University, 2 per cent were found to be associated with endodontic surgery. Two cases are presented to demonstrate scar-tissue formation at the apex of pulpless teeth prior to endodontic therapy. This phenomenon, which has not been previously reported in the literature, lends a new dimension to the dilemma of radiographic evaluation in the diagnosis of periapical lesions.
Interactions of frazil and anchor ice with sedimentary particles in a flume

Abstract Frazil and anchor ice forming in turbulent, supercooled water have been studied extensively because of problems posed to man-made hydraulic structures. In spite of many incidental observations of interactions of these ice forms with sediment, their geologic effects remain unknown. The present flume study was designed to learn about the effects of salinity, current speed, and sediment type on sediment dynamics in supercooled water. In fresh-water, frazil ice formed flocs as large as 8 cm in diameter that tended to roll along a sandy bottom and collect material from the bed. The heavy flocs often came to rest in the shelter of ripples, forming anchor ice that subsequently was buried by migrating ripples. Burial compressed porous anchor ice into ice-bonded, sediment-rich masses. This process disrupts normal ripple cross-bedding and may produce unique sedimentary structures. Salt-water flocs were smaller, incorporated less bed load, and formed less anchor ice than their fresh-water counterparts. In four experiments, frazil carried a high sediment load only for a short period in supercooled salt water, but released it with slight warming. This suggests that salt-water frazil is either sticky or traps particles only while surrounded by supercooled water (0.05 to 0.1 °C supercooling), a short-lived phase in simple, small tanks. Salt water anchor ice formed readily on blocks of ice-bonded sediment, which may be common in nature. The theoretical maximum sediment load in neutrally-buoyant ice/sediment mixture is 122 g/l, never reported in nature so far. The maximum sediment load measured in this laboratory study was 88 g/l. Such high theoretical and measured sediment concentrations suggest that frazil and anchor ice are important sediment transport agents in rivers and oceans.
Normal axillary skin in various populations

Summary The axillary microflora of 163 male and 122 female subjects was examined. Subjects were found to have either a coryneform or coccal dominated flora. Three hundred and sixty coryneform isolates were identified to generic level by cell-wall type. Axillary coryneforms were found to comprise 83%Corynebacterium, 5%Brevibacterium and 12% other coryneforms. There was a significant correlation between coryneform-dominated floras and the occurrence of erythrasma, trichomycosis axillaris and pronounced axillary odour.
On the Diagnostic Potential of Hα for Chromospheric Magnetism

We investigate the feasibility of measuring line-of-sight magnetic field strength in the solar chromosphere through Stokes polarimetry in the hydrogen Hα line. Because of the large intrinsic Doppler width of the hydrogen line, the weak-field approximation applies even for the strongest magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere. We calculate the Hα response functions of Stokes I and V to perturbations in the magnetic field and temperature in two different one-dimensional solar models representing the average quiet Sun and a sunspot umbra. These response functions show that the Hα line exhibits large photospheric sensitivities in these solar models in addition to its chromospheric sensitivity. One particularly striking example is the Stokes V response in the quiet Sun, which is mostly photospheric when the field decreases with height.
BSW Students Favor Strengths/Empowerment-Based Generalist Practice

This article discusses the results of incorporating the strengths approach into a curriculum that employed a theoretical framework based on systems theory and problem-focused intervention. This approach was introduced in bachelor of social work (BSW) generalist practice courses in a school of social work where social justice is the guiding principle. BSW students used the strengths approach across a variety of client systems including the homeless, pregnant teenagers, the elderly, and the mentally and physically challenged. In a final class assignment, the students presented successful intervention outcomes with diverse populations using clients' strengths as the focus of problem resolution. The students' stories of their work and the use of this method for instruction showed evidence of clients' development of self-efficacy, increased self-esteem, and with clients taking more personal responsibility for their own change. The empowerment/strengths model developed by the author illustrates collaborative in...